August 31, 2020

 A solution to a late-night snacking might be found in the early morning. People who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat later and getting more protein and fiber during the day can limit those midnight refrigerator raids. And turn off the TV, tablet and cell phone earlier because more screen time can lead to mindless eating. Source Link 

You can avoid being ripped off at the auto shop by doing a little work of your own before your car needs some. Shop around for a mechanic by asking friends or checking online reviews and take your car in for a small service to see if you’re comfortable there. And don’t be afraid to have your car towed somewhere else if you feel like you’re being cheated. Source Link 

With so many people carrying big student loans it’s important to have a good strategy for repayment. Apply for an income-contingent plan that limits payments to what you can afford or look into jobs that offer student debt forgiveness as an employment benefit. And if you pay extra be sure that it’s applied to the principal and not the next month’s payment. Source Link

August 28, 2020

 We all know it’s an unhealthy habit, but how do you keep from touching your face? When you feel the urge to scratch an itch, rub your nose or adjust your glasses, grab a tissue and use that instead of your fingers. And break those compulsive unconscious habits like using your hand as a chin rest or to adjust your hair. Source Link 

Take some steps before you dive into that new phone or tablet to avoid becoming the victim of a hacker. Backup and transfer old data and consider using a cloud service to safeguard it from loss or theft. Create strong, secure logins and use new passwords for those vital services. And register your device with the manufacturer to help with recovery if you are hacked. Source Link 

That first cup of coffee in the morning might help you focus on success in the day ahead but don’t expect it to jump-start your creativity. Researchers found that caffeine could boost so-called convergent thinking such as problem-solving but divergent thinking that’s linked to creativity wasn’t improved for coffee drinkers. Source Link 

August 27, 2020

 Think about all the things in your wallet that you’d have to replace should you lose it and pare down what you carry with you. Never carry a Social Security card, keep store membership cards in the glove box of your car and only carry one credit card. And throw away any old receipts because those could have useful information for an identity thief. Source Link 

The tech that powers our everyday lives needs to take an occasional break, but how often should you reboot? Restarting your phone or tablet at least once a week can free up memory for smoother operation and your smartwatch can benefit from a restart every few weeks. Your smart TV or home router should be powered down about once a month. Source Link 

The food that you stock up on shouldn’t just be a stash for future use. Follow the practice of “use and replenish” and once a week create a meal from your stockpile. Start with the food that’s closest to expiration and replace what you’ve used and you’ll rotate that two-week meal supply in just under a year. Source Link 

August 26, 2020

 When budgeting seems like too much work, why not automate the job? Combine direct deposit of your paycheck with automatic bill payments and automatic transfers to savings. And if you budget correctly what’s left is money you can spend any way you’d like. Source Link 

It’s happened to all of us, but how can you avoid that awkward moment when you’ve forgotten someone’s name? When you first meet, repeat the person’s name in your head through the conversation and use their name as you’re talking. You can also envision the setting where you met the person to retrace your mental steps and recall the name. Source Link 

Sandwich bags can do a lot more than carry part of your lunch. Cut the corner of a sandwich bag to make a DIY funnel or frosting bag or slip one over an outside padlock to keep it from freezing in winter. A zip-seal sandwich bag can hold homemade wet wipes or let you pack a single portion of detergent for when you’re doing laundry while away from home. Source Link 

August 25, 2020

You can reduce the risk of an electrical fire in your home with a safety check every six months. Make sure all bulbs in lamps are the proper wattage and that all electrical outlets and switches feel cool to the touch. Flip circuit breakers to see if any are stuck, check for damaged power cords and unplug all bathroom and kitchen small appliances when you’re not using them. Source Link 

You’re tasting chocolate in your head and it’s making you hungry, so try putting the other senses to work to combat food cravings. Picture an image of someplace or something you enjoy that’s not food or look at photos of these things on your phone. You can also counter the real aromas of food with a whiff of perfume or scented oil carried in a pocket-sized vial. Source Link 

If a work-at-home job appeals to you don’t fall victim to the scams that are out there. The common red flag is when you’re asked to pay something upfront for supplies, certifications, coaching or client leads. Promises of high pay for little or no work are also a warning sign as are jobs that base your earnings on recruiting other people. Source Link 

August 24, 2020

How will the pandemic affect the prices for some things you buy? Experts think clothing will be more expensive when pent-up demand is finally unleashed along with food prices, from groceries to restaurant tabs. Video games and home fitness equipment may also rise in price but a drop in demand means lower costs for gasoline and car insurance. Source Link

A healthy goal for the pounds you can lose in one month of dieting should not be in the double digits. The CDC says losing between 4 and 8 pounds a month is safe for most people who want to reach a moderate weight. Those who lose weight slowly and steadily have a better chance of keeping it off.

