House & Home - Home Ownership, Stress, and Why People Think It Is Worth It In 2026

Buying a home is often called the “American dream,” but for many families in 2026, it’s also becoming a major source of everyday stress.

 

As per the Hippo’s Homeowner Anxiety Report , although most homeowners find great pleasure in owning homes, the stress involved cannot be overlooked.

The study emphasizes the basic truth which has always been known by many parents – a home can bring you comfort but also a lot of things on your to-do list.

 

Takeaway from the report for families:

 

Homeownership in 2026 has its own pros and cons. For many families, the basic equation of emotion is stress versus security, pride, and stability.

In spite of all the costs being incurred and a lot of things on the to-do list, most homeowners believe that it is all worth it.

  

Fun Freetime - Most Relaxing Summer Vacation Spots

Day-to-day life can be stressful. Between the responsibilities we juggle in our work lives and our personal lives, it’s only natural to seek time to unwind away from it all.

Sudoku Bliss recently analyzed more than 9.5 million Airbnb reviews in U.S. cities to uncover the most relaxing vacation spots in the U.S. for summer vacations.

Key findings from the report:

• Sonoma, CA, and Santa Fe, NM, are home to the most relaxing Airbnb rentals in the U.S., according to visitor reviews.
• 43% of Airbnb rentals across the U.S. are considered a relaxing stay.
• Quiet, cozy, and peaceful are the top relaxation-related keywords mentioned among Airbnb reviews across the U.S.
• Bar Harbor, ME, and Sedona, AZ, are home to the most relaxing Airbnb rentals for larger groups.
• Asheville, NC, and Sedona, AZ, are the most relaxing vacation spots with the best value.

So whether you’re relaxing in your Airbnb rental on vacation or are unwinding at home after work, it’s important to use those small moments for a mental escape.

Caring Causes - beek

Premium comfort footwear brand, beek, is celebrating the season with its Summer Sale, offering 25% off fan-favorite sandals and sneakers so you can strut in the sun accordingly.  Running through July 6th, the promotion gives shoppers the opportunity to shop handmade premium leather sandals, sneakers, ballet flats, and more that are designed to mold to your feet making every step as comfortable as it is stylish. Get 25% off the Petey Ballet Flat, just worn by Katherine Schwarzenegger. Additional celebrity fans of the brand include Brie Larson, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Lily Aldridge, Margot Robbie, Naomi Watts, and more. For every pair of shoes sold, beek donates the equivalent of one day of meals to kids. Since founding the brand over 10 years ago they have donated over one million meals to children across the United States.  The Summer Sale is available to shop now on beekshop.com through July 6th.

About beek: beek is a California-based footwear brand redefining everyday luxury through thoughtfully crafted leather sandals designed for all-day wear. Founded by Birgit Klett and Kenna Florie, the brand is rooted in the belief that comfort and style should go hand in hand, each pair is made from buttery-soft leather and constructed with a focus on longevity, wearability, and timeless design. With a commitment to responsible production and giving back, beek donates the equivalent of a day’s worth of meals to a child in need for every pair of shoes sold.

Music Minute - Lauren Watkins: Convenient

Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters Tennessee songbird Lauren Watkins releases “Convenient,” out now. Written by Watkins with award-winning writers Will Bundy, Emily Landis and Mark Trussell, the breezy, barroom-ready track continues a summer of new music from Watkins that kicked off in May with “Heartbreakaholic," her first release since 2025's 10-track album In A Perfect World.    With “Convenient,” Watkins leans further into the candid, clear-eyed storytelling that has quickly become her signature, capturing the pull of an old flame and the type of truth that is easier to feel than admit. The track arrives as another glimpse into a new chapter for the Nashville native — one that finds her sharper, freer and more unfiltered than ever.    “I've had 'Convenient' in my back pocket for a couple years now and have been waiting for the right time to share it with the world,” shares Watkins. “I channeled the feeling of running into an old flame at the bar. You're supposed to act like you wanna turn around and leave, but everybody knows there's actually something thrilling about it. This song is unapologetically admitting to that excitement — the fun, the tension and the part you don't really want to say out loud.”

