November 30, 2022

 Try the “90-90” rule to decide what stays and what goes when you want to thin out your wardrobe. For each item, ask yourself if you used it in the past 90 days, or if you’re likely to use it in the next 90 days. If the answers to both questions are “no,” then it can go. And make the next step easier by keeping a box in your closet where you can toss items that are going away. Source Link_ 

Streaming TV subscription fees add up fast and you can save money with a little planning. Make a calendar note for when a trial subscription ends to avoid paying for an extra month, and bundle or get an annual subscription for services you know you want to keep. And if there isn’t a show you’re watching now on that service, cancel and re-subscribe later. Source Link_ 

You can eat healthy even when fast food is your only choice for a meal. Look for the lowest calorie selections and go for lean protein like grilled or broiled meats served in a salad instead of on a bun and without fatty or sugary dressings. And resist the urge to eat in your car - walk into the restaurant and take the time to enjoy your food. Source Link 

November 29, 2022

 Who’s a good candidate for an FDA-approved hearing aid sold in stores? You might benefit if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, where speech seems muffled; if you struggle to understand TV or phone calls, or ask people to speak louder. But see an audiologist if you have sudden hearing loss, ringing in both ears, or pain or dizziness. Source Link_ 

Be sure to pace yourself when you’re ready to add more fiber to your diet. Natural fiber in fresh fruits, leafy raw greens, nuts, beans and whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice or even popcorn can help you feel full without adding all those calories. But flipping the fiber switch too fast can be tough on your digestive system, so add more fiber gradually each day. Source Link 

Getting rid of apps you don’t use can pay big dividends. It saves space on your phone or tablet, keeps you from scrolling through endless screens and reduces the risk of security breaches. Make a list of apps you use every day and work back from that to find what can go. And remember to close out accounts online as well as deleting the app. Source Link_ 

November 28, 2022

 Good posture can help reduce neck and back pain and you don’t need to balance a book on your head to improve. A few times a day, sit with your feet flat on the floor or stand up tall. Look straight ahead, bring your shoulders back and down, and slightly tuck in your chin. Now hold this position for a count of five. Source Link 

A used car can be a major investment for any make or model so always do your homework before you buy. Research the car’s history for possible accidents or collisions and take it out for a test spin to get the sound and feel of the drive and to test the AC, heater and radio. Then have a car mechanic do an independent inspection of the vehicle. Source Link 

Adopting a kitten can be exciting but consider the options before you become a new pet parent. Adopting from an animal shelter often provides you with full health checkups and necessary shots. And if you’re ready for it two kittens adopted together can keep each other company and encourage exercise and play. Source Link 

November 25, 2022

 Unclogging a toilet is a tough job that’s even harder without a plunger but there are other ways to get your flush back. Pour in a half-cup of liquid dish soap or chop up a bar of hand soap to lubricate the clogged pipe. You can follow that with a bucket of hot bath water. Pour it in holding the bucket at waist level to let the force of gravity do the work. Source Link 

When your budget is hit by inflation it’s important to look for smart ways you can save money. Don’t pay a monthly service fee for a checking account or fees for using an out-of-network ATM. Review credit card statements and cancel any services you don’t use. And hit the pause button for 24 hours before purchasing something big that’s on sale to see if that excitement about getting a deal wears off. Source Link 

A yard sale deal is great but some bargain items shouldn’t make it home with you. Don’t buy a baby car seat second-hand because those come with an expiration date and may not be safe anymore. Likewise, a bike helmet may have been through an accident and can no longer protect you properly. Source Link 

November 23, 2022

 These tech upgrades can increase your home’s value and improve your life. Installing a doorbell with a built-in security camera or a WiFi programmable thermostat are projects that most DIY’ers can handle. Adding smart outlets lets you program individual lights, or go with a full system of automated devices that use Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Source Link_ 

Hitting your weight loss goal is great but it’s only half the battle. To keep that weight off, don’t skip exercise, choose a forever diet and increase food intake very gradually. And maintain the support network of friends, family or health professionals that helped you achieve your weight loss goal. Source Link 

The old standard of an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles doesn’t fit for today’s cars that use synthetic oil, but how often do you need to change it? Your owner’s manual gives you a precise number, but typically it’s between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. And many cars take the guesswork out of it with a warning light on the dash that tells you it’s time for an oil change. Source Link_ 

November 22, 2022

 Can you pack part of the holiday feast on your flight home for Thanksgiving? TSA officials say you can bring things like pumpkin pie or green bean casserole in a carry-on but portions will be small because it needs to be in clear, three-ounce bags. You can also pack food in checked luggage along with adult beverages as long as they’re less than 24 percent alcohol. Source Link 

