Month: March 2021

2021-03-24T08:35:01

(BPT) – Have an RV, campervan or trailer sitting idle in your driveway? While you may have originally intended to use your RV throughout the year, a recent study by Go RVing found that most people use their RV only 20 days per year, on average. That means your RV sits unused about 345 days every single year — when it could be making you some serious cash. In the past year, travelers looking for RV rentals have increased exponentially, thereby boosting the wealth potential of your RV. Once you’ve learned how to rent, you could turn your RV into a great side hustle, or even a full-time business. And it’s a lot easier than you think.

RVing has become a booming industry over the past decade, with more people enjoying travel on their own terms by either owning or renting an RV. The popular RV rental platform Outdoorsy was already seeing 100% growth in RV rental bookings year-over-year before the pandemic hit, but since the start of COVID-19, interest in RVing has been skyrocketing. More people than ever before are checking out of hotels and into RVing as a great way to travel safely and stay self-contained in today’s environment, only to discover just how fun it can be to see the country in a whole new way. The platform has seen their bookings increase by more than 300% since the pandemic began, and this surge shows no sign of slowing down.

How much can you earn?

Income from renting out your RV will vary depending on how long you rent it out, the type of vehicle you own, how many vehicles you own, and where you live. But on average, RV owners listing on Outdoorsy made up to $36,000 per year for each vehicle listed on the platform. The highest grossing owner with a single vehicle made nearly $42,000 in 2020, and the highest grossing owner on the platform with multiple vehicles made nearly $2.4 million.

Here are some tips to turn your RV into a top money-maker:

• Decide when to rent. First, decide when you want your RV to be available for renting. Your region and climate will play a role in deciding the best weeks or months to make your RV open to renters. Just keep in mind, the more days your RV is available, the more income you can earn — especially during the peak summer months.
• Make sure your RV is in great shape. Set yourself up for success by getting your RV up-to-date on all repairs and maintenance, as well as being thoroughly cleaned and ready to go, inside and out.
• Find the best RV rental platform. The entire rental process is so much easier if you use a platform that does most of the work for you. For example, Outdoorsy.com provides RV owners with an easy-to-use listing portal, free access to listing coaches, as well as necessary insurance, 24/7 customer support, roadside assistance and a thorough vetting of renters — all geared toward making the process as seamless and transparent as possible for RV renters and owners alike.
• Take great photos. Use your smartphone to take good photos of your RV, and consider doing a quick video tour as well. Upload your video tour to Vimeo or YouTube and put a link to the video in your listing description. “Stage” your RV with cozy blankets, plants, books or a couple of cups of coffee to make the scene more enticing before taking pics or videos.
• Create a checklist of to-dos. Useful information found in Outdoorsy’s Owner Handbook can help with creating pre- and post-rental checklists. You’ll use these to ensure you’ve covered all of the essentials with your renter, like doing a thorough pre-rental tour and test drive of the RV to make sure they feel comfortable driving before their trip and to record any damage (or lack thereof) before and after their departure.
• Go the extra mile to inspire the best reviews. Being upfront and communicating well with renters throughout the process will help them have a good experience from beginning to end. But just as you would do if you were hosting on Airbnb, consider providing not only essentials like towels, flatware and coffee, but thoughtful perks to make a great impression, like a basket of snacks and a S’mores kit or travel-sized amenities and lawn games. And don’t forget to encourage renters to write a review on your listing page when you thank them for their business.

Interested in earning extra income? Learn how to rent out your RV at Outdoorsy.com.

2021-03-23T14:01:00

(BPT) – Starting conversations about health and wellness with loved ones is not easy. These discussions are often harder when someone is living with a condition or disease that is highly stigmatized, such as HIV.­

Thankfully, living with HIV has drastically changed for the better during the last few decades. This shift is mostly due to treatment advancements and societal progress. But, there is still room for more progress.

