Owning a home is a dream shared by many. Home ownership provides many benefits, such as financial security and stability, the pride of ownership, and a special place to raise a family. Homeownership also comes with a number of responsibilities, such as cutting the...

According to Tom, West Bend claims manager, March, April, and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump claims. Significant temperature fluctuations in the late winter and early spring months can result in a lot of pooling water and saturated soil. As a...

Having worked in the insurance industry for most of my career, I’ve talked to many people about the benefits of a West Bend insurance policy. While many people were interested in learning more, I often heard that getting a quote is confusing and time consuming. Buying...

This year’s flu season has grabbed our attention. Hospitalization for people infected with the flu has increased for the first time since 2013. In addition, there have been numerous reports of healthy people dying from complications with the flu. There are a number of...

A few months ago, I purchased a new car. Because my previous car was 10 years old, it didn’t have all the safety technology that’s installed on new cars. While this new technology is nice and helps you with your driving, keeping the sensors clean during the winter...

Smart home technology use is a rising trend. From connected appliances to Wi-Fi lightbulbs to automated environmental controls, smart home devices are wooing homeowners with the capabilities to remotely control and monitor their home from anywhere. After all, smart...

Howling winds, drifting snow, and cold temperatures make it challenging at times to leave the comfort and warmth of our homes. Snuggling up by a warm fire, with a book or tablet and a cup of coffee is relaxing. If you choose to use a fireplace or other supplemental...

Cold winter weather can take its toll on our homes, cars, and bodies. Frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and bodily injuries, are common and often require us to seek help from a professional. As we age, cold weather can be extremely dangerous. Plummeting temperatures...

During the winter months, frozen lakes host a flurry of outdoor activities. Anglers, ice shanties, and recreational vehicles are a common scene. While many enjoy winter activities on the ice, these activities can lead to serious injury if the proper precautions aren’t...

Most parents would agree that the safety of their family is a top priority as they make purchases for the home. Smart home devices are helping parents protect their families in entirely new ways, making their lives safer and healthier, while providing peace of mind as...

Recently, my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Every year we look at our photo album together and chuckle about how young everybody was. It’s amazing how fast time goes! As I continued to page through the album, I was struck by sudden panic. Someday...

As a child, your parents may have taught you never to talk to strangers. As an adult hoping to sell your home, not only are you going to have to talk to strangers — you’re going to have to invite them in. Real estate professionals — who are sometimes targeted by...

The unofficial start of summer is here! This means many families are making plans or final arrangements for this year’s summer road trip. According to researchers, summer road trips are still very popular among families. The two main reasons are flexibility and...

If you have kids in high school, final exam week is just around the corner. Year-end projects are nearing completion, which leads to study packets and a stressful time for students and parents. Exam stress can be the result of a number of factors or situations such...

Is learning to ride a motorcycle on your bucket list? Now that the weather is getting nicer, you’re closer to making this dream a reality. Growing up riding dirt bikes with my friends, I know how fun and exhilarating riding can be. It offers a new perspective to...

The grass is turning green, trees are beginning to bud, and the temperature is rising. It’s time to open your cottage or summer home! While opening your cottage can be very exciting, it can also be stressful and a lot of hard work. Whether you’re opening your cottage...

In just a few short weeks, college students will put on their caps and gowns and celebrate graduation. For many, graduation will be exciting and scary. Some graduates will start their new jobs right away while others will continue looking for their dream jobs. Either...

Holiday traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:...

In today’s society of long-term college careers and high-debt range after graduation, there’s been a drastic increase...

Holiday songs fill the airwaves on the radio, neighborhoods are full of bright lights and holiday cheer, and shopping...

Rodent infestations can cause all sorts of destruction in your house, from messy droppings to structural damage and...

‘Tis the season for tossing logs into the fireplace or cranking up the furnace. While winter hasn’t officially...

There are plenty of elements to consider when making the decision to buy a home, but those considerations shift...