September 30, 2021

 Here’s how to craft a perfect response to that caustic office email without risking your job. Open your word processor and take a few minutes to let loose with all your feelings and then save that document to a special folder. Return to the folder later to read the reply and others that you’ve saved to remind you of mistakes that were avoided by not hitting “Send.” Source Link 

You can stock your kitchen with helpful gadgets at the office supply store. Those classic orange-handled scissors are great for opening packages and binder clips can seal up food bags. A black sharpie marker can label freezer bags and write on masking tape for plastic containers and a dry erase board can be used to keep a shopping list. Source Link 

A light snooze may not make up for short sleep. Researchers found that people didn’t see much benefit when they tried to use a 30 to 60-minute nap to compensate for lost sleep the night before. That’s because a nap isn’t enough time for the body to reach the stage of sleep that’s most refreshing for you. Source Link

September 29, 2021

 Every 11 seconds, an elderly American suffers a fall. To reduce your risk, talk to your doctor and review medications that can make a fall more likely. Have your vision and hearing checked once a year because these can affect balance; remove home hazards like loose rugs and add grab bars in the bathroom, and find an exercise program that helps build your stability. Source Link

Meal prep using some key ingredients is a great way to save time getting dinner on the table. Look for recipes that use roasted potatoes, hard-boiled eggs or cooked spaghetti. You can make smoothie freezer bags with your favorite ingredients for a fast breakfast and consider adding a meatless day with vegetable and pasta dishes that need less cooking time. Source Link 

That next cross-country flight may be jet-lag free with these tips. Switch to local time for meals and bedtime as soon as you land and go outdoors in the afternoon heading west and in the morning heading east to reset your body’s time clock. And once you get to your destination, plan some time to relax, whether that’s meditation, yoga or a massage at the hotel spa. Source Link

September 28, 2021

 You can make space in your fridge by removing any of these foods. Tomatoes keep their best on the kitchen counter and coffee needs a cool and dry place for storage. Bread can be kept in the freezer but not the refrigerator and onions and potatoes don’t need to take up space in your crisper because any cool, dry storage place will do. Source Link 

Is your digital world prepared for an attack? It’s easy to safeguard your computers and mobile devices with free or inexpensive programs to back up data and create and store strong passwords. Be sure to allow automatic updates of software and review which apps you don’t use that can be deleted from your phone. Source Link 

Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep it clean at home, but that’s not always possible while on vacation. The solution can be using a resealable plastic bag that keeps your toothbrush separate from everything else in the luggage. When you get to your next destination, open the bag and let your brush air dry. Source Link 

September 27, 2021

 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 

September 24, 2021

 Does it seem like you’ll never be able to tame that overflowing Camera Roll or Photo Gallery on your phone? Try tackling it one day at a time. Sort through one day, one week or one month of photos while you’re watching TV or turn on your favorite podcast and sort pictures until you finish an episode. Source Link 

Bubbly water might be a good alternative to sugary soda, but is it healthy? Sparkling water or carbonated beverages without added sugar or other artificial ingredients can be a good choice but sparkling water that’s not natural does have acids that can erode your teeth. And be mindful about drinking sparkling water with a meal rather than by itself. Source Link 

Want a “set it and forget it” way to invest in your retirement account? Aim for a target. Most plans let you choose a target-date fund that’s pegged for the year you expect to retire. Your target fund is adjusted annually to the proper mix of stocks and bonds to give you the best returns now and safety from major losses as you get closer to retirement. Source Link 

September 23, 2021

 You probably won’t get a new bright smile with your toothbrush. Whitening toothpaste that uses abrasive ingredients to scrub your teeth may also damage the enamel and chemical-based whitening toothpaste isn’t on your teeth long enough to do the job. The surest way to a brighter smile is a treatment administered by your dentist. Source Link 

It’s one step that could save you from skin cancer. A full-body exam to look at all of your bumps, moles and birthmarks is the best way to find out which are benign and which might put you at-risk for skin cancer. But this isn’t a DIY job, so make an appointment with a dermatologist for a full-body exam. Source Link

Why not buy name brand items on Amazon? Because it’s often a bad deal. Costo’s Kirkland brand, along with Ikea and Trader Joe’s products are often marked up in price by Amazon resellers, and some may even be counterfeits. You can buy many name brand products from retailers directly online and skip the Amazon up-charge. Source Link 

