Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-07-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Productivity is up. Headcount is stable. On paper, things look fine.

But a new nationwide study suggests that for many organizations, the surface metrics are hiding something more serious. Workers are reporting a slow accumulation of workforce strain that doesn’t show up in dashboards until it’s expensive to fix.

BambooHR surveyed more than 1,200 full-time employees and business leaders across six major industries to understand the state of the employer-employee relationship in 2026. The researchers introduced a term for what they found: “dignity debt.” This is the liability organizations accrue when they prioritize speed, cost-cutting and AI adoption over the transparency, mentorship and trust that make the workforce contract sustainable.

The gap between what leaders see and what workers experience

Workers and their employers agree on at least one thing: Productivity is up. Eighty-one percent of executives believe it, and 73% of workers confirm it. But the same study finds that 85% of employees are experiencing significant workplace stress, 81% want to change careers entirely and nearly a third fear they can’t make ends meet on a full-time salary.

Productive, in other words, doesn’t mean sustainable.

Three signs your organization may be carrying dignity debt

The research identifies several patterns common to high-stress, low-trust workplaces. These are worth examining honestly:

1. You’re confident in your hiring process, but can’t fill roles. Four in five executives say their hiring process identifies the right talent. More than half say they struggle to find qualified candidates. When that gap persists, the work doesn’t wait. Instead, it redistributes to existing staff, stretching teams and deferring the investments that would build a stronger pipeline.

2. You know about a problem you haven’t fixed. More than half of business leaders admit they’re aware of an operational flaw they’ve chosen not to address because the cost of fixing it feels too high. Workers notice. Fifty-seven percent agree there’s a fundamental flaw in how their industry operates. Shared awareness of an unaddressed problem erodes trust faster than almost anything else.

3. You’re deploying AI without redesigning work around it. More than half of workers say AI has disrupted their daily work, and nearly half report negative reactions to workplace AI tools. At the same time, 49% of leaders admit AI hasn’t yet delivered tangible value and may be overhyped. If productivity expectations are rising while role clarity and training investment aren’t keeping pace, the gap becomes a retention risk.

What workers are actually asking for

What workers want, it turns out, is what most organizations already claim to value. Fifty-eight percent name transparency as their top leadership quality. Nine in ten want leaders who are honest about uncertainty and present during hard moments. Nearly three in four stay in a role primarily because of work-life balance and flexibility. Not equity grants. Not ping-pong tables. The basics.

Where to start

The BambooHR report points to three high-leverage entry points for organizations looking to reverse the trend:

• Make transparency a consistent operating practice rather than a crisis communication tool.
• Pick one known, visible problem and fix it publicly. The credibility return outweighs the cost.
• Pair any AI deployment with explicit work redesign, including clear measurement, updated role expectations and honest communication about how adoption affects careers.

The organizations that address dignity debt now, the research concludes, will have a meaningful advantage when the labor market tightens again. The ones that don’t may find the workforce they’re counting on has quietly decided not to wait.

The full State of the Workforce 2026 report, including industry-specific findings across technology, healthcare, finance, food and beverage, construction and education, is available at bamboohr.com.

2026-07-13T16:01:00

(BPT) – Summer means enjoying time with friends and family, soaking up long days in the sun and delighting in easy evenings outside. While you’re savoring each moment and creating new memories, why not sweeten them a little bit more with your favorite chocolate flavors?

Try these easy, fun ways to elevate summer gatherings from Chocolove, a premium chocolate brand known for flavor innovation and high-quality, sustainable ingredients.

Elevate your s’mores for a tastier evening

Whether you’re at the fireside or cooking on the stovetop, s’mores season deserves something extra special. Here are a few ideas to help you take your s’mores party to the next level:

Chocolove’s Bites are tasty, bite-sized treats that are a convenient, delicious way to layer premium flavor into your s’mores. These individually wrapped bites are easy to pack for a beach day, camping trip or late-night summer treat, and now come in stand-up bags for added on-the-go ease. They’re available in four dark chocolate varieties that will have everyone asking for “s’more”: Coconut, Mint Crème, Salted Caramel and Salted Peanut Butter. Shop them online at Chocolove.com.

