Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-08-19T07:07:00

(BPT) – Summer’s setting and fall’s around the corner, meaning colder weather, rain and snow are on the way. For families across the land, fall’s still a great time to go off-roading on the weekends. From California to Connecticut — and everywhere in between — there are scenic off-road trails of all varieties to explore, featuring rocks, sand, dirt, water, mud and yes, even snow!

Preparing for Fall Off-Roading

For folks heading out on a fun, off-road fall weekend, this is the ideal time to stop scrolling on the phone, grab some supplies, engage the 4×4 system and see where the adventure takes you. Off-roading is not only an extremely enjoyable way to appreciate the great outdoors, but it also offers a chance to strengthen family bonds and make memories that will last a lifetime. Best of all, off-roading is ageless — it’s a great time for all ages, old and young.

Supplies Checklist

Depending on the terrain, you can go off-roading in your daily driver — almost any four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive SUV, crossover or light truck can handle it. You’ll be out in the wilderness for several hours, so here are 5 basic tips:

1. Bring plenty of food and water.
2. Pack extra clothes as temperatures get extra chilly as the sun goes down.
3. Take along a flashlight (with new batteries) and a basic safety kit with Band-Aids, sunscreen, gloves, etc.
4. Research the area/trails you’ll be off-roading at. You’ll most likely be out of cell phone/GPS range, so it’s always good to know where you’ll be driving and what the road will be like.
5. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, especially the all-terrain tires or off-road tires.

“Off- or on-road, tires are super important,” says Kevin Nguyen, manager of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, manufacturer of a variety of on-road or off-road tires for SUVs, pick-up trucks and passenger cars. “They play a vital role in braking, steering, comfort and handling. Doesn’t matter if you’re in a Jeep, electric SUV or family wagon, the wrong tires can result in a disappointment with the handling, ride and treadwear.”

Choosing the Right Tires for Fall Off-Roading

For off-roading in the fall and winter months, Nguyen says you’ll need something extremely durable with great traction. “It all depends on what you drive and what you plan to do, but a good choice is top-notch all-terrain (A/T) tire, which is very versatile and can be used for off-roading as well as daily driving. A great example is our new, rugged GEOLANDAR A/T4. Because of its outstanding off-road resilience and dependable all-weather traction, the ultra-versatile A/T4 is specifically designed to handle any surface — on- or off-road — and in any weather condition — snow included. It’s a ‘go anywhere’ tire.”

To learn more about off-road tires, Nguyen says to check tire company websites like https://www.yokohamatire.com/geolandar-tires or your tire retailer’s website for more help.

Maintaining your daily driver tires for everyday use is essential, too, says Nguyen. This includes taking 5 minutes a month to check your tire pressure. “A tire that’s underinflated will affect your drive and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Keeping them properly inflated will give you a better ride and save you some at the gas pump,” he says.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) recommends checking the tires when they are cold — at least four hours since the vehicle was last driven. Nguyen says to always use an accurate tire gauge and make sure the valve is free of debris and water. The correct tire pressure is specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the tire manufacturer. The proper inflation levels can be found on a placard on the inside of the car door and/or in the owner’s manual.

Nguyen offers more tire tips that will help you throughout the year:

1. Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy new tires.
2. Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit). It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and based on the type of streets).
3. Rotating your tires regularly promotes even wear of the tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
4. Check your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. Tire balance should also be monitored.

For more tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101 or www.USTires.org.

2024-08-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – As summer winds down, parents everywhere are prepping for the return to school routines by seeking ways to make shopping quicker, more convenient — and easier on the wallet. To help navigate the busy season and give families time back in their day to enjoy the last bit of summer vacation, Shipt, the trusted shopping solution that offers same-day delivery, is providing parents and caregivers valuable deals, helpful tips to make school lunch and snack time planning a breeze — even for those with picky eaters — and delicious data on what grocery items are favorites for packing.