September 22, 2021

If the fingerprint reader on your smartphone is a bit finicky, try this tip to improve performance. Most phones allow you to register more than one finger and you can use that to scan the same finger more than once. Having multiple scans of the same fingerprint can improve the performance of the sensor. Source Link 

How can something that goes into the recycling bin help you save money on your water bill? If your home has older-style toilets with a full flush rather than low-flow, fill an empty gallon-sized milk jug with water and place it in the toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of water needed for each flush and cut your utility costs. Source Link 

Wearing a face mask this fall is nothing to sneeze at. Masks that people use for protection from COVID-19, particularly those that filter out more particles like the N95 or KN95 masks, can also filter out pollen that causes so much seasonal misery. People who are putting masks back on may decrease their fall allergy symptoms. Source Link

September 21, 2021

 Should you buy or lease your next car? If you drive a lot of miles annually or want to modify your car or keep it for many years then buying is a better long-term deal but leasing helps you afford more car now. Whether you buy or lease remember to keep your car costs including insurance to under 10 percent of your gross income per month. Source Link 

There are easy ways to get the most mileage in airline travel rewards. Sign-up for every airline’s program to get credit for any trip and look for alliances with credit cards, hotels and travel partners that can add more points. And don’t cash in too soon, because many programs offer bigger rewards for those who use more points per transaction. Source Link 

Building a better breakfast sandwich starts with what it’s made of. Skip the croissants or biscuits and try a whole-wheat English muffin, tortilla or pita wrap. Include four ounces of protein from eggs, turkey sausage or lean meat leftovers like chicken along with plenty of veggies and add some kick with salsa or hot sauce. Source Link 

September 20, 2021

 When shopping for sunglasses, go for bigger but don’t worry if the price tag is smaller. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect your eyes can be very affordable. Consider a pair with larger lenses or a wrap-around style to maximize your protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Source Link 

There are some simple steps you can take to keep your home healthier. Be sure to replace kitchen sponges regularly and use bleach to sanitize separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables. Change HVAC air filters regularly to improve indoor air quality and set a calendar reminder to change the batteries in smoke detectors every six months. Source Link 

Need a strategy to avoid overeating at the buffet? Start by sitting where you can’t see the food and before you leave your table, pick just 5 to 7 items that you want. And resist the urge to get your money's worth by going back for more food even after you're full. Source Link 

September 17, 2021

 Using autopay is an easy way to handle your bills but some of them should be paid manually. Infrequent bills like a subscription, membership or semi-annual auto insurance premium might slide by without you knowing it. And bills that can fluctuate monthly like an electric bill could leave you overdrawn if you don’t know it’s higher. Source Link 

You need to do more than a factory reset when you’re selling or giving away that old smartphone. Be sure to remove the SIM card that links the phone to your carrier and an SD card you may use for extra memory. And sign out and unlink the phone from all online accounts so no one can use the device in your name. Source Link 

Make sure you’ve tidied-up your tech before you check out of that Airbnb rental. Sign out from any online accounts or streaming services that you used during the visit to prevent the next tenant from borrowing your account. And consider using a VPN or virtual private network with your phone, tablet or laptop because you never know about security on someone else’s WiFi. Source Link 

September 16, 2021

 These simple steps can safeguard your money while on vacation. Use two wallets for cash with one in a bag or purse and the other in your pocket and keep credit cards separate from the cash Stick with small bills in the local currency to avoid conversion fees or mistakes when paying and don’t use public WiFi for any banking or other financial business. Source Link 

There’s strength in numbers and variety when picking a good password. Use longer passwords like a full phrase with upper and lower case letters and throw in some symbols and numbers. A password manager can do this for you with every app or website login and all you need to do is remember the master password. Source Link 

Many people share a login for streaming video sites but what if it’s a stranger who’s piggybacking on your account? Settings for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon allow you to see a list of devices that have connected and you can delete any that you don’t recognize. You can also log out of all devices and change your password to keep those deadbeats off your account. Source Link 

