Lumber Prices in 2024: What Happened and Why (Analysis)

A stack of lumber at a home construction site illustrates lumber prices in 2024

What’s behind the dramatic 75% drop in lumber prices since their 2021 peak? How will these price changes affect homeowners and builders in the coming months? The lumber market has experienced unprecedented shifts, from pandemic-driven highs to record lows in 2024. These fluctuations have forced sawmills to adapt, created opportunities for buyers, and reshaped the construction industry landscape. Keep reading to understand what happened with lumber prices in 2024 and what these changes mean for your next building project and the market as a whole.

The Mortgage Refinancing Boom of 2024: Causes & Impact

An upscale house with a boxy design and nice landscaping illustrates the US mortgage refinancing boom that started in 2024

What does the current refinancing boom mean for homeowners? Why are mortgage applications hitting their highest levels since 2022? The refinancing surge of late 2024 marks a significant shift in the mortgage landscape, driven by falling interest rates and the Federal Reserve’s recent policy changes. Homeowners across the country are seizing opportunities to lower monthly payments, reduce loan terms, or tap into home equity for various financial needs. Keep reading to explore the factors driving this refinancing boom and how it’s affecting the mortgage market.

How to Age Gracefully: Wit & Wisdom From Laurie Notaro

Three smiling middle-aged women illustrate how to age gracefully

What does it mean to embrace the changes that come with getting older? How can you maintain your sense of humor while facing the challenges of aging? In Excuse Me While I Disappear, Laurie Notaro shares her journey through middle age with wit and wisdom. Her personal stories and observations offer both comfort and laughs to anyone experiencing the physical and emotional shifts that come with time. Keep reading to discover how to age gracefully while maintaining your spirit and sense of humor.

Cheslie Kryst’s Depression & Death (By the Time You Read This)

A woman with dark curly hair, seen from behind, standing in the rain

What lies beneath the polished exterior of a successful public figure’s life? How can someone who seems to have it all still battle devastating depression? In the book By the Time You Read This, April Simpkins reveals the hidden struggles of Cheslie Kryst, her daughter. Cheslie Kryst’s depression remained largely invisible to the public eye while she maintained a thriving career in law, pageantry, and media. Keep reading to discover the profound story behind Cheslie Kryst’s battle with depression and her mother’s mission to raise awareness about mental health.

Is It a Good Time to Refinance? How to Weigh the Pros & Cons

A man with grey hair and beard thinking in front of a house illustrates the question, "Is it a good time to refinance?"

Is it a good time to refinance? What’s the real cost of refinancing your home in today’s market? How can you tell if refinancing is the right move for your financial future? Mortgage rates are expected to shift in 2025, creating potential opportunities for homeowners to refinance. While some recent home buyers could benefit from current rates, the decision to refinance involves weighing multiple factors, including closing costs, break-even points, and long-term financial impact. Read on to explore the key considerations and to find practical tips to help you make an informed decision about refinancing your home.

Physical Changes in Midlife: Comfort, Commiseration, & Counsel

A woman with a shocked and annoyed expression looking in the mirror at her graying hair depicts physical changes in midlife

What happens to your body during your 40s and 50s? Why do simple activities suddenly become more challenging as you age? In Excuse Me While I Disappear, Laurie Notaro offers a candid and humorous look at the physical changes in midlife. Her personal experiences and observations provide both comfort and practical solutions for navigating this transformative phase of life. Keep reading to discover honest insights about aging that will make you laugh while helping you feel less alone in your journey.

Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem

A brown-haired woman reading a book with a bookshelf in the background

What happens to our bodies and minds as we enter middle age? How can we find humor and grace in the physical changes that come with getting older? In Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem, Laurie Notaro takes readers on a hilarious journey through the realities of midlife transformation. From graying hair to unexpected body changes, she shares personal stories that turn challenging moments into opportunities for laughter and self-acceptance. Read more to discover how embracing gray hair and celebrating life’s wisdom can lead to unexpected freedom and joy.

The Effects of Inflation on People: Analysis & Tips for Survival

A piggy bank with a worried look on its face illustrates the effects of inflation on people

What’s happening to American households as prices continue to soar? How are families finding ways to cope with the financial and emotional strain of today’s economy? The effects of inflation on people extend far beyond just higher price tags at the store. From mounting credit card debt to difficult choices about housing, Americans are facing challenges that impact both their wallets and their well-being. Keep reading to discover practical strategies that can help you navigate these challenging economic times while protecting your financial and emotional health.

The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut (September 2024): Is It Helping?

The Federal Reserve building in Washington, DC, illustrates the Fed's interest rate cut (September 2024)

Why did the Fed cut interest rates in September? When can borrowers expect to see meaningful relief in their monthly payments? The Fed’s interest rate cut (September 2024) marked a significant shift in Federal Reserve policy, coming after years of aggressive rate hikes to fight inflation. While this reduction signals progress in the battle against rising prices, many Americans still face financial challenges from lingering inflation effects. Keep reading to learn how interest rate cuts in September 2024 and beyond could affect your financial future, from mortgage payments to car loans.

TikTok as a News Source: Going Way Beyond Dance Videos

A teenager on the subway looking at his mobile phone illustrates social media as a news source

What makes TikTok so appealing as a news platform for younger generations? Why are traditional news sources losing ground to short-form video content? TikTok’s evolution from an entertainment app to a major news source reflects a dramatic shift in how people consume information. The platform’s blend of citizen journalism, expert commentary, and algorithm-driven content delivery has created a new model for news distribution. Keep reading to discover how TikTok as a news source is reshaping the media landscape and changing the way millions stay informed about world events.