Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-10-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – There’s an urgent need for the United States to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguard from potential threats. Domestically and abroad, society has seen a triple-digit increase in cybersecurity attacks that have disrupted mass telecommunication companies, been used as a tactic in the Russia-Ukraine war, and held financial firms hostage with their own information.

Cyber incidents are becoming more sophisticated and are targeting organizations of all sizes, especially those that work with personal information. Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the nation, was targeted in a ransomware attack on its information-technology infrastructure, Uber was the victim of a data breach after cybercriminals compromised the Slack account of an employee in early September, the Red Cross experienced a security breach that compromised the personal data of those the organization seeks to help and DoorDash experienced a cyberattack that exposed customers’ personal information.

Unfortunately, U.S. businesses and organizations struggle to prepare for these threats in part because of a shortage of skilled cyber workers. This underscores the importance of cultivating new talent through education, upskilling and reskilling to develop the expertise required to protect and defend our data and systems.

The national talent shortage has been driven by a lack of employee training and access to cybersecurity careers.

It is estimated that there are approximately 700,000 cybersecurity jobs yet to be filled in the U.S. At the same time, the cybersecurity sector continues to be shaped by rapid technological change, thus requiring skill sets that constantly need to be updated. Many academic institutions aren’t able to adapt their programming to quickly develop a pool of skilled cyber workers. Without ongoing upskilling and training by their employers, IT professionals can’t keep up and properly protect their organizations.

“Cyberattacks affect our day-to-day lives, our economy and our national security. The number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide grew 350% between 2013 and 2021,” said DeVry University’s Chief Information Security Officer, Fred Kwong. “Higher education institutions and businesses must ensure that cybersecurity education and career pathways are available to everyone. Without talent to quickly fill these roles, companies will continue to be vulnerable to these attacks.”

A recent Aspen Institute report estimates that only 4% of cybersecurity workers identify as Hispanic, while 9% identify as Black, and 24% as women, which highlights cybersecurity’s diversity gap. Creating access to and awareness of cybersecurity career pathways — through methods like flexible programming, mentorship programs and corporate partnerships — would not only support a diverse talent pipeline, but it would also help fill the high volume of job openings the nation currently faces.

The current cybersecurity landscape presents a unique opportunity to augment a skilled pool of talent.

It is incumbent upon academic institutions, companies and government agencies to place increased emphasis on cybersecurity education and skills-based pathways to create a talent pool that is cyber-savvy. There has never been a more appropriate time to invest in upskilling employees and arming students with the knowledge and access they need to advance in cyber career pathways.

DeVry University seeks to bridge the talent gap by offering new ways to anyone with an interest in the cybersecurity field to access academic opportunities through agile education and initiatives. Recognizing the critical need for cybersecurity talent, DeVry created the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program and scholarship to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with training and networking opportunities, and it launched a Nonprofit Cyber Grant Program, which will help nonprofits in Atlanta upskill their employees in cybersecurity.

Our ability to combat attacks on data and infrastructure will only be strengthened through dedicated investment by employers and educators in cybersecurity training and talent development. With the increasing number of cyberattacks on all types of organizations, there is a growing need for well-prepared cyber talent. To foster cyber resiliency and expand the current talent pool, it’s critical to develop trained professionals who remain proficient through upskilling, up-to-date academic programming and accessible education.

2022-10-25T17:11:01

(BPT) – If you’re concerned about today’s rising grocery costs, you’re not alone. Because of higher expenses, Americans are trying to stretch paychecks further to put food on the table every day. This means shopping smart and maximizing deals that come your way. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to save money and time as you shop for your family each week.

Here are tips to help you make the most of your hard-earned dollars.

1. Plan meals ahead

Planning out your menus each week can really help save on shopping. Not only will you ensure you’re buying items you’ll really use, but you can plan for double-batch cooking and using leftovers. The other great advantage of meal planning is reducing food waste as well as having to make additional shopping trips that end up costing you more. Make sure to prioritize using fresh items with a shorter shelf- or fridge-life first.