Data from ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Perspective Study Wave 2 (PP2), one of the largest studies collecting health information from people living with HIV, revealed how honest discussions and knowledge sharing are critical to ending the HIV epidemic. Between April 2019 and January 2020, more than 500 people living with HIV aged 18-84 from North America took part in the global study, providing first-hand information about how treatment affects health, well-being and quality of life and how open dialogues with support networks can lead to better care.¹

If you are trying to start a conversation with a friend or family member about HIV, here are a few questions to help show you are an ally and advocate.

1. Do you feel comfortable talking to your doctor about any treatment concerns?

Many people living with HIV don’t feel comfortable having open conversations about their treatment and how it impacts their daily lives.² PP2 findings showed that high engagement between doctors and people living with HIV was associated with significantly better reported health outcomes.¹ Yet, 65% (n=338/520) of North America study participants reported they want to be more involved in their treatment.²

Empowered people living with HIV who are involved in open dialogue and joint decision-making with their healthcare provider were more likely to report an undetectable viral load and improved aspects of their quality of life.¹ Ensure your loved one has an active voice and is comfortable talking to their doctor about all aspects of care.

2. Do you face any challenges when taking your HIV medication?

Many in the HIV community experience numerous treatment-related challenges within their daily lives, including physical, emotional and psychosocial concerns.³ However, these concerns often go unsaid because of shame and stigma. Nearly two out of three (n=346/520) North America study participants shared that they have hidden or disguised their HIV pills to avoid sharing their status.¹

While these treatment challenges may seem small, they have real impacts on health. People who reported ARV treatment-related challenges such as difficulty swallowing, side effects and emotional concerns such as fear of disclosure, adherence anxiety and the daily reminder of HIV, reported poorer health outcomes.³ Each member of the HIV community has diverse needs, and advocating for a tailored treatment approach that works best for their lifestyle and wellness goals is important.

3. Do you know about U=U?

Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) means that people living with HIV, who are on treatment and maintain undetectable levels of the virus, cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.⁴

PP2 Advisory Committee member Bruce Richman, who is the Founding Executive Director of the Prevention Access Campaign and Founder of U=U said, “A primary call to action from our research is to ensure guidelines and policies underscore the importance of U=U to the health-related quality of life for people living with HIV, and to encourage all healthcare providers to share this information.”

Results revealed people living with HIV can experience heightened levels of emotional and psychological issues as a result of dealing with stigma so discussing U=U with your loved ones and publicly to raise awareness will help minimize stigma and discrimination.¹

If we all come together to support the HIV community, we can ensure the progress we’ve made continues; facilitating these important conversations with loved ones is a great step forward.

Learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s work with the HIV community here: https://viivhealthcare.com/en-us/supporting-the-community/.

¹ ViiV Healthcare. Positive Perspective Study Wave 2 Results Report. Published September 2020. Accessed December 2020. Accessible at: https://viivhealthcare.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/viiv-healthcare/en_GB/files/22_09_20_PP2_Global_Results_Report_FINAL_(September_2020).pdf

² de los Rios P, Young B, Muchenje M, Van de Velde N, Okoli C. Haves vs. Have-Nots in Healthcare Communication: Examining the Paradox Where PLHIV Who Need Quality Discussions With Their Providers the Most, Access It the Least. Poster 1017. Presented at Infectious Diseases Week 2020 Congress, October 21 – 25 2020. Accessible at: https://d201nm4szfwn7c.cloudfront.net/5f95dbd7-245e-4e65-9f36-1a99e28e5bba/d5b137da-5da9-4059-b97c-17db83ecf706/d5b137da-5da9-4059-b97c-17db83ecf706_viewable_rendition__v.pdf?medcommid=REF–ALL-003187

