Insights & articles for modern builders

Whether it’s wars, wildfires, inclement weather or growing energy demand, electricity prices are rising and have been for some time. With the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Americans are witnessing yet another inflection point that could further spike their electric bills. That uncertainty adds another notch of anxiety for homeowners. Homeownership was once viewed as financially more predictable than renting and absorbing annual rent increases. But regularly rising property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA fees have changed that in recent years — and those don’t account for the higher mortgage rates and home values creating greater costs simply to purchase a home in the first place. Now you can add utilities to the list of expenses impacting home affordability and giving potential homebuyers pause.

Adults can get any type of eczema, including atopic dermatitis (AD), which many people consider a childhood disease. When AD begins after your 18th birthday, dermatologists call it adult-onset atopic dermatitis. You’d receive this diagnosis if you never had AD before. A peak time for developing adult-onset AD is in your 50s.

If you live in a deregulated energy market, you can choose your energy plan from several electric companies. While deregulation provides more flexibility, it can also be overwhelming to sort through all your options if you’ve never done it before. It may be tempting to choose the first plan you find or the cheapest option, but there are other factors to consider. It’s worth taking your time to select a power plan that works best for you. This guide can help you make an informed decision about which electricity plan is right for you.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is often called the “itch that rashes.” This description explains what happens when the condition begins. It tends to start suddenly with very itchy skin. Scratching the itchy skin often causes a rash.

Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. This condition can cause intense itching, dry and scaly skin, rashes, inflammation, skin discoloration, and thickened or cracked skin. Explore how atopic dermatitis may look different in babies, children, teenagers, and adults, and learn about common flare-ups and potential skin infections associated with the condition. This guide from the American Academy of Dermatology provides helpful information to better understand what atopic dermatitis can look and feel like at different stages of life.

Utility bills aren’t the most glamorous expenses, but they can add up to hundreds of dollars per month. However, there are ways to save money on utilities and options for assistance if you can't pay. This guide will help you find our more effective tips and way to reduce your bills.

Women with MS outnumber men with the condition by nearly 4 to 1. And this gender gap has only widened in the last 50 years. Experts don’t have a clear explanation for the cause of MS in anyone, much less in women specifically. But they have a few theories that might explain the sex differences in MS rates.

Utility costs, especially the electric bill, tend to make up a significant part of household budgets. In fact, the average monthly electric bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024 (which is over $1,700 a year), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As for moves you can make on your own, keep reading for data and details on how to keep your electric bill down.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system. In MS, messages between the brain and the rest of the body are disrupted, causing a wide array of symptoms. In 2020, researchers estimated that 2.8 million people around the world are living with MS. Overall, women are twice as likely to have MS as men, but the ratio of women to men is as high as 4 to 1 in some countries. Learn how MS in men differs from MS in women and why it’s important to seek a diagnosis and early treatment.

What is multiple sclerosis? An expert explains Learn more from neurologist Oliver Tobin, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., Ph.D.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs. Mesothelioma is pronounced me-zoe-thee-lee-O-muh. It most often happens in the tissue around the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma also can happen in the tissues in the belly, around the heart and around the testicles. Mesothelioma, which is sometimes called malignant mesothelioma, is a fast-growing and deadly form of cancer. There are mesothelioma treatments. But for many people with mesothelioma, there is no cure.

Generally speaking, you can refinance your mortgage as often as you want. However, some lenders or loan types require a waiting, or “seasoning,” period before you can refinance your old loan into a new one. It can make financial sense to refinance multiple times, especially if mortgage rates are lower now than when you got your existing loan. But you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons, because you might not always come out ahead financially. Here’s what to consider.

About 1 in 4 people diagnosed with mesothelioma are women. Overall, most diagnoses are pleural mesothelioma (lung lining), but peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining) is proportionally more common in women. Women with mesothelioma typically have better outcomes than men do.

