(Family Features) Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.

Create a Plan
Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.

Renovate the Bathroom
You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.

Update the Kitchen
The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping style and choosing appliances with care.

Start a Remodel
If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired). Remodeling typically calls for hiring a professional contractor, a process you can go about by gathering local recommendations, asking for licensing and insurance, checking references and comparing bids.

Find more home improvement ideas and solutions at remodelingdoneright.com and eLivingtoday.com.

(Family Features) If you’re short on time to finish that holiday gift list, video games and collectibles are perfect for practically anyone on your list.

The clock is ticking so consider this list of the season’s hottest gifts, compiled by GameStop gaming expert Meg Kaylee.

Gaming Consoles: Among the most popular gaming consoles this season is the Nintendo Switch, which lets you game at home or on-the-go – you can even disconnect while you’re in the middle of a game. At a slightly lower price point, the Nintendo Switch Lite comes in a variety of fun colors and its smaller size makes it extra portable – perfect for keeping kids occupied during holiday road trips.

Video Games: This year marks the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., which still appeals to kids of all ages after more than three decades. Games featuring Mario and Luigi’s adventures also work as throwback gifts for the kids at heart on your list. For more experienced and mature gamers, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the latest installment from the popular franchise. If you have a sports fan in your family, Madden 21 allows for competition in head-to-head online and offline games in single and multi-player modes.

Accessories: Help up your gameplay with accessories that make gaming more enjoyable, immersive and entertaining. If you have a PC-gamer in the family, consider an Astro A10 Call of Duty logoed headset or a Razer keyboard and mouse known to improve your skills during intense gaming sessions. Other accessory options include carrying cases, memory expansion cards, extra controllers and more.

Collectibles: If you’re stumped by a hard-to-buy-for gamer, consider collectibles, like the Star Wars: The Black Series Shadow Trooper Electronic Helmet. You can also find action figures, statues, apparel and even waffle makers representing your favorite franchises and characters.

Screen-Free Fun: Take a break from screen time with classic-meets-contemporary board games like Monopoly: Star Wars: The Child or Super Mario Jenga. You can also find puzzles and card games that appeal to all ages.

Gift Cards: Gift cards are a simple choice when you’re not sure what to buy, and you can choose a specific platform like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam or Google Play. Another option is game passes, like the Xbox All Access or Xbox Game Pass, that allow the passholder to play more than 100 games for one low monthly price.

Make a Trade
If you’re strapped for holiday cash, a trade-in program may be a way to get some extra money for what you really want. For example, at GameStop you can trade in consoles, games and even smartphones you’re no longer using for in-store credit or cash on select items. Or if you miss out on getting a game or console you really want, trade in the gear and games that miss the mark to buy what you really want.

Cut out the holiday shopping stress and find last-minute ideas for every budget, age and interest on your list at GameStop.com/GiftHub .

(Family Features) A financial emergency may have previously seemed like a “not me” scenario, but it’s now a reality many families across America are dealing with as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the economy.

Savings accounts may not be robust enough to weather a significant blow, according to research from Colonial Life. The survey found 38% of U.S. adults have less than $5,000 in savings for a financial emergency, and 23% have less than $1,000.

The study further revealed Americans are already stretched thin due to financial constraints like vehicles with mechanical problems, an unemployed spouse or partner, supporting children and other dependents, mortgage payments and other debt.

Planning ahead for a financial emergency with tips like these can help reduce the long-term impact on your finances and credit.

Avoid unnecessary charges. Late payment fees can add up fast and put a dent in your credit rating. Take inventory of your monthly expenses and note the due dates then plan a payment schedule around your paychecks. Be sure to account for possible mail delays or the time needed for electronic transfers. If your schedule doesn’t work, contact your creditor and ask if you can move to a different due date that helps reduce your risk.

