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No credit history? No problem. How Gen Z can build one from scratch

2026-07-08T09:01:00

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

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

Why credit matters early on

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

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

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

How to spark a credit history

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

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

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

Tools for every stage of the financial journey

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

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

The first step toward financial progress

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

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Living with Chronic Hand Eczema: When Everyday Touch Becomes Painful

2026-07-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by LEO Pharma

For Jennifer Etienne, 27, what began in her teens as irritation on her hands slowly became a painful, persistent condition that affected nearly every part of her daily life. Her hands often became swollen, blistered, and cracked — sometimes so raw that even light touch caused burning.

While Jennifer was diagnosed with eczema at 8 years old, she first noticed symptoms typical of chronic hand eczema (CHE) when she was about 15. After seeing a physician, she was told it was simply eczema. At the time, she didn’t realize that eczema affecting the hands can sometimes present differently or become chronic over time.

“I didn’t realize the eczema I was experiencing was actually CHE,” Jennifer says. Although she was initially diagnosed with eczema, she didn’t know that hand eczema can present differently — or that symptoms could persist, recur, or worsen over time.

Over the years, everyday tasks became increasingly painful. “Simple things most people don’t think twice about — like washing dishes or using cleaning products — could be incredibly uncomfortable,” she explains. “Sometimes it felt like anything that touched my hands made the irritation worse.” Because hands are so visible, she often felt self-conscious meeting new people and shaking hands. During CHE flares, she avoided physical contact out of concern that fragrances or lotions worn by others might aggravate her symptoms.

“CHE is more than a skin issue,” she says. “It also affects how you live, work, and connect with people.”

For many adults, ongoing irritation on the hands may be attributed to frequent handwashing or exposure to soaps and other everyday irritants.1 But for some, these symptoms may signal something more serious: chronic hand eczema (CHE).

CHE is a persistent or recurrent form of eczema that affects the hands and wrists.1 It can cause redness, itching, swelling, painful cracking, blistering, and even bleeding.2 When symptoms last for more than 3 months or recur frequently they may indicate chronic hand eczema (CHE) rather than temporary irritation.1

Research suggests that approximately one in ten adults in the United States may be living with CHE,3 making it more common than many people realize.

Beyond visible symptoms, CHE can carry substantial functional and emotional burdens. Studies show that it may significantly impact quality of life, one’s occupational choices, work productivity, and daily activities.4,5

Like many individuals with CHE, Jennifer relied heavily on moisturizers for years and went through periods without consistent medical guidance. Feeling dismissed early in her journey made it harder to seek follow-up care. Eventually, when her symptoms worsened again, she chose to pursue further evaluation by a dermatologist and learn more about her condition.

“Looking back, I wish I had known sooner that if hand symptoms are ongoing, recurrent, or interfering with daily life, it’s important to talk to a dermatologist,” Jennifer says.

Dermatologists note that because hand eczema can have multiple triggers and may resemble other skin conditions, it can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood.1 Recognizing persistent or recurrent symptoms and discussing them openly with a healthcare provider is an important step toward proper evaluation.

Jen at an event wearing an apron that says
Jennifer enjoys a candle-making class with friends in her free time.

To learn more about the symptoms and possible risk factors of CHE, visit www.LearnAboutCHE.com.

*In the photo above, Jennifer participates in advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as a National Eczema Association ambassador.

References

  1. Thyssen JP, Schuttelaar MLA, Alfonso JH, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema. Contact Dermatitis. 2022;86(5):357-378.
  2. Molin S, Fargnoli MC, Crépy MN, et al. Real-world evidence of self-reported treatments, signs, and symptom burden in chronic hand eczema: Findings from the multinational CHECK study. Acta Derm Venereol. 2026;106:adv44493.
  3. Chovatiya R, Balu S, Bin Sawad A, et al. Prevalence of self-reported physician diagnosis of chronic hand eczema in adults: A cross-sectional study of more than 10,000 participants in the general population – Results from the CHECK study in the United States. Presented at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference 2025. Orlando, Florida. 06-08 Nov. Poster Presentation.
  4. Simpson E, Balu S, Bin Sawad A, et al. The impact of chronic hand eczema on occupation, work productivity, and activity impairment: Results from the CHECK study in the United States. Presented at the Fall Clinical 25 Annual Congress 2025. September 2025. Poster Presentation.
  5. Cortesi PA, Scalone L, Belisari A, et al. Cost and quality of life in patients with severe chronic hand eczema refractory to standard therapy with topical potent corticosteroids. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70(3):158-168.

