(StatePoint) Figuring out how much home you can afford is one of the most important questions you’ll need to answer before you begin house hunting. But as home prices and interest rates have increased in the past few years, you may be wondering how your buying power has changed.

(StatePoint) Want to transform your outdoor space while saving money? There are plenty of hands-on projects you can do yourself to eliminate expensive labor costs. The following ideas can be tailored to your budget and personal preferences:

(StatePoint) With warm weather here, it’s time to make the most of your home’s outdoor living spaces.

(StatePoint) Are you dreaming about beautifying the backyard? Is your garden in need of some color and dimension? If you have the tools, a free weekend and the initiative, you can add charm and beauty to your outdoor space by building a garden trellis.

(StatePoint) Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits.

(StatePoint) With warmer weather here, more and more people are spending time on their decks, patios, and in their gardens and yards using outdoor products. From grills to furniture to mowers, 88% of Americans have invested in products dedicated for outdoor use and 65% of those that have use them at least several times a week, according to an Allstate Protection Plans survey.

(StatePoint) As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s time for grilling and get-togethers. Make sure your summer soirees are extra special by stocking up on top kitchen essentials.