Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-08-06T09:55:00

(BPT) – When you think of solar power for your home, you likely picture the rows of gleaming panels lining your roof. However, before you begin selecting and installing solar, there is an important first step you cannot skip: purchasing a home backup battery.

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about backup batteries, but the truth is that starting with solar and then purchasing a battery holds you back from true energy independence. Read on to discover the five biggest backup battery myths and why procuring one for your home is the first step toward harnessing solar power regardless of rain, shine, heatwave, hurricane, tropical storm or snow.

Myth 1: Solar panels give me 24/7 energy independence

Reality: Solar panels alone can’t power your home overnight or during storms that can take out the grid and sunlight. That’s because solar panels can’t store the power produced by the sun.

Traditional grid-tied solar-powered systems capture and send power to your home’s electrical system for use. Without a battery, any excess solar power flows from your home to the grid. So, what happens when the grid shuts down or there’s a storm? You’re still left without power.

Think of it this way: Your solar panels are the engine that creates the power needed to run your home. Your battery is the gas tank that stores energy for later, so you can use it when you need it. Without a battery, you can’t store or use your own energy during a storm, an extended outage or overnight.

Myth 2: I can just buy solar panels and sell excess power back to the grid

Reality: The days of relying on utility companies to buy back your extra daytime solar power at top dollar are rapidly coming to an end. California kicked off the nationwide shift when it overhauled its net-metering policies, drastically cutting the rate utilities pay homeowners for pushing excess solar back to the grid. Almost overnight, new solar-only installs lost their biggest financial perk so homeowners started adding battery storage to capture that free daytime energy and use it themselves when rates spike at night or when outages hit. Today, a home battery is the default foundation required to actually get the full benefits of solar energy.

Bonus: Home backup means beating Time-of-Use (TOU) rate spikes. With or without solar, a home backup battery lets you take advantage of daily smart energy management. You can charge your battery from the wall when grid electricity is cheapest, then run your home on that stored battery power during expensive peak afternoon and evening hours. It’s an instant way to lower your electric bill.

Myth 3: I have to buy solar panels before buying a battery

Reality: You can and should install battery storage first. That way, when you eventually purchase and install your solar panels, you’ll be ready to store and use energy from the get-go.

Also, a home battery can serve as a stand-alone backup system without solar if needed, providing energy day or night, storm or no storm. For example, Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus home backup battery can recharge from multiple sources, including high-voltage solar and traditional AC power.

That flexibility is what makes battery backup such a strong starting point. They’re always ready, providing stored power when the grid goes down or when electricity is most expensive, whether or not you have solar panels.

Myth 4: Installing a backup battery is difficult

Reality: Many modern backup batteries, like portable power stations, don’t require installation, and are designed for plug-and-play operation, though some have the option to be easily connected to your home’s circuits via a transfer switch, the process of which is less expensive and more straight forward compared to permanently installed, grid-tied home backup. This versatility in home backup options means whether you own your home or rent an apartment, backup power for all your essentials like the refrigerator, lights, WiFi, home office and more is within reach. And you won’t need an electrician or permits to start, if ever.

Jackery makes it simple to make battery backup a part of any home, with or without solar already installed. Both the Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the HomePower 3600 Plus can be used as-is by plugging appliances and electronics directly to them. They even feature built-in wheels and a pull handle, allowing you to move power from room to room.

Bonus: You can connect these backup batteries/portable power stations to your home’s electrical circuit by having an electrician install a transfer switch. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus pairs with the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to provide automatic home coverage and seamless backup when you need it most and the HomePower 3600 Plus also connects home circuits via a manual transfer switch. These provide multi-room coverage without the need to install a permanent generator so the system can move with you. And while they are modular for tailored scalability, the base units still work as standalone portable power stations for ultimate flexibility.

Myth 5: Batteries have a short lifespan

Reality: Home batteries have come a long way. Today’s models can be used for over a decade depending on use. For example, the Solar Generator 5000 Plus has over an 11-year battery lifespan, while the HomePower 3600 Plus is rated for over 16 years. Jackery supports these solutions with multiyear warranties, so you can rest easy knowing you’re covered.

Battery storage should be the default, not an afterthought

To truly take advantage of solar power, you must be able to capture, store and use it on your own terms. To learn more about backup batteries and how they make solar power usable when you need it most, visit Jackery.com.

