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How to improve your basement and other spaces by leveling uneven floors

2022-12-30T05:11:00

(BPT) – Colder weather does not mean you have to stop tackling all your important home DIY projects. If you’ve been putting off tiling your basement or carpeting the spare bedroom because the surface is unlevel, there’s an easy solution. You can use Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer to help you make the most of basement rooms or other spaces that may have sloping, uneven or cracked floors.

With this product, you can resurface most floors with a single application, creating a smooth surface for the installation of ceramic tile, carpet, resilient flooring or other finishes. The product can be installed from 5/8-inch deep to a feather edge, and can even be used outdoors with precautions (such as temperature or eliminating a slope necessary for proper drainage) for areas like patios if the temperature is not below freezing.

You can improve your basement or other floor over a weekend, with the right preparation. Your resurfaced floor will be ready for applying tile or carpet — or leaving just as it is, for lightly trafficked areas.

Before using the resurfacer, you’ll need to assess the current floor’s surface and do some preparation.

Temperature considerations

Quikrete’s Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer can be used at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, the temperature should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps will slow the setting time for the product, although it will still set faster than typical resurfacing products.

Check for damage and amount of slope

First, examine the floor for large cracks, holes or damage that may need repair before applying Quickrete’s Floor Resurfacer. If you have deep cracks (more than 5/8″ deep) or large chunks of floor to repair, use a fast-set repair mortar and cure such as Quikrete Commercial Grade FastSet Repair Mortar before resurfacing. Small hairline cracks will be easily filled by the floor resurfacer.

Then, use a level to determine how much slope you have. You can apply up to 5/8 of an inch of lift but not more than that in a single application, so if your floor has a bigger slope, you’ll want to use more than one application to level the area.

Gather your materials

All you’ll need is the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer, a heavy-duty drill with a paddle mixer, water, a 5-pound bucket, impervious gloves and Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). The resurfacing product is self-leveling, so no trowel is required. Make sure to follow safety precautions and wear impervious gloves such as nitrile when using products.

Clean and prime your floor

It’s essential that all surfaces are clean and free of foreign substances including dirt, dust, oil, grease and paint. After cleaning, you’ll need to prime the clean, dry floor surface with diluted QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). Follow the product’s instructions for use and allow time to dry. The bonding adhesive should be dry to the touch (drying takes about 1-2 hours, depending on conditions) before using the resurfacer.

Apply the resurfacer

Mix the resurfacer with water according to the product instructions. Starting in the center of the space, pour the material directly from the mixing container in continuous strips of about 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the narrow section of the application area. Placing should be done as one continuous operation, with no screeding or troweling necessary. The mixed material will remain fluid for approximately 20 minutes, and will level itself to a smooth surface. Pour the next strip adjacent to the edge of the previously placed material. The adjacent strips should be poured within 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth, continuous surface. Continue to work without breaks until the entire application area is covered.

Allow the resurfacer to cure

Curing time will vary depending on area conditions. During the first 24 hours, keep the area covered or damp to prevent excessive loss of water, which can cause cracking. You can also use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal, plastic sheeting or the application of a very fine fog spray of water to help prevent shrinkage cracking.

Following these steps can help you maximize your home’s underused basement or other spaces, providing rooms with smooth, level floors. Visit Quikrete.com for information about this and other home DIY products.

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Top 5 outdoor design trends for 2023

2022-12-30T01:01:00

(BPT) – 2023 will reveal a few new outdoor design trends, but two of them — mixed materials and bringing the indoors out — are maintaining their previous popularity into the new year. New trends landscape designers are anticipating include more interest in sustainability, expanding the use of outdoor spaces and maximizing cutting-edge technology.

Growing from the pandemic, interest in outdoor living is now at an all-time high — and the top 2023 trends in outdoor design reflect that continued interest, according to Joe Raboine, director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard.

Supporting sustainability

Caring for the environment is an increasing priority for homeowners, especially those who love the outdoors and want to ensure the environment is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“Homeowners are asking designers to create spaces inspired by nature that also help conserve it,” said Raboine. “This can mean choosing long-lasting materials for hardscaping, finding products made from recycled materials and/or using permeable pavers to help reduce water runoff.”

