Category: Brandpoint

2023-10-23T07:21:00

(BPT) – As temperatures dip across the country, homeowners are shifting their attention to keeping their indoor spaces comfortable during the cooler months. However, many conventional heating and cooling systems can be very inefficient to operate, causing your utility bill to soar — especially in the winter.

What’s the solution to creating a comfortable home that’s also energy-efficient and supports a healthy environment? One option that homeowners in colder climates may want to consider is a hybrid system that pairs an electric heat pump with a furnace as a back-up heat source.

What is hybrid heating?

A hybrid HVAC system uses a heat pump as the primary heat source paired with a furnace for supplemental heat only in the coldest months. Heat pumps “move” heat from one source to another, as opposed to “creating” heat, making them highly efficient systems that reduce energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to conventional heating. However, at very cold outdoor temperatures, many air source heat pumps need to rely on backup heating, which is either electric resistance strip heating or fuel combustion heating from a furnace.

Because electric resistance uses a significant amount of electricity, it is very inefficient and can place a large strain on the electric grid. This can create more harmful carbon emissions than utilizing a gas furnace for the limited periods that backup heating is needed — making hybrid systems a very sustainable solution.

“A dual fuel heat pump system is a proven, sustainable way for homeowners to heat and cool their home year-round while reducing their emissions and cutting energy costs,” said Manuel de la Fuente, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls-Hitachi North America.

Reliable comfort in extreme cold

Hybrid heating systems work similar to how a hybrid car uses gas or electric automatically based on whatever is most efficient. In very cold weather, a hybrid heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heat will not only ensure consistent and dependable indoor temperatures, it’ll also have lower carbon emissions and operating costs than a heat pump utilizing electric resistance for backup heat.

For example, the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system combines two heat sources: an external Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump and either your existing gas furnace with an attached dual fuel module, or a new model, such as the YORK^® YP9C Modulating Gas Furnace. When the air365 Hybrid system is in heating mode, a smart sensor monitors the outdoor temperature. If it reaches a temperature where the heat pump cannot efficiently meet the indoor heating demand, it automatically switches from the heat pump to the furnace.

Rebates and tax credits

There are many federal, state and local incentives available now that encourage heat pump adoption and significantly reduce the upfront costs of new equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded incentives for high-efficiency HVAC equipment, including the 25C tax credit. Many electric utilities also offer incentives for customers to install high-efficiency heat pumps, and these incentives can usually be combined with federal and state programs. Climate policies and incentive programs differ from state to state and even city to city, so rebate amounts and qualifications may change depending on homeowner location.

To find a Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning contractor, visit HitachiAirCon.com, and to learn more about Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system, visit HitachiAirCon.com/air365hybrid.

2023-10-23T12:23:00

(BPT) – Hundreds of thousands of residential building fires happen each year in America, according to the U.S. Fire Administration — yet only 26% of families have a home fire escape plan developed and practiced^[1]. Kids practice up to 156 fire drills during their K-12 experience^[2], but they are often less knowledgeable about what to do when a smoke alarm goes off at home.

Learning the basics of fire safety is the first and most important step in fighting the dangers of fire. Understanding the best ways to protect your home and family should always be at the top of your to-do list. To help you prepare, the fire safety experts at Kidde, a trusted leader in fire safety for more than 100 years, provide the following tips and advice:

1. Make sure you have working smoke alarms throughout the home

A working smoke alarm can double your family’s chances of safely escaping from a house fire^[3]. In fact, three out of five home fire deaths happen in homes without properly working smoke alarms^[4]. Like any home appliance, a smoke alarm should be carefully maintained. To do this:

• Place a working smoke alarm or detector on every level of your home, in hallways, and both inside and outside every sleeping area.
• Use interconnected alarms to make sure you hear an alarm from any room in your home.
• Test alarms weekly by simply pressing the test button on its face.
• Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

2. Have fire extinguishers within reach

Place extinguishers on every level of your home, but especially near rooms where fires are more likely to start, including the kitchen, living room and laundry room. Choose multipurpose extinguishers that are large enough to put out a small fire, but not too heavy to handle, and ensure everyone in your family knows how to use it properly. Remember the P.A.S.S. method: PULL the pin, AIM at the base of the fire, SQUEEZE the handle, and SWEEP side to side.