Do lower mortgage rates have you thinking about refinancing? You’re in good company. But refinancing your mortgage isn’t free — you’ll pay upfront fees (usually thousands of dollars). Still, it can make financial sense over the long term. A mortgage refinance can lower your monthly payment or help you pay off your loan sooner. Below, we break down how mortgage refinancing works and how to decide if it makes sense for you.

Not sure how to get a home loan? Here's a step-by-step guide. Getting a home loan can be a confusing and stressful process to navigate, but knowing what to expect before you apply can help you stay organized and feel more in control.

Opening a bank account online is faster, easier, and often more profitable than visiting a branch. The entire process — from choosing an account to making your first deposit — typically takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s exactly what you need to do, what documents to have ready, and which account types make sense for your situation.

There’s no lack of options when you decide you want a new credit card. And when you’re bombarded with mail offers, advertisements and emails urging you to apply, making that decision can quickly get overwhelming. The right credit card for you should be one that is personalized to fit your needs. So if you’re not sure what to look for in a credit card or how to choose the right credit card for your lifestyle, these tips will help you narrow it down. We’ll help you figure out what perks to keep an eye out for, how to choose the right type of rewards cards for you and whether the annual fees for these cards are worth it.

Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, risking inflammation, DNA mutations and eventually cancer. Workers, veterans and families exposed secondhand face higher risks, with symptoms appearing 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Traditional banks and credit unions with branches typically let customers access their accounts through the internet, too. But online banks and providers offer primarily mobile access. You won’t meet a banker face to face, but with a mobile device or computer, you can reach your account anytime. Here's a closer look at online banks.

HIV symptoms in cisgender women and others assigned female at birth (AFAB) can range from common flu-like symptoms to skin changes, mood fluctuations, menstrual irregularities, and recurrent vaginal infections.

The following information about HIV can be useful for men, as well as all sexes and genders. Read on for a complete breakdown of the most common early signs and symptoms of HIV. Plus, information about HIV testing and prevention, and how to become better informed about HIV.

It can take time for a new business to earn revenue. And while it’s possible to get a startup business loan with no money, you’ll likely qualify for better rates and terms once your business’s finances are stronger. If you can’t afford to wait for a small-business loan, there are some financing options available for businesses without revenue.

If you’re wondering how to get a small-business loan, you’ll want to devote the necessary time to do your research and find the best fit. It can take months to receive funding, particularly for loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which often involve a longer application process. Carefully exploring your business loan options can help ensure you apply for the right product, increase your chances of approval and avoid unnecessary delays or expenses. Here are six steps to apply and get a small-business loan.

The foundation of a healthy lifestyle consists of lasting habits like eating right, watching your weight, exercising regularly, managing your mental health, and getting routine medical exams. But even daily, small steps toward these goals also can have a significant impact. Here are some practices that can help support your ongoing health journey. While you might find it unrealistic to follow them all the time, try to include them in your daily life as much as possible.

Whether you’re a road warrior seeking adventure or you’re just looking for a way to get around town, there’s nothing quite like driving a motorcycle. As you would with a car, you’ll need insurance if you want to protect yourself, your passengers and your investment. And just as you’d shop around for auto insurance quotes, you’ll want to find the best insurance for your bike. Here’s NerdWallet’s guide to understanding motorcycle insurance.

Shopping for a personal loan doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding how to get a personal loan — including where to start, what you need to apply and how to compare offers — can help you select the best personal loan. Below are seven steps to help you navigate how to get a personal loan.

You can get car insurance by shopping online, contacting companies directly or working with an agent or broker. There’s no shortage of ways to purchase car insurance. You can buy it online, call, or even find a local agent and apply in person. The way you choose to get car insurance depends on your specific insurance needs and the time you want to spend shopping for coverage. No matter which method you pick, the process of getting car insurance comes down to these five steps:

What is money management, exactly? It’s a plan for your money so you can make the most of it. This plan typically involves budgeting and saving money, avoiding or reducing debt and investing in your future. If learning how to manage your money sounds intimidating or stressful, take it one step at a time. Below are money management tips to help you gain control and, more importantly, peace of mind.