2. Opt for one-stop shopping

Time is money — and so is gas — so being able to shop for all your essentials at one place is a sure way to save. Finding a location offering everything your family needs allows you to limit trips.

Your best option is a location offering unbeatable value and convenience on everyday grocery items, such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, where members can find incredible low prices on everything they need to stock the fridge and pantry, including fresh foods, bakery goods, deli items, fresh meat, produce and more. BJ’s beats supermarket prices on national brands every day, saving families up to 25% off grocery store prices.

3. Choose convenience

The benefits of online shopping are endless — you save time not having to cruise the aisles and you avoid last-minute impulse purchases that break your budget.

Shopping at BJ’s makes the most of this convenience. If you’re a member, you can shop at home and choose curbside pickup or in-club pickup, same-day delivery or ship-to-home either on BJs.com or using the BJ’s mobile app. You can get groceries delivered right to your door in as little as two hours with same-day delivery. If you’re in-club, you can use BJ’s Express Pay to scan items as you shop, pay in the app and go — skipping the line on the way out.

“I absolutely love that BJ’s offers same-day delivery. I find it especially helpful when I’m hosting friends and family because when you have five kids, there are always last-minute changes,” said Audrey McClelland, BJ’s spokesperson. “I’ve been in a position when I’m meal planning for dinner and frantically realize I’m missing an important ingredient or more people get added to the guest list. I used to get super stressed and have to pack all the kids into the car, but now I just open the BJ’s mobile app on my phone and get groceries delivered right to my door in as little as two hours.”

4. Add digital coupons and exclusive store brands for more savings

Look for places like BJ’s that offer great deals. For example, it’s easy to “clip” digital coupons in the BJ’s app and add items to your cart without leaving the coupons page. With Express Pay, you can scan items and clip coupons as you shop to ensure you have the latest deals. Members can also stack savings using BJ’s coupons on top of manufacturers’ coupons — a perk you won’t find at other warehouse clubs.

With BJ’s exclusive brands, members save even more on family essentials without sacrificing quality with a large selection of Wellsley Farms natural and organic products at unmatched value.

5. Find the right wholesale club membership for you

Knowing how you’ll benefit from membership helps you choose the best club. BJ’s is now adding Same-Day Select Membership add-ons so members can save even more — with Same-Day Delivery for one year, which offers more deliveries for less. You can choose between two options: the Multipack offering, giving members 12 free deliveries for a year for $55, or the Unlimited option, which gives members unlimited free same-day delivery for a year for $100. The Same-Day Select Multipack pays for itself after just four deliveries, and the Unlimited option pays for itself in seven deliveries.

Interested in getting started? Find the BJ’s location nearest you at BJs.com and join today.

2022-10-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a real estate transaction can be a stressful process. There are, of course, the expected stressors of finances, moving costs and repairs, but buying and selling is also an emotionally stressful process. Opendoor, an e-commerce platform for residential real estate, recently conducted its first-ever financial wellness study that surveyed current and prospective homeowners. The results shed light on three lesser-known stressors of homeownership.

1. Peer pressure and expectations

For some, the idea of homeownership is a stressor all on its own. Of course, understanding mortgages and planning to finance a home can be challenging. But beyond that, many current and prospective homeowners feel pressured by others’ expectations, making an already stressful process more difficult.

According to the study, 31% of millennials said they feel societal, internal and familial pressure to own a home. Owning a home is a major life milestone and is generally viewed as a sign of financial security. If you’re in the 26- to 41-year-old age group and don’t own a home, you feel like you’re missing out on an important rite of passage, which can increase the pressure to find a place to call your own.

Further complicating the issue, millennials are 46% more likely to buy a home alone than with someone else. Buying a home on your own can make it challenging to afford a down payment and mortgage, but there’s more to it than just financial security. About 11% of survey participants said they were uneasy about societal stigmas around being a single homeowner. No matter which way you look at it, buying a home is an emotionally charged process that can even affect how people perceive you.

