Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-04-03T15:31:00

(BPT) – By Amber Tialino, senior vice president and general manager of Spend & Expense at BILL

Today’s business landscape is more competitive than ever. Businesses are fighting every day to win — and keep — their customers while laying the foundation to drive long-term growth and continued success.

From maximizing cash flow and profitability to controlling expenses and tracking expenditures, effective financial management often determines the survival of small and midsize businesses (SMBs). That’s why businesses seeking to improve their financial health and better serve their customers should seek solutions that allow them to effortlessly control and manage spend, freeing up time and resources for more strategic activities that drive growth.

A comprehensive solution SMBs should consider is a corporate card program. In the past, businesses have often used personal cards or have had to endure time-consuming data entry and paper trails when managing expenses. However, the right card solution with integrated expense management software can facilitate better oversight of capital and controls while streamlining financial operations across the organization and eliminating tedious expense reports.

When implementing a corporate card program, SMBs should carefully evaluate their options. Selecting the card solution that best aligns with their business objectives and unique needs is critical. This process should consider several key factors that can significantly impact their business’s financial health and operational efficiency.

Credit versus charge cards: What’s right for you?

First and foremost, businesses must decide between a credit card and a charge card. Both credit cards and charge cards can offer convenient payment processing and integrate seamlessly with software. However, they operate on fundamentally different principles.

Credit cards provide flexibility to pay overtime but come with a significant drawback: high interest charges that can eat into an SMB’s profits. On the other hand, charge cards require full payment each month, eliminating interest charges while providing the benefits of real-time expense tracking, spend controls and automated expense management capabilities. For SMBs focused on maximizing cash flow while minimizing unnecessary expenses, charge cards are often the more appealing option.

Tailor rewards to fit your business needs

Different cards offer different benefits, from cash back to travel rewards to rebates to vendor-specific discounts. SMBs should evaluate these programs based on their unique spending patterns and choose the card that will serve them the best.

The ideal card program should offer customizable rewards that align with the business’ primary spending targets and expense categories and provide meaningful value to both the company and its users. Some cards even allow businesses to choose their reward categories, ensuring maximum benefit from their regular spending patterns.

Elevate the employee experience

During the decision-making process, SMBs should prioritize the employee experience, as staff members will be the primary card users. The best card solution should offer a seamless, user-friendly experience for making payments and managing expenses.

Essential features businesses should look for include simple receipt capture and submission processes, intuitive mobile apps that complement online platforms and easy expense tracking capabilities. Employees should also be able to monitor their spending against budget guidelines and expense protocols easily while management maintains comprehensive oversight across the organization.

For an organization like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with 170 children’s hospitals across North America, every dollar spent and saved is so meaningful. The business searched for a new spend and expense management solution, and switched to BILL Spend & Expense, which saved them money, provided 1% cash back on purchases and ultimately made the experience for their team much easier.

“A huge, awesome thing about moving over to BILL was the ability to instantly connect receipts to transactions,” said Burke Bess, Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Data Analytics at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “And BILL was just a very user-friendly system compared to what we had before.”

Optimize cash flow with integrated systems

Another vital consideration SMBs should evaluate is how well potential card solutions connect with their existing business tools and platforms like travel booking systems, accounting software and other operational tools. The card system should also offer built-in controls for expense-type restrictions, such as merchant controls to limit the amount spent on a single transaction — automatically enforcing company spending policies.

Perhaps most importantly, SMBs should prioritize cards that integrate seamlessly with their automated financial platforms to help optimize cash flow. Ideally, the card solution would synchronize card payments with all other financial operations, including accounts receivable, billing and payroll systems. This integration provides business owners and managers with a comprehensive view of their financial metrics and cash flow, facilitating more informed decision-making and strategic planning for the future.

SMBs that are in the middle of rapid growth can especially benefit from system integration features. FairWave, a specialty coffee collective, for example, adds new brands every three months. Keeping track of spend and expenses for all of these brands was time-consuming and took valuable time away from day-to-day operations.

After implementing BILL Spend & Expense, the company saved over 144 hours per year in their monthly close alone.

“Think about the sheer number of receipts. It takes so many hours to chase those down and figure things out when you have to do it by email,” said Derek Braun, FP&A Manager at FairWave. “Today, 98% of our credit cards are managed through BILL Spend & Expense, so everything’s in one place. Every card user across all our brands. Every receipt. They can just take a photo and add the receipt to the app. BILL has reduced our close cycle by at least 12 hours.”