3. Discuss fire safety with your family

Kidde is on a mission to help families everywhere make fire safety a priority and keep children safe at home. To do this, it’s imperative children know that the most important thing to do when they hear a smoke alarm is to leave the house or building immediately. Kidde created the Cause for Alarm jingle – Beeps that Last, Get Out Fast – to help kids remember what to do in the event of a fire. Fire safety should not be out of sight, out of mind, but rather an integral part of your daily family routine. Listen to the educational sing-a-long song online.

There are other fire safety resources that can help your family better prepare in the event of a home fire. Visit causeforalarm.org for a fire safety checklist to ensure your home is as safe as possible when it comes to kitchen appliances, electronics, heating, candles and other factors that can lead to fires.

4. Create a home fire escape plan

Once a house fire starts, you only have two minutes or less to act and escape safely. When escape planning, remember:

• Draw a map of your home, mark two ways out of every room and pick a safe meeting spot away from your home.
• Practice two times per year and at two different times of the day — daytime and nighttime.
• Designate who will assist children and those with mobility or health issues.
• Have escape ladders in upstairs rooms.
• Get outside fast and once you are outside, stay outside. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to dial 911 or your local emergency number.

For additional resources, visit causeforalarm.org.

2023-10-23T08:21:00

(BPT) – Enticing workers to return to the office after months, or even years, of working from home or in a hybrid model is proving to be tricky for some businesses. Incentives to return to the office have been met with mixed reviews, but there’s one perk that may prove to be very worthwhile — allowing employees to bring their pets to the office.

Research sponsored by Purina has shed light on the many benefits that dogs can bring to the workplace. The University of Lincoln study, which surveyed nearly 750 employees, found that bringing dogs to work can have positive impacts on employee well-being, job satisfaction, and workplace culture. The study reported that employees who often take their dog to work report 22% higher satisfaction with their working conditions, revealing four key reasons to include Fido (or Fluffy) in the office culture:

Better Work Engagement

Contrary to the belief that taking dogs to the office could be distracting, the study found that individuals who often or sometimes brought their dogs to work were more engaged with their work than those who never did. Specifically, those who often brought their dogs to work showed higher levels of dedication, absorption, and total work engagement.

Reduced Turnover

The study found that individuals who often brought their dogs to work had significantly lower intentions to leave than those who sometimes or never brought their dog to the office. This suggests that having dogs at work could increase employees’ loyalty to their organization and reduce the risk of turnover.

Stronger Relationships

The study also found that bringing dogs to work could increase employees’ friendship acuity. Individuals who often brought their dogs to work reported significantly higher friendship acuity than those who never did. This means that having dogs at work could help employees build stronger relationships with their colleagues.

Higher Quality of Work Life

Finally, the study found that bringing dogs to work could significantly improve employees’ work-related quality of life. Individuals who often brought their dogs to work reported higher levels of general well-being and a better home-work interface than those who sometimes or never did.

While the research provides solid evidence that bringing dogs to work can have significant benefits for both employees and organizations, there are also benefits to the dogs. Dogs left alone for long periods of time can suffer from separation anxiety and lack physical and mental stimulation. By having the dogs in the office, it can release stress for both the owner and the pet, strengthening their bond.

It is important to note that the benefits of having dogs at work may vary depending on the organizational culture, the type of work, and the specific needs of employees. Therefore, organizations should carefully consider the pros and cons of having dogs at work and implement policies that are in the best interest of their employees and the organization.

The pet experts at Purina, which has welcomed dogs and cats to its St. Louis headquarters for more than two decades, has put together a free toolkit to help create pet-friendly workplaces.

