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Three ways to boost your professional skills in 2025

2025-03-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Strong professional skills, like public speaking, writing and management, may go a long way in helping you advance in your career and remain competitive in the workplace. While developing these skills is beneficial, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. One place to start is by reviewing the job description for the position you want. What skills are required to be successful? In what areas would you like to build confidence? If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, you can seek the guidance of an HR professional or manager at your organization.

Once you identify the skills you’d like to develop, seek out approachable, flexible and affordable ways to gain foundational professional skills online. One option is Sophia, which offers access to college-level courses for a low monthly subscription cost. As a bonus, Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit. Sophia courses can also be submitted for review to non-partner institutions for potential credit.

Here are three ways to boost your professional skills through flexible online courses:

1. Develop your business acumen

Business classes can benefit professionals across a variety of fields. From strengthening your communication and leadership skills to sharpening your strategic thinking and financial literacy, business courses can help you develop the skills that may make you more appealing to potential employers. Business courses are also offered in a variety of formats, spanning subjects like finance, writing, accounting, marketing and more, providing plenty of options to choose a lane relevant to your career.

2. Hone your public speaking skills

Improving your public speaking skills can prove useful both on the job and in your day-to-day activities. By knowing how to articulate your thoughts in a way that is effective and compelling, you can be better equipped to inform, inspire and persuade in both your personal and professional life. Classes like Sophia’s public speaking course offer a relaxed atmosphere to practice these skills so that when it’s time for your next presentation or speech, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenge at hand.

3. Master project management

Every great project starts with effective management, no matter the industry. With strong project management skills, you can gain the tools to improve your organizational skills and build strong teams. A great project manager also enhances an organization’s ability to increase efficiency and productivity, potentially opening new opportunities for you to grow in your career.

Online courses can provide a flexible and affordable way to develop your business acumen, improve your public speaking skills and enhance your ability to project manage through flexible, on-demand formats.

Interested in boosting your professional skills in 2025? Explore options with Sophia.

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Living with Sleep Apnea: Steps You Can Take for Better Sleep and Health

2025-03-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Who doesn’t love a sound night’s sleep?

Good sleep can start you on your way to flourish in life by helping you achieve goals, feel productive at home and work, and have a fulfilling social life.

Oftentimes, several things can get in the way of good, healthy sleep. Lifestyle choices, environmental disruptions, and even serious medical conditions including sleep disorders make the list.

Millions of Americans are living with undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders.

These conditions don’t just keep many of us from getting enough of the quality sleep we need. They also can have very real health consequences.

Sleep Apnea: A Serious Public Health Concern

Older man laying awake in bed.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. It occurs when breathing pauses during sleep — also called an apnea or apneic event — for ten seconds or more.

Obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA) is when some feature of a person’s head or neck blocks their airway during sleep, causing them to stop breathing and gasp for breath throughout the night.

People with OSA don’t just get poor, disrupted sleep. They also can feel tired, sleepy and unfocused during the day. This puts them at higher risk for a drowsy driving crash when they’re behind the wheel and for having an accident on the job.

Recent independent findings from new National Sleep Foundation (NSF) research project nearly 29 million Americans suspect they have sleep apnea. Even more alarming, one in three adults who say they have already been diagnosed with the disorder go untreated.

When it is unmanaged, sleep apnea is linked to other serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and depression.

Why Knowing Matters: Sleep Apnea is a Serious Medical Condition

Male doctor consulting an older female patient in his office.

Nearly 32 million adults don’t view sleep apnea as a serious medical issue that requires treatment. On top of that, only one in four adults can identify a few of the health consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

Estimates show a staggering 45 million adults would prefer not to know if they had the condition. So, there’s still a lot people can learn to help them change their attitudes and take action if they or a loved one has sleep apnea. A good starting point is to understand the options people have today to help get diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Young male patient talking with doctor in his office.

People generally know about the most common sleep apnea treatments. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common and well-known treatment, where a bedside machine provides a steady flow of air through a nosepiece or mask to help keep a person’s airway open during sleep. Other therapies such as lifestyle changes including weight loss, changes to your sleeping position, and healthy sleep behaviors can also be important. There are even treatment options that can fit in the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep, like custom-fit dental appliances.

Unfortunately, four in 10 adults can correctly identify just 50% or fewer of the treatment options for sleep apnea. Medications, surgical options and implantable devices also are available but are the least-known treatment options.

What’s encouraging is nearly eight in 10 Americans say they would prioritize treatment if diagnosed with sleep apnea. So, it’s time to help more people get the diagnosis they need and understand the treatments available to them. When people know more, they can make the best choice for them with the help of their healthcare professional.

