Category: Brandpoint

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.

2018-04-13T13:58:00

(BPT) – Prescription drug coverage and medications can be complex territory.

Enter UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement’s Chief Pharmacy Officer Mike Anderson, PharmD, who has spent his career navigating the ins and outs of the Rx world.

Below, Anderson answers some questions people frequently ask about drug coverage and prescriptions.

Q. What’s the difference between PDP and MA-PD plans?

A. Original Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for most prescription drugs, so for help paying for medications, you have two options: a standalone Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) in addition to Original Medicare or Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan; or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD). Medicare Advantage plans can include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage, and combine your coverage into a single plan. Both plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted by Medicare.

Q. How do I know if my prescriptions are covered by my Medicare plan?

A. Whether you get coverage through Medicare Advantage or a standalone Part D plan, each has a formulary, a list of prescription drugs covered. Look closely to make sure your medications are covered. Health insurers post plan formularies online, or you can call your plan to request a printed version. Plans can change from year to year, so don’t assume that prescription drugs covered this year will always carry over.

Q. How can I save money while remaining on my medications?

A. There are many ways to do that:

Home-delivery pharmacy benefits can save money and a trip to the pharmacy. Some mail-order pharmacies offer the convenience of ordering a three-month supply of drugs delivered to your home for less than purchasing at a retail location.

If you prefer to visit a pharmacy, check if your plan offers programs or preferred pharmacy networks to help you save on prescriptions.

Switching to generic drugs or drugs on a lower tier of the formulary could also save money. If you are taking brand-name medications now, discuss generic alternatives with your doctor.

Q. Can I split my pills in half?

A. Talk to your doctor about whether pill-splitting for your medication is medically advised. Also, consult your pharmacist on whether the actual pill form presents risks. Some pills are dangerous when split, because splitting affects how quickly the drug is released into your body. Other pills become ineffective when split, because the pill contains a coating to protect it from stomach acid, and splitting the pill breaks that coating.

Q. I take a lot of pills daily. One I take three times a day. Some I just take once. I get busy and forget to take my pills. Can I just take them all in the morning?

A. It’s important to take your medicine as your doctor prescribed it. Some medications need to be taken at specific times to be effective. Plus, taking all your medications at one time can be dangerous as you run the risk of potential adverse interactions, side effects and even overdosing.

Q. I drink smoothies with supplements and take vitamins. Can these have a bad interaction with my prescriptions?

A. If an iron supplement was added to the smoothie, for example, that could reduce the effectiveness of thyroid medication and medication for reflux disease. Talk to your pharmacist and doctor about vitamins and supplements to learn if they could cause a reaction or make your medications less effective.

Q. I just got my medication refilled. It used to be a different color and shape. Why does it look different?

A. More than likely, the pharmacy you use bought their supply from a different manufacturer. Drug companies that make the same medication must keep the chemical formula the same but may change the shape or color. If you verify it’s the same medication and dose, it should work just like before. If you have concerns, talk with your pharmacist.

For more information to help you navigate prescription drug coverage, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

2018-04-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – From millennials who have been grinding away in the workplace for a few years to Gen Xers looking to move out of their cube, many have been intrigued by the possibility of freelancing.

It means the freedom to set your own hours, to work closely with clients, to be your own boss and have greater control over your career.

According to Forbes, there are 53 million freelancers in America today, and by 2020, it’s estimated that half of the workforce will be doing freelance work, whether full time, as a part-time gig or as their side hustle.

Unlike a traditional job, where you generally don’t need to bring more than a packed lunch to work, freelancing requires a few essential tricks and tools to succeed. Whether you’re looking to start out or refresh your personal brand, homeworking experts cite five important tips to help you succeed at the freelance game.

1. Manage your time. One of the best parts, and the most challenging parts, of freelancing is that you get to make your own schedule. Many find that they need some sort of structure in their day, and for this reason it’s important to have the right time management software. This will notify you of calls, deadlines, track how long you work on a project and more.

2. Get the right laptop. A laptop is your office, your meeting room, your library, your entertainment source and so much more, making it one of the most essential freelancing tools. It’s the lifeline between your business and your clients, so it’s critical to be sure you have the right one. A great option is the remarkably thin and light LG gram. This computing powerhouse comes in 13-, 14- and 15-inch screen options and packs a battery that lasts over 16 hours. Each model weighs about two pounds and for small businesses looking for extra connectivity, LG’s commercial-grade model comes equipped with the Windows 10 Pro operating system. It’s fast, mobile and able to keep up with the daily demands and surprises of the freelancing life.

3. Use professional email and social media accounts. For all work-related correspondence and interactions, be sure to use a dedicated email account. This will make you appear more professional to prospective clients. You should also set up work-related social media accounts where you can post examples of work and professional insights and network.

4. Keep track of finances. For a lot of freelancers who are on the creative side of things, keeping track of finances can be a real challenge. Not only do you have to manage invoices, expenses and make sure you’re getting paid, you also have to keep taxes in mind. That can be a lot of numbers to juggle. The right accounting software can greatly simplify this process and save you innumerable headaches.

5. Find the right space. While freelancing is largely a digital game, and requires the right laptop loaded up with the tools you need to manage your business, you still need to find the right place to work. Some work in a coffee shop and others require a dedicated home office. You might work best in a shared office space. The point is, it’s vital to figure out where you do your best work.

The right software, running on the right computer, and a place you can work are the cornerstones of a successful freelance gig. From there, all that’s needed is your talent and determination!

