“If we want to bring down the cost of housing, we’ve got to build a lot more,” Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the bill, told NPR. “And what I love about this bill is that it has more than 40 different provisions in it, all of which aim in the same direction, which is to give a push toward building more housing.”

Below, we share everything you need to know about the bill, including when it could potentially take effect, and if seniors can expect to feel the benefits. 

Healthcare

New Bill Could Help Veterans Get Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

A new piece of proposed legislation could change the way State Veterans Homes qualify for Medicare and Medicaid funding. It’s a move that could make it easier for thousands of older and disabled veterans to qualify for government-funded healthcare insurance programs, allowing them to finally get the care they need. Below, we share more about […]

What to know about the new housing bill 

The Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on Thursday, March 12, in an 89 to 10 vote—one senator missed the vote. The 300-page bill, created by Warren and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, contains details on how the country could create a series of grants and pilot programs for housing construction. There is also a section encouraging states to build more housing units, which would prevent large corporations and investors from buying single-family homes. 

All of these measures would, in theory, lower the price of housing as a whole, making it easier for Americans to purchase a home. 

“It’s not a Republican issue or a Democrat Issue,” Scott said before the vote. “It’s an issue about helping moms like the one who raised me, the amazing woman that she was, become homeowners.”

Warren shared similar thoughts, saying in a statement, “We put this bill together with the deep-seated belief that it is families who should live in homes and that’s what homes are for. They’re not there simply as investment vehicles for Wall Street private equity.”

The bill was met with pushback, especially since it includes a stipulation that major investors who build or own at least 350 single-family homes have to sell them after seven years—even if people are living in them. 

“There’s literally no reason for this,” Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, the only Democrat to vote against the bill, said on the floor. “Anyone who wants to build housing and then provide it for rent is going to be forced to sell after seven years… A lot of these folks are not actually in a position to sell after seven years. They will not have made their money back.”

Will seniors be able to cash in on the new housing bill? 

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes a section dedicated to removing barriers and improving housing for seniors and people with disabilities. That being said, that section doesn’t specifically say that lawmakers are planning to do it, just that they want to study how they could potentially remove barriers and improve housing for seniors in the future. 

Life

Family Caregivers Could Get $5,000 Tax Credit Under New Proposal

Caring for a loved one can be hard. Not only is it expensive, but it can also take a toll on the caregiver’s mental and physical health. To make matters even more stressful, many caregivers hold down a job while they’re taking care of someone else, leaving hardly any time for themselves. Congress has taken […]

When does the new housing bill take effect? 

Now that the bill has passed in the Senate, it will go to the House of Representatives, where they will debate it. If they decide to pass it without any changes, it will go to President Donald Trump’s desk.

If the bill does make it there, it may not become law, since President Trump has said he won’t sign any legislation until Congress passes the controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This act would require Americans to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote. It would also require voters to show identification at the polls and give states the power to remove noncitizens from the polls. 

The SAVE Act is something the president has made one of his top priorities in recent weeks, despite Congress pushing him to focus on other things, like housing. 

In fact, according to an NBC News report, House Speaker Mike Johnson told lawmakers earlier this week that the president said, “no one gives a (bleep) about housing.” 

A spokesperson for the White House denied those claims, calling them “not accurate whatsoever” and adding that President Trump “has been laser-focused on making housing more affordable.” 

The spokesperson also said Trump “will sign bold new executive orders on housing in the coming days,” but didn’t provide any hints as to what those might be. 

As of publication, the President himself has not commented on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act or the alleged comments mentioned above. 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Entertainment

Tom Murphy's Yellowstone Photos Become National Stamp (Exclusive)

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most picturesque places on the planet. Between the tall, green trees in the summer to the snowcapped hills in the winter, it makes total sense that over 4.8 million people visit it annually. Among those doing so? Tom Murphy, a photographer who has been profiling the park for […]

What to know about the new Forever Stamps 

On Thursday, March 5, USPS announced that they were releasing a sheet of stamps entitled “Figures of the American Revolution.” It features 25 different stamps and was created by USPS art director and designer Ethel Kessler and artists Dale Stephanos, Tim O’Brien, Marc Burckhardt  and Kam Mak. 

“Support for American independence came from all levels of society. These stamps celebrate 25 people whose actions helped shape the American Revolution,” USPS wrote in their press release. “The images depict various women and men, including Native Americans and African Americans. The portraits reflect just a small handful out of many who were instrumental in helping to achieve the nation’s independence.” 

