March 29, 2024

 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 

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 

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 you have all your streaming service charges on one account. Source Link

March 28, 2024

 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 

A solution to 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 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

March 27, 2024

 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 

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 

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

March 26, 2024

 Being anxious about a visit to the dentist isn’t unusual and there are some things that can help. Tell the dentist about your anxiety so they can help ease your fears and offer the best options to reduce pain. And keep to a regular schedule of check ups so that problems can be caught before they require major work. Source Link 

You want a healthy drink without sugar or artificial sweeteners but don’t like the taste of plain water, so add some natural flavor. Infuse it with real fruit, or try naturally-flavored sparkling water. You can even add a teaspoon of honey or plant-based zero-calorie sweetener like stevia to your drink. Source Link_

Simple activities may help you cope with grief after losing a loved one. This could be completing a task, getting enough sleep, dining out, connecting with a friend, or spending time with family. Research showed that these uplifts helped just about everyone, regardless of age or financial status. Source Link_

March 25, 2024

 Need to find ways to tighten that budget belt and save money? Take a look at monthly bills to weed out services you don’t use and find simple savings like a discount for paperless billing. Sign up for grocery loyalty cards, check prices before you shop and go to the store with the best deals. And earn money by spending with a flat-rate cash-back credit card but be sure to pay off the balance every month. Source Link 

Keep your virtual world safe from intruders by taking extra steps on your most important accounts. Check your Google and iCloud accounts to make sure your old phones or tablets can’t be used with them. And set up two-factor authentication using a special app that prevents anyone from getting into an account with only a stolen password. Source Link 

The bathroom accounts for about a quarter of water use in the home and it’s a good place to begin conservation efforts. Install WaterSense-certified shower heads and faucets that work effectively and save on water use. And stop using your toilet as a garbage can. Only toilet paper and what comes out of you should be flushed. Source Link

March 22, 2024

 The fantasy world of social media can take a toll on body image, and here are some ways to stop the cycle. Identify the posts that make you feel bad and stop following them. Pick one day a week to take a break from devices and social media in order to reset yourself, and turn off notifications and set daily limits on the time you’ll spend on social media. Source Link 

Full-time caregivers need to take care of themselves to give the best to their loved one. Besides getting enough rest, exercise and healthy eating, refresh your mind with yoga, meditation or deep breathing. Be adaptable and positive, deal with what you can control and set realistic goals. And share your feelings by talking about your stress to help relieve it. Source Link 

The journey to a clutter-free home can start with one spot at a time. Pick a place, like a bathroom vanity, kitchen counter or dining room table and commit to keeping it tidy and clear. This can calm your brain and train you to put things where they belong right away rather than dropping it in your clutter-free zone. Source Link

March 21, 2024

 If those venti vanilla lattes are starting to show up on your hips there’s a simple first step to kicking the flavored coffee habit. Try ordering your coffee drink unsweetened and add your own sugar to see just how much you’re using. Lots of sugar in morning drinks can increase food cravings and lead to poor eating all day long. Source Link 

Smart items in your home need extra steps to ensure that they don't invade your privacy. Select a unique password and use an option for two-step verification, and know how to turn off cameras and microphones on devices. Enable auto-delete of your commands for a voice assistant and check smart phone apps for the latest updates. Source Link_

There are a number of simple ways you can fight a fever at home. Try lukewarm baths, stick to a single layer of light clothing and resist the urge to crawl under a heavy blanket when you have fever chills. And drink more fluids like water, juice, broth or decaffeinated tea with honey. Source Link_

March 20, 2024

 Being bored can boost your creativity and brain power but only if you do it the right way. Don’t confuse relaxation with boredom, which can happen when you’re doing a familiar activity that requires no thinking or you’re just sitting quietly. The key to reaching boredom is letting your mind wander without stimulation from anything like music or a screen. Source Link 

It’s time to wake up and debunk some sleep myths. It matters what time of day you sleep because your body is built for rest when the sun is down. Being able to fall asleep almost instantly isn’t great and could be a sign of sleep deprivation. And your body needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, so don’t make a habit of getting significantly less. Source Link_

There are many ways to save money when you’re on vacation. Don’t eat out for every meal. Pick up groceries for a few days. Don’t buy overpriced treats at theme parks or tourist attractions. Instead, eat a big breakfast and drink water. Don’t bring home silly souvenirs that will become clutter, and don’t buy expensive plane tickets if you can drive to the location in less than a day. Source Link_

March 19, 2024

 Your mom was right - it’s better to sit up straight, especially when in class. A study found that students who didn’t slouch in their seats scored better on math tests. Researchers say the slumped-over position is a defensive posture, triggering negative memories in the brain and body that can lead to poor performance. Source Link 

This kind of audit could save you money. A professional energy audit of your home looks at doors, windows, insulation and more to determine where you can seal leaks and stop wasting those heating and cooling dollars. And Uncle Sam is offering federal tax credits that could mean thousands of dollars back when you complete energy-efficient improvements. Source Link_

