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New Year, New Vehicle for EcoCAR EV Challenge Teams

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – This fall, students participating in the EcoCAR EV Challenge returned to their garages to kick off the second year of the four-year collegiate competition. The EcoCAR EV Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors (GM) and MathWorks, prepares college students to meet the changing demands of the automotive industry by providing them with hands-on training and knowledge of electric vehicles (EVs), connected auto technologies and autonomous vehicle systems.

Following the first year of the competition, which was primarily focused on student teams conceptualizing their vehicle designs, GM provided each team with a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ which the students are reengineering to add new energy efficient and automated features.

This year, EcoCAR students get the full experience of designing, developing and deploying their own automated vehicle systems. Teams will explore these features with a unique focus on minimizing energy consumption through making energy-mindful decisions, integrating eco-driving control strategies and deploying connected vehicle technologies.

With an all-electric future on the horizon and autonomous mobility continuing to advance, the automotive industry is currently undergoing a once-in-a-century technological revolution and is grappling with massive shifts in technology, workforce, supply chains and its manufacturing base as a result. Vehicles with automated driving features are growing in popularity, with the capability and refinement of these features progressing rapidly year over year as automakers look to Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) features to improve vehicle safety and driver experience.

As the development of EVs and new CAV technologies continues to advance, programs such as the EcoCAR EV Challenge are critical for helping to bridge the current skills gap and build the talent pipeline needed to meet the industry’s future needs through cutting-edge automotive engineering education and practical application. The competition is uniquely designed to support the workforce pipeline needed to produce the next generation of EVs, enabling participating students to graduate with the skills and experience to immediately contribute to the development of EVs and CAV systems and drive new auto innovations.

Working closely with mobility and government leaders on a curriculum specifically tailored to align with future industry needs, programs such as EcoCAR and other Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) managed by Argonne National Laboratory help address the toughest mobility challenges facing our nation, while building a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of North America. They help prepare the auto industry leaders of the future by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skillsets to secure high-paying, highly desired roles post-graduation and pave the way for tomorrow’s auto industry advances.

To learn more about the EcoCAR EV Challenge and to follow along on each team’s journey, visit avtcseries.org and like, follow and subscribe to the competition’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

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Discovering the keys to a long, healthy life in the new year

2024-01-31T14:01:00

(BPT) – Living a long life is worthy of celebration, but living a long healthy life is the ultimate goal. When given the gift of more years, most of us hope to be able to live them well — happy, active and free from chronic illness or pain. While there is some element of luck and genetics at play, there are steps we can take to help make it more likely those years are good ones — and there’s no time like the present to start. Fortunately, AARP members have access to benefits that can help save money on many of those pursuits.

Nourish and nurture the body

A balanced, nutritious diet can help keep you at a healthy weight while providing vital nutrients to fuel your body. It can also help protect against illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. For those who aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, meal delivery alternatives that focus on a balanced diet are an easy solution. AARP members can access them affordably.

One way is through Daily Harvest, which offers easy-to-prep complete meal solutions that can be customized for your dietary needs. You can choose from over 100 delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all built on fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door. AARP members receive $50 off their first order of nine items or more, and 10% off future orders by entering their AARP membership number on Daily Harvest’s website and creating an account.

Silver Cuisine by bistroMD is another option that provides chef-prepared meals from the comfort of home. These dishes are created with the nutritional needs of people 50+ in mind. AARP members save 25% and get free shipping on their first order of $99 or more of Silver Cuisine™ chef-prepared meals, including specialty diet meals such as heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and more. Plus, save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more.

Take care of your body

Staying active is important for physical and mental health, but so is preventive care. It’s a good idea to maintain regular checkups to establish a baseline and address any ailments before they become more serious.

For people on Medicare who may not have a primary care provider, AARP members and non-members can visit the Oak Street Health website to locate a doctor and schedule an appointment. Oak Street Health focuses on prevention with personalized care to help stay healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a care team dedicated to each patient, and a 24/7 patient support line.

