Author: admin

2025-12-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – As your child prepares to say goodbye to high school and hello to college, you probably have a lot on your mind — including concerns about paying for their higher education. While it’s an exciting time for your family, it can also be stressful, especially financially.

In a recent survey from College Ave, nearly 90% of parents said that they help or plan to help their child pay for college, and over two-thirds were confident they had a good financial plan. Parents were most commonly using their income and savings to help fund their child’s education, along with grants and scholarships through the financial package offered by their child’s school.

“Most parents don’t realize that paying for their child’s education typically comes from a combination of different sources, not just one,” explained Angela Colatriano, chief operating officer at College Ave. “Understanding how to find and maximize all available funding and borrowing options can help families approach these expenses with more confidence.”

To help parents understand their financial options, including recent changes to federal student loans, Colatriano offers the following advice for families of college-bound students.

Fill out the FAFSA ASAP

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to determining your child’s eligibility for federal and state aid and can also help them receive school-based grants or scholarships. Because some aid is awarded first come, first served, the sooner you fill it out, the more opportunities your child may have. In fact, students whose families file the FAFSA sooner receive more grants on average than those who file later. Visit FAFSA.gov to get started.

Save money now and review spending habits

Whether you’ve been saving money since your child was born or started saving more recently, it’s never too late to set money aside. Many states offer a state income tax deduction or tax credit based on contributions to that state’s 529 college savings plan (and in some states, for contributions to any state’s 529 plan). Check your state’s 529 plan information at CollegeSavings.org.

Establish a household budget, if you haven’t already. Take a good look at your family’s spending. Any potential reductions can help you save more toward college expenses. While some may be fixed expenses (like mortgage, utilities, insurance), other areas can be trimmed to boost savings, like entertainment and vacations.

Compare financial aid packages

Once you receive financial aid packages from schools, review the mix of financial aid being offered. Consider the balance between scholarships and grants (that do not need repayment) versus loans. Also weigh not just tuition, room and board, but expenses like transportation to and from school, plus the cost of living in that area (which matters if a student moves off campus).

Discover all possible resources

Your child’s high school guidance counselor and financial aid offices in schools where they’ve applied can provide assistance when you’re researching college costs and have information about funding sources like scholarships and grants. For example, college websites often provide a net price calculator to estimate the cost of a year of college. Feel free to reach out and ask questions; that’s what guidance counselors and financial aid offices are for!

Do online and local scholarship searches

Continue searching for scholarships and grants throughout the application process, and after your child is accepted at schools. Check websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, the College Board’s BigFuture and CareerOneStop, among others. You may also find opportunities through local community or civic organizations, your employer or your state’s education department.

You and your child can also enter to win a $1,000 scholarship at CollegeAve.com/scholarship. A new winner is randomly selected each month to help with college costs.

Understand current federal student aid options

Federal student loans are recommended as one option when borrowing for school, as they typically have lower interest rates. Recent legislation has changed some aspects of student aid and borrowing that you should know about. Two major changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) passed in July 2025 are:

• Pell Grants can be now used for non-degree programs: Pell Grants are a form of gift aid, meaning they don’t have to be repaid (unlike student loans), and they’re specifically designed for low-income undergraduate students. The OBBB made one major change: Starting July 1, 2026, students can use Pell Grants for short-term work training programs like electrician or forklift certification courses.
• Parents will have federal loan limits: Parents of undergrads can use Parent PLUS Loans — a type of federal student loan — to borrow money for their child’s education. In previous years, parents could borrow up to 100% of the total cost of attendance for each of their children, but under the OBBB, new parent borrowing is restricted. For the academic year beginning July 1, 2026, parents borrowing for the first time will be limited to $20,000 per year per student, with an aggregate or lifetime limit of $65,000.

Consider private loans

If the financial aid your child receives falls short of what’s needed, private student loans — like those from College Ave — can help make up the difference. To understand what borrowing might look like, use College Ave’s student loan calculator to explore your repayment options and estimate future monthly payments.

