Category: Brandpoint

2023-05-02T11:00:48

(BPT) – In August 2022, the U.S. government passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a comprehensive energy policy bill that provides a record $370 billion for climate and energy initiatives. The act, focused on clean energy and climate change, has wide-reaching implications for individuals and families across the country.

Specifically for homeowners, the IRA comes with incentives to upgrade and install environmentally friendly equipment and appliances throughout their home. By taking advantage of the tax credit, homeowners can reduce their tax bill by up to $3,200 and offset some of the upfront costs of making energy-efficient home improvements.

The following tips help to break down how homeowners can leverage this new piece of legislation and its home energy incentive programs.

Dive In – Understand the two homeowner incentive programs – Tax Credits and Rebates. The IRA created these two initiatives to empower homeowners to install high-efficiency equipment. Additionally, in some cases, the qualifying equipment may be different.

• Tax Credits – The IRA extended and enhanced a tax credit, the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit (EEHIC). Previously this type of credit was the Non-Business Energy Property Credit, which was restructured and expanded as part of the new law.

Federal tax credits can be leveraged for the next 10 years, until December 31, 2032, and apply to the purchase and installation of highly efficient products, including HVAC equipment.

Homeowners can earn up to $2,000, or 30% of the cost of the product and installation, for heat pumps; $600 for highly efficient furnaces; and $600 for qualifying air conditioners. There is a yearly cap on the tax credits of up to $3,200, and the credit cap resets every year. So, a homeowner can replace one system, such as a heat pump, one year and other equipment the next.

• Rebate Program – The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) Program provides point-of-sale consumer discounts to enable low- and moderate-income households across America to electrify their homes. The program covers up to 100% of electrification project costs (up to $14,000) for low-income households and 50% of costs (up to $7,000) for moderate-income households. Eligible homeowners can receive:
  • Up to $8,000 for all-electric heat pumps
  • Up to $4,000 for an electrical load service center upgrade
  • Up to $2,500 for electric wiring
  • Up to $14,000 maximum for all eligible measures

HEEHRA can stack with federal energy efficiency and electrification tax credits.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the two incentive programs within the IRA, here is a quick checklist on how homeowners can best leverage the IRA:

• Meet the necessary requirements: In order to qualify for the credit, homeowners must meet certain requirements, such as using products that adhere to specific energy efficiency standards. The amount of savings an individual can expect depends largely on the type of appliance. One must obtain a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement — a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. Rheem, an innovator in manufacturing HVAC equipment, has a number of heating and cooling devices which qualify for the tax credit.
• Assess your current situation: Homeowners may benefit from the IRA’s tax credit for energy audits. Hiring a qualifying inspector and conducting a professional energy assessment of the home can help provide a roadmap and determine all the areas where savings can be leveraged.
• Upgrade heating and cooling appliances: Natural gas prices are continuing to rise, making energy-efficient upgrades to products like heat pumps an efficient and cost-effective choice. For water heating, this tax credit gives homeowners equal to 30% of installation costs for qualified high-efficiency products, up to: $600 for gas-fired tankless and gas-fired tank type storage water heaters; and $2,000 for ultra-high-efficiency heat pump water heaters. Owners can also consider installing a geothermal heat pump in their homes which could entitle homeowners to a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the cost, including installation, with no upper limit.

Once homeowners take the necessary steps and feel empowered to make equipment changes, they can expect to see the following benefits:

• Save money on federal income taxes: By taking advantage of the tax credit, homeowners can reduce their tax bill, providing big savings for their family.
• Reduce energy bills: By making energy-efficient improvements to their homes, homeowners can reduce energy usage and lower their monthly utility bills.
• Increase the value of a home: Energy-efficient upgrades can make homes more attractive to potential buyers, who may be willing to pay more for a home that is eco-friendly and has lower energy bills.

