XMWare

2026-05-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• Dirt and road salt can leave cars and trucks in rough shape.
• Spring is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
• Get your vehicle ready for spring by replacing wiper blades and cleaning and protecting surfaces from the upholstery to the tires.
• Products from Rain-X and Black Magic help your vehicle effortlessly look great, inside and out.

No matter where you live, the winter probably did a number on your car or truck. Dirt, road salt, de-icing fluid and construction gravel all leave their mark. Even running your vehicle through a car wash isn’t enough to fully restore its appearance or protect it from rust and corrosion. And inside isn’t much better. Months of commuting with windows closed left grime and dust accumulating throughout the interior.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your vehicle helps it work better, last longer, look great — and makes it a lot more enjoyable to drive. To help you get ready for spring and summer daily drives and road trips, the car care experts at Rain-X offer these tips.

Spring maintenance checklist

When was your last oil change and overall vehicle check? If you switched to a lighter viscosity oil for the colder months, consider a heavier motor oil as the temperatures heat up, especially if you live in a hot climate, to help maintain oil pressure. Top off all fluids, including coolant and AC refrigerant.

Winter road conditions likely clogged the engine and cabin air filters with salt, moisture and dirt, so they may need to be replaced. Cold weather can also drain your battery, so check your battery’s health.

Late winter potholes leave tires in rough shape. Look for damage and examine everything from tire pressure and tread depth to proper alignment.

High-quality wiper blades for your vehicle

Spring is the perfect time to replace worn-out wiper blades to be ready for rainy weather. Rain-X is the number one wiper blade brand in America, and has the perfect blades for a variety of conditions and vehicles.

One great option is the Latitude^® Water Repellency 2-n-1 Wiper Blades, which use Rain-X’s water repellent technology that causes water to bead up more easily, and applies that technology directly from the blade to the windshield. Visit RainX.com to find the right blade for your vehicle. All you need to do is enter your year, make and model. It’s that simple.

2026-05-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – For families with young children, summer can feel like one nonstop adventure. From beach days and park visits to playdates, camps and road trips, the season is packed with moments that keep kids moving. Along the way, parents need snacks that are convenient, easy to pack, parent-approved and, most importantly, something kids will actually enjoy while fueling themselves for the next adventure.

Coming up with good options can be a challenge, especially for parents of opinionated preschoolers. While nearly 30% of parents are searching for better-for-you snack alternatives, only 38% report high satisfaction with the current options.

If that sounds familiar, a little planning can go a long way. Here are a few simple, on-the-go snacking tips from Goodies, a new snack brand for preschoolers, to help make busy summer days easier.

Give kids choices, without overwhelming them

Preschool-aged children like to have autonomy, but can also feel overwhelmed by too many decisions. Keep it simple by offering a few parent-approved options so whatever they choose works for you.

Consider creating a special snack drawer, box or spot in the fridge that kids know they can choose from when they’re at home, or when they’re packing their own backpacks for camps, trips and other outings.

Keep them portable

Stick with snack items that can be easily packed, carried and yes, eaten in the car when you’re hurrying from one activity to another. Consider the mess factor also — is this something that could create too many crumbs or spills?

You’ll give kids more of a sense of autonomy by offering them individually portioned snacks like Goodies, small applesauce pouches, or crackers or pretzels that you can easily divide into baggies or reusable containers. It’s also convenient to include snacks that come in their own natural packaging, like clementines and bananas.

Look for snacks made with young kids in mind

Kids want snacks that feel fun, flavorful and made for “big kids,” while parents want options that are convenient, mess-free and made with ingredients they can trust. Goodies brings it all together with bites, bars and crunchy snacks designed for ages 4+.

Each package features playful characters inspired by real kids’ drawings, while the snacks inside were taste-tested by kids and parents. Goodies snacks are non-GMO and gluten free, and contain no artificial sweeteners, food dyes or high fructose corn syrup. They’re also individually portioned, making them easy to pack for camp, road trips, park days and other summer outings.