Extending indoor spaces

Bringing the indoors out is hardly new, but as more homeowners view outdoor spaces as extensions of their home, the trend is definitely here to stay. Creating outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle and design aesthetic is not only a goal for larger homes and lots, but also for smaller lots needing more privacy. Shade structures like pergolas, shade sails and screen panels offer seclusion as well as protection from the heat, helping outdoor spaces become more private and livable, no matter the size.

Today’s homeowners are also equipping spaces with fully operational kitchens, quality outdoor furniture, firepits and games to upgrade their outdoor living experience. The backyard is becoming the go-to spot for fun, with outdoor games including life-size chess, billiards, mini-golf and more.

Exploring color and texture

As outdoor spaces become extensions of the home, designers and homeowners see these spaces as more than just a place to host barbecues. Mixing natural materials including wood, stone and plants (as in living walls) with man-made materials like glass and metal creates interesting variety in texture and color that transforms any space into a more attractive environment. Textured pavers are also becoming more popular, such as those that mimic natural stone or textile finishes.

“Homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color and texture,” noted Raboine. “While shades of gray are still dominant, warmer tones like browns and tans together with greens are adding depth and dimension.”

Patterns can also be created using modular designs, textured pavers and hardscaping features to make any outdoor space both calming and energizing. Outdoor lighting provides more visual interest to your space while extending its usable hours — with color-changing lights turning any patio into party central.

Creating multi-purpose spaces

Today’s backyards fulfill multiple purposes, with Zen gardens or labyrinths extending off traditional patios for additional relaxation or meditation areas. Gardening is also resurging, as homeowners are growing herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers using raised and vertical gardens, small greenhouses or hot boxes.

“You can add built-in seating and benches to create a firepit area or mini theater,” Raboine added. “These can be beautiful spots for resting or entertaining, plus a practical dining area for your family.”

Optimizing technology

With mixed-use spaces becoming more complex, using augmented reality (AR) can streamline the design process for homeowners and contractors alike. AR technology allows homeowners to see small details in design down to plants, shadows and even animations. Today’s technology helps manage the growing popularity of outdoor living, with AR and mixed reality letting designers and homeowners visualize and communicate their plans.

Belgard Rooms’ newest feature uses AR so homeowners and contractors can view a templated outdoor design plan in their backyard, offering a better visual representation of how their yard can look. Homeowners select their AR plans and drop them into their outdoor space to view, walk through and scale the templated outdoor rooms, bringing the plan to life in their own backyards. Homeowners can test various rooms, features and styles, helping them bring their vision to life. Currently, 32 AR Rooms can be viewed on any device.

“AR Rooms help turn dreams into reality through a seamless design process,” explained Raboine. “Homeowners and landscape professionals have adopted the technology quickly, helping homeowners envision different outdoor living plans — and simplifying the design process for any project.”

Ready to reimagine your outdoor space? Visit Rooms.Belgard.com/ar-rooms.

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How to stay proactive about your health with multi-cancer early detection screening

2022-12-30T05:01:00

(BPT) – There are many ways to be proactive about staying healthy—from having a balanced diet and getting enough sleep to exercising.

Having recommended cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies is another way to take control of your health. These single-cancer screenings can find specific cancers at earlier stages, before someone experiences symptoms.

Today, there are only five recommended cancer screenings available in the U.S.—for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung (smokers or former smokers at risk) and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, no widespread screening tests are recommended for most other types of cancer. As a result, cancer is often detected too late, after it’s progressed to a more advanced stage.

Finding cancer early can improve cancer outcomes. In fact, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate is just 21% for cancers that are detected after they have metastasized (spread). For cancers that are detected while they are still localized (haven’t yet spread), the 5-year survival rate is more than four times higher, at 89%.

Additional tools are needed, as cancers without recommended screenings represent approximately 70% of cancer deaths.

Screening More Broadly for Cancer

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are a new way to screen people for cancer that are used in addition to recommended cancer screenings. One MCED test, Galleri®, detects a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. The test analyzes DNA in the blood to detect a signal associated with cancer and predicts the location of the signal, helping to inform next steps in confirming if the person has cancer.