For even more crave-worthy s’more options, you can break off a square or two of these fan-favorite bars when you gather around the campfire:

• Dark Chocolate Raspberries Bar — Enjoy freeze-dried, crispy tart raspberry pieces bursting with flavor, enveloped in premium smooth semi-sweet dark chocolate.
• Milk Chocolate Salted Peanut Butter Bar — Classic European chocolate gives way to silky smooth, real organic salted peanut butter filling.
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar — Caramel lovers everywhere will appreciate this premium salted caramel filling enrobed in rich dark chocolate.

New flavors to love and share

Want to satisfy your sweet tooth by exploring a couple of exciting new flavors? Try one (or both!) of these new creations next time you need a sweet fix, or serve chocolate squares with berries, pretzels and cheeses for an easy, elegant dessert.

• Dark Chocolate Coconut Filled Bar — A tropical-inspired indulgence featuring creamy real coconut filling wrapped in dark chocolate for a smooth, balanced bite. Available at Whole Foods Market, Amazon and Chocolove.com.
• Dark Chocolate Marzipan Filled Bar — A European-style confection with soft, silky almond marzipan in rich dark chocolate, crafted for a refined, luxurious experience. Available on Amazon and Chocolove.com.

Embrace the trending dot cake sensation

Dot cakes are taking over the internet, and for good reason. They’re a fun, easy way to put together mini desserts for any festive occasion — from picnics and barbecues to baby showers and birthdays — or just when you want a little indulgence for yourself! Kids and grown-ups alike will find that these mini cakes are as fun to eat as they are tasty.

Chocolove created a recipe in partnership with Watkins to help you enjoy elevated, artificial dye-free dot cakes of your own. Just make sure to gather some glass jars ahead of time!

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil and water)
• 1/2 cup Watkins Artificial Dye-Free Rainbow Nonpareils (for topping)

Chocolate Frosting

• 6 ounces Chocolove Milk Chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Watkins Baking Vanilla
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix package directions. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake according to package directions. Let cool completely.
5. While the cake cools, make the frosting. Melt chopped Chocolove Milk Chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
7. Add the melted chocolate, heavy cream, Watkins Baking Vanilla and salt. Beat until smooth.
8. Assemble the Dot Cake by cutting out rounds of cake from the pan, dropping into a jar of the same size, and spread with an even layer of frosting. Repeat until you get to the top of the jar.
9. Add 1/2 cup of sprinkles onto a plate and place the jar face down, pressing slightly into the sprinkles so an even layer of sprinkles forms on top.

And voilà! You have your own homemade, personal dot cake.

Try all of these ideas to help you make the most of your summer get-togethers, so you can cherish every sweet moment.

Chocolove is made from traceable cocoa, is Non-GMO Project Verified and Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning the chocolate is sourced in a way that supports a better future for cocoa farmers and their families. Chocolove is made without artificial preservatives and crafted to deliver decadent, world-class flavor experiences.

Chocolove is available at retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Publix, Walgreens, Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger, Walmart, Sprouts, a variety of independent and natural retailers, on Amazon and at Chocolove.com.

2026-07-13T13:13:00

(BPT) – When a heat wave arrives, homeowners depend on their air conditioning system to keep their home comfortable despite soaring outdoor temperatures. While many people expect their AC to work harder during these periods, they may be surprised to learn just how much additional demand extreme heat can place on a cooling system.

From longer run times to increased energy use, heat waves can impact how an air conditioner operates. Knowing why this happens and what steps can support system performance can help homeowners stay comfortable all summer long.

Extreme heat creates greater demand on cooling systems

Air conditioners cool homes by removing heat from indoor air and transferring it outside. As outdoor temperatures rise, that process becomes more challenging. The larger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the harder the system must work to maintain comfort.

Most residential air conditioning systems are designed to operate efficiently under typical seasonal conditions. During prolonged periods of extreme heat, however, homeowners may notice longer cooling cycles, higher energy consumption and less dramatic temperature reductions during the hottest hours of the day.

