Month: November 2025

2025-11-06T10:33:00

(BPT) – When it comes to gifting the perfect holiday present to the anglers in your life, no one has better instincts than Santa Bass.

Gifted with the same powers as the jolly man from the North Pole, Santa Bass handles the aquatic side of gift-giving. He sees anglers on boats in the summer when they yearn for a different size of their favorite bait. He sees blank spaces on walls where memories of the year’s biggest catches could live. He sees the overflowing tacklebox that won’t stay closed.

Nothing gets past this sneaky creature.

For the gift givers whose angler friends and family are on the Nice List this year, here are Santa Bass’s top 10 picks to make this the best holiday season ever.

Frame a photo of their best catch – The best gifts are sentimental. If you’ve gone on a legendary fishing trip with the person you’re gifting, print your favorite photo of the trip and frame it. PRs come and go, but photos are forever!

Upgrade the classics – If your loved one is a die-hard angler, they probably already know and love certain fan-favorites such as CrushCity’s The Mayor or Rapala’s Original Floating lure. But do they have their favorite baits in the newest sizes or colors? The Mayor, for example, now comes in six new colors and one new size. The Original Floating comes in three new colors. Plus, Rapala just upgraded this tried-and-true killer to an even more premium design called the Floater Elite. Treat your loved one (or yourself) to something you know they’ll love.

New soft baits by the pros – That being said, some anglers get the most fun out of trying entirely novel baits. If that sounds like someone you know, the brand-new baits developed by the pro anglers at CrushCity just might become your loved one’s new favorite. The Jerk and the Salted Ned Roll are two delectable soft plastics that just launched this year and have already won big on the competition circuit.

New year, new rod – Has your father, sister or fishing buddy been using the same cruddy rod since before the turn of the century? Watch their eyes light up when you gift them a brand-new, premium rod. If you know which technique is their favorite, check out 13 Fishing’s lineup of technique-specific rods like the Shaker Rod, Jigging Rap Rod or the Power Cork Rod. If you’re on a budget, consider the Jinx rod by 13 Fishing.

Put some pride on their wall – It always feels good to decorate your space with the things you love. When Rapala released the Original Floating Giant Lure in the color USA Flag, anglers went berserk, mounting the beloved ginormous bait in small town bars, basements, log cabins, rec-rooms, offices and fishing sheds across the nation. Now, Rapala is introducing another beloved Giant Lure to the mix. Mimicking the legendary DT (Dives-To) series lure in the USA Flag style, this 24″ monster makes for a sure-fire conversation starter for the angler with more stories to tell than hook scars on their arm.

Rep your sport off the water – There’s next to no one who wouldn’t appreciate a brand-new sweatshirt, beanie or baseball cap from a brand they love. Rapala has tons of apparel so your loved one can rep what they love sitting by the fire this year.

Sharpen their tools – A colorful, premium piece of filleting equipment is the perfect gift for the angler who appreciates quality, but it’s also a special treat for the more frugal anglers whose knives could use more than a little love. Rapala’s Fish ‘N Fillet knife is a great bet for both characters. Continuing with the original features — a progressively tapered, full-tang blade of European stainless steel that takes and holds an ultra-sharp edge, and a birch handle with fine tooled leather sheath — anglers can now pick up this mighty knife in the color Firetiger.

Don’t forget stocking stuffers – They say the best gifts come in small packages. Well, if what your loved one is seeking is a major bite under the ice, the Nano Rap is the gift of the season. This lure is the smallest that Rapala has made in all its 90-year history. Made for those times when panfish such as perch, crappie or bluegill succumb to winter lethargy and a slower metabolism, this micro lure is the perfect easy meal to trigger a bite. A well-equipped ice angler will have a few of these in their tackle box to tie on when all else fails.

Keep your angler cozy – Some ice anglers can be stubborn about what gear they wear to the lake. So, gift your loved one who always arrives home a little chillier than they should a new jacket and bibs so they stay on the ice even longer. Top ice anglers helped create the StrikeMaster pro jacket, which is built to keep anglers warm even in the roughest winter conditions.

