XMWare

2024-01-03T11:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again: you feel the tickle in the back of your throat, think you’re coming down with something, and visit the local urgent care. They ask for a copay, and you pay it. But have you given any thought to how you pay for medical expenses?

Enter the health savings account. HSAs can be a powerful tool to help save and pay for qualified medical expenses. If you’re one of many Americans enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you have access to one of the most tax-efficient savings options available.

If this is news to you, you’re not alone: research from Fidelity Investments finds more than half of Americans are unfamiliar with the features of HSAs. Here’s what you need to know to start unlocking the potential of your HSA:

1. Leverage the triple-tax advantage[i]

Navigating the health journey can be incredibly complicated, and rising health care costs don’t make it any easier. The triple tax–advantaged nature of HSAs can offer some help by reducing your taxable income: the money you contribute to the account goes in tax-free, you can withdraw your HSA funds to spend on qualified medical expenses with no tax penalty, and all the money in the account can grow tax-free as well.

“With such a strong link between health and financial well-being, HSAs can play an important role in your overall financial plan,” said Karen Volo, head of health and benefit accounts at Fidelity. “Having a dedicated, tax-advantaged way to pay for both anticipated and unexpected health costs can bring greater peace of mind.”

2. You can pay for a lot more than just doctor visits

Qualified medical expenses that apply to an HSA run the gamut from copays and deductibles to more niche services you might not expect. Things like medical equipment, family planning services, acupuncture, or even lead-based paint removal may fall under this umbrella if certain requirements are met.

3. Your employer may make contributions

Many employers actually help their workforce pay for health care costs through contributions to their HSA. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, make sure you check to see if this benefit is available to you.

“Think of this like an employer contribution for your health,” said Volo. “You won’t get a tax deduction on what your employer contributes, but you will be able to spend it on qualified expenses tax-free or give it the potential to grow over time by investing it.”

4. You can invest funds held in your HSA

The money you contribute to your HSA is tax-free, and it can be invested to potentially grow over time, which is an especially valuable contribution to your retirement nest egg. That’s great news for your wallet when you consider that the average 65-year-old retiring in 2023 can expect to spend $157,500 in health care costs throughout retirement.[ii]

5. Your HSA is yours to keep

According to Fidelity, 46% of Americans believe they’ll have to forfeit the money in their HSA at the end of the year if they don’t use it. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.

“Remember, unlike a flexible spending account, there are no use-it-or-lose-it rules in your HSA,” explained Volo. “The account is always yours, even if you change employers, and the money you contribute can be used now and in the future.”

Is an HSA right for you?

If you’re eligible and interested in opening an account, consider a Fidelity HSA™, named the #1 HSA by Morningstar for 2023.[iii]

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

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.

The information provided here is general in nature. It is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal or tax advice. Because the administration of an HSA is a taxpayer responsibility, customers should be strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisor before opening an HSA. Customers are also encouraged to review information available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for taxpayers, which can be found on the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov. They can find IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans, and IRS Publication 502,Medical and Dental Expenses (including the Health Coverage Tax Credit), online, or you can call the IRS to request a copy of each at 800.829.3676.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC

900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

1118687.1.0

© 2023 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Ready to start 2024 and improve your home life? You don’t have to do it alone. This year, achieve your New Year’s resolutions with a little help from smart appliances and apps.

Smart appliances on their own make everyday tasks incredibly convenient and simple, removing barriers that would otherwise make staying committed to your home-life resolutions a challenge. However, you can take it to the next level by using their integrated smart apps.

LG Electronics USA wants to help you live a smarter and easier life with its smart appliances and, more importantly, its integrated app. The ThinQ app is a smart hub managing all smart devices and appliances, ensuring they run smoothly and keeping you connected and in control. Not convinced? Check out three resolutions you can achieve with ease this year with a little help from smart appliances and a hassle-free app.

1. Become a home chef with ease

If you want to become a better cook so you can eat healthier, impress friends and family and explore your culinary creativity, you can achieve this goal with ease with the help of some smart technology. Even if you have limited culinary experience, smart appliances and connected apps can help you learn new recipes and control your oven, range or refrigerator with convenience.

For example, using LG’s ThinQ app, you can access recipes, order ingredients and send instructions to your smart oven or microwave. Once you know what you want to make and how to make it, use ThinQ to remotely start the proof function and bake breads, pastries and other delicacies like a pro.