In many cases, these longer run times are normal. Rather than cycling on and off frequently, a properly functioning system may run continuously during peak afternoon hours to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels. However, if a homeowner’s system frequently struggles to keep up during extended periods of extreme summer heat, it may be time to consider an upgrade. For example, the Ruud^® RP17AY Endeavor^® Universal Heat Pump features a variable-speed compressor with inverter technology that adjusts output to match your home’s cooling needs. Instead of repeatedly cycling on and off like traditional systems, it operates at lower, more precise speeds to deliver steady comfort, better humidity control and improved energy efficiency — all while helping reduce power spikes.

Maintaining strong airflow for consistent comfort

One of the most common reasons an air conditioner struggles during hot weather is restricted airflow.

Dirty air filters, blocked vents and clogged ductwork can prevent conditioned air from circulating properly throughout the home. When airflow is restricted, the system must work harder to deliver the same level of comfort, increasing strain on components and reducing overall efficiency.

Homeowners should inspect air filters regularly throughout the cooling season and replace them according to manufacturer’s recommendations, using the correct filter type and MERV rating for their system. It’s also important to ensure that the supply and return vents remain open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs or other household items.

Proper airflow allows the system to operate as designed and can help improve cooling performance during periods of extreme heat.

Maintenance and equipment age play a critical role

Like any mechanical system, air conditioners require routine maintenance to perform at their best. Over time, normal wear and tear can impact efficiency and reliability. Dirty coils and worn components can reduce a system’s ability to meet cooling demands when temperatures soar.

Regular professional maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they become larger problems. Seasonal inspections can also help ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently before the hottest days of summer arrive.

Equipment age can also influence performance. Older systems often operate less efficiently than newer models and may struggle to maintain comfort during extended heat waves. Homeowners with aging equipment may benefit from consulting a trusted HVAC contractor to determine whether repairs, upgrades or replacement options are appropriate. Working with a qualified contractor, such as a member of the Ruud Pro Partner^® network, can help homeowners receive expert guidance on maintaining, repairing or upgrading their system to support comfort and efficiency throughout the cooling season.

Humidity and indoor heat sources

Temperature is only part of the equation for indoor comfort. Air conditioners also help remove moisture from the air. During periods of high humidity, systems must work harder to both cool and dehumidify the home. Excess humidity can make indoor spaces feel warmer than the thermostat reading suggests, leading homeowners to lower temperature settings and increase system workload.

Making sure the home is free of leaks around doors and windows and access points to attics and unconditioned basements can help control the influx of unwanted humidity issues. In some cases, standalone dehumidifiers can be used to tackle the humidity, putting less work on the AC unit.

Everyday household activities can also contribute additional heat. Cooking, running clothes dryers and operating other appliances can raise indoor temperatures, forcing the air conditioner to work even harder. Simple measures such as keeping blinds closed during peak sunlight hours, limiting heat-producing activities during the hottest parts of the day, and ensuring windows and doors remain closed can help reduce cooling demand and support overall system performance.

Staying comfortable when temperatures rise

While no air conditioning system is immune to the challenges of extreme weather, homeowners can take proactive steps to help maximize comfort and efficiency during a heat wave.

Regular filter changes, routine professional maintenance, unobstructed airflow and smart temperature management can all help reduce strain on cooling equipment. Homeowners should also recognize that longer run times during extreme heat are often a sign that the system is actively working to maintain comfort, not necessarily that something is wrong.

By understanding how heat waves affect air conditioning performance and taking steps to support system operation, homeowners can help keep their homes comfortable while minimizing unnecessary wear on their HVAC equipment throughout the summer.

2026-07-12T07:01:04

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• The U.S. aerospace and defense industry needs a skilled workforce, supply chain resilience and continual innovation to remain competitive on the global stage.
• A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) examined four key pillars of today’s defense and aerospace sector: workforce development, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and innovation.
• States are taking on a bigger role in U.S. defense and national security in 2026.
• Michigan leads the way, modeling a robust workforce, solid manufacturing infrastructure, top research institutions and a legacy of innovation.

2026 is a year of challenges and change for the U.S. aerospace and defense sectors. Facing massive growth and shifting needs, many organizations in the industry are evaluating their goals and looking for new ways to stay competitive.

A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) surveyed 150 senior U.S. leaders in defense and aerospace, manufacturing and industrial products and engineering or supply chain logistics.

The biggest industry concerns are contained in these four pillars:

1. Workforce development
2. Infrastructure
3. Advanced manufacturing
4. Innovation

“Across all four pillars, ecosystem-level readiness matters as much as any individual advantage,” said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). “Weaknesses in one area can undermine strength in another.”