What’s the best day to apply for a job to increase your chances of getting hired? It’s the day when the job is posted and research showed that more jobs are posted on Tuesdays than any other day of the week. Those who applied on the first day that a job was posted were 30% more likely to get an interview. Source Link

August 21, 2020

A big breakfast might pave the way to weight loss if you ease off on eating for the rest of the day, according to a new study. More calories are burned in the morning, so you should eat more when calorie-burning is at its peak. Front-loading your food intake may also keep your blood sugar levels from going too high and protect against diseases like diabetes. Source Link 

When you have a financial goal in mind, think about it more often and you may be closer to reaching it. A survey found that people were able to increase their savings by up to 73 percent when they envisioned themselves succeeding. Using something like a vision board could help you get closer to that dream vacation or retirement savings goal. Source Link 

If you want to break a cycle of spending on items you don’t really need, try waiting to buy it. That could mean running out of something to see if you really need it before you re-stock or leaving that online purchase in the virtual shopping cart to see if you still want it a few days or a few weeks later. Source Link 

August 20, 2020

What does your favorite ice cream flavor say about you? A survey found that chocolate lovers are the extroverts of the ice cream eating world while fans of strawberry are usually the first to find love. And those who prefer vanilla ice cream are hardly bland because many say they’d choose “dare” in a game of “truth or dare.” Source Link 

A headache is always a pain, but when is it an emergency? you should call 911 if a headache comes on suddenly and feels explosive, is accompanied by high fever or nausea, or causes slurred speech, dizziness, confusion or an inability to move one side of your body. Such headaches could be the sign of a stroke, a brain tumor or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Source Link 

Consumer fraud can happen in many ways. Experts say never send money from an unexpected request in a phone call, email or text and don’t believe Caller ID because scammers can fake it. Do an online search of a company or product name and the word “review” or “complaint” and avoid wiring money or paying with a reloadable card that doesn’t have built-in fraud protection. Source Link 

August 19, 2020

Here’s an aftereffect of the COVID crisis that could hit you in the wallet. Experts predict that some businesses may start adding an extra fee to cover expenses linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants, hair salons and even dentist’s offices could add a separate charge for costs associated with extra cleaning and disinfecting. Source Link 

Parents who hang on next to the crib until the baby falls asleep may be sabotaging themselves. That's because if your baby sees you there as they drift off to sleep they’ll expect you to be there every time they wake up during the night. Putting a baby to bed while awake helps your infant learn to fall asleep without you in the room. Source Link 

When your exercise routine is stuck in neutral, you can get back in gear by getting real. If you use a stationary bike, try riding outdoors on a real bike or step off the indoor running track and into nature by running on a park trail. Interval training with a number of exercises can add new variety and setting a new goal for weight loss or performance can jump-start your exercise efforts. Source Link 

August 18, 2020

Are you guilty of these bad driving habits that annoy others who share the road with you? Top complaints are about people who ride in the left lane instead of using it only for passing, not using headlights in rain or snow or sitting at a green light. And if you’re behind that driver who doesn’t go on green, be kind and give them to the count of three before using your horn. Source Link 

You can make it easier for your child to be ready for the arrival of a new brother or sister. With toddlers, you can read picture books about new babies but pre-schoolers need more involvement. Encourage them to help plan for the new baby, let them play with their old baby toys before they’re handed down and assure them they won’t be loved any less because of the new baby. Source Link 

Looking forward to retirement and not having to live by paycheck? You may want to think again. One way to stay on-budget during retirement is to draw a “paycheck” from your savings on a weekly or monthly basis. That’s how much money you’ll have to spend on necessities and extras during that period. Source Link 

August 17, 2020

It'll take more than tossing out those mystery leftovers to keep your kitchen healthy. You should change your cleaning sponge often because even microwaving it won’t kill all of the germs. And throw away a cutting board that has lots of cracks where bacteria can survive a good cleaning. Source Link 