Find more information on financing your child’s education at CollegeAve.com.

2025-12-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many children being treated for a critical illness, their most cherished wish is to visit someplace special, such as an extraordinary place they’ve never seen before, but always imagined. At Make-A-Wish^®, over 75% of the children’s wishes involve travel, and airfare costs are the greatest expense for travel wishes. That’s why the support that Make-A-Wish receives from their national corporate partner, United Airlines, has been so meaningful for nearly 40 years of partnership, which they will celebrate next year.

Since 1986, United Airlines has helped grant life-changing wish experiences that help wish kids and their families replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy — and anxiety with hope.

A big trip to the Big Apple

Experiencing New York City during the holiday season was the wish of 14-year-old Zoe, who is being treated for leukemia. Zoe and her mother had a travel itinerary packed full of iconic holiday events and enough memories to last a lifetime.

“We had a magical trip! The highlights were seeing the Rockettes, watching the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and going ice skating in Rockefeller Center, which all made it a magical Christmas experience,” said Zoe’s mom, Lisa.

But there was much more for Zoe and her mom to enjoy. “We took a cake decorating class at one of our favorite bakeries, walked Fifth Avenue to see the windows, ate and shopped our way through Chelsea Market, Soho, the West Village, Little Italy and Chinatown, as well as just about every Christmas market the city had to offer,” Lisa added.

But despite all these planned activities, some of the unplanned moments were the most memorable.

“The rain held off until our last day,” explained Lisa. “While we were hiding out from the rain, we discovered our favorite hot chocolate of the trip (and we tried a LOT) in a little cafe in the West Village.”

Overall, Zoe and her mother had a welcome break from her medical appointments during this special trip.

“Everything about the experience, from the planning and the wish reveal to the trip itself, was amazing,” Zoe’s mom said. “Zoe had been looking forward to this trip for so long and it definitely exceeded our expectations. Having something so wonderful for Zoe to look forward to has been a bright light in her treatment process. She’s only got a few short months to go before she’s finished with chemo entirely and our family can’t wait.”

How travel makes wishes come true

United Airlines continues to support Make-A-Wish in its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses and their families throughout this holiday season and beyond, providing mission-critical travel resources to help their wishes take flight. In addition, all year long, United MileagePlus^® members have the opportunity to donate MileagePlus miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through its “Miles on a Mission” platform.

This holiday season, from Dec. 1 to 31, 2025, United Airlines is stepping up its support of Make-A-Wish by inviting MileagePlus members to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish — and United will match the miles donations up to 5 million miles.

For the first time in the history of their partnership, United will include a call-to-action for miles and cash on all in-flight entertainment systems during the month of December. In addition, $1 from every illy^® cold brew purchased inflight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping bring hope to children facing critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish will also be a part of several United hub market Fantasy Flight activations during the month of December. This is a United-led initiative where they turn a gate into the “North Pole”: Kids will leave from one terminal, make a short trip in the sky and then land at the “North Pole,” where United employees are waiting to celebrate with the children.

Unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Visit Donate.mileageplus.com/giving-tuesday to learn how you can bring joy and hope to children when they need it most.

Miles, awards and benefits are subject to the rules of the United MileagePlus program. For details, see www.united.com.

2025-12-23T13:39:00

(BPT) – If you follow the news, you see heartbreaking stories: over 150 million people worldwide impacted by natural disasters and another 100 million forced from their communities by conflict, violence or persecution every year. In Haiti, Sudan, Syria and beyond, emergencies leave children especially vulnerable — losing their homes, access to food, clean water and safety.

To help families in the U.S. and around the world, Christian humanitarian aid organization World Vision responds to disasters quickly. Their presence in nearly 100 countries allows them to respond within 24-72 hours, providing emergency aid and ongoing support for families as they rebuild. In 2025, World Vision responded to 117 emergencies worldwide, providing aid to 38.1 million people across 72 countries.

Here are 10 examples of World Vision responding swiftly to disasters, delivering lifesaving aid, clean water — and hope.

