Row of cars by welcomia With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars. Tires and Brakes While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportuni ..read more

Australian Shepherd puppy by Brett Sayles Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner. A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably ..read more

Security Camera by ipeema A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home. 24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each. A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go throug ..read more

Car in front of a house by Jose Rago If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle. What Is a Deductible? A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims. In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, bu ..read more

Grilling by Luis Quintero Grilling food is a fun pastime, and it’s ideal on those summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. But every year, there are accidents and home fires because people don’t grill safely. Follow these tips to make sure you and your household don’t become one of those statistics. Avoid Grilling on Dangerous Days It’s not the time to grill if winds are super high, as just a spark can ignite dwellings and landscaping. This is especially important in drought areas, where trees and plants may be tinder dry due to lack of water. Your fire department may even have ..read more

Rodent by Pixabay No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. Try these tips to help keep pests at bay over the years. Seal Off Access Points The best way to prevent pest infestations is to stop the pests from ever getting inside your house in the first place. To do this, you'll need to ensure there is no way for them to gain access. Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows ..read more

Backyard landscaping by iriana88w You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked. Trimming Large Trees Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune ..read more

Rain drops by Pixabay Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew to form. This can pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, especially if anyone at your home has allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems. Follow these helpful tips to minimize your risk of water issues in and around your home. Know Where the Shutoff Valve Is Everyone in your home should know where the water supply shutoff valve is locat ..read more

Window installation by Ksenia Chernaya You may not give the windows on your home much thought, but they can actually make a big difference not just in your comfort level, but also in the value of your home. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from, so it is important to evaluate your choices carefully. Here's what you need to know. Types of Windows For starters, you'll need to choose how you would like your windows to open. For example, casement windows rotate from a hinge on the side, opening towards the outside of your house. Single-hung and double-hung windows, on the other hand ..read more