September 15, 2021

 When is travel insurance a smart buy? Getting travel insurance for an expensive international trip makes sense because you have more to lose and it might help with medical expenses should you become ill outside of the country. And it’s smart to buy travel insurance for a cruise if you book it a year ahead of time because your situation may change and force a cancellation. Source Link 

If your commute includes stop-and-go traffic there’s one auto part that can help you breathe easier. An activated charcoal cabin air filter can remove most of the pollutants from exhaust fumes that build up while you’re stopped. You should have the cabin air filter checked with every oil change. Source Link 

Answering just two questions could be the key to killing clutter in your home. Start by categorizing items as useful or decorative. For useful items, ask yourself if you’ve used it in the past year. For decorative pieces, ask yourself if you “love” it. If the answer to the question is “no” it’s time to sell, recycle, give away or donate the item. Source Link 

September 14, 2021

 When and what you eat can be an important combination for weight loss and better health. A high-protein breakfast might keep your appetite in check for the whole day, and a small meal with carbs and protein before exercise followed by a similar snack afterward can help you get the most from a workout. Source Link 

Giving kids household chores can teach them to be responsible and build self-esteem. Find ones that are age-appropriate like putting away toys, making their bed, setting the table or raking leaves. Put these on a calendar with scheduled days and times and consider giving an allowance to older kids who do heavier chores. Source Link 

If you’re among the half of Americans who admit to using retail therapy to cope with stress you might slow down the compulsive shopping with the “30-day rule.” Wait one month before making that impulse buy. If you still want it 30 days later, it’s probably a worthwhile purchase. Source Link 

September 13, 2021

 Getting to zero might be the smartest way to create an effective home budget. With zero-based budgeting, your income minus what you spend and save each month equals zero. Besides living expenses, you can assign money to pay off debt, contribute to savings and investments and set aside some just for fun until your available money is down to zero. Source Link 

For the most refreshing daytime nap, remember these three L’s. Plan your nap for no later than 2 pm to avoid interfering with your body’s normal sleep cycle. Limit your nap to no more than 30 minutes to avoid falling into a deep sleep and find a location that’s dark and cool but don't worry about having a flat surface because an easy chair or reclining your car seat will work fine. Source Link 

Why should you have a will? Everyone needs to communicate end-of-life preferences to their family, whether or not you have a lot of money. A will can make clear your wishes about finances and property distribution so your family won’t have to spend countless hours with probate courts and attorneys. Source Link 

September 10, 2021

 It takes a good eye to pick the freshest seafood. Look for a whole fish with eyes that are bright and clear and not dull gray. For a fillet, the skin should be shiny, metallic and clean. Fresh fish should smell like clean water or slightly briny but never “fishy” because cooking can’t improve a fish past its prime. Source Link 

You clean out the trunk of your car when selling it but have you swept up your personal data too? Before you go to the dealer for that trade-in be sure to disconnect your phone from the car’s Bluetooth syncing and delete your contacts, maps and address data. And remember to delete any garage door opener codes that were stored by the vehicle. Source Link 

It’s time to wake up and debunk some common myths about sleeping. A drink won’t help you sleep better and your body can’t function well on just five hours of sleep a night. And don’t assume that snoring is no big deal. Snoring that stops abruptly could be a sign of apnea that happens when throat passages close and you stop breathing. Source Link 

September 9, 2021

 The family that plays games together may have closer ties no matter where they are. Testing found that playing video games can unite generations of the same family. Word games or action games helped and you don’t have to be in the same room to benefit because online gaming improved family ties with faraway relatives. Source Link 

Looking for an alternative to help you kick the soda habit? If you like the fizz, try sparkling water with a lemon twist, lime twist, crushed raspberries or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cola fans can switch to iced redbush tea to get the same taste and if you like a ginger ale you can make your own with seltzer water, freshly grated ginger and a half-teaspoon of the natural sweetener stevia. Source Link 

Finding ways to fit more exercise into your day may not be as hard as you think. Do some toe raises when waiting in line to work your foot and calf muscles or squeeze in a few squats while brushing your teeth. When watching TV you can swap the couch for a stability ball and keep some hand weights nearby for sets of upper body exercises during commercials. Source Link 