At a time when the U.S. aerospace and defense industry relies on states more than ever, these pillars also define regional competitiveness.

What’s influencing defense and aerospace sectors in 2026?

The white paper revealed the main factors shaping the competitiveness of the defense and aerospace sector, and how they impact decisions on where to invest and scale operations.

1. Location and workforce development

Survey respondents cite workforce availability as a crucial factor in new location decisions. An overwhelming 9 in 10 executives (90%) report difficulty recruiting employees for today’s defense needs.

The survey also finds 51% of AI roles and 50% of advanced manufacturing roles are hard to fill across the sector. Cybersecurity recruiting difficulty is twice as high in defense as in other sectors, due to regulatory and security requirements.

“A defense-ready workforce is technically skilled, security-cleared or clearable, digitally fluent and trained in manufacturing and engineering disciplines underpinning many modern systems,” said Gutierrez.

2. State-level modern infrastructure

Over half the survey respondents (52%) state the importance of a modern regional infrastructure to the aerospace and defense industry, while 45% cite access to research institutions. Access to AI-enabled testing ranges was also cited by 57% of respondents.

Infrastructure at the state level is crucial for growth: Nearly one-third (31%) say infrastructure and connectivity constraints are factors influencing defense manufacturers’ new-location choices.

3. Localized, advanced manufacturing capabilities

The defense and aerospace industry relies on advanced manufacturing, including automation, computer numerical control (CNC) and robotics. It’s key for these manufacturing capabilities to be localized to help reduce supply chain strain and weak spots during unpredictable times.

Nearly all executives (98%) say they’re actively preparing for supply chain localization or reshoring during today’s near-unanimous call to reshore American defense production. In the survey, 73% identify advanced manufacturing as a strategic asset, and 53% are actively investing in supply chain technology.

Today’s U.S. defense industry widely prioritizes supply chain resilience — over cost and production output — as the workforce crisis deepens. This reflects a fundamental shift in how defense and aerospace leaders define competitiveness.

For years, manufacturers optimized supply chains around cost, speed and efficiency. In a sector where disruption can affect mission readiness, that model is no longer enough. Defense leaders seek localized supply chains to help them shorten development cycles while reducing risks like geopolitical uncertainty, material shortages, cyberattacks and demand spikes.

4. Innovation and access to research institutions

Innovation has always been a hallmark of defense and aerospace, but innovation itself is changing, with a new emphasis on applied research and development. Innovation is increasingly judged by its ability to move from concept to capability.

Survey respondents consistently value modern regional infrastructure (52%) and access to research institutions (45%) as the strongest contributors to innovation environments, indicating the importance of coordinated partnerships and infrastructure. Access to R&D and university or industry research partnerships is ranked as important by 82% of respondents.

What role do states play in defense and national security?

The U.S. is in the midst of a localization and reshoring drive. But defense and aerospace supply chains face unique constraints, requirements and challenges that are crucial for states to understand if they want to contribute to the industry.

The Department of Defense (DoD) increasingly looks to states as proactive strategic partners in national security, evaluating regions by their individual assets and how effectively their systems work together. A defense-ready state offers something no single company can: a coherent, integrated industrial ecosystem capable of supporting missions from ideation through production.

“Defense readiness is a system-level challenge, and states are the connective tissue that binds together suppliers, infrastructure, workforce, research institutions and testing environments,” added Gutierrez.

Michigan offers a practical example of what today’s model requires: a region where commercial manufacturing strength, defense suppliers, research institutions and testing infrastructure are part of one coordinated industrial system.

Michigan is home to over 4,000 defense-aligned companies, over 900 aerospace suppliers and two of the U.S. Army’s critical commands: Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC), placing the state at the center of ground vehicle design, engineering and procurement.

Major defense manufacturers include General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems and American Rheinmetall, while a 12-university National Security Consortium aligns academic research directly to DoD priorities.

The state also supports multi-domain testing — land, air, maritime, space and cyber — in a single state through the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), Camp Grayling and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This is critical, as 88% of defense leaders say regional innovation corridors where R&D, manufacturing and testing are co-located are vital to their strategy.