Go big to win big – Saltwater anglers all know this one pelagic truth: Big fish eat big fish. As of this year, Rapala’s Sarda lure now comes in the biggest size yet, size No. 22, with a body length of 8-1/2 in. For coastal anglers on the hunt for massive bluefin tuna, this lure is a day-maker.

2025-11-05T08:01:01

(BPT) – Do you or a loved one have a chronic health condition like diabetes or heart disease? Managing these conditions can be overwhelming and expensive. You shouldn’t have to do it alone. If you’re eligible for Medicare and have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you may be able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan called a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan, or C-SNP, with tailored benefits to support your health.

In 2026, Aetna^® is expanding its C-SNPs and will have plans available in 18 states.

Unique benefits to support chronic health conditions

Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNPs are for people who are eligible for Medicare and have a qualifying chronic condition. They provide extra support and resources to help C-SNP members live healthier, more empowered lives. Benefits include:

• A personal care team to help members manage their care and improve their quality of life
• $0 copays for in-network primary care and certain in-network specialty care related to the qualifying chronic conditions, including cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology and pulmonology
• An Extra Benefits Card with a monthly allowance for certain everyday expenses including over-the-counter (OTC) products, healthy foods, transportation, utilities and personal care products
• $0 or low-cost prescription drugs at in-network pharmacies to help with your chronic condition
• Dental care, eyewear and hearing aid benefits

“Having a comprehensive medical plan like an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP provides additional benefits. These include a care team that will call you every couple of days to check on your health,” said Ali Khan, MD, MPP, FACP. He’s a practicing general internist and chief medical officer, Medicare, at Aetna, a CVS Health^® company. “When living with a chronic health condition, that kind of care isn’t just nice to have — it makes a real difference for your health.”

Additional support to help members stay proactive about their health

Exercise and staying active are crucial for supporting health as people age, and this is particularly important for those with chronic conditions. Aetna C-SNPs include a popular SilverSneakers^® basic fitness membership with access to thousands of participating locations. Plus, exercise classes outside of traditional gyms, such as recreation centers and parks. SilverSneakers also offers resources to help improve brain health and memory, like on-demand classes for meditation and yoga.

“Exercise benefits the body in so many ways — strengthening the heart, building bone strength and balance and improving mood. That’s why I encourage my patients to stay active,” added Dr. Khan. “Having a fitness benefit in your Medicare Advantage plan provides a variety of options to help with this.”

C-SNP members will also have access to the CVS Health Resources for Living (RFL)^® program.* RFL helps address basic needs by connecting members with community services and resources like transportation, housing, food programs, and caregiver support based on individual member needs. RFL also offers support and resources that address many issues affecting members’ physical and mental health, such as loneliness.

Who is eligible for an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP?

You may qualify to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP plan if you have certain chronic conditions. The full list of eligible chronic conditions includes:

• Diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar)
• Chronic heart failure (CHF) (heart is unable to pump blood as it should)
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Coronary artery disease (blocked blood vessels in the heart)
• Peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the arms and legs)
• Valvular heart disease (damage of flaps in the heart that control blood flow)

Unsure if you qualify? The easiest way to find out is by talking to a licensed Aetna agent. They can confirm your eligibility and answer your questions at no cost. Just call 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 days/week. They can also help you complete the eligibility form and work with your provider to verify your condition.

When you can enroll

The Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is currently open and runs through Dec. 7. If you’re eligible for Medicare, or caring for a loved one who is, it’s an important time to review your health needs and which health plans can best support your health care needs. However, you can also enroll in a C-SNP throughout the year if you’re newly diagnosed with a chronic condition covered by a C-SNP.

Medicare plans change every year. So, even if you’re already enrolled in a plan, it’s a good idea to review your explanation of benefits, or annual notice of change to decide if your plan still fits your needs. Remember, choosing the right plan based on your specific needs is one of the most important decisions you can make for total health and well-being.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans to help support your health or the health of a loved one at AetnaMedicare.com.