An increasing number of homeowners today are concerned about the impact they are having on the environment. Seeking home solutions that are energy efficient and lower emissions, while utilizing IRA incentives, makes it easier for homeowners to win on all fronts. In addition, when considering making the switch to energy-efficient products, leading manufacturers, such as Rheem, also provide details on a variety of other incentives that can be leveraged. By making energy-efficient home improvements, homeowners can save money while reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

2023-05-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – In a world full of scrolling and streaming, families can still find time to gather around delicious food and beloved snacks. From lunchtime to snack time, family meals are the perfect occasion to hit pause on a busy day and start new traditions that infuse more family fun into everyday life.

Many memories are made in the kitchen, so what if you invited your family to roll up their sleeves and have a little fun? Here are three ways to include your little ones in the kitchen to create meaningful moments of family connection.

Turn Snack Time into Gametime

What if a little snack could turn into big family fun?

To remind families of the joy of old-school game night, Kellogg’s^® Rice Krispies Treats^® teamed up with multi-platinum artist, actor, philanthropist, and proud girl-dad Ludacris to create the limited-edition “Treat. Eat. Compete.” game set, complete with custom gameplay goodies and a new pack of Rice Krispies Treats® bars. With five unique games inspired by the iconic rapper and the beloved brand, “Treat. Eat. Compete” will get loved ones together in the spirit of competition and ooey-gooey snacks. Each game is centered around the iconic snack to make game time fun, easy and delicious for family members of all ages. Win or lose, everyone can end the games by enjoying a delicious Rice Krispies Treats bar!

Starting May 8, the game set can be purchased at ricekrispiestreats.com for $20 (including shipping) while supplies last. Proceeds will support Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help foster more safe places for kids nationwide to play, compete, and connect.*

For any fans who don’t get their hands on a “Treat. Eat. Compete.” game set, there are still endless ways to create new food traditions. Unwrap a Rice Krispies Treats^® bar with your kiddos and get inspired with your own creations, contests and competitions or check out #treateatcompete on TikTok for inspiration!

Turn Mealtime Prep into Culinary Fun

Up for a culinary adventure? Make it fun for kids to participate in cooking meals by brainstorming new recipes and ingredients.

How it works:

Have each family member write down an ingredient on a piece of paper and put them into a bowl. (Make sure to have ingredients on hand when ready to play.) To add a bit of adventure to a mealtime, have a family member choose a slip of paper at random from the bowl. Work together as a family to come up with ideas for how to incorporate that ingredient into the meal.

Turn Dinnertime Dining into a Crafting Extravaganza

Edible arts and crafts can be fun for the whole family! An added bonus: Eating what you create helps cut down on food waste while also making clean-up a breeze.

A simple way to start:

1. Provide toppings and decorations for a snack canvas of your choosing.

2. Encourage kids to use the toppings to create fun designs on their food and show off for the rest of the table’s enjoyment.

3. Gradually introduce unique ingredients and flavors to inspire curiosity of new food experiences.

Or, keep it simple! Grab the ingredients to make a favorite ooey-gooey snack — Rice Krispies Treats^® bars — and let the kiddos DIY, craft and create their own snacks by shaping them into different molds or mashing them with their favorite mix-ins. Grab the brand’s Original recipe and get inspired at https://www.ricekrispies.com/en_US/recipes/the-original-treats-recipe.html

Looking for more ways to get your family together over snack time? Head to TikTok and follow along with @ludacrisdtp, @ricekrispiestreats or #treateatcompete for all kinds of family fun-spiration. We can’t wait to see what your family makes in the kitchen!

*For each purchase of specially marked Kellogg’s^® Rice Krispies Treat. Eat. Compete. Game Sets from May 8, 2023 to July 31, 2023, Kellogg’s will donate $20.00 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Kellogg’s guarantees a minimum donation of $100,000. Maximum donation of $150,000.

2023-05-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – There’s a reason summer is a popular time to vacation. With the kids out of school, and the weather warming up, take advantage of the sunshine and your family’s more flexible schedule to share experiences and strengthen your family bonds.