September 8, 2021

 Good posture can make working from home more comfortable. When sitting at a desk, rest your feet flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to the ground and your head level and in line with your torso. The top of your computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level and at arm’s length from you. And a small pillow or towel roll can give you lower back support. Source Link 

Where there’s a will, there’s a better way to protect your family and make sure your wishes are carried out when it comes to guardianship for children or how to give away your possessions. Review your will annually and after life events like a divorce or when children become adults. And consider a living will that lists the care you do or don’t want if you become seriously ill. Source Link 

If every meal seems like a race to clean your plate, try these tips to slow down. Eating with your non-dominant hand can help and set down your fork for 10 seconds between each bite. And use smaller plates and bowls that empty faster to make it look like you’re full even when you’ve eaten less. Source Link 

September 7, 2021

 One out of three people say they eat lunch on the job, but there are better ways to use your mid-day break. Leave the office or take a walk for a change of scenery that will help revitalize your mind. Spend some time reading or taking an online course or grab a quick nap so you’ll be rested and ready to complete the workday. Source Link 

You might beat jet lag with help from your smartphone. The trick is to avoid or get more light at certain times and shift your body to the new time zone. There are apps that set a schedule based on where you’re going, your sleep pattern and whether you’re a morning or evening person. What doesn’t work is fasting before a flight or taking a sleeping pill on takeoff. Source Link 

There are many reasons why you should keep your home WiFi network secured with a strong password. Freeloaders could slow down your streaming, send you over a data cap or even use your WiFi for illegal activity that’s blamed on you. If you need help changing the password, consult the owner’s manual for your WiFi router or contact customer service for a cable modem. Source Link 

September 3, 2021

 You’re trying to keep your home clean but don’t do it this way. That cutting board should be soaked in a bleach solution and not washed with soap and using a dry rag for dusting just spreads dirt into the air. Follow the grain on stainless steel to remove smudges for good and don’t wash windows on a sunny day because the cleaner dries quickly and leaves streaks. Source Link 

The plumbing aisle at the home store has a product that does some DIY magic. A split piece of foam pipe insulation can corral a tangle of power cords under a desk or baby-proof the edge of a coffee table. And a short piece of pipe insulation can plug that gap between the seat and the center console in your car to keep keys and other things from dropping through. Source Link 

Getting the best price on a prescription takes some planning and a bit of research. Always ask your doctor if there’s a generic or cheaper alternative to a pricey brand-name drug and then use a website like WellRX.com or GoodRX.com to compare pharmacy prices and find discounts. You can also look into a patient assistance program from the drug maker to lower the cost. Source Link 

September 2, 2021

 What are some warning signs that you’ve been hacked? A computer with a fan that’s always on or a phone that suddenly needs more recharging and feels hot may be in high gear running malware. You may also see more pop-up ads or find that your browser homepage has been changed or your webcam turns on by itself. Source Link 

The sandwich is a lunchtime classic, but what if you want to skip those two slices of bread? Try wrapping ingredients in a whole-grain pita or tortilla or lettuce leaves. Scoop the seeds out of a cucumber, zucchini, tomato or bell pepper and stuff with a salad mix or pack hard-boiled egg whites with cubes of meat. Source Link 

It can be a challenge to save enough for a down payment on a home, so help yourself with a few well-placed pats on the back. Break up the total into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal with every $5,000 saved. Source Link 

September 1, 2021

 If elective surgery is on your calendar there are things you can do now to make recovery easier. Aerobic exercise will strengthen the lungs to prevent collapse after anesthesia and learning deep breathing can help calm any anxiety you’ll feel. And a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains can boost your body’s ability to heal. Source Link 

There’s a must-have personal care product you should pack for every flight and it’s not hand sanitizer. A travel-sized bottle of moisturizer can keep skin from drying out fast during your flight. It’s a real problem because the average aircraft has humidity levels of less than 20 percent and that can cause skin discomfort and inflammation. Source Link 

How can you undo the damage when clothes are shrunk in the wash? Soak it for up to 30 minutes in a sink or tub with lukewarm water and a cupful of baby shampoo to loosen fibers. Gently squeeze the water from the clothing and lay it on a flat towel and roll it up and squeeze more. Place it on another dry towel and gently stretch back to preshrunk size and allow the item to air dry. Source Link