Lifestyles

Family Features

When easing into a new year, many experts encourage more self-care. From paying more attention to your mental health to pampering yourself from head to toe, now is the perfect time to start showing yourself a little extra love.

Make time to decompress. The past year shows that every rose comes with thorns, like working from home or legitimately needing to shop online. Managing a work-home balance may be harder than ever and late deliveries can make those online orders a real headache. Add the challenge of staying healthy, less social interaction and worries about the economy, and stress is probably a constant in many lives. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and unwind. Lock yourself away for 30 minutes of quiet time so you can let those stress endorphins settle down. Read a book, listen to music, meditate or simply be, without interruptions or demands.

Keep up familiar routines. Even if you’re sticking closer to home, skipping your normal beauty routines can throw you off your game. Make it a point to get dressed and ready for a day as if you’re planning to be out and about. Looking your best can translate into feeling your best, and it means you’re ready for a surprise video call or a days-late delivery you weren’t expecting.

Give special care to your “sole-mates.” They may not be at the top of your beauty regime, but your feet are the toughest, hardest-working part of your body. Because they take you everywhere, when you show your feet the love they deserve, it shows, and can help you feel better literally from head to toe. Even if you’re not comfortable going back to the salon just yet, you don’t have to sacrifice self-care. For example, the Amope foot care line is easy to use at home so you can get long-lasting hydration and visible results. An option like the Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File uses finely ground diamond crystals to smooth hard skin effortlessly, and you can wrap up your home pedicure with coconut oil-enriched PediMasks that leave your feet soft, smooth and nourished in just 20 minutes.

Maintain social connections. Contact with friends and family outside your home may look different than it has in the past but nurturing those relationships can be an important aspect of self-care. Regular contact with loved ones, even if it’s just by text, phone or video, can help curb loneliness, reduce boredom and lift your spirits.

Set goals and start chasing them. If you feel like time is standing still, you’re not alone. However, setting goals and working toward them can help you feel more productive and accomplished. You may be surprised what you can achieve, from starting a new fitness routine or learning a new language to finally organizing an overrun closet.

Put yourself at the center of your love story and find more ideas for satisfying self-care at amope.com.

Family Features

People are spending more time at home, where their living spaces have become classrooms, gyms, offices, restaurants and more. The additional time at home provides a unique opportunity to make changes to create healthier living environments.

In fact, a majority of Americans (54%) report being more concerned about having a healthy home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent online survey of 2,000 adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

If you’re looking to improve your living space, consider these tips for making your home the healthiest it can be:

Create an ideal sleep environment. Most people sleep most comfortably when the air is slightly cool, so target a room temperature between 65-70 F. If this is cooler than you keep the home during the day, consider using a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature at bedtime. Also, remove distractions that may keep you awake and, if necessary, use a white noise device for uninterrupted sleep.

Improve indoor air quality. Maintaining heating and air conditioning filters is a concern many homeowners reported. According to the survey, 49% of respondents are concerned about reducing dust, pollen and other indoor pollutants as part of their filter maintenance.

In addition to changing air filters on a frequent basis, air purifiers and humidifiers can help make the air inside homes fresher, cleaner and more comfortable. For example, third-party testing has shown the Carrier Infinity Whole Home Air Purifier inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria trapped on the filter, such as those that cause common colds, streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza. The purifier was also tested by a third party against the murine coronavirus, which is similar to the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. In that testing, the purifier inactivated 99% of coronavirus trapped on the filter.

Update fire protection. Since the pandemic began, people are also more concerned about fire safety precautions in their homes, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your house and inside each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. In addition, install a fire extinguisher on each level and consider one for the kitchen, as well. Make sure to check extinguishers routinely and replace every 10-12 years.

Install carbon monoxide alarms. Another cause for concern amid COVID-19 is the potential for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in homes. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas, and it’s important to test them monthly. Consider installing alarms with a 10-year battery, such as the Kidde Wire-Free Interconnect 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke & CO Alarm for less hassle. It offers wire-free interconnect capability, a voice warning feature that accompanies the loud alarm tone and verbal announcements such as “replace alarm” at the end of the alarm’s life.

To learn more about creating a safer, healthier home, visit carrier.com/healthyhomes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features

Children develop their identities right alongside their abilities to crawl, walk, talk and recognize letters. There’s also a common misconception that children are “colorblind.”

However, studies have found children can show signs of racial bias at an early age, with psychologists from Northwestern University finding children as young as 4 may be picking up on cues of intolerance from adults around them. Children may not understand prejudice or racial bias, but from their earliest days, they absorb and mimic attitudes that are held by the adults in their lives.

“For children, differences are a way of learning about themselves and others, a way of building their sense of self and a place in their family and community,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, KinderCare Education’s chief academic officer. “Children will naturally look to their parents and caregivers for explanations about the diversity they see in their world and what those differences can or should mean. That’s why it’s so important to help even the youngest children learn how to embrace diversity in a way that’s respectful and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.”

Understanding and addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion can be challenging, which is why some parents may shy away from having these conversations with their children. Yalow offers these tips to help parents lay the foundation for honest and developmentally appropriate discussions.