The Michigan ODAI connects this ecosystem by guiding defense businesses through certification, funding access and DoD market entry.

For defense and aerospace companies aiming to invest or expand, Michigan offers a skilled workforce, a strong academic base and assets that are increasingly organized around resilient, integrated readiness.

Download the white paper, and learn more about Michigan’s aerospace and defense readiness at MichiganBusiness.org.

2026-07-09T07:01:05

(BPT) – Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common type of uterine cancer, yet it is under-recognized, and patients may feel unprepared or overwhelmed when it comes to making treatment decisions after a diagnosis. The infographic below shares information from a patient survey about the burden of EC and the importance of empowering people living with EC to take control of their treatment journeys.

2026-07-09T04:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• In today’s economic climate, customers need financing options to help them shop at small businesses.
• Small business owners can offer a variety of financing options to help boost customer loyalty and avoid costly discounting practices.
• Synchrony helps small businesses offer private-label credit cards with promotional period financing and installment loans — like Buy Now, Pay Later — to help retain customers and compete with larger companies.
• Synchrony partners with over 500,000 business locations across the country, providing services designed to help small businesses thrive.

When a customer hesitates at the register, the problem may not be the product or service. It may actually be the payment method.

In a year when affordability tops the priority list for many consumers, demand hasn’t disappeared. Consumers are just waiting for a better path to purchase. Offering flexible financing options can help small businesses capture that demand and win customers that bigger competitors might otherwise scoop up.

For years, it seemed that only the big chains were able to offer financing. Not anymore. Synchrony partners with more than 500,000 merchant locations across the U.S., including independent auto shops, dental practices, furniture stores, powersports dealers, home improvement contractors and more, giving them the digital tools, training and financing infrastructure to help them compete with brands that have entire teams dedicated to those functions.

It’s worth asking: Are you giving every customer the best possible chance to say yes? No matter your line of business, the right financing tools can help protect your margins, reduce cart abandonment and build the kind of loyalty that keeps customers coming back and helps your business grow.

Here’s what you need to know about giving your customers more financing options.

Smart customer financing solutions help drive sales

Has your small business been resorting to tactics like offering discounts to entice customers? You could be losing out. Not only are you tightening your margins, which hurts your bottom line, but you’re also setting the expectation that if customers wait long enough, you’ll offer another discount.

When you’re ready to launch a customer financing program for your business, Synchrony provides the digital tools, training, marketing support and account management that helps small business owners compete with brands that have dedicated teams for those functions.

Small and medium-sized businesses can use multi-source financing and tools like Synchrony PRISM to offer credit access to customers:

• Multisource financing (MSF) is how Synchrony connects applicants who might otherwise have been declined with expanded financing solutions offered through our secondary financing partners. With a single application, Synchrony is able to reduce friction at the point of sale by facilitating more approvals and driving conversion. And merchants benefit from significantly higher approval rates for their customers, which can drive more sales and customer satisfaction.
• Synchrony PRISM is a credit decisioning platform that goes beyond the traditional credit score. In determining whether to extend credit, many of Synchrony’s competitors only use credit bureau data, while Synchrony PRISM incorporates up to 20,000 data attributes, including cash flow, rent payment history and other behavioral signals, to identify creditworthy customers that a conventional model might miss. By offering a more holistic view of consumers, Synchrony PRISM increases approval rates for a similar level of risk while reducing fraud. For small business partners, that can translate to fewer lost sales and more customers walking out the door satisfied.

To make these financing tools even easier to offer at the point of sale, Synchrony can integrate financing directly into the systems your team already uses every day.

Independent software vendor (ISV) integrations embed Synchrony’s financing options directly into your company’s practice management systems, point-of-sale platforms and field service tools your team uses every day. This makes financing a natural part of the conversation rather than a separate step your staff has to introduce and manage.

Flexible financing options for your customers

Synchrony provides a suite of consumer financing options that can be offered together through a single application, to help match more customers with more potential payment paths.

Offering multiple financing solutions early in sales interactions helps reduce sticker shock and gives customers more purchasing power.