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4 simple ways to outsmart rising energy costs

2026-07-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s hard to ignore the creeping price of the monthly utility bill and the sting of gas prices at the pump. These rising costs have made it more difficult for Americans to budget effectively for monthly expenses. How can households afford power sources that feel increasingly unreliable?

Luckily, homeowners and renters can take back control of their energy use, even amid unpredictable energy costs and volatile gas prices. Here are a few ways you can achieve energy independence and stabilize your home energy costs.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers are the workhorse appliances of any home. They’re also heavy energy consumers. However, you can still enjoy these modern conveniences and lighten your energy load by upgrading to certified ENERGY STAR appliances.

When you switch to an ENERGY STAR appliance, you can save 10%-50% on energy costs compared to conventional models. That’s because these modern, efficient appliances use significantly less power to do the exact same job as older models. By switching, you can keep your home running smoothly while naturally lowering your energy usage month to month.

Pro tip: Big changes start small. Consider switching your current light bulbs to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

Install a smart thermostat

Heating and cooling account for the bulk of your monthly energy bill. So, how can you keep your home comfortable and your wallet happy? You don’t need to suffer in the sweltering summer or freezing winter. All you need to do is install a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat learns your daily routine and adjusts the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home. In short, it allows you to program your comfort. This instant automated control of your environment is a seamless way to lower heating and cooling costs and enjoy your time at home without the hassle and guesswork of manual adjustments.

Use heavy energy-consuming appliances during off-peak hours

Did you know that electricity costs change depending on the time of day? Check with your utility company. You may be surprised to find that you’re paying premium rates during peak hours, usually in the late afternoon and evening.

Do a little digging and find out your area’s time-of-use rates. Once you know the peak-use window, you can outsmart the grid by using your heavy, energy-intensive appliances during off-peak hours. Try running your dishwasher or doing laundry in the morning or late at night and see how much you save.

Embrace a clean energy home backup

Achieving true energy independence means having the ability to power appliances no matter what the grid is doing. To gain independence and make a sizable dent in energy costs no matter what gas prices and electricity rates are, homeowners and renters should consider always-on clean-home battery backup solutions like Jackery solar generators. Unlike traditional gas generators, these portable power stations are clean and quiet. That means no expensive fuel runs, noxious fumes or noisy operation. Plus, sunlight is free, so once you own a solar-powered generator, you can count on cost-stable energy.

Jackery’s gasless, indoor-safe home batteries pair a portable power station with solar panels so that you can capture, store and use power on your own terms. By using the solar generator’s stored power during peak hours, you can offset your energy bill and keep the essentials like refrigerators, laundry machines, fans and WiFi routers running, even when costs are high or the grid is down. You can even opt to connect a solar generator to your home’s circuits with automatic switchover, like the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus combined with a smart transfer switch so backup kicks in seamlessly when you need it the most.

Family having dinner in the kichen while the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus powers their home from the garage.

Jackery’s generators are designed with modern living spaces in mind and meant to fit a real home, not to hide in the shed. So, whether you need to charge your computer, power a fridge or run essentials across multiple rooms at once, there are plenty of options that let you ride out price spikes and outages without lifting a finger.

Energy savings and independence are within reach

Lowering your energy costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice modern comforts. Using these tips can get you started on the path to energy independence and a better energy budget, no matter the current energy and gas prices.

To learn more about how to take back control of your energy costs and the benefits of solar battery backup solutions, visit Jackery.com.