2023-10-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – With the holiday season approaching, the days get shorter, the air feels crisper, and our focus shifts to joyful gift-giving and get-togethers. Whether it’s hosting a festive feast for friends and family, finding that perfect gift for a coworker, or decking the halls, the season features plenty of special memory-making moments.

But with economic uncertainty and steep costs of living impacting the average American, prioritizing these moments can be easier said than done. According to a September 2023 CNBC survey, more than half (55%) of households earning $50,000 or less said they’re feeling the impact of the economy on their personal finances. That number jumped to 61% for households earning between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the survey, but one thing is clear – Americans are looking for ways to make their money go further.

This holiday season, you don’t have to miss out on shopping for the moments that matter most. These tips will help you become the ultimate holiday smart shopper and stretch your budget further:

Make your list and check it twice.

With major retailers rolling out deals earlier each year, having a ready list and checking it twice means you’re able to jump on some of the best prices of the season.

Once you decide who you want to give a gift to this year, set a firm limit for how much you’d like to spend on holiday gifts, décor, and experiences. The earlier this is in place, the more time you give yourself to shop sales, compare prices, find coupons, and eliminate costly last-minute impulse buys or paying a dreaded rush-shipping fee in late December.

To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your holiday buck, start price watching the items on your list to determine the best time to buy. PayPal Honey’s Droplist feature allows you to add items you’re interested in to a watchlist and get automatically notified if their price drops, so you can buy at a lower price.

Regardless of when you check out, you can almost always find ways to save. PayPal Honey’s desktop and mobile browser extensions automatically search for and apply available coupon codes and cash back¹ offers at checkout, helping you find some of the best deals on your holiday purchases.

Spread out your budget with flexible payments.

Managing your holiday shopping budget requires a well-executed plan, which not only includes who’s on your list, but also how you’re paying for everything. Flexible payment solutions like PayPal Pay Later offer a smart, simple, and secure way to spread payments out over time so you can make space and budget for the moments and memories that will endure well beyond the season.

When checking out with PayPal, shoppers can choose to break up the cost of the purchases – either dividing the cost into four interest-free payments with Pay in 4² or for larger purchases ($199 to $10,000), selecting Pay Monthly³ and breaking the total cost into monthly payments over a longer period of time.

Earn rewards, maximize cashback, and level up your shopping.

One of the best ways to become a savvy holiday shopper is by earning (and maximizing) your rewards and not leaving any cashback on the table. A great starting point? Simply opening the PayPal app.

With PayPal Rewards¹, you can discover cashback and rewards in the PayPal app that can help you stretch your budget for all your holiday purchases. Even better, you can also stack credit card points on top of existing deals you find in the PayPal app. For example, if you shop with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®, you’ll earn 3% cashback⁴ when checking out with PayPal in addition to any other rewards you earn while shopping in the PayPal app.

Reward stacking indicates you’ve leveled up, so welcome to holiday shopping expert status! But there’s one more tip that can help you save big this holiday season.

Find fellow gift-givers to go big!

Have a friend or family member eyeing an expensive gift? You don’t have to blow your budget to make their holiday wishes come true. For gifts that cost a little more, consider coming together with other gift givers to purchase. For example, you can divide the cost of higher priced electronics with your parents for your sibling’s gift or ask your friends to chip in on elegant new holiday tableware that can rotate with each year’s Friendsgiving dinner host.

You can use PayPal or Venmo to go in on larger gifts with friends and loved ones. It’s easy and free to set up an account on PayPal or Venmo, and they both offer a simple, secure way to send or receive money.

Don’t let budgeting woes or long shopping lists dampen your cheer this holiday season. These tips will transform you into a holiday power shopper, enabling you to stretch your budget and find the perfect gifts. With careful planning and strategic decision-making, you can focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones, sharing gifts, and creating one-of-a-kind holiday memories.