Tickets are on sale now for Watkins' first-ever hometown headline show at Nashville's Exit/In on Thursday, Oct. 8. The newly announced show follows recent dates with Dylan Scott and upcoming dates with Luke Bryan as Watkins continues bringing her old-school country grit and “direct-yet-poetic songwriting” (Billboard) to stages across the country.    Last year, Watkins made her debut on some of music's biggest stages, including the Grand Ole Opry, NBC's TODAY and Madison Square Garden, as well as touring with Zach Top, Riley Green and Lainey Wilson. Following a breakout year of firsts, Watkins enters the second half of 2026 with “Heartbreakaholic” and “Convenient” out now, with more new music on the way and a few things still left to get off her chest. For tour dates and more information, keep up with Watkins at laurenwatkins.com and on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT LAUREN WATKINS: After an acclaimed album debut and a year-plus on the road with stars like Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Lainey Wilson – plus Billboard accolades and a monumental first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry – Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters artist Lauren Watkins has emerged as a proudly defiant projection of pure country-music moxy. A Nashville native inspired by crowd-pleasing outlaws like Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack and Miranda Lambert, Watkins' 17-track 2024 debut, The Heartbroken Record, introduced a mainstream maverick with a thirst for lyrical truth – and an old-school country rebel whose modern instincts never succumb to trends. Coming to know the fast lane by heart, the modern-classic singer-songwriter has racked up millions of streams and rocked full-on stadiums, while learning from legendary songwriters like Nicolle Galyon, Luke Laird and The Warren Brothers. Yet In A Perfect World finds Watkins in a fresh phase, with her dreamy vocal awake to new charms and challenges. Featuring an earthy mix of sunset country and hazy heartland grit, she's no longer expecting to get her heart broken, and not pushing the idea of home away. Produced by husband and CMA/ACM Award winner Will Bundy, with additional co-production from hitmaker Joey Moi on select tracks, Watkins builds on her of-the-moment and always-organic sound; 10 co-written songs capturing the passion and promise of a new outlook. Steel guitars and ethereal atmosphere create a sense of wide-open space, while bold twang and rootsy rhythms keep the Tennessee songbird's vocal grounded. With In A Perfect World, Watkins captured a season of growth and self-discovery, setting the stage for new music led by “Heartbreakaholic” and “Convenient,” out now. She continues to bring that sound to stages across the country while touring with Dylan Scott and Luke Bryan throughout 2026.

More Than a Meal: How Date Night Helps New Parents Connect

Perfectly seared, lime honey-glazed wild-caught salmon on a bed of garlicky green beans. Delicate ravioli pillows in a rich wild mushroom ragu, offering a savory alternative. For the grand finale, a decadent chocolate lava cake, its molten center oozing onto the plate, is accompanied by a glass of sparkling cider.

This isn't the latest hotspot on the waterfront, though it boasts a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline from its perch along the Hudson River. This gourmet dining experience, complete with elegant tablecloths, fine china, and white glove service, is happening in the most unexpected of places: a hospital room.

Welcome to "Date Night" at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center, a unique and celebratory meal designed for new parents. Before the beautiful chaos of parenthood truly begins, this is a moment to breathe, connect, and savor the last few quiet moments of togetherness. It’s the ultimate dinner out, without ever having to leave the comfort of your room or worry about a babysitter. For one new mother, Genesis Heredia Cedeno, it was "intimate and nice to be together... a moment really nice, really special, [that] definitely made us feel special."

"We are redefining what people expect from hospital food," says Donna M Zaccagni, Senior Director of Nutrition and Food Management. "Our Celebration Meal combines the healing power of nutritious food with an elevated dining experience. This signature service reflects our shared commitment to exceptional hospitality during one of life's most meaningful occasions."

This innovative program is a delicious glimpse into the patient-first philosophy at Palisades Medical Center. While the meal nourishes the spirit, the hospital's award-winning care ensures peace of mind. Palisades has been nationally recognized for its excellence, earning a "Best Hospital for Maternity Care" designation from U.S. News & World Report, a top "A" Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group, and Gold Plus awards for stroke and heart failure care.