Taking care of your body also means prioritizing often overlooked areas like dental care. Regular visits to the dentist not only brighten your smile, but they can also monitor and prevent disease. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease and gingivitis, and other more serious bodily conditions. AARP members have access to information on dental insurance plan options for a variety of budgets and needs.

Eye health is another area to consider. By visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist once a year, you can help keep your vision sharp so you can enjoy beautiful sights while avoiding injuries and falls. AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer plans and a large doctor network, affordable glasses, lens enhancements and more.

You can also save on prescription eyeglasses with AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed. Save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com and save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Medication is important in managing pain and conditions such as high blood pressure or debilitating arthritis. AARP® Prescription Discounts Provided by OptumRx can help keep the costs of those prescriptions down. AARP members and non-members can receive a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on all FDA-approved medications. AARP members also receive additional benefits, like deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Plan fulfilling experiences

When you feel good, you’re more likely to want to travel and pursue new experiences, but the reverse is also true — travel and new experiences can help energize you and foster mental wellness. Whether it’s a solo trip for rest and relaxation, or a group outing with friends and family, there are so many benefits that come from exploring new places, activities and cultures.

Booking your travel is made simple with AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where AARP members can receive exclusive deals on hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Members get exclusive deals, seasonal offers and special savings when they book through the platform.

The first few months of the year are an especially good time to explore the world from the water. It’s “Wave Season,” or the period when cruise vacations are at their cheapest. AARP members can save up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises with Holland America Line, whose fleet of 11 ships offers more than five hundred sailings a year visiting all 7 continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Let 2024 be the year you prioritize adding more well-lived years to your life. With AARP member benefits, you can embark on this journey with practical and cost-effective solutions, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life chapter.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

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Do you need a standby generator? 6 things to know before you buy

2024-02-01T08:01:01

(BPT) – Every day on the news, it seems, there’s a report about another extreme weather event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for extreme weather. The U.S. experienced 28 separate, billion-dollar weather disasters last year, the highest number ever. That averages out to more than one every two weeks.

Widespread power outages are one of the byproducts of these mega-storms, but it doesn’t take a once-in-a-century flood to cause them. Blackouts happen regularly due to more “mundane” causes, like power grid glitches, ice storms or high winds, even lightning in a garden-variety thunderstorm taking out a power pole. And you’re left in the dark. Depending on the severity of the outage, that darkness could last awhile.

When the power goes out in your home, so does the heat. And the internet. And the electricity needed to keep food at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. All of your “smart” electronics and appliances that talk to each other (and to you) go silent.

Owning a standby generator is the best way to keep your household humming during a power outage. Because of all of the extreme weather we’ve been experiencing, it’s moving from the nice-to-have category into a necessity. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.

A standby generator is different than a portable generator. Most people are familiar with the type of bulky generators their fathers kept in the garage, noisy contraptions that needed to be hooked up to cough to life when the power went out. You could run the refrigerator or a space heater, but not both. We’ve come a long way since then. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. These sleek, permanently installed units are a bit like having a power plant on reserve. Some models are able to power the electricity to your entire home. The switchover from the power grid to your generator is completely automatic and usually so seamless, homeowners don’t even notice a disruption.

You must own your home to install a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home — just like an AC unit or solar panel system — and routed to your home’s electrical and gas systems. For this reason, you must own the property your generator will power.

The type of home matters. A condo or apartment, even if you own it, isn’t conducive to having a generator. If you live in a townhome complex, consult your community’s by-laws before purchasing a generator. Typically, single-family and fixed mobile homes are qualified for generator installation.

Research any necessary permits before you install. Typically, your generator will be installed alongside your home’s exterior in a discrete area, but it is still considered a modification to your home’s appearance. This means you’ll likely require approval, and perhaps permits, prior to installation if you live in a community regulated by an HOA or other governing board.

Consider your home’s power needs … and your own. Do you want to power your entire home during an outage, or can you get by with only select appliances or systems running? Analyze your home’s electrical load and your power priorities. This will help you determine potential generator models to choose from. Some are equipped to power your entire home, while others are better for powering the necessities.