*FOR RFL PROGRAM COST: There’s no extra cost to contact Resources For Living. Members only pay for the costs (if any apply) for services they use.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

The Aetna C-SNP is available to Medicare members who have at least one of the qualifying chronic conditions. To ensure a successful enrollment process, we’ll confirm with your healthcare provider that you have one of these eligible conditions. If verification of eligible condition is not received, involuntary disenrollment will occur.

Resources For Living is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies.

Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.

To send a complaint to Aetna, call the Plan or the number on your member ID card. To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.

SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. ©<2025> Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Y0001_6420150_2026_M

2025-11-05T11:25:00

(BPT) – For outdoor adventurers, staying connected while exploring remote locations is key to having fun and staying safe. From making sure that your loved ones know your location to accessing online maps and emergency services, having a reliable digital connection lets you confidently wander the wilderness.

But some areas make it impossible to connect to terrestrial networks. In fact, according to T-Mobile, there are more than 500,000 square miles in the U.S. where traditional cell towers simply can’t reach, including national parks, oil fields, lakes, rural farmland and mountains.

Using a dedicated satellite phone is a typical solution. These phones are built specifically to connect to satellites instead of land-based cell towers, making them a good choice in very remote areas with virtually no cell coverage. But they’re unlike your typical smartphone. They’re stripped-down, bulky devices made to withstand harsh conditions.

As of this year, satellite phones aren’t the only solution anymore. Now, you can access satellite connectivity straight from your smartphone.

The freedom to unplug and the ability to reconnect when it matters most

As part of its mission to put an end to dead zones, T-Mobile created T-Satellite with Starlink. This direct-to-device satellite connection uses more than 650 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbits that essentially act as cell towers in space.

It’s the first and only service of its kind in the U.S. that connects automatically to compatible phones from the last four years, which means you won’t need special apps or extra steps to connect to T-Satellite. If you can see the sky, you’re connected.

Not only can you send SMS messages, share your location and text 911, but T-Satellite now supports some of the most popular go-to apps when off grid, including WhatsApp, AllTrails, X, AccuWeather, T-Life and Google Maps.

So, whether you want to share your location with friends, receive updates from home, or check weather and road conditions while backcountry skiing, camping, hiking, fishing or hunting, you’re connected.

A proven solution

While the service may be new, T-Satellite has already proven itself during recent natural disasters.

T-Satellite proved to be helpful in a moment of crisis for first responders following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The satellite service connected over 1 million people who sent over 650,000 SMS messages and helped distribute 200 wireless emergency alerts.

Additionally, during the Oregon wildfires in October, T-Satellite connected nearly 7,000 people who sent over 24,000 SMS messages and helped distribute seven wireless emergency alerts.

In both cases, these important and life-saving messages and alerts would not have been possible using terrestrial cell networks.

T-Satellite also supports text-to-911 services, enabling anyone with a satellite-capable device ­— even if they aren’t T-Mobile members or T-Satellite customers — to text with first responders for free from almost anywhere when help is needed most — you just need to sign up.

Connecting to service is just a swipe away

T-Satellite already works on nearly every smartphone made in the last four years. If you’re a T-Mobile member on the Experience Beyond plan, T-Satellite is already included. All other T-Mobile members and non-members can sign up for T-Satellite for only $10 a month — including Verizon and AT&T customers.

Are you ready to get your hands dirty and commune with nature? To learn more about how you can connect to satellite service no matter where you roam, visit T-Mobile.com/Satellite.

2025-11-04T17:01:00

(BPT) – In small towns and rural communities across the United States, access to health care can mean the difference between life and death. On National Rural Health Day (Nov. 20), the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes the dedicated health professionals who serve these regions — and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who are often the key to ensuring safe, timely care close to home.