Special Delivery: A Five-Star Meal

"We believe the birth of a child is a momentous occasion that deserves a true celebration, not just for the baby, but for the parents who are embarking on this incredible new journey," says Jennifer Kopelman, MSN, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, NEA-BC, C-IAP, CPPS, Administrative Director of Nursing for Maternal Child Services and Maternal Fetal Medicine. "We want their last night with us to be a cherished memory, marking the end of one chapter and the memorable beginning of the next."

Just as New Jersey’s Hudson River "Gold Coast" has transformed, Palisades Medical Center is evolving to meet the community's growing needs. The hospital has broken ground on a $50 million expansion to create a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department, set to open in 2026.

"At Palisades Medical Center, we believe that true healing extends beyond the physical. We are committed to creating an environment of holistic care that nurtures the mind and spirit alongside the body," says Lisa Iachetti, MBA, BSN, RN, President and Chief Hospital Executive, Palisades Medical Center. "Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience that addresses the whole person, ensuring that every patient feels seen, valued, and cared for in a deeply personal way."

From an unforgettable meal to nationally recognized medical expertise and a deep investment in the community's future, Palisades Medical Center is more than just a hospital; it's a partner in your family's well-being.

Shopping Savings - St. Maarten Travel Promotions

​ Savings are as plentiful as non-stop flights are to St. Maarten right now! With easy access from key gateways and convenient connections beyond, it's the best time to pair this with a wealth of offers. Just have a look at a few! Sapphire Beach Club Resort Book directly with Sapphire Beach Club Resort this summer and enjoy two complimentary welcome drinks plus a $25 restaurant credit—reserve now at www.sbcwi.com or resats@sbcwi.com using promo code SUMMER, for stays through August 31, 2026 (limited time only), and experience Cupecoy. Atrium Beach Resort Escape to The Atrium Beach Resort and Spa Sint Maarten, an Ascend Collection Hotel this summer and enjoy spacious, fully equipped suites just steps from the soft sands of Kim Sha Beach. Take advantage of 25% off standard unit types when you book by August 14th. Book directly by clicking here. Seaview Beach Hotel Book directly at the Seaview Beach Hotel website and enjoy 10% off your stay for travel through December 15, 2026 with promo code ‘VISITSV’. Experience a true Caribbean stay with beachfront access, an infinity pool, and a vibrant pool bar, all just steps from the Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach. Valid on direct bookings only for stays of 2 nights or more. Offer cannot be combined with other promotions and is not applicable to credits. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort & Oceans at Divi Little Bay Trade screen time for sunshine and make your summer unforgettable at Divi Little Bay! This summer, you can kick back and relax knowing you’ve secured the best deal possible with up to 25% off summer stays, plus kids 12 & under stay and eat for free on all-inclusive reservations! Book for a minimum of 3 nights from today until August 15, 2026, with promo code ‘SXMKIDS’ for a 25% discount, and travel between today and September 15, 2026. Belair Beach Hotel Book your stay at Belair Beach Hotel now with a 15% off low season price special! Sonesta Resorts Save up to 20% at Sonesta Maho or Sonesta Ocean Point in St. Maarten—plus get a $150 resort credit on stays of 5 nights or more. Sun, turquoise waters, and all‑inclusive bliss await. Click here for more information.

Money Matters - Child Care Costs by State

With both parents employed in roughly two-thirds of families with children, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its latest report on Child Care Costs by State highlighting where child care places the greatest financial burden on Americans.

To determine which states face the highest and lowest costs, the report compares prices for both family-based and center-based care, adjusting them relative to median household income.
 

Highest % of Income Spent (Married Couples)	Lowest % of Income Spent (Married Couples)
1. Nebraska	42. Iowa
2. California	43. Kansas
3. New York	44. Idaho
4. Oregon	45. South Carolina
5. Washington	46. Louisiana
6. Wisconsin	47. Alaska
7. Montana	48. Georgia
8. Massachusetts	49. Alabama
9. New Mexico	50. South Dakota
10. Hawaii	51. Mississippi

 

Highest % of Income Spent (Single Parents)	Lowest % of Income Spent (Single Parents)
1. District of Columbia	42. Arkansas
2. Massachusetts	43. Kansas
3. New York	44. South Carolina
4. Washington	45. Nevada
5. California	46. Georgia
6. Oregon	47. Mississippi
7. Illinois	48. Utah
8. Nebraska	49. Idaho
9. Wisconsin	50. Alaska
10. Rhode Island	51. South Dakota

 
Key Stats

• Oregon has the highest cost of family-based child care for a married-couple family, which is two times more than in South Dakota, the state with the lowest.
   