2026-08-06T09:05:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• Proper ventilation is essential for your comfort and health, and your home’s structural integrity.
• Modern homes are built tight. Traditional ventilation systems often can’t deliver proper ventilation in airtight homes.
• Balanced ventilation via an energy recovery ventilator keeps your home comfortable, improves indoor air quality and works with your home’s design.
• The Panasonic BalancedHome^® ERV complements the modern home and is essential for long-term home performance.

When you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, you’ll have many choices to make. Most homeowners focus on visible features like kitchens, flooring and smart technology. But there’s one system that matters just as much, and it’s hidden behind your walls: your home’s ventilation.

Why ventilation matters

Think of your home’s ventilation system as its lungs. It brings in fresh outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. Good ventilation means fresher air throughout your home, better moisture control, and fewer odors and indoor pollutants.

Every home needs proper ventilation. Whether you live in a cold northern region, a hot and humid southern state or anywhere in between, proper ventilation keeps your home comfortable, healthy and structurally sound.

Where traditional ventilation systems fall short

Modern homes are designed to be super energy-efficient, which means they’re sealed more carefully than ever before. The downside? That same seal that saves on your electric bill also traps stale air, humidity and cooking odors inside. Traditional mechanical ventilation systems work with a one-way approach. Some pull air out of your home and hope fresh air seeps in through cracks and gaps. Others push air in and hope stale air escapes the same way. Neither approach works well in today’s airtight homes.

The result? Uneven comfort, excess moisture accumulation, condensation on windows, spatial air dead zones, lingering cooking odors, and a buildup of indoor pollutants from everyday activities like showering and cleaning. It gets worse. Exhaust-only systems can create negative pressure, allowing moisture and contaminants to seep into your walls. Supply-only systems trap moisture inside, increasing the risk of mold and long-term damage to your roof, walls, foundation and insulation.

Why an ERV is the solution for balanced ventilation

An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) continuously brings fresh outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air. And it does something traditional systems can’t. It transfers heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. As energy codes continue to evolve and builders construct tighter, more efficient homes, balanced ventilation is becoming an increasingly important part of residential design. So, how can you ensure your new home provides the ventilation you need for good indoor air quality, long-term home performance and year-round comfort in any climate? The key is balanced ventilation powered by an ERV.

One example of a balanced ventilation solution is the Panasonic BalancedHome^® Elite+ 210, an energy recovery ventilator designed for modern single-family homes. The system delivers what modern single-family homes need by:

• Helping maintain indoor comfort while reducing energy loss
• Filtering incoming air to support healthier indoor environments
• Allowing homeowners to monitor system performance
• Offering installation flexibility for different home designs
• Operating quietly in living spaces

Modern ventilation completes the modern home

As homes become more energy-efficient and airtight, ventilation is no longer optional. It is essential for your family’s comfort and long-term home performance. Homeowners who prioritize balanced ventilation can enjoy fresher indoor air, improved comfort and greater confidence that their home is performing as intended.

To learn more about the benefits of balanced ventilation, ERVs and why a new home isn’t complete without it, visit BalancedHome^® ERV – Elite Plus Models – 210 | Panasonic North America – United States.

*BalancedHome^® 210 performance may vary based on installation, operating conditions and climate.

2026-08-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly one in four vehicles on the road today needs a new battery — most without warning signs of upcoming failure.

Extreme summer heat can quietly weaken your car’s battery long before you notice any issues, putting today’s vehicles at increasing risk. And the 12-volt battery in every vehicle, full electric, gas and hybrid, meets more power demands than ever before.

Many drivers associate cold temperatures with dead batteries, but summer heat has a large impact on battery health. Hot temperatures can cause internal battery components to break down, shortening the battery life, according to experts at Clarios, the Wisconsin-based maker of one out of every three car batteries worldwide.

Today’s vehicles are essentially rolling advanced computers, which rely on the 12-volt battery to power them. Two decades ago, a luxury vehicle might have a simple computer system, power windows and a few electronic modules. Nowadays, most vehicles have more than 50 electronic control units to run large infotainment screens, advanced driver assist technologies and multiple cameras.

All this computing power makes the summer heat even harsher on a car battery.