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An affordable new way to get a car without setting foot in a dealership

2026-07-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

Car keys are given from one person to another. Flexcar allows vehicles to return at any time without early termination penalties.

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

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

Flexcar gives people a simpler, more flexible option, minus the unpredictable costs and multi-year loan commitments of traditional car ownership.

How Flexcar differs from traditional leasing or buying

Buying a car is a long-term responsibility. You might purchase a vehicle outright, or get financing via a loan lasting several years with fixed monthly payments. In addition to upfront costs and dealer fees, owners are completely responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, depreciation and resale value.

While traditional leasing is viewed by many as a lower-commitment alternative to buying, it still comes with a multi-year contract, typically 2-4 years, and fixed monthly payments for the duration of the lease. Drivers may also face upfront fees, strict mileage limits and potential end-of-term charges. In many cases, lease agreements require higher insurance coverage, which can increase monthly costs beyond the base payment.

Unlike traditional leasing or buying, Flexcar provides a flexible, all-inclusive alternative with no multi-year commitment. One monthly payment covers the vehicle, insurance and routine maintenance, plus roadside assistance. Members can switch cars or mileage plans as their needs change, or return the vehicle at any time without early termination penalties. Flexcar offers increased flexibility and more predictable monthly costs, without multi-year contract obligations.

Flexcar’s goal is to offer a more flexible, predictable path to getting a car, while reducing the financial uncertainty traditional ownership can bring.

How Flexcar is a more affordable option

Flexcar’s model is designed to simplify costs and reduce upfront and ongoing expenses.

Built-in savings

  • No large down payment
  • No long-term financing commitments
  • Fuel savings starting at $0.20 per gallon

All-in-one coverage

  • Insurance included
  • Maintenance included
  • 24/7 roadside assistance included

Members can save up to $0.60 per gallon at participating gas stations, with savings applied as a credit to their monthly invoice.

Flexcar is available in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with planned expansions into New York, San Francisco, San Jose and Dallas.

Two young women having fun driving a car. Flexcar provides car subscriptions services.


FAQs:

  • What’s included with my Flexcar? Flexcar includes the major costs of having a car in one simple monthly payment that covers your vehicle, insurance, routine maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance, helping make costs more predictable. Members also get access to fuel savings of up to $0.60 per gallon and loyalty perks that can help lower monthly payments over time.
  • How can I sign up? Signing up for Flexcar is quick and fully online. Start by entering your location, age and estimated credit score to see available cars in your area. Then choose a vehicle, select a monthly plan with your preferred mileage and insurance options, and complete a short application with a soft credit check. Once approved, you can schedule delivery or pickup and start driving.
  • Could I swap cars any time? You can drive what you want, when you want. Cruise through summer with the top down in a Jeep Wrangler or conquer winter terrain in a rugged Toyota Tacoma. For a small swap fee, you can switch to the perfect car for every season and every adventure.

Learn more at Flexcar.com.

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4 great reasons to open your Valpak blue envelope this July

2026-07-06T09:01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Enjoy a one-year discounted Hallmark+ subscription

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

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

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

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

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

4. Discover something unexpected

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

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

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

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

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From Fuel to the Back Office: The Home Depot Expands Pro Xtra Rewards to Power the Pro’s Entire Business

2026-07-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – At The Home Depot, the goal is to be a one-stop shop that helps Pros manage and grow their business — but running a business means fueling the teams behind it.

A Pro’s workday doesn’t start in the lumber aisle. It starts at 5:00 a.m. with a full tank of gas and a coffee on the road. It hits its stride during a working lunch on the back of a tailgate. It demands gear that can tackle the toughest job site. It wraps up with back-office tasks like invoicing and payroll.

That’s why Pro Xtra, The Home Depot’s loyalty program for Pros, launched partner offers designed to reward members everywhere their workday takes them. This new Pro Xtra benefit is kicking off with trusted, national brands including 7-Eleven, Jimmy John’s, Tecovas and Rosie’s AI Answering Service.