Savings 101 is in session

According to a recent Deloitte survey, back-to-school shopping is the second-largest expenditure of the year for families, falling right behind the holidays. To lighten the load for parents, Shipt is offering a series of deals available on Shipt.com or the Shipt app, including, but not limited to:

• 8/1-8/31: $10 off orders with promo code BACKTOSCHOOL for all Shipt customers
• 8/4-8/17: $10 off orders of $35 or more at select at Target, Meijer and other retailers in the Southeast, Southwest, Florida & Georgia, Indianapolis regions***
• 8/11-8/17: $10 off orders of $75 or more at select retailers for Target Circle 360 members***
• 8/18-8/31: $10 off orders of $35 or more at select at Target, Meijer and other retailers in the Charlotte, Midwest, West, Mountain, South Atlantic regions***

Helpful tips for back-to-school grocery shopping from the trusted shopping solution

To help tackle school grocery shopping, the trusted shopping solution, Shipt, provides time-saving tips, lunch and snack recommendations and deals throughout the month and beyond.

Tasty tips include:

• Plan ahead and use your resources: To get ahead of building your Shipt shopping cart, you can create a weekly menu for lunches. That way, when it comes time to check out you know what’s on the menu and in the cart! Shipt’s Auto-Add to Cart can help busy parents seamlessly restock essentials that are regularly on weekly lunch menus by choosing the items and frequency of their choosing so they automatically appear in their carts.
• Opt for pre-packaged healthy options: Look for healthier pre-packaged options like individual servings of yogurt, cheese sticks, baby carrots and whole grain crackers. Shipt offers grocery delivery from a wide array of retailers, which means there’s no shortage of options to find the best variety of healthy snacks (at the best price) to shop for same-day delivery!
• Go with what you know: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! Parents of picky eaters know what snacks their kids like, so keep a Shipt List handy at all times to make ordering family favorites a little easier. Lists allow customers to create a personalized collection of must-have items to add to their carts with a single click.
• Get your kids involved: Have your kids browse the Shipt app with you to pick out their favorite fruits, veggies and snacks, then allow them to get creative while packing their lunches in the morning.

Delicious data on what Americans love for school lunches and snacks

Data on what purchases are being made through Shipt reveal some regional favorites, a couple of surprises, plus a number of tried-and-true classics that are sure to belong on your household’s shopping list.

• PB&J remains a favorite: This all-American favorite was a top choice in many states, including Alabama, Indiana and Oklahoma.
• Turkey is tops: If you’re looking for the best sandwich fillings, turkey showed up as the number one deli meat selection in Arizona and Georgia.
• Veggify your lunch boxes: Looking to include more veggies in those lunchboxes? The Washington, D.C., area is your role model, being the leading purchasers of vegetables in the nation. Michigan also shows up as a veggie lover, and North Carolina reveals its love for tomatoes — the most-shopped vegetable (or is it a fruit?) in the state.
• A berry easy lunchtime choice: While you might expect Floridians to prefer tropical fruits, here’s the surprise: Berries are the leading fruit pick in the Sunshine State.
• Say cheese: While Minnesotans opt for string cheese, Tennessee residents choose mac and cheese as their lunchtime favorite.
• Enjoy the crunch: In another surprise, Texans prefer potato chips over tortilla chips for a satisfying snack.

Providing reliable same-day delivery of a wide selection of fresh groceries straight to your doorstep, Shipt is here to support your family with the tools and resources you need to transform the weekly grocery routine and get kids excited about their meals.

Learn more about how you can streamline your family’s back-to-school lunch and snack shopping at Shipt.com/lp/back-to-school-2024.

**Member must place order of $10 or more by 8/31/24 at 11:59 p.m. HT to qualify for $10 off, which will automatically apply to qualifying order at checkout. Limit 1 credit per member. These terms do not apply to store-level promotions. Offer is subject to Shipt Promotional Terms and Conditions.

***Meijer, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Winn-Dixie, Dierbergs, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Cub, Bashas, Stop and Shop, Weis, SaveMart, Lucky California, or FoodMaxx order of $100 or more must be placed by 8/31/24 at 11:59 p.m. HT to qualify for $15 off, which will automatically apply to qualifying order at checkout. Limit 1 per member. Offer is subject to Shipt Promotional Terms and Conditions.

2024-08-15T16:45:00

(BPT) – Ever take a business trip and spend the evenings scrolling through the takeout options? It’s time to inject some excitement into work travel.

