House & Home

8 Questions to Ask When Buying a House for the First Time

How much can I afford? What are my rights? Do I have an emergency fund? Here's a list of the questions to ask when buying a house. Find out the answers - before you buy.  Read More »

Different Types of Homeowners Coverage Explained

You know you need homeowners insurance--but do you know the different terms associated with it? Here's a breakdown of the different types of homeowners insurance coverage. Read More »

Infographic: 8 Surprising Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover

If the unexpected happens, your insurance will help you pick up, well, some of the pieces. Don't wait until you have a crisis to figure out what homeowners insurance is. Read More »

Wildfire Safety Tips

Learn what you need to know and do to prepare for a wildfire​. Read More »

Wildfires: Evacuation and Recovery Tips

Read on for advice on what to do in the aftermath of a wildfire. Read More »

Three Ways Your Pool Affects Your Insurance

A backyard swimming pool is a great place to spend time with friends and family during the warm summer months. Learn about homeowners insurance with a pool and whether it changes depending on pool fences, above ground and more.  Read More »

Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Consider these five things before signing up for the added coverage. Read More »

Traveling? Summer Natural Disasters You Should Have on Your Radar

Don't ignore floods, tornados, fires and more on  your summer vacation. Read More »

Does My Insurance Cover Me Abroad?

You know you're covered at home--but what if you're traveling outside of the United States? Read More »

Our Favorite Home Security Apps

If you're a habitual "Did I set the alarm?" worrier, there's an app for that. Read More »

Personal Property Insurance: the Coverage that May Surprise You

Think you know personal property insurance? Think again! Read More »

How to Maintain Your Home

A responsible homeowner takes proactive steps to keep their house in tip-top shape. Learn what you can do and when you should call a professional. Read More »

What Does an Umbrella Policy Cover? You'd be Surprised

Umbrella coverage can be just the protection you need when the unexpected happens. Find out why! Read More »

Real Estate Investing for Beginners:

5 questions to ask before getting started in real estate investing.  Read More »

Money Pit Red Flags: What to Avoid When Buying a Home

Buying a new home can be exciting but investing in a money pit is not. Watch out for these money pit red flags! Read More »

Renting vs. Buying: Know the Right Time to Purchase a Home

There are multiple factors to consider when deciding if you should rent or buy a house. These five questions can help.  Read More »

Storm Recovery Checklist

Recovering from severe storms isn't fun. Having a storm recovery checklist can help you get back on your feet quickly. Read More »

16 Severe Weather Hacks Everyone Should Know

DIY air conditioners? Candles made out of ​cooking oil? AAA battery as a AA substitute? Combat unexpected stress and inconvenience caused by severe weather with these 15 severe weather hacks.  Read More »

How to Help Tame Your Child's Fear of Storms

If you have a child who struggles with anxiety about storms, follow these tips to help calm their fears. Read More »

Innovations in High-Efficiency, Storm Resistant Homes

Rebuilding? Find out how to make your new home more energy efficient and storm resistant. Read More »

10 Secrets People Avoid Telling You When Selling A Home

Discover the hidden tips you need to know to sell your home quickly.  Read More »

Power Outages and Water Damage: How to Protect Your Home

Power outages can cause sump pump failure, leading to water damage. Learn how you can protect your home. Read More »

Your "Closing on a House" Questions Answered

Learn everything you need ​to know about the process and timeline to close on a home and what to expect. Read More »

Getting a Pet? Here Are Things to Think About

The idea of getting a pet is very exciting, but it's important to step back and look at the whole picture.  Read More »

Vacation Safety Tips: 16 Ways to Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

Can you imagine returning from an unforgettable vacation and learning something has gone wrong at home? Be sure to complete these 16 pre-vacation safety tips before you jet off.   Read More »

5 Surprising Ways Landscaping Affects Your Home Value

As you start spring lawn projects, learn how landscaping can increase or hurt your home value. Read More »