• Banana Bread Mini Oat Bites: Soft and chewy oat bites bursting with real banana flavor, made with dried fruit and whole grains and no added sweeteners or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
• PB&J Poppers: These come in two kid-friendly flavors — Grape and Strawberry — featuring soft-baked peanut and oat crust bars with a delicious jammy filling, plus 6 grams of whole grains, 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per bar.
• Mac & Cheese Noodles: Crunchy, savory Mac & Cheese flavored puffs are noodle-shaped, seasoned with real cheese and packed with flavor.
• Sea Salt Sweet Potato Sticks: Savory and crunchy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Sticks fuel snack time with just four ingredients, and are lightly seasoned with sea salt.
• Cinna-Toast Squares: Bite-sized cinnamon sugar squares for a craveable, better-for-you snack that’s just the right combo of sweet and crunchy.

Newly launched in the U.S., and already loved in nine countries, they can be found in the baby-toddler aisle at select Walmart and Kroger stores, and online via Amazon.

Excite kids with variety

Keep snack time exciting by offering a mix of wholesome snacks in different flavors and textures — from sweet and salty to smooth, creamy, chewy and crunchy. Pairing options like Goodies with favorites such as fresh fruit, applesauce or yogurt helps keep things fun and encourages kids to explore what they love.

By offering practical, portable snacks and giving kids a little room to choose, parents can help keep kids fueled for wherever summer takes them.

2026-05-26T12:55:00

(BPT) – Spring is a great time to take a fresh look at your outdoor spaces and spruce things up in time for get-togethers and barbecues, or simply to boost your home’s curb appeal. But it can be a challenge to make the time for big outdoor projects when you’ve got an active family and busy schedule. Fortunately, there are some easy and affordable ways to instantly improve the look of your yard and garden that you can get done in a single weekend — or less.

Here are a few ideas from the concrete and hardscaping experts at TCC Materials^® to help you make the most of your time while you improve the look of your home’s exterior, so you can get back to enjoying everything you love about the warmer months.

Go for a clean sweep by power washing

As you probably know, winter can do a number on sidewalks, driveways, pathways and patios, leaving them looking dingy, dirty and unappealing. To get started, consider renting a power washer at your local home improvement store or equipment rental facility. Power washing is a great way to instantly refresh the look of your outdoor space.

Once your surface is clean, consider using a concrete sealer to protect and enhance the look of your driveway, sidewalk or patio. For example, you can use Tenon^® Concrete & Masonry Sealer WB from TCC Materials, which is a ready-to-use, water-based sealer for protecting above-grade concrete and masonry surfaces. It penetrates deeply to block moisture and staining, reducing damage from salt, stains and cracking, without changing the appearance of concrete, masonry, brick, stone, stucco or block. Ready to get started? You can find it on Amazon.com.

Instantly renew your mulch

Don’t have time to dig out all that faded, ugly old mulch in your garden or around your trees and replace it with fresh material? There’s a much easier, smarter and waste-reducing solution: Use NorthRock^® Mulch Renew^® from TCC Materials. This simple, DIY solution restores the rich, fresh appearance of mulch using a unique polymer blend that promotes secure fiber adhesion, helping mulch retain its color longer.

This easy-to-use spray-on formula comes in black, red, brown or gold, providing long-lasting, vivid color that immediately makes your landscaping look newly refreshed, and it dries in just 48 hours. Even better, it’s a non-toxic, water-based formula that’s safe for plants, pets and wildlife. Available at Amazon.com.

Revive your lawn

Spring lawns can often appear tired, brown, patchy — and not at all ready for prime time. You may want a fresh start, but the results of fertilizing and reseeding your lawn can take a long time. What can you do to improve its appearance in the meantime?