With some thoughtful planning, your next business trip can open the door to new travel experiences. By combining business and leisure trips into one, you’ll not only explore new cultures and places, but you’ll also relieve stress from the grind with activities that make the obligatory business trip something you’ll look forward to.

Read on for some helpful tips to elevate your next business trip:

Plan Your Post-Work Activities

Every successful trip starts with a plan. Your calendar may be stacked with work-related activities but take advantage of your limited downtime to maximize your visit in a new destination and enjoy an escape. Gather recommendations from colleagues and decide early on what your must-see attractions are and how you can work them into your schedule. You’ll be more likely to take advantage of downtime if you’re armed with an itinerary in advance.

Extend to Explore

Add a few extra days on either end of your trip to give yourself time to explore once you slam your laptop shut. Whether staying a couple extra nights to explore a new city or relax at the spa after a day of meetings, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a great travel companion that can turn business trips into free night stays, allowing you to earn up to 9 total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels. Plus, cardmembers earn complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to five employees for more elevated business and leisure stays.

From now until September 26, new World of Hyatt Business Credit cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of up to 75,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points. Cardmembers can turn the 75,000 points they’ve earned on business travel into a luxurious leisure getaway, like a 2-night escape at Alila Napa Valley, or 4 nights at Thompson Atlanta Buckhead.

Stay in the Heart of the City

Free time can be limited on work trips. From meetings and presentations to corporate dinners, make the most of it by choosing a centrally located hotel and planning out where your workday will take you. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant or strolling through a local museum or park, use your lunch breaks or time between meetings for a quick jaunt into the heart of the city to efficiently explore during off hours. If you have the flexibility, block pockets of time ahead of your trip to prioritize time away to check out the local sights or explore World of Hyatt FIND Experiences, where cardmembers can earn up to 14 points per $1 when booking exclusive experiences, private tours and excursions.

Follow the Food

Even if you can’t see it all, there’s always time to eat. Whether it’s a hidden gem or a new chef’s menu, trying the local cuisine gives you a taste of that destination. Research restaurants you’re interested in or ask locals for their favorites and be sure to put your per diem on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card to earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent on dining!

Even better, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card has a unique adaptive accelerator benefit that allows cardmembers to earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent for their top three of eight eligible spend categories* each calendar quarter with no cap. Spend categories like dining, airline tickets and car rental agencies to search engine advertising, shipping and more make it easier than ever for cardmembers to be rewarded where they spend the most on business purchases without having to pick the categories. With each business trip there are more possibilities — and points — to unlock when you use a rewards credit card that works for you.

All work and no play make business travel a bore. So, make your next trip more fulfilling by squeezing in time for new travel experiences with a rewards credit card that can help take you there. Learn more here.

*Categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping.

2024-08-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Heart valve disease affects more than 5 million people in the United States. Despite this, 3 out of 4 U.S. adults know little to nothing about it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising awareness about heart valve disease by launching a series of toolkits focused on providing information, resources and personal stories.

“CDC wants to help everyone get to know their heart,” said Janet S. Wright, MD, FACC, director of CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. “We know early detection is only possible when patients and health care teams work together. Ongoing conversations about heart valve disease risk factors can help identify when referrals may be needed and ensure connection to additional care or treatment.”

Knowing your heart includes learning how it should function. The heart works by pumping blood throughout the body; with each heartbeat, your heart valves open and close to keep blood moving in the right direction. Heart valve disease occurs when your heart valves don’t work like they should, which makes the heart strain and work harder.

Heart valve disease can be congenital — something you are born with — or it can develop over time due to aging, certain infections, radiation for cancer treatment, or other underlying health conditions. Signs of a congenital heart valve condition may be present during prenatal care or can be detected through newborn screening or later pediatric check-ups.

Early diagnosis of heart valve disease is critical. Research has shown that diagnosis and treatment among Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian populations are lagging. Women are also more likely than men to be diagnosed later and to experience worse health outcomes from this condition.

Joy Spencer Smith learned about her family history of heart valve disease and paid close attention to a murmur that was detected in her 40s. Although diagnosis of a form of heart valve disease called aortic stenosis came in her 70s, she and her primary care physician had been closely monitoring the murmur. Joy credits being aware of her risks and her overall health for helping her recognize that the abnormal burning sensations in her chest were a warning sign.

