Embarking on an extended getaway can be exciting. It can be overwhelming, too, especially when you need to be away from your home and personal property for a long time. You want to make sure your home is secure before you leave so you can concentrate on new experiences. If you are headed out on a long-term trip, use these tips to prep your home before you go.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and even cognitive decline. It’s often called the “silent killer” because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hypertension, medication may be necessary to bring your blood pressure back down. However, there are several healthy habits you can adopt that can lower your blood pressure, helping you delay or even entirely circumvent the need for medicine.

When tax season comes around, it’s often tempting to file your own taxes to avoid paying for a professional. But if you’re self-employed, own rental property, are an active stock trader, have experienced major life events in the past year, or simply have a non-simple tax situation, hiring a good certified public accountant is likely to be your best bet. Here’s why.

If you’ve ever worked with a lender or creditor, you may not have known it at the time, but you were being protected by the Truth in Lending Act. The TILA is a federal law that’s been on the books for more than 50 years and is continually amended to ensure that today’s consumers can safely compare loans and credit cards.

Taxes are an essential part of finances. As you are teaching your children lessons on how to save, spend, and invest, it’s also important to include instruction on the least favorite, yet nonnegotiable part of money management — taxes. Here are a few ideas on how to teach your kids how the system works.

As an entrepreneur, an employee stock ownership plan can be an appealing way to give your employees an ownership stake in the business via stocks. This investment vehicle empowers your workers to invest tax-free money directly in your company and cash out their funds when they reach retirement age. But the benefits of an ESOP go beyond perks for your crew — investing in your own employee stock ownership plan comes with its own tax benefits. Here’s a look at how investing in your ESOP can benefit you.

Regular physical activity is incredibly important for your health. It’s a great way to lower your risk of disease, strengthen your body, and give your brain a boost. However, leaving the couch isn’t always easy, especially when you associate exercise with boredom, pain, or unpleasant obligation. Instead of forcing yourself to do an activity you dislike, it might be time to shift your focus to a more rewarding approach — one that combines fitness with fun!

If eating healthier is one of your New Year’s resolutions, meal prep may be just what you need. By preparing healthy meals in bulk, you’ll be able to get through the week without having to rely on vending machine snacks or take-out lunches. Looking to save time and build a better you in 2023? Getting started with meal prepping is quite simple.

Is your shed busting at the seams? Is your garage over run with clutter? If you are tired of sifting through the mess to get to the items you need or aren’t sure what’s even in these spaces, the following tips can help. With smart storage solutions and some work, you can transform your garage or shed into a more useful space for you and your family.

Old homes can be attractive to buyers because they often boast lower selling prices than new homes, offer unique character not found in new builds, and give buyers a chance to restore something to its former glory or make it all their own. With all the good old homes bring, they also bring some worrisome attributes. If you are considering buying an old home, consider the following issues before you sign the contract.