Local News
Online Features
All Categories
Six simple steps to financial success
(BPT) - After watching the stock market soar to record highs over the first four months of the year, many investors are wondering if they should make changes to their investment portfolios. Perhaps - but not because of what the stock market has done. Investment decisions based on short-term market moves are often short-...
full story
DIY or DI-don't? When to do it yourself, when to hire a pro
(BPT) - When it comes to home improvement, homeowners aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty; 64 percent who plan to make improvements this year say they will do it themselves, according to an American Express Consumer Spending and Saving Report . But not all home decorating or renovating projects are suitable for the ...
full story
Dining outdoors? Tips for keeping food safe and delicious
(BPT) - Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of warm weather. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood barbecue or an intimate dinner party on your deck, outdoor dining is a great way to savor good food, company and the great outdoors. To ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to know how to pre...
full story
Leading a well-balanced lifestyle [Infographic]
Today’s well-rounded man balances many areas of life - including family, friends, work, fitness, and nutrition – while remaining confident and dependable. To celebrate and honor the all-around, seasoned guy, Total Cereal and Men’s Health are teaming up for the first-ever nationwide search to find today’s all-around man.
full story
Curb appeal tips to transform your home
(BPT) - Sprucing up your home’s curb appeal brings new energy and life, not only to your property, but also to the entire neighborhood. It creates a welcoming and appealing environment, while also making it a better candidate for resale, if that’s in your near future. Curb appeal improvements can range from giving your...
full story
Go-big upgrades that can help a lingering home sell at last
(BPT) - Everyone knows spring and summer are the best months in which to sell a home. If your house has lingered on the market, you may be eager to find ways to freshen its appeal for potential buyers. Perhaps you’re even ready to go big and invest in upgrades that will improve the home’s value, curb appeal and interior...
full story
How stay-at-home moms can prepare for retirement
When women choose to leave the workplace in order to stay at home and raise their young children, they make certain trade-offs. For example, they usually give up the chance to earn more money in exchange for the opportunity to spend more time with their children during their formative years. “Sacrificing this income ca...
full story
Sun safety: Protect your eyes and vision [Infographic]
As summer approaches, consumers will stock up on sunscreen to help protect against skin cancer. However, what people don’t realize is that prolonged sun exposure without proper UV protection for their eyes may also lead to a variety of vision disorders.
full story
Time is short to prepare for the Obamacare metal plans
Millions of consumers will be faced with a choice to enroll in one of four different Obamacare “metal plans,” on Oct. 1. The metal plans are new categories of health insurance - nicknamed “metal” because each plan is named after a metal - created by the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare. Many consumers have littl...
full story
Recycled plastics in the garden: It's all about the 'green'
Our lawns and gardens seem to be all about the “green.” We spend a lot of green on our lawns and gardens – nearly $30 billion a year. We grow a lot of greens – nearly a third of us grow food in our gardens. And many companies now make outdoor gardening products with recycled materials, such as plastics – which contribut...
full story
Dress your home to impress buyers this summer
(BPT) - Your home is a place to kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy precious time with friends and family. Nothing quite tops the feeling you get when you walk through your foyer, close the door behind you and forget the day’s troubles. But as families expand, promotions require unexpected relocations or a coveted resi...
full story
Looking for a greener way to clean your pool?
(BPT) - There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than by lounging by the pool. Unfortunately, this backyard family oasis requires regular maintenance throughout the summer that can include expensive and sometimes unhealthy chemicals. Have you ever wished there was an easier way you could clean your pool, that was also ...
full story