“On average, rural trauma victims must travel twice as far as urban residents to reach the nearest hospital,” said Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA, president of AANA. “Because of this and other health disparities, nearly 60% of trauma deaths occur in rural America — even though only 20% of Americans live there. CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the anesthesia and pain management care they need when and where they need it most.”

What is a CRNA?

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia and pain management. They deliver care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.

With more than 150 years of trusted service, CRNAs are highly trained clinicians who provide the full range of anesthesia services in every type of health care setting — from large hospitals to rural critical access facilities.

The Health Care Challenges Facing Rural America

Rural areas face a variety of health care barriers — including hospital closures, workforce shortages, and long travel distances to care.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs more than one-third of veterans with service-connected disabilities live in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also notes that rural communities have a higher proportion of older adults, many of whom live with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.

Without local CRNAs, many of these patients would have to travel hours for essential surgical or anesthesia care. When emergencies happen, those hours can make all the difference.

CRNAs: The Lifeline of Rural Health Care

CRNAs safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics each year and represent over 80% of anesthesia providers in rural U.S. counties, according to AANA. In many small hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers, supporting critical services like obstetrics, surgery, trauma stabilization, and pain management.

Their presence keeps lifesaving care within reach, helping rural hospitals stay open and their communities healthy, resilient, and self-sufficient.

“Working as a CRNA in rural settings shows just how critical our role is in medicine,” Molter said. “When we can practice to the full extent of our education and training, we help bridge health care gaps and deliver care to people who need it most. It’s why we celebrate and advocate for CRNAs who keep rural America safe and strong.”

Learn More

To learn more about the essential role of CRNAs in rural and other health care settings — or to explore how to become a CRNA — visit AANA.com.

2025-11-04T09:31:00

(BPT) – Almost 7 in 10 Americans (68%) say Thanksgiving will be more expensive this year, according to new Empower research. Still, 73% say that Thanksgiving dinner is worth every penny.

2025-11-03T09:01:01

(BPT) – New research from Empower reveals how Americans are adjusting to inflation, tariffs, and shifting traditions around the holiday table. Cost is on the menu as nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68%) say Thanksgiving will be more expensive due to tariffs and inflation. Two-thirds (66%) expect their grocery bill will rise compared to last year, with people expecting to spend an average of $137 on Thanksgiving dinner, with younger generations anticipating the highest costs (Gen Z $176; Millennials $169; Gen X $135; Boomers $90). More than a quarter plan on passing on Thanksgiving this year due to the expense (26% overall; 33% Millennials; 31% Gen Z), and 42% will host Thanksgiving this year, but a scaled-down version to save money (50% Millennials).

Half of people (48%) say the price of cooking spices like thyme and pepper has increased, so they’ll be buying less or using them more sparingly to stretch ingredients (54% younger generations). With rising costs, some 57% think they are “getting priced out of my own kitchen” — with groceries too expensive to cook Thanksgiving at home.

The table is shifting too, with nearly half open to replacing turkey with less costly alternatives (47% overall; 56% Gen Z). For 38%, that means they’ll swap the bird for roasted chicken to save money (48% Millennials). Others are reimagining the menu altogether: 30% are considering serving burgers, pizza or fast food instead of a traditional meal to keep costs in check, a trend pronounced among younger generations (38% vs. 23% older generations).

Still, 73% of Americans say that Thanksgiving dinner is worth every penny, and it’s a holiday where they don’t mind spending a little extra (70% overall; 79% Boomers). Half say hosting the holiday is one of the most important things they spend money on all year (56%).

The price of tradition

Seven in 10 say turkey prices climb every year, yet 52% feel pressured to serve one despite the cost. Still, close to a third (30%) say they’ll pay the price tag, as turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table.

Though more than half (52%) say rising food prices are making them rethink hosting altogether, a strong majority (76%) still want a sit-down dinner: 57% note that their parents and older generations insist on hosting. Families are adapting by budgeting carefully (63%) and sharing expenses to make the holiday more affordable (72%), while Friendsgiving is emerging as a new tradition for nearly 40% of Americans, especially Millennials (46%).

