Go farther and play harder with your summer big kid toys

The summer season is a great time to bring out the big kid toys. Out come the boats, lawn mowers, four wheelers, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for plenty of fun and excitement all summer long.

While summer doesn't have all the freezing, thawing or salt of colder months, which can cause a bit of havoc on equipment, it's still a good idea to protect your toys and gear from the elements so they go farther, and you can play harder.

As you bring all your machinery out this summer, keep in mind these care tips:

* Water and metal don't mix - Heading out on the ATV, dirt bike and four wheeler isn't much fun if there isn't a large mud puddle to splash through. By the end of the day, it should be hard to determine exactly what color the dirt bike started out as. But once the day has ended, don't just leave your equipment on the driveway. Give everything a good wash and then carefully dry it as well. This is a good way to keep rust from developing, and it allows you to quickly spot any damage that might have occurred to the finish.

* Added protection - These machines are designed for hard use, but you can give them an even stronger layer of protection with a LINE-X Spray-On Protective Coating. These coatings are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, chemicals, protect against UV and water damage, provide a non-skid surface and give your toys additional strength and durability for longer play. Find a LINE-X franchise dealer at www.LINE-X.com.

* Keep the insides clean as well - Just like your car, your lawn mower, boat and four wheeler also need regular maintenance to keep the engines running well. Always consult your owner's manual first to determine what kind of gasoline is needed, and what other maintenance items might be necessary. For example, grease, filter replacement, spark plug and batteries are items that should be reviewed and checked.

* Storage - If you're using your toys frequently all summer long, it probably isn't in your best interest to constantly be putting the machines back into storage and out of the elements. But it is a good idea to find a protected location out of the sun, rain and hail, which can help protect the framework and structure of the machines. For boats, a boat cover helps tremendously, and for lawn mowers, ATVs and dirt bikes, a storage shed or space in the garage works well.

Giving your gear a little protection will go a long way to help you enjoy the equipment all summer long, and well into next year. Use these tips to keep everything in tip-top shape so you can go farther and play harder.

Courtesy of BPT

​Advice for small businesses poised to hire their first employee

(BPT) - For small-business owners, hiring a first employee is a significant milestone - one that directly affects the company's growth, future success and culture. Hiring staff means enhancing your business' ability to grow, but it also presents unique challenges.



From affirming that the person you hire has the credentials to do the job and is the right personality fit for your organization, to ensuring you don't run afoul of payroll taxes, workers' compensation and other legal requirements, making that first hire requires a lot of preparation. When you're getting ready to make that first all-important hire, keep some guidelines in mind:



Understand costs



You hire a first employee to help your business grow, but the costs associated with that growth can be significant. It's important to weigh carefully the benefits of hiring against the related costs. According to the Small Business Association, these can include:



* Wages and taxes, including unemployment, Medicare and Social Security taxes



* Workers compensation insurance



* Recruiting and training expenses



* Benefits



* Payroll management



* Equipment, including software licenses and data plans, to help an employee do his or her job



Seeking candidates



Finding the right employee for your small business can also be a challenge. While professional hiring services can do the legwork for you, most small-business owners manage the hiring process themselves. You'll need to consider where to advertise for candidates, what professional requirements you'll want them to meet, what wage you'll offer and how you'll handle the interview process.



"We work with thousands of entrepreneurs and how to set wages is a frequent topic of interest," says Michael Alter, president and CEO of SurePayroll, Inc., a Paychex company. Alter co-founded SurePayroll, and since then it has grown from a small business of four people to a company that employs more than 200 people. "As payroll providers, we know that wages are set by the market, not the employer. Researching and offering a competitive wage will help you to attract and keep the right candidate."



Another critical component to consider is fit. A comprehensive pre-employment screening can help you make better hiring decisions. In addition to reviewing candidates' resumes and references, your screening may include a background check, drug screening, behavioral assessments and skills testing.



Prepare for payroll



No one works for love alone. Your new employee will expect to be paid on time each pay period with the appropriate amount of withholdings taken out of his or her check. Managing payroll, however, can be costly and time-consuming; a small business with 10 or fewer employees may spend up to $2,600 per year on direct labor for payroll, according to SurePayroll. What's more, if you don't know or understand tax laws and requirements, you could find your company facing IRS penalties.



In the past, outsourcing payroll wasn't always a practical option for small businesses with just one or two employees. Today, an online service such as SurePayroll can help small business owners manage their own payroll affordably, accurately and efficiently by paying employees and paying and filing payroll taxes. These services handle all the calculations for paying employees; calculating, paying and filing federal, state and local payroll taxes anywhere in the country; and notifying tax authorities of new hires. Mobile payroll apps also allow owners to run payroll on the go anytime, anywhere. Visit www.SurePayroll.com to learn more.



Next steps after hiring



In addition to completing necessary payroll tax forms, benefit enrollment forms and employee information files, you'll need to complete a New Hire Reporting form that helps state and federal agencies track down parents in regard to child support payments.



You'll also need to set up a storage system; the IRS requires all companies keep employment tax records for at least four years. Additional post-hiring tasks will include:



* Verifying an employee's eligibility to work. Federal law requires employers to verify that an employee can legally work in the U.S. You'll need to complete and submit an Employment Eligibility Verification Form within three days of making a hire.



* Fulfill your obligations under your state's new hire reporting program. Federal law requires all employers to report all new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring.



* Secure workers' compensation insurance.



* Establish a bookkeeping system.



Hiring that first employee can be exciting and challenging. Fortunately, with some planning and the help of online tools, you can ensure the hiring process goes smoothly, and each worker who joins your team contributes to your business' continued growth.



Courtesy of BPT

The most-overlooked financial planning tool that's free to everyone

What did you do with that envelope that used to arrive once a year with estimates of your future Social Security benefits? You might have reviewed the information. You may have even filed the statement away as a reference. Now, this powerful financial planning tool is as close as the nearest computer.

"Often, people don't think of their Social Security statement when thinking of their financial well-being," says Rod Griffin, director of public education for Experian. "But your statement can be a valuable financial planning tool."