The solution is NorthRock Grass Color, which offers a fast-drying formula that provides your grass with a vibrant, natural-looking green color. The spray-on grass color can easily cover unsightly imperfections, dormant brown grass and patchy areas. It’s also non-toxic and water-based, which means it’s safe for plants, pets and wildlife. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

Get a little edgy

The quickest way to create a cleaner look for the borders of unruly spring lawns and gardens is to create or improve its existing edging. This technique helps to define the lines between your lawn, garden beds and walkways to create an instantly sharp, professional look. You can use a simple spade, hoe, half-moon edger or edging iron to work on edging, which takes some elbow grease, or use a power edging tool.

You can also create a beautifully defined border between your lawn and mulch, or around tree rings, gardens, flower beds and more by adding Borgert^® Bullet Edgers from TCC Materials. Bullet edgers are a simple, easy and quick way to add a touch of classic elegance to your landscape. They are available in Charcoal, Buff Blend, Dark Brown, Gray, Mocha and Tan.

Don’t mow too low

Help your grass recover early in the season. Spring lawns need a lot of TLC, and over-mowing can stress your grass. To encourage the best spring appearance while also improving your lawn’s health, be sure to mow no lower than 2.5 to 3 inches for the first few cuts to remove winter damage.

Later in the season, you can gradually raise the mowing height to 3 to 4 inches to encourage deep rooting and prevent lawn stress.

All of these tasks will help your outdoor space look cleaner, refreshed and inviting, and can be completed in a weekend or less. Once you’re done, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy hanging out with friends and family in your newly revamped yard and garden.

Visit TCCMaterials.com for more helpful products that can improve the look and function of your outdoor spaces.

2026-05-26T14:33:00

(BPT) – As forecasters warn of a hotter-than-normal summer across much of North America, couples planning summer getaways are rethinking the classic summer escape and heading for the mountains to enjoy cooler air, fewer crowds and a different kind of summer experience.

One destination seeing increased interest is Beaver Creek Resort, where alpine scenery meets modern, luxury travel. Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the resort offers a mix of elevated experiences, including unique outdoor adventures, exceptional dining, luxurious spas and wellness experiences, and world-class performing arts designed for both relaxation and connection.

Outdoor adventures at altitude and just-for-kids experiences

Instead of ski runs, summer visitors to Beaver Creek can take scenic chairlift rides, hike through wildflower-filled meadows or explore the backcountry by bike, horseback or Jeep. Activities like fly fishing, golf and tennis offer additional ways to spend time outdoors without the intensity of peak summer heat.

Pro tip: For couples traveling with kids, bringing the whole family doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice time alone. Beaver Creek Kids Summer Day and Weeklong Camps offer outdoor adventures for all ages, including water rafting, zip line tours, gondola rides, dinosaur fossil hunting, adventure parks, rock climbing, horseback riding and Jeep touring.

Older kids can head inside to Hawks Nest Cabin, a modern alpine cabin in the heart of the Village for preteens and teenagers with craft nonalcoholic beverages, a dance floor, a ski simulator, an arcade, table games and lounge spots that offer cool backdrops for selfies. While your kids play in an exciting yet safe environment, you and your partner can relax and rekindle the romance.

Truly unique excursions and luxury dining nestled in a mountain village

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, book an on-mountain excursion that ends with gourmet dining at 9,000 feet, pairing mountain views with curated wine tastings and locally sourced cuisine. The journey starts with a guided scenic hike or a 4×4 Jeep adventure through the Rockies and ends at Beano’s Cabin, one of Colorado’s most famous restaurants.

Beano’s is known for its eco-friendly production techniques, creative flavors, fresh herbs and vegetables (many of which are grown on-site), and a vast selection of rare wines. There you’ll indulge in gourmet wine and cheese pairings with artisanal charcuterie boards, all while taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas.

Dining in the mountains gives you the rare opportunity to sample luxury cuisine among the clouds. At Beaver Creek, you can choose from over 20 exceptional culinary options. From Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants like Mirabelle and Splendido to cozy cabin eateries, you can unleash your inner gourmand in mountain vistas.

