(ARA) - What gardener doesn’t find tasks like weeding and watering tiresome? To tackle recurring chores like these and more with greater ease and efficiency, consider some practical tools that offer two-in-one solutions.

Watering well: For a new twist on watering, try the new Dramm ColorStorm Spinning Sprinkler. The spinning head is designed to cast arcs of water up to 38 feet in diameter, while atomizing water into fine droplets for more efficient water usage and more thorough soil penetration.

Weeding and mulching: To gardeners, weeding is the very definition of “relentless.” With new Preen Mulch Plus you can apply mulch and prevent weeds for six months in one easy step. Preen Mulch Plus is a premium shredded wood mulch with two highly effective weed preventers already mixed in. It stops weeds, as seeds, before they start growing.

Cutting, digging, rock removal, crack cleaning, planting and more: A. M. Leonard’s classic soil knife is a multi-solution tool that now comes in a deluxe model. Definitely a two-for-one item, on one side the blade features a tapered slicing edge, on the other a deeply serrated cutting edge. New features include a more comfortable grip and inch markings on the blade shaft.

(ARA) - What do you get the man who’s done everything for you - from spending sleepless nights changing dirty diapers to trading in his muscle car for a minivan - but asked nothing in return? This year, start paying dad back for all he’s done by making Father’s Day the best yet with these surefire gift ideas.

For the dad who likes to snack
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If that’s true, your dad will love you even more after he opens your gift of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky.

For the fishing-focused dad
If striking fear in the hearts of trophy fish is his idea of a relaxing weekend, dad is sure to enjoy the Rapala Rippin’ Rap, a highly versatile lure that will provide dad with tons of on-the-water action.

For the constantly connected dad
Make your tech savvy dad’s year with Nexia Home Intelligence, a new smart home automation system from two home industry powerhouses – Schlage and Trane.

For the baseball-loving dad
Nothing says father-child bonding like throwing around a baseball in the backyard. This Father’s Day, celebrate America’s pastime with the man who introduced you to the game.

(ARA) - Air pollution is a very serious concern indoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental threats. It also reports indoor air is three to five times more contaminated than outdoor air, on average.

Some tips to keep the air you breathe inside as clean as possible include:

* Install hardwood floors versus carpeting. Carpeting traps particles, and with every step you take across it, those particles are released back into the air.

* Have carpets professionally cleaned with a truck-mounted system.

* Use natural- or botanical-based cleaners instead of chemicals.

* Regularly change your furnace filter - most experts recommend doing this every two months. This will help remove particles circulating through the air.

* Have your heating and cooling system thoroughly cleaned. This is because dust and other air pollutants collect in the vents, and then are picked up by the air stream and blown back into the house.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends homeowners take off the cover of an air vent and look down the vent with a mirror and flashlight or a digital camera. If the ducts are covered with dust or debris, it's time for a heating and cooling system cleaning.

To find a qualified heating and cooling system cleaner in your area, visit NADCA.com.

(ARA) – Good is just not good enough for many employers today. As companies look to do more with less, hiring managers are drawn to those job candidates who stand out from the crowd and clearly illustrate the value they bring to an organization.

J.T. O’Donnell, career strategist and author of “CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career,” suggests that job candidates need to learn how to G.L.O.W. in order to shine brightly among an ever more competitive job market.

G – Gain perspective: Take a step back and assess your situation.

L – Luminate your goal: To “light up” your career goal, break down your preferred position into a list of “must haves,” “nice to haves,” and “don’t wants.”

O – Own your actions: Be ready and willing to put forth the effort required to make change happen.

W – Work it daily: Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind so that you’ll take steps every day, no matter how small, to get closer to them. Display your goal where you can view it throughout the day.

(ARA) - There are more than 400,000 children in foster care across the United States, according to the most recent report released by AFCARS (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System). The encouraging news is that this number continues to decline – down more than 8 percent from 2008, and nearly 30 percent from 1999, when there were nearly 570,000 foster children.

One primary reason for that decrease is the implementation of proactive social service programs such as Safe Families for Children (SFFC), a ministry committed to keeping kids out of the foster care system, preventing child abuse, supporting pregnant and parenting teens and strengthening families. Safe Families for Children enlists host families to provide temporary care for children whose parents are experiencing personal difficulties so that they can work through their troubles without having to place their children in foster care.

Family preservation professionals, such as Bill Blacquiere, president of Bethany Christian Services, know that while the decade-long decrease in the number of children in foster care is a positive sign, there’s still plenty of work left to be done.

For more information on foster children, visit www.Bethany.org.

(ARA) - With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to get outside to relax with family and friends. Today’s homeowners want their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their homes, with 80 percent saying a patio or front porch are “must haves,” according to a survey of residential architects by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“What’s old is new again as the front porch is again a popular place to connect with your friends, family and neighbors,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors. “Plus the patio offers a secluded spot to grill, entertain, kick back and relax.”

To enhance both the indoor and outdoor look and comfort of a home, install a new patio door. Pella offers a variety of energy-efficient patio doors from classic to contemporary.

Mix functional furniture. Coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms since you and your guests will likely spend time in both areas. Group pieces together to encourage conversation and showcase an attractive view.

Add colorful accessories. Incorporate rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in bright colors and fun patterns. Some of the season’s top color palettes include rich reds, bright blues, soft neutrals and garden greens.

(ARA) - Katherine Gordon, an eighth grader at Canton Charter Academy in Canton, Mich., steps up to the large moving box. As she adds an assortment of soaps and lotions to the box, her teacher, Charles Lindquist, watches on and marvels at her effort. “This is the third time Katherine has come in with an armload of gifts this week,” he says.

The effort to collect Mother’s Day gifts at Canton will go to women staying at First Step in Greater Detroit, but the same scenario will play out in more than 200 schools across the country this month, to benefit women living in 102 domestic abuse and homeless shelters.

The program, called Movers for Moms, was started in 2008 by a group of Michigan-based Two Men And A Truck franchisees looking to make an impact on their statewide community. This year, more than 100 of the moving company’s locations in 27 states will participate in the program.

The moving company has partnered with schools to provide classes with boxes, coloring pages and the moving logistics required to gift community shelters this year. To support the Movers for Moms Mother’s Day program, visit http://www.twomenandatruck.com/moversformoms. To identify a community shelter to support year-round, visit www.ncadv.org.

(ARA) – Now that warm weather has arrived, you’ll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to company. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you can create an upscale look for less.

Start by looking at the railing. More than just a safety feature, the railing is one of the most prominent design elements of any deck, and changing it is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching statement.

Aluminum railings are increasingly popular because they allow homeowners to introduce curves and angles to their deck design. Durable yet lightweight, aluminum won’t rot or corrode, making it a good choice for the outdoors. One example is Deckorators aluminum railing kits, which come in a variety of designs that are black or white powder-coated to weather the elements, plus they’re backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

If you like the look of wood, but want something more durable without the maintenance hassles, consider railings made from composite materials. With a look that emulates real painted wood, composite railing options won't split, warp, rot or suffer from insect infestation.

(ARA) - By 10 a.m., Anna Johannes has crossed more off of her daily to-do list than most strive to accomplish in a week. As a swimmer with her eyes set on the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, every moment of her day counts as she balances training, practice, taking college courses and completing homework assignments.

