With spring approaching, many homeowners' minds turn to home improvements and budgeting for projects that make our living spaces more functional and enjoyable. At the same time, we’re keeping an eye on market trends and looking for smart ways to maximize the value of what is likely our most important investment—our home. In this week’s newsletter edition, I’ll be providing 10 handy tips to help you save money as a homeowner. Whether you’re looking to reduce your utility bills, take on some DIY repairs, or simply become a more informed consumer when hiring contractors, small changes can lead to big savings. Read on for advice on stretching your home improvement budget, lowering costs, and making the most of your property, all while aligning with the latest housing market projections. A few simple money-saving steps today could pay dividends for years through increased home equity and peace of mind.

As always, your resource for everything real estate,

^Nicole

Nola.com has compiled a list of all the fish fries in St Tammany this lenten season. See below and save this schedule.

LAMB OF GOD Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road in Slidell, March 1 (6 p.m.-8 p.m.) Fried fish and sides. Free will offerings accepted.

MOST HOLY TRINITY: 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, and Knights of Columbus Council 14614; (Feb. 16-March 22). Includes fried catfish, fried shrimp or combo plate of fish and shrimp; choice of mac and cheese or fries; coleslaw; hush puppies; a dessert; and a drink, $15 a plate.

ST. LUKE: Men's Club and the Knights of Columbus Council 9973; Feb. 16 & 23 and March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) Fried or baked fish and two sides, smashed potatoes, fries or coleslaw; and a roll, $12 per plate. Inside service for dine-in, plus carry out and drive-thru service at St. Luke's Family Life Center, 910 Cross Gates Blvd., Slidell. St. Luke Ladies Club will also sell desserts.

SACRED HEART: 28088 Main St., Lacombe. Feb. 16 (4-6:30 p.m.) Feb. 23, March 1 & 8 (11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m.) Drive-thru. Plates of fried fish, potato salad and more. (985) 882-5229.

ST. ANSELM: Madisonville. All Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday; adult fish plate $17; adult shrimp plate $12; child fish plate $12; child shrimp plate $20; soft-shell seafood plate $20; combo seafood plate $16; shrimp Caesar salad $10; seafood gumbo. Dine in and drive-thru, cash, check and credit cards

ST. GENEVIEVE: 58203 La. 433, Slidell, Feb. 16 & 23, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) in the Family Life Center, sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Dinners are $10 for fried fish, potato salad, green peas and a roll. Desserts and soft drinks also available for purchase from other ministries.

ST. JANE DE CHANTAL: 72054 Maple St., Abita Springs. Feb. 16 & 23, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) Fried catfish or fried shrimp plates with fries, coleslaw, bread, side bowls of gumbo, $11; bowl of gumbo, $6; drinks and desserts extra. (985) 892-1439.

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS: 61030 Brier Lake Drive, Lacombe. Feb. 23, March 8 & 22 (4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.) All dinners $12. Fried domestic catfish, wild-caught Gulf shrimp or combo plate; with smashed potatoes, hush puppies, green beans. (985) 707-6599.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: 11345 St. John Church Road, Folsom. Feb. 16 & 23, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) drive-thru or dine-in. Plate of fried catfish, potatoes, coleslaw and hush puppies, $12. Sponsored by KC Council 10176.

ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST: 910 Cross Gates Blvd., Slidell, Family Life Center. Feb. 16 and 23, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) A plate for baked or fried fish, two sides (smashed potatoes, french fries or coleslaw), plus Hawaiian roll, $12. Desserts, drinks and water sold. (985) 579-2042.

ST. MARGARET MARY: 1050 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Drive-thru or dine-in/take-out options, Feb. 16 and 23, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) Plate for fried or baked fish, mac and cheese, green beans, roll and butter, $12. Kids meals ($8) include fish sticks and fries with roll and butter.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE: 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, Feb. 16 and 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22 (5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) Dine-in or carryout; $12 adult plates, $7 child plates include fried or baked fish, green beans, coleslaw, french fries, bread, dessert, drink. (985) 626-5671.

UR LADY OF LOURDES: 345 Westchester Blvd., Slidell, gym, Feb. 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) Drive-thru only; $12-14 plates include fried fish or shrimp with crab-boiled “smashed potatoes,” salad, dinner roll, dessert. New item: Grilled shrimp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, seasoned croutons and dressing. (504) 905-8527. Sponsored by the Men’s Club.

ST. BENEDICT: 20370 Smith Road, Covington, Feb. 23, March 8, 22 (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) Fish or shrimp ($12 plate) with green beans, corn and bread. Sponsored by the Men’s Club. (985) 892-5202.

ST. PETER: 130 Temperance St., Covington, in the school cafeteria on S. Theard Street. Drive-thru from 5-7 p.m. or and sit-down from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22. Fish or shrimp and bread with choice of potato salad or coleslaw, $12; [email protected].

As your real estate agent, I wanted to share 10 quick tips for saving money as a homeowner. These cover taking advantage of rebates, improving insulation, smart thermostats, HVAC maintenance, and more. Making small upgrades like these over time can lead to big savings, while also increasing comfort and home value - key benefits my homeowner clients enjoy. My goal is making sure all my clients, whether renters or homeowners, feel educated and empowered to make the best financial decisions for their needs.