Staging matters when appealing to buyers. A thoughtfully staged interior has proven to increase sale price as well as expand the buyer pool. And one of the quickest ways to set the stage is with color. A change of color can update and refresh living spaces, kitchens...
Young people leave summer camp with happy memories and newly honed skills. But at a time when kids are increasingly plugged into screens and facing rising levels of anxiety and isolation, MetroWest YMCA leaders say camp can offer something even more essential. This...
Rising prices may not dominate headlines the way they did a year or two ago, but if you’re retired, you’re probably still feeling them. Even when overall inflation cools, the costliest expenses — like health care, utilities, insurance and property taxes — tend to rise...
Learning about wildlife, connecting with nature and having a lot of fun are in store for kids attending the Summer Wild Adventure Programs conducted by EARTH Ltd. in partnership with Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon. “The program is really cool, kids love it,” said Betsey...
Lokal Construction is a family-owned business in Milford that aims to build not only quality structures for its residential customers but lasting relationships as well. “Our mission is simple — to deliver quality craftsmanship, transparent communication and on-time...
Thinking of selling your home? In Massachusetts, if your home has a septic system, you are required to have a Title 5 inspection prior to putting your home for sale. The system must pass the Title 5 inspection to sell; otherwise, you need to repair, replace or connect...
Giving septic systems and water and sewer connections the attention and skill required to turn potential problems into smoothly functioning, almost invisible systems, is the aim of Scott Septic. The Hopkinton-based, family-owned business founded by Don Scott in 1968...
James Valis and Gregg Manis, financial advisors at Blackstone Valley Wealth Management in Hopkinton, earned a place among LPL Financial’s Ascent Club Program for 2025. This distinction is reserved for advisors who set the standard for excellence in financial guidance....
If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals? A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can,...
Financial advisor Mark Freeman enjoys getting to know his clients. His aim is to help them clarify their objectives and then, working as partners, create a financial plan that achieves their goals. “I love this career because I love helping people,” said Freeman. “I...
Societal focus on sustainable practices along with the rising cost of living has led to a growing interest in alternative resources. Many homeowners have considered utilizing solar power to save on electric bills, increase property value, lessen environmental impact...
Stocks had another strong year in 2025 as most market benchmarks enjoyed their third straight year of double-digit returns. Last year’s performance was particularly rewarding given how much stocks overcame — notably tariffs. Tariffs weren’t the only obstacle, as...
Your smartphone buzzes with an alert: Your budgeting app has spotted an unusual spending pattern and suggests transferring $50 from your savings account to your checking account. Later that day, a robo-advisor automatically rebalances your investment portfolio....
Kim Foemmel loves her job and it shows. The Hopkinton real estate broker and Realtor, who has owned Foemmel Fine Homes at 1 Lumber Street for 15 years, has ranked as the town’s number one agent from 2022 through 2025 and has been among the top 1% of agents in...
If you're selling a home for $1 million or more, it's vital to be aware of the tax laws that will affect you. Effective Nov. 1, 2025, Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations require withholding on certain non-resident sales of Massachusetts real property...
At Elevate Personal Training, fitness is personal. Whether it’s a busy parent wanting to be healthy to keep up with their kids, a young athlete working to improve performance or an individual focused on weight loss, Elevate Personal Training creates customized...
In the world of investing, we’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s solid advice that emphasizes the importance of diversifying your investments. Unfortunately, some people misinterpret this wisdom to mean they should avoid...
Joseph Baldiga and David Fine, Hopkinton residents who work at the Mirick law firm, were selected to the 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. Baldiga is a partner and chair of the Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group at Mirick. He concentrates his...
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. And a new law in Massachusetts will make the process fairer, safer and more transparent. As of fall 2025, every home buyer has the right to inspect their new home before they buy...
As an investor, you will always need to deal with risk of some kind. How can you manage the risk that accompanies the volatility of the financial markets? The answer depends somewhat on where you are in life. When you’re starting out … If you’re early in your career,...