2018-04-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – A challenge for any entrepreneur is getting access to capital. If you’re like many, you’re constantly looking for ways to reduce expenses and free up cash flow so you can be ready for anything, whether it’s a slow season or an opportunity to expand.

When tax season rolls around, you’re already taking a deep dive into your expenses and income for the past year. Don’t stop when you file. With all that information at your fingertips (and fresh in your mind), it’s a great opportunity to take a big-picture look at the health of your business and make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible.

Use the following tips to take your tax preparation efforts a step further and boost your cash flow in the upcoming year.

Dust off your business plan: No doubt when you started out in business, you were eager to put your vision to paper. Most entrepreneurs get busy with the day-to-day pressures of deadlines, and that vision can recede into the background. Schedule some time with your board members or business partners to revisit and update the business plan. Now that you understand the realities of your market, you should have plenty of ideas on creating the 2.0 version of your enterprise. When finished, it’s important to not allow it to gather dust again. Set goals and schedule check-in meetings with your team to make sure everything’s on track.

Update your budget: The nature of entrepreneurship is being agile in the face of change. Market trends, price changes from vendors and suppliers, effects of new laws and ordinances, even road construction are variable forces that can send anyone’s budget into a new direction. That’s why your budget isn’t ever going to be a spot-on prediction. Think of it as a plan. If you stay on top of it, you can spot the trends early and make adjustments right away so you can reap the full advantage — or head off problems before they become unmanageable.

Check your credit score: If you’re planning to raise capital to expand or make improvements in the next year, checking in on your credit score is an important first step you can take several months before you apply for the loan. Even if you have a business credit score, certain business loans still require a look at your personal credit score, especially if you’re a sole proprietorship. Visit Your.VantageScore.com to find free resources to learn your credit score. There’s also helpful information on what factors influence your score and things you can do that can help increase it over the coming months to help you get the best rate possible.

Create a tax strategy: The tax break Congress passed in December will save small business owners 20 percent on their tax bill this year. In the coming year, small business owners have many opportunities to capture more tax savings with the right plan and strategy. For example, if you’re planning a large equipment purchase, you may find yourself in a better tax bracket in 2019 if you time it before Dec. 31, rather than waiting until the following year as planned. Have a meeting with your accountant to discover more ideas.

Pay down debt: One way to use the windfall of your 20 percent tax savings is to pay down revolving loan debt. Doing so is a great way to raise access to working capital should you need it down the line. Depending on the source of credit, reducing your credit-to-balance ratio is one factor that could raise your credit score. Before you do so, make sure you have enough cash flow to meet your expenses.

Improve accounts receivable: If your business extends lines of credit to your customers, it may be worthwhile to implement a credit check policy on all new customers. Knowing they’re creditworthy before the fact can help you create the appropriate plan for them and protect your business. Credit reporting is also an effective way for even a small business owner to let customers know they are serious about collecting what’s owed. In the end, you’ll get paid faster and increase cash flow.

The life of an entrepreneur means things can change drastically on a dime. A thorough check-in with your finances can put you in the best position for success. To learn more about the tools and solutions offered by VantageScore, visit Your.VantageScore.com.

2018-01-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re looking for a home, a car, a television or a new jacket, the way we shop has changed drastically over the last five years. While these changes can be tied to competition, technology, a global marketplace and other factors, there’s one big influence often forgotten in the conversation — millennials.

Every year the market shifts further toward millennial tastes as companies try to cater to this influential generation and its ever-growing buying power. How big is that buying power? It’s big — research shows that by 2020, millennials will have a combined buying power totaling more than $31 trillion. That’s enough to shake up any marketplace.

The automotive industry is not removed from the power of millennials. Today’s market looks drastically different than it did five years ago because of their influence. Here are five ways millennials have made an impact:

* They do their homework. Millennials research their options thoroughly online to understand their chosen vehicle’s specs, price points, reviews and financing options before ever going to the dealership or speaking with a human being. This leads to a well-informed audience that is very targeted in what they want to buy.

* They look to technology to find facts quickly. Millennials expect easy access to information and have no interest in going from dealership to dealership. Instead, they use technology like AutoGravity, a car-shopping and financing app that allows them to search for any car, new or used, and get lease or loan offers in minutes. AutoGravity brings lenders, consumers and dealers together quickly so millennials can save hours at the dealership. Car buyers can also calculate their monthly payment and expenses. The AutoGravity app has been downloaded more than 1.4 million times and more than $2 billion in financing has been requested.

* They speak out if things don’t match their expectations. Millennials have no time for endless negotiation. If they see the vehicle online, they expect it to be on the lot. And, if a deal exists online, they expect that deal to be upheld in person. Those that have had a poor customer experience are more likely to complain about it through the company’s social media pages. Such criticism can hurt a business, because — according to Adweek — 93 percent of millennials read online reviews.

* They appreciate customer service that goes the extra mile. Millennials enjoy doing their research before interacting with customer service agents, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate those personal exchanges that go above and beyond. Talking to millennial customers through channels they prefer — social media or text — is a surefire way to stand out.

* They bring on the gadgets. In the year 2018, everyone has at least some degree of fondness for gadgets; millennials are right at the forefront. From smartphones to smart homes to tablets and watches, everything is synchronized for an efficient experience. Survey results show that 89 percent of millennials would pay more for a vehicle updated with top-end software. Their passion for technology is fueling the next level of automotive innovation. The growing buying power of millennials is changing markets in every industry. And while millennials may be the driving force, increased technology usage and consumer empowerment benefits members of every generation. Use the tools available to you when making your next big purchase and you won’t regret the result.