This year will be an especially popular year for vacations. Do you crave an escape from your daily routine — 64% of people say they do — if even for a few days? In a recent study conducted by Mintel, in partnership with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, nearly 62% of parents intend to take more family vacations in 2023 than they did in 2022, and 77% said their goal was to make memories and 74% to have fun.

Are you ready to start planning your vacation? Check out these three family vacation ideas that are perfect for having fun and making memories together this summer.

1. Explore a new city

Exploring a new city together can be a fun and exciting adventure for the whole family! Choose a destination and make a list of must-see spots and activities so you can plan accordingly. Your list should include restaurants for the foodies in your family, amusement parks and attractions for the thrill seekers, shops for the fashionistas and a spa visit for those who want to relax.

Don’t overload your itinerary! Remember, your family should come back from vacation feeling refreshed. Build in downtime in between events and outings, too. Quiet, relaxing moments together allow everyone to recharge for the next activity and allow you to reflect on the memories you’re making.

2. Take a road trip

A family road trip is the quintessential American vacation experience and for good reason. According to the Mintel study, 50% of parents prefer to drive and 72% of parents say it’s important to pick a destination they can drive to.

No two road trips are alike. Even if you’re taking the same route as others, when and where you decide to stop is completely up to your family, making each road trip a unique experience.

When planning a road trip, you can pick one or several destinations and plan for pit stops along the way. Also, the flexibility of a road trip means you can stop and explore a town or attraction on your route that piques your interest with minimal disruption to your planned itinerary.

The best part of a family road trip is that quality time is built into it. Spending time together in the car gives you plenty of opportunities to connect and talk about what you’re most excited to see and experience.

3. Stay at a resort

A family vacation at a resort is a great way to have fun while taking the stress out of trip planning. Instead of going out to several locations in one city, you can adventure, shop, eat and relax all in one place.

A destination like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has something for everyone, all under one roof! Home to America’s largest indoor waterparks, kids of all ages will make memories and are sure to have fun at both the indoor and outdoor waterslides, pools and lazy rivers. Stop by the family entertainment center and play some games as a family or try an escape room. The resort’s signature dining options have dishes and drinks to delight everyone’s palate. There’s also a full-service spa experience for prime pampering in between activities. Don’t forget to stop at the unique retail shops to pick up souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip.

You can choose from one of four conveniently located resorts (Wisconsin Dells, WI; Sandusky, OH; Pocono Mountains, PA; and Round Rock, TX), pick a route and enjoy a road trip to your resort vacation. And no need to worry about the weather! Mintel found that 81% of parents say it is important to pick a location they can enjoy that is not dependent on the weather. That’s not a problem because it’s always sunny and 84 degrees inside Kalahari, so you can enjoy a true summer vacation no matter what it’s doing outside. To learn more, visit KalahariResorts.com.

Don’t let this summer slip by getting lost in your day-to-day routine Let these three ideas inspire your family vacation so you can start planning your trip to make memories and have fun together this summer.

2023-05-08T08:03:00

(BPT) – Does it feel like your allergy symptoms keep getting worse every year, and seem to last a lot longer, too? If so, you’re not alone. According to a recent report from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, warming temperatures due to climate change have increased the growing seasons for many plants. This means that common allergens like pollen are produced much earlier in the season and last longer than ever before in many regions of the United States.

In addition to the extended growing seasons, these changes in temperature are also producing higher concentrations of pollen, meaning anyone allergic to or sensitive to pollen will feel their symptoms even more.

What are allergies, anyway?

Allergies are the result of a chain reaction of chemicals in your body that release histamine in response to allergen exposure, resulting in the symptoms many commonly experience such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. Common triggers include allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, fungal spores and grass clippings.

How allergy myths can prevent or delay effective treatment

Over one-fourth of all U.S. adults and children have at least one type of seasonal allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you are one of the many who suffer from seasonal allergies, you may think you can wait it out, hoping your symptoms will just go away on their own when spring is over, but the truth is that allergies can greatly impact one’s everyday life.