Johannes’ days are long and regimented, but not spent entirely in the water. She is preparing for her future off the starting blocks by taking college courses at DeVry University, named an official education provider for U.S. Olympic Committee. Johannes is working to achieve her educational goals while still being able to maintain her training schedule.

“I’m able to take classes by going online, which gives me the flexibility to participate in interactive discussions with classmates and professors and complete my assignments in between practices,” says Johannes.

“You have to be able to look at your goals and ask yourself, ‘what will I achieve today?’ Otherwise, the big picture can be overwhelming.”

One thing is clear; despite her setbacks, Johannes has never second guessed her ability to achieve success both in and out of the water.

(ARA) - As you weigh used cars and new cars, price tags and the cool factor, use this guide to balance your teen’s wish list with the kind of car you want to look for.

* Check out best-of lists. USAA’s top 10 cars for teens on its Best Value vehicles list highlights cars for teens based on factors like reliability, safety and affordability.

* Get the CARFAX Vehicle History Report, if you’re buying a used car. This report, found through a car’s VIN or license tag number, can alert you if a car’s been totaled in a previous accident or damaged in a flood.

* Have an Automotive Service Association-certified mechanic check the car inside, outside and underneath.

* Use online resources to compare the sticker price, which the dealer wants you to pay; the invoice price, which is what the dealer paid; and the true market price. USAA Car Buying Service offers research tools and a network of dealers to help you find the right car at the right price for you.

* Investigate insurance costs. Good grades and driving records can bring down overall costs for your family, as can some of the safety features available in today’s vehicles.

(ARA) – A growing number of families are discovering golf vacations. In 2011, nearly 26 million people age 6 and older golfed in the U.S., according to the National Golf Foundation. The sport attracts families – both serious golfers and casual dabblers – for many reasons.

When evaluating a family golf location, check online resources for special offers tailored for families. For example, during the summer kids play for free at 46 courses in the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area, including the renowned Arrowhead Country Club, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club and Possum Trot Golf Course, where humorously named holes help the course earn its reputation as the “friendliest course on the Grand Strand.”

Some golf destinations may be more geared to serious, adult golfers than for families, while others may be heavier on miniature golf courses than championship-level play. The ideal location for a family golf vacation will have a mix of both types of venues.

While golf may be the impetus for your vacation, there’s no shame in breaking away from the course now and then. Look for locations that offer a myriad of other activities and attractions for times when you want to do something else. Family-friendly locations should include a mix of dining and lodging options, museums and amusement parks, beaches and park areas, musical shows, historic sites and more. Myrtle Beach, S.C., is the perfect example of this kind of destination.

For more information on Myrtle Beach golf vacations, log on to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

(ARA) - Communication is the backbone of all businesses – regardless of size or industry. In the modern business environment, the ability to transmit and store information is vital to productivity - and thus, success. But no communication system runs itself – it’s the people behind the scenes who ensure that a business thrives. This means huge career potential for individuals who can design, implement, secure and manage communication networks and keep them running smoothly.

This widespread demand is one of the reasons CNN.com listed database administrators and systems administrators among its “Best Jobs in America for Fast Growth." Candidates for these positions are expected to have an educational background in network and communications management or similar subjects.

Students of the Network and Communications Management bachelor’s degree program at DeVry University, for example, learn skills in Ethernet-enabled voice-operated IP systems, security firewalls and next-generation network administration. Courses review wireless communications, advanced topics in networking and network security, preparing students with working knowledge to solve any business communications issues.

The 2010-2011 edition of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Handbook reports that overall employment of computer network, systems and database administrators is projected to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, making it a clear bright spot in the job market.

(ARA) - Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn’t require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics.

Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the “three P’s” of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch.

Plants

New Bloomtastic! and Patio Tropics! tropical plants from Hines Growers, offer immediate color and impact for any sized garden, deck, porch or patio. Simply leave them in their pretty pots to add lush flowers and foliage to your outdoor spaces or grow them throughout your landscape for a pop of vivid color.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest, most economical ways to create a tropical feel inside or out. Choosing a color that reminds you of the beach sets the theme for your overall design.

Punch

Adding tropical patterns and fabrics into your decor brings flexibility and endless possibilities.

Cushions in tropical colors, throw pillows with bold floral designs and tropical inspired linens on the table are an easy way to add punch to your outdoor decor.

To see a full range of tropical plants and more inspiration, visit www.hinesgrowers.com.

(ARA) – There’s a common misconception among the American public that estate planning is only the domain of the elderly or the very wealthy. That’s far from the truth.

If you haven’t considered yourself as a candidate for estate planning, you might be underestimating the value of your assets. In fact, items like your home, your car and your life insurance are assets – and valuable ones at that. The unhappy result of failing to plan may be unnecessary fees, expenses and delays at a time when your loved ones are struggling to cope with loss.

The complex nature of planning your estate might put some people off, but in that situation, a professional, Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) can simplify the process. Working with a team of professionals ensures that your plans are streamlined, understandable and clear-cut, to avoid confusion down the road. The NAEPC makes it easy to find vetted professionals in your area with a search tool on its website www.naepc.org.

The most important thing to remember is that planning your estate well ahead of time – when you’re feeling your best and when you’re calling the shots – ensures that your goals will be accomplished. Visit www.estateplanninganswers.org for more information.

(ARA) - The newest interior design trends are invoking a playful vibe into rooms by mixing and matching different styles for an eclectic, fun look. Homeowners who want to express their own unique style can blend a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, says Erinn Valencich, L.A.–based designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens.

Set a good foundation
Eclectic style can include a variety of periods and styles and is connected through the use of color, texture, shape and finish. With such a bevy of decor options, an eclectic room can easily turn chaotic. That’s why Valencich recommends starting with a good foundation, the floors.

A floor like Quick-Step’s new Reclaime flooring in Heathered Oak serves as a pleasing canvas to create your eclectic room design, while also adding an attractive level of style and artistry to a room. This floor gives the same visuals and charm of a hardwood floor constructed from reclaimed, vintage wood which adds depth and personality to the room.

“The great thing about spaces decorated in an eclectic style is they can easily be changed depending on mood, inspiration and budget,” Valencich says. “That’s why it’s important to have flooring that is versatile enough to adapt to your changing style.

(ARA) - If long-standing wedding traditions seem a little confining and out of date for your modern nuptial celebration, you're not alone. Lifestyles are trending toward practical and tasteful simplification.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Instead of a traditional bachelor or bachelorette party, combine both parties and consider a hike, beach party, bike ride, cook-out and croquet or an evening of fun at a skating rink or bowling alley.

Find a vintage dress or off-the-rack model and seek out a creative local designer or dressmaker to turn out a truly individual, inspired bridal dress.

Rather than a costly and extravagant open bar, consult a local mixologist to create a simple menu of two or three custom cocktails and soft drinks that reflect your personalities, wedding theme and season.

Take the time to craft truly personalized gifts for your honored friends in the wedding party or as table favors for your guests. Tom Havran, aromatherapy expert at Aura Cacia, suggests choosing a natural body care theme and filling a basket with homemade personal care items such as an aromatherapy spritzer to calm nerves, a foot soak to soothe tired and sore dancing feet, and a bath and body oil for takeaway skin care.

(ARA) - Spring-like temperatures arrived early this year, and with them came early allergy symptoms for many: itchy throats and eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing, teary eyes and more.