Not all generators are created equal. You can find any number of generators on the market today with just a few mouse clicks online. But this is your family’s safety and well-being in a potential disaster we’re talking about. It’s not the time to take chances on an untested product or company. Go with a trusted name in the industry you can count on to keep your household running. KOHLER generators have been on the market for over 100 years and each model has endured hundreds of performance tests to ensure total reliability. They’re built with commercial-grade engines designed to outlast the outage. And they use state-of-the-art technology so you can monitor it on your mobile device or computer.

When a power outage strikes, a standby generator ensures that your family won’t miss a beat. Want to learn more? Visit KOHLERhomeenergy.com for more information.

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4 tips to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle

2024-02-01T12:01:01

(BPT) – In honor of American Heart Month this February, you can make positive changes to your well-being by evaluating how your everyday lifestyle affects your heart health. To get started, take steps to understand your risk, then consider making healthier choices to help lower your chances of heart disease.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few of her tips to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle, starting with your routine wellness visits.

1. Know your risk

Getting regular health screenings as part of your annual exam is crucial to understanding your risk for heart disease. By consulting with your primary healthcare provider on a regular basis, you can ask questions and get advice on practical steps you could take to improve your well-being.

“Regular wellness visits are a crucial part of staying healthier,” Blatner advises. “And it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or nutrition program.”

2. Stay active

Try to fit 30-60 minutes of physical activity into your day, which can include walking, gardening or household chores as well as swimming, dancing, playing a sport or taking a fitness class. Various aerobic activities that get your heart rate up, strength exercises to build muscle, plus yoga or stretching for flexibility are usually a good mix.

Make it easier to exercise enough each day by breaking up activity into smaller chunks rather than doing it all at once.

3. Reduce stress

The good news is that many of the activities you can do to keep physically active have the added benefit of reducing your stress levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can improve your mood, reduce tension and help you focus throughout your day.

Apart from exercise, you can try meditation, breathing exercises and any other relaxing activities that help you feel calm and reduce anxiety.

4. Focus on foods that boost wellness

Eat a variety of nutritious foods to help improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, including veggies and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats like avocado, lean meats and eggs.

“When it comes to eggs, I always recommend Eggland’s Best,” Blatner adds. “Eggland’s Best eggs have more than double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs, which support heart health in a variety of important ways such as boosting good cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and promoting healthy blood pressure.”

In addition, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps support healthier blood cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Eggland’s Best eggs also have more than double the amount of Vitamin B12, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D.

To help you include more eggs in your daily diet, Blatner shares this recipe from the American Heart Association and Eggland’s Best for easy-to-make egg tostadas that are a delicious and hearty snack or breakfast.

Eggland’s Best is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative. To learn more, visit EgglandsBest.com.

POACHED EGG TOSTADAS WITH AVOCADO-TOMATILLO SALSA

Prep time 10 minutes; cook time 20 minutes.

Ingredients

· 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· Cooking spray

· Four 6-inch corn tortillas

· 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Salsa Ingredients

· 1 medium avocado (diced)

· 1 medium Anaheim pepper (seeds and ribs discarded, diced)

· 1 medium tomatillo (papery husk discarded, diced)

· 1/2 medium tomato (diced)

· 1/4 cup diced red onion

· 1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

· 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

· 1 medium garlic clove (minced)

· 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
  2. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the foil. Lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray. Using a fork, pierce the tortillas a few times to prevent them from filling with air. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring the water and vinegar to a boil over high heat.
  4. In a medium bowl, gently stir together all the salsa ingredients. Set aside.
  5. Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer. Break an egg into a cup and then carefully slip the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, placing them in the water so they don’t touch. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the whites are completely set and the yolks are beginning to set, but aren’t hard. Using a slotted spoon, drain the eggs well. Place each egg on a tostada. Serve with the salsa.

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From Teeth to Paws: Five Ways Pets’ Dental Health Impacts Total Health

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Pet Dental Health Month (February) marks the perfect time to prioritize your pet’s wellbeing and kick-start a dental care routine. A staggering 80% of dogs, particularly small breeds and seniors, face the risk of dental disease, with 70% of cats experiencing dental issues in their lifetime.

