Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying—they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save 5% to 30% on annual energy costs by incorporating technologies […]
December 29, 2018
Nobody really enjoys traveling during the holidays, do they? OK, you might if you’re going on vacation, or you’re visiting family in Hawaii or something. But for everyone else, it’s a slog—whether you’re battling airport crowds the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or fighting through highway traffic on Christmas Eve, getting anywhere can be a massive hassle. […]
December 13, 2018
Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it’s anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more than 50 miles during the holidays—and that was just between Dec. 23 and […]
November 29, 2018
Think home security is still about bulky camera equipment and wires running all throughout your home? Think again. Today, things have changed quite a bit, and the playing field has been leveled. Advanced tools and security systems are more accessible and affordable than ever. And installing them might get you a discount on your […]
November 22, 2018
You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and 52% stay only at places that welcome pets. (For some people, the “welcome” part doesn’t matter: 20% admitted […]
November 8, 2018
As we age, our priorities in life change. When we are young and fancy free, we tend to focus on what is directly in front of us instead of what lies in our future. We become more responsible and aware of how we impact others and how simple actions impact our daily lives. We want […]
October 25, 2018
Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time and money to fix. In many instances, however, those “unexpected” issues shouldn’t really be a surprise at all, […]
October 23, 2018
Water damage is the second most frequently filed homeowners claim, that’s why it’s so important to clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in late summer or early fall. A debris-clogged gutter can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior or exterior of your home. Gutters are […]
October 5, 2018
Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now—as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we recommend Safeco’s identity-recovery coverage, available for just $1 a month for our homeowners customers. It’s best if you […]
October 2, 2018
The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and … the start of football is here! But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around buses. Don’t forget to watch for […]
September 14, 2018