With allergists predicting a more intense allergy season than usual this year, it makes sense to take steps to reduce allergy symptoms in your home. Here are some easy things you can do around the house to increase your family’s comfort - not only now, but all summer long.

* Keep windows closed. Keeping your windows shut will help keep pollens out. Start your air conditioning system earlier in the season.

* Control humidity. Having a humidifier or variable-speed technology as part of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help control your humidity, and your indoor air.

* Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Allergy season is an ideal time to have your HVAC system inspected to ensure it’s working properly. A dealer can also advise you on how a whole-home air filtration system, such as the AccuClean(TM) from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, can catch up to 99.98 percent of allergens from your home’s filtered air — including dust, dander, pollen and bacteria. To find an independent dealer near you, visit americanstandardair.com.

(ARA) – If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.

Post caps
Deckorators VersaCaps give a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These one-size-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, making installation simple. They come in a variety of colors and many are available with a built-in solar light. These unique post embellishments are sure to fit your color palette and will enhance your overall outdoor design aesthetic.

Fascia corners
Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover any ugly joint connections. Deckorators also offers two black powder-coated fascia corner designs - ridge and leaf - that install easily with screws. Fascia corners are an easy way to capture your own personal style while complementing your home’s architecture.

Composite decking
Latitudes composite decking features a more natural-looking surface with a realistic grain pattern available in a variety of colors. Plus it’s backed by a 25-year stain and fade warranty, so it’s guaranteed to look great on your home for a long time, making it a wise investment.

(ARA) - With warmer weather working its way across the country, people’s attention is again turning to the environment and spring and summer driving. And as fuel prices continue to climb, gas mileage needs to be a consideration, as much for budgetary reasons as environmental impact.

American drivers who think they’re priced out of better gas mileage by the cost of hybrid vehicles can find another way of squeezing a few more miles out of each gallon. Tires that roll more easily over roadways are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way of improving mileage.

For all of the interest in hybrid vehicles, the Hankook Quarterly Index of driving habits found that only 3 percent of respondents actually own one. More than half of consumers – 55 percent – are daunted by the higher price of hybrid vehicles compared to conventional all-gasoline cars.

Eco-friendly tires, like Hankook's upcoming enfren eco, offer a cost-effective solution. They reduce rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption, and can cut a driver’s gas consumption at the same price as standard tires. Sixty-eight percent of the drivers who said they were interested in eco-friendly tires would buy them for the better gas mileage, while 21 percent would do it to help the environment.

(ARA) – A recent survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) found that 82 percent of homeowners said they would use their backyard more if they had a pool. And nearly as many believe having a pool turns your backyard into an everyday vacation spot.

If you’ve been dreaming of a pool, spa or hot tub, this is your year to make a move. The APSP offers some tips to keep in mind while you’re looking for a contractor to do the job.

* Does the contractor you’re considering have an established company with experience building pools or installing hot tubs in backyard environments similar to yours?

* Has the contractor considered all factors in his or her cost estimate?

* Does he or she understand any unique safety concerns you may have?

* Does your contractor understand your vision for your backyard pool or spa and can he or she help make it as cost-effective as possible?

* Does your contractor participate in continuing education to stay abreast of the newest technologies, efficiencies and design trends in the industry?

* Is the contractor you’re considering an APSP certified professional? Contractors who achieve the APSP certification have proven knowledge of design and construction, are committed to continuing education to maintain their certification, and adhere to a stringent code of ethics. To find an APSP certified contractor in your area, visit www.APSP.org/memberlocator.

(ARA) – If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house that already had a pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there’s not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) points to five renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment:

1. Resurfacing – Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life.

2. New tile – Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make.

3. Change the look of the pool deck – The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room.

4. Add a water feature – Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment.

5. Lighting – While safety is the primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz.

To ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional through the organization’s website, www.apsp.org.

(ARA) - Why do-it-yourself (DIY) when you can do-it-together? Now DIYers are teaming up with friends, families or companies to tackle home improvement and spring-cleaning projects.

“Tackling home improvement or maintenance projects is a great way to work together with others in your community to accomplish more in less time,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors.

Follow these tips from experts at Pella on how to clean windows and insect screens, either alone or as a team:

* Delegate members of your team to different jobs to maximize efficiency.
* Use a premixed vinegar and water solution (one part white vinegar for 10 parts water) and a soft, lint-free cloth to wash window glass.
* Apply a generous amount of cleaner and rinse with clear water if streaks remain.
* Avoid ammonia- or alcohol-based glass cleaners that can leave streaks or a film that attracts moisture and dust.
* To remove dust and dirt from screens, simply vacuum with the upholstery brush.
* For grease spots on kitchen or patio screens, use hot water and a mild detergent.

Consider replacement windows with a tilt-in feature, like Pella double-hung windows, or extra-wide openings between the sash and frame, like Pella casement windows, to make window cleaning easier.

(ARA) - For many people, the onset of spring and summer are the ideal time to take on a home improvement project. Paint is a popular choice for those looking to freshen up their space, given that it is an easy, economical activity and a fun way to make a dramatic difference.

“People are looking for more cost-saving ways to enhance their spaces,” says National Association of the Remodeling Industry chairman Paul Zuch. “Some of the most dramatic transformations are projects like resurfacing cabinets or painting your home.”

With today’s technologies at your fingertips, determining the right paint color is easy and anyone can be their own interior decorator.

* See your finished look without picking up a brush with Sherwin-Williams’ color visualizer, where you can digitally repaint your space, or get inspired with Chip It! (www.letschipit.com), which instantly turns any online image into a color palette using more than 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors.

* Liven up your living area by revamping the bedroom, giving new life to an old piece of furniture or staining the deck.

* Define your style. Make a statement combining bolder paint colors with their neutral counterparts.

* Use high-quality materials. Spending a little more at the outset saves money in the long run.

(ARA) - Gardeners who like things easy, have mobility issues or get muscle fatigue are always on the lookout for smart gardening gadgets designed to keep them playing in the dirt.

* Make heavy lifting easier –With a nifty labor-saving sling device called Pot Lifter, two people working together can move big bulky items with ease. Just slip the sling around the object and lift.

* Stop weeds – Preen garden weed preventers cut down significantly on the onerous task of weeding by stopping new weed seeds from rooting and growing for up to three to four months per application. Now Preen offers a smart battery-powered spreader-applicator cap that makes it even easier to apply Preen pre-emergent granules atop garden soil or mulch.

* Spare knees while kneeling – Jolly Kneeler is a molded polyurethane knee-rest that is orthopedically designed to support gardeners comfortably while they’re on their knees planting, plucking or playing in the dirt.

* Water plants from the porch – AquaCones from Achla Designs are super easy watering spikes that attach to plastic bottles. Just flip over and sink the spike into the soil. The water in the upside down bottle slowly drains to the plant roots.

(ARA) – The secret to a beautiful lawn isn’t in how much time or money can be invested, but rather taking the right steps at the right time to eliminate lawn and garden problems.

Here are some common landscaping issues and the easy steps any homeowner can take to correct them:

Sparse, brown lawn

If your lawn is looking sparse and brown, the likely culprit is thatch. A dethatcher, also known as a power rake, is the easiest way to get rid of the layer of thatch. Then you’ll want to use an aerator to poke small holes in the dirt so that nutrients, air and moisture can get to the roots. These two pieces of equipment are critical for repairing sparse, brown lawn, but purchasing them outright is costly. Consider renting them from your local American Rental Association rental store. Find the one nearest you by www.RentalHQ.com.