The number of approaches available to treat sleep apnea continues to grow, including newer solutions that can help people who haven’t benefitted from other established types of treatment.

Inspire® therapy is the FDA-approved implantable treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried and failed CPAP. It is a surgically implanted device placed by your collarbone that delivers gentle electrical pulses to your tongue muscles to help keep your airway open, so you can breathe more regularly while you’re sleeping.

Becoming Your Best Slept Self®

Woman stretching and yawning as she wakes up in bed after a great nights sleep.

Anyone and everyone can be their Best Slept Self. Sometimes that means seeking help from a medical professional if you suspect you have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.

If you have sleep apnea, getting diagnosed and pursuing an effective treatment are important steps to improving your sleep and health.

When you control your sleep apnea through lifestyle changes, medical treatments and good sleep habits you can live more of the life you’re wanting to live.

For more sleep health information and to learn about OSA treatment options, visit theNSF.org. To learn more about Inspire therapy, visit www.inspiresleep.com.

There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit www.theNSF.org and SleepHealthJournal.org.

The Understanding Sleep Apnea Report and source research was independently produced by National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Funding for these activities and support to share NSF’s results were provided by Inspire Medical Systems. The report is being released during NSF’s 27th annual Sleep Awareness Week®, a multi-sponsored educational and public awareness campaign for which Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. is a Platinum Sponsor. NSF independently produces Sleep Awareness Week and all related official educational content.

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., is a medical technology company, providing Inspire® therapy — a treatment solution for people with moderate to severe OSA who have tried and failed CPAP. More information, including important safety information and product manuals can be found at inspiresleep.com/safety or by calling 1-844-OSA-HELP. For additional information about Inspire, please visit www.inspiresleep.com.

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Achieve Optimum Wellness with endermologie by LPG: Revitalize Your Body, Relieve Stress and Enhance Sleep

2025-03-13T12:44:00

(BPT) – In the pursuit of holistic well-being, advanced technologies are revolutionizing the way we care for our bodies. One of the pioneers in this category is a company that was founded in the south of France in 1986.

LPG® features non-invasive treatments that have gained global recognition for the ability to sculpt, rejuvenate, and revitalize your body and face. Now LPG® has taken wellness one step further with their new Vitality, Stress, Sleep (VSS) Protocol, a comprehensive approach to restoring balance and enhancing quality of life.

The VSS treatment protocol is designed to target three key qualities of well-being: vitality, stress management, and sleep quality. Through a series of personalized sessions, this treatment stimulates the skin and underlying tissues using LPG®‘s patented endermologie® technique, which promotes natural biological responses, improving circulation, relieving tension, and fostering relaxation.

Owner of Beyond Massage Aspen in Colorado, Erica Boulangee M.Ac, L.Ac, LMT, Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, utilizes LPG® technology for her clients to help them meet their wellness goals. “Since integrating LPG® endermologie® into our operations, the results have been nothing short of transformative. I am thoroughly impressed by how quickly the treatment delivers results.”

The signature VSS treatment works through mechanized massage that enhances lymphatic drainage, reduces muscle tension, and encourages the production of endorphins — our body’s natural feel-good hormones. The result is a renewed sense of energy, reduced stress levels, and deeper, more restorative sleep.

“The VSS treatments, lasting only 40 minutes, fit seamlessly into my clients’ busy lives while fostering overall wellness and balance. We have received tremendous feedback from our clients, who consistently report significant stress reduction in a remarkably short amount of time,” Erica adds.

During a clinical study about the benefits of LPG®‘s unique VSS treatment protocol*, after one 40-minute endermologie® session, patients’ cortisol levels decrease by 19%, helping to lower stress and promote relaxation. Muscle aches were reduced by 38.1%, making it an excellent option for those suffering from chronic tension or discomfort.** The VSS Protocol focuses on invigorating the body by stimulating microcirculation and oxygenating tissues. This process enhances cell regeneration, resulting in improved energy levels and a natural glow.

According to Professor Christophe Hausswirth, the study’s independent clinical research director, “This is the first trial to conclusively prove that a series of mechanical massage treatments designed to target the lymphatic system can have such significant effects on so many aspects of mental health.”

Quality sleep is the foundation of good health, yet so many people struggle with restlessness and poor sleep patterns. The VSS Protocol gently stimulates the nervous system to restore balance, encouraging deeper and more restful sleep cycles. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, it prepares the body for restorative rest, ultimately leading to better recovery and overall well-being.