Your SSA statement is now available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. It provides an estimate of the amount of Social Security benefits you could receive upon retiring, but it can also help you with retirement savings strategies, estate planning and making decisions about disability insurance.

Retirement saving

Knowing how much your Social Security payments will be can help you better understand how much you'll need to save in other vehicles to fund your lifestyle during retirement. After reviewing your statement online, you may decide to adjust your 401(k) contributions, open an IRA or seek other avenues for funding your retirement.

The statement can also help you work with your current employer to ensure they're withholding the appropriate amounts.

Estate planning

Your online statement will also give you an estimate of how much your survivors might be eligible for if you die. This information covers both spouses and minor dependent children.

"This could be useful information when you're planning how you will financially take care of your loved ones if you pass away," Griffin says.

Estate planning often involves considering what sources of income will be available to survivors, and knowing how much Social Security benefits yours could be eligible for can help in the planning process.



Disability decisions

According to the SSA, 62 is the earliest age people can collect a reduced Social Security retirement payment, and the full retirement age is 67 for people born after 1960. But a 20-year-old worker has a three in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age, and the average age of people receiving Social Security disability benefits is just 53 years old.

If you have a health problem that you know will lead to disability, knowing how much you could expect to receive from Social Security may help you make decisions about how much disability insurance you'll need.

With the availability to access your Social Security earnings and benefit information online, it's easier than ever to make use of this important financial planning tool. The SSA uses Experian's fraud prevention services to securely authenticate and safeguard the identities of people accessing their earnings and benefits information online.

To access your statement, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement, create an account and provide the information as prompted. You'll be able to access your benefit information and even see a history of your annual earnings for every year.



For more information on how to live financially smart, go to www.livecreditsmart.com.

Courtesy of BPT

Details on carpet stain removal

Carpet stain removal can be a daunting task. It should also be done with much care and precaution to prevent damage on the carpet. While using the vacuum cleaner will do fine, it will only remove the dirt. Stains are different, thus, they should be treated differently.



Regardless of the approach employed in removing the stains, it is best to act immediately and quickly. If you wait in doing the cleaning, you risk ruining your carpet for good. Whether oil, wax, solid or liquid substances are spilled on the carpet, you need to grab a clean cloth to remove the solid substances or what can be removed from the stain.



Then you have to blot out as much of the stain as possible. If a liquid substance spilled the carpet, there might occur wicking. Wicking means that the liquid substances have pooled at the bottom of your carpet. Hence, it will weaken the fiber of your carpet, causing the stain to spread and resurface; and eventually, serious damage is done on your carpet.



To prevent wicking, you need to cover the area with a thick dry cloth, and weigh it down with thick books or something that is heavy. Leave it overnight and remove the stain as normal in the following day.



In the morning, when you are certain that no more liquid or staining material will come out, blot out the stain using a dampen cloth or sponge. Avoid scrubbing the carpet as it would weaken the fiber and cause the stain to spread to other areas.



Blotting the stain gently will remove the stain without causing further damage to the carpet. If the stain remains after blotting it with water, you may want to squirt mild dish washing liquid onto it to clean. Blot the stain gently and let it sit for an hour before you blot again with a cool damp sponge or cloth until the stain is totally removed.



There are many carpet stain removal products available in the market in case you do not like to use dishwashing liquid detergent. Commercial products designed for removing stains vary based on what types of stains on your carpet.



For them to be effective, you need to figure out what type of stains your carpet has. If it is greasy like oils for cooking, body, automotive or moisturizing, use grease-based stain removal products.



If the stains are acid-based like coffee or urine, your choices are oil-based or acid-based products. In oil-based, the stains are dissolved, while in acid-based, the chemical quality of the spots are changed in order to make them easy to remove.



If you are not certain on the type of stain your carpet has, choose the all-purpose type of carpet stain removal product.



In all your undertakings, it is best to test the carpet stain removal product in a corner of the carpet or in any out-of-the-way area of the carpet, lest, you may risk creating a faded spot that may look more hideous than the stain itself.



by Rudy Silva

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6257.shtml

Financial tips for new graduates

If you are a new graduate, a college degree is just the first step in the new direction your life will be taking. A new career, potentially a new community to live in and a bit of cash in your pocket to spend - there are a lot of changes happening.

College graduates carry an average of $25,250 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, by The Institute for College Access and Success. Compiled with this debt are the potential expenses of job searching, moving, a professional wardrobe and a new car or bus pass. But receiving that first paycheck - and subsequent paychecks - can lead to bad financial management if not properly handled, says John Vaccaro, senior vice president from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual).

"New graduates should curb their urge to spend freely and think about their future goals to avoid financial setbacks like credit card debt and spending beyond their means," Vaccaro says.

To help prevent new graduates from sinking deeper into the debt hole, and to look ahead to saving for retirement, Vaccaro has some financial planning tips to help grads get the most out of their new paychecks.

* Develop a budget - Almost half of Americans report they're living paycheck to paycheck, according to a CareerBuilder Survey. New graduates should create a budget, including all expenses from rent/house payments, to haircut costs and weekly groceries. Also include space for savings - if possible. Categorize each expense into a necessity category and a discretionary spending category, which will help highlight areas where expenses could be cut - if needed. For example, are payments for cable or satellite TV necessary, or could you survive with free local TV and a less expensive subscription for wireless or mail delivery movie rentals? Setting up a budget can help a new graduate determine if more money from a paycheck can be put into savings.

* Look into work benefits - The first job is a learning experience for many in figuring out benefits and making them work. Recent graduates should take advantage of any employer offered retirement plans like 401(k)s as soon as they qualify. For younger new grads, the combination of time and potential for a retirement account to grow are powerful in planning for retirement down the road. Health, life and disability income insurance are also good benefit options to research. If your company doesn't offer these kinds of benefits, consider obtaining coverage independently.

