Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2023-12-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you struggling to save more and spend within your means? You’re not alone. According to Fidelity’s Money Mindset study, 59% of young Americans cringe at the thought of checking their bank account balance and 57% dread budgeting. While it’s understandable to avoid tasks that cause stress, neglecting your finances now will only add up to more money worries in the long run.

If you’re ready to start spending smarter, save more and improve your financial health, you may be interested to know what could be keeping you from having a better relationship with money. Check out these three sneaky reasons why you might be having trouble saving money and how you can take steps to overcome them.

1. You avoid thinking about your money

Sometimes, when something causes us stress, we avoid thinking about it altogether. Finances are no different. In fact, Fidelity’s Money Mindset study found 1-in-3 young Americans say they would rather deep clean their bathroom than check their savings account. While not monitoring your money might provide momentary relief, in the long term, it can make your financial situation worse. You might forget about automated and recurring payments or overspend, and not realize until it’s too late to save.

Instead, be proactive about your financial health. Getting your finances in check can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Sit down and think about how you’re spending your money and what changes you’d like to make.

One great tool to use is automation. Automatically transferring a certain amount into your savings every month can be a great option to make sure you’re making progress toward your goals without daily monitoring and stress. There are plenty of apps that can help you get started with this process. For example, Fidelity Bloom^® is a free financial app that offers automated routines to help you grow your savings – like recurring transfers to your Bloom Save account.

In addition to automating savings routines, built-in incentives and recurring transfers, the app can also help expand your financial knowledge. In-app prompts and friendly nudges provide actionable steps you can take every day to help you navigate day-to-day finances and address the underlying causes that might be making it difficult for you to save.

2. FOMO and societal pressures keep you spending

The fear of missing out (FOMO) might also lead to missing out on savings. Many young Americans report feeling pressure to keep up with their peers which can lead to spending more money than they originally intended and impact their ability to save. Fidelity found that 61% of young Americans admit they spend more money than they intend because of FOMO.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip every concert and vacation but try to limit your spending to the activities you really want to attend and know you can afford. Soon enough, you may find that you’re able to both spend on the activities you really want and save for your future.

With Fidelity Bloom^®, you get access to two accounts: one “save” account that helps you build your savings and a “spend” account that helps you track everyday spending. Having these two separate accounts, can help you be sure you’re only spending the amount you’ve set aside for spending, instead of tapping into your savings.

3. You think you can wait to save

Saving for the future can seem like a lofty, far-off goal, especially when there is so much to spend on now. In fact, 76% of young Americans believe that to save money, they’d have to cut back on spending on things that bring them joy. But the earlier you prioritize saving, the less stressed and better prepared you’ll be for the future.

A good first step is to create an emergency savings account, so you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses that come up or potential job loss. Nearly half of young Americans (49%) say they wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000. Fidelity suggests saving at least six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.

Fidelity Bloom^® can also help you with your savings goals. It’s the only app that matches up to 10% on your Save account each year up to $300. You can also save while spending on everyday purchases with debit card rewards and customizable round-ups into your Save account.

Changing your saving and spending habits can be difficult, but becoming aware of them is the first step to changing them. To help you with your saving and spending journey, download the Fidelity Bloom^® app so you can take an honest look at your finances and start saving today. To learn more, visit Fidelity.com/Mobile/Bloom.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.5 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.4 trillion as of September 30, 2023, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for 77 years, Fidelity employs more than 73,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/ourcompany.

About Fidelity’s 2022 Money Mindset Study

The 2022 Money Mindset Study presents the findings of an online sample of 2,010 adults 18 years of age and older with a checking or savings account, which represents 98% of American adults, with a focus on the 1,008 respondents 18-44 years old. Interviewing for this CARAVAN omnibus survey was conducted April 15-20, 2022, by ENGINE INSIGHTS, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all respondents meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

Important Information

The Fidelity Bloom App is designed to help with your saving and spending behaviors through your Save and Spend accounts, which are brokerage accounts covered by SIPC. They are not bank accounts and therefore are not covered by FDIC insurance.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

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Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

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©2023 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – Trends in real estate and home buying go far beyond mortgage rates and home prices. Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate has identified several more trends that provide insight into today’s homebuyer and what they are looking for in a home.

Who are the buyers?

There is a big difference between a first-time buyer and someone who already owns a home. In fact, the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) reports a 23-year age gap between a typical first-time buyer (35 years old) and a repeat buyer (58 years old).