The app also lets you customize time and temperature controls so you can achieve a chef-level dish every time. When you inevitably have to clean your oven after all your cooking adventures, simply remote start the EasyClean cycle.

2. Take on chores like a champ

Do you have trouble staying on top of household tasks? Smart dishwashers, washers, and dryers can make it easy to become a chore champion.

If you’ve handwashed a few dishes and just need to dry them, don’t pick up the dish towel. Use the ThinQ app and set your dishwasher for a dry-only cycle. Did you load the dishwasher but forget to start it? No worries. Just use your phone to remotely start and stop the dishwasher and check its progress. Best of all, you can use the app to download customized wash cycles for pots and pans, glassware and even pet bowls.

Don’t dread doing laundry. With a smart washer and dryer, you can care for your clothes with peace of mind. Using the ThinQ app, you can download specialized cycles and laundry settings, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your delicates. The smart technology also incrementally dispenses detergent for better cleaning. Don’t forget to use ThinQ to pair your LG washer and dryer so they can communicate over Wi-Fi and select appropriate settings based on the most recent load.

3. Handle home maintenance like a pro

Home maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind. When you’re busy getting the kids off to school, running out the door to work and staying on top of dinner, shopping and hosting loved ones, it’s easy for home maintenance tasks to slip your mind. However, a smart app and paired devices can help you stay organized and on top of tasks like a pro.

For example, the ThinQ app sends alerts to your smartphone to stay ahead of potential appliance issues and offers real-time diagnosis. Armed with this knowledge, you create proactive solutions and avoid preventable repairs and service calls.

When you link the ThinQ app with an Alexa-enabled device, you’ll know when you’re running low on laundry or dish detergent, fabric softener and rinse aid. Alexa will also automatically place an Amazon order for these products, so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.

Don’t worry about keeping track of your water filter. ThinQ monitors the water filter, so you’ll know when it needs replacing. Just like with your detergent items, Alexa can automatically reorder water filters through Amazon based on your usage.

A new year means a new you. This year, let LG help you become a better homemaker so you can spend more time and energy with those you love. To learn more, visit LG ThinQ | LG USA.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you are one of the more than 35 million Americans who are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you already know how disruptive it can be to your life. While OSA is one of the most common and serious sleep disorders, the condition is widely under-diagnosed, so the number of affected Americans may be far greater.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, blocking normal breathing. This can lead to low levels of oxygen in your blood while you sleep and result in poor sleep, fatigue and sleepiness that can negatively impact quality of life for many. In the long term, OSA has also been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Most people diagnosed with OSA are prescribed positive air pressure therapy devices such as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which can work very well in helping people receive the oxygen they need while they are sleeping. However, because many have difficulty using or tolerating these devices, a significant percentage of the population with OSA remains untreated, undertreated and at risk.

A new option for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Apnimed is a pharmaceutical company working to change the way OSA is treated. The company recently completed a large Phase 2b clinical trial, called MARIPOSA, to study AD109 (an investigational medication which is a single pill taken at bedtime) as a possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

AD109 has the potential to be the first oral medication that treats both the underlying cause of OSA — airway obstruction at night — and improve the daytime symptoms of OSA, such as fatigue. It is designed to treat people with OSA from mild to severe.

Many patients with OSA are unable to adequately treat their condition with existing options, and the team at Apnimed is driven to find new solutions for patients and their doctors to overcome these barriers to treatment. The success of this effort is largely dependent on the dedicated work done by patients and doctors in the community who take part in clinical research.

“MARIPOSA results showed that AD109 improved daytime fatigue, which is an often debilitating effect of poor sleep due to OSA,” said Paula Schweitzer, Ph.D., an investigator in the MARIPOSA trial and director of research at St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Chesterfield, Missouri. “For those who cannot tolerate current treatments, AD109 has the potential to be a convenient oral pill that could improve people’s quality of life at night and during the daytime as well.”

Learn about enrolling in the clinical trial

With the promising results from the MARIPOSA study, a new study is now available for people with OSA.

If you or a loved one has obstructive sleep apnea and you are unable to successfully use or tolerate treatment with a CPAP machine, you could be eligible to enroll in a six-month clinical trial called SynAIRgy.

To learn more about the clinical trial and to enroll, visit: www.SynAIRgyStudy.com.