“MCED tests are going to be a game changer for cancer screening. As an adjunct to standard of care screening tests, MCED tests broaden our ability to detect cancers in asymptomatic people that are not covered by current screening guidelines. They give healthcare providers a powerful new tool for patient care,” said Dr. Eric M. Klein, Emeritus Chair of the Glickman Urology & Kidney Institute and professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. “These tests are leading the way to the future for cancer screening—screening individuals for cancer instead of screening for individual cancers.”

Proven Benefits of MCED

A recent study of an early version of the Galleri MCED test evaluated more than 6,500 people aged 50 years or older with no symptoms of cancer. People enrolled in the study received one of two possible results: cancer signal detected or no cancer signal detected. Those with a signal detected had a diagnostic evaluation to determine if cancer was present.

The study found that adding MCED testing more than doubled the number of cancers detected by recommended screenings. Approximately half of the new cancers found by the MCED test were stage 1 or stage 2. Cancers in these stages are generally smaller and haven’t spread to surrounding tissue, lymph nodes or other organs. Cancers detected in earlier stages may have more treatment options and a higher chance of successful outcomes.

Additionally, 71% of the people with cancers detected by the MCED test had cancer types without recommended screenings.

“We learned from this study that the addition of our MCED test to regular screenings can dramatically increase the numbers of cancers found among people who have an elevated risk,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, president at GRAIL, which makes the Galleri test. “This gives us an opportunity to find more cancers at earlier stages, when they can be more effectively treated and are potentially curable.”

Talk to Your Doctor

The Galleri test is intended for people with an elevated risk for cancer, including those aged 50 or older or with risk factors that increase the chance of cancer. Individuals concerned about increased risk of cancer are encouraged to talk with their doctor about the Galleri MCED test, which can be incorporated into an annual health check or routine blood work. If the screening detects the presence of a cancer signal, a healthcare provider will help determine next steps. The Galleri test is available by prescription only.

Alongside other ways you can work to stay healthy, take control of your health by speaking to your doctor about MCED tests.

To learn more, visit galleri.com.

Important Safety Information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

Laboratory/Test Information

GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.

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Want to start investing? 5 expert tips to follow before you begin

2022-12-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re interested in getting started with investing but you’re not sure what your first steps should be, you’re not alone. A recent survey by Magnifi found that one-third of Americans are planning to invest by themselves in 2023, but even though they want to invest on their own, nearly half of them (41%) don’t think they have the knowledge or confidence — and another one-fourth of them (27%) don’t even know where to begin. Today’s investors want independence to invest on their own, and the control to find and pick investments that are most important to them, but ultimately need personalized guidance so they’re not left guessing and gambling.

Fortunately, now it’s easier than ever to build a personalized investing plan and become a well-informed, confident investor backed by an investing assistant.

Here are some tips — and tools — to help you get started with investing this year.

1. Don’t be afraid to get started. Start small, with an investment that allows you to get a feel for the process of investing. Most brokerages offer fractional shares, which lets you dip your toe in when you’re just beginning. You can always add more investments as you further develop your plan and determine how much you want to invest over time.

2. Aim for diversification. This simply means not putting all your eggs in one investment basket. The truth is, diversification is easier than you may realize. You can accomplish this by buying a fund that holds a stock you’re interested in (as well as other investments) instead of just buying that single stock — or by adding a bond fund that will add fixed income and offset risk from equities investments. With an investment search engine, it can be easy to find a variety of investments and all the details about each investment to help you determine if it matches your goals.

3. Make a plan. Too often, investors will make one single purchase and never come back. Having an actual plan before getting started helps you determine how much you want to invest overall, and allows you to develop your strategy to invest regularly over time to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. Your plan can also help ensure that you’re investing in things that represent you and your priorities.

4. Invest in what you believe in. As you begin to realize how much more you can invest in, you might be surprised to find how easy it is to find investments that represent your personal values, such as social responsibility, and/or your interests (everything from electric vehicles to nanotechnology). The great thing about many modern online investing marketplaces is that you can find anything you want quickly, and even have fun investing.

5. Lean on technology. Thanks to the explosion of technology, you suddenly have the opportunity to make more informed — and more personalized — investing decisions. Now you can buy investments like you buy everything else, with the power of technology to make it simpler and quicker, as well as a better fit to your individual priorities.