Whether you’re looking to restore energy, manage stress more effectively, or improve your quality of sleep, the LPG® world of non-invasive health and beauty technologies offers a scientifically proven way to enhance your well-being.

To learn more about endermologie® and find an LPG® provider, visit lpg-group.com/en.

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*Clinical study performed by the French beScored Institute in conjunction with the European Sleep Center, the University of Sydney, and the Cerballiance laboratory.

**Clinical results after one 40-minute endermologie® session. Impact of an LPG Cellu M6 Alliance® multi-session program. Effect on cognitive performance, sleep quality, stress levels and immunity in stressed individuals. Prof. Christophe Hausswirth, PhD1,2,3, Dr. Alexandre Coste, PhD1, Dr. Vincent Raimondi, MD, PhD4, Dr. Cyril Schmit, PhD1, Dr. Anis Aloulou, PhD5, Dr. François Duforez, MD5, Nathalie Paradis & Prof. Damien Léger, MD, PhD7.

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Tips to help women improve their financial wellness

2025-03-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – While financial goals for women have changed over the years, women still face unique challenges, especially those of the “sandwich generation” who spend time, energy and financial resources caring for both children and aging parents. Despite these challenges, Fidelity’s 2025 Financial Resolutions Study found that women are staying focused on the future, with 61% saying they’ll be better off financially in 2025 than they were in 2024.[1]

According to the study, 68% of women say they have a plan to reach their financial goals, and 80% say they plan to build emergency savings. For 2025, women’s top financial resolutions are to save more money (46%), pay down debt (41%) and spend less money (33%).

What strategies can help women attain their financial goals? Fidelity’s research highlights how women are focused on saving and planning for the future. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are key insights that can help women improve their financial health.

Find ways to juggle caregiving needs

41% of women caregivers describe their relationship with money as “stressful.” Caregiving responsibilities impact women even into retirement — with research showing women retirees are three times more likely than men to say they left work to care for loved ones.[2]

Despite these challenges, most women caregivers are looking to the future, with 81% planning to boost their emergency savings in 2025. Any savings you can build during these years will serve you well in the future.

Being a caregiver can be incredibly challenging, and it’s important not to go it alone. Many employers offer benefits that can help, including things like a group legal plan or mental health support.

If you do need to step away from the workforce, make sure you calculate the full cost of doing so. Consider not only your lost salary, but also lost years of retirement savings and Social Security credits. Make sure you also have a backup plan for obtaining health insurance and saving and investing for your retirement.

Strategies to tackle health care costs

Women can expect to spend an average of $175,000 on health care costs and medical expenses throughout retirement, which is more than 10% higher than men can expect to pay — up nearly 17% since 2019.[3] One-fourth of women say rising health care costs is one of their top financial concerns for 2025.

Make sure you’re taking advantage of employee benefits such as a health savings account (HSA) offered in conjunction with a high-deductible health plan, which can help cover health care costs during retirement. While Fidelity customer data shows that the number of women contributing to their HSA is on the rise,[4] women are less likely than men to invest those funds, leaving potential growth on the table. Encouragingly, among women who do invest their HSA funds, the top reason is to help grow a medical fund for retirement.[5]

Optimize workplace benefits

Women are more likely than men to say their employee benefits don’t meet their needs mostly due to the cost, inadequate coverage, difficulty understanding their benefits and difficulty getting specialty care.[6]

Contact your HR department to make sure you fully understand and use benefits that are available to you. You could find there are benefits you didn’t know about or are not taking full advantage of that could improve your situation.

Don’t put retirement planning on the back burner

While most women are focused on short-term financial goals this year, younger generations plan to increase their annual retirement savings contribution in 2025 (48% Gen Z, 45% Millennials)[7]. Half of the women who retired in 2024 took a phased approach to retirement by working part-time, taking on less responsibility or transitioning to more flexible work, signaling a shift to easing into retirement years.[8] Women are also significantly more likely than men to transition to retirement by working reduced hours or days.[9]

Make a plan for retirement now and your future self will thank you. Increasing your retirement savings contribution is one concrete way you can help ensure you’ll be in better shape for retirement — whatever that looks like for you.

Keep learning to improve your financial wellness

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Fidelity is gathering various accomplished women leaders for a free month-long event series to help inspire women to take the next step with their money and achieve their financial goals. Tune in to hear conversations about how to make the most of unexpected changes, women’s health needs and the costs associated with them — and how to create and achieve your life and career goals.

Fidelity’s Women Talk Money community offers a year-round forum for real talk about money, investing, careers and other topics through live events, on-demand content and other useful resources to help women take the next best steps with their finances. This resource is free for everyone to join.

