Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-04-23T11:43:00

(BPT) – Many people long to see another part of the world but are reluctant to travel on their own or take on the stress of planning a vacation. Researching destinations, transportation, accommodations and activities can be a lot of work. Expedia research has shown that leisure travelers visit an average of 38 websites to get information and compare prices before finalizing their plans. If this sounds especially daunting, you’re not alone!

We reached out to travel industry expert Jim Menge for his insights into overcoming the challenges of solo travel. Menge has visited more than 100 countries and firmly believes in the benefits of making lasting memories with the people you get to know on a trip. Menge is also the President of Rovia(TM), an industry-leading travel and lifestyle service provider headquartered in Plano, Texas. “Travel is the ultimate expression of freedom,” says Menge. “The freedom to leave home, to roam the earth, to see the world through the eyes of those you meet along the way and to share your world with them.”

To attain that freedom, Menge recommends joining a travel club that offers pre-planned group vacation packages. Group travel provides an opportunity to meet people who enjoy similar activities, and the curated offerings of a travel club relieve the stress of planning every aspect of a trip on your own. Not only do you have an easier way to book your next trip, you also get to create long-lasting memories with a new group of friends.

So, why don’t more people take advantage of group travel? Here are a few myths debunked:

Myth No. 1: I’ll be lonely.

While a few in your group may already know each other, plenty of others will arrive solo, looking to meet new people. Unfamiliar settings have a way of bringing strangers together. In fact, a story in The Atlantic magazine revealed that people who share experiences are happier than those who experience things alone. Between sightseeing and sampling foreign delicacies, friendships flourish naturally between group members.

Myth No. 2: I’ll have to do everything en masse.

While there’s typically an itinerary outlined for the entire group to follow, you’re free to explore with a smaller group or on your own. One of the best ways to form new friendships is to connect over shared interests. If you and a few others want to see the same play or museum exhibit, go together!

Myth No. 3: It’s too expensive.

Traveling with a group can actually help you save money. As part of a group, you can share food and transportation, and purchase reduced admission to popular attractions and activities. According to timeshareadvocates.org, vacation clubs present a good option for group travel because they offer value-packed trips at discounted rates to their members. One example is DreamTrips, an award-winning travel and leisure club where members enjoy professionally curated travel opportunities and valuable deals at select restaurants, hotels, excursions and entertainment venues all over the world.

Still unsure? “It is an amazing privilege to be able to travel the world freely, to be able to see different countries and experience new cultures,” says Menge. “When we meet and speak to those around us, it will only serve to enhance our journey. Go ahead and talk to your fellow travelers … Talk to strangers. I promise it will make you feel more connected and more present while you travel.” What are you waiting for? Put yourself out there. Find the vacation club that best fits your lifestyle and book your next getaway today.

2018-04-19T15:43:00

(BPT) – The internet is the first place many people go to get information on how to quit smoking. In fact, more than 12 million U.S. adults — a third of all smokers — turn to the internet for help quitting each year, according to a new Truth Initiative study.

Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the study examined data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey to determine how many U.S. adult smokers searched online for help to quit smoking from 2005 to 2017.

Researchers found that the number of smokers who searched online for information on quitting tobacco more than doubled over the past 12 years, from 16.5 percent in 2005 to 35.9 percent in 2017. In 2017, an estimated 12,434,691 U.S. smokers searched online for quit smoking information. The findings underscore the role of internet resources in tobacco control efforts and how they can impact public health.

“Given the ability to reach roughly one-third of all smokers, and demonstrated effectiveness that is comparable to other recommended forms of cessation treatment, internet interventions have the potential for substantial impact on population quit rates,” said Dr. Amanda Graham, research investigator at the Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute and lead author of the study.

Previous research has shown that internet-based programs can help smokers quit. One study found that web-based programs can be just as effective at helping smokers quit as face-to-face or telephone counseling, and are more effective than print materials. Other research shows that online quit-smoking resources may be a viable option for connecting with young adult smokers who want to quit.

