How to boost your savings: Smart strategies to save with intention powered by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog

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How to boost your savings: Smart strategies to save with intention

(BPT) - Savings can help meet unexpected expenses, fund short-term spending goals and protect against unanticipated life events. At the same time, leaving too much of your money uninvested can jeopardize long-term financial goals like retirement. Set a goal to be more intentional with your savings by getting clear on your savings goals, ensuring your savings earn a competitive return and putting excess cash to work for your long-term financial goals.

Set savings goals

To determine your personal savings goals, consider your ability to withstand savings shocks and potential income loss, as well as any short-term spending goals such as buying a car or taking a vacation.

• Step 1: Start by ensuring you have a buffer for unexpected expenses. Aim to have at least $2,000 or about half a month's household expenses, whichever is greater, set aside in a cash savings account. If you've navigated any changes in the last year that impact your income or spending, it's also worthwhile to revisit that emergency savings goal.
• Step 2: You might also have additional short-term financial goals. Perhaps you're planning a home renovation or saving up for a wedding. Money to fund these goals that are a year or two away probably shouldn't be exposed to much risk of loss and may be best kept in a cash savings account.
• Step 3: Think about building a more substantial financial safety net that can cover three-to-six months of living expenses. This fund will help you manage financial disruptions, such as job loss or other longer-term income interruptions. This fund might also be used to help with longer-term goals like retirement savings, but such money, however it is invested, should be easily accessible if needed to bridge periods of income loss. Certain accounts like a 401(k) or traditional IRA with limited ability for early withdrawals likely won't be the best homes for these funds.

Get specific about why you're saving and create an action plan. Start small and build. Saving something is better than not saving at all, especially when saving in an account with a competitive yield. Yield, or annual competitive yield (APY), indicates how much interest or return you can expect to earn on your savings in a given account over a year. Put simply, the higher the APY, the more your savings can grow.

Earn what you deserve

Many Americans aren't getting the return they deserve on their savings. Whether you're just starting to set aside funds for an emergency or you already have substantial cash saved, make sure you know how much that cash is "earning." Saving with intention means selecting the best savings vehicle for your personal savings goals. Consider whether you value FDIC insurance, ease of money movement or if you're simply looking for the highest return on your savings.

Letting your money sit in an average bank savings account might mean your money doesn't have much chance to grow. The average bank savings account yield as of Dec. 16, 2024, was 0.42% according to the FDIC National Rate and Rate Caps. That means for each $100 you save you'll earn 42 cents annually. Compare this to a higher yielding account like Vanguard's Cash Plus Account, which offers a sweep program currently yielding 3.65% APY effective Jan. 6, 2025.*

The cash you keep easily accessible does not need to sit idly on the sidelines. It can work for you in a high-yielding account. Keeping your hard-earned money in a low-yielding account could mean leaving money for short- and long-term goals on the table.

Build on your savings foundation

A well-funded emergency savings account can prevent you from taking on high-interest debt, tapping into a retirement account or turning to other sources that could slow your long-term financial progress.

While crucial for funding short-term financial goals, an intentional savings plan can also create the foundation for a longer-term financial plan. Once you have a solid savings plan in place, consider whether you can move excess cash — beyond the amount needed to meet your identified savings goals — into higher-earning-potential asset classes like stocks and bonds for long-term goals like retirement.

When you're intentional about your savings goal and seeking out the best home for your savings, even the cash you choose to keep more readily accessible, outside of stock and bond investments, has the opportunity to grow.

Whether your savings goal is to start your first rainy-day fund or shop around for higher returns on your well-funded piggybank, ensure you have clear goals and a plan for reaching them.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

*The APY will vary and may change at any time. APY is current as of date of publication. Current APY is available at vanguard.com.

The Vanguard Cash Plus Account is a brokerage account offered by Vanguard Brokerage Services, a division of Vanguard Marketing Corporation, member FINRA and SIPC. Under the Sweep Program, Eligible Balances swept to Program Banks are not securities: They are not covered by SIPC but are eligible for FDIC insurance, subject to applicable limits. Money market funds held in the account are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC but are securities eligible for SIPC coverage. See the Vanguard Bank Sweep Products Terms of Use and Program Bank list on vanguard.com for more information.