1. Eligible items only. Redeem points for cash and other rewards. Terms and exclusions apply.

2. Pay in 4 is subject to approval. Eligibility varies by state. CA: Loans made or arranged pursuant to a CA Financing Law License. GA: Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457. RI: Small Loan Lender Licensee. NM residents: Find more disclosures related to Pay in 4. Learn more at paypal.com/payin4.

3. Pay Monthly is subject to credit approval. Fixed APR is 9.99-35.99% based on your credit. Rates as low as 4.99% from time to time. Terms may vary based on the purchase amount. Offer availability varies by state, merchant, and purchase amount. The lender for Pay Monthly is WebBank. PayPal, Inc. (NMLS #910457): CT Small Loan Licensee. RI Loan Broker Licensee. VT Loan Solicitation Licensee. Learn more at paypal.com/buynowpaylater.

4. Applications are subject to credit approval. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Purchases are subject to credit approval, and the PayPal Cashback Mastercard must be used for payment. See Rewards Program Terms for details and restrictions.

2023-10-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re just beginning your financial journey, it might feel overwhelming. Finances are one topic many are unwilling to talk about, leaving you on your own to figure out basics like budgeting, building your credit score or negotiating your first salary.

To help young women develop skills so they won’t have to sweat the stress, Secret Deodorant has gathered resources and partnered with financial experts to provide young women the tools they need not just to survive, but thrive. Through their “No More Financial Secrets” initiative, Secret Deodorant is offering free resources, and tips from a diverse group of financial experts at Secret.com/MoneyMoves.

One of these experts is Carmen Perez, creator of the MUCH budgeting app, which helps individuals manage their money and paychecks.

“While finances may seem intimidating when you’re just starting out, remind yourself how far you’ve come,” said Perez. “Don’t be afraid to face finances head on, talk to trusted people and use resources available to you.”

Here are some tips to help empower you on your journey to financial wellness.

Get a clear picture of your finances

While the word “budget” can sound scary, it just means making a plan for how to best use your money. You need to understand your financial picture before planning where you want to go. It begins with two steps: know how much money is coming in (what you earn) and how much is going out (tracking all your spending). Budgeting apps can help you get started.

“Always make sure your needs are being met before spending on wants,” Perez recommended. “If you spend more than you earn, you’ll need to make some changes, or you could end up in debt.” If you find yourself in a situation where you have more bills than income, your first focus should be on increasing your income. Increasing your income could look like taking on a side hustle temporarily, learning a new in-demand skill, asking for a raise, or changing jobs to get a bump in pay.

After tracking your spending for a few weeks, you’ll see areas where you could cut back. Some costs are essential (like rent and utilities, food and debt repayment), but other areas may be possible to trim, like going out to eat and non-essential purchases.

How to build your credit score

Having a good credit score makes it possible to open new credit cards or get loans, to buy a car or home — and can even impact your ability to rent an apartment. From a lender’s point of view, a good credit score means you’ll be reliable when paying your bills.

To build a good credit history, you need to use credit (make occasional purchases on a credit card), then pay your bills on time every month (preferably in full). You shouldn’t use over 30% of your available credit, so if a card is maxed out, it’s time to pay down debt more aggressively.

“Building a good credit score takes time,” advised Perez. “But the habits you need to get a good credit score, like paying bills on time and not over-using credit, are financial habits that will benefit you throughout your lifetime.”

Use your digital calendar or a bill payment app to help you monitor due dates so you don’t miss payments, because even one late payment on a credit card can negatively impact your credit score for years.

Negotiating your first salary

Negotiating your first salary can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a crucial part of the job process. Start by researching the typical salary range for your position in your area. Understanding your own value is key; think about what skills and experiences you bring to the table.

Be prepared to describe the skills, knowledge and experience that make you a valuable employee and do your research! Understanding the salary range for the role and what types of salary packages are common for someone with your level of experience will help you during the negotiation period. If the offer seems low, ask about other benefits, which can be part of your overall compensation package. If your skills meet or exceed the requirements of the position, it’s reasonable to ask for 10-20% more than the initial offer.