If you’re planning a couples getaway for mid-July, take advantage of The Alpine Table. For two exclusive nights, July 17 and 18, Beaver Creek will host an unforgettable dining experience set in an aspen grove at the top of Bachelor Gulch, curated by the executive chefs of Beaver Creek’s famed cabins and other fine dining restaurants in Beaver Creek. This five-course farm-to-table evening offers stunning mountain sunset views and refined alpine cuisine, perfect for a romantic dinner in the beautiful outdoors.

Elevated spa experiences

Tap into the restorative qualities of the high-altitude environment, cooler temperature and stunning natural surroundings with Beaver Creek’s world-class spa retreats. You can indulge in the Colorado Wild Rose Cure at The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Exhale Spa or experience a Miner’s Mineral Mud Wrap at The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bachelor Gulch.

Whether you book a spa romance package for two or opt for separate wellness experiences that allow you to come back together refreshed and ready to spend more time together, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including facials, massage, acupuncture, body treatments and more.

World-class performing arts with a view

The mountains may be far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take in world-class performing arts during your elevated getaway. During your stay at Beaver Creek, be sure to check out the Vilar Performing Arts Center, one of the only facilities of its kind in a mountain resort.

Since 1998, the Vilar has hosted a variety of year-round performances, including Broadway musicals, theater, rock concerts, family shows, jazz, comedy, dance, film and more. It’s the perfect venue to take in a show and bond over your shared love of theater or music.

The Vilar isn’t the only option for musical performances. Visitors can pick up a gourmet picnic basket from Citrea and enjoy BC Unplugged, free live music on the village stage every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. The summer lineup features national touring artists including the Young Dubliners, BoDeans, Freddy Jones Band, The Samples, Yonder Mountain Stringband and others.

Plan your couples escape to the mountains

This summer, grow closer, make memories and enjoy the outdoors with a touch of luxury. To learn more and start planning your perfect mountain vacation, visit BeaverCreek.com.

2026-05-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• The cost of car ownership in 2026 continues to rise, driven by higher vehicle prices, financing and ongoing expenses like insurance, maintenance and fuel
• Traditional options like buying or leasing a car typically require multi-year commitments that may not reflect changing lifestyles
• New alternatives, including flexible and more affordable leasing models like Flexcar, are emerging to provide a simpler, month-to-month alternative to traditional car ownership

The cost of getting a car in 2026 continues to rise, leading more Americans to rethink the traditional path of buying or leasing. Higher vehicle prices, long-term financing and ongoing expenses are driving up the total cost, with insurance alone averaging nearly $2,700 per year, not including maintenance, repairs or fluctuating fuel costs. At the same time, both buying and leasing typically require multi-year commitments, locking drivers into financial obligations that may not reflect how people live and move today.

“Life changes. We move cities or switch jobs. Families grow and plans shift. But one thing hasn’t changed: how we buy cars,” said Jake Marston, VP of Marketing. “For decades, buying a car has meant large down payments, unexpected repair bills, long-term debt and fixed contracts that are out of step with modern life.”

That’s where newer car ownership alternatives are gaining traction. Flexcar offers an innovative and more affordable leasing model that bundles the major costs of having a car into a single monthly payment, including insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. Designed for flexibility, it allows members to switch vehicles or adjust mileage plans as their needs change, whether that means upgrading to a larger SUV, choosing a more efficient option for a new commute or driving something different for the season. Members can also return their car at any time without early termination penalties.

“Since 2021, members have driven over 300 million miles across our markets, a clear sign that drivers are ready for a different model,” said Jake Marston, VP of Marketing at Flexcar. “Flexcar gives people a simpler, more flexible way to get a car, without the multi-year loan commitments and unpredictable costs of traditional ownership.”

How Flexcar differs from traditional car buying or leasing

Buying a car is a long-term responsibility, involving purchasing a vehicle outright or financing that purchase with a loan lasting several years and fixed monthly payments. In addition to upfront costs and dealer fees, owners are fully responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, depreciation and resale value.