2024-01-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – A new year means a new garden! It’s time to start thinking of what you’ll cultivate indoors and outdoors in 2024. Whether large or small, in sun or shade, there are many choices of plants to fill your indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as the tools that make things easier.

Looking for inspiration? Check out The National Garden Bureau’s 2024 Green Thumb Award winners. These plants and products are perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners and will make your garden a success this year and beyond!

1. Hydrangea First Editions Eclipse

The Eclipse^® Hydrangea is a new variety of dark-leaf mophead hydrangea that offers season-long beauty! The shrub’s intense, dark purple leaves hold their color, even in sunny, warm climates. The striking foliage and gorgeous dark purple or cranberry-colored blooms will pair perfectly with anything in your garden, adding dramatic impact. Maturing at 3-5 feet tall and wide, Eclipse^® will stand out as a focal point in the garden or decorative containers. Hardy in zones 5-9.

2. Catmint Chartreuse on the Loose

Chartreuse on the Loose is a perennial perfect for lining the front border. The foliage allows for a full three seasons of interest with bright chartreuse yellow leaves. Clusters of lavender blue flowers bloom just above the foliage and appear all summer long. Unlike most catmint, ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ doesn’t need to be cut back to produce flowers. Hardy in zones 3-8.

3. Begonia Stonehedge Rose Bronze Leaf

Stonehedge begonias are as iconic as their namesake! These annual begonias have extreme vigor, excellent heat tolerance and a well-branched mounded shape that grows up to 48 inches (120 centimeters) tall! You can even plant them in large containers. Eye-catching bronze foliage shows off rich rose blooms. Best of all, there’s no need to deadhead these low-maintenance begonias.

4. Centaurea The Bride

Centaurea The Bride is a large annual featuring pure white flowers with a gorgeous feathery texture scented with sweet vanilla. The bushy plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and works well in containers or beds, a must-have for any pollinator garden.

5. Cucumber Quick Snack

Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the edible category, the Quick Snack Cucumber produces deliciously crisp and sweet cucumbers in a matter of weeks. In just a month or so, you can eat handfuls of cocktail-sized cucumbers fresh off the plant or add to a vegetable platter or salad. You can enjoy cucumbers indoors and out with Quick Snack because the blooms do not require pollinators to produce fruit. An excellent way to enjoy homegrown vegetables all year long without an outdoor garden space.

6. Echeveria Coral Reef Red

Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the houseplant category, Echeveria Coral Reef Red lives up to its name with strongly pronounced ruffled foliage, perfect for adding intense indoor and outdoor colors! Elegant stems produce bell flowers throughout most of the year. This drought-tolerant beauty grows to just under 12 inches tall in full sun or shade.

7. Laura’s Edition 3″ x 36″ Auger

Laura’s Edition Auger is an incredibly useful garden product. Using the extended-length bulb auger, you can effortlessly plant bulbs and 3- to 5-inch potted plants without kneeling or bending over. You’ll be planting trees and shrubs and digging post holes faster than you ever could before with a 3-inch auger drill bit. Power Planter bulb augers are also a great choice for installing beach volleyball poles and umbrellas or boring holes under sidewalks for electrical or irrigation lines.

8. Better Boxwood Skylight™

Be a more successful gardener with this new boxwood! Better Boxwood^® is the first collection of blight-resistant boxwood resulting from two decades of revolutionary breeding and plant trialing. Skylight™ is one of four varieties, including Babylon Beauty™, Heritage™ and Renaissance™. Skylight™ is the faster growing of the collection with medium green leaves, suitable for pruning into shapes, in mass plantings and medium hedges. Hardy to zone 5.

9. Agapanthus Blackjack™

Blackjack agapanthus offers superior performance and exceptional blooms, near-black, purple flower clusters soaring atop tall stems. This resilient agapanthus combines a compact semi-dwarf growth habit with abundant blooms, offering an extended flowering season surpassing conventional varieties. Hardy in zone 8-11 and can be grown as an annual in all other zones. Named the Royal Horticultural Society 2023 Plant of the Year.

10. Petunia AMAZONAS Plum Cockatoo

AMAZONAS™ Plum Cockatoo petunia will certainly attract attention in your garden! These petunias bring a bit of the rainforest to gardens everywhere. Lush green hues pair with vivid, tropical purples to create a truly unique petunia. The variety creates a calming backdrop of natural color that pairs well with foliage plants. Large blooms grow on plants 12 to 18 inches tall.

