Catherine Hiles
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Bob Vila,
MSN,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Singapore,
Yahoo Life,
TIME,
Aol,
Associated Press,
eHow,
U.S. News 360 Reviews,
Flipboard
and
Covers:
Personal and home finance, home improvement, parenting, lifestyle, pets, automotive
Articles by Catherine Hiles
The Bestway Steel Pro Max Above-Ground Pool Set Review
Photo: Catherine Hiles for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › As a parent of two active kids, I’m always looking for ways to wear them out. This summer, we decided to see if an above-ground pool would be a good fit for our family. We chose the Bestway Steel Pro Max, which is a 15-foot round pool that holds just under 4,000 gallons of water.
Signs You're Not Working With A Quality Laundry Detergent
Laundry is one of those inescapable chores that never seem to end, especially if you have more than a couple of people in your household. The average American family does 300 loads of laundry every year. That's a lot of laundry to get through — and if you're using a low-quality detergent, you might wonder whether your clothes are actually getting clean.
I tested the Keurig K-Crema, and it’s my new go-to for fancy coffee drinks
Keurig K-Crema coffee maker on a kitchen counter. Keurig K-Crema review: Specs Price: $219.99 Dimensions: 13.3 x 8.1 x 13.1 inches Reservoir capacity: 72 ounces Brew sizes: Single shot, double shot, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces Strength control: No Features: Height-adjustable drip tray, High Altitude Brewing Mode Colors: Black Ever since my dad got a fancy espresso machine, I’ve dreamed of brewing my own crema-topped coffee at home.
TD Bank Has Closed Dozens of Branches in 2026
So far in 2026, TD Bank has led the charge to close local branches across the country. As of July 2026, TD Bank has closed 52 branches, with no new locations opening. These closings come as customers overwhelmingly choose online banking rather than traditional brick-and-mortar banking. According to the FinanceBuzz banking behavior survey, 60% of people who chose an online-only bank did so out of convenience. And over a third of people access their bank online every day.
These 8 Banks Are Closing Branches in Florida
If you are a Florida resident, you might have to find a new place to boost your bank account, as several branches of various banks will soon close in the Sunshine State. Check this list to see whether your bank in Florida will close its doors permanently. Limited-Time Offer AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.
The Lymow One Plus robot mower did a stellar job on my lawn but I won’t ditch my riding-mower yet
Lymow One Plus robot mower on a lawn. Lymow One Plus robot mower review: Specs Size: 29 x 23 x 12 inches Weight: 78.5 pounds Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G Battery capacity: 15 Ah Working area: 15 acres Cutting width: 16 inches Cutting height: 1.2 to 4 inches Mow time: 3 hours Charging time: 120 minutes (10A charger) or 180 minutes (5A charger) Max incline: 45° As the weather warms up, it’s time to get outdoors and tackle lawn care.
The 12 Best Flower Bed Ideas To Try Out If You Have A Smaller Backyard
If you have a small backyard, you may assume you're limited in the flowers and shrubs you can plant. With a small backyard, you need to be careful not to overdo your gardening efforts, which could make the yard look even smaller than it is. But that doesn't mean you can't have gorgeous flower beds filled with bright, colorful plants in your small garden. There are several ways to make the most of a small space with tailored flower beds that enhance your yard rather than crowding it.
40 of the best companies for remote work (from home or anywhere)
Catherine Hiles 40 of the Best Companies for Remote Work (From Home or Anywhere) : Working from home is popular for many reasons — it lets you embrace your work-life balance, cuts your commute and allows you to work in the comfort of your own space. The Penny Hoarder's 2026 Side Hustle Statistics survey found that 73% of side hustlers consider a flexible schedule the most important factor when considering a job — even more than high earning potential (39%).
