Author: admin

2024-06-14T08:19:00

(BPT) – As a homeowner, you may have heard about incentives to tackle climate change that are available as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a large piece of legislation that was passed last year. Many of its opportunities focus directly on your personal slice of the American dream — your home. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program just launched a new tool that can help you find all of the savings available to you.

The idea behind these incentives is to lower this country’s carbon emissions by helping homeowners make essential, energy saving upgrades to their homes, particularly for the biggest energy users, like your heating and cooling system and water heater. Many households struggle to afford these energy-efficient home upgrades, so the IRA allocated funding for this effort, a portion of which goes toward rebates and tax credits for homeowners. For many middle- and lower-income families, this means the chance to save big on essential upgrades for your home.

To help homeowners take advantage of these opportunities, ENERGY STAR is rolling out a new home improvement savings web tool that addresses the largest barriers Americans face when it comes to making these upgrades — cost and navigating the complexity of these projects. This handy online tool is a one-stop shop that allows you to pop in your ZIP code and find information on incentives that are available to you. Right now, it features generous tax credits and utility rebates that can help you substantially lower costs on qualifying products. Later, it will include information on state energy efficiency rebates for low-income communities as these state programs begin to come online — starting in 2024.

What projects qualify? These incentives cover projects that tackle your home’s biggest energy users, such as your heating and cooling system, water heater, insulation, and more. These areas of your home are not only the biggest energy users, they’re essential systems that are also expensive to upgrade. Almost half of your energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home — which, for the average American household, is almost $900 a year. Similarly, your water heater is the second biggest energy user in your home. Finding ways to make these systems more efficient, particularly by upgrading to heat pump technology, can help you live comfortably while also drastically reducing your energy bills.

Why the focus on heat pump technology? Heat pump technology has been around for decades, but there have been some exciting technology improvements, particularly for HVAC and water heating products, that provide unmatched energy savings.

• Heat Pump HVAC is essentially an air conditioner and a heater all in one. Yes, despite their name, heat pumps also cool the air in your home. And new heat pumps are extremely efficient. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump HVAC is so efficient it can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel, as combustion heating systems do. In the summer, it cools your home in the same way. Replacing your older central AC with an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump could save you nearly $600 over the life of the product, on cooling costs alone.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters that have been ENERGY STAR certified use about one quarter of the energy of a standard water heater and can save a household of four approximately $550 per year and more than $5,600 over its lifetime on electric bills. Similar to heat pump HVAC, it moves heat from the surrounding air rather than creating it — which heats your water for a fraction of the energy.

What savings are available? There are numerous savings opportunities that homeowners can take advantage of to make essential energy-saving upgrades more affordable — and you can learn about all that apply to you using the home savings tool.

• Federal tax credits: Tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs, up to $3,200, for products such as heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, windows, and insulation.
• State rebates: Starting in May 2024, state rebate programs will offer incentives targeted to low- to moderate-income households. These rebates will vary by state and are rolling out throughout 2024. New York is the first state to launch with several other states following closely behind. You can find rebates offered in New York on the home savings tool and learn the status of other state programs here.
• Utility rebates: In addition to the Inflation Reduction Act incentives, many utilities offer rebates on ENERGY STAR certified appliances and equipment.

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.

2024-06-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer has arrived! If you’re lucky enough to find a pool to spend the summer by, a pool party is a must. Whether you’re taking advantage of the sunshine and hot weather during the day or enjoying a warm evening, all it takes is a little bit of planning to upgrade your poolside bash.

Set the mood

Nothing makes a party more fun than the right playlist. Whether you’re going for a retro beach vibe, throwback party tunes, or current hits to get everyone up and dancing, taking time to create the mood you want will level up the energy and fun factor.

Something to sip on

Hot summer days mean you’ll need to provide plenty of refreshing beverage options. Live like the sun’s always out by filling up your cooler with 8-packs of High Noon Hard Seltzer, made with real spirits, real juice and no added sugar. The Limited Edition High Noon Pool Pack, made with real vodka, includes fan-favorite flavors Lime and Peach, as well as limited-time flavors Kiwi and Guava, so everyone at the party can find a summery flavor they’ll love.