Get to know the people on the new Forever Stamps

The 25 people on the new Forever stamps include: 

• Abigail Adams, a former First Lady and women’s rights advocate. 
• John Adams, Abigail’s husband and the first Vice President of the United States.
• Agwalongdongwas, also known as “Good Peter,” a Native American leader who helped the American army during the American Revolution. 
• James Armistead, a former slave who gathered information for the Continental Army. 
• Cornplanter, a Seneca war chief who negotiated peace between the Native Americans and the U.S after the Revolution. 
• John Dickinson, a lawyer who published a series of essays entitled the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, which helped unite the colonies in their fight against British taxation without representation. 
• Benjamin Franklin, an inventor and founding father who co-authored the Declaration of Independence. 
• Elizabeth Freeman, born as “Mum Bett,” was the first African-American woman to successfully file a lawsuit for freedom in the state of Massachusetts.
• Bernardo De Galvez, the governor of Spanish Louisiana, who helped drive the British away from West Florida. 
• Nathanael Greene, a general who ended the British occupation of the South. 
• Alexander Hamilton, a founding father and the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He also founded America’s first political party, the Federalist Party, in 1791. 
• Lemuel Haynes, a war veteran and the first Black man to be ordained as a minister in the U.S. 

• Patrick Henry, a founding father who is best known for saying, “Give me liberty or give me death!”
• John Jay, author of five of The Federalist Papers and the first Chief Justice of the United States. 
• Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. 
• Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer who helped America win the Battle of Saratoga. 
• Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who helped America win the Battle of Yorktown. 
• James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. He also co-authored The Federalist Papers and wrote the Bill of Rights. 
• Thomas Paine, a founding father who wrote two famous pamphlets entitled Common Sense and The American Crisis. 
• Esther de Berdt Reed, the former First Lady of Pennsylvania. She also founded the Ladies Association of Philadelphia, which raised funds for the Continental Army.  
• Paul Revere, a military officer who went on a “midnight ride” in 1775 to warn Americans that the British were coming. 
• Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Revolutionary War. 
• Baron Von Steuben, a Prussian army officer who trained the Continental Army. He was also George Washington’s Chief of Staff. 
• Mercy Otis Warren, a writer, poet and playwright who wrote a series of satirical plays and political pamphlets during the Revolutionary War. 
• George Washington, the first President of the United States. 

Entertainment

A Betty White Stamp Is Coming in 2025—Here’s How to Get It

Sending a letter to a loved one? Put your standard floral stamps back in the drawer. In 2025, the United States Postal Service is rolling out the perfect final touch for your snail mail—a stamp featuring none other than American television icon Betty White! The beloved actress, known for her work in series like The […]

When to buy the new Forever Stamps

The Figures of the American Revolution stamps will go on sale Friday, April 10. You can purchase them at any USPS store, at usps.com/shopstamps or by calling 844-737-7826. 

USPS is also hosting an interactive experience centered around the stamps April 10 through 12 in Washington, DC. It’s at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and you can RSVP here. 

Nix keyboard gunk 

Crumbs, dust and debris settle into the gaps between your keys every single day. James Ratcliff, managing director of Ratcliff IT, suggests a two-step cleanup method: First, flip the keyboard upside down and gently tap the back to shake loose whatever’s trapped inside. Then press a small piece of soft putty (poster tack or modeling putty works perfectly) over the keys and lift.

The putty molds into crevices without introducing liquid or risking damage to electronics. It’s a dry, mess-free approach that pulls out what shaking alone can’t reach.

Life

Fix A Broken Umbrella With Dental Floss and 4 other Strange Fix-It-Yourself Hacks That Actually Work

Solve these irritating problems — fast.

Revive a phone charger with a toothpick

That sluggish charging cable might not be the problem at all. Phone charging ports, especially Lightning and USB-C, fit cables snugly, which makes them prone to collecting lint and pocket debris. Over time, that buildup blocks contact with the charging pins, causing slow or failed charging, according to Ratcliff.

Here’s what to do: Power off your phone. Gently use a wooden toothpick to lift debris from the port. Scrape lightly along the sides and bottom, tilting the phone so lint falls out. If you feel resistance, stop.

Wood matters here. It’s nonconductive and safer than metal tools, which could short a connection or scratch internal components. Plug the charger back in after cleaning, and charging should improve right away.

