The season for pool parties, block parties and friendly barbecues is here.

Are you planning a fun summer BBQ or get-together this year? Here’s how to make it a great one:

• Keep it cool. Stock up on fans, fill up coolers with cold drinks, and crank up the A/C. Clean the pool if you have one.
• Prep for bugs. Bugs can kill a party’s vibe instantly. Invest in bug zappers, citronella candles and a few cans of bug spray.
• Have options. Burgers and hot dogs are always a solid choice, but make sure to have a few options for vegetarians, vegans and kiddos, too.

Cheers to a great party!

It’s never too early to create your household’s emergency plan.

Here’s how to do it:

• Give each family member a responsibility.
• Designate a safe spot or central meeting location in case you get separated.
• Outline emergency contacts and phone numbers.
• Create and practice an evacuation route.
• Stock up on non-perishable food, water bottles, flashlights and batteries.
• Pack a “go bag” for each member of the household.
• Make a plan for your pets.

You may also want to invest in walkie talkies for each family member. During regional emergencies and disasters, cell phone and Wi-Fi service is often spotty or even non-existent.

It’s home-buying’s busiest season of the year, and today’s buyers are more discerning than ever.

What are 2019 home buyers on the hunt for? They want:

• Large, open kitchens with islands and bar seating
• Classic, easy-to-clean wood and laminate flooring
• Durable quartz and marble countertops
• Spacious closets and plenty of storage space
• Stainless steel or all black appliances
• White, grey or light-colored cabinetry
• Cover front and back patios, decks and other outdoor areas for entertaining

Many of these items make for easy, affordable DIY projects. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, you might think about a quick renovation or two to add value before listing the property.

As the temperature rises, so do our energy bills.

Don’t want to deal with sky-high A/C costs this summer? Here’s how to cut back:

• Buy a smart thermostat. These help you pre-program temperatures and save on energy when you’re not in the home.
• Block air leaks. If air is getting out around your windows, doors or attic, it means higher A/C usage (and higher energy bills).
• Clean your A/C system. Clear away debris from the unit, dust off intake vents and replace your filters regularly.

Have quality drapes and blinds in place, too. This will keep sunlight from heating up your home, increasing your need for A/C.

We might love the hot, summer sun, but our lawns? That’s another story. Here’s how to keep your yard healthy and prevent dried-out grass this summer:

1. Leave the grass longer. Mow regularly, but don’t cut too short. Longer grass holds in moisture and shade better.
2. Water early in the day or late at night. Watering in times of high heat or sunlight will cause the moisture to evaporate.
3. Aerate often. If you have a small lawn, poke small holes with a garden fork to give the grass plenty of oxygen. For larger lawns, you could rent an aerator machine from your local hardware store

If you have a sprinkler system, schedule at least two waterings per week, ideally before 6 a.m.

Homeowner’s insurance is necessary to protect our properties, our belongings and our loved ones. But does that mean we should break the bank buying it?

Definitely not. Here’s how to make your homeowner’s insurance just a little more affordable:

• Shop around. You don’t have to go with the first quote you get.
• Consider bundling. Bundling your homeowner’s insurance with your car or life insurance may qualify you for a discount.
• Consider job-related discounts. If you’re a teacher, public servant or first responder, there may be discounts you’re eligible for.

Make sure to ask your agent for insurance recommendations. They may know local vendors who can offer you a great deal.

Furnishing your new home doesn’t have to break the bank.

Use these tips to find great pieces that won’t run you dry:

• Watch for garage and local estate sales. Your city’s newspaper is a great place to start.
• Use the NextDoor app and Facebook marketplace. Neighbors may be selling items just down the street.
• Hit up thrift stores and consignment shops. These are especially great for finding art and decor.
• Know your area’s bulk trash day. Drive the neighborhood on bulk trash day to find any discarded furniture that could be rehabilitated.

You can also ask friends, family members and coworkers if they have unused furniture they’d part with.

Tiring of your years-old decor, but don’t have a lot of time to shop, paint or redesign it all?

Here are some fast, no-hassle ways to change up your space:

• Get new pillows and throw blankets. Add a few colorful or patterned pillows and transform your old furniture instantly.
• Rearrange. Move furniture from room to room and floor to floor, creating entirely new looks throughout.
• Try peel and stick. There are peel-and-stick options for everything. Use them to quickly re-face cabinets, appliances, counters and doors—even walls.

Interior design doesn’t have to be a huge investment of time and money. Get creative, re-use what you already have, and enjoy the ride.

Furnishing your new home doesn’t have to break the bank.

Use these tips to find great pieces that won’t run you dry:

• Watch for garage and local estate sales. Your city’s newspaper is a great place to start.
• Use the NextDoor app and Facebook marketplace. Neighbors may be selling items just down the street.
• Hit up thrift stores and consignment shops. These are especially great for finding art and decor.
• Know your area’s bulk trash day. Drive the neighborhood on bulk trash day to find any discarded furniture that could be rehabilitated.

You can also ask friends, family members and coworkers if they have unused furniture they’d part with.

Keeping your house neat and tidy is one of the hardest parts of selling — especially if you have kids or pets.

Here’s how to make things easier:

• Invest in storage bins. When a showing comes up, throw everything from the floor, counters and tables into the bins and stow them in a closet.
• Use a robot vacuum. Turn it on as you leave the property, and the floor will be spick and span by the time buyers arrive.
• Declare some rooms off limits. Keep some rooms closed off to limit messes.

If you anticipate substantial interest in your home, you could also stay at a friend’s house or rent a hotel room until showings are over.