³ de los Rios P, Allan B, Okoli C, Young B, Castellanos E, Brough G, Eremin A, Corbelli GM, Muchenje M, Mc Britton M, Van de Velde N. Treatment-Related Physical, Emotional, and Psychosocial Challenges and Their Impact on Indicators of Quality Of Life. Poster 1045 Presented at Infectious Diseases Week 2020 Congress, October 21 – 25 2020. Accessible at: https://3002a505d4f8666b1f13-6d0524d9c8a5052ce15209ae3ecb39a3.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com//1402234-1602716940.pdf

⁴ Prevention Access. Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV from a Person Living with HIV who has an Undetectable Viral Load. Published July 2016. Accessed December 2020. Accessible at: https://www.preventionaccess.org/consensus

2021-03-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – It can be nerve-wracking waiting for your financial aid award letter. But once you finally get the results, it can give you and your family a better idea of what to do next.

You’ll receive award letters from all of the schools you were accepted to. Each letter will list out all of the details about your financial aid package. Once you have this information, it can help you figure out what’s covered and how much your family is expected to pay.

Figuring out next steps

Depending on how many schools your child applied to, narrowing down your choices can be half the battle. Comparing your financial aid offers and figuring out how to pay for college is the other half. Here is what you’ll need to consider:

Look at all your options

Not all financial aid packages are the same. Depending on your financial situation, you’ll want to examine which of these you qualify for with your award:

1. Scholarships and grants: As long as you understand the qualifications for each one you receive, scholarships can help reduce the cost of college. Some scholarships require that students maintain a specific grade point average or take a certain number of credits each semester. Private loan companies, including College Ave Student Loans, offer scholarship opportunities as well. Grants are typically given to students and families with financial need and can come from the federal government, your state or school.
2. Work-study programs: The federal work-study program allows students to earn money to help pay for school. While this won’t cover all your costs, it can help with tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
3. Federal student loans: Many families will borrow to help pay for school. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal student loans. Federal Direct Loans offer low fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options, but with annual loan limits they may not cover the entire bill.
4. Private student loans: If there is still a gap, you can shop private student loans. Private student loans are available through banks or lenders and your interest rates will depend on factors like your credit history and income.

Decide which aid options are best for your family

Depending on what you qualify for, you can accept or pursue any that are available to you. If you decide to go with scholarships, grants or work-study, make sure you understand the terms and conditions that apply to accept that aid.

If you choose to pursue federal or private student loans, you’ll want to go with those that give you the most favorable terms, repayment options and interest rates and make sure you borrow only what you need. A good rule of thumb is not to borrow in total more than you expect to make in your first year’s salary.

Inform the school what you’re accepting

Once you’ve decided which option you’re going to pursue, you’ll want to inform the school of your decision. Each school may provide different instructions for confirming your choices, so it’s important to follow their instructions carefully. For instance, if the school sends you a paper aid offer, you’ll want to make sure you sign it and mail it back to them.

Officially accepting a loan can involve other steps as well. Some may only have to sign a promissory note. If you do, just make sure you read the terms of the agreement and make sure you can afford the monthly loan balance.

For others, you may have to go through entrance counseling if it’s your first time taking out a federal loan.

Putting everything together

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to do with your financial aid letter, you’re not alone. Take the time to carefully compare and consider all your options. If you have questions, reach out to your school’s financial aid office for help. And fortunately, some organizations can help you if you’re looking for guidance along the way.

College Ave Student Loans has tools and resources to help you along the way. If you need to borrow, you can find a loan you can live with — from competitive interest rates to repayment options that fit your monthly budget.

2021-03-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you expecting a paper government stimulus check? If you received one in the previous two rounds of payments, it’s likely you may have another on the way. But what is an easy and efficient way to cash it so you can quickly put those funds to good use?

While depositing a check usually takes time to process and there are typically fees involved when trying to access funds more quickly, PayPal and Venmo are helping people receive their stimulus payment as swiftly as possible without compromising their health and safety — no trips to the bank or check-cashing locations required. All recipients have to do is take a picture of their government issued paper stimulus check in the PayPal or Venmo app using the Cash a Check feature, select “in minutes,” and once approved, receive their funds into their PayPal Cash Plus Account or Venmo balance to use them for everyday essentials, pay bills and more. Plus, for a limited time, PayPal and Venmo are waiving the Cash a Check fees so you can receive 100% of your stimulus funds (Terms Apply).

