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Forbes
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Year Of The Backyard: Creating An Outdoor Entertaining Hub
Photo courtesy of Last year, Thumbtack proclaimed 2024 as The Year of The Backyard, but has that trend still relevant? 'In 2024, we saw a rise in homeowners focusing on projects that improve their outdoor spaces, and as more people choose to stay put and invest in their current homes, that trend shows no signs of slowing down,' says Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack's interior design expert. In 2025, she tells me that homeowners are far more likely to focus on the home projects that bring them joy. 'Having a personalized outdoor space makes it easier to host, enjoy meaningful moments with family, and relax,' she explain. Tese are some tips to help you create an outdoor entertaining hub. Photo courtesy of A thoughtfully designed outdoor retreat maximizes aesthetics and function. In the design above, Catherine Trudeau, partner at The Outdoor Design Studio, tells me that every detail was considered to create distinct yet cohesive spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing, all while maintaining a degree of privacy. 'A raised deck provides a graceful transition to the elevated rear entry, while a wooden slat wall offers seclusion for intimate meals,' she says. 'Below, a bluestone patio under a pergola becomes the heart of the space, anchored by a fire table and framed by hornbeams and cedar fencing for a warm, secluded feel.' Photo courtesy of For this project, Trudeau weaved hardscape and softscape togetter to create a seamless and inviting retreat. 'Working closely with the interior designer and client, we crafted a landscape that feels both lush and intentional, serving as an extension of a home designed for comfort, beauty, and everyday living,' she explains. Trudeau recommends the use of plantings to establish soft boundaries between zones in outdoor spaces. 'A screen wall offers privacy from neighboring homes, while surrounding greenery gives the impression of being fully enveloped in nature, ideal for lively outdoor gatherings,' she says. Photo courtesy of One thing that can ruin outdoor entertaining in the summer: insects. Leigh Spicher, national director of design studios for Ashton Woods, acknowledges that no one wants to share space with bugs. 'If you screen in a small patio, you are not only keeping bugs out, but creating a defined room and area for your outdoor relaxation,' she says. Photo courtesy of Screening in your pool can also make it a more comfortable place to entertain and relax. 'Screened-in pool Screenspaces are ideal for entertaining, especially with both a pool and a hot tub,' says Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. In addition to protection from bugs, Friedman explains that there's some protection from the sun. 'And the pool deck provides room for seating and access to the house,' he adds. Photo courtesy of Friedman says he's also seeing more demand for at-home sports surfaces. 'Putting greens, basketball courts, and pickleball courts are especially popular, and make for great entertaining space.' And if you're on a budget, Friedman says you can get a similar effect; however, he notes that a properly built-in playing surface can elevate your backyard barbecue experience. Photo courtesy of Many people only consider the front yard when thinking about curb appeal. However, Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, tells me that homeowners should think about giving some love and attention to the back of the house as well. 'Consider statement paints and stains formulated for outdoor wood decks and concrete or stone patios for colorful backyard appeal,' she says. If you have a traditional home featuring neutral siding, Kim recommends making a bold statement on wooden decks and shutters by tinting semi-transparent stain to dark, rich colors like Very Black 5011-2. This hue's cool undertone pairs well with homes painted in light to medium grays and light blues,' Kim explains. Photo courtesy of 'Contemporary style homes are style chameleons and offer a chance to go bold on the exterior and energize an outdoor hangout space with a fiery color, like using a solid stain on a deck or porch in red, such as Cut Ruby 1009-4,' Kim says. Photo courtesy of According to Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen, flexibility is an asset in entertaining spaces. 'You want to be able to accommodate a range of different users, group sizes, and activities, especially if you are limited on space or budget,' he says. Lenhart admits that it's possible to go too far and design a space that's just blank. 'The trick is to be forward enough with your design to establish character, to make a real place, but not to limit your functional breadth,' he tells me. Photo courtesy of Lenhart also recommends committing to a single aesthetic. 'You don't want your ice cream to be every flavor, you want it to be your favorite flavor.' People respect authenticity and originality, and he says you don't have to reinvent the wheel, but says you shouldn't be afraid to make your space a reflection of you. 