• Hawaii has the highest cost of center-based child care for a married-couple family, which is two times more than in Mississippi, the state with the lowest.
   
• The District of Columbia has the highest cost of family-based child care for a single-parent family, which is three times more than in South Dakota, the state with the lowest.
   
• The District of Columbia has the highest cost of center-based child care for a single-parent family, which is 2.7 times more than in Alaska, the state with the lowest. 

Note: All costs are as a share of income.
 
To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/child-care-costs-by-state/151929

“It costs a lot of money to take care of a child’s needs, and many parents are left with the dilemma of whether to forgo one salary to do their own child care for the first few years or to shell out a significant chunk of their income for child care services. Married parents who both work can expect to spend as much as 14% of what they earn on child care, while single parents’ costs can amount to an astounding 59%.”
–
“Nebraska has the highest child care costs, at 13.6% to 10.7% of the median income for married couples. Interestingly, Nebraska has the fifth-most expensive family child care and the third-costliest child care centers, with child care centers only marginally more expensive than family care. Single parents in Nebraska spend 32.2% to 41% of the median income on child care, depending on the type.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

 
More From WalletHub

• States With the Best & Worst Early Education Systems
• Best & Worst States for Children’s Health Care
• Best & Worst States to Raise a Family
• Best & Worst States to Have a Baby
• Best & Worst States for Working Dads
• Best & Worst States for Working Moms
• States With the Best & Worst Budgeters
• Changes in Inflation by City
• States Where People Have the Highest Income

Mealtime Magic - Summer Entertaining

Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen is bringing the flavors and festivities of summer to life as everyone comes together to celebrate the season. With backyard entertaining, holiday festivities, and family gatherings in full swing, Chef Jamie will share easy ways to elevate summer entertaining with fresh ideas, festive inspiration, and crowd-pleasing solutions. Decked out in patriotic style, she’ll showcase creative ways to make the most of your gatherings while adding fun, flavor, and flair to every occasion. From summer entertaining tips to seasonal culinary inspiration, Chef Jamie’s energetic and engaging presentation is sure to make your celebrations memorable.

Chef Jamie Gwen is a former MasterChef judge, a Culinary Institute of America and a Le Cordon Bleu Graduate, a Celebrity Chef & Lifestyle Expert, a Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, a Certified Sommelier, and a 7-time Cookbook Author. She brings the best to radio with her weekly syndicated radio show, heard every weekend on 75 radio stations across the country and in Southern California on Talk Radio 790 KABC. Jamie can be seen every week on L.A.’s #1 morning show on KTLA, on the Home Shopping Network and on national news shows sharing her passion for food.

Sponsor: DailyLounge.com

Music Minute - Anne Wilson: Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe)