With the flip of a switch you might be able to spend less on heating costs this winter. Ceiling fans have a switch that lets you reverse the airflow so it’s pushing air up. Instead of getting that cool downward breeze, changing the fan’s direction pushes warm air near the ceiling down towards you. Source Link_ 

You can save on grocery bills by making your perishable food last longer. Layer a refrigerator crisper bin with paper towels to absorb moisture that can make spinach or lettuce go bad. Wrapping cheese in parchment paper can fight mold and get that milk out of the door and into the back of the fridge to keep it fresh longer. Source Link_ 

November 21, 2022

 Doing just 10 minutes of resistance training every morning can build stronger muscles and maybe a longer life. People who did about an hour of muscle strengthening exercises each week were 29% less likely to die during a 12-year study. Cardio exercise alone isn’t enough to protect from the problems of aging. Source Link 

Which clothes should survive the cut when you're thinning out your wardrobe? Ask yourself, “Do I wear it now or is it seasonal?” or “Do I feel confident in it?” or “Does this have sentimental value?” Consider if the clothing can be tailored to fit or passed down to someone. You might also clean and store the item or take a photo of it before you donate, sell or recycle. Source Link 

Here’s a simple step that might help you keep that weight off after a successful diet. People who maintained their weight loss spent about three hours less each day sitting. In addition to finding ways to sit less and move more, you should eat a healthy diet and monitor your weight and food intake. Source Link 

November 18, 2022

 There are many ways you can show support when a friend or family member is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Send handwritten cards that they can save and look at later. Be a good listener and connect them with support communities. And instead of asking what they need, tell them how you’ll help, whether that’s with household chores or starting a fundraiser to defray hospital bills. Source Link 

Stocking a freezer with meat when it’s on sale can be a great way to save money, but how long will it keep? Steaks, chops, bacon, chicken breasts and hot dogs can be good for six months, and ground meat up to four months in a freezer at zero degrees. You can freeze meat in its original packaging but overwrap it with foil, plastic wrap or put the package in a plastic bag. Source Link 

Your brain might benefit from a vacation getaway that doesn’t involve travel. In a test, people who stayed off social media for a week gained about nine hours of free time and improved their mental well-being. Other research has shown that taking a brief break from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Source Link

November 17, 2022

 You avoid candy because it’s not good for your teeth, but skip these other foods that can be bad for your smile. Dried fruit has the one-two punch of sugar and stickiness and flavoring on potato chips might be like sandpaper to your teeth. And bottled water that isn’t distilled can be higher in acids that are tough on tooth enamel. Source Link 

Selling things on Facebook or Craigslist might mean wading through a swamp full of scammers. They might insist on using PayPal or Venmo and then send you a fake payment confirmation to get the goods for free. Or they offer to pay with a check that’s over the amount and you keep the balance, and then the check bounces. The safe way to avoid a scam is to deliver items in-person with cash payment. Source Link_

Stop and ask yourself a few questions before you share health stories on social media. Is the source trustworthy, like a major medical center or national organization? Is it a personal story that may not reflect the big picture, or does it make you feel emotional? If it does, try waiting to post because the impulse to share it might pass. Source Link_

November 16, 2022

 It's a twist on a classic diet plan that could improve your wallet’s weight. With a financial fast you spend three weeks making no unnecessary purchases and taking one day a week to make no purchases at all. This can help you reset your spending priorities and show how much you could be saving. Source Link 

How can you beat the ever-rising price of a first-class postage stamp? You can stock up now because Forever stamps you buy today can be used in the future regardless of price hikes. Just don’t look for a deal online because there’s no legitimate way to sell postage stamps at a deep discount. Those offers are likely from scammers who want to steal your credit card information. Source Link_ 

There are probably some real germy hotspots in your home that rarely get cleaned. Like a toothbrush holder, the coffee maker water reservoir, inside a soft-sided lunch box, or the knobs or buttons on kitchen appliances. And pull out the garbage disposal rubber flange for a good cleaning because germs there can spray into the air every time you use it. Source Link_ 

November 15, 2022

 Teaching kids the value of money can be fun. Try filling a two-liter bottle with dimes to show children how small amounts can add up over time. Pay them interest when they save their allowance or have a day when you enjoy free activities and don’t spend any money. Source Link 

There are ways to boost the curb appeal of your home other than giving the front door a pop of color. A storm door is far less inviting, so consider removing it, and trim overgrown bushes or fill up those empty planters. And if you rarely enter through the front door, check to see that there’s a clear walkable path for visitors. Source Link_