Start by acknowledging differences. To ignore differences among people is to ignore a part of the person. When children ask, “Why does…?” questions, rather than shy away or tell them, “We don’t ask those questions,” embrace the moment and answer in simple, direct language. For example, explaining that melanin creates different skin tones or people may use wheelchairs because their legs work differently, and they need help moving around. By answering their questions, children can learn differences aren’t bad or embarrassing – they’re what make each person unique and special.

Reflect the diversity of the world within your own home. Books are an easy way to help children learn about diversity because stories are natural conversation starters. Look for books with diverse main characters who have different races, ethnicities, backgrounds and abilities, and reflect a number of family structures. As you read together, talk about the differences and similarities between the characters and your children using simple, clear language. It’s important to ensure your children see themselves in the toys, books and media around them. Children feel welcome and important when their identity and their families’ identities are represented in their world.

Build empathy. Go beyond the common refrain, “put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” and ask your children why it is important to understand other people’s perspectives. Help your children think of times they learned something about someone else and how that knowledge helped them be better friends or family members. Empathy can help children comprehend the lasting, harmful impact inequality and exclusion can have and show them why it’s important for them to understand, respect and appreciate differences.

“Learning about and celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion are lifelong commitments,” Yalow said. “Children have the benefit of approaching these topics with a fresh perspective and a strong sense of what’s fair and unfair – skills that will help them build a better future for everyone.”

To learn more about talking with your children about differences, visit kindercare.com/dei.

Dear Carrie: I’m 26 and in the Navy. I enlisted last year and am currently stationed in South Korea. With some extra cash I’m expecting from my next deployment, I should finally have all my credit card debt paid off and a decent cash cushion. I’m ready to start seriously saving for retirement. Is a TSP a good move? I’m not sure if I’ll stay in or go back to school once my contract is up. — A Reader

Dear Reader: First, thank you for your service. I’m constantly impressed by the discipline, sacrifice and courage service members provide our country day in and day out. With May being Military Appreciation Month, I hope you get all the recognition you deserve!

I also applaud you for making a plan to pay down your credit cards. That’s a difficult but essential step toward gaining control of your finances. And kudos for starting to think about retirement at such a young age; if you start now, you’ll be in a great position to build a solid future. Let’s take a look at the TSP and other plans the military provides.

Blended Retirement System (BRS)

As of Jan. 1, 2018, a new retirement system was put in place for members of the uniformed services. This system, called the Blended Retirement System (BRS), “blends” the traditional legacy retirement pension, also known as a defined benefit plan, with a defined contribution plan called the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Under the old system (which still applies to many longtime service members), anyone who finished at least 20 years of service received a monthly pension for the rest of his or her life. Those who left with less than 20 years of service (which is the vast majority of people who join the military) wouldn’t receive a retirement pension. Enrolling in the TSP was strictly optional.

Under the BRS, you’re still eligible for a pension if you put in 20 years of service, but the benefit has been slightly reduced. To compensate, you’re now automatically enrolled in the TSP along with a match from Uncle Sam.

The TSP, similar to a 401(k) offered in the private sector, is designed to help you save for the future whether you stay in the military or not. It’s actually the same plan available to federal civilian employees. How much and how you save and invest determine how much you’ll ultimately have in the plan.

Contributing to the TSP

Every service member under the BRS is automatically enrolled in the TSP at 3% of their basic salary, and the government adds an additional 1%. (You can see the deduction and match on your Leave and Earnings Statement or myPay from the Defense Finance Accounting Service.)

But here’s the deal. The U.S. government will match you dollar for dollar on the first 5% you contribute, so 5% is the absolute minimum you should contribute. If you contribute less than that, you’re missing out on free money. (And in recognition of this fact, the TSP is increasing the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who enroll on or after Oct. 1, 2020.)

But if you can, save even more. At your age, a good goal would be to save a total of 10% to 15% of your salary including the government match. Because of your young age, if you start to save at this rate now and continue to do so for the rest of your career, you should be in great shape come retirement.

If you wind up staying in the military for 20 years and receive a pension, these savings will be icing on the cake and increase your flexibility in retirement. That said, the longer you wait to start saving, the more you’ll need to sock away each month, or the later you’ll need to retire.

Your next decision is whether you want to make your contributions on a pre-tax basis or on a Roth (post-tax) basis. Generally speaking, contributing on a Roth basis makes a lot of sense for young people who may be in a low tax bracket now and a higher tax bracket later. You won’t get the tax break upfront, but the benefit of a Roth is that you’ll be able to withdraw earnings tax-free after you’ve had the account for five years and if you’re over 59 1/2.

Choose Your Investments Carefully

Making contributions is step one. Your next equally important step is deciding how you want to invest. Basically, you have a wide choice of low-cost index funds that invest in everything from short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, to corporate bonds, to domestic and international stocks — or a mix of them all.

Before you decide, think carefully about your goal (retirement), your time frame (several decades) and your feelings about risk. In general, stocks have the greatest potential for growth but also carry the greatest risk, especially in the short term. At your age, you have the time to ride out the ups and downs of the stock market, but you also have to be prepared to accept the inevitable, periodic market declines.