Using the Magnifi app, for example, you can individually invest in strategies, ideas and values that are unique and important to you — using data, insights and market intelligence that will help you make more informed decisions to achieve your financial goals. If 2023 is the year you plan to make investing a serious part of your financial future, try AI-assisted investing from Magnifi Personal. This technology lets you speak with the app’s first-of-its-kind AI investing assistant, which uses cutting-edge technology to offer access to intelligence, education and guidance. The investing assistant uses robust “conversational AI,” so investing and getting answers about investing questions is as simple as texting. It’s like having an investing assistant on-call in your pocket at all times.

Excited to get started? Visit Magnifi.com/personal to learn more.

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Stay proactive about your health with multi-cancer early detection screening

2022-12-29T04:01:00

–

(BPT) – There are many ways to be proactive about staying healthy—from having a balanced diet and getting enough sleep to exercising.

Having recommended cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies is another way to take control of your health. These single-cancer screenings can find specific cancers at earlier stages, before someone experiences symptoms.

Today, there are only five recommended cancer screenings available in the U.S.—for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung (smokers or former smokers at risk) and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, no widespread screening tests are recommended for most other types of cancer. As a result, cancer is often detected too late, after it’s progressed to a more advanced stage.

Finding cancer early can improve cancer outcomes. In fact, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate is just 21% for cancers that are detected after they have metastasized (spread). For cancers that are detected while they are still localized (haven’t yet spread), the 5-year survival rate is more than four times higher, at 89%.

Additional tools are needed, as cancers without recommended screenings represent approximately 70% of cancer deaths.

Screening More Broadly for Cancer

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are a new way to screen people for cancer that are used in addition to recommended cancer screenings. One MCED test, Galleri®, detects a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. The test analyzes DNA in the blood to detect a signal associated with cancer and predicts the location of the signal, helping to inform next steps in confirming if the person has cancer.

“MCED tests are going to be a game changer for cancer screening. As an adjunct to standard of care screening tests, MCED tests broaden our ability to detect cancers in asymptomatic people that are not covered by current screening guidelines. They give healthcare providers a powerful new tool for patient care,” said Dr. Eric M. Klein, Emeritus Chair of the Glickman Urology & Kidney Institute and professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. “These tests are leading the way to the future for cancer screening—screening individuals for cancer instead of screening for individual cancers.”

Proven Benefits of MCED

A recent study of an early version of the Galleri MCED test evaluated more than 6,500 people aged 50 years or older with no symptoms of cancer. People enrolled in the study received one of two possible results: cancer signal detected or no cancer signal detected. Those with a signal detected had a diagnostic evaluation to determine if cancer was present.

The study found that adding MCED testing more than doubled the number of cancers detected by recommended screenings. Approximately half of the new cancers found by the MCED test were stage 1 or stage 2. Cancers in these stages are generally smaller and haven’t spread to surrounding tissue, lymph nodes or other organs. Cancers detected in earlier stages may have more treatment options and a higher chance of successful outcomes.

Additionally, 71% of the people with cancers detected by the MCED test had cancer types without recommended screenings.

“We learned from this study that the addition of our MCED test to regular screenings can dramatically increase the numbers of cancers found among people who have an elevated risk,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, president at GRAIL, which makes the Galleri test. “This gives us an opportunity to find more cancers at earlier stages, when they can be more effectively treated and are potentially curable.”

Talk to Your Doctor

The Galleri test is intended for people with an elevated risk for cancer, including those aged 50 or older or with risk factors that increase the chance of cancer. Individuals concerned about increased risk of cancer are encouraged to talk with their doctor about the Galleri MCED test, which can be incorporated into an annual health check or routine blood work. If the screening detects the presence of a cancer signal, a healthcare provider will help determine next steps. The Galleri test is available by prescription only.

Alongside other ways you can work to stay healthy, take control of your health by speaking to your doctor about MCED tests.

To learn more, visit galleri.com.

Important Safety Information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

Laboratory/Test Information

GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.

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Is it time to get your home’s ducts in order?