Easing off on the gas pedal could ease some of the sting of high gasoline prices. Gas mileage often declines dramatically at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. Studies have shown that every 5 miles per hour beyond 50 is equivalent to paying 30 to 40 cents more per gallon of gas and that can really add up with every fill-up. Source Link_

November 14, 2022

 A few good housekeeping habits now can help you avoid a bigger chore later. Do laundry when you have one load of it and wash items while you’re cooking to avoid dried food that’s harder to clean. Sort your mail as it comes in, stop keeping magazines you don’t read and put away yesterday’s clothes before you pick out today’s outfit. Source Link

How can you keep houseplants watered while you’re away on vacation? Remove any saucers underneath smaller potted plants and put them in the bathtub in a few inches of water. For larger plants, poke a hole in an empty twist-cap wine bottle, fill it with water and push it cap-side down into the plant soil until the bottle stands up on its own. Source Link 

Freezing your credit report can prevent an identity thief from getting a loan or credit card in your name. The three major national credit agencies let you do this online for free and you’ll need to provide your social security number and answer a few questions to verify your identity. You’ll then set a PIN number that you can use to unfreeze your credit report when needed. Source Link 

November 11, 2022

 Buying in bulk may seem like the answer to higher food prices but there are some things that aren’t a good deal. Meat, milk and produce are hard to store for long periods or can go bad fast. The same is true for whole-bean coffee. And buying snack foods in bulk may encourage you to eat more of them, erasing any savings and maybe adding to your waistline. Source Link 

Unlike closing the barn door after the horse is gone, you can protect your smartphone after it comes up missing if you act fast. For an Android phone, log into your Google account in any browser, select the phone and click on “Secure Device.” You can do the same with an iPhone at iCloud.com. But don’t use the option to erase everything on your phone until you’re sure it’s gone for good. Source Link 

That Zoom meeting might be fine for most things at work, but it could turn off the creative juices. Researchers found that video conferencing locked your attention to a screen and prevented the mind from wandering around the room as it might in a real meeting. That tunnel vision makes it hard to expand your thinking and maybe come up with the next great idea. Source Link 

November 10, 2022

 You can step off, speed up or dive into a new exercise plan. Start by scheduling a daily walking session and find other ways to take more steps each day. You can also pick up the pace with things like house cleaning to make it more of a workout or take a water fitness class that lets you exercise with less resistance. Source Link 

Your clothes dryer can do a better job with a few simple hacks. Adding dry towels to a smaller load can absorb moisture and make clothes dry faster. Using several 2 to 3-inch balls of aluminum foil can prevent static. And you can dampen an old sock and apply a few drops of essential oil to it to get that fresh laundry smell without buying dryer sheets. Source Link_

Here’s a good reason to eat a good breakfast and not skimp on lunch. People who front-loaded their daily calorie intake were able to lose weight compared to those who ate more later in the day. Earlier eating could change your body’s systems to promote weight loss while eating later might adversely affect the hormones that regulate your hunger. Source Link_

November 9, 2022

 There are plenty of places in the typical office other than bathrooms where germs are just waiting for you. Things that get lots of touches like elevator buttons, escalator railings or door knobs are hot spots and so is the conference room phone. And watch out for that stack of disposable coffee cups and lids that might be handled by others as they grab for one. Source Link 

People who are battling high blood sugar may have another weapon. Researchers found that meditation, yoga and mindfulness exercises to deal with daily stress have also helped those with type-2 diabetes lower their average blood sugar levels. The improvement could be as much as some people see by using medications. Source Link_

Here’s one way to spend less – aim to buy nothing. See if someone in your area may be giving an item away before buying something new. Members of Buy Nothing groups give items to others in their communities and everything is free. The Buy Nothing project has an app to connect people and you can also use Facebook Buy Nothing groups. Source Link _

November 8, 2022

 Cold season is coming and now’s a good time to review the difference between a cold and the flu. Think “wet versus dry” because a cold usually comes with symptoms like a drippy nose and sneezing while the flu brings a dry cough. Both can hit you with achiness and fever, but the flu comes on fast while a cold takes a few days to develop. Source Link 

Decluttering can clear out space in your home and might fill your wallet, too. Use online services that let you consign old clothing for sale, or sell pre owned consumer electronics or old toys that are still in good condition. You can also save money by upcycling old furniture like transforming a crib into a bench or making a dog bed out of an old dresser drawer. Source Link