2. Real estate and romance

Did you know finding the right person can be just as stressful as buying a home? According to the study, 73% of current and prospective homeowners said they’d choose to buy or sell a home over going on five bad dates in a row. This isn’t surprising, as dating and home buying and selling are both long-term investments of time, energy and emotions.

However, while real estate can cause stress, it can also be an advantage when it comes to dating. According to those surveyed, 41% of people said that home ownership makes a partner more attractive. Also, 33% said they’re more likely to be with a partner who owns a home.

While reasons for these preferences weren’t given, it makes a certain sense. Homeownership is more than just a reflection of shelter and economic stability. Owning a home shows a willingness to invest in and continuously improve something for years to come, even when unexpected repairs or problems arise. These traits are also valuable in a romantic relationship.

3. Burning the candle at both ends

Selling your home is stressful but selling your home and buying one at the same time is doubly so. For those looking for their new dream home, 74% felt the stress of taking on more debt. At the same time, 77% of those surveyed said their top home-selling stressor was moving, followed by fees and packing. On top of that, before you sell your home, repairs, staging and other preparations need to be completed.

Clay was in this position last year while contending with health issues. “Being in and out of the hospital this past year, I was concerned about my health and hospital fees,” said Clay. “The last thing I wanted to think about was the burden of selling my home.”

While selling his Las Vegas home would cover some medical expenses, Clay was rightfully concerned about the stress of the process. Packing, moving and prepping a home for sale is a lot for anyone to deal with, let alone someone dealing with health issues. Luckily, Clay was able to use Opendoor to sell his home. Today, he’s in much better health, engaged to be married and has even adopted a puppy. “Opendoor removed many fears for me about prepping my house to sell. Now in my new home, I can finally exhale.”

These three lesser-known home buying and selling stressors shouldn’t dissuade you from the real estate process. Just like Clay, Opendoor can help you sell or buy a home while reducing the emotional stress of homeownership. If you’re interested in buying or selling a home and don’t want to do it alone, visit Opendoor.com.

2022-10-24T13:09:00

(BPT) – Millennial workers are struggling with financial anxiety more than other generations, according to MetLife’s 2022 Open Enrollment survey. As U.S. economic challenges persist, more than half (55%) of millennial workers admit they will soon be at a “breaking point” with their finances. While the economic landscape has impacted all age groups, only 31% of Gen X and 29% of Boomer employees expressed similar financial woes.

The survey found that over the last 12 months, nearly half (47%) of millennial employees experienced at least one financial difficulty, including increased personal debt, an unexpected medical bill or investment loss, compared to 39% of all employees. This, on top of other challenges, including inflation, rising interest rates and lost value of savings, has certainly made financial wellness harder to reach for this age group.

In light of these economic challenges, it’s no surprise that the majority of millennials are seeking ways to improve their financial health this year — just in time for open enrollment season.

Benefits can ease financial anxieties and help support your financial goals

Many millennial employees are struggling to meet their financial ambitions. A quarter (25%) of millennials surveyed wanted to buy a home in the past 12 months, but only half could accomplish this. As millennial employees gear up to achieve life goals and more, this year’s open enrollment period is an opportunity to engage and leverage benefits as a financial resource.

MetLife’s survey also found that benefits have been critical in improving millennials’ financial wellness, with 58% saying their benefits helped them out of financial difficulty this year. However, the data also revealed that some struggle to understand open enrollment and its benefits.

Understanding how to maximize your benefits is essential

Currently, one in two millennial employees struggle to understand their employer’s benefits communication. Moreover, 73% of millennials say having a better understanding of open enrollment would make them feel more financially secure.

To strengthen their overall financial health, millennials can learn how employee benefits can be leveraged to provide financial support. This is especially important during open enrollment, as these employees could miss out on overlooked benefits that are not commonly associated with financial wellness but could make a difference for financial security.