To help drivers keep up with the growing demands on today’s vehicles, Clarios battery experts offer four simple tips to avoid heat-related battery issues:

1. PARK SMART: Park in the shade to reduce heat exposure

2. CHECK SECURITY: Ensure your battery is securely mounted

3. WATCH FOR DAMAGE: Inspect for bloating or leakage

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATTERY: Consider whether your battery is designed to handle higher temperatures and increasing electrical demands. Options such as AGM batteries are well-suited for more demanding conditions

An AGM (“Absorbent Glass Mat”) battery holds electrolytes in glass mats. In traditional “flooded” batteries (EFB) the electrolytes move around freely in a casing, while AGM technology is spill-proof and maintenance-free. This design can offer advantages as vehicles place higher demands on battery performance, particularly in more extreme conditions such as heat, and are ideal for vehicles with higher electrical demands, frequent short trips or idling, harsh environments and start-stop technology.

Battery maintenance tips

As vehicles integrate more electronic features and power-hungry functions, the role of the 12-volt battery continues to expand. The requirements for a traditional car battery have evolved beyond starting the vehicle to support safety critical and convenience features including advanced driver assistance systems. The low-voltage battery provides reliable and dependable power, protecting against failures that could put occupants at risk.

Clarios experts recommend not running accessories with the engine off and avoiding short trips whenever possible. Additionally, drivers need to heed dashboard warning signs. Yet even without obvious signs of battery degradation, vehicle owners should seek a professional battery test if their battery is more than three years old. One easy thing to do is make sure you mark your calendar when you get a new battery.

Selecting the right battery and proper maintenance can make for a summer of fun without worrying about diminished vehicle performance or worse, a dead battery somewhere down the road.

For more battery tips and informative videos, visit AutoBatteries.com.

2026-08-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is buzzing with possibility. New backpacks, fresh supplies, colorful moments — and for parents and teachers, a long to-do list and rising costs. That’s where Crayola, the #1 brand preferred by parents and teachers*, steps in.

The Freedom to Create Without Limits

Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers give kids — and parents — permission to create with confidence. Proven across hundreds of washability tests to clean easily from hands, clothes, desks, and painted walls, these nontoxic markers deliver vibrant color for everything from coloring books to school projects. Perfect for bold, colorful learning at home and in the classroom — with cleanup you can trust.

Innovative Clicks

Beyond washability, there’s another frustration that derails creativity: lost caps, dried-out markers, and endless sharpening. Crayola Clicks solve these obstacles with retractable design.

Clicks Colored Pencils need zero sharpening with 2.0mm retractable lead with 24 refills included. Clicks Markers feature retractable tips so there are no caps to lose and no markers drying out by tomorrow. Clicks Highlighters deliver smooth, consistent color that washes easily from skin and clothing. Available in Classic, Bold & Bright, New Pastel, and New Neon.

Empowering Essentials for All Students

Did you know that 5.1 boxes of Crayola Crayons sell every second during back-to-school season? They’re the 13th fastest-selling item at retailers — sandwiched between bananas and water on the essentials list.**

From endless creative possibilities at home to classroom masterpieces, 24-count Crayons deliver primary and secondary colors, plus the beloved Dandelion yellow, permanently restored by popular demand.

And when the whole class is ready to create, Crayola has teachers covered. To help educators ensure they have plenty of tools for all the kids in their classrooms this fall and throughout the year, consider gifting one of these class packs of essential school supplies like Crayons, Colored Pencils, and Markers.

Bulk sets ensure that more students will be set for creativity during the entire school year, making them a top choice for teachers setting up classrooms, community donation drives, whole group activities, and collaborative projects that put every student’s imagination to work.

Ready to get the new school year started? You can find all these back-to-school necessities, plus plenty more supplies to fuel your kids’ creativity at Crayola.com and retailers nationwide.

*Source: TeacherList.com (Sept. 2025)

**Source: Numerator TruView// USA Retail (Jul. 2025)

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – As backpacks get packed, homework returns and family schedules fill up, many parents and caregivers assume the hardest part of back-to-school season is the initial reentry.

But for many children, the real adjustment happens in the weeks after school begins.

New teachers, academic expectations, social dynamics, extracurricular activities and changing routines can create stress that isn’t always obvious. While some children openly talk about their worries, others show signs through changes in behavior, sleep, mood or motivation.

