December 30, 2022

 Lose all that weight. Pay off those debts. Get married. These are New Year’s resolutions that experts say you should never make because they’re often impossible to achieve. Instead, you could resolve to stop drinking sugary beverages, eat out less and put that money toward credit card debt or pledge to meet new people every month or get help to overcome social anxiety. Source Link 

Medicare is a great program if you’re 65 or older but it doesn’t pay all your healthcare costs. Long-term care isn’t included and you’ll need to pay separately for Part D or have a Medicare Advantage plan to cover drug costs. Routine dental and vision care isn’t included and regular Medicare still has deductibles and copays that’ll come out of your pocket. Source Link 

That next grocery shopping trip can be faster when you follow these tips. Take stock of what’s in your pantry and fridge and make a shopping list before you go, and pick up canned or frozen produce if you don’t eat the fresh kind fast enough. Don’t shop when you’re hungry and go it alone so that kids or your spouse don’t add more to the shopping cart. Source Link_

December 29, 2022

 If your wallet is bursting at the seams from too much stuff, take these things out right now. Spare keys, a social security or Medicare card, birth certificate, passport card, a blank check, old receipts and that password cheat sheet all need to go. And carry one credit card to use and a backup instead of a wallet full of plastic. Source Link 

What does it mean to have your home fully insured? Most policies include a dollar amount for repair or replacement costs but there are some big exceptions. You’ll probably need a separate policy for flood insurance and expensive items require an add-on called a rider. This could be jewelry and other pricey collections or all that computer equipment in your home office. Source Link 

Parents with adult children still living at home may need to apply a dose of reality to get the kids to move out. One strategy is to charge them rent that’s 40 percent of their take-home pay or to double the rent every three months. And resist the urge to bail them out financially because in the real world adults handle this with an extra job or by cutting back on spending. Source Link 

December 28, 2022

 Are you fibbing to your physician about your bad habits? You’re not alone. Studies have shown that many people lie to their doctors about things like not eating right, skipping exercise or forgetting to take medication as directed. But it’s not good for you because it’s hard for your doctor to provide the right care if you’re not being honest with them. Source Link 

You might be creeped out by what you’re carrying around on that smartphone. A study found that phones often have allergens, bacteria and fungi on the screens that we touch all day long. An alcohol wipe worked well to get rid of those bugs but cleaning your phone screen with a dry cloth didn’t make a dent in the dirt. Source Link _

We love our shoes and have plenty of pairs, but how many do you really need to pack for vacation? The magic number is three. For example, a business trip may call for flats, heels and sneakers. Or you can visit with the family by packing a pair of sneakers, boots and dress shoes. Don’t pack more than three unless you have a specific need for multiple pairs. Source Link_ 

December 27, 2022

 When picking a charity to make a new donation, start by looking back at your life this year. For example, if you enjoyed a hiking vacation you could donate to an organization that helps urban youth experience the outdoors. Or if you lost someone to illness this year, you could give to a charity that funds medical research or raises awareness for that cause. Source Link 

Credit cards are convenient but these things should not be put on plastic. Don’t use a credit card to buy a car or pay college tuition because auto and student loans have much lower interest rates. Sign up for a payment plan instead of paying medical bills with a credit card and don’t pay a tax bill to get reward points because the transaction fee will erase any savings. Source Link

What does it take to step your way to a longer life? Research found that adding just 1,000 steps per day helped reduce the risk of early death by 20 percent. Add more steps and the benefits increase, but it has to be a long-term commitment. Make walking a part of your day for the rest of your life. Source Link 

December 22, 2022

 Now’s the time to avoid year-end money mistakes like forgetting to maximize your tax-free contributions to an IRA or 401-k account, or overspending on the holidays and assuming you can cover that come January. And if you get a year-end bonus, put it toward paying down debt or building a “rainy day” emergency savings fund. Source Link 

You can buy almost anything online, but take care when filling prescriptions with an online pharmacy. Look out for any that are not licensed in the United States or by your state board of pharmacy and don’t have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer questions. And if the price seems too good to be true, it may be counterfeit medicine that won’t help you. Source Link

When can that drawer full of papers head for the shredder? ATM transaction receipts, financial offers and other junk mail can go right away, but save pay stubs for a month. After a year you can shred utility bills, bank and credit card statements and paid medical bills. Keep tax-related forms for seven years and never throw away birth, death or marriage certificates. Source Link