There are also more unmarried people buying homes today. While 59% of all buyers were married couples, single females purchased 19% of homes, followed by single men (10%) and unmarried couples (9%). It’s also noteworthy that 70% of recent home buyers did not have a child under 18 living in the home, a drastic increase from 42% back in 1985.

“First-time buyers remain active and continue to account for about 30% of all home purchases,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “While saving for a down payment remains a challenge, the overwhelming majority of first-time homebuyers are not putting down 20% and many are getting financial help from parents, families and friends. The repeat buyer has a significant advantage as they can utilize equity from their previous home to either pay cash or reduce their mortgage as they move up or down in home size.”

Staying close … again

“The pandemic-fueled, work-from-anywhere trend that allowed so many to purchase a home in more affordable areas seems to be subsiding,” Wilcox said. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agents are reporting more and more buyers who left a market are starting to return due to work or because they miss family and friends.”

This trend is shown in NAR data, according to Wilcox.

“For years before the pandemic, it was normal for repeat buyers to move within 15 miles of their previous home,” she said. “It jumped to 50 miles a year ago as so many opted to move to more affordable locations and take advantage of the remote work boom. We are back to a 20-mile radius today.”

What do buyers want?

NAR reported that 39% of repeat buyers traded up, while 33% purchased a smaller home. But home size is not the only consideration, according to Wilcox.

“It was interesting to see that 60% of all buyers said the quality of the neighborhood was the most important factor in determining where to live,” she said. “We are returning to a real estate market where life events trigger buying decisions. Being close to family and friends is the biggest driver of where people want to be, even more than affordability.

“We are also seeing a trend in longevity in a home. While most live in their home for 10 years, today’s buyer believes they will stay in their recently purchased home for at least 15 years. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to look as far into the future as possible when choosing their next home and thinking about job locations, marriage, children, and other factors.”

What about older Americans?

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is tracking the home buying and selling patterns of baby boomers. This generation, those now 59-77, have redefined societal norms since they were born and are now doing the same in housing as they age. The U.S. Census reports the homeownership rate is more than 75% for baby boomers and AARP reports an overwhelming majority of this group wants to age in place.

“One of the big questions hanging over the housing market is how long baby boomers will stay in their existing homes,” Wilcox said. “As those in this demographic move on to the next phase in their lives, they will be looking for more manageable homes, nearby medical facilities, accessible community amenities and proximity to friends and loved ones. A good real estate professional will be able to assist and understand how to maximize the equity they have built.”

NAR shared that those over 60 almost tripled the number of home purchases in senior-related housing compared to the previous year (19% vs. 7%, respectively). Retirement, health of a loved one and the desire to downsize are the driving factors for a move for those 65 and older. Only 3% in this age group say they want a larger home.

The process

The fast-paced housing market continues. It’s important that buyers select an agent with whom they are comfortable, with a like-minded communication style and experience working in the price points and communities the buyer is interested in. It is also important to choose an agent who can help identify reputable loan officers with various financing options.

“More than half of all buyers use an agent who was referred to them or someone they worked with previously,” Wilcox said. “I always encourage buyers to ask around and interview more than one agent. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your potential agent to ensure they are right for you.”

If you’re thinking about making a move, connect with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agent today. Visit https://www.bhgre.com/find-agents.

2023-12-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season, but U.S. consumers say high prices are impacting their spending habits and making them feel stressed (61%).

Citing inflation concerns (74%), recent research from financial services company Empower shows over a third (34%) of Americans are trimming their holiday budgets in favor of saving during the most wonderful time of year.

How much spend is just right? Let your budget be your guide. Here are three tips for embracing the spirit of giving.

1. Start budgeting for the holidays early

It’s always best to plan ahead. With rising prices, it may be harder to buy last-minute impulse gifts or squeeze in a few extra presents. That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of all your holiday expenses first.

Most people think of gifts when it comes to outlining holiday expenses. And while presents may comprise the bulk of your expenses, there are additional costs to consider like holiday decorations, travel, parties, entertainment, cards, wrapping paper, food and shipping charges for sending gifts to friends and family members who live far away.

Empower data shows that more than half of shoppers (55%) plan to focus on a significant or “big gift” item for those on their list, while 45% prefer to give an array of smaller presents. Budget-wise, more than a third of Americans (37%) have allocated less than $250 in total for gifts this year.

