(StatePoint) Financial decisions can have a big impact on your future and the future of your loved ones. Good financial decisions you make on your own can save thousands of dollars, but according to experts, there are some decisions that may be better left to the professionals.

(StatePoint) You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.

(StatePoint) If you are like most homeowners, you need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants in your yard from time to time. But do you know which tool is best suited for each particular job? Experts say that choosing tools wisely is key to maximizing beauty, and minimizing damage to plants.

(StatePoint) When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

(StatePoint) While vacations sound like the best chance to unwind, planning a trip out of town -- and getting there – can sometimes be more hassle than it’s worth.

(StatePoint) Whether you want to boost the beauty of your home for your own enjoyment or you’re looking to sell in the near future, experts recommend taking a top-down approach to evaluate the outside of your home.

(StatePoint) People are heading outdoors to prep lawns and gardens for the season and get their families ready for warmer weather. What’s the key common denominator for most of these activities?

(StatePoint) Taking steps to boost curb appeal makes good sense for any homeowner. Not only does it help make a great first impression on guests and neighbors, but certain updates can actually increase your home’s resale value when it comes time to put your property on the market.

(StatePoint) While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it’s often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What’s more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all. 

(StatePoint) If you’re like most people, you’ve spent more time than you’re willing to admit troubleshooting a technology issue with any one of the many devices in your connected home. Did you know that the average person owns at least 10 connected devices from Macs and PCs, smartphones, tablets and printers, to voice assistants, video doorbells and even home automation systems? 

(StatePoint) The beginning of the new year is a natural time to think about refreshing the look of your home, and in 2020, “cozy” and “warm” are trending keywords for interior design, according to experts, with luxurious textiles, inviting color palettes, and warm mixed metals found across all design styles.

(StatePoint) If buying a home is on your near-future to-do list, experts say that 2020 may be a good year to make it happen. Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows, providing you with the opportunity to finance a new home purchase at a much lower cost.

(StatePoint) From the Big Game to awards shows, you’ll want to ensure that you are prepared to host all the greatest television events of the season.

(StatePoint) If you take a look at your home’s windows and doors in winter, you may notice condensation. As temperatures drop, it often appears on the inside and outside of these surfaces.

(StatePoint) Hosting houseguests? For happier guests and hosts alike, you’ll want to be sure you’re equipped to accommodate all your overnighters. Here are a few pointers:

(StatePoint) Mortgage rates have recently hit near-record lows and Freddie Mac predicts rates will remain low for the foreseeable future.

(StatePoint) While all the gear, clothes and toys your kids possess are signs of a joyful childhood, keeping it all organized is essential for health, safety and even fun.

(StatePoint) A drop in temperature and an increase in precipitation like rain, sleet or snow can make winter costly at home.

(StatePoint) Transformative home renovations don’t need to be complicated, nor do they need to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable DIY projects you can do in a weekend to add beauty to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are a few to consider:

(StatePoint) Want to maximize your productivity when working in your home office? Here are five essentials to build out the space:

(StatePoint) Wow your friends and family by using a wood pellet grill and smoker to create every dish on your dinner party menu.

(StatePoint) Wow your friends and family by using a wood pellet grill and smoker to create every dish on your holiday party menu this season.

(StatePoint) Once the domain of lawnmowers and gardening tools, today’s backyard sheds are being repurposed into unique, functional spaces (think: she-shed, bunkhouse or even a bar pub) complete with plumbing and electricity.

(StatePoint) Not only does your roof need to withstand the elements over the years, it needs to look great while doing it. If it’s time to replace your roof, experts say that there are some important things to consider, particularly when it comes to the materials you select.

(StatePoint) Sleep is essential to good health. Unfortunately, over a third of Americans are not getting enough sleep, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over time, sleep deprivation can take a toll on one’s overall wellness.

(StatePoint) Do seasonal temperatures sometimes leave you frustrated with your home’s lack of insulation? Staying comfortable indoors is a top priority for most people, and luckily, it’s easy to ensure your home is an optimal temperature.

(StatePoint) PMI, APR, LTV…these unfamiliar acronyms don’t need to bewilder or intimidate uninitiated homebuyers.

(StatePoint) For many people, getting married and buying a house is still part of the American Dream. That’s reflected in the numbers. The homeownership rate among married couples in the U.S. is 80 percent, according to recent data reported by Statista. But what if something were to happen to you or your spouse? Would the person left behind still be able to afford the mortgage?

(StatePoint) While you can’t choose your family, you can choose how close you live to them. A new survey suggests some healthy boundaries between parents and in-laws make for a happier family relationship -- something to keep in mind when shopping for a home.  

(StatePoint) Whether your life revolves around cubby holes and recess or rolling campus hills and term papers, helpful hacks can ensure students, teachers and families are organized in dorm rooms, classrooms and households.

(StatePoint) As housing prices soar nationwide, a growing number of Americans are unable to find affordable housing. Experts say that the problem has reached a crisis point, and is harming the welfare not only of individuals and families, but of communities and the economy at-large.  

(StatePoint) A baby’s skin is extra sensitive, and if you’re like many parents, you may be looking for ways to reduce your child’s exposure to potential irritants while maximizing skin health. This can be particularly difficult when the products you see on store shelves contain the very ingredients you prefer to avoid: namely, petroleum, brighteners, artificial fragrances, fillers and synthetics.

(StatePoint) With more people nationwide opting to create their own businesses or work for their employer remotely, the home office has become one of the most used spaces of the house, with many people spending more than eight hours a day in this room. If you’re one of these people, the kitchen table just won’t cut it if you’re looking to get serious and organized.

(StatePoint) While a pest problem can cause embarrassment and concern, you can take comfort in the fact that not only is the problem is more common than you may think, but there are new ways of dealing with insects that can help you manage the problem without using harsh chemicals.