*Unless stated otherwise, all datapoints cited are from Fidelity’s 2025 Financial Resolutions Study

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

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

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© 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.


[1] Fidelity Investments 2025 Financial Resolutions Study. This study presents the findings of a national online survey, consisting of 3,008 U.S. adults, 18 years of age and older. Generations as defined by Pew Research: Baby Boomers are individuals born between 1946 – 1964, Gen X are individuals born between 1965-1980, Millennials include individuals born between 1981 – 1996 and Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 – 2012. Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was conducted October 1-10, 2024 by Big Village, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The survey results may not be representative of all adults meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

[2] Fidelity Investments 2025 State of Retirement Planning.

[3] Fidelity Investments 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate. This estimate is based on a single person retiring in 2024, 65-years-old, with life expectancies that align with Society of Actuaries’ RP-2014 Healthy Annuitant rates projected with Mortality Improvements Scale MP-2021 as of 2022. Actual assets needed may be more or less depending on actual health status, area of residence, and longevity. Estimate is net of taxes. The Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate assumes individuals do not have employer-provided retiree health care coverage, but do qualify for the federal government’s insurance program, original Medicare. This calculation takes into account Medicare Part B base premiums and cost-sharing provisions (such as deductibles and coinsurance) associated with Medicare Part A and Part B (inpatient and outpatient medical insurance). It also considers Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums and out-of-pocket costs, as well as certain services excluded by original Medicare. This estimate does not include other health-related expenses, such as over-the-counter medications, most dental services and long-term care.

[4] Established retail and workplace Fidelity HSA accounts funded with at least $1, Sept. 2019-Sept. 2023.

[5] Fidelity Health Thought Leadership Benefit Plan Participant Survey, fall 2023.

[6] Fidelity Health Thought Leadership Health Benefits Consumer Survey, fall 2022, Q37: “How strongly do you disagree or agree that your health benefits meet your/your family’s needs?”

[7] Generations as defined by Pew Research: Baby Boomers are individuals born between 1946 – 1964, Gen X are individuals born between 1965-1980, Millennials include individuals born between 1981 – 1996 and Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 – 2012.

[8] Fidelity Investments 2024 Evolving Landscape of Retirement Study (completed July 2, 2024). The study includes 10,517 individuals that have or had a Workplace Retirement Savings Plan.

[9] Fidelity Investments 2024 Evolving Landscape of Retirement Study.

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How electrification can help make your home more sustainable

2025-03-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Is creating a more energy-efficient, sustainable home important to you? If so, you’ll be glad to know that it’s possible to make your home more sustainable, while also helping you save money, simply through home appliance swaps. Using a greater proportion of electricity in your home can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and help to achieve a cleaner environment.

Even better, there’s a new program that can help you get started with a financial boost. Beginning this year, the High Efficiency Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program from the U.S. Department of Energy and your state energy office may cover up to 100% of the cost of certain electric appliances and HVAC equipment — with up to $14,000 in instant rebates per household. Eligibility, household income requirements and other important details are being finalized and may vary, depending on your state. In the meantime, you can use the calculator tool at the bottom of the page at LG.com/home-electrification to give you an estimate of how much you could be qualified to receive.

Here are four ways to consider upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances in your home, from the experts at LG Electronics.

1. Pump up the energy savings

Heating and cooling your home uses the most energy by far compared to all the other appliances you may own, so changing your HVAC system makes the biggest impact when it comes to both savings and the environment. For example, you can opt for an LG Inverter Heat Pump, which works on a closed loop refrigerant cycle that transfers heat using electricity to help conserve energy. The advanced inverter technology allows the heat pump to adjust the compressor frequency according to your home’s heating or cooling demands, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced power consumption compared to conventional HVAC systems.

2. Keep yourself in hot water

Like your HVAC system, water heaters are another significant energy drain on your household. To help you save on electrical consumption and meet your household’s needs for hot water at the same time, consider an LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater, which uses heat pump technology to minimize the need for supplemental electric resistance heat. Thanks to this technology, this kind of water heater is much more efficient than a traditional gas or electric water heater, making it an ideal solution for hot water in your home. Available in 58- and 80-gallon sizes, the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater is the perfect replacement for your gas water heater.

Large white laundry/mudroom with LG Inverter heat pump.

