Month: May 2023

2023-05-02T15:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is the season of events — from graduations and BBQs to weddings and holiday weekends, these next few months are filled with exciting plans. As commitments add up, so can the prices. This can prevent us from buying that thing we’ve had our eyes on or booking a trip for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

As summer creeps closer, plan to make the most out of the moments that matter by channeling these tips:

Make a list and earn on every purchase

For those who enjoy hosting, planning the perfect summer party can add up, especially as prices go up. Before heading to the store (or clicking confirm purchase online), create a checklist with everything you need to buy. This way you can avoid over-buying while at the store and remove items that aren’t necessary (maybe even get creative and DIY decorations!).

With all this party prep, make sure you’re using a cash back credit card, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®, so you’re able to get rewarded on every purchase and earn 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent. Cardmembers can link their card to Amazon to shop and instantly redeem cash back rewards on eligible purchases at checkout, including tax and shipping.

Maximize travel purchases

Thinking about a long weekend getaway or big family vacation this summer? We all know it’s important to research flights or hotel prices ahead of time, but many forget to check the rewards or offers available through their credit card. For example, Chase Freedom Unlimited cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, so they’re able to earn rewards toward their next trip.

And when you’re packing, don’t forget to bring your Chase Freedom Unlimited card along for the trip — you’ll earn 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases (think: sunscreen, snacks and other last-minute needs).

Stay alert for deals and offers

There’s a good chance you’re celebrating someone this summer — whether it’s for Mother’s Day, a graduation or even a wedding — so you’ll also need to budget for a few gifts. Start thinking of ideas early and sign up for emails from popular retailers so you can stay up to date on sales.

If you’re shopping during the month of May, be sure to check out Chase’s Month of More, a month-long promotion where cardmembers can score some of the best offers and earn higher cash back on a variety of popular brands. Cardmembers can save up to 15% on gift cards from Macy’s, Wayfair and Chipotle and earn 5% or more cash back from favorite brands like Sam’s Club, Walmart, Athleta, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Lowes, Nike and more. Cardmembers can also get 10% more value for their points at Chase Apple Rewards Store.

Start your summer off right by maximizing every purchase and earning rewards. Plus, new Chase Freedom Unlimited cardmembers earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

No matter how you plan to celebrate this summer, make the most of your spending!

2023-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Plenty of things can make you sweat — hot weather on a summer day, strenuous physical activity or feeling stressed out. But why do you smell worse when you’re stressed compared to after a workout or an afternoon in the sun? What you may not know is that there are three different kinds of sweat — stress, heat and activity — and they come from different glands in your body.

“Compared to heat and activity sweat (salt water that comes from eccrine glands), odor from stress sweat from the apocrine glands smells worse because it contains food for the bacteria on our skin,” said Dr. Maiysha D. Jones, Principal Scientist, North America Personal Care at Procter and Gamble. “When bacteria consume the fat and proteins in stress sweat, they produce foul-smelling gases that we perceive as body odor.”

So what can you do to cut down on all three types of sweat, especially the smelliest stress sweat? Here are some tips to help you stay cool in the summer heat and conquer your stress so you can be at your best, no matter what you’re doing:

• Keep your cool while outside in the summer sun: As the temps start heating up, make sure not to overdo it, especially if you’re outdoors for a long period of time. Remember to stay hydrated and keep water handy. If possible, cool your body down with a dip in the pool — even running cold water on your face can help you feel cooler.
• Be careful when exercising in the heat: It’s easy to get overheated when you’re working out, playing sports or doing yard work during the warmer months, so it’s important to safeguard your health while doing activities outside. Try to work out in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest times of the day and choose moisture-wicking clothing to keep you cool.
• Protect against sweat and odor: No matter the type of sweat you experience the most, Secret Clinical Antiperspirant/Deodorant has you covered. It’s made with advanced odor fighters, provides 72-hour sweat protection, it’s clinically proven to fight sweat from stress, heat and activity, and it comes in several delightful scents.
• Take mindful steps to reduce stress: Everyone experiences stress sometimes, whether due to work demands, unexpected events or everyday obligations. Take the time to replenish your energy and try stress-relieving activities such as deep breathing, unplugging from social media or computer screens, listening to music, or spending time outdoors to enjoy nature.