Adding more vegetables to your diet isn’t as hard as it seems. Blend cauliflower or spinach into a smoothie or bake egg muffins with vegetables for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. You can even spiralize vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes or beets to mix with your favorite pasta sauce for a tasty meal. Source Link_

March 18, 2024

 A few simple steps can help to keep hackers out of your phone. Use two-factor authentication on your Google account or for your iPhone. You can sign out of unknown devices that are connected to your Google or iCloud account. And strengthen passwords by adding symbols like an exclamation point or pound sign for added protection. Source Link 

Making small talk at a party can be hard for an introvert, but you can get the ball rolling by being observant. Look for conversations where the circle of people is more open and they’re smiling or laughing. Talk with others who are hanging back and consider how long it’s comfortable for you to mingle. You may only have the energy for an hour of socializing. Source Link 

If you didn’t sleep well last night, here’s how you can avoid problems the morning after. Don’t sleep in too late because that can mess with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and get 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight to boost hormones that help you feel alert. And consider going to bed a bit earlier tonight to help your body catch up on some of that lost sleep. Source Link

March 15, 2024

When baby proofing a home, don’t forget all those doors. Use a handle lever lock or door knob safety cover, or add a child safety door lock that’s installed high and out of their reach. Besides the obvious places like a bathroom, remember to baby proof any door that leads to a room with low window ledges that could pose a fall hazard. Source Link 

The same personal care tool that gives you smoother skin can tackle a pet lover’s nightmare in the car. Rubbing a pumice stone along car seats and carpeting will remove pet hair quickly. And don’t worry about needing to clean the stone because it rolls hair into a ball that can be picked up easily. Source Link 

With prices what they are today, you can save money simply by not overspending on these items. Try private-label brand pantry staples or cleaning supplies, generic brands of makeup or cookware that’s sturdy but without the name-brand price tag. And see if using a TV antenna can get you the local stations that cost plenty in a cable bundle. Source Link

March 14, 2024

 When you’ve got a gripe with a utility, a retailer or a brand, social media could be the fast lane to better customer service. Hashtag the company's name and state your complaint in detail but without personal information and include photos if possible. And after regular business hours might be the best time to get some attention online. Source Link

Here’s a good reason to take a work break for a nature walk. Researchers found that walking in natural surroundings improved brain function for a person’s working memory, decision-making, problem solving and planning. A stroll in a city setting didn’t help in that way, so look for nearby green spaces for a brain-boosting walk. Source Link_

Falls are a leading cause of injury in the home and you can avoid this by looking, lighting and laddering. Watch your feet when walking and don’t multitask while using the stairs. Install nightlights or illuminated wall plates to see better when you’re walking in the dark and use a ladder or step stool for reaching things on high, but never stand on the top step or rung. Source Link_

March 13, 2024

 You might see your child boost those grades if they join the band. Studying music improves the brain’s sensitivity and helps a child learn how to learn. Ideally, music instruction should begin by middle school but even those who waited until their teen years to take up an instrument became better at handling advanced studies like high-level math. Source Link

Keeping bones stronger as you age may mean hitting the pavement harder. In a study, older adults who got more high-impact physical activity each day had less decline in bone mineral density. You can do this with running, brisk walking, climbing stairs or even an exercise like raising up on your tiptoes and then dropping down onto your heels. Source Link_

Hit the “cancel” button on streaming services you don’t use to cut those monthly subscription costs. Drop the sports add-ons when your team’s season is over and take a hard look at what you watch or don’t watch regularly. Drop services that aren’t part of your viewing on a weekly basis and re-subscribe later to see a new show. Source Link_

March 12, 2024

 When you “Take 10” to get your body busy or to slow down you may improve your memory. Research has shown that just 10 minutes of light exercise can boost your brain’s ability to store memories. And people who sat quietly for 10 minutes after getting new information were more likely to remember it later. Source Link 

A “fake” credit card number could be a tool to avoid a real online hack where you foot the bill. Many banks and credit card companies offer virtual cards that use a different number but link to your account. You can use a virtual card to make purchases online and if the number is stolen, you simply deactivate it. Source Link_

It’s time to forget the old advice to, “feed a cold and starve a fever,” because treating both requires adequate nutrition. Fever is the body’s natural defense to fight infection and all immune responses like this require the energy you get from eating. Comfort foods like chicken noodle soup can provide nutrition and keep you hydrated. Source Link_

March 11, 2024

 You can help your brain build up reserves now to avoid memory and thinking problems later in life. Never stop being curious and always be learning something new, like playing a musical instrument, learning a new language or starting a hobby. Go on daily walks to make exercise a good habit and stay active with others and socialize by keeping in touch with family and friends. Source Link 

These things may not be on your packing list for that next trip, but they should be. Bring a reusable water bottle and consider one that’s collapsible for easy storage. Grab a handful of dryer sheets to deodorize a suitcase filled with funky smells from dirty clothes and pack a few plastic grocery bags to store dirty laundry, shoes, or wet swimsuits. Source Link 

We’ve all been in meetings where you have to introduce yourself, and here’s an easy three-step way to do it. Start with a present-tense statement about yourself, maybe with your name and occupation. Then touch on the past with a few points about your background. And finish with the future and say what you hope to offer and get from the meeting. Source Link