1. Texas floods

Last July, Texas Hill Country experienced devastating flooding. Heavy rainfall turned the Guadalupe River into a torrent, destroying vehicles, homes and other structures, including Camp Mystic.

“Our hearts break for families who lost so much,” said John Huddle, site manager, World Vision’s Dallas Storehouse. “We’re especially grateful for local church partners meeting people where they are, offering comfort and helping us deliver supplies as well as hope.”

World Vision deployed truckloads of supplies to local partners, and a Pastor Ambassador to support other pastors helping congregations recover.

2. California wildfires

In January 2025, Los Angeles area wildfires ravaged homes, schools and critical infrastructure as 200,000 people raced to evacuate.

World Vision joined local churches and community partners to deliver emergency supplies. Within days, teams supported over 45,000 people and delivered 40 truckloads of aid including water, face masks, air beds, generators, clothing, hygiene kits and diapers.

3. War in Ukraine

Four years of conflict in Ukraine has displaced 3.7 million people, forcing over 5 million refugees to seek safety in Europe. Approximately 12.7 million people need aid and protection, with families facing financial struggles and limited access to education, health care and employment.

Since 2022, World Vision has reached more than 2.24 million people — including over one million children — with assistance including education, mental health services, winterization and protection initiatives.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo emergencies

Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face a dangerous combination of health and hunger emergencies. In 2025, cholera spread across six provinces, along with a severe variant of mpox that disproportionately affects young children, and a localized Ebola outbreak. The DRC faces severe food insecurity, conflict and widespread displacement.

World Vision teams are responding with lifesaving support for families, distributing clean water and sanitation supplies. The organization provides nutrition programs, partnering with local health workers to strengthen early detection and outbreak response.

“We know we’re not alone in this fight. World Vision stands with us, and together, we’re doing remarkable work for our community’s health,” said Mimi Gwana, head nurse at a DRC health clinic.

5. Humanitarian crisis in Haiti

Need is growing in Haiti as escalating gang violence and Hurricane Melissa have caused widespread displacement, hunger, essential service shutdowns and shortages of food, water, health care and education.

World Vision has been supporting Haiti for 45 years, offering vulnerable children and families vital aid including food, clean water and programs for survivors of violence. Following Hurricane Melissa’s flooding in October, World Vision distributed shelter, kitchen, hygiene and bedding kits to over 10,000 survivors.

6. Myanmar earthquake

In March 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, killing over 3,600 people and injuring 5,000 others.

With help from donors and partners, World Vision staff responded with food assistance and other emergency relief for 458,216 people, including 145,055 children.

7. Middle East crises

Conflict, large-scale displacement and economic collapse are creating dire humanitarian need across the Middle East. In Lebanon, severe food poverty is rising at an alarming rate, with over half of children under age two experiencing hunger in some areas. Disruptions to basic services in the West Bank have left many children without schooling or health care.

“The conflict is impacting children caught in this cycle of violence, hunger and displacement,” said Margaret Schuler, senior vice president and chief impact officer, World Vision. “Behind each statistic is a story of children and the families who want to keep them safe.”

World Vision delivered 10.2 million meals to families in Lebanon, supporting over 589,000 people, including over 217,000 children, through programs focused on education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food security. In the West Bank, World Vision has reached over one million people, including 430,000 children.

8. Conflict in Sudan

The escalation of violence in Sudan has caused widespread famine and near-total infrastructure collapse, forcing an estimated 14.3 million people to flee — making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world. The country faces a deadly cholera outbreak, along with life-threatening food shortages.

World Vision operates a cholera treatment center and 24 oral rehydration points where sick people can access lifesaving rehydration and basic care before their condition becomes severe. The organization distributes emergency food and other support to affected communities.

9. Crisis in Syria

Syria remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with over 14 million people displaced since 2011, while still facing long-term effects from 2023 earthquakes. After the government changed hands in 2024, hundreds of thousands of Syrians began returning, only to find damaged or destroyed homes, inadequate services and public health threats.

