When considering making a move, start with your monthly housing expenses comfort level. Focus on the payment, not the interest rate. When rates drop significantly you may have the option to refinance to a lower rate. Buying now protects you from the rates going up and not missing the opportunity to buy the property you want. Connect with a seasoned professional in real … [Read more...]
How often should I change my oil?
There can be a lot of opinions on this. You may have heard 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 miles, or you may have been told to ignore the miles and go off the vehicle’s oil life percentage or maintenance light. All of these could be correct, it depends on your vehicle and driving habits! Every manufacturer has guidelines for each specific model, it’s always best to consult your … [Read more...]
Why do I get sick when I travel?
Germs are concentrated in small spaces. The Guardian printed an article December 12, 2025 stating aircraft remain relatively polluted with ultrafine particles while passengers are boarding and planes are taxiing. This polluted air was gradually flushed from the cabin once airborne but increased again on approach to landing. The levels of pollution were far above those defined … [Read more...]
What should you do with your tax refund?
It’s that time of year when tax refunds go out. If you get a refund this year, how can you make the best use of it? For starters, you could use your refund to help fund your IRA. You still have until April 15 to contribute to your IRA for the 2025 tax year, but if you’ve already put in the full amount, you can begin on 2026 contributions. If you have children or … [Read more...]
We are expecting a new baby, how do we prepare our dog?
Congratulations—that’s such an exciting season! Preparing your dog early will make the transition smoother for everyone. Start by gradually adjusting routines now. If walk times, feeding schedules, or sleeping arrangements will change once baby arrives, implement those shifts in advance so your dog doesn’t associate the change with the baby. Reinforce solid obedience … [Read more...]
Is my stress actually showing up in my body—or is that just a saying?
What do you think? Try this: bring to mind a stressful situation—either current, or one from the past. As you think about it, notice what happens in your body. Where do you feel the tension? Does your jaw tighten? Does your stomach turn? Do your shoulders creep up? Does your breathing get shallow, or your mind feel foggy? Now take one slow breath in, and let your exhale … [Read more...]
Mom talked to us kids and said she wants to “preplan her service” so she gets exactly what she wants, we’re all for it, but what’s the best way to get started?
Great question! There are some easy ways to get started. For many people the conversation you’ve already had is the hardest. So good for you, your siblings, and your Mom! My advice would be to start with free resources that are focused on explaining and educating you about preplanning. Many funeral homes, including Hoff, offer free preplanning guides. You should also look for … [Read more...]
What are different ways I can maintain the length of my HVAC system?
Your HVAC system works year-round to keep your home comfortable, whether cooling in summer or heating in winter. Lennox equipment works quietly in the background. Rather than waiting for problems, preventive maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and reliably. A proactive maintenance plan reduces breakdowns, extends equipment lifespan, improves indoor air quality, … [Read more...]
Why do I still have spots and buildup around my house even though I use good soap?
If you live in our area, hard water is very common. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that doesn’t rinse away cleanly. That’s what leaves white spots on dishes, buildup on faucets, and film on shower doors. It also makes soap less effective, so you end up using more detergent and still don’t get the results you expect. Over time, those minerals can build up inside … [Read more...]
What do I need to know when starting a business?
Starting a business is both exciting and challenging at the same time. It comes with great risk and reward. When I was in college, one of my accounting professors said to never start a business unless you have a good accountant and marketing plan. You need to be able to manage cashflow to keep the business solvent and you need to have a marketing plan to generate sales. The … [Read more...]