One fun alternative to coolers? Get a small inflatable pool, fill it with ice and beverages, then set it out for guests to enjoy. Be sure to include some water and non-alcoholic options as well to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Visit HighNoonSpirits.com and find High Noon Pool Pack near you here.

Let the games begin

Make your party even more fun with games — in and out of the pool — everyone will love. Yard games like corn hole, badminton, bocce ball and ladder toss are favorites, as is yard (or pool) pong. In the water, you can set up a game of pool volleyball or start a cannonball contest. Be sure to provide lounge chairs, extra towels and pool floats for guests to rest up on and catch some rays between games. Make sure to provide extra sunscreen!

Pick a theme

Everyone loves a theme! Parties can be even more fun if you center the festivities around a theme such as a favorite decade, popular movie/TV show, or go with a particular sport. Your theme will help inspire your music and food choices — and you could even set up an outdoor projector to watch a game or movie during the party once the sun goes down.

Above all, relax and let yourself enjoy a day under the sun. Summer always goes by too fast!

Grill it up

If you can eat it, you can probably grill it. Use your grill to cook up a variety of tasty items for your friends to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with old-school burgers and brats, but you can also use foil packets and skewers to grill up fish, veggies and fruits of all kinds.

Corn on the cob is easy (and popular, for good reason), but you can also try grilling items like pineapple or Portobello mushroom steaks to provide your guests with some unexpected and elevated options as well. Guests with specific dietary preferences and needs will especially love making build-your-own kebabs.

Have a fire pit? Offer all the fixings for making s’mores which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to wind down the festivities.

For more summer sips inspiration, visit HighNoonSpirits.com and check out @HighNoonSunSips on Instagram.

Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.

2024-06-13T13:47:00

(BPT) – In the summertime across America, there’s one thing that brings us together — cheeseburgers. Sure, we all make them differently, but when it comes to their favorite topping, the choice is easy — Sargento 100% real, natural cheese. And who better than Sargento to set you up with 100% real, natural cheese slices!

Whether you’re a Smashburger supporter or a Cowboy Chili Burger enthusiast, there’s nothing more American than a beautifully crafted cheeseburger. And Sargento has all the varieties of 100% real, natural cheese slices that you need to craft your favorite cheeseburger this summer!

Check out Sargento’s America the Burgerful campaign to find your region’s favorite burger and discover how others throughout the country are grilling up their burgers this summer!

2024-06-13T12:05:00

(BPT) – In today’s world, environmental consciousness is a driving force behind consumer purchase decisions for everyday items like clothing, housewares and even tires. With sustainability on the minds of drivers — many considering EVs or hybrid vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint — Hankook Tire recently explored drivers’ preferences when shopping for tires that are also good for the planet. Here’s where the rubber meets the road when it comes to eco-friendly tires:

The Road to Sustainable Practices

According to the latest Gauge Index survey, nearly two-thirds of drivers (64%) are likely to purchase tires from a brand known for its sustainability practices. What’s more, nearly half (47%) are willing to pay a premium for tires that are sustainably made.

Generational differences also play a significant role in these preferences, and younger people are driving the demand: 71% of Gen Z respondents are more likely to purchase tires from a brand known for its sustainability practices, compared to 53% of Boomers. Additionally, 58% of Gen Z respondents, compared to 33% of Boomers, stated that it is important for the tires they purchase to be made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Materials Matter

When it comes to the materials used in their tires, 44% of drivers said it was important that their tires were made from recycled or sustainable materials. Of those, over half (58%) were Gen Z compared to 33% of Boomers. Additionally, when considering purchasing sustainable tires, durability matters. The lifespan of the tire led as the most important at 24%, followed by safety ratings (19%), and performance ratings (16%).

Embracing Repurposing

As consumers become more conscious of sustainability, there is also a growing interest in what becomes of tires at the “end of the road” — in other words, what happens when the tire needs to be replaced and how it can be repurposed. Nearly one-quarter (23%) are interested in repurposing used tires for footwear, closely followed by 17% of consumers who would like to see more tires used for garden planters.