“Once you’re told you have any kind of heart condition, as the heart is the soul and the life of the body, you should learn about it,” Joy said. “You should get involved. You should ask questions.”

Learning about your family medical history and individual risk — along with getting screened and recognizing potential symptoms — can help you take steps to protect your heart and the hearts of your loved ones.

You know your body best. Don’t ignore anything that feels “off.” Your health care team can listen to your concerns and, with a stethoscope, listen to your heart. Based on what that exam reveals, you may be referred for an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, or other testing.

Visit cdc.gov/KnowYourHeart for heart valve disease resources and information.

2024-08-14T08:37:00

(BPT) – The pet care world has seen many dynamic changes over the past few years, such as the growth of the pet supplement category, new pet food niches and high-tech pet-related products. Pets’ lives are better because of it, and in turn, that makes humans’ lives better, too.

One company leading the charge in pet care innovation is Purina. You probably know this brand for their high-quality pet food, but they also invest ample time and significant funding into numerous programs that pave the way for a bright future for people and their pets.

“At Purina, we ask ourselves on a daily basis ‘what’s next?’ when it comes to finding ways we can improve the relationships between pets and their families, and one of the many ways we pursue the ‘next’ is through our corporate venturing division, 9 Square Ventures,” said David Narkiewicz, chief legal officer for Nestle Purina PetCare North America.

9 Square Ventures brings together the deep expertise that Purina has been developing for more than a century and pairs their resources with emerging pet care businesses to support startups in several ways ranging from mentorship to investment. Here are a few ways they work together to invest in the future of pet care:

Investing capital in startups

Since 9 Square Ventures was founded in 2015, the organization has made capital investments in a portfolio of startups that featured both smart and skilled entrepreneurs and highly relevant innovations in the pet care category.

One of the first investments was in a pet tech company that commercialized a smart cat litter device protected by patents. After several rounds of investments, Purina acquired the entire business and has recently updated and re-launched its technology as Petivity Smart Litter Monitor.

Another notable investment is Bar K, which was driven by Purina’s desire to support the successful launch of a truly incredible destination for dogs and their people. Bar K features a fully staffed and thoughtfully designed dog park, modern bar, restaurant and event space all centered around the human-dog bond.

“One of Bar K’s three locations can be found right in our backyard in St. Louis, Missouri, and it is a favorite destination for my family and so many members of the Purina family. In fact, USA Today recently named Bar K as the best dog park in America,” said Narkiewicz.

Offering mentorship and category expertise

In 2016, Purina created the Pet Care Innovation Prize (PCIP) program to formally engage with pet industry startups. Over the past eight funding cycles, the program has been the catalyst for 40 early-stage start-ups by providing no-strings-attached funding and offering a platform for growth.

Every year, startups from across the U.S. and around the world enter their business to be part of the program and five winners are selected and awarded a cash prize and mentorship from Purina’s in-house experts including areas like R&D, marketing, procurement, logistics and operations.

Finalists also come to Purina’s HQ campus in St. Louis for a weeklong bootcamp to network, meet with pet industry experts and receive coaching support to prepare for a final pitch to win a grand prize at Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest trade show.

Since the program started, several PCIP businesses have been featured on the reality show “Shark Tank” and some have achieved remarkable investments and acquisitions. Purina’s commitment to emerging talent is a testament to the company’s dedication to nurturing innovation.

Connecting startups to learn, grow and win together

Recognizing the value and importance of connections, Purina also established the Pet Care Innovation Network in 2019. Made up of more than 50 pet care startup companies, this extraordinary community provides a platform for startups to network, share insights and foster collaborations as they work to grow their businesses.

The Pet Care Innovation Network helps like-minded innovators build relationships, think bigger and provide support to each other. Quarterly networking events across the country and a yearly meetup at Purina’s St. Louis headquarters enable members to connect with potential investors and each other, amplifying the ripple effect of innovation across the pet care landscape.

Inside-Out Innovation

In addition to inspiring and supporting external initiatives, Purina also has a robust internal R&D program and countless workstreams to drive innovation within the company.