“Many families focus on getting through the first day of school, but the real adjustment often happens over the following weeks,” said Dr. Sascha Arbouet, child/adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director, Pediatrics at Bend Health, a national provider of pediatric mental health care. “Children aren’t just adjusting to being back in the classroom. They’re taking on new teachers, new routines, new classmates, new expectations and often a full schedule of extracurricular activities. That’s a lot for any child to process. While the start of the school year is often exciting, it can also be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Paying attention to changes in mood, sleep, behavior or school avoidance can help families identify concerns early.”

Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping children navigate the transition and build confidence as the school year gets underway.

1. Ask intentional questions

Many children struggle to answer broad questions like, “How was school today?”

Instead, try asking more specific questions:

• What was the best part of your day?
• What felt challenging?
• Who did you spend time with today?
• Is there anything you’re worried about this week?

Small, consistent conversations can help children feel comfortable sharing concerns before they become bigger issues.

2. Watch for changes in behavior

School-related stress doesn’t always sound like, “I’m scared.”

Children may become more irritable, withdrawn, emotional, tired or resistant to school routines. Others may seem less interested in activities they typically enjoy.

Some sadness that summer is over, irritability from feeling exhausted or anxiety about a new routine is completely normal during the first few weeks of school. What becomes more concerning is when those reactions are persistent or begin interfering with everyday life. If a child doesn’t want to go to school several days each week, consistently struggles to sleep or eat, or their mood or behavior continues to worsen instead of improving, it may be time to seek additional support.

3. Prioritize sleep and routines

One of the simplest ways to support children’s mental health is maintaining consistent routines.

Regular sleep schedules, predictable mornings and structured after-school routines help children feel more secure during periods of change. Sleep plays an important role in emotional regulation, attention, learning and overall well-being.

Caregivers should also be mindful of overscheduling. Sports, clubs and extracurricular activities can be valuable, but children also need time to recharge.

4. Stay connected with teachers and other trusted adults

Families don’t have to navigate school transitions alone.

Teachers, school counselors, coaches and other trusted adults can often provide valuable insight into how a child is adjusting. Open communication between home and school can help identify concerns early and create a stronger support system around the child.

This can be especially helpful for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning differences or other behavioral health needs.

5. Know when to seek help

Some adjustment challenges improve naturally as children settle into new routines. Others may persist or worsen over time.

Parents and caregivers should consider seeking professional support if anxiety, mood changes, behavioral challenges, school avoidance or emotional distress begin interfering with daily life, friendships, family relationships, sleep or academic performance.

“The earlier we identify concerns, the easier it is to provide support before small challenges become bigger obstacles,” said Arbouet. “Parents and caregivers know their children best. If something feels different or concerning, it’s worth paying attention to.”

Bend Health provides virtual mental health care, coaching, psychiatry and caregiver support for children, teens and young adults. By working with young people and their families, Bend helps build practical skills that support emotional well-being throughout the school year and beyond.

For more information, visit www.BendHealth.com.

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – The back-to-school season is officially here! This time of year is full of shopping and planning to make the first day of school — and the rest that follow — easier on you and your kids. One way to simplify your school-day prep and upgrade your kid’s lunch is by picking up a few cartons of shelf-stable milk at the grocery store.

By using a combination of ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile aseptic packaging, dairy milk becomes shelf-stable without additives or preservatives. That means it can be stored at room temperature for six months or more when unopened.

Read on to discover five reasons why shelf-stable milk is a total game-changer for your family this school year.

Eliminates the need for ice packs

Have you ever started to pack your kid’s lunch only to discover you didn’t freeze the ice packs the night before? Now you have to choose between sending your child to school with a less nutritious drink or rolling the dice with milk — hoping it stays cold until lunchtime.

With shelf-stable milk, you can kiss those worries goodbye. That’s because shelf-stable milk cartons don’t require refrigeration. You can toss one straight into your kid’s lunchbox, so they never miss their favorite drink. Also, shelf-stable milk cartons are perfect for playdates, road trips and weekend sports!

Encourages recycling

Teaching the next generation to go green can start at home and in the cafeteria. Shelf-stable milk packaged in recyclable containers like Tetra Pak^® aseptic cartons provides an opportunity for kids to start recycling. By encouraging this small daily habit, your family can help the planet in a big way.