“True partnership means understanding everything it takes to keep a Pro’s business moving,” said Molly Battin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for The Home Depot. “We’re continuously evolving our Pro Xtra program to deliver meaningful benefits that help Pros save time and money so they can focus on supporting their teams and customers.”

Powering the Pro’s Entire Day

  • The Morning Pit Stop — Fuel & Fleet (7-Eleven): A contractor’s day starts early. Before the first blueprint is unrolled, Pros can start the day fueling up their trucks and keeping their crews moving with special fuel discounts and app-exclusive fuel deals to reduce everyday commercial transit expenses.
    • Offer: Get $0.25 off per gallon (up to five fills)
  • The Tailgate Lunch — Food & Beverage (Jimmy John’s): When lunchtime hits on a busy jobsite, keeping crews energized and sustained is priority number one. Pros can easily buy a round of lunch for the entire crew without missing a beat.
    • Offer: Save $20 on orders of +$100
  • The Jobsite-to-After-Hours Uniform — Lifestyle & Travel (Tecovas): Supporting the Pro on and off the clock means providing gear that survives a 10-hour workday of grit and mud while maintaining comfort for once the job is done. Members unlock access to durable, premium handmade work boots built to outlast the jobsite without sacrificing professional style.
    • Offer: 20% off Tecovas work boots
  • The 24/7 Jobsite Admin — Business Management (Rosie’s AI Answering Service): Pros will never miss a call or lose a lead while their hands are full on the job with Rosie’s AI business management tools. Pros get the support of a dedicated office administrator without the overhead cost, ensuring they capture every incoming call and land more business while staying focused on their projects and customers.
    • Offer: Seven-day free trial + two months free of the Professional Plan or Scale Plan

Always Evolving to Meet the Needs of Today’s Pros

Pro Xtra partner offers will refresh quarterly and are available now within the Rewards Hub on The Home Depot mobile app or online dashboard. Offers are available to all members regardless of spend or membership tier.

The Pro Xtra Rewards Hub was recently refreshed to centralize all member benefits in one place, including partner offers, discounts, paint rewards, business tools and tier benefits. Instead of relying on one-off communications that can get lost in a cluttered inbox, members can access all rewards within the exact same app or online dashboard where they manage the rest of their business.

“Our Pro customers live on the go,” said Mike Rowe, executive vice president of Pro for The Home Depot. “They are managing crews, bouncing between jobsites and working long hours. Two-thirds of our Pro online users leverage The Home Depot app regularly to help manage their business, projects, orders and more, so it only made sense to embed these new partner offers right inside the app to give them a frictionless way to access them.”

The Home Depot selected its launch offers based on direct feedback from its Pro customers and will continue to reflect four key categories: food and beverage, fuel and fleet, lifestyle and travel, and business management — providing Pros with added benefits outside of traditional building supplies.

Not a Pro Xtra member? Pros can sign up for free online or in-store at any time to unlock membership benefits.

One-Stop Shop for the Pro

These new lifestyle offers join an already robust suite of capabilities available to Pros, including trade credit accounts, tier-based preferred pricing on millions of SKUs, purchase history and tracking, dedicated on-site support from Outside Sales Representatives (OSRs) and in-store Pro Desks, and more.

To learn more about Pro Xtra, visit https://www.homedepot.com/c/pro-xtra.

If you’re a brand interested in learning more about hosting a Pro Xtra partner offer with The Home Depot, please reach out to Orange Apron Media at OAM_Strategic_Partnerships@homedepot.com for more information.

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Happy 250th Birthday, America! Salute to Veterans Series shares the stories of veterans during military/patriotic holidays in 2026

2026-07-02T17:37:00

(BPT) –

Logo Salute to Veterans presented by Navy Federal and Verison


During military and patriotic holidays in 2026, the Salute to Veterans Series shares the stories of veterans who served their country, overcame personal challenges in life and made a positive difference in their communities.

National TV series and year-round program honors veterans spanning several generations, highlights lessons learned when transitioning from the military to civilian life and what it means to serve our nation.