Here are some overlooked benefits millennials should keep in mind this enrollment season:

• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: While no one enjoys thinking about a medical emergency, it helps to be prepared. As the average cost of a three-day hospital stay is around $30,000¹, hospital indemnity pays you a lump-sum benefit that you can use as you see fit, such as to help cover extra related expenses like deductibles and copays for doctor visits.
• Pet Insurance: As any pet parent knows, pets sometimes consume dangerous things that can lead to expensive veterinarian visits. An uncovered vet visit like this could cost upward of $2,000, but coverage could bring this cost down to around $250, depending on your policy and deductible². Help to reduce the burden of unexpected veterinary expenses and consider getting your pet covered!
• Legal Insurance: Buying a home is an expensive endeavor. If you’re planning to purchase a new home, you may want to consider legal insurance that can help cover thousands of dollars in legal fees during the home-buying process, upward of $6,700³ in some states.

This open enrollment season, benefits like these can help employees keep necessary dollars in their wallets as they navigate the uncertain economy ahead. All employees, but especially those who may be struggling financially, like millennials, should review their benefits and see which could help them become more financially secure.

For helpful open enrollment resources, including videos and articles, more information can be found at MetLife.com/OpenEnrollment.

[1] Source: Protection from high medical costs. https://www.healthcare.gov/why-coverage-is-important/protection-from-high-medical-costs/. Accessed Sept. 2021.

[2] Costs/Reimbursement amount derived from internal MetLife Pet 2022 Claim Data from one particular claim dealing with a similar situation. This is not representative of everyone’s experience with pet insurance. Coverage underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC for complete details. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the authorized policy administrator for this coverage.

[3] Prices based on the average amount of hours it would take, using the average hourly rate of $391.00 based on years of legal experience, National Law Journal and ALM Legal Intelligence, Survey of Law Firm Economics (2021); Savings may vary. This estimate is based on an average monthly rate for MetLife Legal Plans of $20.

2022-10-19T16:01:00

(BPT) – Sometimes, it can be challenging to have fun while on a budget. With the rising cost of food, gas, rent and other goods, you may not always have the cash to enjoy leisurely activities or shopping. However, you don’t have to take on a second job or break the bank to have fun. Check out these four tips to enjoy your life while spending wisely.

1. Travel by car

Travel can be expensive, but you can make your trip affordable by traveling by car. Road trips can be cheaper than paying for flights, and you’ll build memories along the way.

When looking for hotels to stop at along your road trip or stay at when you reach your destination, use a travel booking platform that can find you affordable prices and deals for your vacation. If you book with SuperTravel, for example, you can save up to 50% on more than 500,000 hotels worldwide. The company can access specially negotiated rates that are better than anything you typically find online, so you can make memories while getting the most bang for your buck.

2. Look for deals on local events and attractions

Affordable fun may be just outside your door. Do some research and find out if local museums, theaters or amusement parks have deals or discounts. For example, many museums, zoos, aquariums and other fun and educational institutions offer monthly or seasonal free admission days. Once you know when these free days are, mark your calendar and start making plans to visit!

If you’re a fan of live theater or enjoy going to see the latest movie, find matinee deals. Many movie theaters offer matinee prices for showtimes in the morning or early afternoon. Your local theater or arts center may have reduced afternoon and weekend performance prices. No matter where you choose to go, you can enjoy the arts at an affordable price and support your community.

3. Earn rewards just by buying groceries

Some expenses in life are unavoidable, like buying groceries and gas. For these expected, routine expenses, consider using a rewards credit card. By using a rewards credit card when you shop, you can earn cashback, travel and other rewards, depending on the type of card you choose. Just by shopping for necessities, you can earn rewards to fund trips, shopping and entertainment.