'Your own personal tastes, artifacts or references to your personal story, homages to places you love, or things you hope to do, these are all fertile ground to build a space that has a truly compelling an unique character,' he explains. Photo courtesy of However, as a general rule, Lenhart warns against barriers – using such examples as built in seating, sealing up patio boundaries, or cosmetic grade changes introduced to divide up spaces. 'Barriers separating spaces inhibit the ability to spill out of one area into an adjacent space, and in so doing, limit the amount of people that can fit in a space.' And he notes that they also pinch flow between spaces, and make areas seem smaller. Instead of lining an entire path or patio edge with plants, Lenhart recommends drop-in pockets of planting. 'Leave large gaps between to facilitate easy flow and a strong sense of interconnection between adjacent spaces,' he says. Photo courtesy of When creating an outdoor space for entertaining, keep in mind that people love options. 'An ideal entertaining yard will have a range of spaces, each offering something unique,' Lenhart recommends. 'Include spaces that feel expansive, others that are cozy and enclosed; spaces for big, medium, and small groups, as well as nooks for intimate conversations.' Another tip is to have polished and upscale spaces, along with earthy and casual space. 'Every part of the design should fit within the poles of whatever aesthetic identity you are going for, but within those poles, roam around.' These are some of the items that can help you create an outdoor entertaining hub. Photo courtesy of Impress and delight your guest with the Ninja Swirl by Creami Ice Cream Maker. It can make everything from frozen yogurt and spft serve ice cream to frozen custard to sorbet, gelato, and milk shakes. And since you can control the ingredients, you can make the treats as healthy or as decadent as desired. In addition, three's an option to scoop the treats out of the container (on the right side of the machine) or dispense single servings into ice cream cones (on the left side of the machine). Photo courtesy of The Nebula X1 Triple Laser 4K Projector will allow you to compete with your local movie theatre. The 4K projector has 3,500 ANSI lumens, and the ultra-high contrast performance (5,000:1 native contrast, 56,000:1 dynamic contrast) lets you see every shade of darkness. Google TV provides access to Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, and more. The projector includes Dolby Audio, 40 watts of sound, 55 Hz of bass, and 87dB of loudness for clear, realistic, and immersive sound. Photo courtesy of You'll be the mixologist in chief with the Bartesian Cocktail Making Machine. Merely insert a capsule, select a strength, and then press a button to create a cocktail, such as a martini, daiquiri, and more in just a few seconds. The capsules are sold separately, and some of the many capsules include strawberry lemon drop, blueberry lemon drop, 19th hole, cupid's arrow, Manhattan, blackberry margarita, espresso martini, passion fruit margarita, Long Island iced tea, and more. Photos courtesy of Keep the party going with the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 Portable Speaker. The Bluetooth speaker is waterproof – and can actually float on water. It has a 24-hour battery life, provides 360-degree bass, and is available in several colors. Another option is the Klipsch Detroit Portable Speaker, which has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, and the removable strap makes it easy to transport. With a built-in microphone, you can also pause the music and take phone calls. Photo courtesy of Quickly prepare food for your guests with the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven and Grill. The large capacity interior can air fry up to 3 pounds of food, bake a 12' pizza, and more. It can roast, toast, bake, air fry, grill, broil, and keep food warm until your guests are ready to eat. Photos courtesy of Keep a breeze going outdoors with a high-powered portable fan. The Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool Mist Attachment is designed to adjust in height from a tabletop to a pedestal fan. It can be used corded or cordless (20 hours), and the misting attachment can keep you up to 10 degrees cooler. If you prefer a tower fan, the Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S can cool guests up to 27 feet away, and has 12 speeds. It's a quiet fan that can be controlled via your smartphone or you can use voice control. Photo courtesy of Your adult guests will enjoy sampling the Laithwaite's Grilling & Chilling Wine Collection, which includes rich BBQ reds and cool whites. Some of the choices in the collection are a 93-point Cabernet, gold-medal Rhône red, and more rich reds to drink with grilled treats. Guests can also enjoy 92-point New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a vibrant Italian white blend. and more. Photo courtesy of For karaoke, the Soundcore Rave 3S AI Karaoke Party Speaker helps guests loosen up. The 200 watt speaker has dynamic lights that sync with the music. Two wireless microphones let your guests sing duets as well. Also, the