So when you have your check cashed, what’s next? Here are three tips on how to best allocate your stimulus funds.

1. Pay essential bills

First and foremost, you’ll want to focus on any important bills that are due. If you have more bills due than your check can cover, try contacting the creditor. Many utility companies and creditors are making allowances for difficult times right now by working out alternate payment arrangements based on each customer’s unique situation. You can also offer to pay a portion of bills that are due to show good faith, leaving you more funds to do the same with other creditors if money is tight right now.

2. Create an emergency fund

If your bills are caught up, but you don’t have a fund set aside to handle emergencies such as unexpected car repairs or a medical bill, it may be a good idea to reserve as much as you can afford for a rainy day — your future self will thank you.

3. Pay down debt

If one of your goals is reducing debt, consider paying more than the minimum due on a credit card or two. This not only helps you lower your monthly payments, but it could also boost your credit score, especially if you make it a regular habit.

Whether you’re planning to pay bills, looking to hang on to your funds for future use, or even using the funds for contactless online purchases, cashing your stimulus check via PayPal or Venmo allows you to access your funds as quickly as possible without compromising your health and well-being.

Learn more about how to use the Cash a Check features at PayPal.com/stimulus or Venmo.com/stimulus. Each website provides easy step-by-step instructions for cashing your stimulus check using the Cash a Check feature in the PayPal and Venmo apps. PayPal and Venmo do not provide financial advice and this article is provided for informational purposes only. Terms apply.

2021-03-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – Today, it’s not enough for a company to make good products. Savvy consumers want to know the businesses and brands they patronize make a positive difference. Do they produce products in a sustainable way? Do they help their employees thrive? If they are reliant on animals, do they treat the animals humanely? How do these companies impact their communities?

These are questions conscious consumers are asking — or should be asking — about businesses and brands they support, and where they spend their hard-earned dollars. If you’re one of the growing number of consumers who care where their products come from and how they’re made, here are four steps toward becoming a more thoughtful consumer.

1. Do some homework

These days, it’s easy to research companies you buy from, thanks to the internet. To learn more, however, go beyond scanning their website. While you can gain useful information there such as their certifications, you’ll also want to understand the impact those certification standards have on how they do business.

For food products, it helps to examine the labels. How many ingredients are listed? Are they easy to pronounce? Do you see certifications from credible third-party organizations that evaluate their quality and how they are produced?

2. Support family farms

To celebrate National Agriculture Week, aim to buy food from family-owned farms. Look for the USDA organic seal, which guarantees you are buying organically farmed foods.

Family farmers feed and nourish millions of families nationwide, and globally. Supporting family-owned farms shows appreciation for their hard work season to season, their countless hours tending to their land and animals — and their continued focus on creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

“We focus on dairy with integrity, and making sure that the product we produce is humanely and sustainably raised,” says Kristel Corson, chief revenue officer of Clover Sonoma dairy, based in Northern California. The third generation, family-owned company was one of the first brands to launch organic milk. “We work with thirty family farms, some of which have been with us for generations, and we have been American Humane Certified for more than twenty years for our animal welfare practices.”

3. Find meaningful purpose behind every purchase

One way to find meaningful purpose behind all your purchases is to identify the third-party certifications that are most important to you. Some that you may be familiar with include:

• B Corp certification, which assesses a range of responsible practices including social and environmental concerns, public transparency and legal responsibility. Certified B Corporations must demonstrate a commitment to equity, and show that they use a portion of their profits for the good of their employees, their community and the environment. The primary mission of B Corp is to encourage businesses to “be a force for good.”
• For agricultural products derived from animals, “American Humane Certified” means a nonprofit who has been advocating for animals for more than 100 years has verified that the farm’s animals are humanely treated and cared for.
• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verification helps consumers identify chemical-free and environmentally friendly products.