Car insurance is expensive, but taking these steps can lower your premiums.

For most people, insurance isn’t a very interesting topic. Still, it’s an important aspect of your financial (and ultimately, emotional) well-being, and owning the right policies can have a life-altering impact.  People are often tempted to forgo buying insurance. The premiums necessary to own these policies can be shockingly expensive, relative to one’s budget. That’s especially true when one thinks, “I’ll never even need that coverage.”  No one expects their house to burn down or to acquire a disability that prevents them from working. But it can and does happen.  There’s no single insurance policy that will cover all aspects of your life. So, if you want to prevent major financial hardships, you’ll need various kinds of coverage. Here are the seven most common types of insurance that every individual needs — or, at the very least, needs to consider.

Five years ago, a woman shopping for her first motorcycle had maybe a dozen models to seriously consider, most of them parked in the cruiser corner of the showroom. The 2026 lineup looks completely different, stretching across cruisers, standards, middleweight ADVs, and sport tourers, with seat heights under 28 inches and curb weights below 400 pounds now showing up on bikes sitting at most major dealers. As more women have entered the sport, manufacturers have responded with more choices than ever before.

Rental car prices have far outpaced inflation. Still, there are tricks to save money on your next rental car. Car rental prices continue to drop, bucking the trend of steep year-over-year price increases across many travel sectors. A NerdWallet study conducted in April 2026 analyzed over 200 car rental prices across 20 U.S. cities and nine rental companies to better understand pricing trends. Whereas the overall cost of travel is up almost 11% since last 2025, car rental prices are down around 6% over the same period.

Renting a motorcycle for vacation in 2026 starts as low as $25/day on Riders Share, with thousands of bikes available across the U.S. This guide walks through all of it, from 2026 pricing and platform comparisons to fly and ride motorcycle destinations and what to bring along.

Wondering what is my motorcycle worth? Here is how mileage, condition, and title decide the value, how to find real comps, and how to sell for top dollar. If you are asking “what is my motorcycle worth,” the honest answer is that it depends on about six things, and the biggest one is mileage. A clean-title bike with 8,000 miles and full service records can be worth double the exact same model with 40,000 miles and a scuffed tank. So the sticker on a pricing site is a starting point, not an answer. The number that matters is what a real buyer will hand you this month.

Replacing your current vehicle can be tricky, especially if the new model you like is more expensive or in demand. The best thing you can do is sell your current vehicle to a dealership and use the money as a down payment for your new ride. However, determining how much your used car is worth can be tricky. How can you make your ride stand out in a used car inventory and make sure that its price is right? Selling a used car is tedious and can take a lot of time before getting a successful transaction. Apart from taking pictures and posting them online or asking a dealership for help, you must know how to represent your vehicle properly. Determining its used car value index will help ensure you get a fair price for your ride.

Brand-new cars are getting very expensive. The average transaction price — the price people are paying, including options and higher trim levels — is just shy of $50,000 in the U.S. It is far more budget friendly to shop used cars, which have an average transaction price for three-year old vehicles hovering around $31,000. The variety of used cars available can make the process of buying one feel overwhelming, so we've created this basic, step-by-step used car buying guide to help you navigate the process.

The current U.S. average cost of car insurance is $2,242 per year for full coverage and $1,183 per year for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data. In 2025, car insurance rates fell in 39 states, according to the American Driver report. Eight states saw rate decreases of 15% or more. The average cost of car insurance in your state depends on multiple factors, including traffic congestion, population density, accident rates, theft rates, and more.

Consumer Reports no longer updates this product category and maintains it for archival purposes only. Motorcycles and scooters can be an appealing, and even economical, alternative to a car for solo commuting, running errands, and more. For some, especially urban dwellers, a two-wheeler may be the only transportation they need.