How to Proactively Prepare for a Blizzard

Learn what you need to know to prepare for a blizzard and what to do when the winter storm hits. Read More »

15 Places Your Cold or Flu Germs Could Be Hiding

Do you know where germs are lurking? Read More »

Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Put your mind at ease and follow this checklist to protect your family and your home in the new year. Read More »

Bright Ideas for Bitter Cold

When outside temps dip dangerously low, use these tips to protect yourself and your family. Read More »

Top Five Thanksgiving Mishaps

Be thankful for a safe holiday with these tips! Read More »

13 Fire Hazards That Are Rare But True

Discover the unusual ways house fires can begin and how to protect yourself. Read More »

9 Considerations Before Relocating in Retirement

When you dream of retirement, do you envision living in a picturesque home by the sea? Or waking up each day to a perfect mountain backdrop? If you're considering relocating in retirement, keep these 9 considerations in mind.  Read More »

DIY Trends for Renters: What’s Old is New

Boring white walls no more! Spice up your rental with these simple, inexpensive decorating ideas! Read More »

10 Life Changes to Tell Your Insurance Agent About

Don't overlook these smaller life-changing events that can change your insurance coverage and premiums. Read More »

So You're Moving. Beware of These Packing Faux Pas

Discover how to pack to move to a new house, and avoid these common packing mistakes. Read More »

Cycling Safety Tips

Before you hit the trails, consider these tips for safer cycling. Read More »

7 Updates That Must Take Priority During a Home Remodel

Before you sink money into ​a  home remodel, make sure you aren’t ignoring these major problems. Read More »

Storm Safety Checklist For Your Kids

March winds and April showers bring May flowers--along with scary weather. Here's how you can educate your kids on staying safe during nasty weather. Read More »

A Spring Cleaning List That Can Help Keep You Safe

Protect your home with this 15-step deep-cleaning checklist, complete with safety tips. Read More »

Your Insurance Coulda Covered That

Did you know that when things go wrong, chances are insurance coulda covered that? Read More »

5 Simple Steps for a Home Inventory

You need a home inventory--but where do you start? Read More »

6 Options for Luxury Condo Living

Here are 6 dream options for luxury condo living, from walk-in closets to screening rooms. Read More »

Are You An Insurance Skeptic? 5 Misleading Insurance Beliefs

Are you an insurance skeptic? Here are five misleading insurance beliefs you shouldn't fall for! Read More »

12 Winter Warm-up Tips to Keep Your Home Cozy

Winter is upon us! Learn how to keep your home warm all season long with these helpful tips and tricks. Read More »

14 Ways Elf Can Ruin Your Holidays

Don't make the same mistakes as Elf! Learn how insurance can keep you from getting into holiday mishaps. Read More »

6 Common Causes of Fires in the Home

We've listed the six most common causes of fires - and what you can do to prevent them! Read More »

Make Moving a Snap with a Moving Checklist

You've made the decision to move - now use this checklist to help the transition go smoothly. Read More »

6 Surprising Things Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover

Do you know what your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover? There could be exclusions you’re unaware of in your policy… Read More »

Camping to Glamping: Staying Outdoors Without the Hassle

We're raising the bar on your summer camping trip. Take it to the extreme with these simple "glamping" tips! Read More »

12 Things to Know Before Renting a Vacation Home

Staying in a home away from home is one of the most popular trends in vacationing today. We have the tips you need to know before making a reservation! Read More »

Home Improvements Done Right

Use these tips to get the most out of your home improvement projects. Read More »

Hail Hath No Fury Like a Storm (Infographic)

Hail is one of weather's most unusual phenonmenons and can wreak havoc on all in its path. Read More »

Severe Weather Myths--Busted!

