(StatePoint) While the functionality of your home’s windows and glass doors is important, experts say you shouldn’t neglect to consider aesthetics as well.

(StatePoint) Environmental concerns are impacting shopping decisions for consumers of all ages, according to recent research.

(StatePoint) Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming commonplace. By now, you’ve probably seen a Tesla, the Ford Mustang Mach E, Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf on the road at least once. Maybe you’ve even heard about newer models like the Rivian R1T pickup and the Toyota bZ4X crossover. And chargers? Yeah, you’ve probably seen them at highway rest stops or store parking lots. Now, you may be wondering if it’s time to go electric.

(StatePoint) Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities. They pump life into neighborhoods, making them vibrant places to live, work and raise families, and are key to millions of local jobs. In fact, approximately 50% of all Americans are employed by a small business and 99% of American businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

(StatePoint) Over the past two years, public schools have faced continual disruptions brought about by COVID-19. Experts say that federal relief funds have given the nation a one-time opportunity to learn from the experience and to focus recovery efforts and resources on delivering high-quality instruction and support for students in ways that will accelerate their learning and meet their social and emotional needs.

(StatePoint) Today, one-third of all U.S. homes are in what are known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, regions in or adjacent to areas prone to wildland fires. As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are increasing in severity and frequency. This is because of the continuously changing climate. However, there are things we can do now to help protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and strengthen local communities.

(StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities.

(StatePoint) An annual scholarship contest is once again helping creative teens pay their college expenses. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) While a new study conducted by Lincoln Financial found that eight in 10 employees would rather clean their house than their finances this spring, prioritizing a deep clean of your finances can provide not just a fresh start to the season, but a secure financial future.

(StatePoint) Women represent the majority of all entrepreneurs today. In 2020 alone, women started 2,000 small businesses nationwide and of those, 64% were founded by women from diverse backgrounds, according to Fundera statistics.

(StatePoint) After more than two years of the pandemic, you’re probably eager to get out and explore the world. But as desire and demand for travel skyrockets, so do the prices to get there. Here are some great ways to maximize your savings, so you can make your dream vacation a reality:

(StatePoint) Want to make some serious exterior home upgrades that improve your safety and comfort, add beauty to your home and deliver a return on your investment? Here are five projects that do just that:

(StatePoint) After two years of restrictions, summer road trips are top of mind for those looking to get out of town. With rising inflation showing no signs of braking, soaring automotive costs, including gas prices, repairs, rental cars and auto insurance, are threatening to put a damper on summer fun. This is why many consumers are preparing their budgets now to find ways to save.

(StatePoint) The pandemic has impacted nearly every industry and aspect of our lives, including automotive production and driving habits.

(StatePoint) You want to fill your pantry and fridge with foods and beverages you know your family will love. However, amid the continued uncertainty affecting supply chains and retailers, that’s a task that’s often easier said than done for shoppers like you.

(StatePoint) In the current market, houses are selling fast – meaning there’s typically no need to spend time and money on large home repairs and renovations to get an offer. Instead, homeowners should focus on quick, easy DIY projects to give their space a facelift before listing – here’s how.

(StatePoint) If you’re ready to buy your first home but are short on the down payment, you’re not alone. Affording a down payment is the number one barrier to homeownership, and rising housing costs are presenting even bigger hurdles.

(StatePoint) Inflation is driving rising costs on everything from gasoline to groceries. And recent research shows that auto insurance is expected to rise for most policyholders this year too. While you can’t control how insurers price their policies, you can avoid shouldering higher costs.

(StatePoint) With car supplies still not meeting today’s demand, experts believe that prices are going to remain elevated on both new and used cars for the foreseeable future.

(StatePoint) Tax season is in full swing, and the IRS has processed and delivered more than $1 billion in refunds so far this year. Whether you’re receiving a tax refund or not, now may be the perfect time to spring clean your personal finances. Here are a few ways to get started:

(StatePoint) Supply chain issues top the list of concerns for small business owners over the last six months, but they see those pressures easing by mid-year, according to new research. In the meantime, inflation is expected to continue impacting business owners, with a majority planning to further raise their own prices.

(StatePoint) More and more people are realizing that adding life insurance to their financial plan can provide a measure of security for their loved ones. In fact, according to a survey by the financial services trade association LIMRA, the first six months of 2021 saw the highest number of U.S. life insurance policies sold since 1983, and nearly one in three Americans said they were more likely to purchase coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(StatePoint) Perhaps even more nerve-wracking than waiting for your child’s college acceptance letters is learning whether they’ve been awarded financial aid. This is the piece of the puzzle that tells you how much it will really cost, and ultimately, whether a particular school is within your budget.

(StatePoint) At a time when the economic impacts of COVID-19 are making it hard for many families to afford healthy food and safe housing, and ever-changing work and school schedules are making their logistics hard to juggle, a new report finds that inequities in the system are further exacerbating these issues for millions of American children.

(StatePoint) Birds are chirping and the days are getting longer, which means it’s time to stock up on everything your household needs to usher in the new season. From spring cleaning supplies to allergy medications, it’s important to get the best products at the best price.

(StatePoint) If your family is like most, you have “junk” in your basement, garage or attic, such as sports cards, memorabilia and toys. Before you toss them out during spring cleaning, consider that the prices of sports cards, games and other ephemera are skyrocketing.

(StatePoint) Is remodeling your kitchen on your wish list? Afraid of how much it’ll set you back?

(StatePoint) When it comes to home design, farmhouse style represents a total intersection of beauty and practicality, making it no surprise that many are embracing this traditional look today. Whatever architectural style your home is, adding key design elements can help you get in on best aspects of the farmhouse trend. Here are a few renovations to consider:

(StatePoint) A new research study looking at how debt affects daily lives reveals that the true cost of debt is more than making the minimum payments. Having debt can also be detrimental to mental and physical health, and impact life decisions.

(StatePoint) In the summer of 2020 when calls for racial justice and the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 were on full display, some speculated that the country seemed to be at a turning point for acknowledging how much racism affects people’s health and economic well-being.