* Pay off the right debts first - Debt can occur in a lot of different forms for new graduates. Car payments, student loans, mortgages and credit card accumulations are a few of the more common forms of debt. It's a good idea to pay off those debts that have the highest interest rates and are not tax deductible first. Ideally, a person should have enough savings on hand to pay off a short term debt, like credit card purchases, on a monthly basis.

* Rein in spending habits - Look yourself in the mirror and identify your spending habits. If you like to impulse buy, try forcing yourself to delay impulse purchases by 24 hours. Also determine if your spending habits are influenced in any way by emotional factors or peer pressure. Once these habits are identified, it's easier to establish ways to circumvent bad financial decisions.

Courtesy of BPT

Moving? Make sure your possessions are protected

The average American makes 11.7 moves during a lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's about one in six people pulling up stakes each year.

With so many on the move to new homes, new cities and new opportunities, it's important to protect household items while in transit or in storage before arrival at the new location, according to Charles Valinotti, head of product and underwriting with insurer QBE.

Your homeowner's insurance policy will protect your personal possessions, whether they're located in your home or in a moving truck. However, Valinotti cautions that there may be a time limit attached to the coverage, such as a 30-day period, and your policy may only cover up to certain dollar limits on property being moved or stored.

"Ask your agent to explain the level of coverage, what exactly is covered and confirm that your items are insured if you have to store them," he says.

Other points to keep in mind as you hit the road:

* If you're using a professional moving company or shipper, verify that they're insured and bonded to cover damage they may be responsible for. Valinotti says to keep in mind most movers limit their responsibility to basic damage amounts. "You may want to check into buying additional insurance to make sure you're adequately covered during your move."

* If you're packing and moving yourself with a rented truck, take a look at your auto insurance policy. Many policies will cover rental trucks, but only up to a certain weight. "Don't assume your policy covers you when you're behind the wheel of a 26-foot, 13,000-pound moving truck," he says.

* In a self-move, careful packing is critical, as well as keeping your property locked up and secured along the way.

* Note the condition of your items being relocated. Then if you have a claim, the condition of your possessions will be documented.

* Know the value of high-dollar items that will be making the move. "Make a complete list of everything," Valinotti suggests. "Take photos and, if necessary, get appraisals of these items before the move."

Valinotti says before a move is a good time to review your overall insurance coverage to make sure you're adequately covered and whether you need to increase your limits. "A good look at insurance coverage every couple of years is something everyone should do," he says. "And you don't have to wait until you're ready to pack up and relocate."

Courtesy of BPT

A small business owner's guide for choosing a fast, quality print vendor

Long gone are the days when ordering business cards or banners for trade shows required multiple visits to a print shop, followed by a lengthy wait to get the job done. Digital printing technology has dramatically improved the process, and that's great news for small business owners who need quality print products to help build their brand and their business - especially in a pinch.

"Broader access to quality printing and services such as same day pickup have made it easier for small business owners to build brand identity with the print products that are their tools of the trade," says Karen Post, the "branding diva" and author of "Brand Turnaround."

Before the advent of digital printing, small business owners would be hard pressed to find a print vendor willing to take small orders, fast turnarounds or requests for customization. Now, print vendors are plentiful, and with so many of them vying for your business, it can be difficult to know which one offers the best services and the best deals.

Post offers some tips for choosing the right print vendor for your small-business needs:

* Check out a vendor's capabilities. Does the print shop or online vendor offer all the types of materials you might need for your business? Does the vendor only do business cards and photo cards? Or can they also offer postcards, signs, banners, invitations, announcements, stamps, labels, calendars and note cards? Choosing a vendor with broad capabilities can help streamline your printing tasks by allowing you to get everything done in one place, rather than farming out pieces of work to different vendors. This can also help enhance your company's brand identity by maintaining a consistent execution along with similar look and feel for all your collateral materials.

* How important is face time? Being able to walk into a store and speak with a qualified printing professional face-to-face. Talking to experts in your neighborhood, such as the Certified Print Pros at Staples Copy & Print affords you the opportunity of consulting in person about your print job - and the chance to build a lasting business relationship with a professional who will become familiar with your business needs.

* Can the vendor provide samples? And are they up to your standards? Your print vendor should be able to produce quality samples of a variety of products in multiple formats. Reviewing samples can help you determine quickly if a vendor will be able to meet your quality requirements. Asking for proofs of your job can also help you catch any last minute errors or changes before the final product is produced.

* How quickly can the vendor produce? While digital printing and the Internet have greatly reduced the time lapse between placing an order and receiving it; you'll still likely wait days for your product if you order from an online vendor. Sometimes you need it for an event immediately. Staples Copy & Print Centers now offer same-day service. You can order your print products online at www.staples.com and pick them up at your local center in as little as four hours.

* Check the vendor's reputation. Look for online reviews and testimonials about the print vendor you're considering. Does the online vendor you're thinking of have a lot of satisfied customers? If you'll be dealing with a print shop, is it affiliated with a company that has a strong reputation and brand identity such as Staples? You can learn a lot about how a company will do business with you based on how they've done business with others. In the end, you're looking for quality and convenience at reasonable costs.

Courtesy of BPT

How to design posters with the help of Adobe Photoshop

For expert artist and designers, the exciting thing about utilizing your personal computer is that most of these individuals can now combine the technology with the traditional art without compromising quality. Utilizing a computer program such as Adobe Photoshop will now allow you to do the same things that would have done by someone with a pencil and paper, however, much faster and with less wasted materials. Designers can now redraw and get rid of illustrations and images with the aid of this computer program, even in the last phase of the design process, without having to get more pencils and papers.



This goes for all amateur and professional designers, anyone who is making business marketing materials such as stickers, postcards and especially posters can now make use of the steps in this article to cut down on printing cost and especially on wasted materials.



You will also save plenty of time when it comes to correcting mistakes with the aid of these programs. To further improve your know how about these things, here are some of the fundamental steps that you can follow every time you are designing your print materials with the aid of the Adobe Photoshop.