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy 29 summer jobs for teachers who want (or need) to earn extra money
Catherine Hiles 29 Summer Jobs for Teachers Who Want (or Need) to Earn Extra Money : While many of us dream of having the summer months off, lots of teachers use their vacations to earn extra cash. The average salary for U.S. teachers in 2025 was $72,030, according to data from the National Education Association. When adjusted for inflation, teachers were making 5% less on average in 2025 than they did 10 years ago.
I tested the Roborock Saros 20 and it's a must-have for pet owners
Roborock Saros 20 robot vacuum in an apartment. Charge time: 2.5 hours Self-emptying dock: Yes Suction power: 36,000 Pa Size: 15 x 18 x 19 inches Weight: 11 pounds (robot), 23 pounds (dock) Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Siri, Google Home Bin capacity: 0.66 gallons As a parent and a pet owner, I’m used to vacuuming several times a week. Once I discovered the magic of owning one of the best robot vacuums, I was hooked.
I tested the Roborock Saros 20 and it's a must-have for pet owners
14 hours ago These tools are no match for stubborn pet hair stuck on furniture, carpets or clothes. After living with a long-haired Persian cat for several years, I succumbed to the idea that my clothing, furniture and just about every other surface in my home will always be coated in pet hair. However, the bevy …
Do you have rare money? Here's how to check your cash for collectibles
Catherine Hiles Do You Have Rare Money? Here's How to Check Your Cash for Collectibles : Pull any bill out of your wallet. See the dark green numbers on the top-left and top-right corners? Those are serial numbers, and some are more rare than others. If you happen to have paper money with a unique or interesting serial number, it may be worth much more than face value. In fact, collectors are often willing to pay big bucks — hundreds or even thousands of dollars — for rare paper money.
Cosori Built a Stainless Steel Air Fryer to Reduce Plastics—Here’s How It Performed Original
Photo: Cat Hiles for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Whether you use it daily or only occasionally, an air fryer can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. But with so many options out there, how can you choose the best air fryer for your needs?
I tried the Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker and even my picky kids loved the loaves
Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker on a kitchen counter. Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker: Specs Dimensions: 16 x 14.3 x 9.9 inches Weight: 16.5 pounds Power: 550W Settings: 20 auto-programs, 3 loaf size settings, 3 crust color settings Features: Fruit and nut dispenser, delay start What’s in the box: Bread maker, bread pan, kneading blade, liquid measuring cup, dry measuring spoon, sourdough cup, sourdough starter spoon Let’s face it, nothing beats the taste and smell of fresh, homemade bread.
The Ninja Premier oven is a great all-rounder; you just may need a bigger kitchen
Ninja French Door Premier Air Fryer on a kitchen counter. Ninja French Door Premier Air Fryer: Specs Size: 16.53 x 15.79 x 13.48 inches Weight: 22.77 pounds Capacity: 5 quarts Power: 1,800 watts Max heat: 400°F Cooking modes: Air fry, air roast, whole roast, bake, pizza, broil, reheat, dehydrate, toast, and bagel Air fryers are highly sought-after kitchen appliances, and for good reason.
I spent a week testing the Chefman Caffeinator — it may be small, but it makes a mighty brew
Chefman Caffeinator. Chefman Caffeinator review: Specs Price: $179.99 Weight: 5.73 pounds Dimensions: 14 x 4 x 12 inches Reservoir capacity: 48 ounces Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces Brew temperature: Warm, hot, or piping hot Strength control: Light, classic, strong Features: Four programmable settings, over ice setting, clean setting Colors: Midnight (black) or Concrete (matte white) There’s no shortage of single-serve coffee makers on the market.
The smart guide on where to buy postage stamps for less Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy
Catherine Hiles The Smart Guide on Where to Buy Postage Stamps for Less : Fewer people are sending items by mail these days, opting instead for online bill pay, email and social media. But some prefer the traditional feel of mailing cards, bills or letters — especially around the holidays — or trust the U.S. Postal Service more than the internet with their correspondence. If you use a lot of stamps, the cost can quickly add up.