2022-12-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – While homeowners invest time and money to make their homes comfortable and energy efficient, one common denominator of comfort and energy efficiency is often overlooked — the air inside a home. The old saying “what’s out of sight is out of mind” applies not only to a home’s air, but also to the attic ductwork that delivers air to every room. Damaged or leaky attic ductwork can provide a path for conditioned air to escape into the attic and for particulates in the attic’s air to be released into other parts of the home.

The typical duct system in an attic loses between 25% and 40% of the heating or cooling energy put out by the heating and cooling system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.1 Air leakage can occur from holes in the attic ductwork or from poorly connected duct joints. As heated or cooled air is drawn into the attic space through holes and poor connections, energy dollars are used to heat or cool an unoccupied space. While heating and cooling bills will fluctuate according to changes in the weather pattern, an unexpected increase in energy bills may signal an issue with attic ducts.

Comparing a home’s energy usage to other similar-sized homes can also provide helpful insights about a home’s energy efficiency. Many utilities offer customers a report that shows how a home’s energy usage stacks up compared to other nearby homes of similar size. Heating or cooling bills that are higher than comparably sized homes in the area may indicate a problem with attic ducts.

An Owens Corning® Air CareTM contractor can identify problems with attic ductwork and recommend solutions to help improve comfort and reduce energy bills.2 Resolving problems with leaky ducts can also help curb the wear and tear on HVAC equipment, potentially extending its operational life and protecting the homeowner’s investment in a high-efficiency comfort system.

Beyond reducing energy efficiency, problems with attic ductwork can adversely affect the quality of indoor air. An increase in household dust is a common sign that attic ductwork may be compromised. Holes or poor connections in ductwork can allow particulates from the attic space to enter the ducts and flow into rooms throughout the home. Dust accumulation on return air registers or heavier levels of dust inside the home may suggest a problem with ductwork.

A home’s age may also suggest an inspection of attic ductwork. The ductwork in many older homes was installed in accordance with much lower residential building codes. Depending on when a home was built, there may have been no codes targeting energy efficiency.

Issues with ductwork may sometimes be detected with a visual inspection — for example, disconnected ducts near registers or holes, tears and loose joints. But many times, the issues are more difficult to detect. That’s why it’s important to have an inspection conducted by a qualified contractor.

Owens Corning® Air CareTM contractors are equipped with the training and tools to evaluate an attic duct system’s integrity and the overall efficiency of the duct system. The contractor will use a fan and pressure gauge to conduct a basic duct leakage test to measure the extent of leakage in ducts. Thermal cameras will visualize where air from the ducts is escaping into unconditioned parts of the home. The contractor will also assess the airflow rate as a duct system’s efficiency is affected by leakage as well as fan flow. Depending on the findings, the Owens Corning® Air CareTM contractor can recommend a solution to address duct issues that may involve repairing, sealing or replacing one or more sections of ductwork.

Beyond ensuring that ductwork is properly connected and in good condition, other steps can contribute to comfortable and energy-efficient environments. Checking the furnace filter as directed by the manufacturer can reduce wear and tear and help keep a filter from becoming clogged. Installing a programmable thermostat can help reduce heating and cooling costs by turning up or down the temperature when occupants are not home. And finally, adequate levels of insulation inside the attic can help guard against heated air flowing into the attic in the winter, or hot attic air from entering air-conditioned parts of the home in the summer.

Considering the role that attic ductwork plays in supporting a home’s heating and cooling system, ensuring that a home’s ducts are in order can help homeowners support optimal comfort, energy efficiency and their investment in a high-efficiency home comfort system.

1 U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy – Better Duct Systems for Home Heating and Cooling. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2022, 2021. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-LbuBMT3wVsJ:https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/30506.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

2 Savings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

©Owens Corning 2022. All rights reserved.

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New year, new growth: 5 ways small business owners can plan for success in 2023

2022-12-26T23:15:00

(BPT) – When the calendar flips from one year to the next, “new year, new me” regularly comes back into the communal psyche. This oftentimes manifests through health-focused resolutions but can easily be applied to how business plans are formulated and how execution can be optimized for the year ahead.

Here are five areas small business (SMB) owners may want to focus on now to help them achieve their goals and respond to changing customer behavior in 2023.

1. Focus on infrastructure & supply

Investing in infrastructure or supply chain improvements that can optimize processes may help SMB owners reach their 2023 sales goals. This can be achieved with simple investments, such as purchasing new software, or more significant investments, such as identifying new suppliers or buying new equipment to fulfill orders more efficiently.

