Fall is one of the best times to make home improvements. The weather has cooled but it isn’t cold yet. There is still some light in the evenings. And, perhaps most importantly, winter weather is on its way. Taking care of the small things now can prevent big problems in the future.  The gutters. This is one of the most important things you can do. Clogged gutters are much more than just an annoyance. According to House Beautiful, thousands of gallons of water from your roof drain th...

We all know how expensive homeowners insurance can get. According to Policygenius, the average premium runs at about $1,200 a month, although that varies by state and home.  Fortunately, there are things you can do—beyond just being a good shopper—that will help you save money on homeowners insurance. Here are a few places to start.  1. Don’t count the land. If a fire or tornado levels your house, you’ll have to rebuild everything. One thing that you’ll still have, however, ...

Sometimes, it feels like we are powerless against the full fury of Mother Nature. When a severe storm is barreling up the coast, with hurricane force winds, heavy rains, or deep snowfall, there is only so much we can do. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. In fact, there are a number of home improvements and maintenance you can do to mitigate damage during a hurricane or severe storm.  Cover gaps in your roof. The typical roof has gaps under the shingles which can leave you...

Going back to school can be a stressful time for any family, especially during a pandemic, and especially when the school reopening plans are still a bit up in the air.  As of this writing, a final decision on school reopenings had yet to be made. Yet, chances are that your kids will be back in school for at least some of the time this year. So, in addition to the usual things you might do to get your kids ready for school—stocking up on pencils and paper, buying new clothes, and so...

Our children are spending a lot more time online today. Whether remote learning for school, chatting with friends on Zoom, or simply passing the time while many things remain closed, screen time has substantially increased.This means that it’s much more important to make sure your kids are safe from the many hazards that exist online, from predators to scammers and everything else. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your kids: Education and empower your children. One of the ...