BecomeAnEX.org, a digital quit-smoking program developed by Truth Initiative in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, demonstrates the effectiveness of online programs. Research shows that following the EX program quadruples a smoker’s chance of quitting. Additional research found that smokers who became more socially connected were significantly less likely to be smoking three months after they enrolled.

2018-04-18T14:59:00

(BPT) – The colder weather is fleeting, flowers are blossoming and the grass is just a little greener, which means spring is finally here. While most of your time will be spent preparing your home, clothes and family calendars for the warmer weather, it’s important not to forget about your car.

In fact, you can celebrate springtime by spending some time enjoying the fresh outdoor air and showing your car some love ahead of upcoming family vacations and summer road trips with friends. Start with these smart and simple tips to improve your ride:

Freshen up the interior

Interior and exterior cleaning makes a big difference in keeping a car looking and driving its best, but that doesn’t solve odor issues. To finalize spring car prep and maintenance, make sure to use a product that will leave the car smelling as good as it looks. Innovative and discrete vent sticks and mini diffusers from Refresh Your Car! come in a wide variety of scents, like Lemon Lime Sunshine, and are an affordable, long-lasting way to keep a car smelling great!

Clean and protect your interior

The interior, especially leather, is the most used and abused part of a car. Over time, constant use and sun damage can result in you leather interior drying out, causing it to fade, crack and rip. A quick and trusted way to address this issue is to use Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. The easy two-step process will help clean, restore and protect a car’s interior, keeping it looking and feeling like new.

Check your battery

The colder the weather, the harder a battery and charging system need to work in a car. Start by making sure the battery is mounted correctly and the connections are free from corrosion. Also, consider replacing the battery if it’s older than five years, which will ensure you don’t get stranded out on the road.

Check and replace basic car items

Before heading out on any lengthy adventures, make sure the car is up-to-date on oil changes. During the oil change a technician should also check and replenish other fluids like the brake, transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids, as well as your coolant. This often forgotten about maintenance will help a car run smoothly for months to come.

Wash and wax

No matter the season, a car that is driven daily is constantly battling the elements, which can cause damage to its exterior. Washing regularly and waxing at least twice a year is an easy way to keep a car looking its best, protecting it from damaging UV rays, road debris, tree sap and rusting. When washing and protecting, don’t forget about tires and wheels. The Eagle One A2Z All Wheel & Tire Cleaner is an affordable, easy-to-use spray that clings to the dirt on the surface of most wheels and tires, easily removing brake dust, grime and grease; giving your wheels and tires a spotless, professional look.

These simple tips can keep a car clean, fresh and running smoothly throughout the hectic summer driving season.

2018-04-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Most of us know the feeling: Tax season can be a frustrating and stressful time. You have to gather lots of documents, remember all the changes in your life over the past year that might affect your return, and file the required paperwork before tax day rolls around.

And while you do all of that, there’s always that nagging feeling: Did you take advantage of all the deductions and credits the IRS has to offer? Is there more you can do to prevent taxes from eroding the value of your investment portfolio and eating away at your income? Are you prepared for the changes that are coming due to the new tax law?

Like thousands of others, you might be experiencing a “tax hangover,” that sense of regret that you overlooked some fine detail, that you could have paid less and ended up with more money in your pocket.

The truth is: Your taxes shouldn’t be top of mind just once a year. Tax planning is an important part of overall financial planning, and there are things you can do now to avoid having another exhausting experience next year.

The best place to start is to set up a meeting with a financial planner who can work with you to optimize your taxes and better integrate them into your financial plan.

“Figuring out the best approach to your taxes can be challenging, and the new tax law won’t make things any easier next year,” said Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). “That’s why now is the right time to find a professional advisor who can help you get the best possible outcome.”

To give you an idea of what you might be missing, NAPFA offers these five tips:

1. Get into a lower bracket. Your first tax strategy should be to try to get into a lower tax bracket. Individuals who make $38,700 ($77,400 if married) pay a base rate of 12 percent. If you make more than that, you jump to a rate of 22 percent. That’s a huge leap! You should aim to be at the top of the lower bracket. To do this, focus on maximizing deductions that lower your pretax income, such as contributing to a 401(k) or a Health Savings Account (HSA).