Overgrown hedges, shrubs and trees

Meticulously trimmed hedges and trees make a yard look perfectly manicured. The tools of the trade will make the job a breeze, but you don’t need to purchase a tree trimmer or chainsaw. You can easily rent those at your local American Rental Association rental store for a fraction of the cost of buying them.

(ARA) - For many, spring signifies the budding of flowers and longer days filled with warm sunshine. But for one in five people, spring also means allergies are in full swing.

Allergies, which affect an estimated 60 million people in the United States both young and old, can really take a toll on your daily routine, and they are a nuisance both in the daily life and professionally. Whether you’re affected year-round or during a specific season, learning how to manage allergy symptoms can be vital to restoring your comfort and quality of life.

“There are a number of very effective over-the-counter treatments to address the symptoms of seasonal allergies,” says Dr. William Berger, professor of allergy and immunology at the University of California, Irvine. “In fact, to help patients save money, I would recommend many of the store-brand, non-sedating antihistamines sold at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Cetirizine or Loratadine. These products are approved by the FDA, but cost significantly less than the brand names.”

According to Berger, many allergy sufferers may find better relief of their symptoms by trying one of these newer, more effective treatments now available in the aisle, like Fexofenadine, which just switched from prescription to over-the-counter in 2011.

(ARA) – One big investment every consumer needs protected is their house and property. Many homeowners often overlook simple measures that can end up having costly consequences.

"While unexpected problems can never be completely avoided, there are measures homeowners can take to protect their home now, and avoid costly repairs later,” says Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA, a provider of emergency repair service plans.

Service your air conditioner:
To ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible, replace your air filters at the beginning of the season, and ideally every 90 days.

Check out your heating system:
Spring is the perfect time to make sure your furnace is in full working order before a winter emergency occurs.

Curb unanticipated financial responsibilities with extra protection:
Look closely at your home insurance policy and check if your utility offers an emergency service contract. If not, consider signing up for an emergency repair service plan that covers gaps in your home insurance policy. HomeServe USA offers affordable emergency repair service plans to cover plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, and will dispatch a local, licensed and insured contractor to make the necessary repairs.

(ARA) – If you’re planning a home improvement project, you’ve probably heard some horror stories: contractors who overcharge, underestimate the actual cost of a job, drag a project out weeks longer than it should take, or simply leave a job unfinished.

While the majority of contractors are honest, you still need to check a contractor’s business license, and the business’s financial stability, before you hire anyone for your spring home improvement project.

Online resources like ContractorCheck.com, by Experian, can help you check a contractor’s credentials. Experian maintains a database of more than 5 million contractors and their businesses' information, and ContractorCheck.com allows you to view this data, which includes critical information such as:

* Company name, address and phone number
* Multiple operating addresses
* How long the company has been in business
* License, bonding and insurance information
* Contractor specialties
* A credit review that will reveal any past collection or derogatory credit events
* An easy-to-understand contractor rating

Additionally, ContractorCheck.com reports include public record information such as liens or judgments against the business – important information considering that according to a recent review of Experian’s database, 8.4 percent of contractors had a lien on file and 6.2 percent had a judgment filed against them.

(ARA) – Maintenance and improvement are both essential realities of home ownership. But how do you know when something like a skylight simply needs repair, or merits being replaced?

While many modern skylights are energy-efficient, qualify to use the Energy Star mark, and are leak-free, if you have an older, plastic model it’s probably a good idea to replace it. Not only are these older plastic bubble-type skylights often faded and unsightly, reducing visibility, they are not UV-ray resistant, are not energy efficient, and are much more likely to leak.

“There are millions of those unattractive, cracked and yellowed plastic skylights still out there,” says Ross Vandermark, national product manager of VELUX America, which markets the warranted “No-Leak Skylight.” “Replacing them with new energy-efficient, double-pane (insulating) glass models is quick and easy.”

In fact, based on an estimate of 15 cents per kwh/hr, replacing an old plastic skylight with a ENERGY STAR-qualified VELUX skylight can save a 2,000-square-foot home about $194 a year on cooling costs, a company study shows. Add skylight blinds – which are available in a variety of styles that can be remote-controlled, including blackout to block light, light filtering to diffuse light, or Venetian to adjust light – and the energy savings can be enhanced even more. And blinds in colors and patterns can add a fresh look to your room decor. To learn more about replacement skylights, visit www.veluxusa.com.

(ARA) – Are cats man’s new best friend? Perhaps.

Cat parents share a powerful bond with their furry friends in a relationship only they understand. For most cat parents, cats are confidants, friends and even considered part of the family. This deep connection fosters a strong sense of understanding. So much so, that one-third of cat parents revealed they communicate better with their cat than their significant other, according to a survey conducted by Kelton Research for Meow Mix Tender Centers.

“Cats are members of the family and we rely on them for companionship,” says Sue Resnicoff, director of Cat Food Marketing at Del Monte Foods. “There is a bond formed between cat parents and their cats that extends well beyond ‘meows’ to an intuitive relationship that includes a deeper understanding.”

Cat parents cultivate relationships with their cats, both at the end of a long day at work and also on those lazy weekend afternoons with plenty of snuggles and playtime. The strong relationship between cat parents and their cats reveals the tender center cat parents have for their cats.

(ARA) - Some institutions are working with high school educators to teach students about the importance of preparing for college. DeVry University’s HerWorld program was designed to provide young women with the tools they need to be better prepared to succeed in college, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Now in its 15th year, HerWorld sponsors nationwide events each year that give high school girls the opportunity to interact with peers from other high schools in the area, participate in educational and confidence-building activities, and listen to local female leaders discuss how they achieved their career goals.

"HerWorld helps young women realize that they have the power to make their professional ambitions a reality," says Donna Loraine, provost/vice president of academic affairs for DeVry University. "The impressive stories of female leaders expand the students' perspective and teach them the steps they need to take to forge their own career paths."

This year, Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls through 2012, and DeVry University Corporate Partners have teamed up to support National HerWorld Month in March. It is anticipated that more than 7,000 young women from hundreds of high schools will participate throughout the month at more than 30 HerWorld events across the country.

(ARA) - Energy-efficient skylights are appealing home improvements on several levels. First, they create a dramatic impact by opening a room to the sky and admitting ample, healthful natural light. Second, they can impact your home’s energy efficiency by reducing dependency on artificial light sources and providing passive ventilation (if you opt for a venting skylight, which can be a great way to passively move moist air and vapors from inside a kitchen or bath).

Add accessories like manual or solar powered remote-operated blinds, and your skylights further underscore the overall design theme of your room. Blinds are available in a range of colors and patterns to complement virtually any room design, and they enhance the efficiency of the skylights by helping you control the amount of light or heat that enters or leaves your home.

While Energy Star-qualified skylights function like a window to admit light and fresh air, they’re less limiting to your overall design. Typically, skylights get installed on a blank slate – the ceiling – whereas adding a window would mean giving up wall space that you could use for artwork, a wall mural or other design accent.

And long gone are the days when skylights were a design feature limited to placement on the top level of your home. Now, there’s a skylight format that will work in virtually every room of your house. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

(ARA) – Planning a wedding in a more “attainable” destination is popular among couples who want to enjoy a warm or unconventional location while also offering guests an affordable and fun getaway.

