(StatePoint) Buying a home can be intimidating, whether this is your first time or you’ve been around the real estate block before. The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re looking for a trusted partner throughout the process, working with a housing counselor can help prepare you for homeownership.

(StatePoint) As every small business owner soon learns, growing sources of revenue and cash flow are key to survival, particularly during a venture’s first few years. While this is easier said than done, small businesses can focus on attracting new customers, building partnerships and scaling up sustainably to improve cash flow.

(StatePoint) Whether your career is just beginning or you’re looking to shift gears, the insurance industry may be the right place for you. The industry employs nearly 3 million people in the United States and depends on a diverse workforce from various professional backgrounds. However, experts say that persisting myths may prevent talented job seekers from exploring these careers.

(StatePoint) That moment when your child receives an acceptance letter to a coveted college is a time to feel pride in their achievements and excited about their future. It’s also a time to make sense of the school’s price tag. That’s where financial award letters come into play.

(Statepoint) At a time when Americans are keeping a closer eye on their expenses, finding more value where they are already spending on the essentials is more important than ever.

(State Point) As consumers focus on filing taxes and spending returns, a new study reveals a need for increased awareness around tax-efficient financial strategies. Lincoln Financial Group’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker reports that only 2% of Americans can correctly identify financial solutions with tax advantages, despite one in three saying they prioritize investments that would help them pay less in taxes either now or in the future.

(StatePoint) With gas prices surging and national efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions, you may be eyeing car models that promise to reduce or even eliminate your reliance on gas. However, depending on your lifestyle, location, finances, driving habits and other factors, you may not be ready to go fully electric just yet. The good news? A hybrid is a great transitional vehicle to put you on the path to more sustainable driving now. Here’s why:

(StatePoint) It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning! Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable -- especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust.

(StatePoint) Whether you are a first-time or veteran pet owner, being a pet parent can be expensive. From daily needs like food, treats and toys to medicines, the costs can add up.

(Statepoint) 2023 is off to a roaring start, and according to a recent YouGov poll, 37% of Americans have set a goal to accomplish this year. Whether you made a resolution or not this year, upgrading your tech can help you be more productive. Here are several ways to refresh and update the tech in your life this year.

(StatePoint) Whatever your spring plans include cleaning your living spaces top to bottom or taking up an outdoor fitness routine, you’ll likely need some household supplies to fuel your seasonal endeavors.

(StatePoint) Whether you are packing school lunches or hosting a dinner party, you want your fridge and pantry to be stocked with the highest-quality foods for the best value. Thankfully, there’s a better way to navigate store aisles than just picking products at random and hoping for the best, one which doesn’t involve hours of product research.

(StatePoint) Smartphones are our lifeline – we use them to connect us to just about everything and everyone in our world. Americans check their phones an average of 344 times a day — once every four minutes — according to a 2022 Review.org survey. But when was the last time you upgraded your phone? If it’s been more than two years, you may be missing out on some of the latest tech upgrades. Here are five must-have features to consider when shopping for a new smartphone:

(StatePoint) The strength of the country relies on its estimated 33.2 million small businesses, which comprise 99.9 percent of all American businesses. COVID threatened, and in some cases forced, the closure of many small enterprises and tens of thousands are still reeling from the aftermath of the full pandemic.

(StatePoint) Many consumers are feeling financial strain after a challenging economic year in 2022. One in three Americans say they are struggling to get by or are in trouble financially, according to Lincoln Financial Group’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker. The study also found that people aren’t necessarily seeing any relief in sight, with 76% believing factors like inflation, market volatility and debt will worsen.

(StatePoint) Spring is in the air and with it, ushers in wedding season. If you’re about to get married or just walked down the aisle, here are five things to do to ensure your financial health.

(StatePoint) The average national rent surpassed $2,000 for the first time ever in 2022, which has made keeping up with rent payments challenging for millions of people across the United States. In fact, a recent Freddie Mac survey found that 70% of renters are concerned about making their rent payment in the short term.

(StatePoint) Above all, consumers value convenience, speed and good deals, according to new research by Sensormatic Solutions, and they can expect retailers to deliver these benefits in 2023.

(StatePoint) More and more people are turning to heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. It is estimated that 18 million American households already use them. With new energy incentives being offered, and more homeowners choosing greener technologies, that number is expected to rise dramatically.

(StatePoint) To protect your finances and family in the long term, it’s important to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan.

(StatePoint) The winter season often brings strong winds and harsh weather. However, you can stop drafts and prevent damage from occurring to your home’s exterior with proper weatherization. Follow these top tips to keep your house in great shape through the winter season and beyond.

(StatePoint) Research shows that if you’re dreading tax season, you’re not alone.