Cuts back on food waste

Shelf-stable milk is a great way to reduce food waste! Because Tetra Pak aseptic cartons provide six layers of protection, the dairy milk inside is safe from light, oxygen, bacteria and moisture.

These cartons make it possible to safely transport and store perishable food and beverages, even with limited cold storage. That means kids don’t have to toss out milk that’s been sitting unrefrigerated in the classroom before lunchtime, decreasing food waste, minimizing environmental impact and protecting your budget.

Provides several dietary options

Every child is unique, and so are their dietary needs. Thankfully, shelf-stable milk comes in a variety of formulations, including lactose-free options to suit practically every dietary preference. Now you can rest easy knowing your child can have milk without a tummy ache.

Preserves without preservatives

Because of the UHT method used to create shelf-stable milk, you can make sure your child has consistent access to delicious, nutrient-rich dairy milk without any added preservatives or artificial additives. It’s the same wholesome, nutritious milk you love, just packaged smarter to suit modern families and busy lifestyles.

Get ready for the back-to-school season with these five tips. While you do your weekly grocery shopping, visit the baking or breakfast aisle to find and stock up on shelf-stable milk, so you’ll be ready for the first day of school and the year ahead. Plus, you can use them this summer, no matter where your warm-weather activities take you.

To learn more about the benefits of shelf-stable milk, visit TetraPak.com/EN-US/SchoolMilk.

2026-07-31T12:01:01

(BPT) – Artemis Fowl is back! It’s been twenty-five years since the twelve-year-old criminal mastermind captured the imagination of kids. Now, longtime millennial fans and families new to the series can delve into Eoin Colfer’s wild, chaotic and fantastical world.

From villain to antihero

When Artemis Fowl first hit bookshelves in 2001, children’s literature was overrun with earnest, wide-eyed protagonists destined to save the world, no matter the personal cost. But saving the world is the last thing on Artemis’s mind.

Armed with a super-genius intellect, high-tech gadgets, a sharp designer suit and iconic sunglasses, Artemis begins the series as somewhat of a villain. He enjoys tricking humans and fairies alike and is determined to restore his family’s stolen fortune through heists, mind games and advanced technology that walks the line between science and magic.

Throughout the series, readers embark on Artemis’s journey of self-discovery and growth, as he accidentally grows a conscience, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Holly Short, a fairy captain in the elite LEPrecon unit, and resolves conflicts between humans and fairies, with global ramifications.

Even though twenty-five years have passed, Artemis fits right into the modern literary landscape that is rife with complex antiheroes. Ahead of his time in the Y2K era, the cheeky, sly, and light-fingered twelve-year-old with a penchant for organizing Bond-esque heists and holding tech-savvy fairies captive is now more relevant than ever.

Artemis Fowl also asks fans tough questions that are as important now as they were when the book was first published. Is there such a thing as good versus evil? Can humans and fairies coexist? What makes a family? These questions and more will puzzle and delight readers, giving families plenty of compelling topics to explore together.

A new look for fans past and present

To celebrate a quarter century of Colfer’s tech-forward fairy world, fans of all ages can enjoy Artemis’s antics with two new, nostalgic editions of the novel.

Middle-schoolers (and their parents) can pick up a copy of Artemis Fowl 25th Anniversary Edition. This gorgeous paperback features the original iconic gold-and-holographic cover, updated with intricate blue-and-gold sprayed edges. It’s a must-have for any family library, whether readers are meeting Artemis Fowl for the first time or getting reacquainted with their old friend who is far too clever for his own good.

Die-hard fans can join in on the fun by adding the Artemis Fowl Deluxe Collector’s Edition to their shelves. This beautiful hardcover book comes complete with a foiled slipcase, ribbon bookmark, and foiled cover showcasing Artemis in his infamous sunglasses. This stunning edition is a delightful reason to revisit the magic, mischief, and wit of the series.

A familiar story for parents, an exciting read for a new generation

Whether you grew up deciphering the Gnommish language at the bottom of the book’s pages or you’re just stepping into Haven City for the first time, Artemis Fowl is ready to prove that a villain with a heart of gold (and a pot of fairy gold) can capture imaginations of all ages. Visit Books.Disney.com to preorder and discover (or rediscover) the magic.