On the positive side, because you’ll be investing the same amount of money every month, in effect you’re doing what’s called dollar-cost averaging. This means you’ll buy fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when prices are down — easing the impact of a volatile market.

Although you’re free to mix and match the various funds, another option is the L series, which invests in a mix of the other funds, targeted for a particular time horizon or target retirement date. I think of it as a “fire and forget” system because the investment mix automatically becomes more conservative as the target date approaches. Because of this flexibility, L series is the default choice for anyone who joined the military after 2017.

Savings Deposit Plan (SDP)

Since you mentioned going on deployment, don’t forget the SDP, which is a great way to save extra pay. You can invest up to $10,000 during each deployment and earn 10% annual interest! You won’t find a more attractive offer anywhere else. You can’t close your account until you’ve left the combat zone, although your money will continue to draw interest for 90 days once you’ve returned home or to your permanent duty station.

If you’re serving in an SDP-eligible combat zone, any military finance office in the area can help you establish an account and assist you in setting up a convenient deposit method.

You’re off to a strong start by paying down credit cards and looking to save for the future. The TSP and SDP are great ways to supplement a potential pension. Take advantage of both if you can. Be safe, and best of luck to you.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Certified Financial Planner, is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of “The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty.” Read more at http://schwab.com/book. You can email Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. MEMBER SIPC.

PICTURE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

(Family Features)

COVID-19 has challenged families in different ways, and many had to cancel or reschedule trips during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which meant missing out on quality time with loved ones and the mental health and self-care benefits of going on vacation.

Although 61% of families had a trip canceled due to the pandemic in 2020, travel is still top of mind as 82% of families already have travel plans in mind for 2021, according to the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report. The report, which includes vacation rental marketplace data as well as survey data from family travelers, also revealed some travel habits that arose during the pandemic are likely to remain popular this year.

“Let’s face it, the pandemic makes it tough to predict what travel will look like in 2021,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. “That’s why we combined search and demand trends with a first-of-its-kind traveler survey of U.S. families. The combination gives us the most accurate picture possible of the plans families are making.”

Consider these pandemic-era trends as you make your vacation plans moving forward:

Staying in the Driver’s Seat
With travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place throughout much of 2020, many families opted to avoid flying and visiting crowded places by instead jumping in the car to hit the open road. This trend is likely to continue in 2021 with 59% of families saying they are more likely to drive instead of fly on their next trip. A change of scenery can be refreshing and motivating after staring at the same four walls in your home, so consider taking a road trip and exploring a new destination, even if it’s just down the road from home.

Mixing Work and Play
Many people were forced to adapt to working from home or facilitating e-learning for their children due to COVID-19. While turning homes into makeshift offices or classrooms wasn’t an easy task for many families, the schedule flexibility provided by the remote setup allowed for the rise of the “flexcation” – mixing vacation time with virtual work and school. In fact, 1 in 3 families surveyed said they were able to travel because they were working from home, and 52% of those who took a flexcation during the pandemic found the experience refreshing with 67% saying they would do it again.

Another benefit of flexcations is experiencing amenities you may not have access to at home. Consider some of Vrbo’s most sought-after amenities and vacation spots when planning your next getaway:
• Splash in the sun in Cape Coral, Florida where 92% of vacation rentals have pools.
• Cook over an open fire in Sevierville, Tennessee, where barbecue grills are included at 87% of vacation homes.
• Cozy up by the fire with a book and some hot chocolate in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where fireplaces are an amenity offered in 87% of vacation rentals.

Seeking Wide Open Spaces
Many travelers gravitate toward vacationing in peaceful and picturesque destinations, and the open sky, fresh air and scenic views may be even more appealing amid the pandemic. According to the report, 61% of U.S. families said they are more likely to visit an outdoorsy destination than an urban one and 54% are more likely to head to a national park than an amusement park.

Find more ideas for planning your next vacation – or flexcation – along with the full Trend Report at vrbo.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features

Setting New Year’s resolutions is one thing but keeping them is another. Look for ways to make it easy to stick with your plan this year so you can celebrate victories when you reach your goals.

The first step in achieving your resolutions is setting yourself up for success. Arm yourself with the resources you need to eliminate obstacles. That might mean finding the right gear, like exercise equipment or cooking supplies, or using tech tools to learn about the benefits of certain foods for better health.

Making your new routines easy and convenient can help convert unfamiliar actions into habits in nearly no time at all.

Be sure to set realistic milestone goals so you can reward yourself for progress toward your end goal. If you find yourself slipping along the way, take a look at what’s pushing you off your path and make adjustments. Keep your focus on the end goal and allow yourself some flexibility as you figure out the best way to get there.

Find more tips to help keep your healthy living goals on track at eLivingtoday.com.

Manage Meal Prep
Preparing healthy meals ahead of time makes it easier to avoid less nutritious choices when your days get busy. Use a couple of weekend hours to prep meals for the entire week and keep your healthy eating goals on track. The right tools can make the job even easier. Look for meal prep containers with dividers that help you control portions. Also look for options that stack neatly in the refrigerator and are microwave- and dishwasher-safe for extra convenience.