11. Sunshine^® Black Bear™ Potting Mix

Garden more sustainably with this new product! Black Bear™ is pure carbon captured and stored as a beneficial growing media formulated for growing in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and fabric pots. The potting mix is produced by wood waste that would otherwise be burned or sent to landfills, releasing carbon into our atmosphere. The innovative potting mix provides exceptional aeration and drainage for both indoor and outdoor plants.

Try these exciting new plants and products to make your gardening life easier this year, making you more successful than ever! To learn more, visit NBG.org.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for ways to escape wintertime blues? Experience the boat life in the middle of winter and start planning for warmer days ahead. Beginning in January, boat shows across the country offer the hottest deals around with special pricing and incentives on new boat models and marine accessories — a major draw for the estimated 85 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. For those ready to plan their summer adventures on the water, boat shows are the best place to start.

Whether you are interested in fishing, cruising, water sports or personal watercraft, boat shows provide the unique opportunity to browse and board hundreds of boats in one place while taking advantage of once-a-year pricing. Plus, these premier boating events offer a glimpse at the latest boating technologies and trends, as well as educational opportunities, giving attendees a taste of the boating lifestyle during the offseason with nautical fun for any age and experience level.

Discover Boating, a one-stop destination for all things boating whether you are a current boat owner or just getting your feet wet, helps people navigate ways to get on the water, providing an array of resources to get started.

Check out these expert tips from Discover Boating to get the most out of your visit and go to the Discover Boating Boat Show Calendar to find a show near you:

1. Browse online before cruising to a boat show.

Before visiting a boat show, research new boat models and brands based on your budget and lifestyle through Discover Boating’s Boat Finder tool. Boat Finder makes it easy to find your match online, which can be found exclusively at any Discover Boating boat show. To access the tool, visit your local Discover Boating boat show’s website and click on the Boat Finder button.

2. Shop the show floor.

Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. You can shop all the region’s dealers under one roof and purchase your dream boat right from the show floor. It’s the perfect time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives ready to launch in the spring.

3. Learn the ropes.

Find out more about the boating essentials and take advantage of onsite training and education with tips, tricks, and DIY advice for first-time boaters and seasoned pros alike. Most boat shows offer interactive activities for the whole family from knot-tying and boating 101 seminars to remote-control docking ponds and more.

4. Look for the seal of approval.

When shopping for a boat at a show, online or at a dealership, always check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boats and trailers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

Find a boat show near you by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you’ll also find a list of NMMA Certified boat manufacturers, a Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive^® Insurance, a boat loan calculator to estimate monthly payments, a dealer finder to connect with local boat dealerships, plus more interactive tools and resources to help you get started in boating.

2024-01-02T23:01:00

(BPT) – As the new year is here and you may be setting health goals for yourself, exploring the new weight loss medications might be part of this. Whether you’re considering trying them, currently on one, or recently have ended treatment, it’s important not only to consult with your health care provider for guidance, but also to follow nutrition practices that can support your long-term wellness goals.

To help you in sustaining your weight loss journey, Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD, director of nutrition at Atkins, offers practical advice and recommendations.

“Many patients who are now taking medications to help promote weight loss can face unique challenges,” said Clinthorne. “Health and wellness are long-term goals that go beyond weight, however the good news is that these medications appear to be effective and can really help people reduce their calorie intake by reducing appetite. Ultimately for many people this is an important piece of their wellness journey.”

When your appetite is suppressed and you’re eating less, it becomes more important to focus on nutrition quality and make every bite count. Here are some important factors to keep in mind if you’re taking weight loss medications, and tools to help keep you on track.

1. Focus on maintaining lean muscle

Losing weight typically involves losing some lean muscle tissue, so it’s important that you consume enough protein to help minimize the amount of muscle lost. One way to do that is by following eating patterns that prioritize protein, like the Atkins approach, which has been shown to be helpful for preserving muscle tissue during weight loss. Overall, it’s recommended to seek meals and snacks that are higher in protein, including lean meats, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy and nuts. Also, don’t skimp on exercise, combining resistance training with higher protein intake is typically the best way to preserve lean tissue during weight loss.