For any easy-to-use card that can be your everyday savings sidekick, check out SuperCash. This debt-protecting card allows you to build credit with no credit checks, minimums, annual fees or surprises … unlike some cards out there. Best of all, you can earn 10% cashback rewards on SuperTravel purchases and 2% on all other purchases anywhere you use the card. No credit check is required, so almost everyone who applies qualifies. To learn more and get started today, visit Super.com/Cash.

4. Get outdoors

If you’re a fan of the outdoors or want to give it a go, you’ll find that most nature activities are free or cheap. Find a regional, state or national park near you and see what events, attractions and activities they offer. Some may even have year-round permits that allow you to save on parking, reservations and more. Whether you go for a weekend hike, Saturday lake barbecue or a weeklong camping trip, you can enjoy adventure for little to no money.

Having a good time doesn’t have to hurt your pocketbook. Use these four tips to have fun on a budget and inspire you to get the most out of life on the cheap.

2022-10-18T16:45:00

(BPT) – The energy supply in the United States is getting cleaner and more renewable every day. Not only is this good for the planet, it’s also good for your wallet. By taking action now you can help prepare for a clean energy future, while enjoying energy savings and a more comfortable home today.

The shift to clean energy

States and communities around the country have led the way in implementing policies that support the transition to clean energy. Additionally, forward-thinking electric utilities are increasing their investments in renewables like solar, wind and hydro power.

In fact, renewables are the fastest-growing electricity generation source in the U.S. In just the last 12 years, the share of electricity produced from renewable sources has gone from 11% to 24%, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Agency. At the same time, households around the country are beginning the process of switching from fossil fuels to efficient electric for the equipment in their homes and the cars they drive.

Recent legislation, like the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is expected to accelerate the transition with billions of dollars in financial incentives designed to make necessary purchases more affordable and other market support to make clean energy and efficient electric equipment more available.

According to an analysis by Princeton University, the progress expected over the next eight years will drive down greenhouse gas emissions by about 42%, while also lowering U.S. energy expenditures by at least 4% by 2030. Most experts predict that by as early as 2035, most U.S. energy demand can be supplied by clean energy.

Clean energy at home

Over time, as equipment needs to be replaced, homeowners will switch their gas products for electric options — things like furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves and yard equipment. The increase in electricity demand that results from this switch will be offset by innovations in efficiency that are now broadly available for electric alternatives.

Help is available if you want to prepare your home for the clean energy future. The ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade is a set of six energy-efficiency improvements designed to work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings, while supporting the transition from fossil fuels for a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable home.

A key innovation that supports the clean energy movement is highly efficient electric heat pump technology for heating and cooling, water heating and clothes drying. Among the most important upgrades to consider, heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces or boilers and serve double-duty with heating and cooling, making them usable year-round.

When it comes to hot water, an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater can save a household of four approximately $470 per year on its electric bills. Plus, these water heaters are eligible for a $300 federal income tax credit for residential energy efficiency, as well as rebates and incentives from local utilities in many areas.

Another important upgrade for a clean energy future is to avoid leakage of conditioned air from your home, and considering more than 90% of single-family homes in the U.S. are under-insulated, this becomes an important to-do. Consider adding modern insulation, sealing leaks and upgrading windows to save money and prevent energy loss.

Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient, providing up to a 10% savings on your annual energy bills. Plus, ENERGY STAR certified (low-e) storm windows can save homeowners up to 20% on their annual heating and cooling bills when installed over single-pane clear glass windows (without existing storm windows).

Finally, if you don’t already have a smart thermostat, it’s time to make the switch. By upgrading to an affordable ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, you can reduce your heating and cooling bill by more than 8%.

You can prepare for these upgrades by making sure your home is electric-ready. Even if you’re not planning on making these upgrades immediately, you can work with your electrician to make sure your electric panel can accommodate any additional electric loads.

Guidance for homeowners

Take the first step today and learn more at energystar.gov/HomeUpgrade. Keep in mind, you can choose the improvements that make the most sense for your home and implement them as equipment is replaced.