Keith Jones, senior financial professional at Empower, says, “Determine the total amount of money you want to spend on your holiday purchases. Write this figure down and put it in a prominent place where you will see it often. This way you’ll be reminded of your spending limit every day during the holidays, when it can be tempting to want to overspend.”

2. Prioritize what brings you the most holiday joy

According to the findings, half of Americans are cutting back on buying gifts for friends (50%). Deciding who you will — and won’t — buy gifts for this year can be the hardest part of creating a holiday spending budget.

“How you allocate your holiday budget will depend on what’s most important to you — this year, you may prioritize travel to visit family that you typically only see during the holidays over decorations or cut back on social commitments in order to give yourself a larger budget for holiday gifts,” says Jones.

Americans are embracing the gift of time, choosing low-cost activities like seeing holiday lights (56%) and watching movies at home (47%). These precious moments can build new holiday traditions and create priceless memories for your friends and family members to enjoy.

3. Start thinking about next year

Planning for the new year can help keep your eye on the prize. Americans’ top goals for next year include: Saving more money each month (54%), handling their debt (37%) and lowering any non-essential spending (34%). Budgeting is on the wish list, with 20% planning to set or stay on a budget next year.

It’s important to be realistic when setting a spending limit. This starts with understanding your overall financial situation. Working with a financial professional can help you identify your money goals and create a road map to help get you there.

Methodology:

This survey of 1,003 Americans ages 18+ was commissioned by Empower: 20% were baby boomers, 26% were Gen X, 26% were millennials, and 28% were Gen Z.

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2023-12-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Young adventurer Yuval has always dreamt of exploring the world. In fact, travel is the #1 way he and his mother, Avital, bonded. However, he had to put his adventures on hold when he became sick.

When he was 7 years old, Yuval’s mom found a lump on his neck that turned out to be lymphoma.

“I was heartbroken and lost,” said Avital. “I couldn’t take one breath of air without pain all over my body.”

However, the brave little adventurer faced aggressive cancer treatment with determination. Today, there’s no evidence of his disease. And he got to celebrate his travel wish with the help of Make-A-Wish and its donors.

Yuval’s greatest wish was to ski and explore Alaska. He got to do that and more! During his adventure in the Alaskan wilderness, he not only skied but also snowmobiled, snowshoed and even had the opportunity to go dog sledding. Best of all, he got to do it all with his best friend, Chase. With this adventure under his belt, Yuval is ready to continue to explore more of the world around him and reclaim the time he lost when fighting illness.

Donors make dreams possible

Turning Yuval and other children’s dreams into reality wouldn’t be possible without the help of Make-A-Wish sponsors like Snappy. This year, Snappy — the leading gifting company — hit a huge milestone, donating $2 million to Make-A-Wish.

Snappy is an all-in-one gifting company that spreads joy, shares gratitude and takes the guesswork out of gifting. The company connects people and cultivates meaningful relationships through the power of gratitude and gifting. Its “recipient-picks” experience ensures gift-givers send the perfect gift every time, for everyone, on every occasion. It even allows recipients to donate the value of their gift to a charity of their choice.

Businesses can use the online platform to purchase gifts for employees, business partners, clients. It’s these gift recipients who opted to donate the value of their gift to help support the transformative wishes of children with critical illnesses that have made Snappy’s significant achievement possible.

“At Snappy, we are so grateful to witness the profound impact of individual generosity,” said Hani Goldstein, Snappy co-founder and CEO. “When members of our community choose to donate their gift’s value to Make-A-Wish, they create a cascade of positivity. The philanthropic potential of our platform has made us deeply thankful for the kindness of our gift recipients and the wishes they’ve made possible for these children and their families.”

Wishes aren’t just fun activities. When a child’s wish is granted, it can create hope even in the most challenging situations.

“A wish creates an immediate turning point in a child’s treatment and recovery, and partnerships like Snappy’s make more of these life-changing wishes possible,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “There’s a gap between the number of wishes we’re granting and the number of wishes waiting, and we’re thrilled for Snappy’s support to help us close that gap.”

This holiday season and beyond, help Make-A-Wish and Snappy fulfill more wishes while also finding meaningful gifts for those in your life. To learn more about how you can help make a child’s wish come true, visit Wish.org.