Choose a solution that supports every step of your business journey

Implementing the right card system offers more than just convenience. It’s a strategic investment in business success. By carefully evaluating card type, rewards structure, user experience, system integration and financial platform compatibility, SMBs can select a card solution that not only meets their current needs but also supports their long-term growth objectives.

Businesses looking for a more controlled way to spend and create a strong financial management foundation should consider the BILL Divvy Card powered by Visa*, available as part of BILL Spend & Expense. Unlike other corporate credit cards, the BILL Divvy card is the only solution that provides SMBs with corporate cards, spend controls, flexible rewards and expense management software (at no extra cost) all rolled into one.

By streamlining efficiency, this corporate card program allows SMBs to focus on what matters most: growing their business and serving their customers. To learn more, visit bill.com/signup.

*The BILL Divvy Card is issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC and is not a deposit product.

2025-04-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Formal volunteering in America is rebounding. After the pandemic disrupted lives and available time to volunteer, Americans are finding meaningful ways to give back and discover their purpose

The national volunteering rate between September 2022-2023 increased by 5.1 percentage points, a more than 22% growth in just two years.

More than 75.7 million people — or 28.3% of Americans — formally volunteered through an organization in 2023, giving more than 4.99 billion hours of service with $167.2 billion of economic value as part of a growing community of neighbors helping neighbors who believe passionately that tomorrow can be better than today.

In a time of increased loneliness and financial challenges, volunteers of all ages are essential to the nation’s economic and social well-being. They are the lifeblood of schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, food banks, and civic, nonprofit, tribal and faith-based organizations across the country.

Volunteers improve their own lives while helping others. Whether they are seeking adventure, ready to change careers or eager to make new friends, volunteering can meet those needs. Volunteer work helps build critical knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Research has shown that volunteering can increase a person’s social connections and yields benefits in terms of moderating stress and increasing physical, cognitive and social activity.

Leading volunteer efforts in America is AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

AmeriCorps offers individuals and organizations flexible ways to make an impact while focusing on six key areas.

• Disaster services: From the storm-swept coasts to wildfire-threatened communities, the nationwide network of trained responders brings hope and help to communities when they need it most. They offer hands-on assistance like mucking and gutting flooded homes, clearing debris and patching roofs, while also connecting survivors to available resources.
• Economic opportunity: Volunteers provide training in hard skills, such as earning degrees and gaining work experience, and essential skills all employers look for, including leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and communication. National service effectively helps create improved job prospects for Americans, particularly in growing sectors like health, construction, tech and energy while helping build members’ resumes.
• Education: Members and volunteers deliver targeted, cost-effective support that schools urgently need. They support students from early education through high school, helping them graduate and prepare for higher education and careers, and provide support for college students and adult learners to succeed.
• Environmental stewardship: Volunteers prevent wildfires, reduce utility costs, expand outdoor recreation, and conserve American lands and waters across the nation. This work protects America’s lands while strengthening local economies through partnerships with hunters, farmers, tribal communities, and others and allows volunteers to leave a lasting legacy.
• Healthy futures: From fighting the opioid epidemic to ensuring older adults can thrive in their own homes, volunteers help improve the physical and mental well-being of Americans. They tackle America’s toughest challenges with boots on the ground, leaving communities stronger, healthier, and better equipped to build lasting solutions for generations to come.
• Veterans & military families: Veterans across the country continue to serve and lead in their communities after military service with AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members and volunteers also assist veterans and military families, connecting them to education opportunities, jobs, and the benefits they have earned.

Make a difference today! Whether you have an hour, a day, or a year to give, your service can change someone’s life and transform your community. Ready to volunteer? AmeriCorps can connect you to your purpose. Find volunteer and service opportunities that fit your schedule and interests at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

2025-04-01T12:15:00

(BPT) – As winter fades and spring approaches, it’s time for homeowners to prepare their homes for the changing season. Freezing temperatures, heavy rains and snow buildup can take a toll on your property, making spring maintenance essential for preventing costly repairs and keeping your home in top shape.

“The transition from winter to spring is the perfect time for homeowners to inspect their property for any damage caused by cold weather,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “By tackling maintenance tasks early, you can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems as temperatures rise.”

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect gutters and prepare your roof for spring storms: Winter weather can leave gutters clogged with debris. Clear out your gutters and ensure downspouts are secure to prevent water damage. It’s also a good time to check for visible roof damage and trim overhanging branches. For added protection, homeowners may consider sealing their roof deck and asking their contractor about the FORTIFIED roofing standard, as recommended by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These steps can help reduce water intrusion and better prepare your home for severe spring weather.
• Check for exterior damage: Look for cracks in your foundation, siding or driveway that may have developed due to freezing and thawing cycles. Repairing them early can prevent further deterioration.
• Service your HVAC system: Before warm weather arrives, schedule an HVAC tune-up to ensure your air conditioning system runs efficiently. Replace air filters and check vents for proper airflow.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Spring is a great time to test alarms and replace batteries to keep your home safe.
• Examine windows and doors: Check for drafts and reseal or replace weather stripping as needed. This helps improve energy efficiency and keeps pollen and allergens from entering your home.
• Inspect outdoor plumbing: Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to crack. Turn on outdoor faucets and irrigation systems to check for leaks before regular use.
• Clean and seal decks and patios: Winter moisture can lead to wood rot and mold. Power wash, reseal and inspect for damage to keep your outdoor spaces in great condition.
• Prepare your landscaping: Trim overgrown branches, remove dead plants, and refresh garden beds with new mulch to encourage healthy spring growth.

“By staying proactive with seasonal home maintenance, homeowners can protect their investment and avoid unexpected repairs,” added Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “A little preparation now can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition into spring.”

Protect Your Home Year-Round

Seasonal maintenance is key to keeping your home in top condition, but having the right insurance coverage is just as important. Mercury Insurance offers homeowners coverage to protect against unexpected damages and weather-related issues.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help safeguard your home, visit MercuryInsurance.com.

2025-04-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – LG Electronics has launched the third annual LG Wonderbox Showcase, a 3D digital art competition designed to engage college students in creating impactful works of art and giving them a chance to see their work displayed on the LG billboard in New York City’s famous Times Square.

The 2025 contest aims to spotlight endangered and vulnerable species and challenges participants to combine artistry and technology to produce immersive visuals that raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

College students currently enrolled in accredited institutions are eligible to participate in the LG Wonderbox Showcase. Running through May 2025, the program provides a platform for emerging talent to gain exposure, build professional portfolios and inspire global conservation efforts.

Aligning with LG’s broader commitment to sustainability and wildlife protection, the showcase builds on partnerships with NBC’s “The Americas,” a 10-part nature documentary series focused on vulnerable and endangered species in North and South America, and the National Wildlife Federation, which focuses on protecting at-risk species.

This year’s theme, “Life’s Good When You Protect Wildlife,” calls on students to explore the connection between creativity and advocacy. Selected artwork will be displayed on the iconic LG billboard in New York City’s Times Square, offering young artists an opportunity to share their work on one of the world’s most prominent stages.

By addressing critical environmental challenges, the LG Wonderbox Showcase empowers the next generation of creators to deepen awareness of conservation issues with the power of art that can inspire change.

Since its inception, the LG Wonderbox Showcase has been more than just a competition — it’s served as a launchpad for emerging artists to gain visibility, strengthen their portfolios and jumpstart their careers. LG is calling on young creators to harness their unique talents and combine creative storytelling with digital tools to produce work that brings endangered or vulnerable ecosystems vividly to life.

For more information or to enter this year’s Wonderbox Showcase competition, visit LG.com/us/wonderbox. Tune in to “The Americas,” Sundays at 8 p.m. E.T. on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.

2025-03-31T11:49:00

(BPT) – Love diving into a rich heritage of food, art and history — in a city with a cool, contemporary vibe? As the birthplace of iconic Mexican heritage including tequila, mariachi, charrería (Mexican rodeo) and more, Guadalajara is a must-visit destination with delights for all the senses.

How popular is Guadalajara? According to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, Guadalajara International Airport saw a 9.9% increase in passenger traffic in January 2025 over last year. With recognition from National Geographic’s “Best of the World” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards,” Guadalajara is welcoming even more travelers to this vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Here are five can’t-miss arts, culture and culinary experiences in and around Guadalajara:

1. Taste the city’s traditional dishes, contemporary cuisine and vibrant mixology

Guadalajara is famous for its food scene, from street stand tacos to upscale dining and everything in between. Explore cuisine based on unique regional flavors, plus signature drinks featuring agave spirits, including tequila and raicilla. Key local ingredients include hand-made corn tortillas and chilis.

Order Guadalajara’s specialty sandwich, torta ahogada — a tasty dish made from birote bread, not found anywhere else, and covered in a spicy tomato and chili sauce. Or sample birria, a spicy Mexican stew made with goat or lamb cooked slowly with spices, served with minced onions, cilantro and lime.

For fine dining, explore the exquisite creations of Alcalde, featured on Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants list, or the “New Mexican Cuisine” at Tete Cocina de Barrio, followed by mouth-watering desserts at Postrería.

If you’re a fan of creative mixology, you can’t get any better than Guadalajara. Visit El Gallo Altanero, the number 48 Best Bar in the World according to The World’s 50 Best Bars, offering live music, a vibrant atmosphere and a true celebration of agave — as well as their signature Sangroni (gin, campari, vermouth, tamarind and watermelon). Or savor cocktails with breathtaking views of Guadalajara from the chic new 360 Rooftop Bar in the Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara.

2. Embrace the lively festivals

If you love charrería and mariachi, time your visit around the one of the city’s most famous festivals. The International Mariachi and Charreria Festival is the largest celebration of mariachi music in the world, with an estimated 500 mariachis converging on the city every year in late August to early September.

You’ll hear some of the most famous players and different musical styles like sones jaliscienses, along with more modern huapangos, baladas and polkas played by five-string guitars, violins and trumpets. Performances and competitions are spread throughout the city, and a grand parade features mariachi in full silver-dressed garb, dancers in traditional dress, charros on horseback and more.

During the festival, charrería (Mexican rodeo) teams from every corner of the country also come to compete in the traditional sport of charreria and take home the winning trophy. Want to take part in this thrilling tradition? Even if you can’t visit during the festival, stop by Lienzo Charro Jalisco to spend the day with Mexican cowboys, or charros, to witness their impressive prowess in horsemanship and roping — and even try your hand at some rope skills.

3. View distinctive cultural heritage landmarks

Take a trip back in time via guided walking tours of the Historic District to experience some of the most significant and beautiful monuments in Guadalajara, like the gorgeous double-spired Guadalajara Cathedral — the city’s most beloved, emblematic landmark.

The Teatro Degollado is a neoclassical masterpiece boasting a frieze depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses resides over the Grecian columns. The five-tiered interior is swathed in red velvet and 23-karat gold leaf and crowned by a Gerardo Suárez mural, based on the fourth canto of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Today, visitors can experience the Filarmónica de Jalisco, cultural events and live performances.

Make extra time to peruse Museo Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built at the beginning of the 19th century as a hospital, now housing an impressive collection of over 340 art pieces and murals. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with an extraordinary series of murals by José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists.

Don’t miss the stunning landmark, Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, which features tranquil grassy areas and busts featuring prominent figures from Mexico’s history.

4. Discover tequila’s heritage and namesake hometown

Ever wonder where tequila comes from? Blue fields of agave plants stretch for miles over rugged terrain surrounding the Magical Town of Tequila, where the eponymous spirit hails, not far from Guadalajara. The world’s tequila is produced in this region, and these stunning fields are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that are part of Mexico’s identity.

Learn all about agave and the tequila-making process at the new Tequila Lab, an interactive museum dedicated to Mexico’s most famous distilled beverage. Then expand your knowledge with a trip on Guadalajara’s recently relaunched Tequila Express train to take you from Guadalajara to Tequila. Use their roundtrip route for a day trip, or stay overnight at a range of accommodations including Casa Salles, a luxe boutique hotel from the makers of El Tequileño, or Hotel Solar de las Animas.

Once in Tequila, visit the National Museum of Tequila and tour one of the area’s many distilleries. Tours in the nearby agave fields provide an inside look into the life and work of a “jimador” (an agave harvester), and help travelers learn about the tequila-making process from agave cultivation to distillation as well as the area’s rich culture. View agave fields by train with the Cuervo Express full-day train package, including a guided tour of their distillery and agave fields, lunch at a Mexican hacienda and tequila tasting.