2. Be aware of withholdings. With the new tax law affecting your next return, you should double-check what’s being withheld from your paycheck. Due to the big changes in the tax code, your withholdings could suddenly be too high or too low. If you withhold too little, you might owe more than expected during next year’s tax season. You also want to make sure you’re not withholding too much — in essence, you’d be loaning the government money when you could be investing it much more sensibly. Be sure to talk with a financial advisor to check whether you’re withholding the right amount.

3. Put money into an HSA. If you’re in relatively good health and your company offers an HSA as part of a benefits package, you should enroll and contribute to it. HSAs have the wonderful attribute of being almost completely tax-free. Your contribution isn’t taxed when you put it in, and it isn’t taxed when you take it out, either. In many ways, this is a tax-free savings account you can use toward your retirement.

4. Know how your kids fit in. One of the biggest changes in the tax code that will affect families’ 2018 filing is the fact that the dependent deduction is no longer available. That means you can no longer deduct your children as dependents. However, the Child Tax Credit, which previously only applied to low-income taxpayers, is now available to taxpayers with much higher incomes. If you have dependent children on your tax return, you need to be aware of how this switch from dependency exemptions to tax credits will affect you.

5. Plan ahead. Taxes aren’t something you do once a year. Set aside time with your financial advisor to do some tax planning exercises and make sure you are paying the lowest amount possible over the next few years. This includes forecasting your income and planning out when it would make more sense to itemize versus taking the standard deduction. This allows you to decide when to have elective medical procedures or increase your charitable giving, while still minimizing your tax burden.

Everyone has different financial goals and is in a unique financial situation — and taxes are a key part of the equation. By speaking with a personal financial advisor now, you can plan ahead and ensure the next tax season doesn’t end in another tax hangover. To find an advisor near you, visit www.napfa.org and use their Find an Advisor Tool.

2018-04-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – As Americans work hard to meet all the obligations that come with work, family and everyday life, many are challenged to find time to manage all the financial elements affecting their healthcare.

If you’re among them you’re far from alone, since the multiple details associated with healthcare insurance can be confusing. At the same time, you want to be smart about your financial resources when making decisions about the quality healthcare you and your family need.

Fortunately, by carving out time to research money-saving tips you may be able to minimize your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Such out-of-pocket spending rose by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017, The Atlantic recently reported, partly because half of all health insurance policyholders in the U.S. are dealing with annual deductibles of at least $1,000.

Whether you’re uninsured or simply facing a high insurance deductible, you can take several steps to better manage your healthcare budget. Consider how the following tips may offer you a better sense of control of rising healthcare costs.

* Read bills with a critical eye. Any bill can include administrative errors, and some estimates have indicated errors on as many as 80 percent of medical invoices issued, reports the Medical Billing Advocates of America. That statistic makes it well worth your while to examine and question your expenses before you settle up.

* Lower the cost of your meds. A free program known as Inside Rx is a prescription savings card that provides discounts on prescription medications for eligible patients. And it’s amazingly effective. According to the data, eligible patients have saved an average of 40 percent on the more than 100 featured brand medications included in the program, and even more on generic medications. Inside Rx is a great option to help the uninsured, those facing high deductibles or anyone trying to save money on their meds. Inside Rx even offers prescription savings for pets for qualifying medications. And the Inside Rx card is free and easy to download, with no registration process or sharing of personal information.

* Compare costs whenever possible. Some medical services can be difficult to compare on an apples-to-apples basis, but it’s worth doing your homework before making appointments for more standard services such as annual check-ups, lab work and testing, dental care or dermatology services. Check vendor websites, make phone calls and conduct web searches to find online databases, such as HealthcareBluebook.com, that suggest fair prices for various services. If you’re insured, your insurance provider can then clarify what portion of the bill will be covered.

* Be bold about negotiations. It’s OK to speak up. You have nothing to lose by politely asking your healthcare provider to work with you on the price of an upcoming service, especially when dealing with a private practice. Start the conversation by aiming for the Medicare rate or an amount close to that paid by commercial insurers. As an alternative, ask the office administrator to set up a manageable payment plan.