Boost Health with Lemons
Lemons and their peels can deliver health benefits like the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. You can easily incorporate lemons into your menu to help solve health problems or achieve desired outcomes like improved skin, hair, nails and more. In fact, the Nature’s Pharmacy app from Limoneira identifies 57 health concerns or desired outcomes, addressing them with 74 fruits and vegetables found in a typical grocery produce department. Learn more at Limoneira.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features

Nearly 30 million children in the United States rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of food-insecure children has increased 20% to 1 in 4. Although many schools are operating remote or hybrid models, most are still open full-time for feeding students.

An issue-framing report by GENYOUth, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating healthier school communities, addresses what’s at stake for schools today, progress that has been made, challenges they face and key opportunities that exist. It concludes that although the role of the school building has changed this year, health-promoting schools supporting the “whole child,” including ensuring children receive proper nutrition, matter more than ever for students to live full, productive lives.

Due to COVID-19, school nutrition professionals, bus drivers and volunteers are taking measures to distribute and deliver school meals through a variety of methods that enable social distancing, including grab and go, bus stop drop off and drive-thru pick up.

Creating Extended Meal Pickup Times
During the initial lockdown, many families were home and had greater flexibility to pick up meals during a narrow window of time. However, as people return to more typical work schedules, their availability to take advantage of provided meals is compressing. Some districts are expanding, even doubling, their pickup windows to provide greater access for families.

Eliminating Barriers to Providing Meals
School feeding programs are typically required to collect income eligibility applications from families to determine if children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Due to the pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture is allowing schools to waive those requirements and offer free meals to every student. In addition, many school feeding sites don’t require students to be present to pick up food; parents, siblings or caregivers can collect the meals.

Raising Awareness of Options and Locations
In response to crisis-level food-insecurity, GENYOUth, working with multinational software corporation SAP, engineered the SAP4Kids digital school-meal locator app so families in need can find food and other resources near them amid the pandemic while also providing ways for organizations to offer additional support.

Providing Multiple Meals at a Time
Scheduling is also a factor, leading some schools to offer multiple meals at a time. Whether it’s meals for a full day or enough food for several days, offering multiple meals at a single pickup time streamlines scheduling for both the school and families. In addition, it reduces points of contact, helping to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Seeking Assistance and Support
Federal funding continues to support school meal programs, but schools are also partnering with a wide range of organizations committed to students’ nutrition needs. One example is GENYOUth’s Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund, which has provided thousands of schools with millions of dollars in grants and in-kind support. The fund provides monetary grants to schools to supply resources for meal distribution and delivery to help ensure children continue getting nutritious meals.

“We are at an extraordinary moment where schools are taking unprecedented, heroic measures to get meals to kids,” said Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth. “Our fund provides grants to schools for the equipment, transportation and resources they need to feed kids daily. I believe the only hunger children should face is a hunger to learn.”

To learn more about the report or donate to the COVID-19 Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund, visit genyouthnow.org or text “SCHOOLS” to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $25.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

BY CARRIE SCHWAB-POMERANTZ

Dear Carrie: I’m one year into my four-year contract with the Army. I currently live off base but hate wasting my money on rent. I’m thinking about buying, especially since interest rates are so low and real estate prices just keep climbing. I don’t have much cash, but I don’t need a down payment for a Veterans Affairs loan. I figure if I stay in the Army and have to move, I can either sell or rent it out. My dad is all in favor of buying now, but my mom says I should wait until I leave the military. What do you think? — A Reader

Dear Reader: As the different opinions in your family demonstrate, buying a home versus renting is often a tough decision — and especially complicated for someone like you who may be forced to move without much notice. A Veterans Affairs loan can certainly help with the purchase, but there’s a lot more to consider as you look to the future.

Is Renting a Waste of Money?
First, let me say that I don’t believe renting is always a waste of money. In fact, depending on the circumstances, renting can be cheaper and more practical than owning a home.

Renting can make a lot of sense if you’re not going to be in the same place for at least five to seven years. If you stay in a home for many years, the substantial upfront costs of buying a home are spread out over a long time. Not so if you’re forced to move soon. Plus, as we saw during the Great Recession 10 years ago, homes don’t always appreciate in value, and you wouldn’t want to be forced to sell in a downturn.

Renting can also make sense if you don’t have ample cash reserves. As a renter, you can call the landlord if something breaks. When you own, you are the landlord, and you’re on the hook for all the costs of maintaining and repairing the property. On the flip side, when you buy a home, you have the ability to build equity. But this takes time, sometimes many years.

A good exercise is to use an online calculator to estimate the costs of renting vs. owning. A lot depends on your location. In some areas, there’s a big difference; in others, not so much. Just be sure to gather your information and do a careful analysis before you decide.

Consider Total Costs and Affordability
The cost of owning a home involves a lot more than the purchase price. In addition to paying your mortgage, you’ll also have to pay for property taxes, property insurance, maintenance and repair costs, utilities and possibly HOA fees.