“Our commitment to innovation is not just about creating products; it’s about cultivating an ecosystem where creativity and curiosity thrive inside and outside of our walls. Whether it’s through driving internal innovation or investing in startups through 9 Square Ventures, we are deeply committed to shaping the future of pet care. It’s one of the reasons that my dog, June, and I love coming to work every day,” said Narkiewicz.

2024-08-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – As summer comes to a close, the back-to-school rush begins. While exciting for some, returning to class is often paired with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety — but what if it could be different? Your best new back-to-school tips may come from an unlikely source: the U.S. Army.

In 2021, the Army introduced the Future Soldier Preparatory Course (FSPC) — a program designed to help young adults meet the academic and physical fitness requirements needed to serve in the Army. With a course graduation rate of 95%, the FSPC has equipped thousands of trainees with the skills needed to achieve their goals and rise the ranks as a Soldier.

So whether you’re trying to make the team, make the grade or make new friends (or if you have your eyes set on service) read on for tips from the leaders of the FSPC on how you can make this year your best yet.

Fuel Your Body to Better Your Mind.

It’s no secret that health and nutrition are tied directly to performance in school; students who are eating the right foods, getting good sleep and staying active have more mental and physical energy to take on the school day. The FSPC’s fitness track is rooted in the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which aims to provide the resources needed to foster the physical, mental, nutritional, sleep and spiritual health of Soldiers. Capt. Steven Fusco, Company Commander of the fitness track, recommends creating a colorful plate at each meal, finding a regular form of exercise you enjoy and getting eight hours of shut-eye a night. You can incorporate the Army’s holistic approach to health and wellness into your routine to keep you sharp for test day and every day.

Beat Burnout Before It Starts.

Another critical piece of your fitness — and academics — is mental health. Class, extracurriculars and everyday stressors can all take their toll and lead to burnout. Carve out intentional time for breaks and fun amid studying and responsibilities to alleviate stress and return to tasks with a good mindset. Students in FSPC rely on their drill sergeants and fellow trainees for support, free time and encouragement. In the same way, look to friends, family and others in your support system to help keep you going.

Set and Go for Goals.

Every successful mission starts with a plan. Former FSPC drill sergeant Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Tucker is now the acting first sergeant of the program, and says that FSPC students set attainable but ambitious academic and fitness goals for themselves at the start of the four-week program. At the start of the school year, reflect on what you want to accomplish by the end and work backward with short-term goals to get there. And make sure they’re specific; rather than say you want to study more, plan to put a set number of hours toward studying per week. Having a goal in mind makes you more likely to stick to it and get to that feeling of accomplishment.

Find Mentorship, Then Pay It Forward.

After successfully completing the FSPC, trainees officially embark on their Army journey — but many still have questions about the wide variety of jobs and opportunities available in the Army. As a former Army medic, and now a leader in the FSPC’s academic track, 1st Sgt. Eric Immel stresses the importance of being a mentor to those in the early stages of their careers, and serving as an example for what is possible as an Army Soldier. No matter where you are in your academic journey, it is never too early to find a mentor to help identify areas for growth and reflect on how far you’ve come. And when the time comes, pay it forward by providing guidance and a listening ear for others.

These tips have a track record of success: In just the first year and a half of the program, the Future Soldier Preparatory Course helped 15,000 hopeful Soldiers achieve the rigorous standards for enlisting in the Army, with marked improvements in academic and fitness benchmarks.

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to the same old. Making these small changes can help you go through the school day like a Soldier and end the year ready for the next.

2024-08-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – The back-to-school season can be a hectic time for parents juggling school runs, work responsibilities and day-to-day home tasks. With so much on your plate, planning and cooking meals may slip down your priority list. To help manage this busy period, culinary expert and Bob Evans^® spokesperson Kristina Vänni has seven clever cooking hacks for making mealtime easier and more efficient.

1. Make a sweet breakfast topping in minutes

Have a spoonful or two of honey left in a glass jar? Add a tablespoon or so of butter and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Place in the microwave on high power for about 30 seconds and voilà! You’ve just made a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast or biscuits perfect for breakfast and weekend brunch.