In the 250th year since our nation’s founding, the Salute to Veterans Series will air during military/patriotic holidays in 2026, covering the top issues veterans face daily. Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Famer and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday, serves as host of the Salute to Veterans Series, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union and Verizon. Veterans featured in the Salute to Veterans Series include Rocky Bleier, U.S. Army (Ret.), Col. Gregory D. Gadson, U.S. Army (Ret.), Lt. Joe Cardona, U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, Capt. Alejandro Villanueva, U.S. Army (Ret.) and more.

Salute to Veterans is a national television series and year-round program that honors and pays tribute to our nation’s veterans, active duty service men and women, transitioning military, military families and patriotic supporters. The inspirational and educational series offers insightful discussion, resources and solutions for the ongoing issues our veterans face daily.

The Salute to Veterans Series features a spirited group discussion with veterans about what it means to serve our nation, veteran employment, applying lessons learned from the military into the professional workforce, veteran education, the benefits of the Forever GI Bill for veterans and military families, preparing for the transition from the military to civilian life and much more.

Each of the veterans in the series share their personal stories of military service, and their experience finding success on the football field, both in college and in the pros. The veterans openly discuss their path forward, and offer their insight on important issues facing veterans and military families, and how they have found fulfillment and deep meaning in their lives — following their transition from the military.

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Several topics and highlights include:

Veteran Employment — examples sharing how veterans’ military experience relates to success in corporate America

Veteran Education — examples of how continuing your education can help continue your personal growth, development and career

The Forever GI Bill — examples of how the Forever GI Bill can help you make the most of the opportunities in front of you and your family

Military Service Dogs — examples of how military service dogs are matched with veterans, and the success stories of how military service dogs have positively impacted veterans and military families

Veterans in the Community — examples of how veterans can continue to advocate for our military service men and women following their service in the military

“We all owe a great debt to our military personnel who have served, and who are continuing to serve around the world in defense of our great country, and the many freedoms we enjoy every day. We hope these stories move, motivate, educate and entertain our 22 million veterans, 89 million direct military family members and patriotic supporters.” Visit Salute to Veterans to learn more about the veterans series.

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The Salute to Veterans Series is hosted by Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Famer and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. (Courtesy: Salute to Veterans Series)

Logo for Navy Federal Credit Union.

Financial health is a cornerstone of Navy Federal’s mission of serving and enriching lives within the military community, and a key component of Navy Federal’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy is financial wellness. Building wealth takes consistent action over time, and we’re here to support you at every stage of this exciting journey. Continue to educate yourself about financial topics like savings, budgeting and investing with our MakingCents resources at navyfederal.org/makingcents.html.

Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 12.3 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org.

Verizon logo

At Verizon, we’re proud to support our brave men and women and the families who stand beside them. It’s our honor and privilege to keep military families connected, with special discounts for the military community — including active duty service members, veterans and Gold Star families. Get great deals on your mobile, internet or bundle them both for extra savings. For more information, visit verizon.com/military/.

Verizon Simplicity Plan. One plan. One price. Our best network. Just $30/line/month after Auto Pay and switch discount. Simplicity Plan gives you everything you want in a plan — 5G Unlimited Ultra Wideband, unlimited data, talk & text, Verizon Dollars and lots more. For more information, visit verizon.com/plans/unlimited.

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Veterans Joe Cardona, Greg Gadson, Alejandro Villanueva, Rocky Bleier and host Terry Bradshaw discuss veterans issues. (Courtesy: Salute to Veterans Series)

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Adrift after loss, he built a life — and a blueprint — around purpose

2026-07-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – After his life shifted into retirement at 68, John (not his actual name) expected to feel relief.

Instead, after the first few months of feeling open and flexible, his days became harder to navigate. He still exercised, ran errands and kept up with friends. Yet mornings stretched longer, and evenings arrived without much to distinguish one day from the next.

There was no single shift that caused concern. He felt a gradual drifting, and the questions that followed were practical: How do I organize my days now? What is this next chapter for?