Fix fading printouts

Faded printouts from a cartridge that isn’t empty? Dried ink may be blocking the nozzles. Remove the ink cartridge and aim a hair dryer at the nozzle area on low heat for 20 to 30 seconds. Let it cool, then reinstall the cartridge and run a test page. The warm air helps loosen dried ink so it can flow again.

One preventive habit worth picking up: printing a test page once a week helps keep ink from drying out in the first place. If your printer sits idle for long stretches between uses, that weekly test page could save you from replacing cartridges that still have plenty of ink left.

Life

Your Wallet Has Blind Spots—Retailers Know Exactly Where They Are

You’re smart with your money. You clip coupons, compare prices and know a good deal when you see one. But your wallet has a few blind spots—and retailers know exactly where they are. A growing body of behavioral research is mapping the hidden triggers that push us to spend more than we intend. The good […]

Cool an overheated laptop

When a laptop sits flat on a desk, heat gets trapped underneath, causing it to warm up quickly. Ratcliff’s solution requires two pencils and about 5 seconds of your time.

Place your laptop on a flat, stable surface, then slide a pencil (eraser-end first) under each rear corner so the back edge lifts slightly while the front stays flat. About one to two inches of each pencil should sit under the laptop, with the rest extending out behind it.

Raising only the back edge creates space for air to circulate underneath, allowing heat to escape instead of building up against the desk. You get the cooling benefit of a dedicated laptop stand or cooling pad without buying either one. This works especially well when you’re at the kitchen table, a hotel desk, or anywhere away from your usual setup.

Life

Your Wallet Has Blind Spots—Retailers Know Exactly Where They Are

You’re smart with your money. You clip coupons, compare prices and know a good deal when you see one. But your wallet has a few blind spots—and retailers know exactly where they are. A growing body of behavioral research is mapping the hidden triggers that push us to spend more than we intend. The good […]

The real reason these work

Most everyday tech annoyances stem from simple physical problems: dust, lint, heat and dried ink. They’re not hardware failures. Knowing that can save you real money and a lot of frustration. And every one of these fixes uses materials you likely have on hand right now.

So the next time a tech headache strikes, try one of these solutions first. You might save yourself time and money, and feel a little more confident tackling the problem!

Hollywood stylist Alison Freer, author of The Accessory Handbook, shares clever organizing hacks using simple household items that work better than expensive systems. From pool noodles to ice cube trays, these brilliant tricks will transform your wardrobe using things you probably already own.

Sort underthings with a ‘bra tree’

To mix and match fast, experts advise hanging almost everything—even undies. “It’s worth devoting a hanger to bras,” says Freer. “I pass each bra’s straps through a safety pin and attach the pins to a cardboard hanger, starting in the middle and working outward to balance the weight.” This protects cups and keeps lace from fraying.

Access your earrings with an ice cube tray

The best jewelry storage lets you see as many pieces as possible at a glance, emphasizes Freer, who uses a dresser drawer fitted with various trays chosen for their dimensions. Chances are you have three of her favorites around the house: ice cube trays for earrings, silverware trays for necklaces and shoe-box lids for bracelets. These simple organizers keep items untangled and make daily accessorizing faster and easier. 

Life

Garage Storage Ideas: Pro Organizers Share Their 9 Easy Tricks That Keep Things Tidy

See how pool noodles, pill bottles, hooks and more can help keep things tidy.

Keep boots beautiful with a pool noodle

Tall boots are usually an investment—in money and closet space! To keep yours from flopping over or creasing, try Freer’s favorite hack: “Using a serrated bread knife and a cutting board, I cut a foam pool noodle into four or six pieces, depending on the length. I stuff them into my boots to keep them upright while also absorbing sweat and odors over time, extending their lifespan and keeping them looking new.”

Dust-proof handbags with a pillowcase

“If I buy a bag that doesn’t come with a protective cover, I stash it in a pillowcase,” says Freer. “Just like a fancy dust bag, the fabric allows each piece to breathe while protecting it from dust and sunlight—the twin enemies of handbags.” Have several small clutches? Look for toddler-sized pillowcases at big-box stores for about $8 for two.