Do tornadoes always move west to east? Can lightning strike when the skies are clear? Read on for series of debunked common myths. Read More »

10 Ways to Make Your Kids and Pets Feel Safe During a Storm

Bright flashes of lightning and sporadic roars of thunder can turn the toughest of kids and pets into a frightful frenzy. Here are ten tips to help kids and pets feel safe during a storm. Read More »

ID Thieves Love These Everyday Numbers

Consider these tips to help protect yourself against ID thieves who target your everyday digits. Read More »

Wicked Weather Preparedness: Contents for Your Family's Disaster Supply Kit

Build an emergency disaster kit today to protect you from the unexpected tomorrow. Read More »

Quiz: Are you Prepared for Wicked Weather?

How much do you know about weather events that could happen in your area? Take this short quiz to find out!  Read More »

5 Reasons to Make the Conversion to Whole Life Insurance

Providing peace of mind for the future is just one advantage of whole life insurance. Read on for more valuable benefits of coverage conversion. Read More »

Why You Need an Umbrella Policy

If you exceeded your auto or homeowners insurance coverage in an accident, what would you do? Read on for benefits of an umbrella liability policy. Read More »

Smartphone Safety Simplified

Your phone is full of personal information. Use these tips to keep your phone and your identity secure. Read More »

5 Steps to Protect Yourself When Your Identity is Compromised

 Farm Bureau Financial Services offers tips to help you keep your information safe. Read More »

How the Holidays Make Your Pet Sick

Avoid a trip to the animal hospital by avoiding these common holiday mistakes. Read More »

No Vacancies for Vandals

An empty home can be an easy target for vandals and thieves. Protect yours with these tips. Read More »

Why Should You Know Your Home’s Value?

Knowing your home’s value is important to your financial foundation. Find out why.    Read More »

Why You Need an Insurance Review

Your insurance protects you through all of life’s ups and downs. An annual insurance review can help ensure you’re covered the right way at the right time. Read More »

Making the Move to Your First Apartment

Finding a place of your own is an important moment, but it can be intimidating. Here are some tips to help you get started. Read More »

Hey Big Spender!

Sticking to a holiday budget is tough. Farm Bureau Financial Services offers tips for keeping your spending in check. Read More »

There’s no place like home.

Buying a home is part of the American dream that comes with a sense of pride and achievement. Remember these tips as you make your dream home a reality. Read More »

Five Tips to Prepare Your Business for Peak Season

 Farm Bureau offers tips for business owners to prepare for peak season crowds. Read More »

Home Inventory Kit

It’s important to understand the possessions you’re covering, and it starts with creating a home inventory kit that lists your belongings. Read More »

How Much Am I Spending?

Where does all of your money go? Read More »

What Would My Loan Payments Be?

Use this loan payment calculator to determine the payment on a loan, while taking into consideration the amount, interest rate, and term. Read More »

Should I Convert to a Bi-Weekly Payment Schedule?

Is a bi-weekly payment schedule right for you? Find out with our helpful calculator. Read More »

Which is Better: Fixed or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

Decide between a fixed, or adjustable-rate mortgage with our useful calculator. Read More »

How Long Until My Loan is Paid Off?

Use this calculator to determine how long, and how much to pay monthly to eliminate debt and pay off your loan. Read More »

Should I Pay Discount Points for a Lower Interest Rate?

Paying down your interest rate Farm Bureau Financial Services offers a calculator to determine if this makes sense for you. Read More »

Should I Rent or Buy a Home?

Farm Bureau Financial Services offers a calculator to determine if renting or buying a home at this time makes sense for you. Read More »

How Do Closing Costs Impact the Interest Rate?

If you chose to finance your closing costs, use this calculator to itemize the closing costs and compare loans with different rates, fees or terms. Read More »

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

Use Farm Bureau Financial Services refinance calculator to analyze your situation today. Read More »

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Calculator

Use our adjustable rate mortgage calculator to see how interest rate assumptions will impact your monthly payments. Read More »

Comparing Mortgage Terms (15, 20, 30 year)

Use Farm Bureau Financial Services mortgage term calculator to determine various mortgage term alternatives. Read More »