The sketching in Photoshop

Most professional designers believe that the process of sketching is similar when it comes to traditional and digital art. The palette graphics of this program almost replicates the feeling of the drawing on paper materials. However, the drawing process in this program is not really as fast as the drawing process in paper materials. On the other side of the work sheet, you can make effects such as the halftones that cannot be drawn with the use of pencils and papers.



Preparing layers after you have finished with the sketching process

It is now the time for you to convert all the images in your print materials into sepia tones before you work on the color elements. The process of converting the images into sepia tones is a very easy task that you can do on your own. After that, you can utilize the sliders to colorize the lines into yellow or some other colors that you want. In sepia, the sketch lines usually yield halftones that are subtle, which makes it easier for you to view the image but retain its given form while in the coloring process.



Working with the lower layer

Always select a dominant dark type color that the secondary aspect can relate to without losing or decreasing the contrast in your print materials. It is a must for you to do this process so that you will not be lost in the details of all the given colors and images that are floating around your print materials.



Working with the top layer

Finally, the top layer is usually where you can work with the lines of the drawing in your poster printing by adjusting, refining and correcting them. This is also where you can work with the lighter colors to aid you smooth out uneven shapes. Once you are done coloring your poster design, the top layer is also, where you can get rid of the lines that will negatively affect your print materials.



Courtesy of BPT

Making wellness programs work for your wallet and lifestyle

(BPT) - By now you've probably heard the message loud and clear: Staying well through preventive steps is cheaper, healthier and easier for everyone than waiting until a health condition becomes an issue. From the government to your own employer, many organizations spend millions of dollars every year on wellness programs aimed at supporting individuals' efforts to stay healthy. These programs can be a great tool if they are easy to use, engaging, and provide reliable, understandable information on wellness.



Wellness programs aren't just for those with red flag factors for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or tobacco use. Rather, wellness programs are beneficial to everyone including otherwise healthy people who may simply be trying to lead a healthier lifestyle by increased exercise, weight loss or managing stress.



In fact, the concept of "wellness" goes far beyond merely keeping up with your annual physical and taking medications to manage chronic conditions. Wellness encompasses eating right, regularly exercising, avoiding unhealthy activities such as smoking, and being an active participant in your health decision making progress.



Wellness programs, often provided through employer-sponsored health insurance or through employers themselves, provide participants with information and tools to help avoid illness and injury. But, the path to good health is different for everyone and it is important that programs are not only designed to help the right people at the right time but also to engage people in a personalized, impactful way.



For example, a wellness offering such as Health Dialog's WELLNESS Dialog program begins with an innovative Well-Being Assessment to better understand physical and emotional health, capacity for change, work-life satisfaction, and health risk. It then reports on personal strengths and opportunities, offers suggested goals and actions, provides people with the tools they need to realize their own personal lifestyle goals and incorporates fun group activities to engage participants for the long term.



In order to truly make a difference, a wellness program needs to be relevant to the people using it. Participating in a wellness program can be useful, as long as the program supports not only those who are well and maintaining their current level of health or improving it, but also those who are ill and managing their care.



If you would like the chance to make a wellness program work for you, here are a few steps and guidelines to help:



* Find out what your employer offers. Many support wellness programs through their health insurers, but others supplement those plans with specialized programs. Perhaps your employer offers free exercise or stress reduction classes, or offers a stipend for health club membership as part of your benefits. If your employer doesn't currently offer any kind of wellness program, ask for one - keeping employees healthy is in a company's best interest.



* Learn your program's tools. Most programs offer help lines that you can call and discuss your specific needs and concerns, and receive information on available tools to help you. Your plan administrator may also be able to provide information. Or you can check the program provider's website to learn more.



* Discuss your wellness program with your doctor and ask for his feedback on what tools might be of most use to you. Look for tools that address your specific needs, age and lifestyle. For example, if weight management is a concern, your wellness program's nutritional counseling might be helpful. If you're looking for ways to become more active, ask if your program offers advice on exercise.



* Take advantage of incentives. Some programs offer incentives for successful participation in weight loss or smoking cessation programs. These incentives are a great tool for tracking your progress and keeping yourself motivated to achieve your goals.



You can learn more about wellness programs like Health Dialog's at www.healthdialog.com or www.facebook.com/healthdialog.



Courtesy of BPT

Why more people are installing saltwater pools

Hot summers send everyone scurrying into their pools to cool off, and the biggest new trend in swimming pools is salt water. First developed in Australia, saltwater pools offer several advantages over conventional chlorine and have become incredibly popular in the last decade.

People no longer have to tolerate the eye-burning, nose-curdling sting that comes from chlorine. Saltwater pools only have one-tenth the salt of ocean water and about one-third when compared to human tears. They are also gentler on the skin and hair than traditional chlorine pools. And pool owners don't have to purchase, store, and handle harsh chemicals, so maintenance is easier, more convenient, and saves time and money.

More chlorine pools are being converted to salt water and today there are more than 1.4 million saltwater pools in operation nationwide. An estimated 75 percent of all new in-ground pools are salt water, compared with only 15 percent in 2002, according to data published in Pool & Spa News.

Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results. "The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference," says Jodi Owczarski, the center's community relations director. "There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system."

In saltwater pools, chlorine is automatically produced as water passes through the generator. As the water exits the generator and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced.

Saltwater pools require less maintenance than traditional pools, but pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine, and monthly for other water balance factors and for salt levels, which can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Most pool owners test their pool water themselves with test strips and periodically bring a sample in to a pool retailer for testing.

Anyone who has made the decision to move to a saltwater pool should make certain they use salt specifically designed for that use. An average 20,000 gallon pool requires 530 pounds of salt at startup; with quantities that large, even small amounts of contaminants within the salt can cause pool problems. That's why ultra-pure salt is best for salt water pools. Salt water systems can also save money in the long run over chlorine-based alternatives.

There have also been questions about the effect of salt water on pool construction materials, decks and surrounding structures. When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks. Most materials are suitable for salt water pool construction, and most kinds of stone and decking materials will last if treated and sealed properly and periodically rinsed off.