2023-12-20T15:19:00

(BPT) – Holiday spending is expected to reach record levels this year. While many families got an early start in October to land hot deals and avoid crowds, gift cards remain one of the hottest items toward the end of the season, landing in the top three gifting items heading into Super Saturday, according to the National Retail Federation.

In fact, U.S. consumers will spend about $300 on gift cards this year — up from $217 last year — according to the 2023 Deloitte holiday retail survey. But, as popular as gift cards are, experts warn that gift card scammers are getting more and more creative each year.

That’s why Walmart has compiled tips from experts across the industry on how to stay vigilant this holiday season. These include:

No legitimate business or government agency will ask you to buy a gift card as a form of payment

Gift card scammers often start with a call, text, email or social media message directing consumers to buy one or more pre-paid gift cards as a quick form of payment. They often play into emotions, telling victims there’s a problem with their Social Security, an emergency, a loved one is in trouble or they’ve won the lottery, for example.

Requests that claim to be from the government, tech support or a utility company are a red flag. No matter what they say, no legitimate business or government agency will ever ask consumers to buy a gift card as a form of payment, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Buy direct and keep receipts

Planning to buy a gift card? Purchase it directly from a trusted retailer or the business issuing them. If purchased in-store, ensure packaging hasn’t been tampered with. Still unsure? Check with a store associate. Many major retailers like Walmart train associates to identify gift card scams.

Report suspicious gift card requests

Report suspicious requests to gift card issuers right away. There should be instructions for how to do so on the back of the card. Always keep receipts, as they can come in handy when reporting gift card scams to the issuing company.

Many organizations like the FTC and AARP have fraud prevention helplines. Informing these organizations of suspicious experiences can help make a difference.

• Visit AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
• Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Stay informed and be vigilant

Being vigilant and keeping these tips in mind can keep customers from falling victim to costly gift card scams.

Such was the case recently when a local Minnesota police chief’s own family member almost fell prey to a scam but was thankfully thwarted by vigilant Walmart associates at two different stores when they refused to sell the would-be victim $4,000 in gift cards after identifying signs that she might be a victim of fraud.

As part of Walmart’s ongoing effort to help protect our customers, Walmart is donating $5 million in media to consumer groups that educate consumers on how to avoid becoming a victim of gift card fraud.

2023-12-19T15:01:00

(BPT) – While it’s the most wonderful time of the year, holidays often come with a hefty price tag. Many find themselves preparing for an increase in spending during the holiday season, whether they’re creating a budget or setting aside funds throughout the year.

Managing finances during this time of year presents an opportunity to educate kids on the importance of understanding “wants” versus “needs” and how to manage their spending. By involving them in the budgeting and planning process, you can equip them with tools that can help pave the way for future financial success.

To help you get started, Chase rounded up their top tips for teaching your kids money lessons during the holidays.

1. Create a holiday budget

By the time you have a teenager, they likely have a list of people in their life they want to purchase gifts for. But even the smallest presents can add up, leaving little extra cash for fun activities with friends. Encourage your child to sit down and make a list of people they want to buy for, then set a spending limit for each person.

2. Monitor where their money goes

Another way to track spending is to set up a checking account with a debit card just for kids. Bank accounts like Chase First Banking, which is parent-owned and available for kids 6-18, offer parents and kids a shared journey toward financial understanding. Kids best learn money basics firsthand, and accounts like Chase First Banking allow parents to monitor their kid’s spending, set limits, track progress, receive alerts and more, all through the Chase Mobile app^®.

While your kids may have a long list of gift requests this year, encourage them to break up their list into wants and needs, and really think about what they’re asking for. Is it something they can use for a long time? Is it something that will bring them closer to achieving a goal? Try to curb the idea that “more is better.” You can also take some time to research and compare prices, teaching them how to get the most bang for their buck.

3. Gift good money habits

Whether it be what or where they’re spending, their gifting budget, how much they’re earning or their savings goal, the holidays are full of opportunities to discuss good money habits. Opening a bank account is a great way to lay the financial groundwork by promoting saving and tracking their spending.

For your older ones, accounts like Chase High School Checking^SM is co-owned by the parent and designed for kids 13-17, and Chase College Checking^SM, for students 17-24, are great tools for your child to get a clearer picture of their financial life. They can track their finances with the Chase Mobile app, learn to save with automatic transfers to their Chase savings using Autosave, and handle splitting a gift or paying back family and friends with Zelle^®.