Beauty

Make Your Clothes Last Years Longer With These Closet-Saving Hacks

You know that sinking feeling when you discover your favorite shirt has an armpit stain that won’t budge? Or when your comfiest bra starts poking you with a rogue underwire? Before you toss those pieces and spend money you’d rather save, try these genius tricks! With simple fixes using items you already have at home, […]

Corral belts with a bathroom staple

 “No matter how you decide to store them, belts are rascally little things!” laughs Freer. “After years of organizing actors’ closets, I’ve found one of the best, least expensive ways to corral them: shower curtain rings from the dollar store. Look for the plastic ones that have a small slit to slip them on and off the shower rod, and loop them onto your closet rail, storing a single belt on each hook.” Voila—neat, tidy and always visible! If you have a large collection, slide the shower rings onto a hanger that has a sturdy crossbar.

The beauty of these organizing hacks is that they’re not just budget-friendly—they’re also incredibly effective at protecting your investment pieces while making your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable

This story first appeared in the March 2, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Ready for more life hacks? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Remove dust from ceiling fans with a pillowcase

To banish dust on your ceiling fan, just grab an old pillowcase, says cleaning specialist Elizabeth Shields of Super Cleaning Service Louisville. “Spray each blade with an all-purpose cleaner, then slip the pillowcase around the blade and wipe it down—any extra dirt will get captured by the case instead of falling into the room below.”

The ‘lazy’ morning hack: Why not making your bed kills dust mites

“There’s evidence to show that not making your bed right away can improve allergy symptoms,” shares allergist Zachary Rubin, M.D., who has millions of fans on social media, and is the author of All About Allergies, out this month. “Making your bed immediately after getting up traps the moisture your body has generated overnight. This increases the dust mite count, since they thrive in damp, humid environments.” Instead, give yourself a break and let your fitted sheet air out for an hour before tidying.

Life

Are You Working Too Hard? Check Out Our Cleaning Checklist To See What To Let Slide

Less time cleaning means more time relaxing!

Clean blinds fast: The genius ‘sock tong’ trick

Ugh. Lifting dust from your blinds can take forever. The speedy solution: kitchen tongs! “Simply use rubber bands to attach microfiber cloths or old fuzzy socks to a pair of tongs,” suggests cleaning specialist Diana Ciechorska. “Dampen the cloth with your favorite cleaning solution, then run the tongs along each slat to instantly scrub both sides in one motion—you’ll be done in no time!”

Kill mites with a deep freeze

“Dust mites won’t survive freezing temperatures,” notes Dr. Rubin. “Take advantage of frigid weather by bagging up hard-to-launder items like throw pillows, wool blankets and stuffed animals and placing them on a porch when the temperature sinks below 32 degrees.” You can also use a freezer to treat one or two things at a time, prioritizing items you or your children sleep with.

Get floors gleaming with dryer sheets

That’s right—the key to an instantly clean living room is in your laundry room. “You can use a dryer sheet to clean both your floors and baseboards,” says Shields. “The easiest method is to use rubber bands to attach a dryer sheet to a mop or broom.” The science behind the magic: Dryer sheets contain static electricity that attracts and holds on to dust, pet hair and other debris.

Entertainment

Book Pro: The Easy Secrets to Cleaning Books So They Look and Smell Like New

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Eliminate dirt at the door by clicking your heels

Grime that comes from outside accounts for about 60 percent of the dust in our home. To kick dirt to the curb, make like Dorothy and click your heels together three times before you enter, says Sherry Weavers of Three Little Birds cleaning company. This move shakes off about 30 percent of dirt, so you won’t track it inside.

Reduce congestion by finding this humidity sweet spot

“Dust mites are 80 percent made of water,” reveals Dr. Rubin. They’re so reliant on moisture that controlling indoor humidity can make a tremendous difference when it comes to reducing allergies. “During the winter, my goal is to maintain an indoor humidity level between 35 and 45 percent. I highly recommend using a $10 digital hygrometer to measure humidity on each floor to determine whether a dehumidifier is needed.”

Do a quick sweep with a feather duster

Feather dusters’ tiny fibers do a great job of getting into nooks. Just be sure to skip faux feathers: “While a synthetic duster spreads dust around, a 100 percent genuine feather duster absorbs dust, making it a really effective cleaning tool,” says Carolyn Forté of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.

With these simple, budget-friendly tricks in your cleaning arsenal, you’re well on your way to a healthier, more comfortable home. Your home should be your sanctuary—and now it can be an allergen-free one too!