On average, a homeowner can save about $500 a year on utility bills by installing all elements of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade. The upgrades can be made more affordable by taking advantage of generous rebates offered by utilities in some parts of the country, as well as federal income tax credits.

2022-10-14T06:01:00

(BPT) – Have your health needs changed over the last year? Medicare plans can change every year, and your health situation can also change. That means your current plan might not meet your current needs.

Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, is the perfect time to review your plan to make sure you have the right plan for your health needs at an affordable cost for the upcoming year. With inflation hitting people’s pocketbooks, reviewing your plan this year is more important than ever.

Choosing a Medicare plan can be confusing, but the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and Aetna Medicare have teamed up to help beneficiaries cut through the clutter. They have answered some of the most common questions about Medicare.

How much does Medicare cost?

How much you pay for Medicare depends on the choices you make about coverage. A common misconception about Medicare is that it pays for everything. But in reality, i does not. You can choose Original Medicare — with or without a prescription drug plan — or a Medicare Advantage plan that combines hospital, medical and sometimes prescription drug coverage in one plan.

Original Medicare includes:

When researching Medicare plans, it’s important to ask yourself some basic questions. These can help you understand your unique health needs and goals and choose a plan that will best help achieve them. It’s important to consider:

What are out-of-pocket costs?

Out-of-pocket costs are what you pay for your medical expenses that aren’t reimbursed by your insurance. Each part of Medicare has different out-of-pocket costs that can include premiums, deductibles and copayments or coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans cap your annual out-of-pocket spending, but Original Medicare does not.

Some plans have deductibles. A deductible is the amount you must spend before your Medicare plan pays for your insurance benefit. If you have a hospital stay, for example, Medicare Part A will kick in after you pay your deductible. Copays are a fixed amount, and coinsurance is a percentage you pay for covered services and medications after you’ve paid your deductible.

For Medicare Part B, you generally pay 20% of the cost for each Medicare-covered service. So, if a medical service costs $100, Medicare pays $80 and you pay $20. Each Medicare Advantage plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which is the most you will pay annually for medical services that are covered by the plan during a plan year.

How does prescription drug coverage work?

If you choose Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan to cover the cost of prescriptions. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, prescription drug coverage may be included. What drugs are covered, which pharmacies are in-network and how much you pay will depend on which plan you choose.

To use your prescription drug plan for the first time at the pharmacy, all you need to do is bring your Medicare card, photo ID and plan membership card to an in-network pharmacy. You can fill your prescriptions as you need them, or you can enroll in an automatic refill program.

The choice is yours

Medicare Annual Enrollment is your chance to make sure your plan fits your needs and budget. Take the time to review your options and enroll during Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Visit NCOA or Aetna Medicare for more tips and guidance.

2022-10-26T11:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season to get wrapped up in preparation for gatherings and festivities. However, ensuring the safety of your home, guests and personal finances should be a priority. Fire, water damage and burglary claims often spike around this time of year, according to Mercury Insurance.

“Holiday gatherings appear to be back to pre-pandemic levels and hosts should be thinking about what all of this foot traffic means for their home,” said Bonnie Lee, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “Homeowners should not only be vigilant about areas around the home that may need a tune up for the holidays, but also be aware of what their policies will cover.”

If you have plans to purchase expensive gifts or entertain guests over the holidays, review your homeowners insurance policy to understand how you may be covered.

Theft

The holiday haze can interfere with awareness of potential risks. Break-ins and thefts increase this time of year since thieves know many families might be distracted with the busyness of festivities, or traveling and leaving their homes unattended. Homeowners can significantly reduce their risk by installing surveillance cameras, video doorbells, alarms, deadbolts and other types of home security. Some insurers may offer policies with a theft protective device discount.

“If you recently purchased an expensive gift, be sure that your insurance policy extends to cover such presents,” Lee said. “Homeowners policies often cover theft, so you’ll be able to file a claim with your insurance company should something happen, but it’s always a good idea to check your insurance policy to see how your personal property is covered, especially when it comes to high-end gifts.”