And there are closing costs associated with buying a home. These are one-time expenses and fees — including appraisals, title insurance, attorney’s fees and more — which, according to Realtor.com, can run as high as 5% to 6% of the purchase price.

So, think about all of this in the context of your entire financial picture. A general financial planning guideline is that your monthly mortgage payment shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and your total monthly debt payments shouldn’t exceed 36%. If your expenses are higher, you may not have room to cover other essential expenses — including retirement savings.

As an active-duty service member, your basic allowance for housing (BAH) and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) also come into play. Whether you rent or buy, it’s possible to have allowances left over each month to pay for things like utilities and other household expenses or even savings.

What Happens If You Have to Move?
Deployment or permanent change-of-station orders can be a huge issue when you’re a homeowner. As a renter, service members are protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in breaking a lease without penalty. The SCRA also provides interest rate and foreclosure protections if you own a home, but you still have to manage mortgage payments and the care of the property while you’re away.
Also think about the strength of your local housing market. If you buy a home and are forced to move, could you be stuck with an unsold or unrented property for an extended time? If you have a renter, would you be able to manage the property from afar, especially if you’re in a remote or distant location and working irregular hours? How much would a property manager charge? Do you understand the tax implications of renting your home? Take time to understand what you’re getting into.

VA Home Loans Have Advantages
Generally, active-duty service members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members in good standing who also meet other eligibility requirements qualify for a VA loan, as do certain surviving spouses. VA loans can be used to build, purchase or refinance a primary residence. They’re not designed to finance second homes or investment properties, although you can rent out a home with a VA mortgage once you’ve lived in it.

As you mention, one of the benefits of a VA mortgage (unlike a conventional mortgage) is not having to make a down payment. But, just because you don’t have to doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In fact, the smaller your down payment, the more you have to borrow and the bigger your monthly payment. Conversely, the bigger your down payment, the smaller your mortgage payments.

VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide more favorable terms. Other benefits often include the following:
— No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement. A PMI is usually required when you have a conventional loan and make a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price.
— No pre-payment penalty.
— No minimum credit score (although the lender may have its own requirements).
These combined benefits can make it easier to get into a home and save you thousands over the life of a loan. Remember, though, just because it may be easier to get into a home doesn’t necessarily mean your housing costs will be lower than renting.

Weighing Your Options
Buying your first home is always a big decision, and even more complicated when you’re in the military. It can work but will require careful thought and contingency planning — both of which should be familiar to you given your military training. Ask around to see what others who have gone down this road think and have experienced. In the meantime, happy belated Veterans Day, and thank you for your service!

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Certified Financial Planner, is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of “The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty.” Read more at http://schwab.com/book. You can email Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. MEMBER SIPC.
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5 tips for building (or rebuilding) your emergency savings

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The new year provides an opportunity to re-evaluate different aspects of your life, and that includes your budget and savings habits. Planning for emergencies by building – or rebuilding if the COVID-19 pandemic required making a withdrawal – a savings account to withstand the unforeseen can increase confidence in your overall financial health and reduce worry that a significant life event will negatively impact your finances.

“Our research shows having emergency savings is the foundation for long-term financial health,” said Chandni Ohri, program lead in savings and financial health with BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative. “The start of a new year is a good time to make a savings plan, which can consist of putting a little bit of money away regularly.”

Even before the pandemic began, 4 out of 10 Americans had a hard time finding even $400 to cover an emergency, according to a report from the United States Federal Reserve. However, if you don’t think you have money to save, consider the majority of people who were able to save for an emergency for the first time in 2020 earned less than $60,000, according to research from BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative, a group of nonprofit experts, corporate partners, and providers. Changes in spending due to the pandemic plus government stimulus packages helped many individuals create much-needed cash buffers.

Consider these tips to build your emergency savings account and create a buffer of cash for when emergency strikes.

Start a Savings Habit
While it’s less important to have a specific dollar amount in mind, getting into the habit of putting some money in savings with each paycheck can help protect you should an emergency arise. While one good rule of thumb is to set aside enough to cover roughly six weeks of living expenses – housing, food, transportation – take a look at what it would cost to cover unexpected issues with your car, a trip to the hospital, a leak in your home or the replacement of a major appliance and start there.

Even a small amount, such as $50 in your savings account when it’s the day before payday and you’re running on fumes, can save you from an overdraft fee, having to resort to using a credit card, borrowing from a loved one or taking out a loan. However, research from the AARP Public Policy Institute found having a cash buffer of approximately $2,500 can help prevent financial hardship over the longer term. If you lose your job, for example, your emergency account could help pay for necessities while you find a new position, or the funds could supplement any unemployment benefits you may receive.

Automate Your Savings
Because an emergency can strike at any time, it’s important to have easy access to your funds. However, the account should also be separate from your checking account so you’re not tempted to dip into your reserves. Pick a free savings account with no minimum balance requirements and link it to your everyday account to quickly move money over if you need it.

Look for ways you can automatically save such as enabling roundups from your checking account to be transferred to your savings with each purchase or having your employer split your paycheck and automatically deposit a portion into savings each payday.

If you’re planning to stash funds away for months or years that can serve as both an emergency fund and long-term savings, consider a high-yield savings account.

Look for Ways to Cut Back
While you may have already made changes to your spending habits amid the pandemic, periodically shopping for competitive rates of recurring bills, such as cable and internet, cell phones insurance policies and other utilities, can be a simple way to save some money each month. Start by asking your current providers about any special rates and promotions that may be available to loyal customers then check with alternative providers to see if they can provide the same or better offerings at a reduced cost. Sometimes returning to your current provider with a more competitive rate from elsewhere can be extra incentive to work out a deal to keep a longtime customer.

Also look at any subscription services you use, or potentially don’t but still pay for, and see if they offer a cheaper plan that still meets your needs or if you’re able to cancel subscriptions you no longer use frequently. Other expenses such as dining out or buying new clothing and accessories could also be scaled back if you find you’re splurging too much. Avoid completely cutting spending for leisure activities from your budget but look for reasonable tweaks that can allow you to set more money aside for unforeseen expenses.

Take Advantage of One-Time Opportunities to Save
Assuming you expect to receive a tax refund, this provides an easy way to boost your emergency fund if circumstances allow you to save all or a portion of the return. If you’re able, consider having your refund directly deposited in your emergency account. The same strategies can be applied to any government aid checks you may receive, such as a second round of stimulus money that could be distributed to eligible citizens in 2021 to help reinvigorate the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

There may also be other times throughout the year when you receive one or more cash gifts, like your birthday or holidays, that can help provide a nice cushion to your emergency fund if you can avoid the temptation to spend it.

Replenish What You Use
Remember to review and adjust your savings plan as needed, whether you’re able to contribute over a longer period of time without dipping into the account or if an expensive life event pops up that requires using all or a portion of the funds.

Should you need to dip into the savings, do your best to make replenishing the account to a level you’re comfortable with a primary goal in case any additional unexpected expenses arise. Alternatively, if your saving is going well, consider increasing the amount you’re saving each paycheck so you’re better protected against any major life changes or able to finance a large-scale purchase down the road.

Find more information and tips for building your savings at savingsproject.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Recipes and tips for seasonal, socially distanced entertaining

Family Features

Delicious, colorful and versatile, smoked salmon can make it easy to elevate your holiday festivities, which might look shockingly different this year.

Whether it’s your family or a small group of friends, you can feel good about serving sustainable smoked salmon to your guests. Highlight smoked salmon at socially distanced gatherings with these recipes and tips from chef Nora Pouillon, a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and her daughter, Blue Circle Foods product director Nina Damato.

Ready, Set, Serve
There’s no need to prep or cook smoked salmon – it’s sliced and ready to eat so you can impress your guests in no time with a colorful smoked salmon platter.

1. Arrange smoked salmon layers on a decorative platter.
2. Garnish with your favorite charcuterie sides like olives, capers, pickles and sliced lemon, tomato, cucumber or radish.
3. Season with dill sprigs, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
4. Serve with an assortment of crackers or buttered triangles of crustless brown bread.

A Seafood Superfood
Smoked salmon is a nutritional powerhouse full of antioxidants, omega-3s and protein. A 2-ounce serving of Blue Circle smoked salmon contains 1,000 mg of health-boosting omega-3s, which meets the daily requirements recommended by the FDA’s 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To make the most of a healthy choice, look for smoked salmon that does not contain sugar or added preservatives.

A Sustainable Protein
To ensure your smoked salmon is sourced with the environment and your health in mind, purchase products that are free from antibiotics, GMOs, added hormones and synthetic colorants.

A Dietary Chameleon
From traditional tastes to keto, gluten-free or dairy-free canapes, smoked salmon fits the bill. Its clean ingredient profile means it satisfies many common dietary restrictions.

For mouthwatering appetizers, try Pouillon’s Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats. If you enjoy pairing smoked salmon with traditional flavors like cream cheese and capers, consider her Smoked Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Caper Filling.

To access more recipes and tips, visit bluecirclefoods.com.

Smoked Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Caper Filling
Recipe courtesy of chef Nora Pouillon

4 ounces Blue Circle Smoked Salmon
olive oil
6 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons small capers, drained, plus additional for serving, divided (optional)
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Layer smoked salmon slices on lightly oiled aluminum foil, overlapping slightly.

Mix cream cheese with capers, onion and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place thick line of cream cheese mixture along long side of salmon.

Roll up salmon carefully with help of aluminum foil, similar to sushi roll.

Chill in refrigerator 2-3 hours or overnight to firm up roll.

To serve, use sharp knife to slice salmon roll into 1/2-inch long pieces.

Place rolls on serving plate and garnish with additional capers, if desired.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats
Recipe courtesy of chef Nora Pouillon

1 English cucumber (about 1 1/2 inches thick and 10 inches long)
1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into tiny pieces
1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dill sprigs, finely chopped, plus additional for serving (optional), divided
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 ounces Blue Circle Smoked Salmon, chopped or pulsed
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and use spoon to scoop out seeds. If cucumber skin is too thick, peel before slicing.

