BusinessVoice News Network

The long weekend is a favorite getaway and these tips can help you save on your mini-vacation. Book your rental car as far ahead as possible to get the best rates but consider waiting to find last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms. The same strategy might also work with an Airbnb that still has an opening a few days before you plan to leave. Source Link

The typical kitchen or pantry will have more room for storage when you ditch these space wasters. Throw out mismatched plastic storage containers or damaged utensils you no longer use and save the kitchen cupboard space for only the number of place settings you typically use. The rest can be stored elsewhere and you can also throw away any expired pantry staples, spices or condiments. Source Link

Creating a successful fitness plan takes some work before you start that first workout. Determine what you want out of exercise, whether that’s more energy, stronger muscles or to lose weight and find exercise you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to it. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals and create healthy rewards for when you reach those goals. Source Link

A summer heat wave can be hard on your heart, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are obese. Triple-digit high temperatures may double the number of deaths from heart disease and strokes can be more severe. Staying hydrated is important and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout a hot day. Source Link

Getting rid of apps you don’t use can pay big dividends. It saves space on your phone or tablet, keeps you from scrolling through endless screens and reduces the risk of security breaches. Make a list of apps you use every day and work back from that to find what can go. And remember to close out accounts online as well as deleting the app. Source Link

Try the “90-90” rule to decide what stays and what goes when you want to thin out your wardrobe. For each item, ask yourself if you used it in the past 90 days, or if you’re likely to use it in the next 90 days. If the answers to both questions are “no,” then it can go. And make the next step easier by keeping a box in your closet where you can toss items that are going away. Source Link

People who’ve gone on a water fast claim it’s a great way to lose weight, but is it safe? Researchers say “yes” and they found that a water fast can trigger significant weight loss, but the benefits are often short-lived. For many people the weight returns within three months, unless they follow their water fast with a diet that restricts calories. Source Link

The price of gasoline makes it smart for anyone to take a few steps to get the most out of every fill-up. Start by getting junk out of your trunk that adds extra weight and use a hitch-mounted rack instead of one on the roof that slows you down. And don’t waste gas by letting your car idle for more than 10 seconds when you start it up. Source Link

Memory loss is just one of many symptoms of dementia. Look for early warning signs like difficulty with problem-solving, confusion of time and place, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from social interactions, and mood and personality changes. And be on the lookout for increased aggression or difficulty with speech or writing. Source Link

That rental ride on your next vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Booking your rental car early is one way to save money but don’t pre-pay because you might find a better deal later. Consider if you want to buy separate insurance or have an accident show up on your own policy and take photos of any scratches or damage on the vehicle that you find before you head out. Source Link

An IRS program to file your federal income tax return for free is going nationwide. The Direct File system that was tested in a dozen states will be available for all eligible filers for 2024 returns. Direct File works with a smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer to complete your federal return for free and get a refund via direct deposit. Source Link

Is your homeowners insurance carrier flying high to check up on you before renewal? Some companies are using drones to look for things like an old roof that could leak or new features such as a pool or trampoline that can raise the risk of an at-home accident. The good news is that you can always compare coverage from other carriers if this happens to you. Source Link

Here’s a strategy if you have an average student who’s heading to college and looking for scholarships. Check for any that may be connected to your profession or where you live and apply for the many scholarships that don’t require a high GPA. You can also use social media to search for scholarship opportunities via hashtags. Source Link

Try these smart ways to save money on your next getaway. Look for travel deals from wholesale clubs and consider reliability of flights when choosing a bargain air carrier over a mainstream airline. Bring your own mini bottles of alcohol to save on bar and restaurant prices, go for free walking tours versus expensive guided ones and try local markets and street food for some meals. Source Link

What are some products likely to use shrinkflation, when you get less for the same price? Toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes are getting smaller, along with family size boxes of crackers, cans of tuna fish, boxes of pasta and sharing size bags of some candy. The shrink is also on with box counts of sandwich bags, dishwasher tabs and cleaning wipes. Source Link

When you might fall victim to a telephone scam could depend on the day and time. Testing found that people were least likely to take the bait on a Monday but by Friday two out of three gave away secure data over the phone to someone posing as an HR rep. After 5 pm was when scammers were the most successful. Source Link

A true bedtime snack isn’t a good idea because it redirects blood flow that the brain needs for good sleep, but what can you eat in the evening to satisfy that hunger? Foods high in protein or fat, like fresh fruit, yogurt or peanut butter are good choices for better digestion, but skip the traditional sweet and salty snack foods. You can drink water, milk or sparkling water, but avoid anything with caffeine. Source Link

An empty cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels can have many great uses. Use a longer size to roll up and protect important paper documents or to save kid’s artwork; wrap string around the tube to store it or wind-up extension cords, spare computer cables or Christmas lights and slip them inside that cardboard tube for neat storage. Source Link