‘I could keep going, or I could turn back’

Victor Strecher, PhD and professor at University of Michigan School of Public Health, had grappled with those same questions too, but for entirely different reasons.

In 1990, Vic’s newborn daughter Julia became seriously ill from a heart condition. Doctors told him she might have only a month or two to live. There was a slim chance for a heart transplant, but the odds were daunting. Even if Julia lived only a few years, Vic and his wife asked themselves whether they could still give her a life worth living.

They decided they could. Vic shifted his focus from career milestones to what would make her days full.

Julia survived into young adulthood, but at 19, she died unexpectedly. Vic lost his footing. Grief showed up as a numb routine: hours of television, drinking, a sense of dissolving.

One early morning, he climbed into a kayak on Lake Michigan and paddled out alone in the dark. As the sun rose and the water turned glassy, he sensed a choice. “I could keep going, or I could turn back,” he said. “But if I turned back, I would have to live differently.”

He turned back. “I went home, pulled out a sheet of paper and wrote, ‘Vic, you have to help yourself.’ Then I asked: ‘What are you going to do?'”

He listed what mattered most — family, friends — then asked what mattered at work. His answer came quickly: his students. Vic called his university and asked to return to teaching. He committed to teaching every student as if they were his daughter.

Victor Strecher teaching at the University of Michigan School of Public Health
Victor Strecher teaching at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.


Rebuilding a relationship with purpose

Without realizing it, Vic had begun rebuilding his relationship with purpose. He found having purpose changed not just the course of his life, but also the quality. He found greater clarity, a deeper connection, and more meaningful intentions.

“Purpose helps you organize what matters most. It directs your attention and energy toward that,” Vic said.

When he researched the impact of purpose in other people’s lives, he found the science backed him up.

In one study, participants wore identical 25-pound backpacks and estimated how steep a ramp appeared. One group was told the backpack was “dead weight.” The other was told it carried important scientific equipment. Although both packs weighed the same, those who believed the load had meaning perceived the slope as less steep.

Other research linked a stronger sense of purpose with healthier coping strategies. People with greater purpose were more likely to walk, spend time in nature, engage in meaningful rituals and step back during stress. They were less likely to rely on habits that dulled stress in the moment. Studies following people after large-scale trauma found that those who rebuilt purpose showed greater resilience over time.

“When you have a sense of purpose, you’re more likely to step back, see the bigger picture and remember this won’t last forever.”

An app for positive, lasting change

Surprisingly, Vic found purpose isn’t a heroic vision or single-minded vocation a person is born with. It’s a skill that can be clarified and strengthened, shaping daily behavior.

Always a teacher, Vic began looking for ways to share what he had learned. He wrote the book, “Life On Purpose”, gave TED Talks and lectures including at Harvard School of Public Health, structured two online courses rated 4th best in the world by Inc. Magazine, and conducted pioneering research on life purpose, cited in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Victor Strecher close up.
Victor Strecher.

In 2015, together with a team of psychologists, behavior designers and data scientists, he launched Kumanu (meaning “nourish” in Maori), a company designed to help people and organizations thrive by connecting deeply to what matters most through its app, Purposeful.

The app is based on decades of research across behavioral science, neuroscience, public health and organizational psychology and more than 1,400 scientific studies. It prompts users to address the aspects of their lives they’d like help with, and guides users through the same steps he took to create positive, lasting change: identifying values, writing a purpose statement and building habits that align with it.

Identifying values, such as family, health, faith, creativity, learning or service, creates direction. Putting those values into words shapes daily choices. From there, small practices create rhythm: a morning intention, a brief reflection, a consistent commitment. The consistency matters more than the scale.

“Users of Purposeful tend to be people who are going through transitions in their lives,” Vic says. “I like to say you usually need to rethink your purpose when you need a Hallmark card.”

What matters most now?

For users like John, it was exactly what they needed.

“Getting on Purposeful is part of my morning routine,” a user said in a recent survey. “I have only missed a couple of days in the last year … it has really helped me stay in the present and be more focused and mindful about my days, relationships and my life.”

