A workspace away from the rat race

Three years ago, home offices were all the rage as millions of Americans were forced to work remotely due to the pandemic. But even though many of us have returned to our original job sites, 79% of businesses today allow employees to work fully or partially from home, per recent ResumeBuilder.com data. And over 5.1 million businesses were launched in 2022, up from 3.5 million in 2019 – with many of these owners operating out of their homes.

But whether or not you’ve spent time telecommuting since 2020, it’s smart to create an official home office or revamp your existing one, the experts agree. Chances are you stand to significantly benefit today or in the future from a designated workspace that’s carefully planned, appropriately appointed, and conducive to increased efficiency. Explore more on this topic by reading my newest story for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.

Drive safely this summer with these tips

Eager to take a road trip this summer? Excited about getting behind the wheel and heading to a fun destination this season? Be aware that summertime can be a riskier period on the road with increased driving dangers. In fact, per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), among the 10 deadliest driving days of the year, six of those days happen during the summer.

Learn why driving in the summer requires extra vigilance and preparation to keep you and your family safe by reading my newest article for CarInsurance.com, found here.

Want to sell your home without an agent? Read this first

It's pronounced "fiz-bo," but it's spelled FSBO. It means "for sale by owner" and it's a pretty important acronym to understand if you're thinking about selling your home anytime soon. Consider that only about 10 percent of all home sales are FSBOs, according to the National Association of Realtors, which means the vast majority of transactions are completed with the help of an agent or broker.

Going the DIY route to selling your home has its pros and cons. I recently wrote about this topic for CTW Features, published in the Richmond Times Dispatch, available here, which I encourage you to read--especially if you plan an FSBO sale.

How to shop for a mortgage refi without hurting your credit

Preparing to refinance your mortgage loan? It’s smart to be aware of how shopping and applying for financing can impact your credit. Because, truth is, your credit rating may temporarily drop before and after closing on a refi loan, and it’s important to understand the ramifications of that.

Find out more by reading my new article on this topic--my first for new client Refi.com--available here.