Remember, they are expecting you to negotiate and you don’t have to accept the job offer immediately. Tell them you’d like to take a day or two to consider it, then take time to weigh the pros and cons, and consult trusted friends or family members.

“Talking about salaries and money can seem uncomfortable, even with good friends or relatives,” added Perez. “But discussing your offer with others who’ve been through similar situations is very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re dealing with new circumstances.”

Developing the ability to achieve your financial goals is within your reach. Visit Secret.com/MoneyMoves to access free educational resources and tips to help you on your financial journey.

2023-10-23T07:31:00

(BPT) – You might not realize it, but just about everyone you meet is a gamer, no matter their age. According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 65% of Americans play video games regularly, and the number of people over 45 who play them is about the same as those under 18.

Mobile games of skill that bring the fun anytime, anywhere are a large factor in that growth. While you may not have heard of skill games, chances are you’ve played a few; games like Chess, Solitaire, Atari Breakout and others that rely on the player’s skills as opposed to chance, all fall into the category. The genre’s popularity is only expected to continue: according to Forbes Business Insights, the skill-based gaming market is expected to grow from $35.61 billion in 2023 to $85.34 billion by 2030.

A major player in the category is WorldWinner. A pioneer in the category with over two decades of experience with skill gaming, WorldWinner is a recognizable and trusted brand in the space. The platform’s parent company, Game Taco, recently announced they are taking on WorldWinner as their consumer brand name. Recently recognized as one of the top players in the skill gaming category by Fortune Business Insights, the company is likely to keep dominating the competition under the WorldWinner name and the leadership of newly appointed CEO Nancy MacIntyre.

Proven results from a driven entrepreneur

Named to the position of CEO in May, MacIntyre has been with the company since 2021. During her time as General Manager, MacIntyre changed the way the company went to market to drive user engagement. Improvements driven by MacIntyre include a major revamp to WorldWinner’s tournament programming, the creation of innovative new games and a new “Rookie Rewards” program for new players. These efforts, among others, helped double WorldWinner’s userbase and triple its amount of entry fees.

MacIntyre was also part of the team who helped execute a partnership with FanDuel, a first-of-its-kind industry collaboration between a skill-gaming and sportsbook/daily fantasy sports company. Together, the companies developed and launched FanDuel Faceoff. The mobile-based skill gaming platform allows players to use their existing FanDuel accounts and wallets to jump right into the action with a whole new portfolio of skill-based games.

“FanDuel partnered with Game Taco (now WorldWinner) over two years ago to extend FanDuel’s offerings to include skill gaming and give our customers an entirely new experience,” said Aaron Champagne, General Manager and Vice President of DFS, Faceoff and Free to Play at FanDuel. “We appreciate our partners at Game Taco’s deep experience in delivering meaningful, innovative game experiences to all segments of consumers; it has been essential to making FanDuel Faceoff a success. The WorldWinner team understands the skill gaming customer and has helped us grow engagement and give our customers even more to enjoy.”

A creative leader for a creative company

MacIntyre is no stranger to innovation or the spotlight, having worked as an executive at globally recognized companies including Hasbro Interactive, Lucasfilm and LeapFrog. She also founded and led Fingerprint, an entertainment company for kids that was eventually acquired by Sandbox Kids. During her tenure, MacIntyre grew the company through inventive, new practices that have since become mainstream.

MacIntyre faced and solved many challenges at Fingerprint, which was initially launched into a crowded app marketplace. To stand out, she created a product experience for children that would deliver games, books and music all in one application that was sold direct-to-consumer through mobile carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile and hardware leaders like Samsung and Gateway. Fingerprint was designed as a completely safe, walled-garden experience that parents could trust and kids would love.