For Southern Elegance Candle Co., a North-Carolina based candle company, the ability to invest strategically in materials has been key to scaling their business and navigating supply chain issues. With financing from PayPal Working Capital1, founder and CEO, D’Shawn Russell, was able to secure the volume of supplies the business needed to avoid manufacturing interruptions and keep up with demand.

“Having quick, convenient access to the funds we need to buy in bulk is critical for us to be able to stay in business,” says Russell. “It’s been a game-changer. Knowing that the funding is there when I need to invest in product gives me confidence as we grow the brand.”2

2. Connect the brand to the wider community

Now more than ever, consumers are interested in purpose-driven brands. According to a research study by Zeno, 94% of global consumers surveyed say it’s important that the companies they engage with have a strong purpose. This report also found that consumers are four times more likely to purchase from such companies and 4.5 times more likely to recommend them to friends and family. For Millennials and Gen Z, purpose is a key factor in their purchasing decisions, with research by Deloitte finding that the younger generations are more likely to pay a premium for brands that align with their sustainable values.

By analyzing brand values and the needs of the community of customers they serve, SMBs can identify authentic opportunities to integrate purpose-driven products or programs into their business plans. For ocean adventure brand Everyday California, balancing profit with purpose means partnering with 1% For The Planet. This allows them to donate 1% of their gross revenue to support environmental charities, such as Green Wave, that align with their brand identity and commitment to protecting the ocean.

3. Get ready for returns

For most businesses, the holiday season isn’t over after New Year’s, because they still must prepare for the wave of returns. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, total returns of holiday merchandise sales account for $158 billion in lost holiday sales for U.S. retailers. While larger companies may have the infrastructure to support this volume, it can be particularly challenging for SMBs that may not have the capital to offset the cost of returns.

To help bridge this post-holiday cash flow gap, SMBs may want to consider applying for financing. Using a program like PayPal Working Capital, businesses can apply for fast access to help close any cash flow gaps resulting from return season. Brands can also use this efficient, flexible financing to invest in new stock that refreshes their offering and excites customers to exchange for value-added products rather than making straight returns.

4. Create opportunities for cross-selling

According to Invesp, existing customers are likely to spend more than new prospects. An increase in customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by at least 25%. To retain existing customers and increase profits, SMBs should look for ways to engage consumers post-sale.

One way SMBs can better engage their audience is by creating interactive video content that adds to a customer’s product or service experience. Research by Hubspot has found that video content is more memorable and popular for consumers than other forms. SMBs can take advantage of consumer interest in video in multiple ways, such as investing in video tutorials about how to use their products for their website or posting interactive glimpses into product development via short videos on social platforms.

During this post-sale activity, brands have an opportunity to engage with customers and cross-sell related items.

5. Expand offerings to keep customers engaged

Recent research from McKinsey found that customers are increasingly looking to try something new. As a result, it’s crucial for SMBs to have ready access to the capital they need to innovate quickly and provide the ever-changing novelty that customers are now hunting for.

When Big Red’s Hot Sauce was approaching their 10-year anniversary, founders Paul and Tasia Ford saw an opportunity to both engage their customers and celebrate the milestone by growing their product line with a set of 10 new flavors.

To help fund product expansion, they applied and were approved for a PayPal Business Loan3. The lending allowed them to navigate supply chain challenges more easily, so they could obtain enough of the bottles and packaging they needed to meet demand.

Paul Ford was impressed that the funding was “quick, efficient and immediate.”2 This access to capital has helped them grow from three flavor offerings to 21 products in just the first 10 years of operation.

“In small business, timing is everything,” said Tasia Ford. “Having access to funds gives you the opportunity to be competitive in a very competitive market.”

The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only. You should consider obtaining independent business, tax, financial, and legal advice before making any business decision.

________________________________________________________________________

1 The lender for PayPal Working Capital is WebBank, Member FDIC. Applicants must satisfy certain requirements to be eligible. Lender approval required – terms and conditions apply.

2 Results or experiences may vary.

3 The lender for PayPal Business Loan is WebBank, Member FDIC. Applicants must satisfy certain requirements to be eligible. Lender approval required – terms and conditions apply.