“Allergies can significantly hinder quality of life and thus interfere with work and daily activities. You may experience sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, runny nose, sore throat, and if not treated, allergies can turn into even more severe symptoms like respiratory issues,” said Family Physician and ZYRTEC^® partner, Dr. Leslie Gonzalez. “These symptoms can quickly worsen within hours to days, making them harder to treat — so it’s better to treat your symptoms at the first sign of an allergic reaction.”

What you can do to lessen allergy symptoms

Throughout allergy season (and beyond, if you’re experiencing symptoms year-round), Dr. Gonzalez recommends the following to help reduce your exposure to allergens:

• Wash your hands and body daily — especially after spending time outdoors, and change clothes after doing yard work, playing sports or an extended time outside.
• Stay indoors when winds are strong or when pollen counts are high in your area. ZYRTEC actually has an app called AllergyCast that provides access to personalized allergy forecasts, live pollen counts and a symptom tracker to help allergy sufferers get ahead of their allergies, which is key.
• Avoid outdoor activity in early morning when pollen counts are highest.
• Vacuum daily, dust often — consider reducing fabrics in your home that allergens can bind to (such as choosing hardwood flooring over carpet), and wash bedding regularly.
• Improve ventilation in your home — and consider replacing HVAC filters even more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer during the height of allergy season.

Treat your allergy symptoms as soon as they start

Dr. Gonzalez also recommends that her patients take ZYRTEC immediately after the first signs of an allergic response, and then continue to take it throughout the season for the best results.

ZYRTEC starts working at hour one, providing a full 24 hours of prescription strength relief so allergy sufferers can enjoy the day without having to worry about allergy symptoms getting in the way. ZYRTEC also works twice as hard when taken again the next day, relieving the worst allergy symptoms, indoors and out.

You could also opt for ZYRTEC Chewables, which have the same great benefits as adult tablets, but in an easy-to-take tablet. No water is needed, so they’re convenient for any occasion and easy to take on the go. They also come in a children’s version for any parents whose kids have seasonal allergies.

Ready to start feeling your best, so you can get out and do all the things you love, any time of year? Learn more about seasonal allergies and find effective products to help alleviate your symptoms at ZYRTEC.com.

2023-05-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – There are approximately 120 navy vessels designated as national historic landmarks in the United States. Naval ship museums help preserve American maritime heritage and educate future generations about the history of these ships. These museums are often housed in retired warships and submarines, bringing history to life as visitors explore these maritime vessels.

Some of these museums you may be familiar with — the USS Midway, USS Enterprise and USS Pampanito, to name a few. Others may not be as famous but offer a glimpse into key moments in our country’s naval history. For example, the SS Red Oak Victory is one of the last surviving WWII Victory Ships built on an emergency basis to carry vital supplies and troops to all theaters of war. Well-known or not, all these museums have one thing in common — costly preservation.

“We have a responsibility to future generations to preserve historic ships like the SS Red Oak Victory and to raise awareness through events like the Longest Night of Museums,” said Fred Klink, Director of Marketing and current Executive Committee chairman. “The ship provides visitors with a truly unique hands-on experience plus an opportunity to learn about not only the ship but also the remarkable efforts of the WWII homefront workers who built her. Our 100% volunteer crew not only conducts tours but does all of the maintenance and restoration work. A historic ship is a huge financial effort, and we rely on donations from corporations, organizations and generous individual donors to support our efforts to keep history alive.”

Maintaining and operating these floating museums often falls to veterans’ groups with minimal or no government funding. These naval museums rely on the generosity and support of their members and the public to preserve the ships and the history they contain.

You don’t need to be a millionaire to support naval and maritime museums. Here are five simple ways you can support naval ship museums near you and across the country.

1. Visit

One of the easiest and most fun ways to support naval ship museums is to visit them! The mission of these museums is to preserve and teach the public about naval history through exhibits, displays and collections. By purchasing a ticket and exploring the museum, you’re helping generate revenue for the museum and bringing its mission to life.

2. Volunteer

It takes a lot of people to run a museum. You can help your local naval museum by volunteering to lead tours, staff the information desk, assist at special events and perform day-to-day tasks that keep the museum open and operational. Set aside a couple of hours every week or take longer shifts once or twice a month to help relieve some of the workloads from existing volunteers and museum staff.