Supporting your pet’s dental health starts with annual veterinarian visits and consistent daily at-home dental care. When done together, pet parents contribute not only to their pet’s dental health but also to their overall wellbeing, because there are many ways the two are tied together that some pet parents may not even consider.

The following are five additional health benefits your pet may experience when you prioritize their dental health:

1. Optimal nutrition and digestion

Proper digestion starts in the mouth, and healthy teeth allow pets to chew their food effectively, breaking it down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. This not only promotes improved digestion but also enhances optimal nutrient absorption. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet contributes to a pet’s overall health and immune system, promoting an active, joyful life while reducing susceptibility to illness.

2. Emotional wellbeing

Supporting your dog’s dental health with a dental chew offers multiple benefits: It helps clean teeth, exercises jaw muscles and provides mental stimulation. Wellness® WHIMZEES® Natural* Dental Treats for dogs acts like a chew, which helps to release endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) promoting pleasure and relaxation to help reduce pain and stress.

For cats, boost chewing with Wellness® WHIMZEES® Natural Dental Treats to help address the key areas vets check most: plaque, gums, tartar and breath. These daily cat treats have a crunchy, porous texture that mimics a toothbrush with an added benefit of encouraging bonding time with cat parents while treating.

3. Gut and microbiome health

Strong dental health can support a happy microbiome in the gut and safeguard against potential health risks. Neglected oral care may lead to untreated dental infections, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause systemic infections in the heart, liver or kidneys. This imbalance can influence digestion, behavior, immune function and various other aspects of your pet’s health.

4. Reduced tooth loss and better breath

Preserving your pets’ wellbeing involves addressing the risk of tooth loss, a crucial aspect of their ongoing health. Like children, kittens and puppies naturally lose baby teeth, but adulthood should not bring tooth loss from unattended dental issues. Such tooth loss can impair a pet’s ability to eat, play and interact normally, evolving into a health concern.

Taking proactive daily measures to support dental health, such as reducing plaque and tartar buildup, can effectively minimize the risk of teeth loss due to advanced dental disease. This ensures that pets maintain vitality and enjoy various activities as they age, while also contributing to fresher breath and enjoyable interactions.

5. Positive behavior and comfort

Dental discomfort can influence a pet’s behavior, resulting in reduced food intake, irritability or mild changes in mood. Pain from dental problems may lead to avoidance of eating or difficulty with regular food consumption. Consider the last time you had a toothache — addressing it likely improved your behavior and energy levels. The same applies to our pets.

Investing in your pet’s dental health is not just an act of care; it’s a supportive move toward ensuring their physical health, comfort and overall wellbeing. Dental chews and treats are a simple way to maintain dental health at home. To learn more and find Wellness® WHIMZEES® near you, visit https://www.whimzees.com/.

*With added vitamins, minerals & taurine

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Do you have chronic heart disease? You may be at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia

2024-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Love isn’t the only thing worth celebrating in February, it’s also important to celebrate our actual hearts.

This month is American Heart Month — which is aimed at raising awareness for heart health, educating about risk factors for heart disease and sharing tips on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

There are many ways you can celebrate American Heart Month. Here are just a few:

  • Wear red to raise awareness for heart health
  • Create a walking routine with friends and family
  • Try new heart-healthy recipes and share with others
  • Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, art, and meditation
  • Get vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia if you have chronic heart disease

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital for weeks and even be life threatening.

Our heart and lungs work closely together and that’s why it’s important to take a holistic approach.

If you have chronic heart disease, you are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia — and getting vaccinated can help protect you.

Adults 65 or older and adults 19 or older with certain other chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and should consider asking their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time, in any season. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is the time to ask your doctor or pharmacist if vaccination is right for you.

Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend additional vaccination to help prevent the disease.