Identity theft isn’t something to worry about only when you’re online. A lost or stolen wallet can expose you, so limit what’s in there and never carry anything with your social security number. A mailbox with a lock can keep someone from stealing credit card offers or bank statements and shredding important papers before tossing them is an easy way to prevent identity theft. Source Link 

So what are some bad habits that can pile on the pounds? There are obvious ones like too much fast food, plenty of snacking and mindless eating while watching TV. But not planning how much you’re going to eat at each meal is a big problem too because you can overeat long before that feeling of fullness hits you. Source Link 

August 14, 2020

What goes into a calculation of how much house you can afford? Look for a monthly payment with principal, interest, taxes and insurance that’s no more than 30 percent of your take-home pay after deducting retirement or other savings. And remember extras like upkeep, repairs and decorating that averaged $9,000 a year for homeowners in a recent survey. Source Link 

Saving money doesn’t always mean spending less. A high-quality mattress might cost more but could last twice as long as that bargain model. And you should consider the net value when buying a car. A new car that’s three years old may fetch a higher resale price and be a better overall value than selling a used car you’ve been driving for three years. Source Link 

When shopping for a new car you can figure out what you can afford by using the 20-4-10 rule. Start with a 20 percent down payment and make sure the loan is for no more than four years. And don’t spend more than 10 percent of your gross monthly income on car expenses including the loan payment plus insurance, gas, license fees and parking. Source Link 

August 13, 2020

Need a better strategy to quit smoking? Start with medications before you snuff out that last cigarette. Testing found that starting anti-smoking drugs four weeks in advance can increase the success rate. The extra time also helped people get in the right frame of mind to quit smoking. Source Link 

Here's how to take a walk that can improve your mood. Spend about 10 minutes walking through your office or in a store or down the street and mentally wish everyone well as you see them. A study found that people who did this reduced their own anxiety and increased happiness and feelings of social connection. Source Link 

That rental ride on your next vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Booking your rental car early is one way to save money but don’t pre-pay because you might find a better deal later. Consider if you want to buy separate insurance and have an accident show up on your own policy and take photos of any scratches or damage that you find before you head out. Source Link 

August 12, 2020

If you owned an iPhone 6 or 7 or iPhone SE before 2018 then Apple has a check for you. Eligible iPhone owners who submit a claim can receive approximately $25 per device that experienced “diminished performance.” The payment is part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit that accused Apple of changing software to slow down the older devices. Source Link 

A vaccine that can prevent cancers in men and women is now recommended for younger girls and boys. The American Cancer Society is urging medical professionals to offer the HPV vaccine to both boys and girls at 9 years old. Younger children are more likely to complete the series of shots than those who start between the ages of 11 and 12. Source Link 

Don’t let travel restrictions prevent you from seeing faraway places that are on your bucket list. You can find online virtual tours for everything from Grand Central Terminal in New York to the Great Wall of China and Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion in Memphis. Tours of Buckingham Palace, the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids of Giza are also a mouse click away. Source Link

August 11, 2020

A special kind of short break can help you clear your head and work better. People who used a 10-minute meditation recording were able to complete mental tasks faster than others who had the same break without meditation. Everyone who used the recording benefitted, including those who had no prior training in meditation. Source Link 

The typical cell phone bill is full of extras that you might drop to save money every month. Look at how much data you use to see if you can skip the unlimited rate or stop paying for a WiFi hotspot that you don’t need. And consider if you really want that extra warranty. You might save money and safeguard your phone by simply using a sturdy case. Source Link 

Being a long-distance caregiver for a loved one takes planning and teamwork. Set up access to their financial accounts, get a durable power of attorney, make an extra set of house and car keys and know any home alarm codes. And build a network of local neighbors or other family members who can help with specific chores or serve as an emergency backup. Source Link 

August 10, 2020

If you love shopping on Amazon these two tips might save you some money. Use apps that can track Amazon prices and alert you when they drop or others that compare Amazon prices with major competitors who will match them. And look for free return options like drop-off at an Amazon Locker or at select retailers instead of paying for shipping. Source Link 

The biggest workplace social network is teaming up with a tech giant to help find the job that’s right for you. LinkedIn and Microsoft are identifying the top in-demand jobs and offering free online training in those fields. Then you can polish your job search skills and apply for open positions. Source Link 

Your finances can make the most of this economic slowdown with some simple moves. Open a high-yield savings account and deposit the money you would be spending on eating out, travel, and social activities or use it to pay down debt. And take advantage of rock-bottom mortgage interest rates to refinance a home and save on monthly payments. Source Link