3. Wash and dry efficiently and cleanly

If you’re looking to upgrade your laundry system, innovative laundry products, such as LG’s energy-saving washers and dryers with Inverter HeatPump™ technology, can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency. By adopting these appliances, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% per load. LG offers a range of options, including space-saving All-in-One washer and dryer combos that complete a full wash and dry cycle in as little as two hours. With Inverter HeatPump™ technology, you’re not only making your laundry process more efficient but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable home.

4. Safer, cleaner, faster cooking

You can elevate your cooking experience with energy-efficient induction technology, which is specially engineered to deliver power, speed, precision and responsiveness. Because it relies on electromagnetism, induction cooking also eliminates the dangers of hot surfaces or pollutants. Unlike radiant electric elements and gas burners, induction cooktops do not create heat. Instead, coils beneath the surface create a pulsating magnetic field, which generates heat directly in induction-compatible cookware. The result? Induction cooking is much faster, more precise and safer — plus three times more energy efficient than gas and about 5%-10% more efficient than radiant electric.*

Are you ready to make your home more sustainable and save money on energy costs? Visit LG.com/home-electrification to learn more.

*According to ENERGY STAR®

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What You Need to Know About Avian Influenza

2025-03-13T05:01:00

(BPT) – America’s poultry is at an unprecedented risk from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Specifically, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses the highest risk, which is a strain of the virus that is extremely contagious and often deadly to domestic poultry. HPAI has been detected in all 50 states, affecting over 136 million birds and a range of species, including chickens, turkeys and geese. As the avian influenza outbreak continues, consumers feel the pinch of egg prices, poultry farmers’ livelihoods are impacted, and bird owners are on heightened alert.

Wild birds are the number one source of disease spread by carrying the infection in their droppings and contaminating water sources, especially during the migratory seasons. People can even unknowingly spread avian flu through their work boots and clothes, as well as on farm equipment and vehicles that have not been properly disinfected.

To compound the concern, it was recently discovered that not just birds are susceptible to avian influenza. The virus can jump to different animal species and then reinfect otherwise healthy birds. Because HPAI-exposed pests and pets — like mice, cats, and dogs — and even other farm animals may not show signs of illness, the rapid spread of disease is hard to contain without proper safety measures in place.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) has been working hard to contain HPAI and the U.S. has one of the strongest avian influenza surveillance programs in the world. However, as the disease spreads to poultry in new ways, it makes eradication even more difficult.

The good news is there are steps that all farmers and bird enthusiasts can take to help protect our poultry. In fact, these safety precautions, or biosecurity measures, can be inexpensive and relatively easy to implement.

From backyards to barnyards, here are four ways we can all help protect birds:

  • Clean Up: Disinfect and sanitize farm equipment, footwear, and clothing used in poultry areas every day or after use. Ensure feed is stored properly to prevent contamination from wild birds and rodents. Make sure animals have clean water and bedding.
  • Suit Up: Use dedicated boots for the farm and a footbath to disinfect footwear daily. Wear gloves in the poultry areas. Give visitors disposable shoe covers, minimize farm visitors, and limit farm traffic.
  • Divide Up: Separate your farm species, keep livestock, pets, and wild birds away from poultry. Use covered enclosures and netting to avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. And don’t let birds roam in pens and barns.
  • Brush Up: Learn the signs of avian influenza such as trouble breathing, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, and sudden or unexplained death. Monitor bird health closely, isolate sick birds, and report any signs of illness to your veterinarians and/or State or Federal animal health official.

We can all be flu fighters when we know what to do about avian influenza. To learn more and get free biosecurity resources, checklists, and tools to keep birds safe from disease, go to USDA APHIS’ Defend the Flock website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock.

This article is brought to you by USDA.

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These 3 HSA features can positively impact your taxes and savings

2025-03-12T23:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a health savings account (HSA)? If not, it may be time to consider establishing one.

An HSA is a tax-advantaged account you can use with an HSA-eligible health plan to pay or save for qualified medical expenses. In other words, it’s a tax-smart way to tackle your health care and create a strong foundation for your future health needs.

Read on to discover the three HSA features that can help you with taxes and grow your wealth to pay for other expenses down the line.

1. Triple tax advantage

One of the most useful HSA features is its triple tax advantage:

  • First and foremost, because HSA contributions are tax-free, they can reduce your taxable income, allowing you to save money.
  • Your contributions also grow tax-free, allowing you to save for expected and unforeseen medical expenses.
  • Finally, contribution withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.

2. Rollover funds

Unlike an FSA, an HSA is not a use-it-or-lose-it tool. You don’t forfeit any money you don’t spend in a given year. The funds roll over year-to-year, and you’re never required to use them. You can simply let your money grow tax-free until you want or need to use it.