AI removal feature can remove the original vocals from any song selected from an app. Photo courtesy of You may prefer to engage in indoor grilling and then take the food outside. The Hammacher Schlemmer BBQ Grill Pan evenly distributes heat and reduces cooking time by up to 20%. It has a nonstock surface and is oven safe to 500 degrees F - and also dishwasher safe. Photo courtesy of Guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks will enjoy Ghia Apertif Non-Alcoholic Drinks. Free from alcohol, added sugar, caffeine, and artificial flavors, some of the options include Ghia-Ginger, Ghia Soda (citrusy and earthy), Sumac and Chili, and Lime and Salt. Photo courtesy of If you prefer to serve ready-made ice cream to your guests, pints of McConnell's Fine Ice Cream are sure to please, Some of the many flavors include Mint Cookies & Cream, Cookie Butter, Orange Cream Sherbet, Strawberries and Shortbread Cookies, Coffee with Molasses Chips, and Dark Chocolate Sorbet. The company also sells gigantic cookies.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Times When Spending Extra To Save Time Is Worth It, According to Rachel Cruze
Doing things yourself to save cash makes sense when you're on a tight budget or working on goals like paying off debt. But if your financial situation supports it, having someone else do the work can give you more time to do enjoyable things like exercise or visit loved ones, and reduce your stress. In a recent YouTube video, personal finance expert Rachel Cruze discussed four times she's found it worth spending extra to save time and have more balance. She recommended considering these ideas once you're debt-free with emergency savings. Cruze said hiring a house cleaner is great for reclaiming time, especially if you've got a busy schedule. She started with a monthly service and eventually moved to a weekly cleaning once her budget allowed for it. According to Angi, you can expect to pay about $25 to $80 an hour for a house cleaner, depending on your house's features and the level of cleaning. You might get a better deal if you set up more frequent cleanings or work with an individual cleaner. While the cost might seem high, not needing to buy certain cleaning equipment and supplies anymore can help offset the expense. There's also the satisfaction of having a clean home. Cruze discussed how ditching the lawn mower and hiring a professional gave her husband more time to enjoy Sundays with the family. She said, 'He still will do stuff for sure in the yard himself because he just likes it, but to get his time and energy back, it's worth it.' Besides saving yourself from doing a tiring outdoor chore, you wouldn't have to worry about maintaining a mower or buying fuel. Plus, using a professional can pay off when a nice lawn improves your home's curb appeal and market value. Angi noted that Americans pay $123 on average for a lawn mowing visit, with yard size playing a major role. Try getting quotes from local landscaping companies and checking service marketplaces like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit, which might be cheaper. While you might already pay for child care when you're working, Cruze said it was nice to have someone watch the kids occasionally at other times. You could use that time to run errands, go out with your partner or simply relax. A few options include hiring a babysitter, using a drop-in care center or sending your kids to special day programs. Consider your budget since care costs widely vary. The 2025 Cost of Care Survey found that parents paid $21.07 an hour on average for an after-school babysitter. However, your location, the care arrangement and other factors will affect the cost. Don't just go with the cheapest care option. Carefully vet any person or care center so that you know your kids will be safe. You can also ask your loved ones for trusted child care recommendations. Cruze said, 'This is one that I started during COVID, and I was using Instacart to do all my grocery deliveries.' While she's enjoyed saving time and avoiding stressful Costco runs, Cruze explained that cost concerns have led her to use delivery services less often. After all, you're not only paying for delivery or subscription fees, but you also must account for tips and potentially higher prices. To save some money, consider ordering directly from stores like Walmart and Kroger, which mentioned they don't mark up prices online, and look for deals and coupons. You can also compare service fees and check about promotions that waive fees on orders above a certain amount. More From GOBankingRates Here's How Much Cars Made in the US Cost Compared to Mexico, Canada and China I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money 4 Grocery Items To Buy Now Before Tariffs Raise Prices This Summer The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing Sources Rachel Cruze (YouTube channel), 'When Spending Extra to Save Time Is 100% Worth It' Angi, 'How Much Does Professional House Cleaning Cost? [2025 Data]' Angi, 'What Are the Average Prices for Mowing Lawns? [2025 Data]' 'How much to charge for babysitting' This article originally appeared on 4 Times When Spending Extra To Save Time Is Worth It, According to Rachel Cruze