While leasing is often seen as a lower-commitment alternative to buying, it still comes with a multi-year contract, typically 2-4 years, and fixed monthly payments for the duration of the lease. Drivers may also face upfront fees, strict mileage limits and potential end-of-term charges. In many cases, lease agreements require higher insurance coverage, which can drive up monthly costs beyond the base payment.

Unlike traditional buying or leasing, Flexcar provides a flexible, all-inclusive alternative with no multi-year commitment. One monthly payment covers the vehicle, insurance, routine maintenance and roadside assistance. Members can switch cars or mileage plans as their needs change, or return the vehicle at any time without early termination penalties. This gives drivers more flexibility and more predictable monthly costs, without multi-year contract obligations.

Flexcar aims to make having a car more flexible and more predictable, reducing the financial uncertainty often associated with traditional ownership.

2026-05-21T09:57:01

(BPT) – In the first three months of 2026 alone, there were 26 disaster declarations in the U.S. — higher than the five-year average. This includes emergencies like fires, severe storms and floods, all of which put your home and valuables at risk. Even if you don’t think you live in a fire-prone area, shifting weather patterns nationwide, like rising temperatures and drought conditions, are increasing fire risk in unexpected regions including the Midwest, South and Southeast.

The good news is, you can take proactive steps to protect the valuables in your home, including critical documents and priceless family heirlooms that could easily be destroyed by fire or flooding. With over a century of experience in protection and security, Master Lock recommends these simple tips to stay one step ahead in preparing for natural disasters or house fires.

Prepare an emergency kit “go bag”

Be prepared for potential disaster evacuation by ensuring everyone in your household has an emergency kit or “go bag” containing necessities ready to go at a moment’s notice. While the contents of each individual’s bag may vary, consider items that are necessary and may be hard to get on the road. Include things like water, protein bars, prescription medications, cash, a first aid kit, electronic device chargers and warm clothing.

In an emergency evacuation, important paperwork and digital records may need to travel with you at a moment’s notice. For compact portable protection, the SentrySafe Fire File 1170 can be quickly stashed in your vehicle. This model has UL Classified fire protection to keep your most important documents safe for up to 30 minutes at 1550° F. It features a privacy key lock and carrying handle, offering a convenient solution for securing passports and other essential paperwork at home or on the go.

For absolute assurance, Master Lock and SentrySafe stand behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty.

Invest in a fireproof safe

To protect personal records and valuables in your home, consider the unparalleled protection and security of a Master Lock or SentrySafe Fireproof + Waterproof Safe. This is the ideal place to safely store important items including passports, wedding and birth certificates, tax filings, precious family photos and heirlooms.

Made from high-grade steel and tested for performance, Master Lock’s Premium 2-Hour Fire and Water Safes are designed to endure and withstand extremes like impact from falling through a burning structure, providing 2-hour fire resistance in high temperatures and shielding against water for up to 24 hours.

Waterproofing is also crucial in the event of fire. As firefighters need anywhere from hundreds to thousands of gallons of water to extinguish fires this factor can also be damaging to documents, photos and other special items.

Consider the following fireproof and waterproof storage solutions to protect important documents and valuables at home:

• SentrySafe Extra Large Steel Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad: If you need a larger fireproof home safe, this model offers an interior capacity of 2 cubic feet. It also combines UL-classified fire resistance to withstand fire for one hour at 1,700°F and ETL-verified water protection to safeguard valuables in up to 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours. Built with 6 large steel bolts, a pry-resistant hinge bar and programmable digital lock with secondary key access, this model features a deep organizer, door pocket and interior lighting for enhanced visibility and organization. A 1.23 cubic foot version is also available, offering many of the same fire, water and theft protection features in a slightly more compact format.
• SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe with Dial Combination: For those who prefer a traditional dial combination safe over a digital keypad, this compact model delivers similar fire, water and theft protection features, ideal for smaller spaces.