“While most of us can’t avoid sweating altogether, we can stay protected with products that keep us feeling confident,” added Jones. “Secret Clinical fights sweat from stress, heat and activity so no matter what the day brings, you’ll be ready to take it on.”

Visit Secret.com to find the best product for you or find Secret Clinical at retailers nationwide.

2023-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – As May rolls around each year, we are reminded to show our appreciation for the educators who have dedicated themselves to shaping our future generations. It’s not just the classroom teachers who deserve our gratitude — we should also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of substitute teachers and non-instructional support staff who play a crucial role in student achievement.

Substitute educators aren’t just temporary teachers.

Substitute teachers have a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of children, and their role is essential for students to succeed academically. When a teacher is absent, a substitute teacher helps to maintain the continuity of learning by teaching lesson plans and curriculum established by the classroom teacher. While quickly adapting to new classroom environments and routines, substitute teachers ensure students receive a quality education with minimal disruptions to the learning environment.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, substitute educators have been critical in filling the gap of absent full-time educators, and demand has only increased. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 600,000 substitute teachers cover more than 30 million absent teachers in K-12 schools annually. Findings from a recent National Center for Education Statistics report indicate that “as of October 2022, 6 percent of all public school non-teaching staff positions were vacant. The average public school had one vacant non-teaching staff position.”

In many ways, substitute educators are the unsung heroes of the educational system in our country.

Celebrating substitute educators

To honor the contribution of substitute teachers and non-instructional substitute educators such as paraprofessionals, nurses and food service workers, Kelly Education, the nation’s largest education staffing provider, has had a longstanding tradition of recognizing the achievements of substitute educators with its annual Substitute Educator of the Year Award.

This year, Kelly Education chose four educators for the 2023 Substitute Educator of the Year Award. Criteria included current employment by Kelly Education and a nomination by a school colleague demonstrating how the educator enriched the lives of students and peers in their school community. Each winner receives a $5,000 bonus plus an additional $1,500 to give to the school of their choice.

Check out how the four winners of this year’s award are changing students’ lives one classroom at a time.

Jim Rue retired from teaching full-time in Saint Paul, MN. However, he continues to serve as a substitute educator at Belwin Outdoor Science, where he previously taught. Working as a substitute teacher allowed him to work with students outdoors while maintaining a flexible schedule and his skills as an educator.

“Never underestimate the positive effect you can have on a young person’s life,” said Rue. “Substitute teachers should never lose sight of being able to change a student’s life. That positive influence may not be seen by them until years down the road or ever, but what you do does have an impact.”

Bonnie Weeks graduated from Brigham Young University and immediately began teaching second grade full-time. After several years as an educator, she chose to stay home to raise her children and later cared for her aging parents. After they passed away, she began working as a substitute teacher.

“Throughout the years, I never lost my passion for teaching,” said Weeks. “The best part of each day is positively influencing the students’ lives. When I can help a student, particularly one who struggles, learn and understand a concept, it brings me great satisfaction as it helps build their self-esteem.”

Charles Sheehan is a veteran who retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 and began working with troubled teens in detention. During the pandemic, his family decided to move back home to Florida, where he chose to work as a substitute educator.

“The greatest benefit of working as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education is providing an exceptional education to students in need and having a flexible schedule,” said Sheehan. “Substituting isn’t easy, but it is very rewarding. I enjoy working with and getting to know all the third-grade students and teachers at Belmont Elementary.”