You can fight back against the high price of ground beef with an easy swap that cuts the cost of making burgers without sacrificing taste. Mix a 15-ounce can of mashed black beans and a medium chopped onion with 10 ounces of ground beef to get the same as 20 ounces of hamburger. The beans keep the mixture moist and the onion kicks up the flavor. Source Link

November 7, 2022

 You say your household clutter is too much to tackle? Try organizing one thing each day. It could be a handbag, bedside table, or a drawer. That daily feeling of accomplishment when one chore is behind you can reduce stress about clutter and encourage more action to clean things up. Source Link 

Sleeping pills may not be a long-term fix for what’s keeping you up at night. A study found that those with insomnia who regularly took prescription sleep medications still had the problem two years later. Lifestyle changes like getting less caffeine, not using screens before bedtime, or even cognitive behavioral therapy may offer a better solution. Source Link 

Here’s a go-to list of bills that you should put on autopay. Streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, cell phone bills, a car loan or lease, your mortgage and student loan payments can all be automatically paid to help you avoid late fees or losing service if you accidentally miss a payment. Source Link 

November 4, 2022

 Smudges and dirt make it hard to see a phone or tablet screen but don’t make it worse by cleaning the wrong way. Power down and use a microfiber cloth that you can dampen with distilled water. Never use a tissue, paper towel or all-purpose or glass cleaner. Wipe lightly in a “Z” pattern and then use a fresh microfiber cloth to dry the screen. Source Link 

You can support a long-distance loved one or friend who needs help with activities of daily living. Sign them up for a food delivery service, lawn care or house cleaning. Consider hiring a part-time caregiver or ask for help from nearby family members or friends. And stay in touch with video calling tools or digital photo frame to share your life with them. Source Link 

Snagging a better seat on your next airline flight at a lower price might take some patience. Experienced flyers suggest that you buy an economy ticket. Resist the airline’s follow-up offers and ask for an upgrade when you’re at the airport. If the plane has empty seats or you’re a loyalty program member you might get that upgrade to business class at no charge. Source Link

November 3, 2022

 If your kids have too much Halloween candy you can donate some of that sweet stash to a good cause. The “Treats for Troops” program from the group Soldiers’ Angels accepts donated candy. The organization uses candy instead of packing peanuts in the care packages it sends to American troops overseas. Source Link 

You can fight back against higher electric bills by pinpointing energy vampires in your home. Set-top boxes, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment can be unplugged when not in use and do the same with a TV in a spare room that’s not used often. Install timers or motion detecting switches on room lighting and insulate a fish tank to cut down on heater use. Source Link_

Razor bumps from shaving are no fun, but a few simple steps can help to prevent them. Shave after a shower or hold a warm, damp washcloth to your skin to soften the hairs, and use a cool washcloth on your face after shaving. Replace disposable razors or clean an electric razor every five to seven days and shave at least every two days so facial hair doesn’t have time to grow and curve. Source Link_

November 2, 2022

 Your body’s sleep clock is changing with the switch back to Standard Time and there’s an easy way to see if your slumber is sufficient. On the weekend, don’t set an alarm and sleep until you wake up on your own. If that’s longer than your typical shuteye, adjust your weekday routine to get that much sleep every night. Source Link 

Improving a credit score can help you save on loans, auto insurance, or even rent and you can boost that number for free. Use a secured credit card linked to a savings account for everyday purchases and pay off the balance each month. And some credit bureaus let you report on-time payments of bills for utilities, cell phones or streaming services. Source Link_

You don’t need a five-figure home improvement budget because many upgrades can be done for $100 or less. Replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets or add solar lights to outdoor walkways or porches. Limewashing a fireplace can revive it without painting and wall-mounting a TV with hidden cabling makes a room look more open and cleaner. Source Link_

November 1, 2022

 The most effective way to brush your teeth is not so fast, not so hard and not just on top. Plaque builds up at the gum line so focus your brushing there with smaller, gentle strokes. Don’t hold the toothbrush tightly in your fist - a fingertip grip will help you brush correctly - and be sure to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Source Link 

You can prepare your car for winter driving with these simple steps. Make sure tires are properly inflated, clean and check your battery and check coolant levels. And you can prevent an icy lockout by lubricating window tracks with spray silicone or dry Teflon spray. You should also lubricate door locks and latches, including the one that opens your car’s hood. Source Link_

Here are some of the warning signs that you can’t afford your home mortgage. You aren’t able to save money for retirement, travel, education, or a rainy day fund. You might have high credit card bills to cover purchases that don’t fit into a too-tight budget. Or you’re deferring necessary home maintenance because the money isn’t there to pay for it. Source Link_