Through Synchrony, your business can empower customers by offering:

• Private-Label and Network Credit Cards: These revolving credit accounts feature the merchant’s brand or a Synchrony network (such as the Synchrony HOME or Synchrony Car Care credit cards) which can be used at thousands of merchant locations. Customers can keep and reuse them for repeat purchases, helping build loyalty to that business. These cards may also offer promotional financing, which can help make larger purchases more manageable by allowing the cardholder to pay over time.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)/Installment Loans: This model lets customers split a purchase into fixed, scheduled payments over a defined term, creating a one-time-use loan rather than open-ended revolving credit. It’s commonly used for customers who prefer predictable payments and is especially prevalent in big-ticket categories — such as powersports, trailers, musical instruments and lawn and garden equipment — often offered through dealer channels on Synchrony’s platforms.
• CareCredit Credit Card: A dedicated health and wellness credit card, from Synchrony, is accepted at over 290,000 locations including dental, vision, audiology, chiropractic, veterinary and wellness practices. This option offers promotional financing that can help patients pay over time for the care they want or need. Health and wellness providers accepting CareCredit receive payment quickly, helping protect cash flow so they can focus on care rather than collections.

In a market where every dollar is considered, the businesses that make spending feel manageable are the ones customers return to.

Learn more about boosting your business at Synchrony.com/business.

Financing is subject to credit approval.

2026-07-08T08:05:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Whimsy-maxxing is a growing lifestyle trend often found in home design.
• Adding special decor to your home helps create a playful, joyous feeling.
• Items with bold colors or patterns are ideal for whimsy-maxxing.
• MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale offers significant discounts on unique, whimsical items.

As people move away from minimalist interiors, whimsy-maxxing has emerged as one of today’s most playful design movements. When everyday routines start to feel a little boring and bland, whimsy-maxxing is the solution. This home trend embraces touches of color and playfulness, adding imagination and joy to your favorite spaces.

Elevating your home and personal spaces with whimsical touches can impact your outlook and attitude, inspiring happiness each day for you and your guests. This doesn’t require major renovations — a beautifully patterned accent or thoughtfully handcrafted piece can instantly brighten a room and spark a whimsical feeling.

Now is the time to embrace and experience whimsy-maxxing because for five days between July 16 and 20, 2026, iconic home decor and lifestyle brand MacKenzie-Childs is having their annual Barn Sale, making it easier than ever to refresh your home without paying full price. This highly anticipated event features daily surprises and deep discounts on their iconic enamelware, hand-painted ceramics, seasonal must-haves and more.

“Whimsy has always been at the heart of MacKenzie-Childs, long before it became a design trend,” said Rebecca Proctor, Chief Brand Officer of MacKenzie-Childs. “We believe every home should reflect the people who live there, which is why our collections are designed to bring joy, creativity and personality to any space. Whether it’s a colorful tea kettle, a patterned serving piece or an unexpected decorative accent, whimsical touches are an easy way to make a home feel more personal. Barn Sale is the perfect opportunity to embrace the trend or refresh your space with artisanal pieces that make distinctive design more accessible.”

Want to get started? Here are 5 simple tips to whimsy-max your home:

Use playful patterns and creative colors

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to whimsy-max a space is to add pattern and color. Embrace combinations that feel collected over time. Think colorful florals, vibrant striped hues or bold polka dots that instantly energize a room. MacKenzie-Childs’s classic Courtly Check pattern is the perfect example of tradition with a twist, and is available in a variety of colors to suit your personality. Check out the gorgeous Emerald Check and viral Mocha Check for inspiration, featured in this year’s Barn Sale for the first time.

Mix patterns with confidence

Say goodbye to the beige blahs! Pattern layering is often found within the whimsy-maxxing trend, so don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, mix organic patterns and checks or strips and dots. Pattern-on-pattern draws the eye and creates moments of happiness within a space. Designer tip: Incorporate a unifying color that appears in both patterns to ensure cohesiveness that looks intriguing and intentional.

Add imaginative extras that bring you joy

Whimsy is often found in the small extras that make everyday life special, so focus on adding decor and housewares that elevate life. For example, consider fun photo frames, delightful dishes and smile-worthy mugs. MacKenzie-Childs’s best-selling 2-Quart Tea Kettle, available in a variety of colors, is as much a visual feast for the eyes as it is an item you’ll use often to create a moment of magic. The handmade details and artisan craftsmanship give whimsical spaces authenticity, making them feel curated instead of overly themed.