Through ongoing child protection, health, nutrition and education programs, World Vision assists hundreds of thousands of people, continuing to respond as families work toward restoring their lives.

10. Philippines typhoon

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines in November 2025, killing over 200 people and displacing over half a million. It also caused widespread devastation in communities recovering from earlier earthquakes. Only days later, Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall in the Philippines, forcing over one million people to evacuate.

World Vision responds to the urgent needs of families affected by the widespread flooding, landslides and destruction from these storms with essentials and ongoing aid.

You can help

When disasters strike, World Vision is uniquely equipped to provide support, with highly trained rapid response teams, dedicated local staff and emergency supplies pre-positioned in the U.S. and around the globe.

You can make a difference, bringing aid and hope to people — especially children — when it’s needed most. Your disaster relief donation saves lives of children and families facing emergencies caused by conflict and natural disasters.

Before the year ends, consider a tax deductible donation to help children and families lift themselves out of extreme poverty and experience lasting change. Give by December 31 and your tax deductible gift will be matched.

Visit Donate.worldvision.org/give/disaster-relief to donate today.

2025-12-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – As New Year’s Eve approaches, Americans are searching for the perfect spot to raise a glass. This year, it’s about the perfect pour, the right setting, and a moment to remember. New U.S. data from global chauffeur service Blacklane shows exactly where the most exceptional champagne toasts are happening — and how a seamless journey can make the celebration effortless.

From glittering rooftops to iconic hotel lounges, the finest champagne is now paired with venues that know how to elevate the moment. Guests are seeking out the finest labels, most luxurious hotel bars around the world and a midnight toast worth remembering.

Whether celebration-seekers are clinking flutes high above the city skyline or enjoying a luxury hotel’s midnight soirée, the cost of the finest pour varies widely by destination. The top destinations for the best champagne toast include:

• New York City: Classic houses like Moët & Chandon (17%), Veuve Clicquot (12%) and Louis Roederer (8%) dominate iconic spots such as Mo Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental and rooftop bars across Manhattan.
• Miami: Landmark hotels including the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove pour premier labels, creating standout celebratory moments.
• Los Angeles: A mix of big-name champagnes and boutique houses offers a curated, unique experience for guests seeking something different, including the Four Seasons where the Laurent-Perrier label is on offer.

But the perfect toast is more than just the drink, it’s how you arrive. Blacklane ensures every journey feels seamless and premium, giving revelers the freedom to focus on the celebration:

• Door-to-door transfers, even on the busiest night of the year
• Professional chauffeurs providing reliability and local knowledge
• Spacious, luxurious vehicles that set the tone for an enhanced evening

This New Year’s Eve, the ultimate celebration comes down to three essentials: a world-class glass of champagne, a venue chosen for its quality and ambiance, and a smooth, stress-free journey. Together, they transform midnight into a memory that lasts all year.

To elevate your New Year’s Eve toast, schedule a Blacklane ride at blacklane.com.

“Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2025-12-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Building on long-standing cooperation and strong partnership with the United States, Poland is working to become a major player in the global space market.

That ambition is shining through in policy choices, joint missions and concrete investments that tie Polish industry to U.S. programs.

The two countries have been formal allies through NATO since 1999, cooperating closely on defense and security. Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are extending this trust and collaboration into space.

In the newest development in this partnership, Polish media mogul and self-made billionaire Zygmunt Solorz has been in discussions regarding a major investment in Houston-based Axiom Space, led by billionaire Kam Ghaffarian and backed by U.S. investors including Donald Trump, Jr.

“A partnership with Axiom Space and Kam Ghaffarian would be a significant step for Poland in the U.S. commercial space market, giving Poland the chance to contribute directly to the future of commercial spaceflight and strengthen its position in the global space economy,” said Solorz.

Solorz and Ghaffarian met with high-level U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., and at the White House on Dec. 3-4 earlier this month, underscoring the visibility of prospective Polish investment in the American commercial space sector.