* Consider paying cash up front. Some vendors offer discounts for simply paying cash for your services without funneling everything through insurance. Even if you’re insured, you can still evaluate whether immediate cash payments will be lower than your post-insurance costs.

Keeping a close eye on where you might be wasting money on healthcare can pay off in a big way — and the remedies don’t have to be complicated. Conduct your due diligence on such costs to protect your financial health as vigorously as your physical health.

2018-04-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Upgrading your grilling game is about more than just food, it’s about creating an outdoor living experience in which guests feel comfortable and relaxed — an atmosphere where lasting memories are made. Fortunately, transforming your backyard into BBQ HQ doesn’t have to be costly, difficult or time-consuming. Small touches can help guests engage with the environment, whether you’re entertaining the whole neighborhood or simply your significant other. Make even a typical weeknight feel like something special with these five tips to upgrade your backyard grilling game.

1. Group grilling

Invite your guests to bring a raw protein, uncooked veggie or their favorite fruit. Combine the surprise ingredients and collaborate to create a unique main course. Invite your friends and family to be involved in the grilling process whether it be prepping, plating or swapping favorite grill techniques.

2. Eating alfresco — after dark

Gourmet grill-maker Napoleon uses interior lighting as well as Night Light Control Knobs with SafetyGlow to make grilling delicious meals after dark safer and easier. Add even more light to your night with strings of globe lights, candles or a flame table. Using light adds ambiance and ensures your guests will fully enjoy their delicious dinner after dusk.

3. Unique tablescapes

Grill masters deliver culinary creativity; designing an immersive grilling environment is no exception. Unique tablescapes are a great way to enhance the grilling experience. Food isn’t just about the flavor; it embraces all senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Add a hint of nature to your environment by creating one-of-a-kind centerpieces with boughs from trees, ravishing flowers and fresh aromatic herbs. Cut your own rustic platters or charger plates using logs from felled trees for an earthy touch.

4. Scents of smell

Smell and taste work together. When we smell something delicious, the body stimulates a desire to eat and nourish. When smell is impaired, we eat and socialize less. Remember those homemade wood charger plates you set the table with? If they’re made from a great smoking wood — alder, mesquite, maple, oak — why not plank grill your meal to add a savory scent and unbeatable flavor? If they haven’t been completely charred when the food is ready, you can use those log rounds to serve the meal on, too. Adding smoke to your barbecued food is a great way to activate the olfactory response. Even better, if you have a fruit tree on the property, grab your pocket knife and shave a branch or two to use in your grill’s integrated smoker tube, charcoal tray or a homemade foil packet.

5. The ultimate upgrade

If you’re going to elevate your grilling, consider upgrading your grill. A grill made of high-quality stainless steel will look sharp, but its durability will keep it running for many summers to come. Shop around to find a superior grill that offers versatile features like infrared burners, dual-level searing plates, integrated smoker trays and more.

Create an experience that makes your backyard barbecue the envy of the neighborhood. To find your next grill built for a true grill master, visit NapoleonGrills.com.

Happy grilling!

2018-04-16T11:31:00

(BPT) – It’s exciting to live in a time when technology is making everything smarter. Smartphones, smart homes, smart cars and now the talk is all about smart cities.

Advances in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are not only mind-boggling innovations, but contribute to greener urban environments, cutting emissions and waste, and turning cities into high-tech, eco-friendly centers.

While many think of these green, tech-savvy cities in terms of the digital technology they use, it’s important to ask how smart cities can benefit those who live there.

A recent Juniper study commissioned by Intel set out to look beyond the business and economic advantages of a smart city, and focus on the most important part of any city: its citizens. The results suggest that a smart city can help residents lead a richer, more fulfilling life in which they can give back to their communities.

According to the study, smart cities lead to:

More time for things that matter. Perhaps the most significant finding from the study is that, due to increased efficiencies, smart cities will give back an average of 125 hours to every resident, every year. That’s more than 15 working days to pursue hobbies, spend with family, go to the gym, the list goes on!