Reach for refined accents to create cozy comfort

A warm cup of your favorite tea. A soft blanket that inspires relaxation after a long day. Accent pillows that make your house feel like a home. Refined accents help you relax and get cozy, and are the perfect whimsical additions to any space no matter the season. Make the mundane more magical with special touches like these that personalize your home. These items also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Turn everyday gatherings into occasions

Whimsy-maxxing helps you enjoy your life to the fullest and can inspire you to share that feeling with others. Invite loved ones over and enjoy entertaining them with some fun and functional pieces. For example, patterned serveware, funky tablecloths and that perfect platter that inspires conversation. Think outside the box and consider using items in new ways for your gatherings, such as your teapot as a centerpiece or as a vase for fresh flowers.

Save big when you become a MacKenzie-Childs VIP

For shoppers hoping to score the best selection, MacKenzie-Childs Loyalty Rewards members receive VIP early access to the Barn Sale beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026, giving them first pick of many of the event’s most sought-after pieces. Not yet a member? Joining is quick, easy and unlocks a whole new level of Barn Sale benefits. Visit www.mackenzie-childs.com/rewards to join today.

Whimsy-maxxing infuses joy and imagination into your living spaces, transforming them into havens of happiness for you and your guests. With the annual MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale, there’s no better time to explore unique artisan-crafted pieces that will elevate your home with whimsical charm.

2026-07-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – The postgraduation season is seen as a major milestone, but it’s just one of many moments when young adults begin taking greater control of their finances. Whether they’re starting a new job, moving into their first apartment, pursuing additional education or becoming more financially independent, many young people are focused on building a strong financial foundation.

However, as they begin to review their finances, certain young adults will discover that they’re entering adulthood without a financial identity.

Why credit matters early on

Roughly 17 million Americans — many of whom are young adults — are considered “credit invisible” or “thin file.” This means they either have no credit report or insufficient credit history to generate a valid score.

Without a credit history, young adults can struggle to rent an apartment, qualify for loans and credit cards, and are locked out of other financial opportunities that are key to gaining independence and financial mobility. This is particularly concerning for Gen Z as they’re entering adulthood during a period of rising costs, growing debt and economic uncertainty.

When young adults try to establish credit, they realize they’re caught in a paradox: They need credit to get credit. The traditional credit system has historically created a catch-22. You need a credit history to access financial products, but you often need those products to build a credit history in the first place.

How to spark a credit history

Data from Intuit Credit Karma found that Gen Z is highly motivated by financial wellness, yet almost half say they don’t know where to start when building credit.

The good news is that digital tools like Credit Spark can help credit-invisible consumers establish credit by using responsible financial habits they already demonstrate. This free financial tool, created by Intuit Credit Karma, helps consumers turn their existing utility and phone payments into credit history.

With Credit Spark, building a credit history is simple. The platform reports positive payments to TransUnion to help consumers establish credit faster. More importantly, the platform does not require consumers to open a credit card or take on new debt, giving them more control over how they begin building credit.

Tools for every stage of the financial journey

For consumers who are just getting started, Credit Spark can help establish a credit history, creating a foundation for future financial opportunities. As their needs evolve beyond building credit, Credit Karma is designed to grow with consumers throughout their financial journey. Whether it’s helping them save interest on their revolving debt with Debt Assistant or maximizing the rewards and perks of the credit cards in their wallet with Cards Optimizer, Credit Karma meets members wherever they are on their path.

As part of Intuit’s Consumer Platform, Credit Karma works alongside TurboTax to help consumers make financial decisions with greater confidence. Together, they support consumers throughout the year to navigate important milestones — from building credit and managing debt to filing taxes and planning for future financial goals.

The first step toward financial progress

Credit building should be accessible from the start. With a little help, Gen Z graduates can build financial confidence and establish habits that support long-term financial progress. To learn more, visit CreditKarma.com/Credit-Spark.

2026-07-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• Having a car today is increasingly expensive, due to the total cost of ownership: higher vehicle prices, financing rates, maintenance, insurance and fuel.
• Buying or leasing usually requires a multi-year commitment that may not be flexible enough to adapt to life changes.
• New, flexible, more affordable leasing models like Flexcar provide a simpler alternative: month-to-month car access.

The rising cost of getting a car in 2026 is causing more Americans to rethink traditional methods like buying or leasing. The upfront cost of higher vehicle prices combined with long-term financing and ongoing expenses add up to a much higher investment. Insurance alone averages almost $2,700 per year, and then there’s ongoing maintenance, repairs and today’s high fuel costs.

Another big issue is that buying and leasing typically require multi-year commitments that don’t take into account lifestyle changes. Instead, they lock drivers into financial obligations without much flexibility.

“Life changes. We move cities, switch jobs. Families grow and plans shift. But one thing hasn’t changed: how we buy cars,” said Jake Marston, VP of Marketing, Flexcar. “Historically, buying a car meant large down payments, unexpected repair bills, long-term debt and fixed contracts out of step with the way people live today.”

A new solution to getting a car without traditional buying or leasing

In response to these concerns, newer car ownership alternatives are gaining traction. For example, Flexcar offers an innovative, more affordable leasing model that bundles the major costs of having a car into a single monthly payment, including insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance.

Flexcar is designed for flexibility, letting members switch vehicles or adjust mileage plans as needs change. Members can upgrade to a larger SUV, choose a more efficient option for a new commute or drive something different for one season. Members can return their car at any time, without early termination penalties.

“Our members have driven over 350 million miles across our markets since 2021. This is a clear sign that drivers are ready for a different model,” added Marston. “Flexcar gives people a simpler, more flexible option, minus the unpredictable costs and multi-year loan commitments of traditional car ownership.”

2026-07-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – For more than 50 years, opening Valpak’s iconic Blue Envelope has meant discovering savings from businesses across the country. This July, it could also mean discovering something unexpected: the chance to appear in an upcoming Hallmark Channel original movie.

Thanks to a special partnership between Valpak and Hallmark Channel, this month’s Blue Envelope is delivering more than great deals. In addition to exclusive savings from local and national brands, this month, consumers will find the opportunity to enter the “From Mailbox to Movie Set” Sweepstakes, plus an exclusive Hallmark+ subscription offer. Here are four top reasons to make sure you open your Valpak Blue Envelope this month:

1. The envelope, please: Turn your trip to the mailbox into a brush with stardom

This month’s biggest surprise may be waiting inside the iconic Blue Envelope.

Through a special partnership between Valpak and Hallmark Channel, one lucky winner will receive a walk-on role in an upcoming Hallmark Channel original movie. The grand prize also includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience and all-expenses-paid travel for the winner and a guest.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step into the world of Hallmark movie magic and experience it firsthand.

The sweepstakes launches in July 2026. Look for details in your Valpak Blue Envelope or visit Valpak.com/WalkOn for official rules, eligibility requirements and entry information.

2. Enjoy a one-year discounted Hallmark+ subscription

July’s Blue Envelope will feature a new look, spotlighting the upcoming Hallmark+ exclusive limited series, Paris is Always a Good Idea, based on the novel by Jenn McKinlay, and starring fan favorite Lacey Chabert.

As part of the partnership, consumers can take advantage of an exclusive Valpak Hallmark+ offer: a one-year subscription for just $39 — more than 50% off the regular price. In addition, anyone can access the discounted subscription by visiting HallmarkPlus.com and using the code “ValpakParis.”

3. Discover savings from businesses you know, and new favorites too

Whether you’re looking to save on dining, home services, shopping or everyday essentials, Valpak continues to connect consumers with valuable offers from local and national businesses.

Savings matter today more than ever, and the Blue Envelope is filled with deals designed to help consumers stretch their dollars while discovering new businesses, products and services in their communities. And because those savings aren’t limited to a mailbox, consumers across the country can also access savings and offers anytime by visiting Valpak.com.

4. Discover something unexpected

Part of the fun of opening the Blue Envelope is never knowing exactly what you’ll find inside.

Alongside savings from favorite local businesses and national brands, consumers often discover new restaurants, retailers, services and experiences they may not have otherwise considered. This July, that spirit of discovery extends even further with the chance to go from mailbox to movie set.

After all, there’s always a reason to open the envelope.

To learn more, discover savings in your area or enter the sweepstakes, visit Valpak.com.