Ghaffarian, Axiom Space’s co-founder and former NASA scientist, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Poland’s increasing involvement in the global space economy is an important development for transatlantic cooperation, and we value Mr. Solorz’s active engagement as these discussions progress.”

This is the most recent example of U.S.-Polish collaboration in the final frontier. In 2021, Poland joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, which established a set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation, particularly within NASA’s lunar exploration plans. Then-NASA Administrator and astronaut Bill Nelson recognized Poland’s commitment to establishing peaceful norms in space, which he said cannot be accomplished alone.

Earlier this year, Poland launched its first astronaut in more than 40 years to the International Space Station (ISS). Aboard a private flight — a SpaceX rocket mission arranged by Axiom Space — Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewsk became the second Pole to travel to space. “Let this mission be the beginning of an era in which our courage and perseverance will shape a modern Poland for us and for future generations,” said Uznanski-Wisniewsk after the successful launch.

Co-financed by the Polish government and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), Poland’s experiments during Uznanski-Wisniewsk’s two-week stay spanned from research on human sciences, engineering, physics and testing technologies in orbit. The work provided results that inform both academic research and commercial use cases. The mission’s success signaled that Poland is continuing to move from consumer to contributor within this ecosystem. That shift is also evident in the Polish Space Agency’s collaboration with several Polish companies to build and launch the country’s largest ever satellite last year.

By integrating into the U.S. space economy, Poland is positioning itself as Central Europe’s hub for research, dual-use technologies and space diplomacy. This progress has been on display as Polish manufacturer Scanway Space secured its first order from an American company, Intuitive Machines, for a multispectral telescope to map the Moon’s surface this year. Poland is also preparing to launch its first military satellites into orbit from the United States, with launch planned from California aboard a SpaceX rocket.

Poland’s international profile will further rise when it hosts the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2027, expected to host nearly 10,000 guests from around the world. Among the world’s largest gatherings of agencies, companies and researchers, the decision to select Poland to host signals the country’s expanding convening power and industrial ambition in space.

Together, these policy and commercial elements illustrate how Poland is helping the United States build next-generation space infrastructure. For the United States, allied engagement supports resilience in critical space services, while broadening the research base and supply chain. For Poland, it unlocks access to orbital platforms, technology transfer opportunities and new investment channels.

Together, the United States and Poland are expanding on their transatlantic allyship and charting a bold new trajectory — one that could redefine their roles in the space economy and expand the horizons of exploration for years to come.

Photo caption: Billionaires Kam Ghaffarian and Zygmunt Solorz before heading into a meeting with high-level U.S. officials at the White House on Dec. 3.

2025-12-19T16:01:01

(BPT) – It’s a cold winter day, so you’ve decided to take a hot shower to warm up and relax. However, as soon as you step out of the steamy heat into your cold bathroom, the comforting warmth of your bath is replaced by an icy draft that makes you shiver before you can grab your towel.

This case of the “shiver shocks” doesn’t just make the aftermath of your shower unpleasant. It’s a sign of a colder home.

Instead of accepting a cold home as a part of winter life, consider taking simple steps to create a warm, healthy and inviting home to help stave off the colder weather. Consider adding these easy upgrades to your winter prep to-do list, so you can enjoy the winter season from inside your cozy abode.

Seal drafts

One of the first steps you should take to create a warm home is to find and seal drafts to prevent outdoor cold air from seeping in and warm air from leaking out. Start by checking windows and doors for gaps around the frame. If you find any cracks, seal them off with caulk and consider adding or replacing weather stripping.

Sealing these drafts doesn’t just create a cozy home. This simple fix can also improve energy efficiency!

Use a bathroom-safe space heater and fan

High indoor relative humidity (RH) doesn’t just make your home feel colder; it can make it harder for your body to stay warm. Humid air sticks to your skin, and that moisture conducts heat away from your body. That’s why when you step out of a hot shower or bath, you’re hit with the shiver shocks.