More than half (57%) say Thanksgiving is stressful because of grocery costs and preparation (64% of Gen Z) though, ultimately, 73% see Thanksgiving as an investment in family, connection, and lasting memories.

Budgeting for Thanksgiving

More than half (53%) of Americans say the Thanksgiving menu looks a lot different than it did in the past: 52% will look for pre-packaged “meal deal” bundles to stretch their dollars. A third (32%) say meat is too expensive, so they’ll serve only appetizers and sides at the Thanksgiving table (41% Millennials). While 65% agree leftovers help justify the cost, 40% call them “overrated” and too expensive — they’d rather make less food to save money (47% Millennials).

Making trade-offs

• 53% say Thanksgiving travel is now too expensive
• 23% are cooking fewer side dishes or desserts
• 22% are buying smaller quantities
• 16% are planning smaller meals to cut down on leftovers and waste
• 16% are switching to store brands over name brands
• 15% are choosing cheaper cuts of meat or non-traditional proteins
• 1 in 10 say it’s the year of the side dish and don’t plan on serving a main protein

Conversations and etiquette

Money may be shaping Thanksgiving more than ever, but most Americans don’t want to talk about it at the table.

• 66% say discussions about pay, raises, or bonuses should be off-limits
• 72% say talk of debt and bills doesn’t belong at dinner
• 76% believe it’s fine to politely steer conversations away from money
• 34% say they’d rather talk politics than money at the Thanksgiving table
• 52% say big purchases (homes, cars, vacations, etc.) are not appropriate discussion topics for the table (43% Gen Z)
• 70% say asking others about their holiday spending or budgets should be avoided (59% Gen Z)

Screen-free meals matter too: 74% want a no-screen-time rule at the table, even as AI is becoming a Thanksgiving assistant.

AI on the menu

• 35% plan to use AI to find grocery deals (47% of Millennials)
• 44% say AI shopping tools make Thanksgiving more affordable
• 32% will ask AI to design a menu within their budget
• 45% rely on AI to compare prices across stores

Beyond the meal

Thanksgiving also traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with 39% saying as soon as the Thanksgiving meal is over, they start shopping for holiday gifts (50% Millennials; 47% Gen Z; Boomers 23%).

• 62% say stores shouldn’t open on Thanksgiving Day (Gen Z 50%; Millennials 58%; Gen X 67%; Boomers 70%)
• 41% consider Black Friday shopping a family tradition
• 43% say they plan their holiday budget around Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals
• 37% feel pressured to spend more than they should during Black Friday sales (46% Gen Z; 48% Millennials)
• 57% feel skipping Black Friday makes the holiday less stressful
• 65% now prefer shopping online during Black Friday instead of in stores

Meanwhile, most prefer watching the parade from home (75%) rather than spending money to see it in person. Forty-eight percent say they’re more likely to purchase something if they saw an ad for it on Thanksgiving or during the holidays.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research study, “Table Stakes.“

Methodology:

Empower’s “Table Stakes” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ from September 3-4, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.

RO4809618-0925

2025-11-03T05:01:00

(BPT) – With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos.

If you’re worried about how you and your pet can enjoy the festivities safely, you’re not alone. A recent Rover survey of U.S. pet parents found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of pet parents wish they knew more about how to keep their pets out of trouble this holiday season.

Maybe you’re wondering if your furry friend can lick your plate after a holiday meal or how to host a party without Harry Houdini escaping as guests arrive. Keeping your pets safe and entertained during the holidays can be stressful, but there are several steps you can take to keep you and your pet at ease amid the holiday madness. Read on for five simple tips that can go a long way toward ensuring this holiday season is merry for pets and their people.

Serve pet-friendly holiday food favorites

Everyone looks forward to holiday feasts, including your pets, but it’s important to know what scraps they can and can’t eat. Holiday favorites like pumpkin, potatoes, green beans, boneless and skinless turkey breasts, plain sweet potatoes and apples are all pet safe. Meanwhile, keep bones, gravy, mac and cheese, stuffing and fried foods away from begging pets, no matter how convincing their puppy dog eyes are.