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Looking for Ways to Improve Your Credit Score? Here are Some Tips

2022-12-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you feel like it’s a struggle just getting from one pay period to the next, you’re not alone. Currently, 61% of the U.S. population lives paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, that can result in overusing credit cards or relying on predatory lending practices such as payday loans to get by when unexpected expenses occur — which often leads to additional financial difficulties. With U.S. inflation rates currently at 7%, credit card balances in turn have jumped 15%, and missed payments are unfortunately also on the rise — which negatively affects those card holders’ credit scores. If you have a lower credit score or no credit history, you may have a much harder time buying a home or car, getting good insurance rates — or even renting an apartment, among other things. Simply put, getting and keeping a better credit score increases your ability to borrow money at a lower cost when you need it.

If you’re one of the 150 million Americans who have low or no credit, these tips can help you improve your credit score, even during economically challenging times.

1. Review your credit score

You can request a free credit report online annually from Experian®, Equifax®, TransUnion®, or the credit-builder tool of your choice. It’s a good idea to check for any errors which could be negatively impacting your credit score.

2. Use a credit builder to help you improve your credit score

Paying credit card bills on time is one of the top ways you can improve your credit score, but what about all your other bills such as utilities, rent, and subscriptions? These billers are not reporting your on-time payments to the credit bureaus. Fortunately, you can get some help by joining StellarFi, the first and only credit builder that consolidates all your bill payments in one place, then pays and reports a variety of bill payments directly to Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax® — quickly building your positive payment history and improving factors that make up your credit score. StellarFi pays your regular household bills on time and withdraws money from your bank account to cover the bills. Because StellarFi pays bills on your behalf, your on-time bill payments will positively impact your credit score. Your StellarFi credit-builder account shows up on your credit report with your positive payment history and builds your credit in a meaningful and reliable way that lenders and creditors can use.

The result? The more of your bills that are paid through StellarFi, the faster and higher your credit score can grow: StellarFi members enjoy an average 26-point increase in their credit scores during the first month. There’s no credit check, interest fees, or deposit to get started.

3. Don’t open too many credit accounts at once

One mistake some people make is applying for too many credit cards at the same time. Every time you apply for a card, that triggers an inquiry into your credit, which can negatively impact your score. Over time your score will recover, but it’s best not to have too many inquiries into your credit too close together.

4. Think twice before closing a card

While you may think it’s smart to close a credit card because of a high interest rate, this can actually negatively impact your credit score. A major factor of your credit score is the percentage of available credit you’re using — so if you’re maxing out your cards, that will hurt your score. Closing a card means reducing your available credit, making the percentage of credit you’re currently using higher.

In addition, closing a card reduces the overall years of credit history you have, which is another factor in determining your score. If it’s a card you don’t want to use due to a high interest rate, consider setting it aside, only using it occasionally for a small purchase to keep it active, then paying it off in full.

5. Start now

Improving your credit score can take a little time, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you will begin to see positive results.

“Personal finances can be challenging in today’s environment, but there are tools available to help anyone trying to build a better credit history,” said StellarFi founder and CEO Lamine Zarrad. “Taking stock of your credit report and using a credit builder account can be effective steps toward getting a handle on improving your credit situation.”

Ready to get started? Visit https://stellarfi.com to learn more.

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3 tips for choosing — and using — the best grout for your tiling project

2022-12-24T05:15:00

(BPT) – Just because winter’s here doesn’t mean you have to put household DIY projects requiring grout on hold. As long as you take precautions, indoor projects like setting tile can go smoothly and easily. And whether you’re a novice DIYer, seasoned home decorator or hiring a professional contractor, your decisions don’t stop at what kind of tile to use — selecting the best grout also makes a huge difference for the look and wear of your space, as well as how easy it is to apply.

1. Consider design goals when selecting grout color

While tile gets most of the attention when people plan their kitchen, bathroom or other space, the grout you choose can make or break the look you want. Choosing the best color option for grout depends on what you’re looking for with your overall design. Want to make the tile appear seamless, enlarging the feel of your space? Or do you want to highlight the graphic element of the tile pattern itself? In other words, do you want the grout to fade into the background so it’s mostly the tile we see, or use grout to enhance the look?