4. Save what you don’t spend

Setting up a bank account can also help your kids learn the importance of saving for the future. While this season can be all about spending, it’s important to make sure you talk about saving. Autosave automates your savings by allowing you to choose when and how often you want to transfer money from your Chase checking account to your Chase savings. Even if your child is spending a little more during the holidays, make sure they still fit some savings into their budget.

While the holidays can be hectic, it’s one of the most opportune times to educate kids on crucial financial lessons. Using these four tips, you can help your child experience all the holiday magic without them breaking the bank. For more information and tips for setting up your child for financial success, visit chase.com/studentbanking.

Chase Mobile^® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2023-12-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Generative AI is in the news nearly every day, and currently the most talked about topic in the world of technology. According to Forbes, well over half (64%) of business owners think AI will help benefit relationships with their customers. If you run a small to mid-sized business, you may be wondering how the latest groundbreaking developments in AI technology could help you better manage your company. One area you may not have considered is your payroll system.

While you may know how time-consuming certain payroll tasks can be, it may not be clear to you how AI — specifically generative AI — could streamline these processes. Using AI could actually save time and money while improving the experience both for you or your staff who manage payroll, and the employees who rely on it.

What is generative AI?

This widely used subset of AI uses algorithms to produce new content, data or outputs autonomously, and can be “taught” how to automate a variety of complex systems. Generative AI is “trained” by being exposed to large datasets of existing examples. The AI model then analyzes data to identify patterns, correlations and structures.

Once trained, Generative AI uses these patterns to create original content while maintaining consistency with what it learned. Common generative AI examples include writing assistance, chatbots/online agents — and payroll processing.

AI-powered chat-based assistants are one versatile tool that can engage with customers and streamline interactions. GenAI-powered chatbots can comprehend and respond to customer questions in natural language, offering real-time support and assistance while freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.

But chatbots can do much more than just answer simple customer questions. Generative AI chatbots can also streamline vital HR and administrative duties such as a company’s payroll and taxes. With Roll by ADP, you can also feel confident that there are guardrails in place to ensure safe interactions between users and their Gen AI features. Insights are drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database, so small business owners can seek personalized guidance on managing and growing their business through an intuitive, chat-based conversation right from Roll.

Here are a few ways automating payroll processes using AI can improve your business.

Ease of use for payroll admins

Which would you or your payroll administrator prefer: spending hours on spreadsheet formulas and manual calculations, or running payroll in under a minute?

If you think the latter, Roll by ADP offers AI-powered payroll solutions that let you run payroll from your pocket on any device, whenever it fits into your busy day. All you have to do is type the word “payroll” into Roll’s payroll app for small business, and it will take you through the rest.

Simple user interface to answer employee questions

No matter the size of your business, employees always have questions about their pay, such as, “When is the next payday?” “Can I make changes to my withholding?” “How do I see when I’m getting a deposit?” “When was I last paid?” or “When will the money transfer into my account?” Using the AI-powered app makes it simple for employees to get these kinds of questions answered quickly, 24/7/365.

You or your payroll admin may also have questions, including: “How much did I pay employees in 2022?” “What information do you need for a new employee?” “Can I edit a payment I submitted?” or “How can I check the account that was set up for deposit?”

These and many more questions from employees and those running payroll can easily and quickly be answered using the Roll app.

Accurate processes — from payroll processing to compliance

Roll’s powerful solutions are built on the foundation that innovation should simplify business operations. Their AI-powered payroll solutions integrate cutting-edge technology that doesn’t just transform the way you pay your team — it changes the way your business thrives. Features include:

• Automated payroll processing that swiftly calculates salaries, taxes and deductions.
• Predictive insights allowing you to address potential issues before they snowball into bigger problems.
• Personalized employee experiences that enhance transparency and trust.
• Improved operational efficiency thanks to reduced administrative overheads.
• Accurate compliance in line with ever-evolving regulations, drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database.

This payroll app is designed to be easy and seamless, so business owners can run payroll by just saying something like “Run my payroll.”

“Roll is designed with a simple conversational user interface that’s very intuitive, so you can run your payroll by just chatting with the app,” said Roberto Masiero, senior vice president of Innovation at ADP. “GenAI came as a transformative technology that can make our products better, so every single area of ADP is being rethought. Everybody now has access to this ground-breaking technology.”