There may be other differences between these products that must be considered prior to investing.

© 2025 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Closing the Tech Gap: Empowering Women Through Upskilling and Mentorship powered by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog

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Closing the Tech Gap: Empowering Women Through Upskilling and Mentorship

(BPT) - In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, the underrepresentation of women in tech remains a pressing challenge. This Women's History Month, with the theme "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," celebrates women who have paved the way for education, mentorship and leadership, while recognizing the need to inspire and prepare the next generation of female leaders to thrive in technology fields.

DeVry University is committed to bridging the gap between education and career readiness, a mission that embraces empowering all learners including women to break barriers in technology. Through initiatives like the Women+Tech Scholars Program and HerWorld, DeVry provides resources such as mentorship, scholarships and hands-on experiences to help women and girls succeed in digital fields. These efforts align with the need to address the talent gap in tech that exists in the United States.

Scarlett Howery, Vice President of Public Workforce Solutions at DeVry, is a passionate advocate for creating pathways to success for adult learners. A first-generation college graduate with an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and nearly 20 years of experience at DeVry, she leads innovative programs and partnerships designed to prepare students for the workforce.

In this interview, Scarlett shares her insights on the current state of women in technology and how higher education can play a pivotal role in supporting women's aspirations in this field.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

It's a time to honor and celebrate the women who have made an impact and to renew our commitment to empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

According to the Women in Tech Network, women make up just 35% of STEM employees in the U.S., and as of 2025, only 8-9% hold leadership roles. How do you view the progress women have achieved in technology fields, and what steps are still needed to drive further change?

While women in STEM have made incredible strides, bringing unique perspectives and trailblazing innovations in their fields, the data highlights the persistent challenges they face, particularly in leadership roles. Women bring diverse skills and unmatched curiosity to technology, but we need to continue creating pathways that support their growth—ensuring not only equitable representation but also leadership opportunities that recognize their invaluable contributions to the industry.

DeVry's own research Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era revealed significant gender disparities in perceptions and understanding of AI. For example, men are over 50% more likely than women to believe AI will open career opportunities, and while 55% men rate their AI skills as intermediate or higher, only 41% of women feel the same. What do these findings reveal about the challenges women face in technology, and how can we address them?

The data underscores a critical challenge. While AI continues to shape the future of work, women are at risk of being left behind without targeted support to close those gaps in understanding and skill development. This highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways for them to upskill in AI and other emerging technologies. Women bring essential perspectives to the workplace and tech industry, and by empowering them with the right training, we can not only help them thrive in this evolving landscape but also ensure their contributions shape the future of technology. Programs like those offered at DeVry are designed to provide accessible, career-focused education tailored to meet the needs of working adults.

How does DeVry's HerWorld program inspire girls to explore technology?

I am extremely passionate about this initiative because it's never too early to spark interest in STEM. HerWorld engages middle-school girls through community outreach and interactive workshops. We empower young students to envision themselves as future leaders and innovators by nurturing curiosity and sharing real-world experiences of women in STEM. In fact, this month we are hosting a HerWorld event in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois.

What resources are offered in DeVry's Women+Tech Scholars Program?

This program is designed to support and empower women pursuing tech careers. Whether it's connecting with mentors and building your professional network, accessing internships and job opportunities or scholarships to help fund an education, this program offers the tools and community to thrive in a tech career. As a result, we have seen tangible growing interest in women learners enrolling in tech programs. To date, women account for 31.33% of the College of Engineering and Information Science students, up from 27.77%, signifying that hundreds of women are taking the leap into tech careers.

What advice do you have for women pursuing technology careers?

Don't let outdated perceptions hold you back. You can achieve your goals in technology with determination and a passion for learning. Many women have paved the way—now it's your turn to break barriers and shape the future. Keep pushing forward and remember that every step you take brings you closer to making an impact in this exciting field and beyond.