For others navigating loss, like Vic, the structure has been equally meaningful. The app “gave me a place to share my grief and trauma of loss and channel it toward a meaningful experience … a helpful reminder to keep me connected and do basic self-care tasks,” another respondent said.

For both, the shift began with the question “what matters most now?”, choosing a direction and returning to it, one day at a time.

To learn more, listen to Vic’s podcast, PurposeCast, where he explores the science and stories behind living with purpose. You can also try the Purposeful app with a free account — no credit card required. For those who choose to upgrade, a limited-time discount is available on Purposeful Premium: 29% off ($4.16 per month, billed annually at $49.99). Cancel anytime.

Photo above: Victor Strecher (R), with his daughter Julia Strecher (L) and wife Jeri Rosenberg.

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Get more than you expect out of summer road trips by rewarding yourself along the way

2026-07-02T17:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Summer road trips expenses can add up, but with some simple planning, you can score rewards along the way.
  • Get your car checked up before you hit the road to improve fuel efficiency and drive with confidence.
  • Mapping out stops along your route can help you save time and money along the way.
  • When stopping, make sure to shop at gas stations that offer rewards and savings
  • Look for a rewards card like the bp rewards Visa® that makes the most of your everyday purchases and offers you the flexibility to spend your rewards points how you want.

By Alyssa Callahan, head of marketing for bp’s mobility and convenience business

Summer travel planning can quickly become a full-time job. Creating budgets, booking hotels and mapping out rest stops can be exhausting, especially when seeking the best values.

Fuel may be a top-of-mind cost, but it is often just one part of a broader mix of purchases tied to time on the road. Multiple convenience-store runs, dining and little impulse buys add up fast. Plus, there are the purchases you’ll make before your trip to stock up on road essentials and the big grocery trips and takeout dinners when you get home.

The good news is that with a little extra planning, you can save hundreds and even score some rewards along the way. For households hitting the road this summer, here are a few simple moves that will put some money back in your pocket.

Map it out. Summer has a funny way of turning one stop into four. Planning routes in advance, grouping errands and checking traffic before heading out can help drivers make the most of the miles they are already covering.

Treasure hunt for value. Sometimes, the best way to save money is knowing where to spend it. Plan your rest stops so you’re always stopping at gas stations that offer savings and rewards for filling up and buying trip snacks.

Don’t skimp on the tune-ups. Properly inflated tires, regular oil changes and routine service can improve your car’s safety and efficiency. It’s not exciting, but basic maintenance can make a huge difference over a busy summer of driving.

Make routine spending work harder. Outside of road trips, summer can be an expensive season with multiple nights of dining out, grocery runs and daily purchases that can put a strain on your budget. But what if you could make those purchases work in your favor? Consider signing up for a rewards card that offers value for your routine purchases. The best ones tend to fit the way you already live, not reinvent your routine.

Don’t leave rewards on the table. When it comes to credit card rewards, flexibility is key. Opt for cards like the bp rewards Visa® that offer rewards and multiple redemption options, including cash back, fuel cards and gift cards from major retailers, so that you can spend your rewards on your own terms.

Best of all? New bp rewards Visa® cardmembers save 50 cents per gallon1 on fuel at participating bp and Amoco stations for their first 60 days, and a 15 cents per gallon1 discount thereafter, for accounts opened between May 18, 2026 – September 30, 2026. The card has no annual fee2, earns points on qualifying purchases, including nonfuel purchases at participating bp and Amoco locations, as well as groceries and dining elsewhere.

Any rewards card is only useful if it fits a person’s actual habits. As with any financial product, it is worth reviewing the terms carefully and deciding whether the value holds up beyond an introductory offer.

For most drivers, summer spending is not about one dramatic splurge. It’s the steady rhythm of a season spent in motion. And the little decisions before, during and after the road trip really matter. A smarter route, a well-maintained car and a rewards tool that fits everyday habits may not sound flashy, but together they can make a busy summer feel a little more rewarding as well as fun.