Deck the halls with your pets in mind

Make the holidays jolly and bright with pet-approved decorations. To create a magical environment in your home that’s safe for your four-legged friends, avoid decorating with traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, lilies, mistletoe and holly — which are poisonous to pets.

Other popular decorations like tinsel, ribbon, string lights, glass ornaments and candles can also be dangerous to pets. But don’t worry, you don’t have to get rid of this décor altogether. Place these decorations out of your pets’ reach on mantels and shelves and make sure fragile ornaments are high up on the tree.

Get your pets party ready

More than half (53%) of pet parents said their dog or cat will attend holiday gatherings with them this year, according to the Rover survey. If your furry friend is helping you host a holiday celebration, get them ready with a few simple precautions:

– Contain your pet with a baby gate so they don’t escape or rush guests.

– Hang a door sign so visitors know to ring the doorbell and wait to be let in.

– Offer your pet toys and treats to help them relax and keep them busy.

– Designate a cozy room or crate so your pet can take a break.

Pro tip: For particularly anxious pets, consider booking a pet sitter or overnight boarding service through Rover.

Keep your pet’s routine while you celebrate the season

Pets thrive on routine, providing a sense of security and stability crucial for easing anxiety. Your everyday routine is likely to shift during the holiday season amid gift shopping, party prep, holiday parties or travel. Prevent stress by maintaining your pets’ schedule with the help of pet providers who prioritize safety and comfort.

If you’re gone for a full day of holiday shopping, hire a dog walker to take your puppy on their regular afternoon walk around the block. For evening celebrations at a friend or family member’s home, consider scheduling a drop-in visit so your pet can have playtime without disturbing yours. Headed out of town? Travel with peace of mind by using a reputable booking platform like Rover, which offers pet parents access to a trusted network of sitters and walkers with verified reviews and background checks.

Help them ring in the season with their own gifts

Don’t forget to put a gift in your pet’s stocking! Pick up some purr-fectly festive toys like holiday-themed catnip kickers, wands and scratch pads. For your canine companion, look for Yule log chew toys, winter-themed treat puzzles or a treat advent calendar to help them celebrate the season. For the ultimate gift, give them extra playtime and attention with a dedicated sitter booked through Rover.

This holiday season, make it a paw-some time for everyone! For more tips on how to celebrate the holidays with your pets in mind, visit Rover.com.

2025-11-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you ever feel like you don’t really understand as much as you should about credit ratings and credit in general? If so, you’re not alone. A new survey* conducted by Credit One Bank, in partnership with YouGov, discovered a startling truth: Many U.S. adults with credit cards have a surprising gap in their understanding of the basics of credit.

For example, nearly three in four survey respondents (72%) were unaware that a single missed credit card payment can stay on their credit report for up to seven years. In addition, nearly half of respondents (48%) were unaware that creditors may close accounts due to inactivity, which can also reduce the length of their credit history.

These and other survey findings highlight the need for better financial education from a credible source. The results are also a timely reminder of how crucial it is for everyone to understand credit basics — because credit affects everything from the ability to get a good interest rate on credit cards and auto loans to being able to access a home mortgage and more.

“Many seemingly small actions can wreck your credit score without you realizing it,” said Amber Greenwalt, senior vice president of Brand and Advertising at Credit One Bank. “But the good news is, incremental changes can also have a big impact on improving credit health, and credit building doesn’t have to be daunting.”