2026 Home Trends and What They Might Cost You
No obligation · 100% free Bolder paint colors in earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and charcoal gray are trending for your home's interior and exterior in 2026. Your project costs depend on the room size, ceiling height, number of windows, and whether you're painting interior or exterior surfaces. Budget for primer, specialty finishes, trim work, and wall repairs when planning your painting project this year.
I tried Ninja's affordable drip coffee maker, and it's an essential for busy households on a budget
Ninja Fresh Brew 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Review. Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.9 x 14.4 inches Weight: 6.39 pounds Water tank capacity: 70 ounces Filter type: Reusable Accessories included: 14-cup glass carafe, removable water reservoir, reusable filter, coffee scoop Max noise level: 65 decibels Weekday mornings are a struggle in my household. Not only do I have to get myself up and moving, but I have to gather enough energy to motivate my two kids out of bed to get ready for school.
I tested a blender called 'The Obliterator' — and it's super powerful
Chefman Obliterator smoothie. There are hundreds of blenders on the market, each one claiming to be the best blender for your money. Despite Chefman's lesser-known status in the blender market, can the Obliterator truly compete with more established brands like Vitamix or Ninja? To find out, I tested the Chefman Obliterator for over a week, putting the blender through its paces, making a variety of recipes, including smoothies, hummus, and soup.
I tested this space-age air fryer, and now it's a daily staple in my kitchen
With its large 8-quart fryer basket, the Chefman Crispinator is ideal for a small to medium-sized family. Bear in mind, it’s not the smallest air fryer, so make sure you have room for it on your countertop or in your cabinets. I tested the Chefman Crispinator for two weeks, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best air fryers I’ve used. It was the perfect size for my family of four, who especially liked how it crisped up frozen fries to perfection.
41 of the best companies for remote work (from home or anywhere)
Working from home is popular for many reasons it lets you embrace your work-life balance, cuts your commute and allows you to work in the comfort of your own space. In fact, a 2025 FlexJobs survey found that 76% of workers would look for a new job if remote work was eliminated, and 69% would accept a pay cut for remote work. However, despite the continuing popularity of it, many companies pulled back on their pandemic-era remote policies and required employees to return to the office.
These Essential Products Will Help You Solve Your Biggest Closet Problems Original
Nearly every homeowner has dealt with the plight of a cluttered and disorganized closet. No matter your specific storage complaint, there’s a doable solution to get your wardrobe into working order. And while it might not result in the walk-in closet of your million-dollar dreams, it’s a step in the right direction. Here are our recommendations for solving all your biggest closet problems.
These Are Our Essential Kitchen Favorites for 2026 Original
It seems like every year there’s a hot new kitchen gadget that promises to cook better-tasting meals or make prep and cleanup a breeze. Alas, kitchen gadgets come and go, and many homeowners spend their hard-earned cash on items that just aren’t built to last. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down the 10 best kitchen favorites that will last you a lifetime. From top-notch cutlery to durable baking pans, here are our 10 favorites.
The Best Retro Home Products to Add to Your Home in 2026 Original
Modern design looks wonderful in some homes, but if your aesthetic is more vintage, it’s probably not quite your thing. Luckily, several retro home products are making a comeback, so you can boost your style for less. Here are our top picks in each category. Photo: Amazon If you remember way back to when telephones weighed a ton and were tethered to the wall, then you may also remember the gossip bench.
The Essential Garage Organization Solutions For Decluttering Your Space Original
The garage is one of the most cluttered spaces in the whole house. Too often, it becomes a dumping ground for sports equipment, lawn tools, off-season decorations, and workshop tools that somehow never get put back properly. Luckily, an entire subset of the organization business is set up to provide you with a broad range of inexpensive solutions for virtually any garage storage problem.
The Top Winter Cleaning Essentials For a Clean, Healthy Home Original
Winter can be a messy time of year, especially if you live in a region that gets snow or ice storms. On top of the griminess of winter, you also have to deal with germs from your kids, colleagues, or random strangers at the store. Luckily, there are ways to limit your contact with germs, dirt, and other winter ickiness. These essential cleaning supplies will help keep your home clean and your family germ-free through the long winter months.
The Top Winter Cleaning Essentials For a Clean, Healthy Home
Weird things you didn't know fix your gross problems in less than 5 minutes The solutions to your nastiest problems are right around the corner. Some problems are gross, annoying, and way more common than most of us would like …
These Are the Top Nightstand Items For Building Healthy Sleep Routines Original
Your nightstand can easily become cluttered with books, glasses, and other essentials. But clutter can disrupt your sleep routine and leave you feeling stressed and overstimulated at bedtime. Rather than accepting the mess, add these essential nightstand items to your bedroom so you can focus on what’s important: relaxation and quality sleep. Photo: amazon.com The circadian rhythm that helps our bodies establish a regular sleeping pattern is heavily influenced by sunlight and darkness.
The smart guide on where to buy postage stamps for less
Fewer people are sending items by mail these days, opting instead for online bill pay, email and social media. But some prefer the traditional feel of mailing cards, bills or letters especially around the holidays or trust the U.S. Postal Service more than the internet with their correspondence. If you use a lot of stamps, the cost can quickly add up. As of December 2025, U.S. First-Class Mail Forever stamps cost 78 cents each up 5 cents from the previous price of 73 cents.
53 companies that offer lifetime warranties on products
Were always looking for ways to save money, and one surefire way to do that is to buy products from companies with lifetime warranties. So they will repair or replace something if it breaks. You may spend a bit more upfront, but quality items and ones with awesome lifetime warranties can end up saving you money in the long run. From backpacks to knives, heres a list of brands that offer lifetime warranties with no strings attached plus those that cover manufacturer defects forever.
How to make money off old cords and cables (or give them a new life)
Our team of professional journalists has more than 100 years of combined experience writing articles like this. Help us continue producing award-winning content by clicking the follow button above. Just about everyone has a box of old cords and cables in their basement or junk closet. Every time you buy a new device, you get another charger. Then the old one gets chucked into the box with the other ancient relics.
Have a Bunch of Old Cords and Cables? Here’s What to Do With Them
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Just about everyone has a box of old cords and cables in their basement or junk closet. Every time you buy a new device, you get another charger. Then the old one gets chucked into the box with the other ancient relics. If you’re ready to bid goodbye to those old cords, consider how they can help you make money.
Personal Finance Stories by Catherine Hiles
Catherine Hiles is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and an editor for FinanceBuzz with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, insurance, home, automotive, travel, and lifestyle topics. She enjoys translating complex subjects — such as tax credits and student loans — into clear, actionable articles that help readers make smarter financial decisions. Her work has appeared in The Penny Hoarder, Insurify, Chime, Tom’s Guide, BobVila.com, and Angi.
The Best Home Security Systems, Tested and Picked by Home Editors
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Home security systems help customers protect their possessions, investments, and families from intruders, environmental hazards, and more. Most modern systems allow customers to operate the system and monitor their property using a mobile app, which allows them to keep tabs on things even when they’re away from home.
I tested Keurig's tiniest coffee maker yet — here's why the K-Mini Mate is perfect for small spaces
Keurig K-Mini Mate. Single-serve coffee machines are all the rage. In fact, according to the National Coffee Association, 42% of American households own a single-cup brewer in 2025. But even the smallest machines can take up more space in your kitchen than you’d like them to.
Polyworking Explained: How (and Why) People Are Juggling Multiple Jobs
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the side hustle. It’s when people have side gigs they work in their spare time to supplement their income or scratch their creative itch. But have you ever heard of polyworking?
What Is a Financial Therapist — and Do You Need One? Original
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Money is an emotional topic. Often, our financial behavior mirrors our past experiences with money and our current mental state. For example, you might have noticed you spend more compulsively when you feel out of control in other areas of your life.
What is a kamado grill, and how do they work?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Kamado Joe / Nick Hook Grilling season is here, and it's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide. As the weather heats up, you might be rethinking your current grill situation. And if you’re considering investing in the best grill for your yard this year, you may well have come across the name “kamado grill.” So, what is a kamado grill, and how do they work?
Gas vs. charcoal grill - which one should you choose?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Weber / Char-Griller Nothing screams “summer” quite like a freshly grilled burger or hot dog. But if you’re looking to buy a grill, you might be stuck on the decision between a gas vs. charcoal grill. It's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide, meaning we're here to help you prepare for a summer of al fresco entertaning.
Grill vs griddle: which is best for summer entertaining?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Weber It's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide, and we're laying out all the must-have information you'll need to choose the ideal al fresco cooking setup for your yard. Chief among the things you'll need to decide when buying a new grill is choosing between a conventional grill and a flat-top griddle. But which is right for you?
Consider These 5 Alternative Savings Methods for Retirement
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. If you’ve been following the stock market lately, you might have noticed it’s looking a little volatile. Economic uncertainty due to tariffs has made the stock market resemble a roller coaster with daily ups and downs. It’s leaving many Americans feeling nervous and uncertain about their retirement savings.
What Are Ghost Jobs? How to Spot and Avoid These Spooky Listings
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. If you’re actively job searching, you might have come across the term “ghost jobs.” These aren’t jobs meant for the undead.
5 things to consider before buying a water sprinkler system, according to experts
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Shutterstock Watering your lawn can help it stay lush and green throughout the summer. But lugging your hose around the yard and watering your grass manually can be a real drag. A water sprinkler system can keep your grass freshly watered with minimal effort on your part, but is it worth the cost?
The 12 Best Flower Bed Ideas To Try Out If You Have A Smaller Backyard
If you have a small backyard, you may assume you're limited in the flowers and shrubs you can plant. With a small backyard, you need to be careful not to overdo your gardening efforts, which could make the yard look even smaller than it is. But that doesn't mean you can't have gorgeous flower beds filled with bright, colorful plants in your small garden. There are several ways to make the most of a small space with tailored flower beds that enhance your yard rather than crowding it.
The 12 Best Flower Bed Ideas To Try Out If You Have A Smaller Backyard
If you have a small backyard, you may assume you're limited in the flowers and shrubs you can plant. With a small backyard, you need to be careful not to overdo your gardening efforts, which could make the yard look even smaller than it is. But that doesn't mean you can't have gorgeous flower beds filled with bright, colorful plants in your small garden. There are several ways to make the most of a small space with tailored flower beds that enhance your yard rather than crowding it.
Cordless vs. corded lawnmower - which should you choose?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Shutterstock If you’re in the market for a new lawnmower, you might be torn between a cordless and a corded model. Both cordless and corded lawnmowers can keep your grass neat and tidy, and each type of lawnmower will do well for small yards. But, when it comes down to it, one type will probably suit your needs better than the other.
Avoid These Common Mistakes That Are Sure To Kill Your Peace Lily Plants - House Digest Original
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements and long-lasting white blooms. They're also superheroes at cleaning indoor air, with studies showing they can remove contaminants like formaldehyde and benzene. With around 60 species of peace lily, you're sure to find one that looks good with your decor.
How To Plant Boxwood Shrubs Along A Fence Line For An Elegant Landscape
Privacy fences can help keep prying eyes out of your backyard, but they can look drab and dull — especially several years after installation. If you're tired of looking at your practical but boring fence, consider planting boxwood shrubs as part of your landscaping for backyard privacy. Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is an attractive green shrub that can create small to medium hedges along your fence line.
How To Plant Boxwood Shrubs Along A Fence Line For An Elegant Landscape
What Is Quikrete Gravel And How To Use It Around Your Yard There are many ways to use gravel in your yard, from patios and gardens to decorative borders. With all the different types of gravel to consider, …
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Catherine
Contact Catherine, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack