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Everybody needs sleep, but many of us dont get enough. This can make it hard to get through the day and can have long-term effects on health. The risks are particularly serious for children, who need to get enough rest to grow and succeed in school and other activities.Potential ProblemsInadequate sleep can affect kids in many ways. A child who is tired may have trouble getting ready for school on time and concentrating in class, which can lead to academic struggles. Kids often experience behavi...
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Here are a few tips for the ultimate staycation…Call the CleanersHave a cleaning service do an extra deep clean so your home practically feels like a hotel.Pamper YourselfPick a few products to upgrade around the house, like luxurious bath salts or fine linens for your bed.Make ReservationsBook yourself a day at the spa, make a special dinner reservation or buy tickets to a show.Stock Up on Your Favorite FoodsEveryone eats well when they go on vacation, so its perfectly fine to indulge in your...
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Weve all experienced it: The phone rings and you dont recognize the number, but you answer anyway. The voice on the other end of the line is cheerful, knows your name, and starts asking personal or financial questions.Some unwanted calls, such as those from telemarketers, are more annoying than harmful, but others might be scams that could lead to damaging identity theft or significant money loss.Thats why caution is key.To help consumers stop unwanted robocalls and avoid phone scams, the Federa...
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U.S. military members have access to some great benefits that can go a long way toward making their financial lives (and those of their family) a lot better.Here are some of the best financial benefits that service members have available to them:Inexpensive Retirement PlanThe Thrift Savings Plan has a low annual expense ratio of 0.038 percent of assets, making it a far better retirement plan for military members than 401(k) retirement plans, which have annual fees and expenses of 1-2 percent.In ...
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Take these factors into consideration when it’s time to decorate your living space!Proportion & ScaleBefore buying furniture, always take measurements and try to visualize how it will fill the space its intended for.Color SchemeTake the time to look for inspiration and choose colors that match the mood youre looking to create.Traffic & FlowWhen arranging furniture and decor, consider how youll move about each room and the way in which these items direct traffic.BalanceThe goal ...
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If youre buried in credit card debt, theres a reasonable solution that your credit card company may allow you to use, but only if you ask about it.A hardship plan, also known as a credit card payment plan, can help dig you out of debt and ultimately improve your credit score. A hardship plan can also save you money in interest payments and reduce your monthly credit card bill.Dont be scared if you think a hardship plan is the same thing as the debt management plans you see on TV commercials. Tho...
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According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise.Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: its a bit easier to maintain over the long haul, and its deemed a better environmental choice because it emits lower levels of radon"a potentially cancer-causing agent. To be fair, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains...
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These four features will provide the utmost relaxation, pleasing friends and family alike.Outdoor SaunaAn easy addition to the backyard, an outdoor sauna provides multiple benefits to your body and cardiovascular health.Plunge PoolFor those who enjoy the restorative properties of hydrotherapy, a plunge pool will have you feeling fresh and energized.Massage RoomFor the ultimate in personal wellness, a tranquil massage room is the perfect way to bring your home spa to the next level.Meditation Stu...
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Buying life insurance can seem like a difficult and expensive endeavor if you havent done it before. Both can be overcome if you have a good insurance agent.Here are nine ways to save on life insurance, all of which you should ask your agent about:Dont smoke: Smokers are more likely to die younger than nonsmokers, making smoking one of the biggest health risks and reasons to have higher insurance rates " at least double that of a nonsmoker.Weigh less: Your height and weight are an indicatio...
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Good nutrition is essential for childrens health, but countless parents struggle to get their kids to eat right. For many families, mealtime is a frequent source of conflict and power struggles. If your child is a picky eater, you need to understand that it’s not uncommon.Give Your Child TimeMany kids are reluctant to try unfamiliar foods. Their taste preferences take time to develop"a child may need to see, smell, feel and taste a food several times before deciding that they like it. If ...
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Looking for a living space that will help you reconnect with Mother Nature? Heres what you should know about biophilic design.The BasicsAt its core, this design movement is all about creating a living space that feels like its a part of nature.Design SolutionsBreaking down the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces is a big part of biophilic design. A retractable glass wall lets in sunlight in the winter and can open to the outdoors in the summer.The BenefitsWhen we feel closer to nature,were...
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For many people, mornings are stressful, even chaotic. Rushing and feeling anxious first thing in the morning can set a negative tone for the rest of the day. Some simple (but important) changes can make a world of difference.Prepare for the Day AheadYou can eliminate much of your morning stress by taking care of as many things as possible the night before. Check the weather forecast and pick out clothes and shoes for yourself and your kids. If anyone will need an umbrella, coat or other items n...