Kick off American Heart Month strong by asking your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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Carter’s Most Loved Sale is Live, Here’s What to Buy

2024-01-31T14:01:00

(BPT) – Carter’s is starting off the year with a bang, launching its first-ever Most Loved Sale. Live now, the new sale is two full weeks of deals on the brand’s bestselling, most-hearted styles. And as the #1 most trusted brand of apparel for babies and young children, Carter’s is the perfect place to stock up on all the essentials for your little ones. Ready to start shopping? We’re breaking down the must-have, must-buys here:

The Original Bodysuit™: Carter’s #1 all-time bestseller; one sold every second

As any parent knows, bodysuits are a must when it comes to babies. The more, the better. Carter’s Original Bodysuit™ is a historic favorite for a reason. With 30 million bodysuits sold and loved per year (that’s 1 sold every second!), bodysuits have become Carter’s all-time bestselling baby item, and now they’re at the lowest price of the season. You know what that means — it’s time to stock up.

Let’s talk features: Strong, long-lasting snaps that hold up after wear, wash, repeat; overlap shoulders that expand over baby’s body for easy changes (life saver!); 100% cotton that’s gentle on baby’s skin; and of course, all the fun graphics and loveable prints.

Shopper tip: Multipacks are a must. Shop 4- & 5-pack bodysuits now on sale from $2.40 per piece ($12+ for the pack). Because as any parent knows, you can never have too many.

5-Star Sleep & Play™: The do-it-all style purchased 10,259 times per day

Another baby must-have, the 5-Star Sleep & Play™ truly does it all. Known as the day-to-night, tummy time, nap time, anytime staple, this is the most practical outfit for new babies, featuring both snap and 2-way zip options, as well as fold-over cuffs for preemie and newborn sizes so you can skip the mittens. The best part? It’s now on sale from just $8 — the lowest price of the season — so be sure to add to cart (we recommend getting 5 to 8).

Most-Hearted for Toddler & Kid: The top sellers worn & loved by millions last year

Our most loved styles for toddler and kid? Simple. It’s the day-in, day-out favorites they love. It’s the top-selling graphic tees, with 9 million worn and loved last year, and 25,000 (!) sold every single day. It’s the tried-and-true leggings that 6 million children wore and loved last year. It’s the go-to colors — black, navy and knit-denim — that never go out of style. It’s the outfit sets that take the thinking out of getting dressed. And it’s the new additions like moisture-wicking BeCool™ activewear. So don’t miss out on all of this and more, because these bestsellers speak for themselves.

The styles you love. The sale you’ve been waiting for. Now through February 14 at carters.com and oshkosh.com.

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3 planning ideas to fund your retirement

2024-01-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – If only there was a way to predict the future. It would be helpful for quite a few things, especially retirement planning.

Figuring out how much money you’ll need to live the life you want — for the entirety of your retirement — is one of adulthood’s biggest challenges. And managing the possibility that you won’t outlive your savings has a name: longevity risk. No matter what, proactive financial planning is necessary to give you the greatest chance for success.

As you plan and set goals for the year ahead, now is a good time to think about longevity risk and develop strategies to ensure your retirement funds last as long as you do. After all, what good is a nest egg if it runs out early? And on the flip side, what good are hard-earned savings if you don’t spend them out of fear of running out?

Better planning for better outcomes

Over the past few decades, there has been a shift from traditional pension plans, where you get a defined monetary benefit in retirement, to 401(k)s and other defined contribution retirement plans, which puts more responsibility and stress on the shoulders of individuals to contribute a large portion toward their retirement savings. Fortunately, you don’t need an MBA to know that better planning leads to better outcomes; so here are three ideas to build a retirement plan that you feel confident in and have the resiliency to follow.

Planning idea No. 1: Lifestyle is important. So is keeping options open.

If you’re like most people, you have ideas about what you want to do in retirement, like owning a second home, traveling or volunteering in your community. Your plan should have the flexibility to balance your desired lifestyle with what you can afford. To do this, trade-offs such as delaying retirement, part-time work or waiting to collect social security all may need to be on the table as you’re planning.

Planning idea No. 2: Knowledge is power

A lack of preparedness can lead to undesirable spending cuts, but you can guard against this by getting educated about available solutions.