December 21, 2022

 If you have visions of leftovers dancing in your head, make sure your fridge is ready to handle the holiday surplus. Set the refrigerator temperature between 33 and 40 degrees and move any raw meat to the bottom shelf to avoid contaminating other foods. And food that’s left out for more than two hours should go into the garbage and not your refrigerator. Source Link 

That new TV you bring home to your young family should have a life-saving accessory. A tip-over kit lets you anchor the TV to the wall so it won't fall on a small child if they climb up. And avoid displaying or storing items like toys and remotes near a TV where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach them. Source Link 

You want a wrinkle-free wardrobe for your vacation or business trip and this simple packing tip can help. Slip each cotton and linen item into its own plastic dry cleaning bag, or use unscented trash bags or liners or tissue paper to prevent clothes from rubbing against each other and causing wrinkles. And unpack as soon as you arrive so clothes aren’t pressed together in a suitcase. Source Link

December 20, 2022

 Making the perfect holiday meal doesn't mean you have to give up healthy eating. Try replacing salt with herbs and spices or add lemon juice or citrus zest for flavor. Use nonfat, plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and bake with a half and half mixture of white and whole wheat flour. And substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter in recipes. Source Link 

Here’s how to give yourself a gift now that keeps giving all year long. Many retailers and restaurants offer discounts on gift cards purchased during the holiday season. If it’s a store where you already shop or a place where you eat, you can buy those discounted gift cards now for use during your visits in the coming year. Source Link_ 

Save time and money on laundry by not over washing some of the clothes you wear. Think about the number of times you’ve worn it rather than how long since it was last washed. Undergarments and socks may need washing after every use but outerwear can be worn two or three times. And try to avoid washing jeans because every laundry cycle can damage denim. Source Link_ 

December 19, 2022

 How can you know if you’re having a “silent” heart attack that happens without any of the typical symptoms? A silent heart attack may include indigestion, feeling like you have a strained muscle in the chest or upper back, or prolonged, excessive fatigue. Diagnosis after the fact is important because having a silent heart attack increases the risk of heart failure. Source Link 

Tin foil isn’t just for cooking or leftovers. Fold a 12-inch long sheet of heavy-duty tin foil into six layers and cut with a pair of scissors to sharpen them or line an ironing board cover with tin foil to press both sides of an item at the same time. And a ball of crumpled tin foil can be used with soap and water to scrub burnt-on food from pots and pans. Source Link 

When it comes to eating, size and speed are two factors that could have you tipping the scales even more. In a study, people who were given more food ate as much as 43% more when the portion size was increased by 75%. And those who ate faster or took bigger bites also tended to eat more food. Source Link

December 16, 2022

 More exposure plus more fun equals kids eating more vegetables. Researchers found that offering toddlers a bigger variety of vegetables more often meant they ate more kinds of them. And following up with a fun non-food reward when they tried something new could encourage kids to eat an even bigger variety of veggies. Source Link 

Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage lets you build wealth through rising home values and a student loan for an education to get a good job will pay off with much more in lifetime earnings. But debt from credit card balances you can’t pay off every month or an auto loan or lease every few years will have you spending more instead of living within your means. Source Link 

There’s more to the cost of buying a car than the sticker price. Paying it off in the shortest term you can afford will save on interest charges and don’t forget sales tax if you have it in your state. Consider insurance premiums for the make and model of car and get several estimates and look at gas mileage for the most economical driving for years to come. Source Link

December 15, 2022

 If your entire life is on your phone, do this before you hand it over to someone to fix a cracked screen or replace the battery. Log out of all online accounts and delete your browser history and consider doing a complete encrypted backup and a factory reset to protect all your personal information. And look for a reputable repair shop with good online reviews. Source Link 

What are some of the do’s and dont’s of good dental hygiene? Do choose a toothbrush with a smaller head and soft bristles, but don’t scrub hard. Use a fingertip touch to hold the brush. Do brush with a rotating motion and at a 45-degree angle, or let your electric toothbrush hover over each tooth. And don’t rinse after brushing your teeth. Allow the fluoride in toothpaste to continue to work after you’re done. Source Link_ 