Protecting pipes from winter weather

If you live in a climate that is prone to wintery conditions, make sure the plumbing in your home is prepared before temperatures drop. Check pipes located in unheated spaces to ensure proper insulation to prevent freezing and bursting. Most policies cover sudden, accidental and short-term water damage from a broken pipe; however, policies typically won’t cover frozen pipe damage if the homeowner failed to maintain heat in the building, as reasonably possible, or to shut off the water supply and drain all systems properly.

If you have multiple bathrooms in your home, you know that some might get used more often than others. Once a week, make a point of turning faucets on and off and flushing toilets in bathrooms that get less use to ensure water continues flowing in the right direction.

Fires

Fires can be caused by a number of factors during the holidays, from cooking mishaps to open flames, like fireplaces and candles, left unattended. Fire insurance is typically included in your policy and protects the contents and the surrounding property, helping with the cost of replacing or repairing your home in the event of a fire.

Most lights, ornaments and other decorations are insured for damage from fire, vandalism or theft, but not against normal wear and tear. Make sure any cords or lights you are using for outdoor displays are made for outdoor use. Never overload extension cords or outlets and check all wires, cords and lights for any tears or damage before plugging them in.

Sewage backup

Sewage backups can quickly become a big mess. For example, a rainstorm could overwhelm a city sewer system making the water flow in reverse from the city sewer line to the homeowner’s sewer line and eventually into the home. Many carriers, including Mercury, offer an endorsement to homeowners insurance policies for this type of coverage.

“You can ease anxieties about what you may be held responsible for by reviewing what is covered by your homeowners policy with your agent before disaster strikes,” said Lee. “Notify your agent if you have made any significant changes to make sure your home is properly protected.”

2022-10-26T11:01:00

(BPT) – Most people would agree that getting good sleep makes you wake up feeling refreshed and rested, but not everyone knows just how crucial it is to get the recommended hours of shuteye. While you are resting, your body is at work. Your muscles work to repair themselves, hormones are released that affect everything from growth, stress and hunger and your brain flushes out toxins that build up while you’re awake. Additionally, a good night’s rest can affect your mood, immune system, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, concentration and energy throughout the day. If you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, or if your mattress is feeling lumpy or lopsided, you probably aren’t getting quality rest. To help yourself get good sleep consistently, it may be time to replace or upgrade your bed. If you’re looking to try out a new mattress, replace your old one or get new bedding, you should plan to buy these items during Black Friday to get the best sales.

Whether you’re a pro at Black Friday shopping or are gearing up for your first time, it’s good to start planning now to ensure you can get everything you need to create your sanctuary to help you get a great night’s sleep – this year and beyond.

1. Do your research

Do you prefer a bed as soft as a cloud, or do you need a firm bed to support your back and joints? Do you sleep hot and need breathable, light linen bed sheets, or are you cold and need warm flannel sheets? These are questions you should ask yourself before you start your Black Friday shopping for mattresses and bedding.

Once you’ve decided on the type of mattress and bedding you want, research which stores carry products that meet your wants and needs. When you’ve narrowed down the list of stores, compare in-store and online deals so you can get the items you need for your ideal bed.

2. Activate online sales alerts

Whether you’re looking to buy your first bed, replace an old one or upgrade your guest bedroom, you can get great deals on mattresses and bedding online. Set up sales alerts for mattress and bedding stores and products. This is important because some sales, especially online-only, take place well before Black Friday.

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, check out Mattress Firm‘s online exclusive Black Friday Flash Sale. From 10/26-11/8, beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at 8 a.m. each day, you can save an extra 20% off when you spend $449 or more or get 25% off when you spend $699 or more.

3. Study your sleep habits ahead of testing in-store

If you plan to shop in person for mattresses and other bed-related products on Black Friday, you’ll want to prepare ahead of time, as some items are online-only. Once you know your typical sleeping habits, use Mattress Firm’s MattressMatcher to learn which mattresses are best for you. Find out if any stores on your list carry the items you’re looking for in-store. Once you know which stores you want to visit, prioritize them by most to least important and make an itinerary.