2. Cook breakfast sandwiches with minimal cleanup

Breakfast sandwiches are a delicious and simple meal packed with protein to fuel your family throughout the morning. However, making them can leave your stovetop greasy. Vänni recommends cooking Bob Evans^® Pork Sausage Patties with a mesh screen over the pan to contain splatter.

Bonus tip: As the sausage cooks, split precooked biscuits in half and lay them cut side down on the shield. When the sausage patties are done, the biscuits will be warm, soft and ready to use for the best-ever breakfast sandwiches.

3. Test your baked goods with spaghetti

Baking a cake for a kid’s birthday party or muffins for an after school snack? It’s always important to test your baked goods for doneness before removing them from the oven. Don’t have a skewer or toothpick on hand? No problem! In a pinch, grab a piece of uncooked spaghetti to test your cakes.

4. Avoid watered-down punch with large cubes

When making a bowl of punch for a sporting event or school celebration, the last thing you want is a watered-down beverage. Instead of using regular-sized ice cubes, which melt quickly, opt for larger ice cubes. You can easily make your own giant ice cubes by freezing water in a jumbo muffin tin.

5. Spice up dinner sides with leftover chips

Don’t throw away the leftover tortilla chips and crumbs at the bottom of the bag! Instead, use them to enhance your Bob Evans^® Single-Serve Macaroni & Cheese.

After microwaving the mac and cheese, stir in a quarter teaspoon of taco seasoning or chipotle powder and let it stand for two minutes. Once the dish is ready to serve, crush the chips in the bag and sprinkle the tasty crumbs on top. This adds a unique boost of texture and flavor to your favorite quick and easy mac and cheese meal!

6. Grate cheese with ease

Before grating cheese, wipe the grater with a little cooking oil. This will keep the shreds from sticking to the grater and make it much easier to clean when you’re done!

7. Keep your rolls warm with hidden aluminum foil

When serving dinner rolls, hide a piece of aluminum foil under a decorative napkin in your roll basket. This will help the rolls stay hot longer while still maintaining the aesthetic of your dinner table setting.

Embrace the back-to-school season with confidence by using these easy, stress-free hacks to spend less time cooking and cleaning while creating meals that will have your family asking for seconds! For more mealtime tips and tricks and to find fresh, quick-to-table breakfast and dinner products, visit www.BobEvansGrocery.com.

2024-08-13T07:59:00

(BPT) – Want to know what common life skills 20-somethings are most unprepared for when leaving home? What percentage call their parents at least once a week for advice on household chores? Read on to find out!

2024-08-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – More than 60% of Americans feel they are in a better place to achieve their goals than generations that came before them, according to Schwab’s eighth annual Modern Wealth Survey, an examination of how Americans think about saving, spending, investing and wealth. Boomers lead the charge, with 66% believing they are more or as likely as older generations to reach their goals, followed by Gen X (63%), Millennials (62%) and Gen Z (60%).

One factor likely driving the positivity across generations is the rise in the number of Americans investing in the stock market. Schwab’s survey data shows that almost three in five Americans (58%) are investing today. This is in line with recent Federal Reserve data, which is up from 53% in 2019 and is the highest on record.

When asked specifically why they are in better financial shape than previous generations, Schwab’s survey reveals that Americans believe they now have more ways to build wealth (50%), increased accessibility to investing (46%) and additional investment options available to them (46%). Gen Z, which starts with those born in the late 1990s, notes that a top reason for their financial confidence is improved access to investing. Gen Z began investing when they turned 19 years old on average, nearly half the age of when Boomers started investing (35), according to Schwab survey findings.

“There has never been a better time to be an investor, and it’s encouraging to see that a majority of Americans are engaged with their personal finances and building long-term wealth, particularly younger generations who are beginning to save and invest earlier in their lives,” said Jonathan Craig, Head of Investor Services at Charles Schwab. “During the pandemic, we saw an increase in the number of Americans investing, but there are a lot of factors driving this trend that were in place before that and continue to drive investment activity now. Industry changes such as lower costs and minimums to invest and get advice, broader access to sophisticated platforms and tools, and a proliferation of investing information have all contributed to making investing more accessible than ever before. Increasing access to investing has been Schwab’s core mission from day one, and it’s still at the heart of everything we do today.”