Shorter commute, reduced ecological footprints. Gridlock causes drivers to lose up to 70 hours per year — that’s a lot of time spent in traffic. WHO estimates that 3 million deaths every year are attributable to small particulate matter pollution, a large portion of which is generated by vehicle emissions. The study determines an integrated IoT-enabled infrastructure of intelligent traffic systems, safer roads, directed parking, and frictionless toll and parking payments can give commuters back up to 60 hours a year. These benefits speak for themselves. The only problem is that it will take longer to finish that audiobook!

Healthier citizens. In addition to giving citizens more free time to work out and establish a healthy routine, smart cities will be at the forefront of providing efficient and effective medical care to residents. AI will be used in chatbots and other digital services to give a preliminary diagnosis. Wearable apps to monitor blood pressure, pain tolerance and temperature will help people manage chronic conditions without hospitalization, and “telemedicine” enables contagious flu sufferers to avoid doctor’s offices with an examination via high-speed video link from the comfort of their home.

Smarter governance. Cities depend on government services and offices, but too often these departments operate in silos and are bogged down by their own internal bureaucracy. Interoperational software systems can break down these silos and greatly reduce the time it takes to process requests. For example, in Rio de Janeiro, it takes an average of 45 days to complete the paperwork needed to start a new business. The study found that with the right software, this could be reduced to one day.

Safer, stronger communities. Public safety and a low crime rate are important for the well-being of all residents in a city. An intriguing way smart cities can fight crime is through computers that crunch crime data and generate predictions on where and when a crime is likely to occur. This data can be used by police departments in deciding where to patrol, drastically reducing violent crimes. Elsewhere, computer learning programs can monitor areas for unusual activities, and if discrepancies are detected, send a response team to investigate.

Better mobility, less pollution, closer communities and more time to lead a healthy, active lifestyle are just some of the ways smart cities benefit their residents. To learn more, read the full report or check out the highlights in this infographic.

2018-04-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – More and more Americans are shifting to a greener lifestyle, and if you’re one of them, you’re always looking for ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Cutting your energy usage is a big part of that, and the benefits of doing so are twofold: First, of course, is being more environmentally friendly, and second, is the added bonus of lower monthly energy bills.

Consider this: The average American household spends $1,300 on energy expenses each year. Installing a smart home system like Iris or Google Home Mini can help you reduce those costs by putting you in total control of the connected devices in your home and making your home more energy efficient. Decide which smart home system is right for you and consider the tips below for using smart home technology to make your home more eco-friendly:

* Control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Installing a smart thermostat connected to your home automation system can help reduce your energy costs by 15-30 percent each year. Smart thermostats allow you to program your thermostat based on your daily routine so you can conserve more energy when you aren’t at home. This way you’re not wasting additional energy heating or cooling an empty space.

* Water effectively. Unnecessary watering can waste more than 6,000 gallons of water per month. Installing a smart irrigation system can help you avoid unnecessary watering by automating the watering of your lawn based on weather conditions. You can make final adjustments as the season goes on to ensure your lawn stays fresh and your water usage is manageable.

* Dim your lights. Accidentally leaving the lights on in a room you’re not using is obviously a waste of energy. At the same time, you may also be wasting energy simply by using more brightness than you need. Most people don’t need their lights to be on at 100 percent. Installing a smart dimmer is easy and allows you to adjust your lights based on your needs and preferences. Once it’s installed, try setting your lights to 80 percent of their previous usage. You probably won’t notice the difference in the room, but you’ll certainly see it on your energy bill.

From your appliances and your laptop to your smartphone, you use technology every single day to make your life easier. So why not utilize it to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? To learn more about adding any of these solutions to your home, visit your local Lowe’s store today or head to www.lowes.com/smarthome.

2018-04-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – More and more Americans are shifting to a greener lifestyle, and if you’re one of them, you’re always looking for ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Cutting your energy usage is a big part of that, and the benefits of doing so are twofold: First, of course, is being more environmentally friendly, and second, is the added bonus of lower monthly energy bills.