Ready to make your payroll system easier to run? Sign up for a free trial today at RollByADP.com.

2023-12-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – There was a time when a grocery store in Canada didn’t have blueberries in December. There was also a time before bagged salads and a dozen varieties of apples were available in a single store. The entire Fresh produce supply chain has been dedicated to innovation at every point, especially at the consumer level — the grocery store. Consumers have seen it.

While we’re used to hearing about innovation in traditional tech spaces like our own vehicles or phones, fresh produce has made countless transformative innovations that have changed the way we all shop, cook and eat. Here are a few of those advances:

1. PLU stickers

The little stickers on your lemons, apples, bananas and avocados, with four or five numbers, are actually a powerful tool. Initially, they were invented to help checkout clerks distinguish between conventional and organic produce items, since they look so similar, and charge the correct prices. The reality is organic produce items are more expensive to grow and require more labor. So, there was a need to accurately price organic offerings and give growers an opportunity to reinvest in next year’s harvest.

The stickers unlock choices for consumers and save time in the checkout line while providing the ability to choose how many items you’d like to buy, and with more varieties to choose from. As retailers can easily tell the difference between multiple varieties of apples, for example, they can sell these varieties loose and give the consumer more options.

This sticker is not done evolving. A compostable sticker has been created and with increased demand from consumers, can be used for bulk produce.

2. Bagged salads

Not long ago, you could not get a bagged salad. These salads changed the game in a few ways. The first: Convenience. While home cooks would spend time washing, prepping, cutting and mixing multiple ingredients, the bagged salad reduced that time significantly.

The second: Freshness. The bag component meant that the freshest product reached your shelves. Simply by sealing the salad with a mix of nitrogen and oxygen (derived from air but mixed in a different ratio to suppress pathogens and molds), the bag keeps the products inside fresh and keeps any microbes out without the use of toxic chemicals.

The third: Safety. Food safety is a constant effort for everyone in the supply chain. The bag of salad means that as products move from the packaging to the store, the produce is sealed to ensure no contaminants, pathogens or spoilage microbes can get in.

3. Sustainable packaging

Without plastic packaging, most pre-made salads, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, baby greens and berries would simply not be able to be sold in grocery stores. These products are too fragile to be transported and require packaging. The produce industry, in commitments to delivering a quality, safe product, that is also sustainable, has developed new types of packaging including compostable plastics derived from cellulose or organic acids.

Currently, there are impending restrictions on the industry to limit packaging or ban it altogether in Europe and Canada.

“Eliminating packaging may seem like a step in the right direction but taking that step before we have a viable and safe alternative will result in increased foodborne illness, wasted food, or even a lack of fresh produce in places where these bans are put in place,” said Max Teplitski, PhD, the chief science officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. “We’re focused on food safety, extending shelf life, and ensuring affordable access to the freshest and most nutritious products on earth.”

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – ComplexCon, a global street culture festival held in Long Beach, California, is a popular destination for the world’s growing ranks of sneakerheads. At this year’s event, which took place in November, LG showcased two innovative products that have quickly found a fanbase among the footwear-obsessed — the LG Styler™ ShoeCare and Styler ShoeCase.

To introduce its unique shoe management solutions in the U.S. — the undisputed capital of sneakerhead culture — LG established a partnership with street fashion icon and founder of the STAPLE brand, Jeff Staple. Together, LG and Jeff created a lit vibe at ComplexCon, grabbing the attention of visitors to LG’s boldly-colored booth with a genuinely entertaining game show-themed activation.

On opening day, Jeff made a special guest appearance at the booth, meeting with fans and hosting Spin to Win — an interactive game giving ‘contestants’ the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by answering questions about sneaker culture and the features of LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Up for grabs were limited-edition Styler ShoeCase tote bags exclusive to ComplexCon, and for two very lucky contestants, an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for a sneaker shopping spree with Jeff Staple.

Visitors to LG’s booth also had the chance to see first-hand the convenience, elegance and quality of the LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Collectively, the two products offer a total solution for storing, showcasing and caring for one’s shoes. First unveiled at last year’s IFA, the Styler ShoeCase features a 360-degree rotating turntable that presents the perfect stage for displaying sneakers, old and new. Not only does it put users’ prized possessions in the best possible light, it also affords them protection against UV light as well as the damaging effects of humidity.^*

Complementing the ShoeCase, the Styler ShoeCare employs LG’s proven TrueSteam™ technology in conjunction with a ZeoDry filter to refresh and revitalize shoes, minimizing the presence of moisture and removing unpleasant odors. To cap off the ‘refreshed’ user experience, LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare can be controlled remotely via the ThinQ™ app.