3. Donate

Many naval ship museums rely solely on donations to operate and maintain their collections. Show your support by putting aside money to donate to your local naval ship museum or support other museums across the nation. Big or small, every dollar helps keep naval history alive.

4. Spread the word

Don’t keep it to yourself! Tell others about naval ship museums and encourage them to visit and support. Plan an outing with friends, family or co-workers to your local naval museum so they can experience naval history firsthand. Stop by the gift shop on your way out and buy a souvenir to remember your outing and support the naval ship museum’s operations.

5. Tune in

If you can’t visit a naval ship museum nearby or want to visit others outside your town, you can do so from the comfort of your own home. World of Warships, a naval tactical game, is encouraging players to tune into their annual Longest Night of Museums livestream to support naval ship museums near and far.

World of Warships prides itself on its longstanding relationship with naval museums. Wargaming, the game’s developer, supports its efforts to preserve naval history by raising donations to restore several museum ships and spreading awareness of these museums. In 2021, the game’s developer Wargaming launched its first Longest Night of Museums event, attracting 1.4 million viewers on Twitch alone. During this livestream, viewers could take virtual tours of over a dozen naval museums worldwide and learn about each vessel’s maritime history.

On May 18, you can join others for free virtual tours of 18 naval museums worldwide. Tune in via YouTube or Twitch and visit WorldofWarships.com to learn more.

Naval ship museums are critical to preserving naval history, educating the public and honoring those who served on these ships and continue to keep them running. Support naval ship museums through these five easy actions and be a part of protecting history.

2023-05-07T23:01:00

(BPT) – Shareeda Jones thought her nine-year-old daughter was doing well in school, even during the pandemic when remote and hybrid learning took a significant toll on student achievement. Shareeda said her daughter enjoyed school and her report cards were good. But when her daughter entered a new school, Shareeda found out that she was three grade levels behind.

Since the pandemic, schools and families alike have focused on getting back to regular routines and getting their children back on track academically, but many parents like Shareeda have a misperception of how far behind their children are.

New research by the national non-profit Learning Heroes finds that 9 out of 10 parents of children in grades K-12 nationwide believe their child is performing at or above their grade level — but the Nation’s Report Card reveals that just 29% of eighth-graders nationally are proficient in reading, and only 26% of them are proficient in math.

Why the gap between parent perception and reality?

Parents primarily rely on their child’s grades to know how they’re performing at school, and research shows that 80% of parents say their child receives mostly Bs or higher. However, only 30% of teachers rate report cards as one of the most important ways to gauge student achievement. Grades reflect many other important factors, including attendance, participation and behavior.

“Parents are problem solvers. But they can’t solve a problem they don’t know they have,” said Cindi Williams, co-founder of Learning Heroes. “To help their children reach their full potential, it’s important for parents to partner actively with their children’s teachers.”

What can parents do?

To help parents understand what their children’s skill levels really are and what they need to succeed, the website GoBeyondGrades.org provides information in English and Spanish to help families search and sign up for district, community-based and online summer learning opportunities. At GoBeyondGrades.org, parents can follow the ABCs:

• Ask your child’s teacher if your child is at their grade level in reading and math.
• Be in the know about your child’s learning and what’s expected in each grade.
• Connect to programs for summer learning like tutoring, camps, activities and more.

Access summer learning opportunities for your child

Nationwide, there are many fun, engaging and educational programs to help children with reading, math and life skills, and summer is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of them. Many summer programs are available at low or no cost due to pandemic-era funding from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). With the help of these recovery dollars, school districts are able to provide high-quality options for students by mixing learning time with summer fun and exploration. This federal funding will expire soon, so now is the best time to take advantage of many educational opportunities.

With the knowledge that her daughter was years behind in reading, Shareeda took action by teaming up with her child’s teacher and identifying summer learning opportunities. As a result, her daughter is now on track to be ready for the fourth grade.