If you're considering a saltwater pool, talk to a knowledgeable builder or retailer, or get some insight from other saltwater pool owners. You can also find more information at the Salt Institute website.

Courtesy of BPT

Millennials take new approach to work-life balance

(BPT) - More and more, Millennials are on the road for work. In an average month, one in four business-traveling Millennials travel overnight for work at least once per week.



As the line between "personal" and "business" grows thinner and thinner for this generation, Millennials are increasingly finding adventure through business. More than any other group, Millennial business travelers are more likely to add on extra days to their business trip for leisure travel (84 percent) according to the Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey. Millennials are funding these adventures through their business trips, too. The vast majority of this group (85 percent) is more likely to use reward points from their business travel to book a vacation, compared to a year ago.



Business travel across the nation is on the rise. According to the Global Business Travel Association, U.S. business travel is expected to grow 5.1 percent. As more Millennials hit the road for work, they are keeping top of mind a few, simple business travel perks to fulfill their appetite for personal adventure and discovery:



* Fly for free - Those flying for business can earn airline miles in their name. These business miles quickly add up, allowing travelers to upgrade seats or add another destination without accruing additional cost. Business travelers can then use these miles to bring a friend or loved one on the trip with them - quickly transitioning from business to family vacation or romantic getaway once the weekend hits.



* Earn hotel perks - Frequent stays in hotels offering rewards programs can grant business travelers benefits like free overnight stays, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast. These extras turn a business trip into much more, especially when additional nights are used to extend a business trip into a vacation.



Some hotels have seasonal programs, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton HHonors Triple Your Trip promotion, which offers guests around the world the opportunity to earn double or triple HHonors' points while enjoying the signature Hilton Garden Inn Bed n' Breakfast deal that includes breakfast for each adult staying in the same room, and free meals for kids 12 and under.



* Discover local hidden gems - Cities often encourage business travelers to experience the local culture while in town and provide package deals with discounts to restaurants, tickets to local shows or events, helpful tips to find transportation in the city and even sightseeing opportunities to explore during free time. This becomes even more common when a city is hosting a large business gathering, such as an industry convention.



Millennials continue to be at the forefront of achieving work-life balance - utilizing business travel to discover new cities, explore local cultures, taste authentic cuisines and connect with new people across the country and around the globe.



Courtesy of BPT

Credit management tips for first-time professionals

You've landed the right job, you're earning good money and your career is poised to take off. When everything is lining up in your professional life, it's natural - and smart - to think about financial planning and the future.



While you're working toward building an emergency fund, saving for a down payment on a house or car and setting aside something for retirement, don't overlook another important aspect of financial planning - looking after your credit. Even young professionals who have a grasp on other aspects of their finances may be unsure how credit fits into the mix.



Generally, people starting out in their careers have one of two experiences with credit: they've either never used it at all, or over used it (in the form of credit cards or student loans) to the extent that they're already deeply in debt. In either scenario, it can be difficult to know what you need to do to monitor your credit.



If you're a credit novice, congratulations! Your clean slate means you have a great opportunity to start out on the right foot. Your initial steps toward credit management should include:



* Obtain your credit report and familiarize yourself with what's on it.



* Educate yourself on how a credit score is calculated and what factors influence your score. These include: payment history for bills in your name, how much you owe, the length of your credit history and the variety of types of credit you use. Since you're a credit beginner, you'll need to start building a credit history.



* Start making small, judicious uses of credit. For example, you may choose to obtain a credit card and use it to make a modest purchase of a piece of technology or an appliance. Pay off the balance immediately. Or, if you need a new vehicle, an auto loan can help you build your credit history.



* Get into the habit of monitoring your credit regularly with a product like CreditReport.com, which offers its members valuable tools to help manage their credit for a monthly fee.



If you already have some credit history, the beginning of your career is a great time to review it and take steps to better manage your credit. Your regular tasks should include:



* Reviewing your credit history to get an idea of what you've done right so far, and what you need to improve.



* Learning what factors influence your credit score in both positive and negative ways. For example, paying down the balance on credit cards can improve your utilization ratio.



* Eliminating credit card debt and making responsible use of other types of credit, such as an auto loan or home mortgage.



The early days of your career can be a busy with a lot of adjustments, but it's also a ripe opportunity to plan for your financial future. Learning the benefits of monitoring your credit and seeing how it fits into your overall financial well-being is an important aspect to grasp early on.



Courtesy of BPT

Maintaining masculinity when living with prostate cancer side effects

(BPT) - One out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The good news is when caught early, it is very treatable. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is almost 100 percent because many men receive an early diagnosis.



Although survival rates are high, many prostate cancer patients experience some side effects to treatments of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. These include bowel dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, fertility loss and urinary incontinence, commonly known as bladder leakage.



It is important for men to take an interest in their health and have their prostates checked by a physician to ensure that any abnormalities are properly diagnosed. Men often don't want to discuss prostate health or the side effects that sometimes accompany treatment because of social perceptions. The problem is that a lot of men don't know how common the side effects, such as bladder leakage, are.



This causes a stigma often associated with bladder leakage, and the USDA's National Institutes of Health reports that open communication between a man and his health care provider about his incontinence is key to maintaining a good quality of life. Men shouldn't feel like they are compromising their masculinity by discussing with their doctor any side effects they may be experiencing to their treatments for prostate cancer.



Some men with bladder leakage may refuse to go out in public and avoid social situations for fear of being embarrassed. Many men feel frustrated by and don't know how to properly manage this common condition, often relying on ineffective homemade or feminine products because they don't realize there are products available just for them.



Men want protection that is made just for them, and new Depend Guards and Shields are discreet products designed to fit a man's body. Depend Guards offer maximum absorbency for larger surges, and Depend Shields are ultra-thin with light absorbency for drips and dribbles. These products adhere to the inside of a man's underwear so men can be confident in their protection and get back to living an active lifestyle.



Despite experiencing one or more of the side effects to prostate cancer treatment, men should still feel like men while doing the things they love like watching the game with friends or playing with the kids in the backyard. With the right solutions, men experiencing any of these side effects can still enjoy an active lifestyle and renewed confidence.