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 Home Renovations That Are Worth Every Penny in 2025
While not every home improvement project puts a smile on homeowners' faces, data now shows that joy-first renovations are absolutely worth the money. Find Out: Discover More: These key findings come from a recent data report from Thumbtack, the app that helps millions care for their homes, polling more than 1,000 American homeowners. In this report, 84% of homeowners polled said they are choosing joy-first renovations in 2025, even if these renovations don't add a dime to their home's resale value. See which renovations, and the average job value, are worth every penny for homes. +22% home enjoyment Average job value: $2,152 See More: Trending Now: +20% home enjoyment Average job value: $3,388 Be Aware: +16% home enjoyment Average job value: $1,782 – $13,239 +17% home enjoyment Average job value: $589 +16% home enjoyment Average job value: $10,378 More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs 5 Little-Known Ways to Make Summer Travel More Affordable The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 Source Thumbtack, 'More Than Money: The Rise of Joy-Driven Renovations.' This article originally appeared on 5 Home Renovations That Are Worth Every Penny in 2025
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ramit Sethi: 5 Steps To Build a 12-Month Emergency Fund Fast
Building an emergency fund doesn't have to take years. If you don't currently have one, or the one you have isn't sufficiently funded, personal finance expert Ramit Sethi has some advice to help you change that. Warren Buffett: Find Out: In April, he posted several steps on X to quickly build a 12-month emergency fund. Here's a look at five of those steps, which can allow you to have the security of an emergency fund much faster than you might imagine. Sethi recommended eliminating as much non-essential spending as possible, and doing so fast to redirect this money where it's needed most right now — i.e., your emergency fund. A few suggestions to do this include reducing energy costs, finding ways to reduce impulse purchases, negotiating rates with service providers, buying secondhand, seeking out free entertainment, looking for sales, canceling unused subscriptions, cooking at home, shopping your insurance coverage and taking on an accountability buddy, according to Fidelity. Learn More: Whether you're planning to buy a new car, renovate your home or move, Sethi said now isn't the time to do so. 'I would avoid major new expenses, which always come with phantom costs,' he posted. In March, the average cost of a new vehicle was $47,462, according to Kelley Blue Book. Also pricey, the average cost of a local move is $1,250, rising to a range of $1,123 to $14,104 for a long-distance move, according to Clearly, putting a major purchase off for a year or two can fast-track your emergency fund savings. It might not be easy, or even possible, to completely avoid some of your standard expenses. However, Sethi advised finding creative ways to save money on these necessities. For example, he said extending personal care timetables by a month can save you hundreds of dollars per year. This adds up, as the average cost of a haircut is $35 to $150 (or more), and an additional $65 to $200 for highlights, according to Thumbtack. Wanting to pay off all of your debts is admirable. However, if you don't have a 12-month emergency fund, Sethi said to consider stopping the extra payments on high-interest debt right now and putting that money toward savings. Another thing to ponder, paying off a loan early could temporarily lower your credit score. Depending on the terms of your loan, you might also face prepayment penalties. Typically, personal finance experts don't recommend saving less for retirement. Serving as an exception to this rule, Sethi said it can make sense if you're in a particularly precarious situation — i.e., a single-income family where you wouldn't have enough saved to cover expenses if you were laid off. Do note, he didn't advise temporarily halting retirement contributions altogether. Instead, he recommended saving less, but still contributing enough to get a full employer match (if your company offers this benefit). For example, if your employer matches contributions up to 3% and you're currently saving 10%, you might lower your contribution amount to 3% for a few months. If you're earning $3,000 per paycheck, you'd (temporarily) reduce your savings from $300 per pay period to $90. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Sources Ramit Sethi (X @ramit) Fidelity, '10 ways to cut expenses by 10%' Kelley Blue Book, 'Kelley Blue Book Report: New-Vehicle Prices Hold Steady in March As Sales Increase Ahead of Anticipated Tariff-Driven Price Hikes' 'Moving Cost Calculator for Moving Estimates' Thumbtack, 'Hair Stylists on Thumbtack cost' Space Coast Credit Union, 'Does Paying Off Loans Early Hurt Your Credit?' This article originally appeared on Ramit Sethi: 5 Steps To Build a 12-Month Emergency Fund Fast
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Booming Job Market For Skilled Tradespersons
