(StatePoint) ‘Tis the season for not only celebrating the holidays, but also financial planning for the new year.

(StatePoint) Holiday gifting shouldn’t mean giving objects that sit in the corner and gather dust. Consider these gift ideas that will inspire growth, learning, creativity and confidence -- and which will actually get used:

(StatePoint) Does holiday cooking stress you out? If so, you’re not alone! According to PWC research, 54% of people admit to feeling uptight any time they think about prepping or cooking food for holiday celebrations. Fortunately, stress-free holiday dishes can be possible with the right ingredients.

(StatePoint) If you’re like most homeowners, window replacement isn’t something that you have tons of experience with. That’s why choosing a company that will do the job right while communicating with you throughout the entire process is just as important as choosing the right windows. But with so many options, how do you find a company you can trust?

(StatePoint) Life can be overwhelming. Work, school, traffic, noise, bills, chores...the list of things to do and worry about seems unending and inescapable. Luckily, Kentucky has a list just as long of places offering a break from all the above that are quiet, tranquil and make life’s stressors seem a world away.

(StatePoint) Holiday season travelers are a key target for scammers, and criminals are looking to cash in on you being distracted. Visa has observed an uptick in 2025 of sophisticated, travel-related scams where well-known travel providers are convincingly impersonated, and, according to a McAfee Travel Report, one in five Americans has fallen victim to a travel scam.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re still a student or long past your school years, making learning a hobby outside the classroom can keep you sharp, particularly if you pair activities that involve logic, analysis and facts with those that involve creativity, imagination and intuition. Here are some great tools to inspire you in your educational journey and balance your left brain and right brain:

(StatePoint) Does it seem like mangos are everywhere you look? You’re not imagining it! From carts to menus, consumers can’t get enough mango, fueling a viral craze with new creations hitting shelves and restaurants daily. In fact, Circana’s Dole Panel of total U.S. outlets (General Food and Frozen Departments; L52 WE 1/25/25) shows that 54% of U.S. consumers who shop the frozen or general food departments buy mango items, and 86% of those buyers make a repeat purchase.

(StatePoint) November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, and the American Lung Association, with support from Merck, is raising awareness about one form of the condition: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

(StatePoint) One of the hardest parts of home remodeling can be simply getting started. With so many styles, colors and materials to choose from, it’s all too common to experience “decision paralysis.” Rather than put off your exterior renovation further, consider these tips and tools for nailing down the details:

(StatePoint) With Apple’s latest smartphone lineup featuring the biggest physical redesign in years, you may be wondering if it’s time for a mobile device upgrade.

(StatePoint) Are you looking for flexibility and independence in your career, without sacrificing your earning potential? If so, then these three career fields are worth looking into:

(StatePoint) Every year cities and towns across the Bluegrass State pull out all the stops to celebrate the holidays. With decorations, parades, reindeer and more, these Kentucky towns will make you feel like you stepped into an idyllic, sappy, small-town Christmas movie. 

(StatePoint) The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to score great gifts that will bring instant gratification to everyone on your list!

(StatePoint) Optimism for the future of the U.S. economy and business prospects is at an all-time high, according to a new survey of small and mid-size business owners.

(StatePoint) Holiday season expenses are a given, but with a bit of planning and effort, you can easily include them in your budget. However, amid inflation, you may have concerns about balancing a merry holiday season with good money management.

(StatePoint) Buying a car is one of life’s bigger financial decisions—and timing can make all the difference.

(StatePoint) Our modern lives involve non-stop activity -- from school carpools to back-to-back meetings to workouts to everything in between. When you find the right fuel to keep you going, eating well and the daily grind can go hand-in-hand.

(StatePoint) Is your home’s exterior in need of a facelift? While an all-siding exterior can be attractive, using manufactured stone to complement vinyl siding will turn heads, for ultimate curb appeal.

(StatePoint) In the coming years, baby boomers are poised to pass down an estimated $17 trillion in home equity to their children, according to a recent Freddie Mac survey. But whether or not you’re among the 75% of homeowners in this generation planning to leave your current home or the proceeds from a home sale to family members when they pass away, having a clear estate plan is critical to ensuring your wishes come to fruition.

(StatePoint) You probably already know that keeping your home clean doesn’t have to amount to backbreaking labor, thanks to smart advances in cleaning solutions that offer unmatched convenience and thoughtful designs.

(StatePoint) You answer the phone and hear a familiar voice, but are you sure you know who it is on the other end of the line? The correct answer should be “no.”

(StatePoint) Looking for a high-paying job in a growing profession? Here’s what to know about some of today’s top professions offering generous compensation and good job security:

(StatePoint) Getting the correct treatment for bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition affecting 350,000 to 500,000 adults nationwide, is necessary to slow disease progression and help prevent further damage to the airways.

(StatePoint) Olive oil, fundamental to good living in the Mediterranean region and beyond, is a healthy, delicious ingredient that’s now easier than ever to include in everything from salads and pasta to sautés and even desserts.

(StatePoint) Among the many implications of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law this past July 4, are cuts to health and nutrition benefits for millions of Americans, which could have significant negative implications for babies and children, according to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT).