March 8, 2024

 The three parts of a typical auto insurance policy each do different things. Liability covers the cost of damage or injury to others in an accident while you’re at-fault, while collision coverage pays to have your car repaired after an accident. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your car in non-accident settings, such as a hailstorm, flood or fire. Source Link 

Here’s a colorful way to keep track of things that might come up missing, like a set of keys, a phone or a TV remote. Pick a really bright color and use a key ring and phone case in that color to make your items stand out. And put a similar bright-colored piece of tape on the TV remote so it’s easier to spot. Source Link 

A few office supply products can help you organize a freezer that’s packed with food. With wire shelving, attach a binder clip so it hangs down and can hold bags of frozen food. And vertical file holders set along the back wall of a freezer can hold frozen fruit, veggies or meat for easy organization. Source Link 

March 7, 2024

 There’s hope if you have a “black thumb” and are always killing houseplants. Start simple and avoid those that flower and know what’s too much or too little water for your plant. Check instructions to see if it needs direct or indirect sun and don’t be quick to toss that sick plant if all it needs is some extra care. Source Link

Before you exercise, just say “no” to some common fitness myths. Instead of stretching, do warm-ups first to get the blood flowing. More reps with a lighter weight can be just as effective as a heavier lift to build muscle, and skip that ice bath after every workout because it could counteract the body’s natural process of repairing muscle. Source Link_

Is it smart to turn clothes inside-out before washing? Some say it protects the fabric outside to make it last longer and gets to body odors on the inside. The downside is that it’s less effective on external dirt and grime and may damage delicates. You can save a step using this method by turning your clothes inside-out as you take them off. Source Link_

March 6, 2024

 You might want to cap off that next meal with a short stroll. Studies have shown that a 15-minute walk after a meal can have more health benefits than a 45-minute walk at mid-morning or afternoon. Exercise can counteract the surge in blood sugar that happens after you eat and can also aid in digestion. Source Link 

Billions of spam texts are sent every month and here’s how you can handle yours. Sign-up for your carrier’s spam-blocking protection and see if your provider lets you forward spam texts to “7726” to auto-block them. And never reply to a spam text asking them to stop because this verifies they have a working number and you’ll get even more spam. Source Link_

Remember the acronym “FORD” when you’re stuck without a topic to make small talk. F is for Family and you can ask about relatives. O is for Occupation – dig deeper into their job. R is for Recreation and can cover favorite hobbies, activities or books, movies or TV. And D is for Dreams – ask about what they dream of doing some day. Source Link_

March 5, 2024

 That “baby talk” with your infant could be key to boosting their vocabulary. In a study, two-year-olds who had a large vocabulary were more likely to start kindergarten ready to read and learn math. Reading to your baby and verbal interaction between you and your child are the best ways to build their vocabulary. Source Link 

A skin rash can be a simple irritation or a warning sign of a serious problem that needs a doctor’s diagnosis. Seek medical attention if a rash covers most of your body, blisters or turns into open sores or raw skin, is painful or accompanies a fever. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your eyes or lips swell up, seek emergency care immediately. Source Link 

Preventative maintenance can save money all over your home. Replacing a HVAC filter regularly might prevent an expensive service call, and that regular oil change costs a fraction of what you’ll pay a mechanic to work on your car. And using an online storage service can safeguard important files that might be lost in a computer failure or house fire. Source Link

March 4, 2024

 It means an early wake-up call, but booking that first flight of the day has some big advantages. The risk of thunderstorms and turbulence is lower. The flight crew is rested and ready and the plane is clean. Delays will be shorter because you’re first in-line for that route and the ticket price will be lower than a late-morning or afternoon departure. Source Link 

The convenience of scanning a QR code to reach a website can have a dark side. Scammers use QR codes to link you to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and downloads that infect your phone with viruses or malware. Check with the source before you use a QR code that’s in an email or is posted in a public area. Source Link 

You won’t find a D-I-Y way to whiter teeth with these popular hacks. Rubbing orange peels or strawberries on your teeth can expose them to damaging natural acids. There’s no proof that coconut oil or store-bought hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, and making your own abrasive toothpaste from charcoal or baking soda can damage soft tissues in the mouth. Source Link

March 1, 2024

 Try this tip to get Google to cover the difference if that plane ticket drops in price after you buy it. Use the Google Flights feature to book your air travel and look for the Price Guarantee check box. You’ll get a refund through Google Pay but it’s limited to three flights per year and capped at $500 in annual savings. Source Link 

Activity, eating and how you stimulate your brain can all help prevent memory loss. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and healthy eating with plenty of lean protein and good fats will also help. And challenge your mind by learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or planning a day trip or vacation to a new place. Source Link 

Scammers are taking advantage of the growth of smart TVs and streaming services to rip you off. If you turn on a smart TV or open an app and see an error message, don’t call a phone number or click on a web address. No subscription streaming service or device will ever ask you to pay an activation fee. Email a customer service rep and inform them of the error message. Source Link