The money you put into your HSA stays yours no matter what. So, if you start an HSA account in conjunction with an employer-provided high-deductible health care plan, you can take that HSA money with you if you change jobs. You can also transfer the funds to another HSA account if needed. That’s why it’s one of the best ways to save for qualified medical expenses this year and for many years to come.

3. Contribution limits

Your HSA can be a powerful tool for your taxes and health care expenses as long as you know and follow the IRS’s rules for this type of account.

Each year, there are set limits on how much you can contribute to your HSA. For example, in 2024, contributions were capped up to $4,150 if you were covered by a high-deductible health plan just for yourself or $8,300 if you had coverage for your family.

Contribution limits change every year based on inflation. So, for the 2025 tax year, you can contribute up to $4,300 for yourself or $8,550 for your family. Also, at age 55, you can contribute an additional $1,000 a year.

Pay attention to the IRS contribution limits and contribute to your HSA ahead of the tax deadline to reduce your taxable income.

Are you ready to save?

If you’re ready to take advantage of these three HSA features, consider opening an account with Fidelity Investments.

Fidelity HSAs are rated #1 HSA by Morningstar for six years in a row. There’s no minimum balance to invest, and you’ll have access to the company’s brokerage platform, offering the widest range of options for any investor. Best of all, Fidelity HSA’s competitive cash rate — 4.04% (as of Feb. 19) — means your money always has potential to grow.

Whether you are saving for expenses now or investing for the future, Fidelity can help your money work harder for you. To learn more about how an HSA can help you this tax season and beyond, visit Fidelity.com/WhyHSA.

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Storm season is coming: How to prepare for a power outage

2025-03-12T16:01:01

(BPT) – Changing seasons bring stormy weather, so as temperatures start rising, you’ll want to prepare for severe weather — and the power outages that can result. The good news is, there are several steps you can take now so you won’t be caught off guard when the lights go out.

Here are things you can do to be ready for anything Mother Nature might send your way.

Storm-proof your property

When high winds, lightning, heavy rain or sleet occur, you’ll want to be sure your house and property are in good condition, to help minimize damage — and the potential for downed power lines.

Check that your roof, windows, gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and don’t need repairs. This is also a good time to have an arborist trim your trees, especially those near your home or power lines. In some areas, utility companies will trim trees that are close to power lines if you request it. You may also want to review what lawn furniture could become hazardous in high winds, and plan to anchor or store it when extreme weather is in the forecast.

Stay informed

During volatile weather seasons, stay updated about local weather conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast so you can plan ahead, and make sure to follow recommendations and mandates from local officials regarding safety precautions, area travel, preparing your home and evacuating if necessary.

Create an emergency kit

Use an airtight, waterproof container to store items you may need in case of a power outage or severe weather, such as extra flashlights and batteries, a radio to receive weather updates, wireless chargers, first-aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water. Find more ideas for what to include per season at Ready.gov.

Back up your power

The single most effective way to be prepared for a power outage is investing in a solar generator for your home. For example, the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus offers the most accessible whole-home backup power plus outage power to outlast.

The SOLIX F3800 Plus features dual 165V solar inputs, supporting a series of connections of up to 8 400-watt solar panels (4 panels per input). This allows users to maximize their solar capacity with fewer cables while achieving a massive combined input of 3,200W. As a result, the F3800 Plus can be fully recharged in just 1.5 hours, setting a new standard for solar input efficiency in the industry. The F3800 Plus is also compatible with any 240V generator that supports 6,000W bypass charging. Additionally, its 6,000W Dual-Voltage AC output makes it easy to power your entire home. That means your home will be ready for:

  • Rolling outages (short-term): The F3800 Plus offers you a disruption-free living experience with its massive output power, allowing you to run all appliances in your home freely.
  • Extreme weather outages (long-term): You can have long-lasting power thanks to the unit’s massive solar input efficiency (3,200W) and its compatibility with a gas generator. A separately purchased Generator Input Adapter allows you to recharge the power station via a gas generator, ensuring continuous power regardless of how long the outage lasts.

The F3800 Plus is customizable, offering a significant base capacity of 3,840Wh which can be expanded to an impressive 26,880Wh by adding up to 6 additional battery packs. This lets you customize energy storage for your family’s specific needs, providing enough power to sustain your home for about a week during extended power outages. Whether keeping your fridge running to prevent food spoiling or ensuring operation of critical systems like well pumps, this expandable capacity meets a variety of power needs, providing peace of mind in unpredictable situations.

When paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel, the F3800 Plus transforms into a complete whole house backup system. Its unique AC coupling capability allows it to seamlessly integrate with both grid and solar power sources, enabling full house use of stored energy.

Supporting up to 3200W of efficient solar input from rooftop, fixed or portable panels, the system maximizes the use of solar energy by powering your home and storing excess energy for later use. This not only extends the duration of your backup power, but also helps you easily achieve energy independence. In the event of a power outage, the system switches to backup mode in as little as 30 milliseconds — ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting connected devices.

Under optimal conditions, the station fully recharges in 1.5 hours, setting a new portable power benchmark. Best yet, the unit can seamlessly power devices while recharging via solar power, thanks to its simultaneous charge/discharge functionality.

Visit AnkerSolix.com to learn more about solar generators to help keep your home powered this storm season.

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how you prepare for and respond to your circumstances. Following these steps, you’ll feel more confident that you can weather almost any storm with minimal disruption to your life.

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Shop Your Values: How Tom’s of Maine is Doing Right by People and the Planet

2025-03-12T15:33:00

(BPT) – If you want to do right by the planet and help make a difference, you can choose brands that align with your values — whether it’s sustainability, waste reduction, social responsibility, or all of the above. Every purchase is a chance to support what matters to you.

Before you buy, take the time to do a little research on companies you shop from, so your purchasing decisions reflect who you are and what you care about most. Look for brands that demonstrate a concerted effort to help the planet.

A commitment to the planet

One company that has taken positive steps toward a more sustainable future is Tom’s of Maine. Along with their natural oral care and personal care products, including their well-known toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps, and deodorant, the brand champions doing right by the planet.

“A thriving planet is essential for everyone,” said Cristiane Martini, Vice President and General Manager of Tom’s of Maine and North America Sustainability. “That’s why we’ve committed to responsible ingredient sourcing, reducing waste, and alternative packaging options. Every choice we make considers the long-term health of the environment.”

Here are some of the ways Tom’s of Maine is taking action:

Reducing emissions and waste

Tom’s of Maine has a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and has already procured 100% renewable electricity at their Sanford Manufacturing Plant. The company achieved TRUE® certification for zero waste at their Sanford plant in 2024, which means 90% of their solid, non-hazardous waste is diverted from landfills, incineration (waste-to-energy), and the environment.

Plastic circularity

Imagine if your personal care products were made from last week’s yogurt cup? Well, Tom’s of Maine has made that a reality. While traditional deodorant packaging is made of virgin plastic, Tom’s of Maine redesigned the product to create a barrel made from 100% recycled material.

Tom’s of Maine is also working to reduce waste and make personal care products easier to recycle. In 2019, the company launched the first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube, designed to help keep tubes out of landfills and give them a second life. The company joined forces with Repurpose Global and The Recycling Partnership to expand access to recycling in communities that currently lack the necessary infrastructure.

“We’re working toward a more circular future where the plastic we put into the market is recycled,” said Michelle Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday Good at Tom’s of Maine. “And we hope our actions will challenge others in the industry to advance their sustainability goals too.”

Tom’s of Maine’s sustainability goals

The company’s environmental goals are ambitious, reflecting their desire to effect real change.

• By 2025: Create alternative solutions in each product category that lead to plastic reductions, and support recycling collection efforts leading to recycling of an equivalent amount of plastic that they put into the market.

• By 2030: Use 100% sustainably sourced material including recycled content, certified sustainable fiber or biobased plastic.

• By 2040: Achieve net zero GHG emissions.

“We believe everyday actions create a positive impact for people and the planet,” said Waring. “That’s why we continue striving toward these sustainability goals and thoughtfully design all our products to be natural, and effective.”

What B Corp certification means

One thing to look for when seeking more environmentally responsible brands to shop from is whether they are B Corp certified, a distinction Tom’s of Maine has upheld since 2019. To achieve B Corp certification, a company undergoes a review of its social and environmental impact to meet standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. This continued commitment demonstrates the philosophy and driving force behind the people and products at Tom’s of Maine.

“This certification reinforces our commitment to making business decisions that benefit everyone — from our consumers and employees to the communities we serve and the planet we all share,” said Rob Robinson, Director of Brand Impact at Tom’s of Maine.

What you can do

Making the world a better place starts with small, intentional choices — like choosing products with recyclable packaging and supporting brands that share your values. By consciously shopping from companies that prioritize the planet, you can help drive change. And with brands like Tom’s of Maine, you can be confident you’re choosing natural products that work.