2026-07-31T14:57:00

(BPT) – Medicare fraud isn’t just a crime, it’s a direct attack on your benefits, your taxpayer dollars and your personal medical records. That’s why Medicare is taking action to stop fraud before it happens. But even with new tools and record-breaking enforcement efforts, Medicare needs your help.

How you can help fight fraud

One of the most powerful weapons against Medicare fraud is you, an informed person with Medicare who knows how to spot a scam.

Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to steal Medicare numbers and use them to submit false claims for services that were never provided or never needed.

Your Medicare number is valuable to criminals. If scammers gain access to it, they can bill Medicare in your name and leave false information in your medical records. That misinformation could interfere with your ability to receive the care you need.

When you spot fraud — report it right away by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The scams are getting bolder

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They use phone calls, text messages, emails, social media and even door-to-door visits to target older Americans.

One of the fastest-growing scams involves hospice and home health fraud. Scammers pose as salespeople and offer seemingly “free” services such as cooking, cleaning, medical equipment, transportation or nutritional products in exchange for your signature. Their goal is to get people with Medicare to sign paperwork that enrolls them in hospice or home health services they don’t need. This allows scammers to bill Medicare while taking away access to care you may need in the future.

Other common scams include:

• Fake genetic testing schemes – Offers for “free” DNA testing at health fairs, community events or over the phone in exchange for your Medicare number.
• Durable medical equipment fraud – Billing Medicare for wheelchairs, knee braces, back braces or other equipment you never received or never needed.

The rule is simple: If someone offers you something for “free” in exchange for your Medicare number, it’s a scam. Hang up. Delete the message. Walk away. And report it.

Protect. Detect. Report.

You can help stop Medicare fraud by following three simple steps:

PROTECT your Medicare card like you would your Social Security number. Only share your Medicare number with trusted health care providers, hospitals or pharmacies. Medicare will never call you unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number.

DETECT fraud by reviewing your Medicare claims statements. Make sure every service listed is one you received. Watch for red flags such as duplicate charges or services you don’t recognize.

REPORT suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting Medicare.gov/Fraud. Reporting concerns quickly helps Medicare identify patterns and stop scammers before they can target others.

Help keep Medicare strong — let’s protect it together

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year, but the damage goes beyond financial losses. Fraud can compromise medical records, undermine trust in the health care system and harm beneficiaries who depend on Medicare every day.

By staying alert, safeguarding your Medicare information and reporting suspicious activity, you can help stop fraud before it starts.

Get wise. Together, we can crush Medicare fraud.

To learn more, visit www.medicare.gov/fraud. To report potential fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

2026-07-31T08:25:00

(BPT) – When you think of power outages, you may initially imagine a minor inconvenience: You’re grabbing flashlights because you’re in the dark briefly, until power is restored. But recent extreme weather events combined with the aging power grid in many parts of the country have led to extended outages that can last not just hours but days or even longer, with essential appliances like your refrigerator and freezer losing power.

At a time when grocery prices are soaring, the last thing you want is to lose an entire fridge and freezer full of food, not to mention other crucial items that need refrigeration and are hard to replace. If you’ve ever had to throw out a week’s worth of spoiled food, you know how disheartening it can be, not to mention the strain it can put on your household budget.

On top of that, many other systems and devices in your home rely on power that you may not even think about. A gap in power can shut down your home office and Wi-Fi setup in the middle of a workday. Losing power can keep your fish tank’s filtration system and your plug-in recliner from working.

These quiet, everyday essentials depend on one outlet working, so how can you ensure they keep running, no matter what? You need an emergency power supply.

Protecting home necessities with backup power

To make sure you never have to discard all your hard-earned groceries or worry about key appliances in your home not functioning, you need a reliable source of backup power that doesn’t rely on the power grid.

Enter FridgeGuard*, the world’s slimmest smart fridge backup from Jackery, a global leader in portable power stations and solar generators. FridgeGuard is purpose-built to protect your home’s most essential, always-on appliance designed to set up once and remain ready. It switches to battery power in under 10 milliseconds, which is fast enough that your refrigerator’s compressor never registers a gap, and its 1600W peak output is specifically sized to handle the compressor’s startup surge. Thanks to 1024 Watt hours (Wh) of capacity, FridgeGuard delivers up to 15 hours of runtime (or 30 hours with an expansion battery).