Want to see agave landscape from above? The Sauza Tequila Copter offers a bird’s-eye view, followed by a vip guided tour of Casa Sauza and their distillery. Tequila tastings are available, and sensorial tasting at Santoscoy warehouse on-site. The restaurant cueva de Cenobio is an ideal spot for a mid-day meal immersed in the old casona, La Quinta.

5. Take a day trip to the city’s surrounding Magical Towns

In addition to Tequila, Guadalajara is situated nearby two additional Magical Towns:

About 20 minutes from Guadalajara is Tlaquepaque, best known for quality craftsmanship and mariachi performances. Downtown Tlaquepaque’s traditional central market, main square and pedestrian-only streets are perfect for strolling. You’ll enjoy daily mariachi performances at restaurants and cantinas, some with outdoor seating ideal for people-watching. Check out showrooms and stores showcasing carved wood furniture, colorful ceramics, blown glass, hand-stitched clothing and more. Well-known artists and sculptors like Sergio Bustamante have galleries here, and you can find workshops to learn from artisans about their craft.

Ajijic is known for its proximity to Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, with one of the world’s best climates. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, travelers enjoy beautiful boat rides on the lake, long walks along the waterfront promenade and time in hot springs warmed by volcanic magma. The town and its ideal climate attract snowbirds and expats alike, making Ajijic home to Mexico’s largest expat population.

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of accommodations at various price points in Guadalajara.

Several properties are located in the popular Colonial Americana neighborhood — rated one of the coolest neighborhoods by Time Out, including: Casa Habita, a reimagined 1940’s home offering 37 rooms and suites with amenities including a bar, restaurant, pool and spa; Hotel Demetria, where you’ll find elegantly appointed rooms, a rooftop pool with stunning city views and an on-site restaurant serving exquisite local and international dishes; and LoveIt Hotel, a ideally located home away from home featuring deluxe rooms and suites.

You can also choose the Hilton Guadalajara Midtown in the business and financial district, which includes a fitness center, meeting rooms, executive lounge and more amenities designed to suit the needs of business travelers.

Want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture? Hotel Indigo Guadalajara Expo is a boutique hotel blending modern luxury with rich Mexican heritage, from woven throw blankets on the beds to local artwork on the walls. At night, the rooftop bar is an ideal location for a nightcap.

How to get there

Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco state on Mexico’s western coast. It’s easily accessible via Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL), 24 miles from the city center, with non-stop daily flights from major markets across the U.S. and Canada.

Follow along at Instagram.com/gotoguadalajara and plan your next amazing vacation at GoToGuadalajara.com.

Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, visit Responsibility.org.

2025-03-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Family vacations are a time for creating cherished memories, strengthening bonds, and escaping the everyday. But for parents, the reality of vacationing with children can sometimes feel more like a marathon than a relaxing getaway. Between managing meltdowns, navigating unfamiliar environments, and trying to carve out some “me time,” the joy of a vacation can get lost in the shuffle. This is where the often-unsung hero of a holiday away comes in: childcare. Whether you’re considering a kids’ club at a family-friendly resort or bringing the grandparents along, having some extra support can make all the difference. Here’s how to make sure you get some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some adult time on vacation while your little ones have a blast, too!

Parenting brings a lot of joy, but it’s also a demanding job. Vacations away are a time to relax and have fun for kids and parents alike, but parenting responsibilities don’t just disappear. Finding ways to incorporate childcare into your vacation can help you enjoy much-needed relaxation and recharge. This downtime is essential for parents’ health in a stressful world. Plus, it supports you in being more present for your children throughout your vacation and when you return home.

Depending on the destination, some activities parents look forward to are not suitable for children. Whether it’s an adventurous hike, wine tasting, or a late-night show, you should be able to enjoy some solo activities without feeling guilty. Knowing that your little ones are in safe, professional hands allows you to fully embrace your time away.

And let’s not forget that vacation childcare doesn’t just benefit the grown-ups. Kids thrive in these environments too. They get the chance to meet new friends, try out fun activities, and maybe even learn something new!

When it comes to vacation childcare, there’s a wealth of options available. Embracing these opportunities can create lasting memories for everyone involved, making your vacation even more special. Let’s dive in on four ways to make your next family vacation stress-free for the whole family.