Visit www.GuardYourManhood.com for tips about how to manage bladder leakage.



Courtesy of BPT

Reasons to consider using keyless entry deadbolt for your home

Are you thinking about using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home, but are not sure this is smart? Then you need to be aware of the many reasons why it is smart for anyone.



There are a number of reasons that you have to be aware of, but the following are the most essential reasons for you to know.



One: Security - When you use a keyless deadbolt, this will make your security much better for your family. No burglar is going to be able to just break into your home anymore.



They will have a very difficult or even impossible time trying to get in. These deadbolts are designed so they will be able to keep people out that you don't want in your home.



When you want to keep your family safe, security is the most important thing you can provide them against burglar danger. The only way to make sure that your family stays safe is to make sure that danger can't get into your home and this lock was designed to do just that.



Two: Convenience - You will not have to worry about losing your keys and not being able to get back into your house, when you have this type of lock for your home. With it being keyless, it is very simple for anyone in your family to get in and not get locked out.



Three: Prevents theft of your keys - Using a keyless door lock requires the use of your fingerprints for your family to get into their home. This means that you will be safe from someone taking your keys and using them to gain access to your home and they won't be able to make a copy of them either.



This will prevent anyone from being able to get into your home from the theft of your keys. That means better security and safety for your family, which is very important these days.



Four: Multiple users - You can choose to add as many people's fingerprints to the deadbolt system as you need to. Adding and removing fingerprints is really easy for any family to do.



This makes it simple for everyone in your family to have their fingerprints added so that they never have a problem getting into your home.



These are the main reasons that you want to consider using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home. There are many benefits to using this type of lock for your home, as you can see. Now, you just need to decide if this is the right type for your home, or if you prefer another type that may not offer these benefits for your family.



by: Jeff Schuman

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6661.shtml

While 'sitting kills,' new tips and technology keep people moving

It's common knowledge that an inactive and sedentary lifestyle is a sure way to trim years off your life. However, only recently has research been able to confirm that your job is a silent killer, assuming you're sitting at a desk for much of the day. And although many of us try to squeeze in a workout or two a week, the studies also indicate that it's not necessarily enough to offset the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.



Experts say that the cure is very simple and recommend we aim for 10,000 daily steps as a goal and fulfill that goal by moving throughout the day. To be motivated and reminded of this goal, using a step counter is an easy way to keep yourself on the path of being consistently active and beating that silent killer.



Recent technology advancements in step counting have made these devices barely resemble the pedometers you grew up with. One of the market leaders in the new type of step counters is the Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker.



The popularity of Fitbit trackers seems to be driven by their ability to create a fun fitness experience by providing a small, sleek, high-tech device (containing a 3D accelerometer and altimeter) with a fun and helpful online experience. The tracker is small and comfortable to wear (no one can see it), and the displays provide real-time stats on your fitness. The device wirelessly uploads, so people don't have to manually enter their information online. On Fitbit.com, users can set and track fitness goals, compete and share fitness achievements with friends, win badges for achieving daily and cumulative goals and track their progress in real time.



With the constant battle against the bulge, why not build healthy active habits now? Here are a few tips to build in a more active lifestyle without devoting hours each week to working out.



* Buy a step tracker that fits with your lifestyle and is easy for you to use. Find one with a real-time display to motivate you to move throughout the day. Track your steps for a week to get an accurate sense of your activity level.



* If you are consistently below 3,000 steps per day, track when and where you are most sedentary. If it is during the work hours, consider walking around for 5 minutes every hour. And if you are able to take breaks, try getting out for a walk rather than sitting.



* If you are in the 7,000 to 10,000 range daily, consider a few minor changes to build those extra steps and establish long-term healthy habits like parking farther away and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.



* Consider taking the stairs when you can, as studies have proven that regular stair climbing has significant health benefits. A good place to start is climbing three more flights of stairs than you usually do each day. Fitbit Ultra has a setting that tracks stair climbing so you can track this fitness metric as well as distance, steps and calories burned.



* Commit yourself to a long term stair-climbing goal, like climbing 10,000 stairs for a month or 100,000 stairs by Thanksgiving. While psychologist may disagree on how many days it takes to form a good habit, all would agree it takes more than a week's commitment. Fitbit.com can track how many steps you have taken daily, monthly or cumulatively.



Once you have established a goal that's easy to track, you'll be much more likely to reach the fitness level that will help you live a long and healthy life.



Courtesy of BPT

Five ways to help kids boost their brain power

Everyone is born with about 100 billion brain cells. We form new connections between these cells throughout life, but the rate is particularly high when we're young. Since those connections facilitate thinking and learning, parents who want to help give their children an intellectual edge should consider the brain-healthy choices they make each day.

"Making the effort to nurture your child's brain with both proper nutrients and varied experiences, especially when they are young and developing at such a fast rate, is crucial," says speech pathologist Lauren Zimet, founder of Early Insights, LLC, and an expert on childhood brain development. "The connections in brain circuitry can be enhanced through the environments and activities a child is exposed to, and participates in, as well as the nutrients a child consumes."

Here are five tips to help parents enhance healthy brain development in their children, positioning them for success in school today, and well into their future:

1. Select a rainbow

It's no secret that the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables are numerous, but thanks to the results of ongoing research, you can confidently add brain health to that list. Encourage your children to eat a colorful array of produce (organic when possible) each day so they get the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals needed to nourish and protect their growing brains. If your child is resistant to eating produce, encourage them to come shopping with you and select something new to try. Kids are more likely to eat what they have selected themselves.

2. Relax the right way

While it's true that exercise boosts brain power, it's also important to teach children how to relax. Balancing activity with relaxation is important so that kids don't get too stressed, which can impact the brain's development and lead to learning and behavior problems. Teaching children early on the benefit of setting goals, working towards those goals, and giving their brain and body time to relax are important life skills. When it's time to relax, skip the TV and teach your child that taking a walk in nature, reading a book or drawing are great ways to unwind. Deep breathing is also an excellent practice to teach children of all ages.