Check out these tips to help you easily organize everything, even from afar.

* Location – Myrtle Beach, S.C., has 60 miles of public beaches, gorgeous waterfront reception venues, breathtaking gardens and historic plantation settings that provide plenty of options for the perfect wedding location. Visit the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at visitmyrtlebeach.com to discover more.

* Make it a vacation your guests will remember – Choose a destination that offers a variety of attractions for everyone. Visit the CVB to snag visitor guides and destination brochures for welcome bags.

* Send out “Save The Date” info early – Prioritize your invite list and destination immediately so your “Save The Date” notices are timely and informative. Include options for nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, or even rental home options with differing price points.

* Reach out to a local bridal association – Because they’re local and work close to the industry, these experts know how to match a couple with wedding planners, DJs, caterers, officiates and lodging based on the couple’s budget and wedding preferences.

(ARA) - The need for well-educated accounting professionals will continue as long as business grows. All businesses require financial guidance from professionals with accounting knowledge who can prepare, analyze and verify financial documents.

Accountants have traditionally handled a wide variety of tasks depending on the needs of their employers. They carry out financial information-gathering procedures, help clients pay taxes, work in a regulatory capacity to ensure that business laws are adhered to, and even handle the monitoring and investigation of white-collar crimes.

“Businesses are expanding, financial laws and regulations are changing and becoming more complicated, and companies face increasing financial scrutiny,” says Dr. Oscar Gutierrez, national dean for the college of Business & Management at DeVry University. “Accountants ensure that companies adhere to these new standards, creating a future of strong job opportunities for bachelor’s degree holders who specialize in accounting -- whether they are trained as financial analysts, forensic accountants or tax consultants in the public, corporate or government sector.”

In addition to the bright employment future it offers, many professionals are attracted to the field of accounting because of the ability to be their own boss. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 8 percent of accountants are self-employed or work from home.

(ARA) - Instead of paying a professional hundreds of dollars to do their taxes, an increasing number of U.S. taxpayers are doing it themselves. The trend toward self-preparation is in part due to the high price of professional tax preparation. Though fees have remained steady over the last few years, the National Society of Accountants’ 2011 survey reports the average fee for a Form 1040 with Schedule A plus a state return was $233, and $128 for a non-itemized Form 1040 and state return.

Not only have more affordable do-it-yourself tax preparation software solutions become easy enough for tax novices to use, they allow consumers the luxury of doing their taxes at their leisure from the comforts of home.

Though the look and feel of user interfaces vary some across brands, the key differentiator between tax preparation software is price. Products range from free to more than $100, but most taxpayers should find the lower-priced products more than adequate. TaxACT is the only free federal product that includes all e-fileable forms for simple and complex returns. If you’re not sure what forms you need, start with the free product. You can upgrade if you need or want to later. State returns usually cost extra.

(ARA) - Your friends want to watch the games at your place, but the house is a mess, the drinks aren’t cold and your television is a relic from the days of fat tube TVs. Before the must-see sporting events of 2012 arrive, make sure you have all your bases covered at home. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re ready.

Make sure you have a TV that guests actually want to watch
The new Cinema 3-D models from LG Electronics have an advanced 2-D to 3-D conversion, which allows consumers to view any sports program in 3-D. The affordable FPR 3-D technology makes it easy for a group of fans to watch the game in 3-D together. These 3-D glasses are movie-theater-style “passive” glasses that come with a smaller price tag than the more expensive, battery-powered kind.

Plan your menu and overestimate on food and drink
You’ll need the space to store all of the food and drink before the big game. The LG super-capacity French-door refrigerator offers 31 cubic feet of storage space – the largest capacity in its class (largest capacity standard-width French Door refrigerator; excludes other LG manufactured products). And LG’s unique Blast Chiller feature can chill a 12-oz can from room-temperature to ice cold in around five minutes.

(ARA) - If you feel like you are drinking lots of liquids and your mouth still feels dry, or if you have difficulty talking, chewing or swallowing, you could be experiencing dry mouth. If you think dry mouth isn’t serious enough to mention to your doctor, think again. In many instances, dry mouth and poor oral health can be an indication of a more serious medical condition, like Sjogren’s syndrome, which affects as many as 4 million Americans.

Sjogren’s is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks and destroys the moisture-producing glands in the body. Often, the condition leaves patients with chronic dry mouth as they experience a decrease in saliva. Many patients also frequently experience a dry or a gritty, sandy feeling in their eyes. Both dry mouth and dry eyes are the hallmark symptoms of Sjogren’s. Other symptoms may also include joint pain, fatigue, a change in taste or smell, or tooth decay.

“April is Sjogren’s Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to make an appointment to talk to your doctors about dryness,” says Steven Taylor, CEO of the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation.

While there is no cure for Sjogren’s, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms. For more information on Sjogren’sand its symptoms, please visit DefytheDry.com. There, you can download a Sjogren’s Symptoms Checklist to help guide you and your doctor through a more productive conversation about your symptoms.

(ARA) - Migraine is a condition involving recurring headaches that often can last anywhere from two hours to four days, and can completely interrupt your daily activities, impair your work performance and affect your family obligations. Research shows that many treatments can help prevent migraines, yet few people use these preventive treatments, according to new guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society.

Some over-the-counter treatments may offer relief for migraine sufferers.

Several herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals are used for preventing migraine. The guideline research found that the herbal supplement Petasites, also known as butterbur, is effective in preventing migraine attacks. There is moderate evidence that riboflavin (vitamin B2), the mineral magnesium and the herbal preparation MIG-99 (Feverfew) can help prevent migraine.

Some prescription drugs help prevent migraine attacks, too.

The blood pressure drugs metoprolol, propranolol and timolol have been shown to be effective. The depression drugs amitriptyline and venlafaxine, as well as epilepsy drugs divalproex sodium, sodium valproate and topiramate can help prevent future occurrences of migraine. It’s important to discuss prescription drug options with your doctor to see if one is right for you.

You can learn more about the guideline recommendations at http://www.aan.com/guidelines.

(ARA) - Every year, people across the country make resolutions to quit smoking, but research shows that less than 5 percent of those who quit without assistance are successful in their quit attempt.

Smokers need a variety of tools to help them quit. Saul Shiffman, PhD, an addiction and dependence expert at the University of Pittsburgh and a world-renowned researcher in behavior change and relapse, and paid consultant to GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, offers these tips:

* Determine the best tools to help you quit smoking. There are a variety of resources available online to create a plan after inputting information about your personal habits and behaviors associated with quitting. Try CommittedQuitters.com or call 1-800-Quit-Now.

* Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT doubles a smoker’s chances of quitting smoking successfully versus placebo. NRT, like nicotine gum or nicotine patch, helps relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

* Quit with a support network in place. You can get behavioral support through your own personal network of family and friends, a counseling program or hotline, or an online smoking cessation resource like Blueprint to Quit, which provides smokers access to trained experts and quitting materials.

For more information about how to keep your resolution to quit smoking, visit www.committedquitters.com.

(ARA) – When it comes to home improvement, you can spend money in two basic ways: on “have to” things that make your home look better and on “want to” things that make it function better.

Here are a few “have to” improvements that have the potential to turn into a good-looking, energy-efficient, enjoyment-enhancing “want to’s.”