One of the biggest steps you can take to increase your income and ensure that it will last your lifetime is waiting to claim social security. Simply delaying your claim from age 67 to 70 results in a nearly 25% increase in payments, and that larger payment will grow with cost-of-living adjustments.

Another is insured products. For many, protected savings and lifetime income options limit risk and insulate assets from the effects of market volatility — all while generating predictable income streams for fixed expenses in retirement. Such products are available from Prudential and can help improve retirement security for a lifetime. But they’re not for every person or every situation, so discuss the possibilities with a financial advisor. Which leads us to the final planning idea…

Planning idea No. 3: Don’t go it alone

If you are open to getting help, but don’t know where to start, there are many tools and resources to help you plan, with a trusted financial advisor being at the top of the list. Advisors will likely start the conversation by asking about your current financial situation and desired outcomes. If you’re clear on those outcomes, it will be easier to make choices from the range of options and strategies.

And if you’re not quite ready to meet in person with an advisor, there are online tools to help. The web-based Prudential Stages for Retirement will unlock your personalized Retirement Confidence Score and generate custom projections of your retirement income and spending over time. When you’re ready to kick things up a notch, you can connect virtually or in person with a financial advisor to help you define, refine and realize your financial goals.

Remember: There is no time like the present

As we dive into a new year, now is the ideal time to think about building a plan to reach your goals. Every day counts, so get started today and good luck on your financial planning journey — you’ve got this!

This material is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any client or prospective clients.

The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing or investing your retirement savings. If you would like information about your particular investment needs, please contact a financial professional.

Annuities are issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates.

Prudential Stages is an umbrella marketing name for Pruco Securities LLC (sometimes referred to as “Pruco”) under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to a separate agreement. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Pruco, a registered investment advisor.

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How one company is making a big difference for kids in need

2024-01-31T16:15:00

(BPT) – Running a business of any size is complex. Logistics, finances, employee management and more are always top of mind. But a business is more than just processes and spreadsheets — organizations can also be a positive force in their communities and for people in need.

Giving back is a Core Value at ABC Supply Co., Inc., the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. That’s why they have recommitted to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses with another $3 million pledge to Make-A-Wish America. Since becoming a national partner in 2020, ABC Supply has helped grant the wishes of more than 400 children nationwide.

Helping children with critical illness

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with a critical illness — and every day Make-A-Wish grants more than 15 wishes to these amazing children. This would not be possible without a generous network of donors, partners and volunteers, such as ABC Supply.

“Giving back is at the heart of our business and culture,” said Mike Jost, chief operating officer of ABC Supply. “Make-A-Wish is an extraordinary organization, and we’re so happy to continue supporting their mission and efforts to grant wishes and deliver hope to many more deserving children.”

ABC Supply shared some of the important efforts the company has made to support Make-A-Wish:

Sky Carp Make-A-Wish event

ABC Supply and the Beloit Sky Carp Minor League Baseball in Wisconsin partnered to host a fun and meaningful Make-A-Wish Night at ABC Supply Stadium in August 2023. With a raffle, prizes and sports memorabilia, there was something to entice everyone. The Sky Carp players even wore special jerseys that were auctioned off following the game. Make-A-Wish kids in attendance were given the star treatment and were guests of honor at the event.

Eden’s she-shed

Eden is a 7-year-old sickle cell warrior. While much of her day-to-day routine is filled with doctors’ appointments and medications, she still finds ways to be joyful and creative amidst the chaos. After taking some time to think through what her wish might be, she shared that she wanted a space of her own to craft, read, play chess, cross-stitch and make jewelry with her friends. ABC Supply helped make this girl’s vision come to life with a she-shed space that is as unique and special as she is.

Belle’s dragon

Wish kid Belle is a 14-year-old with bone cancer who has always wanted her own “pet robotic dragon.” Earlier this year, her wish and imagination came to life when she was surprised with her 15-pound pet dragon at a massive 15th-century-style castle. The castle experience took place via virtual reality (VR) and transported Belle to a fantastical place far, far away, where she saw her dragon for the first time. When she removed the VR headset, her pet dragon was there by her side.