A version of this story first appeared in the February 9, 2026, print issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Life

Selling Your Car? These 7 Simple Tips Will Boost Your Payout

From long, scenic road trips to countless rides around town, your car has seen it all. So much so, it’s now time to part with your old friend—and, more to the point, profit from it. If you’re wondering, “What are the best strategies to help me sell my car?” we have you covered. Keep reading […]

Speed up defrosting with a pair of old socks

Here’s a trick to prevent your wiper blades from freezing: Keep a pair of old socks in your car and use them to cover the blades at night. Lifestyle blogger Jill Nystul swears by this! The socks prevent ice from bonding to the rubber, which means no chipping, scraping (or swearing!) while defrosting.

Give headlights a ‘glow-up’ with toothpaste

Snow, salt and slush can leave your car’s headlights looking more than a bit cloudy, but you don’t need a pricey kit to clear them of winter gunk. The fix: A tiny dab of regular toothpaste on a soft cloth acts as a gentle polish. Just rub it in small circles, wipe clean and enjoy instantly brighter beams that’ll help you see—and be seen!—on dark, snowy nights.

Clear ice off your windshield with a spatula

When your scraper is nowhere to be found (it happens to all of us!), Nystul suggests reaching for a plastic spatula instead. Its firm, flat edge can lift thin ice without scratching the glass, giving you a safe stand-in tool. Also smart: Store a few used gift cards in your glove box so you’re never caught off guard again.

Life

Here’s the Pantry Staple Duo That Can Clear Foggy Headlights in Seconds

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Boost tire traction with a sprinkle of kitty litter

Icy roads can leave your tires spinning, but AAA has a simple save: Keep a small bag of sand, rock salt or even kitty litter in your trunk. If you find yourself stuck, sprinkle a bit around the base of your tires to create traction. A few shakes can be all it takes to turn a frustrating standstill into real momentum. It’s an easy, inexpensive trick that can get you back on the road.

Melt frozen locks with a dab of hand sanitizer

Running late and can’t turn your car key? A little hand sanitizer can save the day! The alcohol in the solution warms the inside of locks within seconds. Simply apply a small amount to your key, insert it and gently turn. Just be sure to wipe off any excess sanitizer afterward to protect your paint. It’s a quick, clever fix for those “why today?!” winter mornings when every minute counts.

This article originally appeared in the January 19, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World. 

Get stylish lookalikes for less

Big retailers have a little secret: Many of their stylish pieces also appear at smaller stores for a lower price, assures interior design pro Andrea Hundley, who shares tips at DesignMorsels.com. And these aren’t “dupes” or “knockoffs”—they ’re the exact same items. It ’s all thanks to a practice called “white labeling,” she explains.

“This is when brands source items from the same manufacturers and then sell them at different prices.” Because the product names often vary depending on where they ’re sold, spotting matches on your own can be tricky.

Fortunately, you can uncover these white- label deals quickly, Hundley assures. Her strategies:

Upload a photo

When you spot a piece you love, snap a photo using Google Lens by tapping the camera icon on Google ’s search bar. If you find the item online, you can upload a screenshot the same way. The tool scans the web and shows op- tions that look identical, along with stores that carry them and the prices.

“To ensure what you buy is an exact match—and not a cheaply made lookalike—check the materials and country of origin,” Hundley advises.

Shop ‘found matches’

Visit Spoken.io and type in an item ’s name, or browse the curated collection.

“This site catalogs white-label products from all kinds of retailers,” Hundley says. Tap “shop” and filter by category, like coffee tables. Pick one you like, and you ’ll see a list of stores carrying it along with prices, so you can snag the best deal.

Life

Here’s How to Spot the Best Deals on Pre-Owned Items + Get More for Your Money

Follow these tips and avoid common mistakes!

Take advantage of cyclical sales

Furniture stores roll out their steepest discounts at predictable points in the year. Join their email list, and not only will you typically receive a welcome coupon with serious savings, but many stores will also give you advance notice of these big-bargain windows, which include:

Changes of season

Major markdowns pop up right before the debut of new product lines in the spring and fall, says Hundley. You ’ll catch price drops in late January and early February leading into Presidents ’ Day, as well as late August and early September heading into Labor Day.

Floor model savings days

As stores phase out older collections, they clear out display pieces during an- nual or semi-annual sales, says Hundley. This is when you can score 15 percent, 25 percent even 50% off.

Special bonus days

Brick-and-mortar stores don ’t want to lose shoppers to online giants during sales events—so they often launch their own promotions to compete.

“When Amazon Prime Day comes around, for example, you ’ll see other retailers offering similar discounts,” says Hundley.