After joining forces with Jeff Staple to give ComplexCon 2023 visitors an exclusive look at its state-of-the-art Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare, LG will continue to seek out new opportunities to share the value of its latest lifestyle innovations with sneaker collectors and lovers around the world.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to learn more about LG’s innovative solutions for a better life at home.

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* An ultraviolet light-absorbing coating has been applied to the transparent panels of the LG Styler ShoeCase to help prevent discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting.

2023-12-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine this — a home that is not only good for the planet but good for your wallet. That’s the allure of energy-efficient homes. Home buyers today aren’t just looking for a place to hang their hats. They’re seeking sustainable sanctuaries that lessen their environmental impact. But the cherry on top? The potential for significant cost savings. This is especially true when it comes to homes built to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Homes™ specifications. It’s not just a purchase, it’s a step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

Last year, the average residential electricity price increased more than 14% across the country, double the rate of American inflation. As a result, more than 20 million families in the U.S. struggled to pay their utility bills. Luckily, some home builders are designing certified Zero Energy Ready Homes with energy-efficient features that can help homeowners save money.

This year, Clayton, a national builder of attainable, single-family homes, launched its newest housing initiative, eBuilt™ homes, which are built to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications and come equipped with dozens of energy-efficient features. eBuilt homes can save a homeowner up to 50% in annual energy costs⁽¹⁾ compared to a traditional off-site built home, allowing homeowners to potentially save thousands of dollars throughout their homeownership journey. Check out five important features of eBuilt homes that can help significantly lower homeowners’ utility bills and environmental impact:

1. Tight thermal envelope with additional insulation

Heating and cooling a home year-round can cost a pretty penny. In a typical residence, as much as 40% of energy consumption costs can come from heating and cooling escaping through windows, doors and walls. eBuilt homes are designed with a tight thermal envelope, allowing the home to better manage and retain its temperature.

eBuilt homes have sealed ductwork, which helps prevent drafts, moisture and unwanted noise. All windows, vents, plumbing and electrical penetrations — even the recessed lighting — are tightly sealed. Together, these features contribute to the home’s energy efficiency.

2. Low-E windows

Low emissivity (low-e) windows with argon gas are in all Clayton eBuilt homes. Low-e windows allow less heat to enter and leave your home thanks to the microscopic thin coating that manages daylight transmittance. According to the DOE, low-e windows can reduce a home’s energy loss by 30%-50%.⁽²⁾ Paired with the thermal envelope with the home’s added insulation and insulated exterior door, homeowners can expect to significantly cut their heating and cooling bills.

3. ecobee^® smart thermostat

eBuilt homes also feature ecobee smart thermostats. According to ecobee, North American customers saved 26% on their heating and cooling costs by keeping their homes at a consistent temperature and minimizing the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

4. Energy-efficient water heating

For the average American household, water heating is the second largest expense on monthly utility payments, representing up to 18% of their utility bill. With energy-efficient water heating, homeowners can take a chunk off their monthly bills without reducing their hot water use.

All of Clayton’s eBuilt homes feature a Rheem hybrid water heater, which uses less energy than a 100-watt light bulb.⁽³⁾ That translates to as much as $491 in energy cost savings per year!

5. ENERGY STAR^®-certified appliances

Clayton’s eBuilt homes feature several enhancements that are ENERGY STAR^®-certified, like dishwashers and refrigerators. A typical ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb, and freezers use 10% less energy than a new non-certified counterpart.

These are just five of the 25 enhancements that contribute to an eBuilt home’s energy efficiency. In addition to the energy-efficient enhancements, eBuilt homes are built to accommodate a solar energy system if the homeowner chooses to add one after purchase. With the addition of solar panels, eBuilt homes can transform into a “net zero” home, which can offset up to 100% of its annual energy use by generating the power it consumes.

To learn more about the benefits of buying an eBuilt home, visit ClaytonHomes.com.

(1) ZERH Logo Use Guidelines (energy.gov)

(2) https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-types-and-technologies

(3) Compared to the energy needed to power a single 100-watt incandescent light bulb constantly for one year