Schwab’s survey shows nearly 70% of Americans are confident in their investment strategy and point to the availability of financial advice and knowledge (51%) and the ability to easily research companies and investments (37%) as top reasons. Gen Z, the most confident of the generations, says that learning about investing at an early age is the biggest factor for their confidence. Additionally, more than a quarter of Gen Z respondents report that they were taught about investing in school, significantly more than older generations.

Despite increased levels of investing, survey respondents admit there’s more they can do, with only 18% saying they are currently on top of their finances. Nearly one-third (32%) feel they are on track to being on top of their finances and another one-third (34%) note that they need to make changes to feel more in control. One key area for improvement among Americans is financial planning. Schwab’s survey finds that only 36% of Americans have a written financial plan. Among those who do, 76% say it makes them feel more in control of their finances and nearly all (96%) say they feel confident that they will reach their financial goals.

“Investing and financial planning are more accessible and more affordable today than ever before, and while Americans are increasingly engaged with their finances overall, there is still room for improvement when it comes to more formalized financial planning,” said Rob Williams, CFP^®, Managing Director of Financial Planning at Charles Schwab. “When clients begin the financial planning journey, they discover that there is much more to a financial plan than a document. Today’s financial plans feature interactive digital tools designed to track progress and assess how changes in your life goals or circumstances may influence your financial strategy.”

To learn more about financial planning and access an array of goals-based calculators, tools, and educational planning content, visit Schwab’s Financial Planning Hub.

About the Modern Wealth Survey

The online survey was conducted by Logica Research from March 4, 2024, to March 18, 2024, among a national sample of 1,000 Americans aged 21 to 75. An additional 200 Generation Z Americans completed the study. Quotas were set to balance the national sample on key demographic variables. Detailed results can be found at https://www.aboutschwab.com/schwab-modern-wealth-survey-2024.

(0824-H6SP)

2024-08-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Golden hour is the most magical — and photogenic — time of day. Shortly before sunset, golden hour is known for warm, soft, diffused light; long, lazy shadows and an almost otherworldly glow that makes the landscape and everyone in it look their best. Professional photographers seek out this time of day because of its stunning natural lighting, and the rest of us with our smartphone cameras know it’s the perfect time to snap a selfie.

Unfortunately, golden hour is also a peak time for mosquito activity. It’s a little hard for you to capture the moment when you’re swatting those buzzing pests. OFF!^® repellents teamed up with Los Angeles-based adventure travel photographer Tiffany Nguyen to help you capture every sunset without mosquitoes, making it easier to enjoy the moment.

Here are Tiffany’s best tips for getting great sunset photos.

Don’t forget to check the forecast. I always like to double-check the weather forecast to make sure I’m not trekking to the perfect location just for it to start raining at the worst possible time. The Weather Channel app has always been reliable for me, plus it has everything I need in one place — weather forecast, sunset times, and now, the local mosquito forecast from OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™! Just pop in your ZIP code and you can see a seven-day forecast of mosquito activity in your area.

Don’t miss the shot swatting away and dodging mosquitoes. I always apply mosquito repellent when I head outside to help ensure I’m not distracted by pests. My favorites to use are OFF!^® Clean Feel insect repellents because they are fragrance-free, feel good on my skin and help keep the mosquitoes away so I can stand still long enough to capture the perfect sunset photo.

Don’t forget to check the lighting. Before deciding where to shoot, it’s important to determine whether the lighting at a location is better for sunrise or sunset.

Don’t use the wrong camera settings. When shooting in well-lit conditions, using a low ISO setting is best to prevent excess light from affecting your final image. Adjusting the ISO based on the available light will help ensure a clearer and more professional-looking result.

Don’t shoot directly into the sun. If you’re taking a sunset photo outdoors, you can enhance the quality of your picture by partially blocking the sun with an object or a person. This technique can help create a more balanced and evenly exposed image.

Whether you choose OFF!^® Clean Feel Aerosol, OFF!^® Clean Feel Spritz, or new this season OFF!^® Clean Feel Gel, these products are easy to use and provide long-lasting mosquito protection. Head to OFF.com to learn more about OFF!^® Clean Feel repellents.

Now, go out and snap that perfect sunset photo!