* The right replacement water heater can help your house achieve a lovely shade of green. Solar water heating systems use the power of the sun, collected through low-profile solar panels on the roof, to heat water – at a monthly savings that’s about 80 percent less than the cost of traditional heaters.

* Illuminating your home with natural light is a smart buying decision on multiple levels. For rooms where a window is impossible (like a powder room) or where you don’t want to sacrifice privacy (like a master bathroom), a tubular skylight is a good alternative. Some, like Velux’s Sun Tunnel products, are easy enough to install that a seasoned do-it-yourselfer could accomplish the task.

* A skylight is a great way to passively vent stale, moist air from inside your home, especially from baths and kitchens. While some skylights are “fixed,” those that do open can be controlled by a remote to open when you want fresh air and close when you want to retain warmth. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to learn more about Energy Star qualified skylights.

(ARA) - Homeowners expect to get a bill from their utility company each month, but opening one for a particularly expensive month can be a real shocker. Consider these home improvement solutions to take a huge bite out of your energy bill:

Tip 1: Assess the roof
A radiant barrier, such as Enerflex, reduces heat transfer between your roof and the attic floor where insulation is typically installed. Enerflex can reflect up to 96 percent of the radiant heat energy from the sun back through your roof, making your attic space, and therefore home, cooler.

Tip 2: Look for leaks
There are various ways to check for window and door leaks, from holding a candle flame near the crack and gauging how much the flame moves to sliding a piece of paper through the opening to see if it catches or tears. If you find a leak, the easiest solution is to add weather-stripping around doors and to caulk windows.

Tip 3: Swap the bulbs
Consider this: homes that use Energy Star-qualified light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and they last at least six times longer.

(ARA) - Scary but true: The Internal Revenue Service audited almost 1.6 million individual taxpayers in 2010.

To help you avoid the spotlight, Texas-based financial services provider USAA points out eight IRS attention-getters and offers eight IRS survival tips if you catch the taxman's attention.

1. High incomes. According to IRS 2010 enforcement results, your chance of being audited triples once your income crosses $200,000.

2. Large itemized deductions.

3. Home offices. You can only take a home office deduction if you regularly and exclusively use part of your home as your principal place of business.

4. Missing investment income.

5. Incomplete returns.

6. Business losses. Make sure your expenses are legitimate, and that your business isn't just a thinly disguised hobby.

7. Charitable deductions. You'll need a canceled check or dated receipt for any cash contributions, and contributions of $250 or more require a written acknowledgement from the charity.

8. Medical expenses. You only can deduct these costs to the extent they're greater than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, and it's important to have detailed records.

(ARA) – If you have decided to sell your home, that last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a long time. So what do you need to do to ensure that listing your house floods your real estate agent’s office with showing requests?

1. Spiff up the entranceway
Every interested buyer will enter through your front door. Have you looked at your entranceway with a critical eye lately? Consider replacing old or sagging screens. If your front door is dirty or scratched, clean it up or add a fresh coat of paint.

2. Create an outdoor oasis by detailing your deck
Start by adding beautiful deck and fence post caps like Deckorators VersaCaps to create a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These one-size-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, and come in a variety of colors.

3. Add outdoor extras for safety and style
Railings can add style to your deck, porch, patio or stairs, plus they add a safety element to your home. Deckorators CXT Railing is the perfect choice because you get to choose from a variety of rail and baluster combos that emulate the look of real painted wood and are ultra low-maintenance for long-term durability and strength.

(ARA) – If you’re throwing a party of any kind, you likely need a few supplies. But you don’t want to invest a lot of money in items you will only use once. So how do you host the party you envision without buying items you’ll just have to store and maintain later?

Tip one: Organize with a list
Make a list of everything you need for the event. Go to your local rental store to review all of your rental options with an event rental professional.

Tip two: Rent tables, chairs and tents
You can work with your local American Rental Association member rental store to find everything you need and they can help you pick out the right amount/sizes based on your budget and the number of guests.

Tip three: Weigh your tableware options wisely
To make the most of your event and put your personal touch on it, renting table accessories, such as linens, plates, glassware and centerpieces, is a great option.

Tip four: Consider cooking instead of catering
Wow your family by renting a grill and cooking flavorful fare at your family reunion. For a buffet at a wedding, rent chafers to keep food hot and delicious, while adding a more formal look to your reception.

(ARA) - Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs – finding the energy for spring’s after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush.

While breakfast is often tapped as the most important meal of the day, lunch is arguably just as critical for all-day performance. What makes a good lunch? Try these options from the lunch line:

* Salad bar that includes romaine lettuce, shredded or diced vegetables, cottage cheese or hard-boiled eggs, a drizzle of dressing, plus whole-grain breadsticks, fruit and a low-fat milk.

* Roast beef or ham sandwich on whole-wheat bread, accompanied by an orange, carrot sticks with dip and a low-fat milk.

* Tony’s(R) LiveSmart Schools(TM) whole-grain crust pizza, with carrot and celery sticks, grapes and water.

* Quesadillas or a flatbread sandwich with a mixed lettuce salad, melon and a low-fat milk.

* Turkey/veggie wrap with pineapple and mandarin oranges, pretzel sticks and a low-fat chocolate milk.

* Baked potato with broccoli and low-fat cheese sauce, orange wedges, whole-wheat roll and a low-fat milk.

(ARA) - It doesn't matter how much of a product you need; whether you want a pinch or a pound, you can benefit from buying in bulk. That's because "bulk" in food stores refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy.

Ellen Bouchard, bulk manager at Frontier Natural Products Co-op, describes and dispels the following common bulk-food myths and provides shopping tips for consumers.

Myth No. 1: You must buy in large quantities to buy bulk.
False. In fact, bulk offers an easy and economical way to expand your food horizons by letting you try small amounts of unfamiliar products.

Myth No. 2: It's wasteful to buy in bulk.
Quite the opposite, because you can buy just the amount you need.

Myth No. 3: It's hard to know what's in those bins and if it's fresh.
Again, not true — bulk foods are often of higher quality, fresher, and more natural than packaged products. They're also more likely to be locally produced.

Myth No. 4: The bulk selection is limited.
Some products you'll likely find in the bulk aisle: beans, flours, grains, nuts and seeds, cereals herbs and spices, pastas, teas and coffees, and household and toiletry items such as laundry detergent and soaps.

(ARA) - “Daylighting” improvements that boost your home’s brightness and energy efficiency offer substantial return on investment for both home sellers and those who will be staying in their homes for the foreseeable future.

Skylights are popular with daylighting designers for several reasons. First, they easily fulfill the primary goal of daylighting by admitting more natural light into a room than similar sized vertical windows — thereby reducing the need for energy to power artificial lights. But they also work to enhance the healthfulness of a home.

Independent research done in Denmark shows that skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, and provide the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows.

In addition to high-tech features such as remote control and automatic rain sensors, skylight blinds are available in a varied palette of colors and patterns. Homeowners can utilize blinds as another decorating option while achieving as much as a 37 percent increase in energy efficiency, according to VELUX America.

(ARA) – If your cleaning routine doesn't specifically focus on allergen removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air. To maximize your cleaning efforts to reduce allergens, consider these simple tips from the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, the healthy home initiative of the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

* You may think dusting your home will help reduce allergens, but if you use a feather duster that simply lifts the dust off surfaces and into the air, you will actually increase airborne dust particles. Instead, use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard and soft surfaces.