Consider this: The average American household spends $1,300 on energy expenses each year. Installing a smart home system like Iris or Google Home Mini can help you reduce those costs by putting you in total control of the connected devices in your home and making your home more energy efficient. Decide which smart home system is right for you and consider the tips below for using smart home technology to make your home more eco-friendly:

* Control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Installing a smart thermostat connected to your home automation system can help reduce your energy costs by 15-30 percent each year. Smart thermostats allow you to program your thermostat based on your daily routine so you can conserve more energy when you aren’t at home. This way you’re not wasting additional energy heating or cooling an empty space.

* Water effectively. Unnecessary watering can waste more than 6,000 gallons of water per month. Installing a smart irrigation system can help you avoid unnecessary watering by automating the watering of your lawn based on weather conditions. You can make final adjustments as the season goes on to ensure your lawn stays fresh and your water usage is manageable.

* Dim your lights. Accidentally leaving the lights on in a room you’re not using is obviously a waste of energy. At the same time, you may also be wasting energy simply by using more brightness than you need. Most people don’t need their lights to be on at 100 percent. Installing a smart dimmer is easy and allows you to adjust your lights based on your needs and preferences. Once it’s installed, try setting your lights to 80 percent of their previous usage. You probably won’t notice the difference in the room, but you’ll certainly see it on your energy bill.

From your appliances and your laptop to your smartphone, you use technology every single day to make your life easier. So why not utilize it to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? To learn more about adding any of these solutions to your home, visit your local Lowe’s store today or head to www.lowes.com/smarthome.

2018-04-16T07:01:01

(BPT) – New York City already mandates it and now Philadelphia is considering it. “It” is salt warnings on menu labels for any item considered too high in salt. The average American eats about 3,400 mg./day of sodium and recent studies indicate that’s just about the right amount. Regardless, the federal government continues to recommend that people eat a maximum of between 1,500 and 2,400 mg./day of sodium. Yet, there is almost no population on earth that consumes this little salt.

A 2014 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested sodium consumption in more than 100,000 people in 18 countries. The study found that the healthy range for salt consumption was between 3,000 and 5,000 mg./day. The amount of salt Americans eat per day is on the low end of this range. Consuming insufficient amounts of salt can lead to the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular failure, dehydration, unsteadiness, loss of cognition and death.

Dr. Michael Alderman and Dr. Hillel Cohen of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine reviewed 23 observational studies covering some 360,000 individuals and published their comprehensive results in the July 2012 edition of the American Journal of Hypertension. They also found that both the very low and very high levels of salt consumption negatively affected health, but in between those extremes, a very broad safe range of salt consumption resulted in optimum health.

The federal government is pushing food manufacturers to change their recipes to reduce their sodium content. This will change the taste and texture of many foods made in the U.S. and may place us at greater risk. Bread, cheese and processed meats can’t be made without salt. Salt acts as an essential preservative and drastically lowering the salt content of processed meats significantly increases the likelihood of bacterial growth.

We are led to believe that we are eating more salt than ever before, but this is also false. Military records from the early 1800s up to WWII, and before the widespread advent of refrigeration, show that the average soldier was consuming between 6,000 and 6,800 mg./day of sodium. We eat about half of that today and that number has remained consistent since WWII. The advent of refrigeration meant that we could preserve food with less salt, but salt remains a critical ingredient.

Another myth we often hear is that most of our salt intake comes from processed foods and eating out. This is why government agencies are pressuring restaurants and food manufacturers to adjust their recipes or print salt warnings. In fact, every single population throughout the world, regardless of location, state of development, culture and cuisine, ingests a similar amount of salt when compared to the U.S. average. It doesn’t matter if people get their salt from packaged or restaurant foods or add it in themselves in home-cooked meals, the amount stays constant.

Dr. Alderman, who is also the editor of the American Journal of Hypertension and former president of the American Society of Hypertension, has repeatedly cited his concern that a population-wide sodium reduction campaign could have unintended consequences. “They want to do an experiment on a whole population without a good control.” More research is needed on total health outcomes before taking such a drastic step.