You may not need a special brain training program to improve your memory because a century-old game might work just as well. In a study, people who completed crossword puzzles scored better in memory testing than those who used special apps or programs. The process of completing a crossword puzzle exercises the part of the brain connected with memory. Source Link_

December 14, 2022

 You can decorate for the holidays with an eye towards safety for your pet. Experts say you should avoid edible tree decorations like popcorn strings or holly berries and skip the tinsel that can be harmful if eaten by a cat. And remember that winter holiday plants like poinsettia and lilies can be toxic to pets if ingested. Source Link 

How about half a year to a better brain? Researchers found that six months of moderate exercise, like walking or using a stationary bike improved mental sharpness for older adults who had been slowing down. And they say healthy diet changes like eating more fruits and vegetables boosted the brain benefits from moderate exercise. Source Link

Hitting the “pause” button on that next online or in-store purchase might be just the break your budget needs to avoid impulse spending. Give yourself 24 hours to think about going to the store and see if you still want that thing tomorrow. And when you’re buying online, leave items in the shopping cart and come back later. Sometimes, you’ll find a lower price when you come back. Source Link_ 

December 13, 2022

 Which is the greener choice - buying an artificial Christmas tree or the real thing? The makers of artificial trees say one that’s used for at least five years has less environmental impact than the energy it takes to harvest and transport real trees. Growers say live trees are a renewable resource and buying one every year supports farming and keeps plastic out of landfills. Source Link 

Whether you’re the cook or a guest, you can keep a holiday dinner from busting the scales. If you’re the host, limit the number of food choices to seven or less; try steamed green beans instead of green bean casserole and swap applesauce for oils in recipes. As a guest, think about how uncomfortable it feels to overeat and choose alcohol or dessert, but not both. Source Link 

You want Alexa to be ready to help anywhere in your home, but here’s where you don’t want to put an Amazon Echo or Dot. Keep it away from a kitchen sink or anywhere water could cause damage, or near a TV where it could mistake a program's dialogue for a command. And keep Alexa away from windows where someone outside the house could hijack it. Source Link_ 

December 12, 2022

 Few people look forward to jury duty and scammers are using that to try to cheat you. Victims get a phone call saying they’re up for jury duty that day but can avoid it by paying a fee. Real jury duty issues are handled by mail and no court threatens you with imminent arrest. If you get such a call, hang up and call the court directly to confirm that there’s a problem. Source Link 

There’s no upside to sharing your bed with your baby. A study found that bed-sharing did nothing to boost mother-infant bonding and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, even when parents are careful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing with an infant but not bed-sharing. Source Link 

You can protect your pet from fleas and ticks using pills, chews, collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders and liquid products, but which one is right for your dog or cat? Get your veterinarian’s advice before using any product, especially for weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets. And don’t use flea and tick control on kittens or puppies unless the label says it’s made for them. Source Link 

December 9, 2022

When planning your holiday menu you can make healthy choices without spoiling the season. Skinless white meat turkey is high in protein and low in fat. Skip the gravy and serve homemade cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes minus the sugar, butter and marshmallows. A baked apple with cinnamon and nuts is a sweet way to top off your holiday meal. Source Link 

How can you shop for the holidays without a store? Experts suggest an “experience gift” that can help create a memorable moment. This could be tickets to a concert or play, an introductory flight lesson or a cooking class. And the best gifts are experiences that can be shared with someone else. Source Link 

An old school scam is hitting a new generation of victims when people are promised big bucks or lots of free merchandise for being a secret shopper. That’s a real job but one warning sign of a scam is an offer that sends you a big check to buy a few things and return the change. The check bounces after you deposit it and you’re on the hook for all of the money. Source Link

December 8, 2022

 Don’t let a popular holiday shopping offer lock you into high-interest debt. Many store credit cards offer no interest on balances that are paid within a certain time, but those interest charges will be added in full if you miss the payoff deadline by one day or just a few dollars. Store cards can charge interest rates that are double those of regular credit cards. Source Link 

If a long workout isn’t your thing, how about an activity snack? Researchers found that taking a quick walk or doing squats after you eat may help retain muscle mass as you age because moving helps you use the food you’ve eaten to build muscle. The small spurts of activity should be in addition to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Source Link_ 