Gently mix tomato, scallions, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon juice and smoked salmon until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill cucumber halves with smoked salmon mixture.

Slice cucumber boats into 1/2-3/4-inch pieces crosswise.

To serve, place pieces on platter and garnish with additional dill, if desired.

(Family Features)

If you’re short on time to finish that holiday gift list, video games and collectibles are perfect for practically anyone on your list.

The clock is ticking so consider this list of the season’s hottest gifts, compiled by GameStop gaming expert Meg Kaylee.

Gaming Consoles: Among the most popular gaming consoles this season is the Nintendo Switch, which lets you game at home or on-the-go – you can even disconnect while you’re in the middle of a game. At a slightly lower price point, the Nintendo Switch Lite comes in a variety of fun colors and its smaller size makes it extra portable – perfect for keeping kids occupied during holiday road trips.

Video Games: This year marks the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., which still appeals to kids of all ages after more than three decades. Games featuring Mario and Luigi’s adventures also work as throwback gifts for the kids at heart on your list. For more experienced and mature gamers, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the latest installment from the popular franchise. If you have a sports fan in your family, Madden 21 allows for competition in head-to-head online and offline games in single and multi-player modes.

Accessories: Help up your gameplay with accessories that make gaming more enjoyable, immersive and entertaining. If you have a PC-gamer in the family, consider an Astro A10 Call of Duty logoed headset or a Razer keyboard and mouse known to improve your skills during intense gaming sessions. Other accessory options include carrying cases, memory expansion cards, extra controllers and more.

Collectibles: If you’re stumped by a hard-to-buy-for gamer, consider collectibles, like the Star Wars: The Black Series Shadow Trooper Electronic Helmet. You can also find action figures, statues, apparel and even waffle makers representing your favorite franchises and characters.

Screen-Free Fun: Take a break from screen time with classic-meets-contemporary board games like Monopoly: Star Wars: The Child or Super Mario Jenga. You can also find puzzles and card games that appeal to all ages.

Gift Cards: Gift cards are a simple choice when you’re not sure what to buy, and you can choose a specific platform like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam or Google Play. Another option is game passes, like the Xbox All Access or Xbox Game Pass, that allow the passholder to play more than 100 games for one low monthly price.

Make a Trade
If you’re strapped for holiday cash, a trade-in program may be a way to get some extra money for what you really want. For example, at GameStop you can trade in consoles, games and even smartphones you’re no longer using for in-store credit or cash on select items. Or if you miss out on getting a game or console you really want, trade in the gear and games that miss the mark to buy what you really want.

Cut out the holiday shopping stress and find last-minute ideas for every budget, age and interest on your list at GameStop.com/GiftHub

Celebrate the season with dishes from morning to night

Family Features

(Family Features) The holiday season and all its celebrating often means full days of visiting family and friends, opening gifts and enjoying moments with loved ones, even if much of that interaction may take place virtually this year. With all the laughter and happiness, you’re bound to get hungry, and feeding the family throughout the day means you’ll need recipe ideas ready for the occasion.

Starting the big day with a bountiful breakfast helps begin the festivities on a high note, while appetizers help hold everyone over for the main course, sides and, of course, dessert. Consider these tasty dishes to take your holiday gatherings to new heights from morning to night.

Visit Culinary.net to find more holiday meal ideas.

One Terrific Turkey

Centering your holiday meal around a turkey cooked to golden perfection is the ideal way to serve a feast. Without the right preparation and execution, however, your bird could fall short. To ensure your holiday dinner centerpiece lives up to expectations, follow these simple tips, from purchase to plate:

1. Buy the right bird. Finding a turkey that’s just the right size for your expected party is the start to a successful gathering. One common rule of thumb is the buy 1 pound of turkey per person – so, for a 10-person meal, purchase a 10-pound turkey. Don’t forget that nearly everyone loves leftovers, so you may consider buying a few pounds more than necessary.

2. Be patient. If you opt for a frozen turkey, don’t rush the thawing process. For larger turkeys, it can take days to defrost properly.

3. Timing is everything. Finding the right amount of time for your turkey to spend in the oven is crucial but not always the easiest thing to do. For an 8-12-pound bird, aim for 2.5-3.5 hours; 12-16 pounds for 3.5-4 hours; 16-20 pounds for 4-4.5 hours, and so on. The key is bringing the turkey to a temperature reading of 170 F.

4. Let it rest. Instead of pulling the turkey out of the oven and immediately carving it, give it a chance to rest for 20-30 minutes, which allows the juices to soak into the meat and moisten it up.

An Easy and Cheesy Holiday Appetizer
If you need a last-minute appetizer or want to impress your friends, but don’t have the time to spend hours making something, consider this easy-to-make, easy-to-eat cheesy treat.

This Cheeseball recipe calls for a handful of common household ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, vegetables and Worcestershire sauce rolled together and chilled for a tasty dip served with crackers. For added flavor, it’s made using Buddig Beef, which has been feeding traditions for more than 75 years with its time-tested appetizer.