Patricia Phillips is a school nurse in North Kansas City, MO. She retired from hospital care after more than 20 years and went to work in education. She has worked for Kelly Education for 12 years and recently received a certificate from the state of Missouri honoring her 50 years of nursing service.

“Being the nurse, you have the opportunity to help children and teens in all kinds of situations,” said Phillips. “It might be chronic health issues, emergency situations or emotional issues. You have to have a lot of confidence in your assessment skills because you are working alone most of the time. But you also need to know when to reach out for help.”

Creating a robust academic experience requires the contribution of all school employees, especially substitute teachers. This year, during the month of May, take time to thank the substitute educators in your community.

“One of my greatest joys is celebrating the work of our educators,” said Kelly Education President Nicola Soares. “These four educators are extra special because they were all nominated by school colleagues for the positive impact they have on their school community.”

You can learn more about this year’s winners by reading their full profiles on kellyeducation.com.

2023-05-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – If it seems like you’re searching for a lot of gifts this time of year, it’s not your imagination. Between Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations, late spring through early summer is filled with celebrations. And as if those occasions weren’t enough, May, June and July are among the most common birthday months, and peak wedding season starts in June.

So if you’re scrambling to find budget-friendly gifts that bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, here are some tips.

1. Make it personal

Consider ordering a customized item your gift recipient will know is unique. Several sites online can create almost any gift item marked with your friend or family member’s name, a personalized message or even a photo. Even more memorable would be choosing a favorite image with the two of you together, then creating a framed keepsake of that moment labeled with your names and the occasion.

2. Celebrate what makes them unique

Show your support for your loved ones by recognizing and encouraging their talents and passions. If your dad loves gardening, your mom is an avid crafter and your brother is great at drawing, assemble a box or basket filled with supplies they can use to do whatever it is they love most.

3. Find the best deals to stretch your dollar

To gift your friends and family the way you want, it pays to find great deals. Using Microsoft Edge as your web browser can make all the difference — it’s the best browser for shopping, with built-in tools right there in the sidebar like coupons, price comparison, price history and cash back. You don’t have to leave your browser tab or download any extensions. Combined with the new AI-powered Microsoft Bing search engine, you can find what you’re looking for quickly and easily, make smart shopping decisions, and even get inspired with unique and thoughtful gift ideas.

Shoppers can already save up to $400 a year using Microsoft Edge, and during Microsoft Edge Deal Days May 8-14, you can save even more on gifts from some of the most popular retailers with special deals like:

• Home and decorating essentials with up to 7% cash back on select Walmart purchases and up to 10% cash back on select Ashley Furniture.
• Laptops designed by Microsoft with up to 11% cash back on Surface Pro 9, up to 8% cash back + $300 off Surface Laptop 5.
• Upgrade to a new fridge, smartphone or TV with up to 12% cash back on select Samsung products.
• For a limited time, $10 cash back on one purchase of $100 or more from select retailers like Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Overstock.

4. Gift them an experience

How about gifting your friend or relative a class, a tour or another event you know would interest them? Even better, find something special you can do together, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory you’ll both cherish forever. Think about an experience you’ve had that you want to share with them, one thing they love to do that you’d also like to explore — or discover a new activity, and join them on the journey.

5. Give them something they’d never treat themselves to

Can you identify an item they’d love, but would never get for themselves? It could be a luxury or treat you know they want, but might feel too self-indulgent to get on their own. This might be a gorgeous gold bracelet or new laptop for Mom, a supply of Dad’s favorite high-end coffee or a superior quality smartphone. If you’re unsure what they’re hankering after, brainstorm with family members to find that special item — and consider chipping in on a luxury item with them so you can aim higher with your gifting goals.

With these tips, you can make this gift-giving season easier, memorable and more affordable. Happy gifting!

2023-05-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Your child has applied for schools, and now your mailbox is flooded with financial aid award letters. Do you have a plan for how to cover the rest? Check out the most common options to finance college costs, from CollegeAve.com.