Knowledge that can help you improve your credit

Even if you have had financial setbacks in the past, you can repair and improve your credit if you follow the tips featured in Credit One Bank’s new campaign, “The Credit Wreckers.” These characters help illustrate, in an informative and playful way, some of the common missteps people make that are most likely to negatively impact their credit:

• Max Out has eyes that are bigger than his wallet. When he sees something he wants, he buys it, and his credit score pays the price. Max Out doesn’t know that he should only use 30% or less of his total available credit at any given time — because using his full credit line can lower his score. 4 Habits for Good Credit | Credit One Bank.
• Miss Payment means well, but more often than not she misses her monthly credit card payments. What she doesn’t know is that every missed payment can stay on her credit report for up to seven years. If only she would set up Autopay, she’d never miss a payment again. How Long Do Late Payments Stay on Your Credit Report? | Credit One Bank.
• Cancelina thinks that it’s a good idea to cancel her unused credit cards once they’re paid off. Like 70% of adults surveyed, she’s unaware that she should keep her oldest credit card accounts open and use them at least once every few months. Should You Close a Credit Card Account | Credit One Bank.

To learn more about The Credit Wreckers and how you can develop better credit habits moving forward, visit CreditWreckers.com.

Credit One Bank is dedicated to equipping cardmembers with the knowledge to help them make well-informed financial decisions. The company provides credit education resources to help individuals understand and improve their credit health, from in-depth articles on over 20 topics to practical tips and insights available at CreditOneBank.com.

*Survey Methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,007 adults, of whom 1,469 have a credit card. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28 May – 2 June 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

2025-11-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Often success in business is determined by one key factor, employee productivity. Which is why so many executives took notice of a recent study from Oxford University that found happy workers are 13% more productive than those found to be unhappy. But what are employees looking for, and are there practical and cost-effective solutions to boost their in-office satisfaction? Below are two easy ways some companies are doing just that.

Problem #1: The myth that you are more productive when working alone …

… is widespread, but research suggests otherwise. Stanford University found that employees were 50% more effective at completing tasks when they worked in a collaborative setting than those who worked alone.

Solution: Foster spontaneous collaboration.

So how do you get employees to work together? For one, getting them to stay in the office improves productivity and addresses what 87% of employees say they want: the ability to collaborate with team members and build relationships. However, it’s not more meetings on the calendar they’re looking for, it’s organic connections that can only be built by spending time together in office workspaces and breakrooms.

How? Keep them in the office with excellent amenities and perks.

A 2019 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shared that 60% of employees considered on-site food and beverage to be an important workplace benefit. That is, when they like the options available.

Low-quality hot coffee is unlikely to entice more workers into the breakroom, especially since 60% of Gen Z coffee drinkers prefer their coffee cold. But rather than leaving for 30-60 minutes to seek out a café to get their cold brew coffee fix, employees can be enticed to spend that time collaborating with co-workers in the company breakroom if the right offerings are present. In fact, analysis from Harvard Business Review shows cross-department collaboration increases by 36% when employees from different teams eat or drink together.

One innovative option many offices are turning to is Java House’s new Peel & Pour Pods. They offer convenient, barista-quality coffee in a wide variety of roasts and styles, from multiple iced coffee options to lattes, hot cocoa and even tea. And while this is an authentically cold brewed coffee product, it can also be enjoyed hot!

Problem #2: Workers don’t want to sit at a desk all day …

… so they shouldn’t have to. Humanscale conducted a survey in 2023 to understand where people work: in an office, at home or a third place. Respondents shared they worked in over 50 “third spaces,” and a staggering 98.7% indicated they worked in more than one location within their homes.

Solution: Make workspaces varied and comfortable.

Workers want to have options on where they work in the office. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ergonomics can help increase productivity while reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Wherever employees choose to work in-office, they should be comfortable.

How? Ergonomics everywhere.

The average American spends roughly 55% of their waking hours in a seated position. Some employers are investing in employees’ health and comfort by providing ergonomic support throughout the office. Humanscale’s Meeting Collection, for example, blends its pioneering self-adjusting seating mechanics across a range of chairs, from the boardroom to the bar top. And, when employees choose desks, having the option to stand can provide additional health benefits and further improve productivity.

Conclusion: Invest in your office and your employees.

Comfortable workspaces with quality amenities show employees you care about their well-being. Investing in the space, tools and fuel that bring teams together isn’t just good for employees, it’s good for business.