Last winter, while sipping hot cocoa by the fire, I realized how much time I spent indoors during the colder months. It struck me that winter wasn’t just a time to cozy up but an opportunity to tackle some home improvement projects. Whether you're like me and prefer a hands-on approach or lean on professionals for major updates, there’s no reason winter should be a season of home improvement inactivity. Here’s a guide to winter-friendly renovations that range from budget-friendly DIYs to professional must-dos.

With extreme weather events on the rise, homeowners are increasingly focused on safeguarding their homes. "Home hardening" - reinforcing your home to withstand severe weather - has emerged as a critical focus for many. Whether it's hurricanes, wildfires, or heavy rain, the right improvements can protect your investment. Thankfully, there are options available for all budgets.

A friend of mine recently forgot to renew her homeowners insurance and was blindsided when her mortgage lender imposed a new policy on her home. Instead of her usual premium, she was suddenly faced with a bill that was nearly triple the cost. Looking at the new coverage, she quickly realized that this expensive new policy was designed to protect the lender's investment, not necessarily hers. If you've never heard of forced placed insurance, or lender placed insurance, you are not alone. In fact, many long time homeowners have no idea such a thing even exists. So, if you have a mortgage or plan to obtain one in the future, here are the basics about forced placed insurance.