Find more holiday recipe ideas at buddig.com/recipes.

Cheeseball
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
2 tablespoons minced green onion
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 packages (4 ounces) Buddig Beef or Ham, chopped, divided
1 package assorted crackers

In large bowl of mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and cheddar cheese until creamy.
Mix in black olives, green onion, red bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and 2 ounces chopped beef until well combined.

Form into ball. Wrap in plastic wrap.

Chill at least 2-3 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Just before serving, roll in remaining chopped beef until completely coated.

Serve with assorted crackers.

Call Together Loved Ones with Cookies

A true holiday celebration calls for sharing moments with loved ones and creating memories that can last a lifetime. Crafting a sweet dessert to cap off the festivities is a perfect way to come together in the kitchen and enjoy the moment with those who matter most.

These Gingerbread Cookies made with C&H sugar can be a hallmark holiday treat that allow kids to help in the process. Once they’re out of the oven, ask little ones to help decorate the festive and delightful cookies.

Visit chsugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating with family throughout the year.

Gingerbread Cookies
Recipe courtesy of
Bernice Baran
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup C&H® Dark Brown Sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
royal icing

In large bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar about 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses; mix until well incorporated.

In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Use mixer on low speed to add to butter mixture until combined and dough is formed.

Divide dough in half, wrap with plastic film and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Flour clean work surface. Roll dough 1/8-1/4 inches thick. Cut out shapes with desired cookie cutters.

Transfer cookies to lined baking sheets and bake 10-12 minutes, or until firm. Let cookies cool on baking sheets 2-3 minutes then transfer to cooling rack. Cool completely.

Decorate cookies with royal icing.

A Memorable Morning Breakfast

Holiday mornings are iconic for those moments spent together opening gifts, sharing stories and enjoying a meal. Skip the cereal and frozen foods for a spread like these Orange Eggs Benedict with a homemade hollandaise sauce.

With six servings, it’s perfect for a family breakfast to fill empty stomachs after a morning of gift-giving. Plus, kids can join in on the fun by helping make the hollandaise, which simply requires mixing a few ingredients before pouring over the completed dish.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Orange Eggs Benedict
Serves: 6
Orange Hollandaise:

2 egg yolks
1 orange, juice only
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
8 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 French baguette slices, 3/4-inch thick each
6 thick slices ham
1/2 cup orange marmalade
orange zest, for garnish

To make Orange Hollandaise: In small bowl, blend egg yolks, orange juice and salt until combined. Gradually add melted butter into egg mixture while blending. Set aside.

In skillet, add water halfway up sides. Add vinegar. Bring to simmer. Break eggs into water to poach. Cook 3-4 minutes until whites are cooked through and yolks are still runny. Using slotted spoon, remove eggs and drain on paper towels.

Spread butter on one side of bread slices. Place bread in skillet and cook until golden brown. Add ham to same skillet and cook until browned on both sides.

To assemble, spread bread slices with orange marmalade. Top each with one slice cooked ham and one poached egg. Pour hollandaise over eggs and garnish with orange zest.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features

This year has been tough for many. Despite the challenges, acts of compassion and generosity can bring together the global community. With this holiday season different than those before, it is important to remember the world’s shared humanity and help make the season brighter.

For those who will be celebrating this season and are looking for gifts that give back, UNICEF Market offers an online collection of handcrafted gifts made by artisans from around the world. Supporting these small businesses helps both the artisans – many of whom are dealing with economic hardship because of the pandemic – and the lifesaving mission of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The platform brings business to artists like Mirian Otzin from Central America, who began weaving using Mayan techniques with her mother as a hobby at the age of 8. Otzin worked for a female weavers organization for 16 years before becoming an entrepreneur.

“This is something I’m grateful to UNICEF Market for because for me and many artists like me, this is our only source of income,” she said. “Thanks to its system and the space it’s opened up for artisan women like me, we still have hope that we can overcome this pandemic. During these hardships, we’re still crafting in our home-based workshops, making sure we’re following all the health protocols set by our health departments and the platform’s rules that we must follow to keep everyone safe.”

Featuring an array of woven goods, Otzin’s profile includes table linens, cushion covers and bags. In addition to Otzin, more than 2,000 artisans are empowered on the platform. These entrepreneurs share their talents, selling their handcrafted items for homes and gardens, jewelry and more, such as reclaimed stone flowerpots and onyx and marble chess sets from Mexico, teakwood cutting boards from Thailand, silk tapestries from Ghana and knit blankets from India.

A portion of gifts’ proceeds also help fund lifesaving programs such as nutrition, sanitation, education and more in the more than 190 countries where UNICEF works. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the organization’s 13,000 staffers have reached 250 million children with distance-based learning and 2.88 billion people with virus prevention information, as well as delivering more than 234 million units of personal protective equipment, hospital equipment and diagnostic tests to frontline workers globally. As the largest vaccine buyer in the world, the organization is set to lead the procurement and supply of COVID-19 vaccines in the world’s biggest and fastest operation of its kind.

Share the best of this season by visiting unicefusa.org/ShopSmall2020.