1. Kids’ Clubs at Resorts

Family-friendly resorts often feature wonderful kids’ clubs, creating a perfect space for children to enjoy themselves while parents take a little break. Think of these clubs as mini summer camps right in your destination! Kids can connect with peers from all over the globe and participate in various exciting activities.

Ask the resort beforehand what activities kids can enjoy at their kids’ club. Trained staff might lead age-appropriate adventures for older kids, such as snorkeling, ziplining, or even cooking classes to explore local cuisine. For the younger ones, there’s plenty of fun to be had with crafts, games, and storytime. Kids’ clubs allow children to discover new interests and passions beyond their day-to-day activities. Additionally, it can spark a passion for travel and introduce them to different cultures.

2. Find a Local Babysitter

There are likely many qualified childcare professionals at your destination who would be happy to hang out with your kiddos and give you some well-deserved free time. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth to find sitters in a new area, you can locate local, vetted babysitters through a childcare service like Jovie, which allows you to search by your location. It’s best to search for a local sitter well before your planned vacation to leave time for a virtual meet-up to ensure you’ll have childcare when you want it.

3. Bring Your Nanny Along for the Fun

If your family already has a nanny who feels like part of the family, consider bringing them along! This option can be a fantastic way to ensure your child has someone they trust nearby while you enjoy your time away. Just be sure to talk beforehand about things like work hours, extra overtime pay, travel logistics, and accommodations. This way, everyone knows what to expect. It’s a win-win situation: parents get peace of mind and flexibility knowing they have trusted childcare available, and kids often love the chance to explore a new destination with their favorite nanny by their side.

4. Make It A Family Affair

When traveling with extended family, consider discussing the idea of sharing childcare responsibilities during your trip. Vacations are a wonderful time for aunts, uncles, and grandparents to connect with your children, especially if they don’t see them often. These shared experiences can create lasting memories that both the kids and family members will cherish for years to come! It’s a great way to ensure everyone gets some quality time together while giving parents a little break to relax and enjoy their vacation, too.

Planning a holiday with the kids can be a lot of work, and you deserve to return from a family vacation with incredible memories and feeling refreshed. Jovie can help you find trusted babysitters across the country. Our professional babysitters are vetted and trained to handle any situation that may arise, so parents can relax and enjoy their time away, knowing their kids are in safe hands and creating their own wonderful memories.

To learn more about Jovie, visit www.jovie.com.

2025-03-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by OfficeDepot OfficeMax

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Visit OfficeDepot.com to find everything you need at every step of your life journey, whenever you need it.

2025-03-28T14:01:00

(BPT) – So, you’ve filed your taxes and are waiting for your refund. Now what?

“Tax season is a great time for families to reevaluate their finances,” said Jeannette Kaplun, founder and chief executive officer of Hispana Global. “It can be a chance to plug any holes in your budget as well as make the most of your tax refund.”

If you want to save on more than just your tax return this year, check out Kaplun’s four pro tips that can help you save without sacrificing quality.

1. Uncover spending leaks

Do you know where your money is going? You likely already know your fixed expenses like your rent or mortgage payment, car loans and utilities, and probably most of your variable expenses like groceries. However, there may be leaks in your budget.

For example, don’t overlook small daily purchases. A daily $5 latte quickly adds up to a yearly expense of $1,825. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on coffee completely, but consider making coffee at home most days and limiting your lattes to a couple of times a week.

For parents, another seemingly small expense that adds up over time is your kids’ phone use.

“Make sure your kids aren’t racking up too many in-app purchases on their phones,” said Kaplun. “Have your parental controls turned on so you can see what your kids are doing and how much they’re spending.”

2. Switch providers

You’ve probably heard about how you can save on car insurance by comparing rates and switching. You can apply the same principle to other expenses, too, like your internet service.

Just because you’ve been with your internet service provider for a long time doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. Shop around and see what competitors are offering.

For example, you could consider switching to NOW Internet by Xfinity. NOW Internet is a pay-as-you-go service, with no annual contracts and no credit checks that starts at just $30 a month, with all-in pricing and equipment included. Best of all, there’s no hassle. You can order your equipment online and have it shipped to your home or pick up your box at your local Xfinity store.