August 7, 2020

Most of the best ways to put money into your house and get it back in higher value are on the outside. Renovations that build curb appeal, like a new garage door, window replacements, new decking or improved siding offer the biggest return on investment. A new kitchen may not match a buyer’s tastes and bathroom remodeling didn’t even make the Top 10. Source Link 

Surveys show that about half of us have an old gift card with unused value still on it but don’t toss it out yet. Under federal law, gift cards are good for at least five years unless a company goes under and you can sell unused cards through online exchanges. You can also donate an unused gift card for resale to benefit a charity. Source Link 

Many of us lose track so make it a seasonal habit to check what you’re spending on monthly digital subscriptions. Every three months look at your bank or credit card statements to see what charges are there and if you’re still using that service. It’s easier to do this checkup if to have all your streaming service charges on one account. Source Link

August 6, 2020

Keeping your cool in summer heat goes for gadgets as well as people. Temperatures in the 90s can put a big dent in battery life, so keep your smartphone in a cool spot and never leave it in a car where it can heat up fast in the sun. You can also stretch battery life in hot weather by removing the phone case that can trap heat. Source Link 

What’s your hand sanitizer IQ? An effective formula is one with at least 60 percent alcohol and homemade versions could cause skin burns so use soap and water instead. Hand sanitizer has an average shelf life of three years and while it may seem like a cosmetic, hand sanitizer is classified as a drug and regulated by the FDA. Source Link 

Taking a purposeful break from eating is proving to be a good way to drop some pounds and stay healthy. Intermittent fasting has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes and liver disease and could help with weight loss. You can fast for a full day a few times a week or limit your eating time to only six to eight hours each day. Source Link 

August 5, 2020

We know about coffee, but what other foods can give you that natural pick-me-up? The sugar in apples, the spice of hot sauce and herbs like rosemary and peppermint offer a natural boost. On the other hand, you can head off to sleep faster with avocados, hummus, bananas, cherries, dark chocolate or red wine. Source Link 

Outdoor entertaining in the age of coronavirus still includes cookouts and here’s how to do it safely. Ask guests to wear masks and arrange tables and chairs for social distancing for people who aren’t in the same family; set out hand sanitizer and offer people the option to bring their own plates, utensils and cups. And go with low-contact yard games like cornhole or frisbee. Source Link 

What’s the formula for living to be a healthy 100-year old? Have more friends and don’t smoke. Those habits stood out in a survey of centenarians who were free of chronic diseases. Social activities ranging from volunteering to attending a concert to playing golf with friends offer great aging benefits and lower the risk of chronic illness. Source Link

August 4, 2020

When the health care you need isn’t an emergency, take time to explore all the options. Look for information from trusted sources like websites of medical organizations and have a thorough discussion with your doctor about what’s best for you. And remember there’s nothing wrong with getting a second or third opinion about how to proceed with treatment. Source Link 

Maybe math has never been your strong suit, but it doesn’t mean your kids have to struggle. You can start them early with counting games like tallying the number of spoons and forks in a drawer, counting items as you unpack groceries, or looking for a certain number on the pages of a book. And resist talking about your dislike of math in front of your child. Source Link 

The basement may be your go-to storage spot, but there are a few things that should never be kept downstairs. Rolled up rugs and carpeting are a perfect home for bugs and can absorb moisture and odor. The same goes for wood furniture and upholstered items. And fur and leather clothing, books and toys need to be in sealed containers to prevent damage. Source Link 

August 3, 2020

The standard of one dog year equals seven human years in age is probably a myth. Studies of canine genetics found that a one-year-old dog is closer to the human age of 30. Four-year-old Fido is similar to a 52-year-old person and by the time a dog is in their teens, they’re closer in human age to a 70-year-old. Source Link

If push comes to shove, what’s your financial survival number? Find it by totaling the cost of rent or mortgage and utilities, groceries, dining out, transportation, household costs, clothing, health care and entertainment. Then take everything that isn’t a fixed cost and cut it down to the bare minimum. Source Link 

Here’s a simple one-minute exercise to help you fall asleep faster. Lie on your back and put one hand under your head along the ridge at the base of your skull. Place your other hand flat across your forehead, close your eyes and relax until you feel your pulse sync up between both hands. This sends a signal to your nervous system to bring more blood to the brain and helps you doze off. Source Link