Life

Learn How to Save Cash in 2025 Now With These Smart Savings Tips

Looking to stretch your dollars further? With a few savvy strategies, saving money can be simple and even enjoyable! Whether you’re dreaming of a vacation, planning holiday celebrations or trying to keep grocery bills down, smart spending habits can help you achieve more without straining your budget. From finding travel deals to scoring seasonal savings […]

Score pre-loved furnishings

“Buying secondhand is the best way to get great deals on furniture,” says Hun- dley. Try flea markets, Facebook.com/ marketplace and eBay.com. And don ’t skip Etsy.com.

“Lots of people rehab antiques and ship them for much less than a new piece would cost.”

To ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck, she advises taking a few steps:

Check the manufacturer

Look for a label or maker ’s mark, she advises. Then search the brand online to see if they have a reputation for strong craftsmanship.

“McGuire chairs, for example, have a brass plate on the back and are known for their high quality.”

Examine the weight

If you ’re shopping in person for an item made of wood, like a dresser, gently slide it or carefully lift it to get a sense of how heavy it feels. And if you ’re shopping online? Ask the seller for an approximate weight.

“Heavier pieces tend to be better made and more likely to be solid wood,” says Hundley.

This article originally appeared in the January 26, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World.

Not only does staging your house makes it more desirable to potential buyers, making small tweaks can actually increase its value. We asked the design pros for the cheapest ways to make your home worth even more.

Shopping

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Entice interested homebuyers

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your biggest asset. Fortunately, a few easy tweaks can spark that “I’d love to live here!” feeling and motivate buyers to make a strong offer:

Inspire ‘check-in’ vibes

Before listing your home, imagine you’re a hotel guest stepping into a suite for the first time, suggests real estate pro Kati Spaniak. “Think about what people love most about hotel rooms— they’re clutter-free and feel wonderfully inviting.” Then try to get as close to that as you can with your home.

“For example, a fresh bedspread and fluffy pillows—even inexpensive ones—help buyers picture your home as a comfy retreat.”

Go for the trendiest shades

Neutral tones are your secret weapon! Swapping out bright accents—like a red rug or an orange vase—for light-colored options makes rooms appear bigger and brighter in listing photos.

“Bold colors also pull focus away from your home’s best features, like sunny windows, while neutral tones ensure buyers zero in on what matters most,” explains Spaniak.

To complete the look, consider painting your walls a “greige” color, such as Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, she sug- gests. “This classic blend of gray and beige instantly transforms any room in your home, making it feel warm and truly welcoming.”

Life

Turn Your Closet Into Cash: The Surprising Way To Make Money at Home

Pro sellers reveal how to cash in on your clothes, furniture and more

Signal kindness with a patriotic flag

When HGTV star Nicole Curtis designs an exterior, there’s one thing she never forgets: our American flag flying proud. “It signals this is a home with heart.” In fact, houses with the flag are perceived as more welcoming. Flags should ideally be on the left side of your entry, but if you can’t, “just keep the porch light on when the flag is flying.”

Beautify your windows with pretty plantings

Few accents are as cheery as window boxes. If you’re short on blooms, just fill them with potted plants. Used by Joanna Gaines on HGTV’s Fixer Upper, this shortcut looks best when you stick to one type of plant, like begonias or geraniums. “And don’t be afraid to go faux,” says Kristie Barnett, author of Psychological Staging. “You can order faux plants designed for the outdoors, like baby boxwoods.” Tip: Installing a window box? Says James, “Placing them a bit lower balances facades of older homes with too-short windows.”

Upgrade your garage with stylish magnets

An updated garage door boosts your home’s value by as much as four percent. Just pick up a carriage hardware set ($21.99), suggests James. “I used a screw-in version and love it, but for something less permanent, try a magnetic garage door hardware set ($26.88).”

Make your shine with star art

Our exterior walls are big blank canvasses screaming for a bit of life, says exteriors expert Melissa James from QualityBuiltExteriors.com. To create instant curb appeal, consider adding one or two pieces of art, like an oversize star or sunburst. Worried about damaging your siding? “There are special siding hangers you can use without having to drill.”

Increase value by up to $6,000 with a daring front door

Paint your front door a bold red or turquoise, and Zillow reports your home could sell for $6,271 more! “I chose a pear yellow that tied into the landscaping,” says James. “Now, the first thing people say when they come over is, ‘Oh I love your door!’” Prefer a smaller splash of color? Go bright with a mailbox or porch swing.