Clover Sonoma dairy has been B Corp Certified since 2016. As part of their commitment to their community, the company supports employee volunteerism, and donates 1% of their gross Organic OMEGA-3 Milk sales to the Plastic Pollution Coalition. They also donate 5% of their annual gross profits to elevating dairy by supporting healthy farming; empowering future generations by providing educational opportunities for children; and supporting the community by building community engagement and donating products to community programs.

4. Make sure they walk the walk

Businesses may make statements about environmental sustainability, diversity or community engagement, but what are they actually doing to back their claims? Do they donate to causes you care about? Are they changing how they produce or package goods to be more sustainable?

For example, Clover Sonoma dairy has created a fully renewable milk carton. It’s made from 100% plant-based materials, with FSC certified paperboard, and has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional milk cartons, according to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research.

With a little effort, you can use these steps to ensure the purchases you make and the foods you eat come from businesses that back the same causes you do, as well as follow through with practices that make you feel good about supporting them.

2021-03-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – Today, it’s not enough for a company to make good products. Savvy consumers want to know the businesses and brands they patronize make a positive difference. Do they produce products in a sustainable way? Do they help their employees thrive? If they are reliant on animals, do they treat the animals humanely? How do these companies impact their communities?

These are questions conscious consumers are asking — or should be asking — about businesses and brands they support, and where they spend their hard-earned dollars. If you’re one of the growing number of consumers who care where their products come from and how they’re made, here are four steps toward becoming a more thoughtful consumer.

1. Do some homework

These days, it’s easy to research companies you buy from, thanks to the internet. To learn more, however, go beyond scanning their website. While you can gain useful information there such as their certifications, you’ll also want to understand the impact those certification standards have on how they do business.

For food products, it helps to examine the labels. How many ingredients are listed? Are they easy to pronounce? Do you see certifications from credible third-party organizations that evaluate their quality and how they are produced?

2. Support family farms

To celebrate National Agriculture Week, aim to buy food from family-owned farms. Look for the USDA organic seal, which guarantees you are buying organically farmed foods.

Family farmers feed and nourish millions of families nationwide, and globally. Supporting family-owned farms shows appreciation for their hard work season to season, their countless hours tending to their land and animals — and their continued focus on creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

“We focus on dairy with integrity, and making sure that the product we produce is humanely and sustainably raised,” says Kristel Corson, chief revenue officer of Clover Sonoma dairy, based in Northern California. The third generation, family-owned company was one of the first brands to launch organic milk. “We work with thirty family farms, some of which have been with us for generations, and we have been American Humane Certified for more than twenty years for our animal welfare practices.”

3. Find meaningful purpose behind every purchase

One way to find meaningful purpose behind all your purchases is to identify the third-party certifications that are most important to you. Some that you may be familiar with include:

• B Corp certification, which assesses a range of responsible practices including social and environmental concerns, public transparency and legal responsibility. Certified B Corporations must demonstrate a commitment to equity, and show that they use a portion of their profits for the good of their employees, their community and the environment. The primary mission of B Corp is to encourage businesses to “be a force for good.”
• For agricultural products derived from animals, “American Humane Certified” means a nonprofit who has been advocating for animals for more than 100 years has verified that the farm’s animals are humanely treated and cared for.
• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verification helps consumers identify chemical-free and environmentally friendly products.

Clover Sonoma dairy has been B Corp Certified since 2016. As part of their commitment to their community, the company supports employee volunteerism, and donates 1% of their gross Organic OMEGA-3 Milk sales to the Plastic Pollution Coalition. They also donate 5% of their annual gross profits to elevating dairy by supporting healthy farming; empowering future generations by providing educational opportunities for children; and supporting the community by building community engagement and donating products to community programs.