2. Make sure to get your vital nutrients

Since weight loss medications can suppress your appetite, your everyday food choices will matter even more. Be sure that the foods you do eat are not full of empty calories and added sugar, but instead are sources of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs, such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, protein and fiber. Many of the newer weight loss medications may also reduce thirst, so make sure to stay well hydrated. Smoothies and soups are great ways to incorporate more nutrition and hydration into your day, without seeming like an overwhelmingly large meal.

3. Find healthier ways to satisfy cravings

It’s important to understand that if you haven’t made nutrition and lifestyle changes, it’s likely you will regain weight if you stop taking these medications. You may also find that your cravings for certain foods — like sweet things — will return when stopping treatment. However, that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all the tastes that you love.

To help you stay on track as you work toward your wellness goals, Atkins offers delicious, indulgent low-carb and low sugar recipes and other options that can help satisfy your cravings for your favorite foods. You can choose from Atkins nutrition bars and shakes which are uniquely formulated with protein, fiber, carbs and fat to help support your weight loss journey.

For example, Atkins PLUS Protein & Fiber Shakes are rich in protein, and also a good source of fiber, calcium and other important vitamins and minerals. Atkins Shakes are portable and a great option to keep you satisfied throughout the day so you don’t end up skipping meals.

“Seek out mini meals like Atkins bars and shakes when your appetite is suppressed, because they provide a one-two punch combining quality protein and fiber,” said Clinthorne. “And for anyone who worries about regaining the weight they’ve lost if they discontinue taking their weight loss medications, Atkins offers delicious products and sustainable low-carb options and recipes that can help support you maintain your weight loss long-term.”

For more information about weight loss medications, and how Atkins can help, visit Atkins.com/weight-loss-medications.

2024-01-02T14:09:56

(BPT) – These days, many Americans do a lot of their shopping and charitable giving online. That is why it’s important for consumers to be conscious of financial scams to protect their identities, bank accounts and monetary transactions. From check fraud and peer-to-peer digital payments (i.e., Zelle, Venmo, Paypal or CashApp) to imposters posing as representatives of banks, roughly three-quarters of Americans reported being targeted by scams last year.

The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) recommends taking the following steps to minimize the possibility of falling victim yourself:

1. Be wary and slow down! Scammers sometimes send text messages or emails claiming to be a fraud alert from the app or your bank. If you don’t recognize the email or phone number, you should proceed with caution. Don’t open attachments or click links from unknown sources, even if they say they are coming from your bank. Like many online scams, scammers will sometimes offer products at unrealistic prices to trick consumers, so resist demands to act quickly.

2. Don’t give out personal information. If a text message asks you to provide any PINs, passwords, Social Security numbers, account information or any other sensitive information, it is likely a scam. Banks rarely ask for this information over the phone and will never ask for a one-time login code. If you have any suspicions, hang up and immediately call your bank.

3. Triple-check payments. And, if you are sending money over a payment app, check every number to ensure accuracy. Some apps prompt senders to verify the recipient’s phone number or otherwise verify their identity. While this is important, double-check the recipient’s account information before you click send. Instant payment apps act like cash, so treat it as such.

“Fraudsters and scammers are getting more sophisticated to trick consumers out of their own money. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful before making a payment to someone, providing any personal information, and especially before giving your bank information to anyone,” CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson said. “Please be vigilant and encourage others to do the same.”

The Consumer Bankers Association and its membership comprising the nation’s leading consumer retail banks encourage consumers to protect their own information and money to avoid falling victim to scams and fraud. More information can be found at www.consumerbankers.com.

2024-01-01T23:01:00

(BPT) – As you make your New Year’s resolutions, you may be thinking about completing your education to pursue your career goals — or even enter an entirely new field. But if you’ve been out of school for a while, how can you make your resolution a reality? Between work, family and other obligations, the idea of going back to college can seem challenging. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make today’s technology, your life experience, your employer and flexible educational opportunities work for you.

To help get you started, here are some ways to maximize your time, energy and financial investment to help you reach your educational goals and check that resolution off your list.

Set your own pace and schedule

These days, there are more available options than ever before to access highly flexible educational opportunities. Many institutions of higher education offer online/remote or hybrid classes that make it easier to fit them into your busy schedule.

When researching opportunities, ask about specifics of different learning modalities, such as whether remote/online classes are synchronous (you attend remotely but at set times, making it easier to engage in real-time interaction) or asynchronous (you can engage with class materials on your own timetable), or how often hybrid classes expect you to participate in person, and where.