Make a proactive inventory of valuables

In the event that an insurance claim is needed, it’s recommended to create a detailed inventory of your most valuable possessions. Use your phone to make a video or take pictures of the items, along with listing their value, when and where they were obtained, and any other vital information. Then as a final protection step, store these valuables in your fireproof + waterproof safe as well.

As natural disasters continue to increase in frequency and severity across the country, being prepared brings confidence when facing emergencies like fires and floods. From safeguarding critical documents to protecting irreplaceable belongings, having the right emergency preparedness plan and storage solutions in place is essential during the unexpected. Discover more protection solutions at Masterlock.com and SentrySafe.com.

2026-05-21T12:03:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about family road trips. Imagine the perfect day: You found a great campsite in a beautiful part of the country, and you just woke up to the sound of birdsong. You’re relaxing in the morning sun in a camp chair, waiting for the kids to emerge from the deep sleep only plenty of fresh air and activity can provide. The enticing aroma of coffee percolating in the coffeemaker drifts over, thanks to a small nearby fan.

You couldn’t have planned a better Memorial Day weekend, especially because you didn’t leave your entire life behind when you left the driveway — you brought the good parts with you. While you’re free of the hustle and bustle, work and chores of daily life, you still have creature comforts: Hot coffee and cold beverages, phones that work when you need them, music and cooling fans at your fingertips, tablets and games to keep kids from the endless “Are we there yet?” haunting your childhood road trip memories.

Like roughly 39.1 million other Americans, traveling by car may top your agenda for Memorial Day weekend this year. The good news? In 2026, off-grid doesn’t have to mean off-comfort.

Welcome to today’s family road trip

You can have it all: the freedom from the daily routine that you wanted, along with many of the rituals you rely on. Thanks to the Jackery solar generator you brought along for the ride, you’ve got charged-up phones, tablets, portable gaming consoles, a portable electric cooler — and even a laptop and hotspot when you need to check work emails from that scenic overlook. You can even turn a camping evening into a magical wonderland, thanks to string lights and a portable speaker.

Vanlife, camping, glamping and RVing — really, any kind of off-grid, off-road or just off-routine travel method — have gone mainstream, with travelers of many backgrounds and age groups seeking the open road.

Glamping in particular has a special appeal, due to the combination of communing with nature while still maintaining modern comforts. The global glamping market was about $3.79 billion last year, projected to reach $7.87 billion by 2033. Today’s families desire those outdoor experiences, together with all the conveniences they’re used to.

Solar generators to power your next adventure

Today’s more eco-conscious travelers also prefer using power sources for their modern conveniences that are sustainable, silent and emissions-free, while also being powerful enough to run real appliances, not just charge a phone.

Jackery’s mid-capacity solar generators, like the HomePower 3000, Explorer 2000 Plus and Explorer 1500 Ultra models, are portable, rugged and powerful enough to run real appliances, plus full charging setups. In fact, the HomePower 3000 has enough capacity to run a coffee maker in the morning, keep a mini fridge humming all afternoon, power a fan through a sticky summer night and still charge every device in the car.

The 2000 Plus is scalable, supporting additional battery packs for longer, extended trips or overland adventures where you’re not sure how many days you’ll be off-grid.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra offers ultra-fast solar recharging, making it a top pick for vanlifers and weekend warriors who need to top off quickly and keep moving.

Want something that fits in a trunk or slides under a bench seat, so you barely know it’s there? Lightweight, compact solar generators like the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 are perfect for families and couples who want serious output without the bulk. And if you’re traveling lean, the Explorer 1000 v2 offers a carry-anywhere option that keeps your family’s phones, laptops, cameras and fans running without taking up precious cargo space.

Best yet, solar recharging via Jackery SolarSaga panels means less interruption during your entire trip. You can top off at camp, at rest stops or in a parking lot — with no hookups or gas station runs needed. Jackery generators are also silent and emissions-free, so they cause no fumes and don’t violate any noise ordinances. They can run inside a van, camper or popup shelter.