Young woman cutting iron bar in a workshop. The skilled trades sector in the United States is experiencing a renaissance. It's fueled by massive infrastructure investments, a shift toward green energy, and a critical shortage of qualified workers. With over a million unfilled trade jobs and salaries on the rise, skilled tradespersons are not just in demand. They're the backbone of America's future. Skilled trades, encompassing roles like electricians, plumbers, welders, and renewable energy technicians are vital to the US economy. Federal initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are driving job creation, with an estimated 345,000 new trade jobs expected to peak around 2027–28. Meanwhile, the green energy revolution and technological advancements are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for those with the right skills. Yet, the industry faces a paradox: high demand meets low supply. Over a million trade jobs remain unfilled, including 500,000 in manufacturing alone. An aging workforce, with five tradespersons retiring for every two replacements, combined with a cultural bias toward college degrees over vocational training, has created a persistent skills gap. This created rising wages. Skilled trades are uniquely positioned for the future. Unlike many sectors, trades are largely automation-proof, requiring hands-on expertise that machines can't replicate. The green energy boom ensures long-term relevance, with roles in solar, wind, and energy-efficient systems leading the way. Meanwhile, technology integration such as robotics, or smart systems creates new specializations, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. 'There's never been a better time to enter the trades, and as a generation shaped by the pandemic and gig economy, Gen-Z are uniquely suited to a profession that offers flexibility and independence,' said Marco Zappacosta, CEO and cofounder of Thumbtack. 'With a lower barrier to entry than in the past and incredible demand for people to fill these roles, expertise in the trades is a future-proof career.' Due to skills gaps, there is an expected shortage of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2030. Therefore, manufacturers are actively trying to attract Gen-Z workers to fill these roles, but they are currently facing labor challenges, as manufacturers are filling only six out of 10 job openings, according to an analysis by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Women's labor participation in the skilled trades reached its highest level ever in 2021 (314,000), increasing by almost one-third in five years, according to the United States Department of Labor. The number of female apprentices more than doubled from 2014 to 2022, comprising 14% of total apprentices in the U.S. compared to 9.4% in in-demand jobs offer high wages, attractive benefits, including pension plans, and opportunities for advancement. The construction industry poses one of the labor force's smallest gender pay gaps, as union representation provides standard salary packages. The numbers tell a compelling story. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4–60% growth in skilled trades through 2033, with some roles like solar photovoltaic installers (48% growth) and wind turbine technicians (60% growth) leading the charge. This demand is driven by billions in federal funding fueling construction and energy projects. The push for renewable energy and energy-efficient systems is creating new roles. Smart homes, EV infrastructure, and automation require specialized skills. However, challenges persist. The workforce is aging out, with retirements outpacing new entrants. Recruitment struggles are compounded by a stigma around trade careers and a lack of vocational training in schools. Despite these hurdles, the market rewards those who enter: trades offer competitive salaries (e.g., $61,000+ for electricians) and resilience against automation, with 90% of tradespeople reporting high job satisfaction. The skilled trades market in 2025 is diverse, with opportunities across traditional and emerging roles. Fueled by renewable energy, EV charging stations, and smart home systems, electricians face a 6% growth rate through 2032. Average salaries exceed $61,000. Urban expansion and water conservation technologies drive 6% growth, with strong demand in residential and commercial projects. Energy-efficient systems and smart technologies require advanced skills, making HVAC a high-demand field. Critical for infrastructure and energy projects, welders face nationwide shortages, ensuring job security. Solar and wind technicians are the stars of the green revolution, with explosive growth rates of 48% and 60%, respectively. A study from Angi, the online home improvement company, shows growth in job satisfaction for skilled trades workers. The Skilled Trades in America Report also explores the impact of artificial intelligence, the labor shortage and solutions to attract new talent to the trades. In this current environment, workers fear becoming obsolete due, in part, to the advancement of AI. Skilled tradespeople perceive their jobs to be relatively AI-resistant.