Tom’s of Maine lives this commitment by reinvesting 10% of its annual profits into nonprofit organizations that are doing good in their community. For example, one of the brand’s programs is “Get into Nature,” a partnership with the National Recreation Foundation (NRF) that works to create more equitable access to outdoor recreation and foster deeper connections with nature across the United States. The program has supported over 80 local organizations, and the next cohort for the “Get into Nature” program will be announced in April 2025.

With Tom’s of Maine, every purchase contributes to actively supporting organizations working toward a healthier planet.

To learn more about Tom’s of Maine’s sustainability efforts, read the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Report, or visit TomsOfMaine.com.

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Leading Fast-Casual Noodle Restaurant Unveils Irresistible New Dishes, Enhanced Classics, and a Fresh Brand Identity

2025-03-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s consumers are continuously seeking out elevated dining experiences, leading many fast-casual restaurants to look for new and innovative ways to bring guests through their doors. For Noodles & Company, this means the biggest menu transformation in its 30-year history, reimagining two-thirds of its menu to ensure every dish is designed to ignite guests’ taste buds with bolder flavors, more craveable sauces, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients.

No Noodle Left Unturned

After 18 months of passion, perseverance, and relentless testing and innovation, Noodles & Company’s refreshed menu delivers a more satisfying, tastefully curated experience while offering variety for every palate. From perfectly matched noodle shapes that maximize sauce coverage to layered flavors featuring premium ingredients like roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and pickled red onions, every dish is thoughtfully crafted. Whether guests crave comfort, spice, or global variety, the new menu ensures a flavorful option for everyone.

New items on the menu include:

  • Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese: Elbow noodles in creamy cheddar and jack cheese sauce with parmesan-crusted chicken, topped with Buffalo sauce, green onions, crispy onions and a drizzle of ranch.
  • Garlic Bacon Crunch Mac & Cheese: Elbow noodles in a creamy garlic cheddar sauce with bacon and white cheddar, topped with crispy onions, parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
  • Pulled Pork BBQ Mac & Cheese: Elbow noodles in creamy cheddar and jack cheese sauce with smoky pulled pork, topped with tangy BBQ sauce, green onions and crispy onions.
  • Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine: Fettuccine noodles in Cajun-spiced alfredo sauce with shrimp, bacon and roasted red peppers, topped with parmesan and green onions.
  • Green Goddess Cobb Salad: Mixed greens, grilled chicken, bacon, hard-boiled egg, avocado, feta, grape tomatoes, Persian cucumber, pickled red onions, garlic croutons and green goddess ranch dressing.
  • Lemon Parmesan Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets topped with salted butter, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, and lemon.

Fan Favorites, Reimagined

The refreshed menu also brings an exciting new take on current guest favorites — now richer, saucier, and with more vegetables and elevated finishes than ever:

  • Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese: Noodles & Company’s most beloved dish — formerly known as Wisconsin Mac & Cheese — is now even better. Cheesier and creamier than ever, this fan-favorite features elbow noodles smothered in a creamy cheddar and jack cheese sauce, then topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  • Rigatoni Rosa: Formerly known as Penne Rosa, this elevated dish now has more of the spicy tomato cream sauce guests love, slow-roasted tomatoes, 18-month aged Parmesan, and hearty rigatoni noodles that soak up every velvety bite of its delicious sauce.
  • Basil Pesto Cavatappi: A fan-favorite made even better, now with more of its signature basil pesto sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aged Parmesan for a deeper, more indulgent flavor in every forkful.
  • Chicken Caesar Salad: A fresh take on a timeless classic, featuring crisp romaine, grilled chicken, new buttery herb croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing, all finished with an irresistible combination of grated and shaved Parmesan for added depth and texture.

Staying true to its commitment to freshness, Noodles & Company continues to hand-chop vegetables and prepare noodles in-house daily — never relying on freezers. To enhance both the flavor of each dish and the appeal when it’s served, each dish is finished with premium touches and every bowl is made exactly to order.

Noodles & Company even encourages guests to step outside their comfort zones and try something new, backed by its Goodness Guarantee. This commitment guarantees satisfaction by offering guests free exchanges for any entrée that guests don’t love.

For more exclusive offers, guests can also join Noodles Rewards for free through the Noodles & Company mobile app or website. Members earn points on every order, which are redeemable for craveable favorites. And now through the end of March, everyone can score double points on the new menu!

Run, Don’t Walk, To Noodles & Company!

Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or eager to discover a new favorite, the latest menu has something for everyone. Now available at all locations nationwide, guests can enjoy these delicious new offerings by dining in, ordering through the mobile app, or opting for convenient third-party delivery.