Looking for more of the Top Ways to Increase Your Home Value? Check out this video.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.

What is a smart thermostat?

These WiFi-enabled devices, which connect to a home’s heating and cooling system, allow the homeowner the ability to control the temperature remotely via the web or a smartphone app. Many of these thermostats include other features, as well, like voice control or energy tracking.

It’s also common for smart thermostats to learn your temperature preferences and activity, and adjust the settings automatically. This not only keeps things comfortable for you, but can make an impact on energy costs too.

“Smart thermostats achieve energy savings by running the system for the least amount of time possible while still conditioning the living space,” says Gil Canlas, virtual HVAC expert for Frontdoor. “A modern smart thermostat achieves this by tracking when a living space is occupied.”

Life

Home Maintenance That Pays Off—These Fixes Can Save You Thousands

Owning a home is expensive. In addition to mortgage payments, being responsible for maintenance often becomes costly. While there’s not a whole lot that can be done to significantly bring down prices of basic upkeep as labor and material costs continue to climb, being proactive when it comes to certain home projects can save you […]

Do smart thermostats actually save money?

According to many pros, installing a smart thermostat can have some financial perks.

“Though there’s limited data on how much you can save with a smart thermostat, since heating and cooling account for about 55 percent of the total energy used in a typical house, shaving off a few percentages of energy consumption can result in noticeable savings on your heating and cooling bill,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder at Angi. “Some experts estimate that for each degree you raise your thermostat setting, you could save between 1 percent and 3 percent on your energy costs.”

However, several factors generally dictate whether you’ll see a reduction in your energy bill. 

These include:

• How often you’re home
• Heating and cooling habits
• How well your home is insulated
• The climate where you live
• The number of people in your home
• Your HVAC equipment
• What features of the thermostat you use

One of the features that can make a lasting impact on your bill are those related to energy-tracking. The ability to check your heating and cooling habits on a regular basis may allow you to make adjustments more regularly.

“Using a smart thermostat can help you be a more conscientious consumer and save money,” says Richie Drew, VP of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. “For instance, it can track your system usage and tell you if your habits have changed over time. If you are using your AC or heat more one month, the unit will alert you so you’re not surprised by a higher bill.”

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Are smart thermostats worth the investment?

Because of the high price tag associated with many smart thermostats, people often wonder if they’re a useful purchase. For the device to be beneficial, a homeowner needs to be willing to work with the features it offers.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about smart thermostats is that simply installing one will instantly lower your electric bill,” comments Shelley Nytes, manager at Valentine Plumbing and Heating.“While the device can help, the real savings come from how it’s used. If someone installs one but keeps the same temperature settings and habits, they may not see much of a change in energy costs.”

The key is to make sure you program it properly, use vacation or away settings when applicable and have the WiFi set up so it can learn and update as needed.

One thing to keep in mind: If you are having heating or cooling issues in your home, this type of thermostat may not produce the results you want.

“The most important step [before buying] is to ensure that your HVAC system is in good working order,” advises Scott Levene, a licensed HVAC professional and vice president at Levco. “A smart thermostat works best with an efficient system.”

Tips for choosing the best smart thermostat

If you feel you’re ready to purchase a smart thermostat for your home, there are several things to keep in mind when shopping.

Here are some of the key elements you should take into consideration:

• User-friendly design. “Make sure that you’ll be comfortable dealing with the technology, downloading the app, troubleshooting WiFi issues, and more,” says Hicks.
• ENERGY STAR-certification. This means it uses less energy than standard models. 
• Compatibility with your HVAC system. “Some older systems or multi-zone setups may need a specific model,” shares Nytes.
• Features that fit with your lifestyle. This could be voice control, mobile app access, etc.
• Ease of installation. In some cases, you may want to consider “professional installation to avoid tricky wiring and damage to your system,” says Drew.
• Placement on your wall. “Will the new thermostat be able to fit in its old mounting spot or are there other controls around it blocking it from being mounted to the wall?” comments Canlas. “Will it cover unfinished paint behind the old thermostat?”

To help cut down on costs of the thermostat, look for deals (like Amazon smart thermostats that are on sale during this Prime Day, which runs until 11.59 p.m. on July 11, 2025) or even by contacting your utility provider.

“Many offer rebates that reduce the upfront cost,” shares Nytes.