Blaize’s play structure

At only eight months old, Blaize was diagnosed with infant leukemia. For more than a year and a half, he was in and out of treatment. His cancer reoccurred at 14 months and he had to undergo a risky bone marrow transplant surgery. Blaize’s surgery was successful, and at 18 months old, he was finally able to return to the comfort of home. His family worked closely with Make-A-Wish, and with the help of ABC Supply, created a backyard play space just right for him.

Whether volunteering or raising funds for nonprofit organizations such as Make-A-Wish, ABC Supply’s associates are making a difference in communities across the country. To read more inspiring stories and to learn how you or your business can support Make-A-Wish, visit Wish.org.

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Don’t know how to use your front and side yards? Hardscape features can make you love your whole outdoor space

2024-01-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you spend most of your time and energy focusing on your backyard for outdoor living? Most homeowners do, leaving the untapped potential of front and side yards unnoticed. What if you could bring the serenity and functionality of your favorite backyard features to the front or sides, creating even more inviting spaces that truly enhance your living experience?

Here are five ways you can use Pavestone products to help you transform your home’s underutilized front and side yards, turning them into cozy retreats with enhanced privacy and functionality.

1. Embrace front yard retreats

Functional elegance: Elevate your front yard with Pavestone retaining walls that not only level uneven terrain, but also add a touch of elegance. These walls can create intimate spaces for relaxation or gardening, effectively bringing the charm of backyard terraces to the front of your home.

Privacy walls and hedges: Retaining walls work well as a base for privacy hedges, which can create secluded areas that are shielded from street view. Alternatively, you can build gravity walls (that do not support the weight of ground retention) as a purely visual block from outside eyes. Both additions bring a sense of tranquility to your front yard, making it a private oasis.

2. Create welcoming walkways

Curb appeal redefined: Swap out conventional concrete with Pavestone pavers to redefine your front or side walkways. Choose warm tones and intricate patterns to enhance the visual appeal, welcoming guests with a stylish entrance that mimics the coziness of backyard pathways. Pavestone’s Luna™ pavers make this a quick and easy project, as many designs don’t require cuts.

Create secluded nooks: Use pavers and well-placed landscaping to create small, secluded nooks in your front yard, providing private spaces for reading, contemplation — or simply enjoying the fresh air.

3. Enjoy outdoor living out front

Fire pit elegance: Installing a Pavestone fire pit kit made of Ladera® wall block in your front yard will bring the warmth and charm of backyard gatherings to the front of your home. This not only adds a new focal point, but also makes your front yard a welcoming space for family and friends.

Grill islands for al fresco cooking: Integrate Pavestone RumbleStone® grill surrounds to craft a designated outdoor cooking area in your front yard. This practical addition not only enhances functionality, but also adds an extra touch of luxury to your outdoor space.

4. Sit and talk — or relax — a while

Privacy-enhancing seat walls: Consider using Pavestone’s RumbleStone to create secluded seating areas along the sides of your home. These walls not only provide comfortable seating, but also act as privacy screens, transforming your side yards into more intimate spaces.

Bench kits for cozy corners: You can incorporate Pavestone RumbleStone bench kits in corners or against walls to create cozy nooks for relaxation or conversation. These benches can easily turn any area of your yard into a private retreat.

5. Let water wash your cares away

Front yard fountains: Introducing water features like fountains or water walls will bring a feeling of peace and tranquility to your front yard. The gentle sound of flowing water and visual appeal of these features can transform the space into a serene oasis, all while enhancing privacy.

Using these hardscape projects, you can expand the allure of backyard living to your front and side yards, adding more value, usefulness and aesthetic appeal to your entire outdoor space.

Whether through retaining walls, pavers, fire pits or grill surrounds, these elements not only add functionality but also create private sanctuaries that redefine the notion of front or side yard space. Embrace the opportunity to turn any area of your yard into a welcoming haven, showcasing the potential for beauty and privacy in every corner of your home — inside and out.

Meredith Clements, Senior Wish Manager for Make-A-Wish NorthTexas. “Topgolf pulled out all the stops to shower Kennedy with love from themoment they walked through the front door to the time they left.”