You can easily elevate your bath experience and keep moisture and cold at bay by installing a bathroom-safe space heater and exhaust fan. A solution like the Panasonic Whisper Cozy offers you relief from the wet cold.

Designed for both ease of installation and code compliance, the Whisper Cozy^® fan offers enhanced heating technology that swiftly warms up bathrooms, creating a warmer and more comfortable space. The fan/heater also promotes a healthier environment by efficiently removing excess humidity and moisture, so you can enjoy your bathing experience knowing you’ll be warm during and after your bath or shower.

Use air quality sensors

While winter is known for having dry air outdoors, the indoors can have too much moisture. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when temperatures dip, air holds less moisture, causing water to condense on cold surfaces like windows, bathroom mirrors and tiles.

This moisture can increase the RH, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive, leading to serious structural problems, a colder home and poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

Keep track of the indoor RH and other IAQ factors with IAQ sensors like Swidget. Once you know how humid it is indoors, you can take steps to manage the moisture to create a cozier, healthier home for your family.

Pro tip: Keep your indoor RH below 60%, but ideally between 30% and 50%. During the winter, you may want to err closer to 30%.

Install heated towel racks

One extra step you can take to add a touch of cozy luxury and warmth to your bathroom is to install a heated towel rack. When you take a warm towel from the rack and wrap yourself in it as you exit the shower, you can enjoy a spa-like moment that makes the winter months more indulgent. Plus, the rack can also drive out extra moisture, ensuring you always have dry, warm towels.

Remember, winter prep isn’t just about layering up in coats, sweaters, socks and snow gear. Creating a cozy and comforting home environment is an essential step in your winter prep. Using these tips, you can create a warmer, welcoming space that you’ll be happy to step into every day this winter.

2025-12-19T06:05:00

(BPT) – Gone are the days when entertaining meant the host did all the work. Today’s social gatherings are more interactive with guests eager to get hands-on and personalize their own creations. Instead of a cocktail party or a formal dinner, why not host a personalized coffeehouse gathering?

All you need are premium coffee beans, flavored syrups and your choice of dairy or dairy alternatives. Invite friends to drop by your “café” and let them craft their own coffee specialties with professional-quality results. JURA‘s fully automatic coffee machines make this entertaining trend easy, stylish and delicious.

Some Like It Hot – or Not

The JURA Z10 delivers 40 café-quality hot, cold brew and sweet foam coffee specialties at the touch of a button. Its innovative brewing technology extracts full-bodied hot drinks, while the exclusive Cold Extraction Process creates refreshing cold brews. It’s the perfect choice to please all your café guests, whether they prefer steaming-hot cappuccinos or chilled flat whites.

Twice as Nice

The J8 twin can process two different coffee bean varieties thanks to the double bean hopper and two high-performance conical disc grinders. It can prepare 31 delicious specialties at the touch of the display. Enjoy an espresso in the morning and decaf at night or customize a personal blend of two different single-origin beans.

Finish with Sweet Foam

Both the Z10 and J8 twin feature JURA’s exclusive Sweet Foam Function, which infuses milk foam with flavored syrups. Simply fill the attachment with syrup, and the system creates flavored milk foam that can be adjusted from subtle to bold. Guests can craft their own sweet amaretto macchiato, sweet cinnamon cortado or cold sweet salted caramel — the flavor combinations are endless.

Keep It Cool

JURA’s Cool Control accessory keeps milk at the optimal temperature, ensuring perfect milk foam every time. The stainless steel milk container, metal tube and adapter are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. For milk alternatives or occasional use, the Milk Carafe offers a compact, stylish solution that fits neatly in any refrigerator and can be labeled for different types of milk.

Serve with Style

Complete your café setup with JURA’s elegant line of tableware, including Latte Macchiato Spoons, Coffee Spoons, Tall Latte Macchiato Glasses and Espresso Glasses — a finishing touch that elevates the entire experience.

With JURA, you can host the ultimate DIY café experience and make every guest a barista and every cup a personal creation. For more information, visit jura.com.