Pro-tip: If most of your stores are at a mall, find the map online. Using the map, you can plan where to park for the easiest and quickest access to your favorite stores. Also, if the stores you plan to hit are in different parts of the mall or completely different locations, find friends and family to go with you to divide and conquer.

4. Look for bundles that upgrade your new mattress

Keep an eye out for Black Friday bundles. Bundles not only save money, but they’re also convenient because you can get all your related bed products in one spot. If you’re shopping for a mattress and frame, Mattress Firm offers a free adjustable base up to $499 with a qualifying mattress purchase in-store and online.

Don’t worry about hauling these items home or shipping costs. The mattress retailer also offers free and fast delivery on their Black Friday mattress sales.

5. Stack discounts

To get affordable mattresses and bedding, find stores that have other special discounts that will stack on top of Black Friday promotions. Many stores offer year-round discounts for students, teachers and other professionals. For example, at Mattress Firm, military, teachers, students, nurses, doctors and first responders can get an extra 10-20% off select mattresses, bedding and more.

Don’t wait until next year to get a bed that matches your sleep needs and preferences. Using these five tips, you can shop for mattresses and bedding this Black Friday with minimal fuss and at a price you’ll love.

2022-10-13T13:15:00

(BPT) – Climate change is top of mind for many global industries, especially those with oil and gas, chemical and power generation facilities. By nature of their work, these businesses are hydrocarbon-intensive operations that are a significant source of methane emissions, a dangerous greenhouse gas.

While methane poses a serious risk to humans and nature, it is an addressable concern. According to the International Energy Agency, reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations is a cost-effective way for governments to meet global climate goals. To achieve this goal, oil and gas businesses must be diligent about identifying and fixing methane leaks at their facilities.

The dangers of methane

Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly flammable. Any accidental methane leaks at an oil and gas facility could spell disaster for the workers and the surrounding environment. Beyond that, this greenhouse gas is 80 times more powerful at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over 20 years, according to the U.N. Environment Programme.

Because of the dangers it poses to workers and the environment, oil and gas operations are already at work to prevent methane leaks. However, when unburned methane gas escapes from the natural gas supply chain, it can be challenging to determine how much gas has escaped and how long the leak has existed before repair.

The current standard method of detecting emissions of unburned methane gas relies on manual equipment inspection. During periodic inspections, personnel use handheld thermal cameras to inspect the oil and gas equipment for methane leaks.

While this method detects existing leaks, problems arise if a leak happens after a completed check and may not be caught until the next scheduled inspections. This leaves a continuous release of this harmful greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, causing a safety hazard for the plant workers and the surrounding area.

In order to ensure the safety of workers and the environment, businesses should invest in a more effective method, namely continuous methane monitoring.

The benefits of continuous monitoring

The best method for detecting methane leaks is an on-site continuous monitoring system. Technology like the Honeywell Rebellion Gas Cloud Imaging system uses optical gas imaging to monitor and measure fugitive methane emissions as soon as they are detectable.

This compact device is ideal for congested areas and small sites and can be placed throughout a facility for continuous monitoring. The proprietary hyperspectral gas analytic technology provides easy-to-interpret, colorful visualizations of a gas leak’s type, location, direction, size and concentration. Using this information, facility operators can detect and repair methane leaks in their early stages before they can grow into a larger safety issue.

So far, Honeywell’s Rebellion technology has been deployed by more than 25 major energy and chemicals customers worldwide. The gas cloud imaging system saves time, removes human error and provides a safe and fast way to detect methane emissions.

For companies committed to creating a safer working environment and reducing their carbon footprint, investing in a continuous monitoring system is a proactive method to achieve both goals. To learn more about methane emissions, the environment and the importance of continuous monitoring, visit Honeywell.com.