__________________

The limited-time-offer is valid for new accounts opened between May 18, 2026 – September 30, 2026.

*Offers vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in person. To take advantage of this offer, apply now directly through this advertisement. Review offer details before you apply.

1See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for details, including earning, redemption, expiration, and forfeiture (subject to applicable law). Valid at participating bp and Amoco stations. Restrictions may apply.

2For additional information about Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), fees and other costs, see the Summary of Credit Terms.

Cards are issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO®), pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and used under license.

© 2026 BP Products North America Inc.

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4 Tips To Maintain Your Health While Traveling This Summer

2026-07-02T15:01:00

(BPT) – Summer travel season is here, and it’s time to pack your bags for your next adventure. In between packing for your trip, heading to the airport to catch your international flight or loading up your car for a quintessential road trip, it can be challenging to stay on top of the healthy habits that come naturally when you’re at home.

To help you stay hydrated and energized during hot-weather travel, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her simple, everyday travel tips so you can make the most of every summer vacation.

Give your water a flavorful twist

Adding delicious and refreshing flavors to your water is a great way to encourage consistent hydration throughout your travels. You can easily upgrade your hydration game by squeezing fresh lemon and adding an electrolyte pack into your water. Lemon provides a zesty, citrusy taste and offers a little boost of vitamin C to help you meet your hydration goals throughout the day.

You can even try experimenting with other fun flavor combinations like cucumber and mint or strawberries and basil.

Eat when the locals do

Traveling across time zones can be hard on your body. To help minimize jet lag, Blatner recommends transitioning to local meal times as soon as you possibly can.

Eating meals and snacks according to your destination’s schedule can help align your body’s natural rhythms with the new time zone. This simple shift makes it much easier to maintain your energy levels during the day and get quality sleep at night during your trip.

Load up on hydrating food

Hot weather increases fluid losses through sweat, so don’t rely on beverages alone to stay hydrated. Blatner recommends pairing protein-rich meals with hydrating fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes and leafy greens to help boost both hydration and nutrition during hot-weather travel.

Pro tip: Summer is peak berry season, making it the perfect time to enjoy them while you travel. Berries naturally provide hydration, fiber and antioxidants, so try adding them to your meals and snacks whenever possible during your summer travels.

Prep on-the-go snacks

When you’re on the road, convenience is key. Instead of relying on roadside gas station fare, Blatner suggests preparing simple and nutritious meals and snacks you can have on the go.

One easy way to fuel your summer adventures is with these Fitness Snack Packs Dawn created with Eggland’s Best. Packed with protein and fresh seasonal produce, it’s a simple snack that helps you stay on track with your health goals while you’re on the go.

The recipe uses Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, supporting natural energy throughout your busy summer days. They also contain 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs, making them a smart addition to a balanced diet.

Fitness Snack Packs

Prep time: 5 minutes

Makes: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 Eggland’s Best Eggs
  • 2 cups fresh berries
  • 1 cup whole grain pretzels
  • 2 cheese sticks, cut into bite-size pieces

Preparation

  1. In a medium pot, add water and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to a simmer, add eggs and simmer for 12 minutes.
  3. Drain the eggs, put them into an ice bath to stop the cooking, and then peel.
  4. Line up four meal prep containers, and to each add 2 hard-cooked eggs + 1/2 cup berries + 1/4 cup pretzels + 1/2 cheese stick, cut in pieces.
  5. Store snack packs covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Additional Notes:

  1. Time saver: Buy EB hard-cooked eggs
  2. Use your favorite berries or swap to 1 peeled clementine/mandarin orange
  3. Swap pretzels for whole grain crackers, if you prefer
  4. Use your favorite type of cheese stick like mozzarella, cheddar or jack

This summer, don’t let your good habits go by the wayside. Using these expert tips, you can enjoy your adventures and stay hydrated and energized, no matter where your trips take you. To find more easy, nutritious recipes to support your summer travels, visit EgglandsBest.com.