When you want seamless tile to be the star of the show and the space to appear larger, you’re better off with a neutral grout color that’s lighter than the tile — which is why many choose white or off-white shades for grout. However, if you’re looking to make the tile pattern pop, grout colors like shades of gray that are darker than your tile will stand out, becoming part of the design. Given the many grout colors available today, some designers even choose grout matching a color used elsewhere in the room, such as in wall paint or another design element.

2. Be choosy about your grout

To ensure you’re using the best possible product for virtually any tiling product, consider a top choice of construction pros: Prism Ultimate Performance Grout, the uniquely formulated high-performance cement grout from Custom Building Products. Known for its incredible color consistency in an array of 40 color choices, this product is also long-lasting and highly stain resistant, requiring no sealing — even for challenging applications like a kitchen backsplash or high-traffic floor. Its exclusive calcium aluminate formula controls hydration to ensure color consistency without shading or mottling, regardless of the conditions of the space. You won’t see any efflorescence, either — that unsightly whitish crusty deposit that can sometimes appear on the surface of the grout joint. Beyond being very easy to work with, Prism creates super dense grout joints that resist stains better than any other cement grout.

Prism Grout is ideal for grout joints from 1/16” up to 1/2”, and you can use it in any sanded grout application or in place of non-sanded grout in narrow joints like plank tile assemblies. This grout also performs exceptionally well in the extra wide and deep joints found with pebble or irregular tile and can be used for challenging applications such as wet areas, exteriors or submerged tile. Unlike some grouts, Prism sets up quickly and can be walkable in as little as four hours.

3. Use grout correctly

As with any product you use in your home, make sure to follow the product instructions exactly. For example, be sure you’re using the precise amount of water recommended for mixing your grout so it will bond correctly.

Because a cold environment can negatively impact the grout setting correctly, be careful that your grout powder is both stored and used in rooms with temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The water you use to mix your grout should also be in this temperature range. After applying, make sure the room temperature stays between 50-80 degrees for at least 72 hours while the grout is setting. In addition, avoid foot traffic on floor tile until you are sure the grout is fully set and dry.

With the right grout product and using these tips, you can update the look of any space using tile, even during colder months. To learn more about Prism Ultimate Performance Grout and to see a video highlighting its uses, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com. The product is available at Home Depot and other leading home improvement stores.

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6 tips to avoid holiday halitosis and ensure a healthy smile all year

2022-12-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Good breath is important around the holidays, but good oral hygiene is important year-round. According to studies by the Oral Health Foundation, bad breath is often linked to foods high in sugar and acid — ingredients common in holiday favorite recipes!

“Knowing you have fresh breath and a dazzling smile can boost confidence to be ready for the upcoming party season or any social situation,” said Dr. Jeferson Santos, a restorative dentist at Eco-Friendly Dentistry.

Dr. Santos understands that sometimes it’s hard to say no to all the appetizing treats on the buffet table or at the bar, but moderation is key. Here are his six tips to improve your breath and smile, so you’re not left solo under the mistletoe and stay kissable all year long.

Dr. Santos recommends these easy-to-follow tips for great oral health:

1. Brush three times a day: Most people are great about brushing in the morning and before bed but skip out on the afternoon session. Consider packing a travel toothbrush and TheraBreath toothpaste for that after-lunchtime trip to the restroom.

2. Drink plenty of water: Good old-fashioned H2O does wonders for the body, including the mouth! Staying hydrated helps to reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

3. Eat fruit: Consider adding oranges, melons, or berries to your diet. They are high in vitamins such as A, B, C, and E which help to prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

4. Cut alcohol consumption: Alcohol increases dry mouth resulting in more cavity-causing bacteria. Cut back on the strong drinks and try a no-alcohol mouth rinse like TheraBreath’s Invigorating Icy Mint, which uses the power of oxygen to target and eliminate bad breath-causing bacteria.

5. Avoid e-cigarettes and smoking: Nicotine is responsible for a number of oral health issues, including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, and significantly heightens the risk of periodontal disease by increasing the pocket depth of the gums.

Don’t pack your good oral hygiene habits away with the tinsel. Remember, Valentine’s Day is less than two months away!