Expert advice for smart investing strategies (BPT) - After five years of market volatility, recession and uncertainty, markets in the U.S. are showing signs of life. Leading indexes are now approaching all-time highs, and many individuals are taking a fresh look at their investment plans. But with the sting of recent losses and swings still fresh in mind, now is a...
Smart security steps give small-business owners peace of mind during summer travel season Summer is finally here, which means peak vacation season and employees out of the office. For those who own their own companies, however, taking vacations and disconnecting is never easy, as business continues as usual while owners are away. In fact, according to the 2013 ADT Safety Data Index, more than one-third of sm...
Celebrate the dairy days of summer by keeping products cool and fresh (BPT) - Nothing says summer like dairy products from the number one dairy state, California. From scoops of cold, creamy ice cream to melted cheese atop juicy grilled burgers, dairy and summer menus go together like sweet corn and butter. But nothing spoils the summer fun like spoiled milk, which is why it’s important t...
Speedy recipes for a flavor-filled summer Summertime is filled with fun activities from local festivals to neighborhood parties and vacations. These events always seem to have one thing in common – the wonderful food – which can be difficult to avoid with tasty temptations around every corner. However, by taking advantage of the season’s best fruits and vegetab...
Modern day dad [Infographic] The dads of today are playing a more integral role in parenting than ever before. They’re involved in everything from keeping an eye on kids’ social media use to household chores, and a majority say that they have a different parenting style than their own fathers, according to a survey from P&G. Though they believe that parenting today is tougher than in the past, when it comes to the benefits of being a dad, a strong majority say that raising a child has made their marriage stronger.
Summer provides opportunities for savvy students and career seekers (BPT) - The summer educational break is no excuse to put academic or career ambitions on vacation. In fact, the traditionally slower months of summer are an ideal opportunity to assess academic and career goals, according to Joe Belliotti, president of Everest Institute-Dearborn in Michigan. Belliotti offers the fol...
Gluten-free meals with 'wow' factor, from breakfast to dinner (BPT) - As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that ...
Budget-friendly ways to refresh old outdoor spaces (BPT) - Indoors or outdoors, your home decor needs some TLC to look its best. Replacing worn or dated furniture or flooring inside your home is considered fairly easy. But when outdoor spaces start to appear shabby, do you decide to live with the tired look because you think freshening the space will be too time-consumi...
Don't let pests invade outdoor spaces (BPT) - Most of us view lawns, porches, decks and gardens as extensions of our homes and look forward to enjoying these spaces during warm weather. Unfortunately, rising temperatures also bring invasive insects that can lay their claim to these spaces and cause hefty damage. New insect species make their way into the U...
Bright ideas to get your home guest ready (BPT) - Summer has arrived and vacation season is underway. With the kids home from school, and family and friends anxious to visit, you can expect the stress of getting your home ready to be in full swing. Here are a few helpful tips that will make you a successful host and give your guests a warm welcome. Create a co...
Ask the pharmacist: How to avoid medication misfortune during a natural disaster (BPT) - Whether it’s plywood, bottled water or generators, Americans gather the necessary supplies and seek the appropriate shelter if confronted by the wrath of Mother Nature. Regardless of the disaster – hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires – lives can be turned upside-down in an instant. Some of the most commonly overloo...
How to avoid a big tax bill or fine-tune your refund (BPT) - Think back to your last income tax return. Did you owe Uncle Sam a lot of money, or did he give you a big refund? Whatever your situation, you can influence next year’s outcome by adjusting your payroll withholding. Remember the IRS Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, your employer asked you...