4. Make sure they walk the walk

Businesses may make statements about environmental sustainability, diversity or community engagement, but what are they actually doing to back their claims? Do they donate to causes you care about? Are they changing how they produce or package goods to be more sustainable?

For example, Clover Sonoma dairy has created a fully renewable milk carton. It’s made from 100% plant-based materials, with FSC certified paperboard, and has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional milk cartons, according to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research.

With a little effort, you can use these steps to ensure the purchases you make and the foods you eat come from businesses that back the same causes you do, as well as follow through with practices that make you feel good about supporting them.

2021-03-19T19:01:01

(BPT) – Americans have spent the past year getting very familiar with their homes and gardens. That’s left owners and renters alike primed to tackle this year’s spring DIY projects with newfound enthusiasm and expertise. Fortunately, with the right equipment and a little tenacity, just about anyone can create a spectacular yard.

It’s time to seize the season with these six steps for the perfect spring yard.

1) Clear your space. Dead grass, emerging weeds, wind-blown winter debris — it all must go. While just the first step, it can sometimes be a bit daunting when staring at a yard just emerging from winter. Consider buying or renting equipment that reduces the amount of manual labor and raking required. For example, leaf blowers like the Toro 60-Volt Max Leaf Blower make it easy to gather scattered, loose plant matter all in one place, while stand-up weed pullers are another great tool that can save you a lot of backache.

2) Trim your edges. Getting all the bits of grass and weeds at the extreme edges of your yard will truly take it to the next level. A good-quality trimmer kit makes the process fast and easy, while a battery-powered trimmer will spare your ears and the environment a bit of wear and tear. Something like the Home Depot’s powerful yet environmentally-friendly Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit is ideal.

In general, battery-powered outdoor equipment is emerging as the future of lawncare. Battery-powered products are easier to use, more environmentally friendly and have the power and runtime that rival gas to help you take your project to the next level.

3) Nourish your grass. Laying down fertilizer is a great way to promote a lush, vibrant lawn. To minimize runoff and maximize nutrient uptake, time your application carefully. Apply your fertilizer in the spring once the ground has completely thawed, ensuring no rain or heavy winds are in the immediate forecast. If you live in a climate that is warm year-round, delay application until early summer.

4) Consider color. As gorgeous as green grass is, the radiant colors of flowers will take your yard to the next level. Perennials, flowers that grow back every year, bring exuberant color to any lawn. Plants like Knock-Out Petite Rose Bushes, available at The Home Depot, are easy to care for and are well suited to a variety of climates.

5) Mulch your gardens. Once you have the flowers in place, polish your presentation with a layer of Vigoro Bagged Brown Mulch. Apply a layer 1 to 4 inches thick, depending on the type. Not only is mulch aesthetically pleasing, but it also has real benefits for the soil, as it aids in moisture retention and blocks weed growth.

6) Remember to mow. Keeping your grass properly mowed is an essential step. Just remember: the shorter your grass, the harder it is on your soil. Short grass isn’t as effective at preventing evaporation and retaining nutrients. A height of 2.5 to 3 inches gives a pleasing, clean-cut look while also doing wonders to minimize runoff and moisture loss.

Looking for another way to improve your mowing routine? Use a cordless, battery-powered lawn mower. They eliminate the need for outlets, oil and gas. When choosing an electric mower, use the simple equation of volts multiplied by amps equals watts (Volts X Amps = Watts) to evaluate the total power. Watts are what actually determines a battery’s power, not voltage. If you take a look at The Home Depot’s Ryobi Smart Trek Walk Behind Mower, you can see it has 40 volts and 6 amps, for 240 Watts total. A high number means more power, a longer runtime and longer motor life.

Anyone can claim a piece of spring serenity for themselves with a little lawn care this spring. Enjoy the warmer weather, get your hands dirty, and soon your yard will be the absolute envy of everyone around.