Much like MacIntyre, WorldWinner has always been committed to understanding and growing with its userbase. Founded in 1999, the company pioneered cross-platform skill-gaming and now boasts a loyal user base that has spanned 20-plus years. Since its inception, WorldWinner has had over 34 million users who have played over 4 billion games and competed in more than 1.6 billion cash tournaments, with an average of 5 million tournaments played monthly. To date, WorldWinner has awarded users over $2 billion in cash prizes.

The rise and future of mobile-based skill games

MacIntyre credits her ongoing success to understanding the customer and what motivates players, especially on mobile. Much like the skill gaming market, the mobile app market is set to grow significantly through 2025 and is projected to reach $270 billion. According to YouGov, 42% of American adults play at least one hour of mobile games per week.

Mobile games also attract a more diverse user base. Mobile game users don’t necessarily identify as gamers in the traditional sense but enjoy “killing time” with mobile games. These casual players will be key in growing the mobile game market.

“Mobile is an integral part of our lives and what we do for entertainment; everyone has a device putting everything right at their fingertips all the time,” said MacIntyre. “In the mobile space, we’re competing not just with other games but also music, videos, social media, you name it. As a result, you can no longer succeed just by creating a great app — the mobile experience also must give consumers what they want and that’s connection.”

2023-10-20T16:33:00

(BPT) – Physical fitness is important as you age, improving strength, flexibility and balance. Research shows that your morning stretch, daily walk or weekly fitness class is doing more than just helping your body feel its best; it’s supporting your brain health, too.

Staying physically active can help older adults maintain — and even improve — mental function, while lowering the risk of developing chronic illness. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, regular exercise can reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia by approximately 30%, and for Alzheimer’s specifically, that risk can be reduced by 45%.

In addition to risk reduction, exercise can be beneficial for seniors who are currently experiencing cognitive issues. Physical activity is a common part of treatment plans for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and can help dementia patients manage and potentially reduce symptoms.

One exercise program with something for every ability is SilverSneakers, a fitness program available at no cost to Medicare Advantage members in participating health plans to stay physically active, socially engaged and mentally sharp. The program has been serving people aged 65 and older for more than 30 years.

It is never too late to start exercising

Even if you start a workout routine later in life, the benefits to your brain and body are abundant. Talk with your doctor about beginning physical fitness and consider options of interest that are available to you. Exercising with friends or joining a fitness class designed for older adults can help you feel comfortable while trying something new.

Sims Corbett is a SilverSneakers instructor who is passionate about senior fitness. One of her favorite things about her job is helping older adults discover a passion for exercise and physical activity, even if they’ve never set foot in a gym before.

“Members have access to thousands of gyms, in-person and virtual classes, and platforms designed to foster social interaction and mental well-being, which becomes even more important with age. As an instructor, I see how regular exercise can benefit everyone, at every age,” said Corbett.

SilverSneakers offers our members access to more than 22,000 participating locations with 100+ weekly live virtual classes and 45,000 virtual programs focusing on balance, fall prevention, strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health and much more.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is underway through Dec. 7 so now is a perfect time for seniors to choose a plan that offers benefits like fitness. For more information and to check eligibility, visit getsilversneakers.com.

Senior workout inspiration

If you want to start exercising, Corbett recommends choosing activities you will enjoy. “Fitness should be fun. I encourage seniors to take a moment to think about what they have enjoyed doing in the past and what has piqued their interest over the years. Did you take dance classes growing up? Love to swim? Have you always been curious about yoga? We’re all more likely to continue doing something that we enjoy.”

Some SilverSneakers classes that are good for the body and mind include aerobic classes like Cardio Interval, Walk Strong and Line Dancing. These classes can help patients manage and reduce symptoms related to cognitive functioning.

When you start, you might decide to exercise with a partner or in a group, which can add a fun social element while keeping each other accountable. However, this is not essential, and even if you exercise alone at home as your schedule allows, you’ll reap many benefits.

While fitness classes are great for guided exercise and making new friends, remember that activities like walking, biking or even household chores like gardening, vacuuming or playing with the dog are all good options for moving the body. All movement — even standing more — can be beneficial for physical and mental wellness.