This trend extends to educational programs as well. Schools are incorporating used tires into their gardening programs, turning them into planters for various crops. Gardens built at local schools and community centers not only repurpose tires (and keep them out of landfills) but also provide hands-on learning experiences for students. These initiatives help children learn about agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of recycling.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, drivers are seeking out automotive suppliers that prioritize eco-friendly products and practices that align with their own values. By prioritizing sustainability initiatives, these suppliers not only contribute to a cleaner environment, but also cater to the changing needs and preferences of their customers.

2024-06-13T08:55:00

(BPT) – After 114 years, the Boy Scouts of America has changed its name. More than five years after welcoming girls, it has become Scouting America, a name that is more welcoming to anyone who wants to join. Nobody is happier about it than Bob Brady, Scoutmaster of Troop 1150 in Sparta and the Executive Vice President of Patriots’ Path Council. He said the name change is reflective of what Scouting is all about.

“The name change reflects what our Oath has always been,” said Brady. “We want everyone involved. Everyone is welcome. We’re better with you than without you.”

Brady’s own family knows a bit about that. When Brady was a kid, being a Boy Scout was at the center of his world. He had moved with his family to a new part of the country and was short on friends and activities. Joining Scouts was a pivotal turning point in his young life.

“Scouting was everything to me,” said Brady. “I earned Eagle at 15 and stayed involved. I did everything you can do in Scouting and loved every minute of it.”

Scouting didn’t just teach Brady how to pitch a tent and survive in the forest. It taught him leadership, public speaking, and the values that are central to who he is as a person. It even pointed the way to his career.

“I’m a lawyer,” he explained. “But there were no lawyers in my family. I had never even thought about becoming a lawyer until I took a law merit badge in Scouting when I was 17 years old. That merit badge changed the course of my life. I don’t know where I would be without it. Those merit badges help Scouts figure out who they are.”

Brady’s involvement in Scouting diminished over the years, primarily because of the birth of his daughters. He was a bit wistful about the fact he couldn’t share what was such an important part of his own growing-up years with his girls. At the time of their birth, Boy Scouts of America had yet to accept women into its ranks.

All of that changed in 2018, when the organization began admitting girls. Coincidentally enough, the announcement came on his daughter’s 10th birthday.

“I teared up, because I realized that I could now share the program that had meant everything to me growing up with my girls.”

Brady sprang into action right away to see how he could help. He formed a girls-only troop, 13 Scouts of which went on to achieve the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout. Two of that group of 13? His own daughters.

This Father’s Day, Brady is reflective of what it all means, not just to his own family, but to Americans as a whole. It’s about raising good kids — the most important work any parent can do.

“The values we instill in kids in this program — this is exactly what we want good citizens to be,” Brady said. “If everyone went through Scouting, imagine the society we could have. It is the single most important youth program you can offer to your kids. It’s going to change their lives.”

To learn more or to find a scouting troop for your child, visit BeAScout.org. According to Bob Brady, you’ll be very glad you did.

2024-06-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is the season for spending your nights outdoors, whether by a cozy bonfire, in the backyard with a movie projector, or gathered around the porch table with family and friends. With a little forethought and some planning, your golden hour party can extend into the night and be the hit of the season. Here are five ideas for making your sunset soiree sensational.

1. Plan ahead. Summer calendars fill up fast. Get those invites out early so you can make sure your family and friends can attend. Bonus tip: Make it a weeknight! Summer is a great time to linger in the backyard during golden hour and beyond, so giving people something fabulous to do on a day they might not usually take advantage of is always a treat. By opting against a weekend night, your guests are more likely to be available.

2. Amp up the dinner party. To give your guests a more thoughtful experience, transform your outdoor dining area with a seasonal tablescape, unique lighting and even a themed menu. You can add a magical feel to the evening by draping strands of lights in the trees and along your fence. Many backyard lights are even solar-powered, so they’ll flicker on in time for golden hour and add a fairy-like glow to your gathering. And about that menu … setting up your meal as a “station” where people can serve themselves, like a salad bar, is an easy way to accommodate food allergies and preferences while still offering a variety of choices.