3. Eat omega-3 brain food

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are critical to a child's brain development. They are called "essential" because we need them for optimal health. The problem is that our bodies cannot manufacture them and we can only get them from the food we eat or supplements we take. While fish, nuts and seaweed are good omega-3 sources, kids typically don't gobble down these foods. That leaves many parents worried that their kids aren't getting enough, and with omega-3 deficits linked to ADHD, dyslexia and other behavioral and psychological disorders, many are turning to supplements for their children. Experts agree that the safest, most reliable source of the most important essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) is a high quality fish oil supplement. Fortunately, there are purified, molecularly distilled fish oil supplements that are manufactured with kids in mind. Parents should be sure to choose one of these chewable, tasty options like those by Nordic Naturals to ensure success in getting their children to take the supplements.

4. Happy brains are hydrated brains

Staying hydrated is important for growing brains and bodies. Water can improve energy, increase mental and physical performance, remove toxins and waste from the body, and keep skin healthy and glowing. Based on the trillions of cells in the body that need water to function, most nutritionists agree that children need more, not less H20. To estimate how many ounces of water your child should drink daily, divide his or her weight in half and aim for that number of ounces per day.

5. Be a positive support system early on

Learning is a complex process, but children will be more open to trying new things when they know their parents believe in them. Acknowledging effort, instead of the outcome, strengthens a child's belief in himself or herself. Teaching goal setting, prioritizing activities and working off of check lists exercises the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain. Experimentation through trial and error is the way the brain learns best.

"Giving your child's brain what it needs to grow strong can help him or her at school and in all social situations," adds Zimet. "Utilizing these tips is a great way to help position your child for success in the coming school year, and beyond."

Courtesy of BPT

Taking the stress out of a job transfer move

(BPT) - A job transfer usually is a good thing. Hopefully the transfer signals a promotion as you take your career a step further up the ladder, bringing about new and fun challenges in the workplace. But the transition itself is often not easy, especially if it involves moving your home and family to a new location.



Businesses often give transferred employees less than two weeks (11 days) to accept a transfer offer and once accepted, an average of 33 days to move and report to the new job, according to Worldwide ERC, a professional association for workforce mobility. That isn't much time to find a new home, put the old home up for sale or subleasing and plan a move that could be across town, across state lines or across the country.



Resources are available to help ease the stress of your job transfer. They include:



* Your company - Before you accept the job transfer offer, check with your human resources department on what services or financial compensation your company offers. Many companies outsource relocation services or cover selected services like providing rental moving trucks for employees. Be aware that the average cost of shipping household goods for a domestic transfer was around $12,459, according to Worldwide ERC.



* Truck rental - Much of the moving process involves the transfer of your household goods. Truck rental companies like Penske help to make this process much easier. For example, Penske, which is a member of Worldwide ERC, has a dedicated customer service and sales team within its existing call center to serve the specialized needs of employee relocations. The company also added services like moving labor to help customers load and unload the rental trucks, new self-storage options for movers and customized billing options for each of these services to make the corporate transfer much smoother.



"Time, cost and ease of use are of the essence with an employee relocation move," says Don Mikes, senior vice president of rental for Penske. "We have a solid solution to make the process easy ranging from rental trucks, towing equipment and moving supplies to services beyond the truck such as self-storage and moving labor."



* House hunting - Searching for a new home could be the most stressful part of relocating. Many employees will opt for temporary housing like apartments or extended-stay hotels for the first couple months of the transfer. This allows them to get a feel for the community and take the time to review homes for sale. However, if you prefer to purchase a home right way, contact the human resources department at your new location to ask for real estate agents referrals. Also take your search online. Between MLS listings with photos and online mapping tools, you can narrow your search quickly to preferred homes, allowing you to make an appointment once with your real estate agent to tour the homes and hopefully make an offer.



* House selling - On the other end of the spectrum, you also have a home to sell. Many homeowners are opting to hire a management company and rent out the home, with the intent to sell in the future once they have their life organized in the new location and have the time to list the home with a real estate agent. Management companies handle the review of rental applicants, the background checks, collect the rent and take care of any emergency maintenance concerns that might occur, allowing the homeowner to concentrate his energies on the new job.



The job transfer process may feel overwhelming, but with these resources available to assist you with the transfer, you'll find yourself quickly settling into the new office and digging into the challenges of the new job.



Courtesy of BPT

Give your home a fresh look with color

(BPT) - A fresh coat of paint can give any room an instant lift, making it a great solution for converting a space from drab to fab.



Though neutrals reign as America's most popular paint choices, the National Home Color Survey from Sherwin-Williams shows people are becoming bolder with color. Three-in-four homeowners indicate they want to incorporate more color into their home, most commonly in their living room, bedroom and kitchen.



"Colorful paint is an easy and inexpensive way to stylishly transform a space," said David Bromstad, HGTV(R) star and celebrity interior designer. "Set the mood for a room with a splash of color and you'll spice up your space like a design pro."



Bromstad offers the following tips for anyone looking to add color to their home:



* Identify a colorful object as the focal point of the room. Select bold items to build your room around, such as a piece of artwork, rug or chair that really makes a statement.



* Use a color palette to guide design choices.-HGTV(R) HOME by Sherwin-Williams takes the guesswork out of choosing colors with coordinated collections of color, paint and wallpaper designed to flow beautifully throughout your home. Mix and match the colors to help guide your wall, furniture and accessory color choices.



* Coordinate your color transitions. For high-impact transitions, combine bolder shades with their more neutral counterparts and for a more tranquil transition, stick to softer or lighter shades that are from the same color family.



* Highlight unexpected areas. Turn ordinary areas like ceilings, banisters or door frames into extraordinary spaces. If you want to keep walls neutral, paint a piece of furniture, such as a chair, headboard or the back of a bookshelf.



* Use colorful patterns for the illusion of space. Horizontal stripes can help small rooms feel more spacious, while vertical stripes can add the illusion of height to low ceilings.



