It’s hard to believe summer is here! The weather has finally gotten nice and my family is planning our annual trip to northern Wisconsin. I can’t wait to hop on that jet ski and take it for a spin around the lake. Many places rent jet skis or boats for a day or a...

Are you going on a trip of a lifetime or a well-deserved family vacation this summer? If so, it can be both exciting and stressful. After months of preparation, there's nothing left to do other than hop on a plane or jump in the car and go. But wait a minute! What...

Have you ever heard of the “summer slide”? No, it’s not spending time in the back yard watching your children go up and down the slide on their swing set. It’s also not a ride at the county fair. Summer slide describes what happens to children’s minds if they don’t...

Pools and ponds can make for fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends, but they can also be a liability hazard and attract unwanted guests. It doesn't matter if you have an in-ground or above-ground pool or a pond on your property; you have a liability...

Another sign that warm weather is here is the roar of a motorcycle as it drives down your street. It's always been my dream to own a motorcycle. Like many things in life, a motorcycle must be respected by the rider and other motorists who share the road. Motorcycles...

It's been reported in the news that the 2017 tick season is going to be worse than usual. If you're wondering why they're anticipating such a bad season, there's some supporting evidence. This year, our Midwest winter was on the mild side. While this led to less...

Losing a home to a fire or tornado is a devastating life-changing event. If your home were destroyed, would you have enough coverage on your homeowner’s policy? Many policies provide a specific percentage of coverage based on the value of your home’s contents...

Nothing puts you on edge like a big storm. Whether it’s pounding rain and crashing thunder or a blizzard that knocks out the power for days, nasty weather can have you questioning your family’s fundamental security—and the steadfastness of the home that keeps you...

While operating a lawn mower is a common task this time of year, it can be dangerous. Flying debris, moving and hot parts, and errors in judgment can quickly lead to serious injury. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 80,000 people make an unexpected...

Now that fall is officially here, it's time to prepare your home for the cold weather like putting on the storm doors, cleaning your gutters, and tuning up the furnace. And don’t forget your garage! Did you know most garage fires occur in January and February?...

With the end of daylight savings time, it will be more difficult to have fun in the sun. During the week, our light will now have to be enjoyed from an office, factory, or school window. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t remain active outdoors. Recently, I rode to...

Shorter days, blowing leaves, and cooler temperatures are reminders that winter is coming. If you’re like me, you’re scrambling to get your “To Do” list completed. Raking leaves, painting house trim, and cleaning out flower beds are just a few of the tasks I have...

Before you know it, kids in costumes will be roaming your neighborhood on a mission to fill their bags with goodies. While this is a fun tradition, it’s important to keep your home and yard safe so your Halloween visitors stay safe, too. Here some tips to keep...

This time of year, a trip to the pumpkin farm is a must for many people. Whether it’s a field trip for school or a weekend trip with family and friends, there’s always plenty to do. Today’s pumpkin farms are even more exciting than when my parents took my sister and...

Do you like the new car smell or the shine of new paint? Buying a car can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Negotiations and paperwork can lead to many hours spent at a car dealership. Learning about the new technology and safety features available on cars...

October is Fire Prevention Month. Each year, an average of 370,000 reported home fires result in $6.9 billion in damages. When you add candle fires to that total, it translates to an average of 42 calls a day for a typical fire department! At this time of year, I...

When I was growing up, one of our family traditions was a trip to our local pumpkin patch. I always loved trying to find the best pumpkin, or at least one better than my sister’s. After finding the perfect pumpkin, we ventured into the store to buy caramel apples,...

Every year millions of Americans enjoy celebrating America’s birthday with family and friends. Back yard barbeques,...

Traveling with your family is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether traveling to a new...

Most parents would agree that the safety of their family is a top priority as they make purchases for the home. Smart...

Recently, my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Every year we look at our photo album together and...

As a child, your parents may have taught you never to talk to strangers. As an adult hoping to sell your home, not...

The unofficial start of summer is here! This means many families are making plans or final arrangements for this...