FridgeGuard also enables efficient, money-saving home energy planning. Its intelligent remote monitoring tracks energy use in real time, letting you delay output when needed, and craft personalized Time-of-Use scheduling with off-peak charging to keep your energy costs lower.

Best yet, if your FridgeGuard’s battery is depleted but the power grid is still down, FridgeGuard supports recharging via solar panels and even a car to avoid downtime throughout longer-term emergencies.

While your fridge is the focus of this backup battery, the same power can also keep your fish tank filtration system running, ensure that your plug-in recliner or lift chair is still operating, power your home office and Wi-Fi router without interruption.

Using an LiFePO4 battery platform that retains at least 70% capacity after 6,000 cycles, which comes out to 16 years of daily use, FridgeGuard is engineered for long-term reliability. Backed by a 5-year warranty and UL1778, UL1741 and UL1973 safety certifications, the backup battery is made from UL94-5VA flame-retardant materials, plus an integrated surge protection and grid anomaly safeguards.

Streamlined design that can be used anywhere

Space limitations? No worries. FridgeGuard is built with a slim, wall-mountable 2.6-inch profile that’s designed to blend seamlessly and quietly into your kitchen, or wherever its companion appliance is. For placement flexibility, you can tailor its orientation precisely to any kitchen layout with either floor-standing, bracket-mounted or wall-mounted configuration options.

But you won’t necessarily want FridgeGuard hidden away. With four prestigious design awards, including the iF Design Award 2026, it combines form and function all in one, providing the minimalistic and refined look a modern home deserves, along with backup capabilities that give homes the long-term energy backup solution they need.

The setup is easy: Simply connect FridgeGuard to a traditional wall outlet and plug your refrigerator or other essential device into FridgeGuard directly. FridgeGuard’s streamlined, always-ready dependability eliminates the hassle of having to move anything around when a storm hits.

Rising electricity costs, persistent inflation, the increasing frequency of extreme weather and growing grid instability are all prompting more homeowners to rethink the importance of home energy self-reliance. Now you can keep your refrigerator and most essential appliances running, no matter what the grid is doing.

Visit Jackery.com to learn more about FridgeGuard. FridgeGuard has launched as a Costco exclusive, available at Costco.com and at physical locations in select regions.

*FridgeGuard features a single AC outlet capable of supporting a total continuous draw of 800W.

2026-07-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• A recent Accredited Debt Relief survey found that eight in 10 people with at least $10k in unsecured debt skipped at least one event or activity in the last year, including weddings.
• The cost isn’t just financial. According to the survey, 68% of respondents feel anxiety when receiving an invitation.
• A debt consolidation program can help Americans take back control of their finances and allow them to say yes to important celebrations.

Are you considering skipping a loved one’s wedding? You’re not alone. Weddings aren’t just expensive for the happy couple. Guests feel the pinch, too.

Leading up to the big day, there’s a laundry list of expenses: buying an outfit, paying for travel and a hotel room, purchasing a gift and arranging childcare. Given the cost of attending, it should come as no surprise that some Americans are skipping a loved one’s wedding due to already struggling financially.

RSVPs are not a simple yes or no

To better understand how debt impacts a person’s life, Accredited Debt Relief and Drive Research conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10k in unsecured debt. The survey found that nearly eight in 10 respondents skipped at least one event or activity in the past year because of debt, including:

• A wedding
• A group trip or vacation
• Dinner, concert or night out
• Birthday or anniversary celebration
• Holiday celebration with family
• Milestone party (shower or graduation)

The stigma and privacy concerns surrounding debt may also make it harder to explain why an invitation is declined. In fact, 58% have made up a nonfinancial excuse to skip events they couldn’t afford to protect their privacy rather than admit they are struggling. Not only are these Americans carrying debt, but they’re also carrying the emotional weight of guilt and embarrassment.

Moving forward with the right support

You don’t have to keep missing major life celebrations because of debt. One way you can break the cycle and regain control of your finances is through debt consolidation.

When you sign up for a debt consolidation program like one through Accredited Debt Relief, you can replace high minimum payments across multiple accounts with one, lower monthly payment. With more room in your monthly budget, you can start building a financial life that lets you say yes to joyous occasions with friends and family more often.

Every situation is different, and the right option depends on your unique financial situation. To get a free debt evaluation and see what options are available to you, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com/Free-Quote.