Bonus: Your internet service provider may offer deals on other services like mobile. For example, you can sign up for NOW Mobile and pay just $55 a month when you get both NOW Internet and NOW Mobile, with no annual contracts or hidden fees. NOW Mobile is available for NOW Internet and Xfinity Internet customers.

3. Review your subscriptions

It’s easy to rack up subscriptions. Whether it’s digital streaming platforms, a gym membership or a monthly food box, you’d be surprised how many you have and how many you don’t use.

“Reviewing your online and offline subscriptions and removing those you no longer use can save you hundreds of dollars a year,” said Kaplun.

4. Look for deals and bundles

Now that you’ve reviewed your subscriptions and canceled those you don’t use, take a careful look at the ones you want to keep. You may be able to get better deals or bundle subscriptions to save money.

If you subscribe to platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock, consider switching to NOW StreamSaver. NOW StreamSaver bundles Apple TV+, Netflix with ads, and Peacock Premium for the low monthly subscription of $30 a month with no contracts or additional fees. NOW StreamSaver also delivers over 125 streaming channels, so you always have something to watch.

NOW also offers NOW TV and NOW TV Latino, which offer over 125 streaming channels, including A&E, AMC, Discovery, HGTV, MGM+, TLC, Cinelatino, WAPA América and more. Plus, you get Peacock Premium for no additional cost. To learn more, visit Xfinity.com/NOW.

Make the most of your dollars

You can still enjoy the things you love while saving money. Using these four expert tips, you can make the most of your tax season financial review and save money all year long.

2025-03-28T10:41:00

(BPT) – Cheesecake is having a moment — and it’s not just after a celebratory steak dinner in a fancy restaurant. That’s right, you can have cheesecake anytime morning, noon or night. Feeling peckish before lunch? Use Krusteaz Cheesecake Muffin Mix to whip up a mid-morning snack to tide yourself over. Or maybe it’s an afternoon pick-me-up you need? Cheesecake is here for that, too. In fact, research shows that 80% of consumers like or even love cheesecake.

Here’s how to capitalize on this sweet trend and incorporate the creamy, rich goodness of cheesecake into your life more often:

1. Cheesecake is simple to make — why limit it to dessert?

Classic cheesecake is made of three ingredients: cream cheese, sugar and eggs. Everything else is optional. You can buy a ready-made crust or crush graham crackers with brown sugar and butter, if you’ve got those on hand. A spring-form cheesecake pan is ideal, but you can make do by lining a regular pan with overhanging parchment paper so you can lift your cheesecake out after you bake it. For a fresh take, you can substitute ricotta for cream cheese or crushed cookie crumbs for graham crackers.

To bake or not to bake? It’s the age-old cheesecake question. No-bakes get their texture from gelatins or puddings and are lighter and fluffier than regular cheesecake. But if it’s a denser texture and fuller flavor you’re craving, then baked cheesecake is the way to go.

2. Cheesecake plays well with seasonal fruits and berries.

Spring brings fresh strawberries, which may be your cheesecake’s best friend — sliced, diced, folded into whipped cream — the possibilities are endless. Summer’s blueberries, blackberries and cherries invite makers to create glorious trifles. Just layer fruit, bite-sized pieces of angel food cake and a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, whipped cream and powdered sugar, plus a little vanilla or almond extract. Apples, pears and figs come to fruition in the fall. Whether you slice them fresh or make a warm fruit compote with sugar and honey, your cheesecake will pair nicely with these autumn fruits. Winter is the time to add grapefruit, kiwis and pears to your cheesecake toppings portfolio.

3. Cheesecake is versatile enough to fit every craving!

Oh the joys of this delicious, all-purpose treat! Cheesecake can be decadent or light, depending on the recipe and your palate. It can come in any size — from balls to bites to full-on towering slices. Wait, what if the cheesecake were the filling? Krusteaz has created a cheesecake-filled muffin mix that combines the sweet and tangy cheesecake flavor with the soft, fluffy muffin texture Krusteaz consumers have come to love. The muffin base has warm notes of vanilla, cinnamon and honey to mimic the flavor profile of a traditional cheesecake crust. Simply add water, oil and eggs. For an even richer filling, add in an extra four ounces of cream cheese.

So treat yourself to cheesecake whenever you crave it! And check out featured recipes straight from the Krusteaz Kitchen, so you can have your cheesecake and eat it, too!