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Half of Americans feel more comfortable using AI in their finances now, compared to a year ago powered by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog

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Half of Americans feel more comfortable using AI in their finances now, compared to a year ago

(BPT) - New research from Empower explores how Americans are seeing the "AI Advantage" with nearly half of Americans (47%) feeling more comfortable using the tool in their financial lives compared to a year ago.

Some 56% of people say they would use AI to recommend money moves to plan for retirement, provide tips to consolidate debt (58%), and help with budgeting (54%).

Importantly, 62% of Americans value the human component of financial advice, especially for significant financial decisions like investing. Many Americans see AI as a powerful tool to complement human expertise in financial decision-making: 61% say they would use AI alongside human financial advisors to achieve better results.

AI at work

AI is becoming a regular part of the modern workplace, with 58% of Americans currently using AI tools in some capacity while on the job. Among these users, 60% rely on AI mainly for writing and other content-generation tasks. While AI adoption is growing, more than a third (34%) say they do not use AI at work. Others are uncertain about their company's policy on AI usage at the office (38%).

AI is indispensable for some — 28% of Americans, including 29% of Millennials and 27% of Gen Z, can't imagine working without these tools. But there is hesitation around adoption: Only 15% of Americans have received AI-specific training at work, and 14% avoid AI altogether due to fears it may one day replace their job.

Gen Z employees are leveraging AI to support their professional growth and workplace readiness: Over half of them (52%) use AI tools to build or edit their resumes, streamlining the job application process. Nearly half of Gen Zers (47%) use AI to prepare for important presentations, while 43% rely on it to practice for job interviews.

Methodology

The Empower "AI Advantage" study is based on online survey responses from 1,009 Americans ages 18+ fielded in December 2024.

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Retiring well: 68% of Americans say it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy powered by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog

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Retiring well: 68% of Americans say it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy

(BPT) - What makes for retiring well? For most Americans, it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research.

Big and little joys

Most agree satisfaction in retirement includes the ability to pay bills on time and in full (68%) and living debt-free (63%) — including owning a home outright (55%). Some 42% of people say it comes down to experiences, like the ability to travel the world, and to give back by volunteering (25%).

Everything in its time

Having a clear timeline brings peace of mind for many — 66% say they have a goal retirement age in mind, including 73% of men and 61% of women.

Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) have savings milestones to reach before retirement — goals that they're striving for — including setting aside funds for emergencies (57%), travel (33%) and leisure activities like starting a new hobby (32%). About the same number (68%) say their happiness in retirement depends most on reaching their retirement savings goal. Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%).

Travel and leisure

When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire.

Some 37% prioritize proximity to family and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it's more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists — 23% describe their current location as their happy place.

Many see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement.

Methodology

Empower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024.

RO4157537-0125

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The time is now: What schools need to bolster waning math education powered by Bigdoggpinc Informer

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The time is now: What schools need to bolster waning math education

(BPT) - The latest release of the Nation's Report Card (also referred to as the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP) include extremely concerning results. According to the report card for grades 4 and 8, there was no measurable change in mathematics scores in all locales compared to 2022. This data highlights significant ongoing challenges in student math achievement — challenges that must be addressed by states, districts and schools to prepare students for workforce demands of tomorrow.

"NAEP scores are a clear reflection of the challenges our education system is facing, with widening gaps between high-performing and low-performing students. The most vulnerable students are falling further behind, and this trend cannot continue," said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, board member of the National Assessment Governing Board.

How students score in mathematics is not only crucial for fields related to math, but for their overall success; recent research shows math scores are closely tied to salary at age 30, regardless of a student's background.

"Business and industry leaders across our region, and the nation, are seeking applicants with strong math, reasoning and data analysis skills," said Jack McDougle, president and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade. "Both a child's potential for success and the future health of our workforce are dependent on equipping students with the skills that math helps form and strengthen."

Call to action

The NAEP results have spurred the Collaborative for Student Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and amplifying policies making a difference for students and families, to take immediate action.