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson announces Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe), out July 10 via Capitol Christian Music Group. Expanding on the faith-filled, coming-of-age collection first introduced on her third studio album, Stars, the 17-track deluxe album adds five new tracks that deepen the project's message of hope, healing and holding tight to Jesus through every season.   PRE-SAVE: STARS (BLUE HOUR DELUXE)   “When I first released Stars, my prayer was simple – that these songs would help people lift their eyes to Jesus,” shares Wilson. “Since then, I've walked through incredible highs, deep heartbreak and moments that tested my faith in ways I never expected. Through it all, God has remained faithful. As I've traveled the country and sung these songs with so many of you, they've taken on an even deeper meaning. Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) feels like the next chapter in a story only God could write — a story of faith, hope, healing and trusting Him through it all. Because at the end of the day, reaching for the stars was never really about chasing a dream. It was about reaching for Jesus. I can't wait for you to hear it on July 10.”   The expanded album will feature the recently released “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, which Billboard tapped as “a country-shaded song of faith and redemption,” an acoustic version of the sweeping “Carry Me,” a live version of “God Story” and the brand-new “Me & Jesus,” born from the grief and reflection of losing a close friend. The project will also include “Maker's Mark” with Drew Baldridge, a reflective look at legacy, purpose and leading the kind of life that leaves a lasting impact.   The Kentucky native will spend the summer appearing at some of Christian music's most beloved fairs and festivals before heading to the United Kingdom for Big Church Festival and Long Road Festival. From there, she will kick off the second leg of her recently extended The STARS Tour, which adds 24 dates across the U.S. to the previously announced run. The fall leg will bring her compelling live show to cities across the West Coast, Midwest, South and more, with special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King set to join on select dates. Tickets are available for purchase via annewilsonofficial.com.   Beyond music, Wilson continues to expand her message through writing. Earlier this month, she released her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” via W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The release follows her recent Book Impact Award win at the 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards for her “Hey Girl” 40-Day Devotional, further underscoring the growing impact of her faith-forward storytelling across music, print and the live stage.   With over 2 billion career streams, Wilson is cementing herself as “one of contemporary Christian music's most dynamic trailblazers" (People). Building on the success of a GRAMMY nomination, multiple Dove Award wins and recognition from Spotify, CMT, Billboard and more, Wilson's next chapter promises to shine even brighter. Stay up to date at annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.     Upcoming Tour Dates: July 3, 2026 in Olive Branch, Miss. at Light the Way Freedom Fest July 12, 2026 in West Fargo, N.D. at Red River Valley Fair July 16, 2026 in Hampton, Iowa at Franklin County Fair July 18, 2026 in Rapid City, S.D. at Hills Alive Festival July 28, 2026 in Goshen, Ind. at Elkhart County Fair July 29, 2026 in Tiffin, Ohio. at Seneca County Fair July 30, 2026 in Harrington, Del. at Delaware State Fair July 31, 2026 in Kettering, Ohio at The Fraze Pavilion Aug. 8, 2026 in Duluth, Minn. at City On The Hill Festival Aug. 28, 2026 in Pulborough, U.K. at Big Church Festival Aug. 30, 2026 in Lutterworth, U.K. at The Long Road Festival   The STARS Tour fall 2026 dates: Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall * Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater * Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater * Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center * Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center * Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre * Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University * Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre * Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore * Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills * Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center * Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie * Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion * Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~ Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~ Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~ Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~ Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~ Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~ Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~ Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~ Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~ Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~ Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~   * with Aodhán King ~ with Peter Burton

Photo credit: Sophia Mantinazad | Download here

PRESS FOLDER

ABOUT ANNE WILSON: Anne Wilson makes music where faith and country meet, a rare space where honesty, grief, and hope live side by side. At just 24, she has already crossed the 2 billion streams milestone and emerged as one of the most distinctive new voices in both Christian and country music.   Her third studio album, Stars, captures a young artist growing up on record. Shaped by the tragic loss of her brother Jacob, Wilson's faith could have been shattered — but instead it was strengthened. That tension, of wrestling with God yet still loving Jesus, defines her music and makes her profoundly relatable. “Faith isn't about never questioning,” she says. “It's about holding on in the middle of the storm.”   Stars threads together themes of grief, growth, maturity, and wonder, carried by Wilson's soaring vocals and country-pop production. From the wide-eyed imagery of the title track to the raw prayer of “Carry Me” and the redemption arc of “Dead in the Water,” the album reflects both the hardship of loss and the joy of new perspective.   Alongside the album, Wilson is delivering her new music to fans in person on The STARS Tour. She's also released a 40-day “Hey Girl” devotional. Named after her encouraging anthem, the devotional is aimed at young readers, extending her message of identity and Christ-centered hope beyond the stage. Following her record-breaking album REBEL, which boldly defined what it looks like to stand firm in faith, Wilson continues that powerful message in her new book, “Rebel.” Written to encourage readers of all ages to learn what it means to follow Jesus, even when the crowd walks the other way.   Anne Wilson is still becoming, still wrestling and still rejoicing – but Stars proves she's shining brighter not in spite of the struggle, but because of it.