You can find the Jackery solar generator to meet your family’s road trip needs at Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart and Jackery.com.

Wherever you’re headed this summer, savor every moment: from the quiet morning cup of joe through the next leg of your journey as kids happily play games in the back seat, to the impromptu after-dinner dance party to your family’s curated playlist at the perfect campsite — and every memorable adventure in between.

2026-05-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – From renting an apartment to buying a car or covering an unexpected expense, credit plays an important role in helping people manage their everyday lives. But while credit is widely used, many people still feel unsure about how it works and how to manage it effectively.

According to a new U.S. Consumer Cards Credit Trends Survey^* conducted by Citi, nearly all respondents (99%) see responsible credit management as key to achieving their financial goals, but only 11% can correctly identify all the factors that affect credit scores.

A lack of early credit education has left many people navigating credit without a clear foundation. Half of survey respondents say they only learned how to manage credit after getting their first credit card, while another 36% learned through trial and error. As a result, roughly two-thirds (68%) find aspects of credit management confusing, particularly how credit scores and interest are calculated, and half (50%) report feeling stressed or anxious about credit.

Why financial education matters

Despite the credit knowledge gap, an encouraging 72% say better education and tools would increase their confidence in managing credit. And economic pressures are motivating people to improve their financial health, with 92% of respondents taking proactive steps to manage their credit, and 63% seeking new tools and resources for support.

The findings highlight an important reminder: building a strong financial foundation takes more than just access to credit — it requires practical tools and trusted educational resources.

“Building credit confidence starts with understanding how it really works and developing consistent habits,” said Abhinav Anand, head of Value Cards, Lending and Commerce for U.S. Consumer Cards at Citi. “It’s a gradual process that people don’t have to navigate alone. Trusted sources like local bank branches, financial advisors and nonprofit organizations can offer guidance and practical tools to help people feel more informed and in control.”

For those looking to strengthen their understanding, Citi’s Credit Knowledge Center offers educational content on topics ranging from how to apply for a credit card to understanding the difference between secured and unsecured cards, as well as rebuilding credit and maximizing rewards. Consumers can also explore financial management options such as debt consolidation and managing major expenses through Citi’s Personal Loan Center.

Tools and resources to build credit knowledge

In today’s environment, managing credit has become even more important. Rising living costs (52%), economic uncertainties (37%) and unexpected expenses (32%) are among the top factors shaping survey respondents’ financial behavior over the past year. Many are responding by becoming more proactive. One in four (25%) say they’re using digital tools for real-time credit alerts and monitoring tools more than they did a year ago. There’s also growing interest in more affordable and flexible credit options, with 76% saying that access to low-cost credit cards would make credit easier to manage.

As consumers look for ways to stay on track, having access to helpful tools and flexible options can play an important role in supporting their long-term financial goals. Citi offers a range of resources and products to support everyday credit management, including:

• Low-introductory rate credit cards: Citi offers various products including the Citi Simplicity^® Card and Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card with low introductory rate offers to support financial flexibility.
• Promotional offers: Existing Citi credit card customers can take advantage of offers like balance transfers and Flex Loans to help make their lives more flexible while using their existing credit.
• Personal financial management tools: Citi also offers a variety of tools to help Citi credit card customers improve their financial understanding, including FICO^® Score access.

“Responsible credit management can build resilience and support long-term financial well-being,” added Anand. “Taking the time to learn and seek support can lead to smarter financial decisions and greater confidence over time.”

To learn more about Citi’s credit offerings and resources, visit Citi.com/resources/citi-financial-pathways.

^*Survey Methodology: Citi collaborated with Material+ in March 2026 to conduct a brief, focused survey around credit confidence, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The sample was comprised of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18+, not employed in a sensitive industry (bank/financial institution, market research, ad agency/PR firm), who are household decision makers on financial services products and have at least one credit card. Sample targeting was in line with the U.S. general population on age, income, region, and ethnicity. The study was fielded between March 19 and 22, and has an overall margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.