Anticipate unforeseen illnesses. A critical illness such as a heart attack, stroke or major organ failure can impact anyone, from the least health-conscious to the most fit. When a critical illness strikes, major expenses often follow. Health insurance may cover some of your medical costs, but not everything. An option like Colonial Life critical illness insurance helps supplement your major medical coverage by providing a lump-sum benefit you can use to pay direct and indirect costs related to some of the most prevalent critical illnesses.  

Reduce debt. Doing what you can now to reduce your financial obligations can pay off in the long run if you experience a loss of income. That may mean making extra payments on a loan rather than paying just the minimum balance due. Interest is calculated based on your balance, so paying extra not only reduces your original debt, but also saves you money that would have been lost to interest.

Keep up on maintenance. When money is tight or you’re worried a reduction is coming soon, it may seem counterintuitive to spend money. However, taking care of ongoing maintenance for big-ticket items like your home and vehicle is an investment in the future. Spending a little now to keep things in good working order can help protect you from a costly problem down the road.

Start thinking smaller. Lifestyle adjustments can be tough when they’re abrupt and unexpected, but if you gradually transition to a more frugal way of living it may not feel as disruptive. For example, start by cutting back on entertainment expenses and dining out. Look for lower-cost ways to enjoy time with loved ones and dial back spending on things like birthday gifts.

Learn more and find programs and services designed to protect your financial interests at ColonialLife.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the top picks for homeowners looking to upgrade because their functional contributions to the household can’t be overstated and they typically provide high return on investment.

If you’re considering a renovation project for either in-demand space, consider some of these on-trend ideas from Doug King, CR, MBA, owner of King Contracting, Inc. and president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Kitchen

Bigger functional spaces. Not only do many kitchen renovations result in added square footage, they also add practical features to make living and entertaining more comfortable and enjoyable. When it comes to physical space, a popular choice is removing or relocating walls to make the room larger. 

This added space can be instrumental in adding an island or peninsula for bar seating, which many homeowners view as a necessity when it comes to entertaining. Other features like icemakers, tall wine refrigerators and walk-in pantries are high on the frequent request list. Another growing trend is a kitchen designed for two, complete with a second full-size sink, dishwasher and microwave drawer, along with a larger island.

Clever storage. Making the most of storage space has always been a top desire, and homeowners are getting increasingly clever about how to maximize their cabinetry. Drawer organizers are in high demand, along with pull-out waste baskets that hide recycling bins within. Another popular approach is large base cabinets with pivoting shelving mechanisms for storing large items like mixers and other taller countertop appliances. Making use of every inch of space is common; even the toe-kick area for drawers are proving useful to hold smaller items or put kid-friendly essentials in easy reach.

Feature-rich appliances. Appliance manufacturers are adding all kinds of bells and whistles, and those features are increasingly attractive to homeowners. Upper-end appliances are becoming more mainstream as homeowners discover features the more expensive models offer for ease of use and comfort. Larger freezer and column-style refrigerators are especially growing in popularity.

Bathroom

Spa-like setting. One long-term trend that is still in top demand for the master bath is design that mimics a serene spa. This plays out in cooler colors like white, blues and grays. Glass tiles are taking on a bigger role with many homeowners using them as artistic focal points in showers or opting for pebble-like tiles that spill from walls onto the floor.

Upscale practicality. Little touches that may have once gone unnoticed are now trending as opportunities to add elements of style. For example, curbless showers with offset lineal drains are preferred to traditional centered circular versions. Similarly, homeowners are upping the ante with lighting such as fixtures integrated with fans and mirrors, and even below floating vanities for ambient light at night. One more place you might find lighting: on the bidet, which is also an increasingly hot addition in the master bath.

A splash of tech. Whether it’s used to control smart features or simply add entertainment like TV or soothing music, technology has a permanent place on the list of bathroom trends. The available features make it easy to make a full escape from the daily grind of life.

Find more inspiration and trending ideas for your next home improvement project at remodelingdoneright.com.