(StatePoint) Kentucky is known the world over for its bourbon, horse racing and its jaw-dropping scenery, however on a deeper level there is so much more to the Bluegrass State. Literally.

(StatePoint) If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a mortgage.

(StatePoint) From backyard watch parties to stadium parking lots, fall weekends mean two things: football and BBQ. As you fire up the grill, remember that the secret to crowd-pleasing smoky flavor is starting with the best fuel.

(StatePoint) Military deployments – when service members are required to leave their home station and travel abroad – typically last between six and 12 months and can be hard on both service members and families. While deployments don’t always involve combat, they can involve long hours, specialized work, and few of the creature comforts and resources service members might enjoy at their home stations.

(StatePoint) In a May 2025 national poll by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association in cooperation with the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 4 out of 5 survey takers said they are familiar with fluoride’s role in oral health and that fluoride is particularly important for children, while more than 2 out of 3 said they are comfortable with fluoride in their tap water.

(StatePoint) College rankings headlines are often dominated by the same names: Ivy Leagues, elite research universities and schools that admit only a fraction of applicants. But that leaves out most students, say experts.

(StatePoint) In today’s employment landscape, which is characterized by technological disruption, protecting your career against restructuring efforts and downsizing is essential. Here are three ways to become indispensable to your company:

(StatePoint) Each year, 500 to 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare lung disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

(StatePoint) According to personal finance experts, it may be time to rewrite your relationship with budgeting, particularly if your associations with the task are negative.

(StatePoint) Multi-generational living is becoming increasingly common. However, as families grow and change, so must their homes.

(StatePoint) For older adults, fall is an important time to focus on health and wellness.

(StatePoint) Fall means school is back in session, football season’s beginning, and your lawn is going to need some extra care to stay healthy through winter.

(StatePoint) Snack time is not just about refueling yourself, it’s also an opportunity to hit the pause button and unwind, whether that means rewarding yourself for a job well done, connecting with coworkers in the breakroom, or building memories with friends and family.

(StatePoint) Smart money decisions can give you a head start on the future you want!

(StatePoint) Tradition is meeting innovation in today’s memorial practices, proving that even life’s final chapter can be reimagined.

(StatePoint) Your home should be a safe haven. Unfortunately, environmental factors can compromise the quality of air you breathe and the water you drink in your house. Follow these steps to cultivate healthier spaces and greater peace of mind:

(StatePoint) Ever received an unexpected alert by text or email claiming there is a problem with your computer that the sender needs your help to fix? That could very well have been a tech support scam.

(StatePoint) Buying a home? Don’t forget to account for closing costs. These settlement fees are among the last expenses you pay before officially taking ownership of your new home. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) Financial missteps can have devastating consequences for individuals and families.

(StatePoint) The start of a school year ushers in new messes and less time to tackle them. But you can stay ahead of dirt, clutter, slime and grime with these innovative tools and strategies:

(StatePoint) It’s back to school time and there is so much for families to do to get ready for the school year ahead, from getting school supplies to signing up for after school programs. Making sure kids have health care needs covered should be a part of those preparations.

(StatePoint) As the theme of “home holistic wellness” has expanded over the last year, distinct trends are leading the direction of interior design.

(StatePoint) Just because fall is here doesn’t mean your backyard fun has to end! Fall is the perfect season to breathe in crisp air, sip something warm under the stars, watch an outdoor movie, and make the most of your outdoor setup. With the right tools and a few seasonal upgrades, your backyard can stay the place to be long after Labor Day. Here’s how.

(StatePoint) The only thing better than a healthy lawn and garden? A healthy lawn and garden that’s given just the right amount of water at just the right time, all without having to lift a finger. Enter: smart lawn irrigation systems.

(StatePoint) Three quarters of Americans (74%) are optimistic about their financial futures despite recent market volatility and uncertainty, according to new research.

(StatePoint) Buying a home might be the most significant financial decision you ever make. By understanding these eight key steps in the process, you can move forward with confidence, clarity and long-term success:

(StatePoint) Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression, are common among older adults, and can be exacerbated by declining health, loss of loved ones, financial challenges and late-in-life regrets.

(StatePoint) What if happiness isn’t about accumulating wealth, but about how you use your resources—time, money and emotional energy—to create joy for yourselves and others? Picture your next family gathering not filled with tension or superficial chatter, but genuine laughter and meaningful connections. Imagine seeing the joy on your loved ones’ faces when you share something special with them—not after you’re gone, but right now, creating memories that last.

(StatePoint) Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a dangerous, sometimes deadly threat, often impacting people in places where they sleep, such as at home or in hotels, motels and vacation rentals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

(StatePoint) Sponsored Content. Planning your household budget is much easier when your monthly bills are as low as possible and predictable. Here are three common expenses you can rein in with a few smart strategies:

(StatePoint) Cleaner spaces are healthier spaces, especially for those who are allergy-conscious, or who have pets or small children. Consider these smart upgrades and devices to simplify deep cleaning, and feel happier and more comfortable in your home: