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Hey metro Detroit, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Community band tryouts, a free zoo walk, and a coin and collectibles show + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community band opens doors: Birmingham Concert Band will welcome new members for the first time, inviting Metro Detroit musicians to sit in at rehearsal on August 12. No formal audition, just a three-rehearsal tryout -- see how to join.
Back-to-school health prep: With school approaching, a Children's Hospital of Michigan pediatrician urges parents to reset kids’ routines with earlier bedtimes, immunizations for kindergarten and seventh grade, medication forms, and eye checks -- get the full checklist.
Public input opportunity ahead: MDHHS will hold a virtual hearing on the Community Service Block Grant State Plan August 17, 2 to 2:30 p.m., covering 2026 to 2028. Written comments accepted through August 17 -- see how to weigh in.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Detroit nostalgia fix: The Detroit Shoppe packs city pride into one spot with licensed team gear, iconic and up-and-coming local brands, and exclusive collabs with Motown Museum, the DIA and Pewabic Pottery. Build a custom Detroit gift basket, browse their Hall of History, and feel extra good since 100% of proceeds go to charity.
Design treasure trove: Whether your living room needs a glow up this week or you just like a good design wander, Le Shoppe Modern packs 25,000 square feet with curated pre-loved modern and contemporary finds, from collectible furniture to museum-worthy art. You can also consign, bid at auction, or get an appraisal.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌿 Nature Time @ Farmington Hills Nature Center | Tuesday (8/4) at 10:30 AM – Whether you paddle or prefer a sturdy park bench, a guest instructor from Heavner Canoe and Kayak is leading nature-themed activities and a short, guided walk at the Nature Center. Free, all ages, and refreshingly no pre-registration, just kids with their grown-ups.
🃏 Casual Euchre @ Johnny Blacks Public House (Rochester Hills) | Tuesday (8/4) at 6:00 PM – Think you know your bowers from your bluff? In Rochester, dinner actually scores you 10 bonus points, finally a reward for ordering the fries. No entry fee, come-and-go games with rotating partners, weekly prizes, a monthly champ, and friendly banter welcome, jerks benched.
🎶 Summer Concert @ St. Mary Fellowship Center (Royal Oak) | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:30 PM – Expect the voices you know from Mass to tackle your favorite animated film songs, minus the cartoon chaos. It's free, the only cover is two cans for the pantry, and the St. Mary Men's Club is on food duty, because of course they are.
🧺 Northville Farmers Market @ Northville Farmers Market | Thursday (8/6) at 8:00 AM – Downtown Northville’s farmers market brings local growers, makers, and the Living and Learning Enrichment Center on select summer and fall dates. Grab microgreens, farm eggs, lavender sachets, succulents, and neat little handmade bits, because adulthood is just curating better groceries, and nicer potholders.
📖 Summer Stories in the Park @ Troy, Michigan | Friday (8/7) at 10:30 AM – Whether you’ve got kids, grandkids, or just miss being read to, the Troy Public Library Bookmobile is rolling into the park for songs and stories. Bring a blanket and snacks, browse 1,000-plus books, get a card, and enjoy a wheelchair and walker accessible, no-registration outing.
🦁 Hero For Life Zoo Walk 2026 @ Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak) | Saturday (8/8) at 7:00 AM – If you've been waiting for a sign to stroll Detroit Zoo without paying for the privilege, this is it. Free registration, free parking, a yak scavenger hunt, and the chance to walk solo or as a team, all while supporting local moms, dads, and babies.
🪙 Royal Oak Coin & Collectibles Show @ Royal Oak Elks Club | Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 AM – Bring that jar of wheat pennies to the Royal Oak Elks Club for one of Michigan’s longest-running collector shows, now under new ownership. Buy, sell, or trade coins, currency, bullion, cards, and comics, get on-site evaluations, enjoy free admission, and justify cleaning the junk drawer.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — North of Detroit report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 84. South southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 86°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. This house is wildThis stunning new-construction Colonial in Troy brings over 5,262 square feet of polished living space on a rare 120 x 299 lot. A two-story foyer, soaring great room, gourmet kitchen, and main-floor guest suite set the stage, while brick-and-stone curb appeal, a covered loggia, 4-car garage, and walk-out basement add serious wow factor.
Take a peek inside → |
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