"Every time our nation is faced with low results on the NAEP exam, we express shock and dismay at the state of math education in our country," said Jim Cowen, Executive Director of the Collaborative for Student Success. "But 48 hours later, the headlines fade, and little changes. This time must be different. Let's commit to concrete action to improve math achievement for all students."

Their call to action is joined by 28 organizations representing educators, business leaders and parents who are united in urging state and district leaders to implement policies that will improve math achievement for all students.

The importance of accurate assessments

Assessments like the Nation's Report Card provide useful data for schools and district leaders to understand where students stand on their path to success.

Advocates express concern that current changes in the U.S. Department of Education create the possibility of states no longer being held accountable to track and report on student progress through assessments. Bipartisan solutions are available to policymakers that help ensure all kids — especially those from under-resourced communities — have access to a high-quality math education.

Strategies for improving math education in the schools

The organizations are recommending six key strategies, backed by research and practice:

1. Expand access to high-quality instructional materials aligned to rigorous standards.

2. Provide educators with high-quality professional learning focused on effectively using instructional materials in the classroom.

3. Increase instructional time by extending learning opportunities before, during and after the school day.

4. Automatically enroll students into advanced math courses based on objective assessment results or other data.

5. Hold teacher preparation programs accountable for equipping teachers with the skills and content needed to succeed in math instruction.

6. Leverage math coaches at the school or district level to work closely with teachers to improve classroom practice and, ultimately, student math achievement.

"We also call upon local leaders to directly connect the math needs of our students to the workforce necessities of our communities," added Cowen. "There's no question that the more students that have a strong math education, the stronger our workforce will be."

Progress is possible — and already happening

The good news is many states across the country are proving that progress is within reach:

• Rhode Island and Mississippi have taken concrete steps to increase access to high-quality instructional materials in math.
• Texas, Washington and North Carolina have implemented automatic enrollment policies to ensure students are not overlooked for advanced math coursework.
• Arkansas and Massachusetts have strengthened teacher preparation programs, requiring higher standards for math instruction.
• Alabama and Colorado are offering programs and resources empowering teachers to improve instruction and extend learning beyond the classroom.

These success stories demonstrate that bipartisan action can yield real results. Now is the time for every state and district to follow their lead.

"The NAEP results are concerning — but we cannot let them be the final word. Instead, they should be the starting point for collective action," said Cowen. "Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to excel in math. It's time to move past the data and ensure that our collective actions speak louder than these numbers."

Learn more at EduProgress.org/math.

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Resolutions for Your Ride: Preventive Maintenance Tops the List powered by Bigdoggpinc

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Resolutions for Your Ride: Preventive Maintenance Tops the List

(BPT) - American drivers are turning over a new leaf when it comes to car care. Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index Survey highlights a renewed commitment to proactive vehicle maintenance and tire replacements, driven by a combined desire for increased preparedness and to protect long-term investments. With preventive maintenance leading 2025 driving vehicle resolutions, here are top goals when it comes to driving habits and priorities for the year ahead.

A Preventive Mindset Gains Traction

When it comes to New Year's resolutions behind the wheel, increasing preventive maintenance (29%) tops the list of drivers' 2025 car-related resolutions. This focus on proactive care underscores a growing awareness of the benefits, including reduced repair costs, enhanced vehicle safety, and longer car lifespans.

Generational differences, however, reveal varying priorities. Among Gen Z drivers, 26% place keeping their car interior clean at the top of their driving resolutions list, compared to just 18% who prioritize routine maintenance. This difference reflects how younger drivers may view their vehicles more as personal spaces and harbor a desire to keep it clean and comfortable.

Preparing for the Costs of Care

Though many resolve to increase preventive maintenance, only 1-in-4 drivers currently budget or save annually for car care expenses. Encouragingly, 18% plan to create a budget for the first time in 2025, signaling a shift toward financial preparedness.

Interestingly, older generations are less inclined to take a proactive approach to budgeting. Forty percent of Gen X drivers and 54% of Boomers say they don't have a car maintenance budget but try to prepare for unexpected costs, compared to 29% and 30% of Gen Z and Millennial drivers.

Tires Remain a Top Priority for Vehicle Maintenance

Tires continue to be a major focus for drivers looking at maintenance plans in 2025, with 65% expecting to replace one or more tires in the coming year. When looking at what prompts drivers to replace their tires, reasons vary:

• 28% of drivers replace tires when they see eroding tread, making it the leading cause across the board.
• 22% of drivers replace tires when they feel it is affecting the vehicle's handling, highlighting how performance concerns play a significant role in maintenance decisions.
• Mechanic or dealer recommendations drive 14% of replacements, particularly among older generations. Older drivers rely more heavily on professional advice, as 23% of Boomers replace tires based on a mechanic or dealer's recommendation, compared to 13% of Gen X, 13% of Gen Z, and just 8% of Millennials.

And drivers are prepared to pay when the time comes: 54% of drivers expect to spend up to $999 on new tires in 2025.

Routine Maintenance and Aftermarket Spending Trends

In addition to tires, 34% of drivers expect to spend $100-$499 on routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections in 2025. Meanwhile, a third (33%) of drivers anticipate spending over $1,000 on unexpected repairs, highlighting a perception that unplanned fixes can be more costly than routine maintenance. This contrast may help explain why preventive maintenance has become a higher priority for many drivers in 2025 as it's a proactive approach to avoid unexpected and potentially expensive repairs.

Meanwhile, aftermarket upgrades like custom wheels, paint jobs, or interior enhancements remain a niche investment, with 33% of drivers opting out entirely. Among those who invest in enhancements, Millennials lead the way in high-value aftermarket spending, with 16% planning to spend $1,000-$2,499. This interest highlights Millennial drivers' enthusiasm for personalization and style.

Key Takeaways for the 2025 Road

Hankook's findings reveal drivers are embracing greater responsibility for their vehicles' health. Drivers are showing a clear understanding that preventive maintenance, budgeting, and timely tire replacements are not just best practices but essential habits for safer, more efficient driving.

By making proactive car care a priority, drivers can reduce costly surprises and extend the lifespan of their vehicles. Tiremakers like Hankook are also stepping up to meet evolving consumer needs with products like the Weatherflex GT for year-round performance and the iON series for electric vehicles.

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3 Tips for Surviving Pothole Season powered by Bigdoggpinc

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3 Tips for Surviving Pothole Season

(BPT) - When the beauty of spring begins to blossom, roads often become ugly.

That's because early spring's freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc on road surfaces as conditions warm, opening up potholes that threaten even the toughest vehicles. Drivers celebrating the departure of icy conditions often find their safety just as threatened by the obstacle course that characterizes their daily commutes.

How can drivers avoid the damage inflicted by potholes and rough roads this time of year? Nokian Tyres, a tiremaker that offers a Pothole Protection program with many of its tires, offers a few tips. It's part of a campaign the company is hosting that invites drivers to vote for the Worst Roads in North America.

Embrace Pothole Protection

The first step to overcoming bad roads? Keeping a close eye on the only part of a vehicle that touches the road.

Some tires come with materials that help them resist punctures and blowouts. For instance, all of Nokian Tyres' all-season tires are infused with Aramid fibers — the same material used in bulletproof vests.

The lightweight fiber strengthens tires' sidewalls to help them stay strong when they encounter bumps in the road. And Nokian Tyres even offers a Pothole Protection warranty with its Aramid-infused products. If a tire suffers damage beyond repair from a pothole or road hazard, the company replaces it for free (within terms and conditions).

Other tiremakers are also experimenting with compounds and materials that help tires withstand rough roads. Drivers who live in pothole-prone areas should ask their tire dealers about tires that are designed to keep them safe.

Swap to the Right Tires

Not all types of tires are created equal. Drivers should make sure they're riding on a set engineered for the time of year in which they're driving.

Winter tires, which remain soft and responsive on frigid weather, aren't equipped to hold up consistently when temperatures warm. Their soft compounds are vulnerable to heat, and they tend to wear prematurely and unevenly in the spring and summer months, in addition to being more prone to damage. So, it's important for winter tire consumers to swap to all-season tires once conditions rise above 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).

Keep Tires in Working Order

Once the right tires are on the car, drivers need to make sure they're set up for safety.

That means inflating them to the recommended level, which drivers can find on the door jamb or in the owner's manual. Tires that are underinflated are more likely to rupture when they encounter road hazards. They're also less energy efficient.

Drivers should also inspect their tires monthly to ensure there is no visible damage or tread wear. And it's valuable to schedule an annual appointment with a local tire dealer, who can examine every aspect of the tires to ensure they're in good working order and don't need to be replaced.

Potholes can derail journeys and push tires to their breaking point. For more tips on avoiding damage from rough roads, drivers are invited to visit NokianTyres.com/Potholes. Between March 17 and 28, they can enter to win free tires with Pothole Protection by saying why they have the worst roads in North America.

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How to transform your kitchen into a holiday showstopper powered by Bigdoggpinc

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How to transform your kitchen into a holiday showstopper

(BPT) - Ready to transform your kitchen and impress your guests this holiday season? Just in time for the family feasts and celebrations, you can give your kitchen a stunning refresh with a simple DIY project — with no mess, minimal effort, and a look that will wow everyone.

Creating a beautiful new kitchen tile backsplash that will make a big impact is easier than you think, if you've got the right products to help you make it happen. Here's how you can get started:

Choose your backsplash tile

With so many options to choose from, it may help you to make a few basic choices before you head to a retailer or showroom so you don't get overwhelmed. For example, you might want to decide on your overall budget and where exactly you want your backsplash to go (such as how far up the wall). Then try to narrow down things like tile size and type of material you prefer (such as ceramic or porcelain), or whether you want tile with a glossy or matte finish. Measure the entire area that you plan to tile (and measure twice, to check for accuracy) so you'll be able to figure out how much tile you'll need.

Then you can start thinking about how your backsplash will fit within your kitchen's existing decor and color scheme. Do you want the tile to blend in seamlessly, or to stand out as a striking focal point? If you already have a lot of color and pattern throughout your kitchen, a simpler color and design may be more restful to the eyes, like a neutral subway tile. However, if your kitchen counter, cabinets and other features are monochromatic (single color) without many design elements, tile options that introduce more color and/or a decorative pattern will really stand out and make a splash!

Pro tip: Ask for a few sample tiles to bring home before you make your final decision (the more of each type the better, especially if you need several tiles to complete a design). Look at the tiles in your kitchen at different times of day and night, and observe how they appear next to your cabinets, counters and appliances. How the tile complements your existing kitchen decor and lighting is much easier to see by bringing them into that environment — don't rely just on a photo on your phone when you're tile shopping.

Make setting simple

Once you're ready to set your tile, the job will be much easier with an easy-to-use peel-and-stick adhesive mat like SimpleMat^® Tile Setting Mat, which eliminates the need for traditional thin-set mortar or mastic. And because it bonds instantly, there's no waiting necessary between setting your tile and grouting — so you can get the job done in a single day. The product is available in value-size rolls to make even larger projects easier. How easy is it? Watch this video to see how it's done: How to Install Tile Using a Tile Setting Mat.

If you're interested in tackling a larger project like your shower or tub surround, check out this video on How to Tile a Shower Wall Using SimpleMat^®.

Grout with ease using pre-mixed grout

Once your tile is set, you're ready to grout. One great option is SimpleGrout^® Pre-mixed Grout, which is a ready-to-use, no-mix, no-mess, no-hassle alternative to traditional grout that's easy to spread and clean. It's also sanded, and shrink-, crack- and household stain-resistant. Just follow these instructions to complete your project.

To help you visualize your new kitchen project and choose the best color grout to complement or contrast with your chosen tile, try out the handy new Tile & Grout Visualizer App. This can help you choose from 40 designer-inspired grout colors for the best one to go with your tile, so you'll feel confident that your tile installation will look exactly how you want it — before you start!

Both SimpleMat^® Tile Setting Mat and SimpleGrout^® Pre-mixed Grout are available now at The Home Depot near you. For more information about these and other products to help you make your next DIY project happen, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.

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