Nitrates are a common concern in agricultural areas and can enter private wells through fertilizer runoff or natural soil conditions. Unlike iron or hardness, you can’t see, taste, or smell nitrates in water — which makes testing especially important. High nitrate levels are most concerning for infants and pregnant women, as they can interfere with the blood’s ability to … [Read more...]
I’m planning to sell my business, so I want to cut back on expenses to show a better profit.
Absolutely, when business owners plan to sell their business, they want to show a good profit for prospective buyers. One common mistake business owners make is cutting back on their marketing. When you cut back on your marketing, you actually make your business less visible. When prospective buyers don’t see the brand of the business they want to buy visible in the … [Read more...]
February is Dental Health Month in the veterinary community. Did You Know?
80% of all dogs, and 70% of all cats will have a form of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old! Small and toy breed dogs, and all pets with “short noses/flat faces” are at an even more increased risk. Just like in humans, the best preventative measure for dental disease is routine brushing (yes, we mean daily!), as well as routine veterinary dental cleanings. … [Read more...]
When is a good time to buy a home with the interest rates and home prices this coming year?
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...]