You may also consider a school that offers competency-based education (CBE) as an effective way to potentially meet your educational needs more efficiently. Through this flexible learning model, you earn credentials by demonstrating mastery through multiple forms of assessment. Look for a program that is also designed to develop and measure high-demand skills. This will help you demonstrate your capabilities to employers.

Get credit for previous experience

Just because you’ve been out of school for a while doesn’t mean you’ve stopped learning. Many schools today acknowledge the value of adult learners’ experience by offering credit for prior learning (CPL) or experiential learning opportunities, which grant college credit for skills and knowledge you’ve gained outside of school, such as during military service.

It’s always worth asking a higher learning institution what their CPL policies are, and what kind of assessment is required to be granted college credit. Assessments could include (but are not limited to) examinations, certifications, licenses or a review of a portfolio of your work. CPL is one effective way to help you save time, money and effort when you’re working toward a degree program.

Seek flexible, affordable online general education courses

On the road to earning an undergraduate degree, virtually every college or university requires certain general education courses. These classes are typically the necessary prerequisites for taking more advanced courses in any field of study as you work toward a degree. They include introductory classes in a variety of subjects including English, composition, math, science, history and more.

If you haven’t completed some of these crucial classes yet, there are affordable options to help you complete these courses at your own pace. Sophia Learning is an online learning platform that allows students at any stage of their higher education journey to complete college-level general education courses that are ACE^®-recommended for college credit.

Sophia offers over 60 high-quality, general education college-level courses, available through a $99/month subscription. Students can move through the courses at their own pace, making Sophia extremely flexible for busy working adults.

This option provides an affordable alternative pathway to completing general education requirements, offering an integrated experience for students. This means your Sophia subscription includes all your course materials and learning coaches. Visit Sophia.org to learn more about flexible options for completing general education courses.

Explore employer-sponsored tuition benefits

To help attract, retain and upskill employees, many companies today offer education benefits such as tuition assistance — even for part-time employees in some companies — and your coursework does not always need to be directly related to your job. According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2023, providing learning opportunities has become a priority for organizations that are working to improve retention.

Ask your employer about their tuition assistance program, as this can save you money as you work to increase your value as an employee. Some employers also offer these benefits to spouses and children of employees, so that is another avenue to explore.

Using these tips, you can start exploring the possibilities for achieving your educational goals, no matter where you are in your educational journey.

2023-12-29T16:37:00

(BPT) – Every season comes and goes, but winter — with its cold temps and chilly breezes — can seem to drag on longer than others. Rather than loathe being stuck indoors, you’ll love staying warm and cozy as you stream favorite TV and movies with new technology that transforms your entertainment experience.

Just imagine with a touch of a button you can find that one show you are looking for without searching through multiple streaming services. Picture the joy of never having to download streaming apps again. Dream of the possibilities of watching beloved classics and curated collections based on your interests — so you’re never left out in the cold with nothing inspiring to watch.

This is entertainment reality with the Xumo Stream Box, available at no additional monthly cost to Xfinity Internet customers. This unique 4K streaming device has numerous features for the ultimate in-home entertainment in 2024. Here are three key features that are helping people cure their cabin fever and enjoy the most of the long winter months.

Personalized, instant app access

Xumo Stream Box comes preloaded with hundreds of streaming apps, so there’s no need for you to download before you watch. Just say the name of the streaming service into the voice remote to launch it. You can even build personalized viewing lists for every member of the family with “My List.” With just one click, add any show or movie available to a specific list, giving your family a quick way to find what to watch next.

Simplified search across apps

All you have to do is say a show name into the voice remote and the system will search across available apps to find it quickly for you. Xumo Stream Box uses both AI-driven personalization and an in-house editorial team to surface content recommendations, helping you find something to watch without having to jump in and out of apps.

View live channels quickly

With live TV at startup and many live channels to choose from, Xfinity Stream makes it easy to find something to watch. Plus, new features like the “currently playing” tile that shows what’s airing on the last channel you watched, and the built-in channel guide make browsing channels a seamless part of the entertainment experience.

Learn more at Xfinity.com/xumo. No matter the type of winter weather you experience, you’ll be set with endless entertainment possibilities. Snuggle into a blanket, grab your favorite treat, and you’ll be ready to cozy up and enjoy the most of this chilly season from the comfort of your own couch.