BusinessVoice News Network

Making fitness a habit takes some lifestyle changes. Decide what you’ll cut back on, like TV watching or scrolling online, to make the time to exercise. If you go to a gym or workout at home look at what time of day fits best for you. And find ways to add exercise to everyday life, such as walking with the whole family. Source Link

The old adage, “ask and you shall receive” can work when you want to lower some of your bills. In a study, three out of four credit card holders who requested a lower annual percentage rate got a reduction that averaged more than six percent. Phone plans, cable and internet costs and even medical charges are worth some haggling to get a discount on that bill. Source Link

Here are a few simple hacks to get the most cleaning power from your dishwasher. Keep large pans and dishes away from the door because these can block detergent from dispensing. Spatulas and serving spoons go in the top rack where they’re less likely to fall down and block a spraying arm. And before starting a cycle, check the floor of the dishwasher for any fallen utensils or leftover food that might gum up the works. Source Link

Here’s a pop quiz – what’s the value of everything in your home? It’s a good idea to document your belongings room-by-room and your smartphone can make the job easier. Take a video of each room so you can see everything when making a list. It’s also good to have individual photos of big-ticket items like electronics. Source Link 

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on fiber-rich foods and cut back on processed items that can drive you to overeat. Plan smaller dinners to make it easier for your body to process food before bedtime, and eat bread last because starting with proteins and fiber-rich vegetables slows down the digestion process to help you feel full for longer. Source Link

You can protect your child from an online invasion of privacy by scrubbing their photos from social media accounts. Start with your own and contact other people or groups who may have posted photos of them and ask that they delete the pictures. Do a Google search of their name to see what’s there and ask Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to remove any photos of children under age 13. Source Link

If you wait and wait to warm up your car before driving in cold weather, you’re wasting time and could be harming your vehicle. Pausing just 30 seconds before driving is all that today’s cars need. Idling longer wastes gas and puts extra fuel into the combustion chamber, which can get into your cylinder walls. Source Link

It’s like acupuncture but employs your fingers instead of needles to help with emotional issues. Emotional Freedom Technique is a mind-body program that uses your fingertips to tap on key acupressure points to relieve anxiety or depression. To get started, look for a therapist that specializes in E.F.T. Source Link

Training that helps you advance in the work world doesn’t have to be learning for a new job. Upskilling aims to expand and develop your current skills, and it’s important for many employers who see a skills gap in their workforce. Best of all, you can often get your employer to pay for upskilling classes. Source Link

Here’s how to create the only password you’ll ever need to remember. Write down four words – a color, a name but not yours, a place and a day of the week. Add some capital letters and one number and a special character. Practice remembering it once a day and make this your master password for a manager app that creates unique passwords for every account. Source Link

Finding the right financial planner starts with determining what help you need. Is it specific to one area, like taxes, investments or retirement planning, or every aspect of your finances? Then interview them to ask about their typical client, their approach to helping clients, what technology they use, and how they earn money from the services they provide. Source Link

Cleaning up after your dog does their business can be easier with these tips. Save those fast food cardboard French fry boxes because they make great disposable poop scoopers when you walk the dog. Or spread non-toxic squirrel repellent on the parts of your yard that you don’t want your dog to use as a bathroom. Source Link

The average American spends five hours a day looking down at their phone and that can cause tight muscles and serious pain known as “tech neck.” The condition may require medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery in the worst cases. The solution is to hold your phone at eye level as much as possible. Source Link

Doing your grocery shopping online could help you save money in several ways. It stops impulse buying in the store and lets you easily compare items from different brands. And you’ll have a better handle on what you’re spending because an online grocery cart keeps track of the total cost as you fill it. Source Link

How you answer your phone could put you at-risk for being hacked. Because scammers can easily clone your voice with a phone recording, don’t say “hello” when answering. Better yet, don’t say anything and let the caller speak first. The best defense is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave an email. Source Link

You’re drawing a blank while trying to remember something, so it’s time to do some real drawing. Studies have shown that making a drawing of an important thing can help you remember better. It doesn’t have to be a work of art because the process of drawing is what helps your brain lock in on the memory. Source Link 

When you need an emotional pick-me-up, try these simple things to help boost your mood. Take a walk with a friend, spend time in nature, turn on your favorite tunes or do deep breathing exercises. Drinking a glass of water can also help, or take a warm bath to soak away the stress. Source Link

These travel hacks can make it easier to wend your way through the friendly skies. Use the airline’s app to book quickly, get your boarding pass and see instant updates on gate changes or where to get your bags. Use a flight tracking app before you leave to see if your plane is stuck in a different city, and text your airline and flight number to your ride home so they can tap and track your progress. Source Link