3. Reclaim the golden hour from mosquitos. Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor party like a swarm of mosquitos descending at golden hour, that period between day and night in which everything just seems to glow with soft light. It’s the most beautiful time of day, but it’s also a peak time for mosquito activity, which causes many people to retreat indoors. In fact, up to 40% of people have even skipped outdoor events to avoid dealing with insects¹. Adding OFF!^® Clean Feel products to your outdoor routine can help you enjoy sunset and the rest of the night longer. OFF!^® Clean Feel aerosols and pump sprays are easy to use and provide long-lasting protection for up to eight hours from mosquitoes. OFF!^® Clean Feel Gel is another fragrance-free option perfect for everyday use because it feels good on skin and will help protect you from mosquitoes.

4. Set up entertainment. If you have the space for an after-dinner activity, you can drape a sheet along your fence or house for an easy projector screen. At sundown, transform your space with comfy pillows, a projector, speakers and cables for a perfect at-home movie night.

5. Draw the evening to a close around your firepit. Everyone loves sitting around a cozy firepit on a summer night. Pre-stack your firepit with wood so all you’ll need to do is light it. Add to the fun by stocking up a tray with ingredients for s’mores (including skewers for roasting the marshmallows!), or try using a grated top for your firepit to grill peaches, watermelon or pineapple to serve with ice cream. Bonus tip: Have cozy throws or long-sleeved wraps on hand for your guests who might get chilly.

Take back the golden hour from mosquitos and enjoy these balmy evenings with family and friends. By banishing the bugs, you’ll make the most of summer!

¹ Random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of OFF!^® Brand between July 27-28, 2023.

2024-06-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in 2023 is $36,436 per year. Even if you or your parents can afford to pay the full costs, that’s still a hefty sum. Scholarships can help cover the costs of college, from tuition and books to living expenses.

From community organizations and major corporations to military branches or your school itself, make a list of which types of scholarships are most of interest to you. Here are some common types of scholarships available:

• Merit-based. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements. This includes criteria like GPA, standardized test scores or outstanding talents. Merit scholarships are designed to reward excellence, without consideration for financial need.
• Need-based. These scholarships are determined by a student’s ability to pay for their education. Low-income students may be eligible for additional grants.
• Minority scholarships. Minority scholarships support underrepresented groups in higher education. These scholarships may award money to racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students and individuals with disabilities.
• Subject-specific. These scholarships are for students pursuing specific fields of study, such as STEM or the humanities.
• Community service. Community service scholarships recognize a student’s commitment to community service and volunteering.
• Athletic. Athletes who excel in sports like football and basketball may receive an athletic scholarship. Colleges and universities may offer them to recruit athletes for their teams.
• Creative and artistic. Students with exceptional creative talents may be eligible for these scholarships.
• International. If you’re moving to the United States for higher education, apply for international scholarships. They might be merit-based, need-based or otherwise specific to international students.
• Career-specific. Some scholarships are tailored to specific careers or industries. They may require recipients to commit to working in that field after graduation.
• Entrepreneurial. These awards support students with innovative business ideas or entrepreneurial ambitions.
• First-generation. If you’re the first in your family to attend college, you might qualify for this type of scholarship. They’re designed to bridge financial and educational gaps for first-generation students.
• Study abroad. Study abroad scholarships are for students interested in studying in foreign countries for a semester or more.
• Military. Active Duty military personnel, Veterans and their dependents may qualify for certain scholarships through the branches of the military.

From there, here are a few tips to maximize your scholarship opportunities.

1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This helps determine your eligibility for federal financial assistance. Even if you’re not eligible for student aid, apply anyway. Many states and scholarship programs use FAFSA information to evaluate applications.
2. Look for local opportunities. Check with your high school’s guidance counselor. Then, inquire with community organizations and local businesses.
3. Sign up for national scholarship database websites. These websites collect information on a wide range of scholarship opportunities. Take time to create a comprehensive student profile. List your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, interests and career goals. Scholarship databases will try to match you with opportunities based on this information.
4. Research scholarships at each university or college before you apply. Some schools will automatically consider you for certain scholarships, while others may require you to apply. Contact each school’s financial aid office to ask about opportunities.
5. Start early. Keep track of the application deadlines, requirements and materials for each scholarship.
6. Ask your peers, family, mentors or guidance counselors for advice. They may provide recommendations or be available to review essays.

Whether you’re just starting out on your educational journey or currently in school, check out Navy Federal Credit Union’s student loan options to help fill funding gaps or resources on college savings.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.