"Every colorful room adds personality to a home, from playful to serene to luxurious and beyond," said Bromstad. "That's what's great about paint colors; they allow you to express yourself through your home."



For more tips and color inspiration, visit sherwin-williams.com/color.



Courtesy of BPT

Downshifting careers for a more fulfilling life

When 60-plus-hour weeks, expensive professional suits and excessive stress become too much, many high-powered professionals trade in their high-paying careers for a more fulfilling life. Called "downshifting," the move allows former CEOs and company presidents to find more balance between work and life.

The phenomenon of downshifting is due in part to generational differences between baby boomers and older generations, says Catherine Mallozzi, director of career services for Everest University in Melbourne, Fla. While older generations saw work as something mandatory - yet not necessarily enjoyable - baby boomers have always believed they deserve fulfilling lives and careers.

"When you are stuck in the rat-race trying to climb the ladder to career success, you often have to put so much of your life on hold. You may end up sacrificing time with your family, not giving yourself time outdoors, or putting your hobbies and passions on pause," Mallozzi says. "Downshifting is one way that professionals are redefining their priorities. They recognize that perhaps their new careers won't be as lucrative, but they will be more fulfilling."

Traditional working environments have dramatically changed over the past few decades. These work environments now include part-time, flex-time and work-from-home options, giving employees much more flexibility in balancing their interests in life. For example, workers can decline new projects, take on fewer projects or try to change work arrangements.

"If you aren't ready for a complete career change, you still have a number of options. For example, bargain for more vacation time instead of that annual raise. Or see if you can work from home or move to part-time work," says Mallozzi.

But for some, small changes in the working environment aren't enough. Many wake-up calls can encourage a complete career change. Whether it is the death of a close friend, a divorce, or getting that dreaded pink slip because your company is downsizing, many professionals realize that life is too short to stay in a career that isn't allowing them to enjoy a personal life on the side.

For those who might be considering downshifting, it's important to weigh how a career change will alter their lives.

"You have to take your finances into consideration," says Patrick Wehner, business department chairman at Everest University in Tampa. "A lot of planning needs to happen before you make any big changes. Specifically, you need to be thinking about how to meet costs of your insurance, children's education, mortgage payments and retirement savings. That being said, with careful planning, changing careers can be done well and can be incredibly satisfying."

In addition to financial planning, downshifting may also require going back to school.

"Many downshifters want to open a new business - perhaps a bed and breakfast, or local used book store or massage therapy business," says Wehner. "Starting a new business in something you are passionate about is a great way to find a fulfilling career, but at the same time, you want to make sure you have the knowledge you need to be successful. For example, if you want to become a massage therapist or bed and breakfast owner, you may need to take massage therapy classes, or basic accounting and entrepreneurial courses before making that leap."

Courtesy of BPT

Three home improvement tips to help you breathe easier

(BPT) - One in five Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). As the allergy season begins, experts warn that it may be one of the worst in recent years, with people experiencing an unusually strong reaction due to increased tree pollen.



But little attention is paid to the impact of indoor air on allergies, asthma and general health. We spend an average of approximately 90 percent or more of our time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA reports that "indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor levels."



How does this impact your next home improvement project? A survey by Angie's List revealed Americans spend more than $300 billion annually on remodeling projects. Yet these endeavors typically focus solely on a home's aesthetics while ignoring one important consideration: Is your home healthy?



Start at the bottom



We all want beautiful floors in our homes. Many people, however, don't realize that some new flooring can threaten your indoor air quality. When flooring is installed, you may notice an odor for a few days or even weeks. The odor might mean noxious gases are emitting from the materials used during installation. And these emissions, particularly those resulting from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), could potentially have serious, long-term effects on your health - as well as an immediate impact on the health of family members with asthma or allergies.



The good news is gorgeous flooring options are now available that are certified "asthma and allergy friendly" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Tarkett Flooring committed resources toward developing flooring solutions which help people breathe easier. The company's FiberFloor is the industry's only residential flooring currently certified by the AAFA. To earn this certification, the flooring underwent rigorous testing by the AAFA and successfully met the following criteria:



* Installation of the flooring does not result in elevated levels of chemicals.



* The flooring has a low capacity for retaining allergens.



* The recommended cleaning of the flooring will not result in exposure to airborne allergens.



Additionally, other flooring options offered by Tarkett, such as its luxury vinyl tiles and planks and laminates, are FloorScore-certified by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) together with Scientific Certification Systems for better indoor air quality.



Tarkett's "iSelect" program simplifies flooring options and introduces customers to an interactive, multi-faceted shopping experience.- The system begins with six inspirational color families: Champagne Celebrations, Hushed Conversations, Earthy Connections, Evening Receptions, Fireside Chats, and Warm Gatherings - each offering its own feel and color space to help you find the perfect floor to meet your design, durability and health needs while also coordinating with your existing furnishings and adjoining floors.



Spring for PVC-free accessories



Did you know that your shower curtain can be one of the greatest sources of noxious gas in your home? Many homeowners purchase PVC shower curtains and liners because of their functionality and ease of cleaning. However, according to "Practically Green," a website for people interested in green living, a recent study "found that 108 different volatile organic compounds, including those known to cause developmental, liver, nervous system, respiratory and reproductive damage, were released into indoor air by PVC shower curtains." Replacing current shower curtains and liners with PVC-free products are quick and inexpensive fixes that will make your bathrooms healthier for the whole family.



Manage mold and mildew



If you're noticing moisture or mold building up on your windows, have your home checked by an energy rater or a building analyst. To prevent moisture from getting in your windows, select windows made with double pane, insulated glass to create an insulating barrier and keep moisture, mildew or mold from developing. For added energy savings, you can opt for a Low Emissivity or "Lo-E" coating to keep heat from radiating beyond the side of the window where it originated. You'll save on your heating and air conditioning bills while also minding your health.



Home improvements should be a proud reminder that your home is your castle and you treat it well. This year, consider investing in simple projects that can also improve the health of the castle's residents.



Courtesy of BPT