You can insure your car, your home and your life, but what about an upcoming wedding? Special event insurance can protect you from financial loss if your nuptials are unexpectedly canceled. And special event liability coverage could kick-in if you’re found responsible for damage or injury at the wedding or reception. Source Link_ 

December 7, 2022

 It’s health insurance sign-up season and here are some warning signs to help you avoid shoddy policies. A zero deductible may mean it pays a set price per procedure and you cover the rest. Promises that the plan is good everywhere and offers the best coverage are often red flags, and be wary when a free quote that triggers a deluge of phone calls and email pitches. Source Link 

Online shopping is great, but you may not want to purchase that new puppy from a website. That’s because scammers are setting up fake pages and promising expensive pure breeds but never delivering the dog after a deposit is made. Look for a reputable breeder on social media or consult with Facebook groups or Reddit to see if you’re dealing with a con artist. Source Link 

It doesn’t take many extra pounds to up your risk of needing a knee replacement. A study found that a weight gain of just 11 pounds increased a woman’s risk of total knee replacement by one-third and a man’s by one-quarter. But losing just 10 percent of your body weight can improve knee arthritis and help you avoid replacement. Source Link 

December 6, 2022

 When you've always got your mind on your money, give yourself a break by automating your budget. Experts say you can manage your money without the headaches by using 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 

The average American throws out hundreds of dollars worth of food each year, so how can you stop wasting and lower your grocery bill? Creating a weekly menu will help you match activity plans with food shopping. Leftover fresh produce can be frozen for use in smoothies, sauces or casseroles. And remember that “sell by” dates are about quality and not safety. Source Link 

The old advice to, “fake it till you make it” might apply if you slap on a fake smile when you have a case of the blues. Researchers found that people who smiled when they were low were better able to overcome sad feelings. But the technique isn’t effective for someone who’s suffering from serious sadness like depression. Source Link_ 

December 5, 2022

 Here’s a tip that might help reduce online impulse shopping. Don’t save your credit card information on websites where you frequently shop. Having to grab your wallet to pay for an impulse purchase adds an extra step and gives you more time to consider whether you really need the item. Source Link 

A specific way of breathing might help keep your stomach from feeling the effects of stress or anxiety. Try taking deep breaths from your diaphragm that expand your abdomen. This activates the autonomic nervous system and makes your GI tract less sensitive to stimuli that could cause an upset stomach. Source Link 

Here are some natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh. Avoid the lingering aroma of fried fish by adding a dollop of peanut butter to the oil first. An open bowl of white vinegar can absorb many kitchen odors and a spray bottle filled with unflavored vodka can be used to kill odor-causing bacteria on smelly clothing. Source Link 

December 2, 2022

 If the thought of making small talk at the holiday party has you panicked, there are ways to overcome social anxiety. Experts suggest coming prepared with several topics to discuss, but maybe not politics. Rehearse in front of a mirror beforehand, don’t drink too much at the party and set a goal to speak to three new people for five minutes each. Source Link 

It’s easier to spot a scam when you remember these five P’s. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know, say there's a problem or that they have a prize for you. They may also pressure you to act immediately or tell you to pay in a specific way, like through a money transfer company or by using gift cards. Source Link 

Traveling overseas brings its own special health challenges and you should be prepared before you take off. At least four weeks before departure get up-to-date on all vaccinations including ones needed where you’re going. And take an ample supply of prescription medications and over-the-counter products like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine or remedies for air or sea sickness. Source Link 

December 1, 2022

 If your Thanksgiving menu was high on calories, you can dish-up desserts that won’t bust the scale come Christmas. When baking, try using whole-grain flour or at least a half and half mix. Use bananas or applesauce in place of fats and make portion-controlled desserts like mini-cheesecakes or cupcakes. And serve fruit on the side with every dessert. Source Link 

You can avoid being ripped off at an auto shop by doing a little work yourself before your car needs some. Shop around for a mechanic by asking friends or checking online reviews and take your car in for a minor 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 

There’s a good chance you have a free hotspot or free public WiFi available nearby now, but how do you find it? Apps like Instabridge or WiFi Map will show you where to find a free hook-up that’s near you, and many public libraries offer free WiFi. Consider using a VPN with any free internet connection to safeguard any personal data during the session. Source Link_