Nafeesah Allen

Homeownership is a dream for many people, but it takes a lot of hard work. These tips for first-time homebuyers can help make the process more manageable and help you focus on finding your perfect home.
1. Get Your Finances in Order
Buying a home is a major financial commitment. The most common home loan is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, so it's important to be financially prepared for this long-term relationship. The type of loan and lending terms determine your down payment, which can ran...

The Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation Health System Tracker estimates the average cost of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for Americans with insurance is $18,865. Nearly $3,000 of that is paid for out of pocket1 even if you have health insurance.
While every baby is different, the cost of giving birth in the United States is consistently high. Shouldering that cost can be a challenge for many families, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured, but knowing what expenses to...

Here’s a look at Murphy beds and why they might be just the space-saving sleep solution your home needs.
In This Article
Usable space is a precious commodity in any home. This is why innovative and multi-functional furniture solutions are worth their weight in gold. Hence, why the Murphy bed is making a much-needed comeback. When not in use, this timeless invention is designed to fold away seamlessly into a wall or cabinet. It is a versatile and space-saving alternative to traditional beds. W...

Get rid of dust before it accumulates.
Dust is a common household problem that we deal with daily, despite regular cleaning. Excessive dust is unsightly and can cause allergies, asthmatic attacks, and other health issues. Plus, dust is made of pretty yucky stuff: dead skin cells, pet dander, dirt, and clothing fiber, among other things. However, the amount of dust accumulating in your home depends on various factors, including the season, how many people live in your home, the types of pets y...

It's easy to overlook your landscape when budgeting for home maintenance and renovation projects. Yet this summer is bound to yield an abundance of backyard BBQs and other outdoor entertaining, ensuring that landscaping is a line item on your home improvement to-do list (and budget). Costs can quickly add up for outdoor projects, but with a little preparation, you can keep expenses down and really make every penny count. Here are some affordable landscaping tips and tricks from experienced pr...

Here’s everything you need to know about deck skirting and if it is worthwhile for your home.
Whether you are designing your dream deck or merely seeking to update your existing deck, deck skirting is something you may consider. It’s not an absolute necessity, but there are lots of reasons why you might benefit from the extra storage, sleek aesthetic, and animal deterrent. Here’s what you need to know about deck skirting to decide if it’s right for your home.
What Is Deck Skirting?
Deck skirt...

Composite lumber is popular for any backyard living space. When used on a deck, composite decking is low-maintenance, durable, and eco-friendly. This manufactured material comes in a wide variety of materials and finishes to suit any home design. Timber and decking experts break down the benefits, average costs, cleaning, and maintenance considerations for anyone thinking of making a switch to composite decking.
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made of artificial materials rath...

Wondering if the garbage disposal can handle eggshells or chicken bones? Before you find out the hard way, check out this list of items to avoid putting down your drain.
A garbage disposal is an electronic device fitted to the underside of a kitchen sink. It uses blades to grind food waste into pieces small enough to be carried away in the plumbing system. It is a clean, fast, eco-friendly way to get rid of your kitchen waste, as food goes into the water system and not a landfill.
While thing...

This housekeeping duty only requires five simple steps.
A dishwasher is one of the most time-saving appliances in your kitchen, especially if you have a large family or a knack for entertaining. But are you using it correctly? Piling dirty dishes into the appliance straight from the table can be a recipe for disaster. Not only can the machine malfunction, but water spots and grime might make an appearance on dishes and cutlery.
Each model is different, so what works for some dishwashers might...

Dishwashers are a modern convenience and the ultimate kitchen assistant. They cut down time spent with your hands in soapy water after meals, which is especially helpful if you have a large family or a healthy hosting calendar.
However, dishwashers don't last forever. They require routine cleaning, break down on occasion, and need repairs from time to time. Experts say that to extend your dishwasher’s lifespan, there are a few small tweaks that can make all the difference. But watch out for s...

Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. is a multi-lingual author, independent researcher, and content strategist who contributes to various national publications. She has over fifteen years of experience in government communications, editorial, crisis response, and team-building roles on four continents. As a global real estate investor, she absolutely loves everything from scouting deals, to underwriting, and interior design. In her stories, she shares perspectives from diverse investors, owners, renters, and designers who know the housing market from a variety of different angles.

Infertility challenges can arise for anyone, but recent research has suggested a disparity between Black and White birthing people when it comes access to information, testing, and care.
According to a study published in Contraceptive and Reproductive Medicine, 15% of White women between ages 25 and 44 seek infertility treatment, whereas only 8% of Black women in the same age range seek treatment.1 While there are many reasons for these discrepancies, a report from the American Medical Associ...

When it comes to giving birth, many people assume that having a baby in the hospital is the best or only option. And while hospital births are extremely common, they may not be right for everyone.
Enter birth centers and other delivery alternatives. While hospitals might be the obvious choice for some parents-to-be, others may want a more intimate setting for their delivery. Birthing centers tend to be led by trained midwives, who take fewer patients than typically found in hospitals. As a re...

When it comes to having savings for long-term planning or for emergencies, not everyone has a plethora of funds on reserve.
A 2021 Federal Reserve report revealed that, if faced with an unexpected expense of $400, close to 15% of Americans surveyed said they would put it on a credit card, 9% would borrow from a friend or family member, and 12% would not be able to pay for the expense right now at all.1 With inflation on the rise, making any purchase, much less saving for your child’s educatio...