* Certain cleaning products can also contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose products that contain none of these irritants, but also beware of "green" labels, as some of these solutions may be made with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils.

* Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

(ARA) - The average couple shells out nearly $27,000 just to say their “I do’s,” according to a recent survey by The Knot. If you’re spending that kind of money, shouldn’t your wedding be a five-star event?

Consider these wedding ideas from the wedding planning pros at The American Club Resort:

* Give the guests extra time to view, photograph and comment on the cake by using additional cake in the reception room, says head pastry Chef Richard Palm.

* Look good and feel good, says Jean Kolb, the resort’s director of wellness. Establish a wellness routine well in advance of your wedding.

* Guys – and grooms – need a break, too. Take advantage of recreational opportunities like golf to help bond and decompress.

* Personalize everything, including your drinks. Missy Dortman, director of meetings and events, says her team often receives requests from couples to create a personalized cocktail for their weddings.

* Photos of your wedding will be the tangible memory of your big day, so it’s important to keep in mind how they’ll look when you’re choosing your wedding venue, says Christine Loose, resident manager for the American Club and Inn on Woodlake.

To learn more about the American Club Resort, visit www.AmericanClub.com.

(ARA) - Spring weather may bring warmer, humid air, but millions of Americans still experience discomfort associated with dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision.

Dry eye may include irritated or gritty eyes, redness, burning, a feeling that something is in your eyes, blurred vision and even excessive watering.

Treatment for dry eye syndrome varies depending on the severity. Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome. Salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and other cold-water fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production and support the eye’s oily outer layer, as well as provide health benefits for your cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems.

Some people can use artificial tears or ointments that simulate the action of tears. There are also oral capsules that can maintain tear production and guard against future tear loss. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends consulting an eye doctor to diagnose the condition and discuss proper treatment. The AOA also recommends adults have yearly eye exams. For additional information on how best to cope with dry eyes, visit www.AOA.org.

(ARA) - Hearing loss is common, but the perception that hearing loss is only caused by aging is incorrect. More than 36 million American have hearing loss. Changing lifestyle habits, and treating a variety of health conditions can help to prevent hearing loss.

1. Noise
Exposure to dangerous levels of noise can occur at work, home and in many recreational activities. Limit exposure time to noisy activities.

2. iPod/MP3 Players
You can download apps to ensure noise exposure through your iPod does not exceed dangerous decibel levels.

3. Diabetes
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes.

4. Smoking
Smokers are nearly 70 percent more likely than nonsmokers to suffer hearing loss.

5. Cardiovascular disease
Growing evidence suggests a link between hearing loss and poor cardiovascular health

6. Earwax (Cerumen)
Accidental rupture of the eardrum or plugging the ear with earwax can occur from inserting cotton swabs in the ear canal.

7. See an audiologist

For more information about hearing loss and a free online hearing screen, visit Audiology Awareness Campaign at 888-833-EARS (3277) or audiologyawareness.com.

Disaster preparedness has become more common as a result of the increasing number of floods, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes in recent years.

One area of disaster planning too often minimized or overlooked is financial data. “Saving and protecting your financial information can take some time, but it’s worth the effort,” says Jessi Dolmage, spokesperson for TaxACT.

Dolmage recommends starting with a room-by-room inventory of personal and business belongings. Document, photograph or video record belongings – especially those of higher value – for proof of value for insurance, tax and casualty loss purposes. Visit www.irs.gov for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workbooks and Publication 584 for inventory resources.

Next, save electronic copies of inventory and other documents on an external drive, CD or secure website.

The IRS often grants extended tax return filing and payment deadlines, as well as lesser or waived penalties, to individuals and businesses in federally declared disaster areas. Casualty losses related to your home or business, household items and vehicles not covered by insurance or other reimbursements may be deductible on your federal tax return.

More disaster preparation tips and resources can be found at www.irs.gov. For step-by-step guidance for claiming losses on current and previous year returns using TaxACT, visit taxact.com.

(ARA) - From saving money to getting exercise, there are plenty of positives about mowing your lawn. To do the job right, however, you’ll need the right tool of course – a good lawnmower.

Assuming most homeowners will opt for a lawnmower with a gasoline engine, here are key items to look for in that engine:

* How easy is it to start? Some walk-behind mowers can be as complicated to start as they are to repair. Look for a model, like Kohler’s Courage XT6.75, that requires no priming or choking to start. The mower manages the start-up process so all you have to do is pull the cord and go.

* How easy is it to maintain? From filling it before each use to cleanup tasks before storing it for the winter, your equipment will require routine lawnmower maintenance to keep it running well. Look for models that make all these tasks as simple as possible. For example, the Kohler Courage XT features the trademarked Accu-Fill gas tank, which is designed to ensure fewer spills and less wasted gas. Simple measures like changing the oil and spark plugs, and cleaning the air filter, can help keep your mower running better, longer, and you’ll be more likely to keep up with those chores if they’re easy to do.

(ARA) – It’s that time of year again when you can dig your hands into the dirt, spread seeds over the freshly turned earth, and smell the delicious scent of green plants growing.

Gardening is very healthy, both physically and mentally. Here are some tips to stay healthy:

* Practice some full-body stretches to warm up your muscles. Target your arms, legs and back, because the muscles in these areas will be put to good use while you’re planting, weeding and watering.

* Consider installing raised garden beds, which allow you to garden without have to bend over. Container gardens can be placed on tables or deck railings to make it easier to reach plants.

* Consider wearing an arthritis glove, like the Imak-made glove commended by the Arthritis Foundation, to provide mild compression and warmth while you work. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, the arthritis gloves are fully washable, so you don't have to worry about getting a little dirt on them as you go about your gardening tasks. An added bonus - wearing any kind of glove can help you avoid another common gardening injury: blisters.

(ARA) - For people who live or work in multi-story buildings, elevators are an integral part of our everyday lives. As elevator technology evolves to meet our cities ever-taller buildings, demand for improved safety and performance remains in lock-step.

The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) proudly looks back at groundbreaking events in elevator history:

* 1853 – American inventor, Elisha Otis, introduces a freight elevator with a safety device to prevent falling in case a supporting rope breaks.

* 1857 – The first passenger elevator is installed in a New York City department store.

* 1920s – Electromechanical systems or “interlocks” are invented to prevent elevators from moving while their doors are open.

* 1950s – The operator-less elevator becomes the accepted standard for major office buildings.

* 1992 – A new technology using complex algorithms called destination dispatch is introduced, decreasing passenger wait times and increasing elevator efficiency by grouping passengers traveling to similar floors.

* 2011 – New card-reader systems can identify passengers and automatically call an elevator to take them to their desired floor. These systems can be interfaced with building security systems, or, for example, hotel room key systems. These “touch-less” systems also have advantages for the hearing or sight impaired by providing precise visual or aural cues.

(ARA) - Although smoking is often touted as an expensive habit, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to aid in quitting smoking can seem like an expensive purchase as well. However, the use of NRT products to quit smoking can almost triple a smoker’s chances of success.

“Your best chances for success in quitting smoking are using a medication and counseling,” says Dr. Tom Peterson, smoking cessation expert and chair of Tobacco Free Partners. “You don’t need to go at it alone just because money is tight. The first option is to consider purchasing ‘store-brand’ NRT products.”

Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-the-counter medications, including store-brand nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges. Perrigo estimates its store-brand over-the-counter NRT products save consumers, on average, 42 percent over comparable brand name products.

To find even more savings, individuals can regularly monitor retailers’ circular flyers and websites, and retailers will often discount NRT products.

The decision to stop smoking is an important one. Below are some tips to get started:
* Follow a support plan. Personalized plans are available at smokefreehabits.com.
* When the desire to smoke strikes, do something else.
* Carry things to put in your mouth, like gum or hard candy.

(ARA) - Warmer temperatures, green grass and increased daylight help shake off the winter blues and inspire home and yard improvements to spruce up your surroundings.

Whether you’re remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects.

Add bold, bright colors
Need a color boost? Fresh color recommendations from the Pantone Color Institute include Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Bellflower and Cabaret. Try adding a splash of these vivid hues to help alter your mood and boost vitality and enthusiasm.

Go green, save green
Among the top green home trends is renovating to reduce your home’s heating and cooling load. Add more insulation in the walls, roof and floors or seal up leaks or install new windows and doors. Low-maintenance Pella 350 Series vinyl windows and patio doors feature a premium look in an energy-saving design.

Energize your entry
No time for major renovations? Weekend projects, like installing a new front door to welcome guests to dinners, graduations and get-togethers, can transform your entryway with minimal hassle and cost. Consider installing a 36-inch-wide entry door to add more room to maneuver.

For more information about stylish, energy-efficient Pella Windows and Doors, visit Pella.com or call 888-847-3552.

(ARA) - The wedding’s over, the thank yous are sent and the top cake tier is in the freezer, waiting for your first anniversary celebration. Now you and your new spouse are starting to act on the plans you’ve made for your life together, and are ready to take that big step in moving into your first real home.

Many newlyweds face the chore of merging furniture, kitchen equipment and closet space from two households. To start your moving process off on the right foot, consider eliminating duplicate items and having a garage sale, or donating items, before beginning the packing process. It’s a great chance to upgrade household furnishings – especially if you received something new as a wedding gift.

Then determine what size of moving truck you’ll need. A good rule is to plan for 150 cubic feet of space for every fully furnished room. Many young couples moving from a small apartment or condo into a larger first home will find a 12- or 16-foot Penske rental truck more than adequate. Plan to reserve your truck at least two weeks in advance. Penske Truck Rental offers rental discounts for AAA members to help young couples with savings.

(ARA) - Yearning to escape to a tropical paradise? This spring, look no further than your own backyard to capture the romance of the tropics and create a sense of optimism to lift your spirits.

“People are craving vibrant colors to add energy and excitement to their outdoor spaces,” says James Farmer III, a hip, young trendsetter and professional landscape designer. “It’s simple to add tropical flair and recreate your favorite dream vacation with the right plants - and few plants say ‘tropics’ as clearly as the hibiscus.”

This spring you easily can transform your patio, deck, porch or balcony into a tropical oasis with the new Tropic Escape Hibiscus Collection from Costa Farms.

The new flamboyant hibiscus collection comes in 12 varieties with big, showy blooms in tropical colors of yellows, reds and oranges. All are easy to grow and bloom twice as long as traditional hibiscus.

The eye-popping flowers feature oversized blooms ranging from 7 inches to 9 inches, with some the size as dinner plates and others with double flowers. Many are two-toned to give extra punch.

Whether grown in a container or in the garden bed, Tropic Escape Hibiscus will reward you with show-stopping blooms all season long.

For more care information, visit www.costafarms.com.

(ARA) - To reduce the amount of time you spend, and maybe how much you owe, follow these seven tips from USAA when preparing your 2011 tax return.

1. Watch that deadline. This year, it’s April 17.

2. Get college credit. Scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, the American Opportunity Tax Credit was extended through December 2012 and is worth up to $2,500 per college student.

3. Get help with your energy-saving enhancements. Did you invest in new insulation, a heater, an air conditioner, windows or doors in 2011? If so, you may be eligible for an energy efficiency tax credit.

4. Understand a new twist in investment tax reporting. Until recently, the burden of calculating gains and losses on the sale of investments fell on individual taxpayers. That’s changing as this responsibility is gradually transferred to financial institutions.

5. Hit by a natural disaster? Seek tax shelter. If you were a natural disaster victim, you can take an itemized casualty loss deduction for property losses that weren’t reimbursed by insurance.

6. Pay for that 2010 Roth IRA conversion. Did you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010? If so, it’s time to make that first payment.

7. If you use a tax preparer, choose carefully. New regulations require paid tax preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number.

(ARA) – Other than buying a home and automobile, a college education is one of the biggest investments Americans typically make.

Fortunately, you may be able to cut your college costs at income tax time with a variety of credits, deductions and savings plans.

The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits are likely to result in the biggest tax rewards on your tax year 2011 federal return due April 17, 2012. The following basic requirements apply to both credits:

* Filing status on the return cannot be “married filing separately.”

* The student must be you, your spouse or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption.

* A dependent cannot claim the credits if claimed on another person's (e.g. parents') return.

* If you do not claim the dependent exemption (even if entitled to the exemption), you cannot claim a credit based on that dependent's expenses.

* Claim credits on Form 8863 and file with your Federal 1040.

You can use TaxACT's College Tax Whiz, a free interactive tool that breaks down 10 college tax benefits at www.taxact.com/college-tax-whiz. It explains the tax benefit, acceptable expenses, types of education and other key qualifiers in a question and answer format.

Imagine that you’ve taught your child everything they need to know about personal finance. Then as he’s getting ready to head off to college and applies for financial aid, he’s unexpectedly rejected for financial aid due to poor credit. Yet he’s never applied for credit in his life. Sounds outrageous, doesn’t it? But this can happen to victims of child identity theft.

Most Americans are aware that identity theft is a significant problem, and that it’s important to take measures to protect your identity. What people might not know is their children may also be targets of identity theft before they even become old enough to own a credit card.

Parents can take a number of steps to help prevent their children from becoming identity theft victims:

* Store your children’s Social Security cards in a safe place like a safety deposit box.

* Teach your children to never reveal personal information to anyone, no matter how trustworthy that person may seem.

* Consider signing up your family members for a credit monitoring and identity protection solution such as the Equifax Complete Family Plan, which can help to protect two adults and up to four minor children.

(ARA) – Tax time has a reputation for being almost universally stressful. As financial information starts to fly between individuals, tax preparers and the IRS, concerns about personal security are rising.

In late January, the federal government conducted a nationwide sweep to crack down on identity theft and tax fraud before the 2012 tax season. The timing of the effort was meant to stem the rising tide of fraudulent tax activity, which involves using stolen identities to file for tax refunds. In 2011, the IRS found as many as 260,000 identity theft fraud attempts, up from 49,000 in 2010.

While the IRS is taking action to help taxpayers avoid identity theft problems – ranging from cutting down on the use of Social Security numbers on IRS-generated notices to providing YouTube videos about fraud prevention – it’s important for individuals to take steps to protect themselves.

Your credit report serves as snapshot of your financial profile, and it’s one of the first places fraudulent activity will show up. Consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service like Equifax Complete that provides 24/7 credit monitoring and alerts you about key changes to your credit file.

(ARA) - Each year 1.3 million babies are victims of accidental injuries, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14, due in large part to improper use or non-use of child safety seats and seat belts, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Falls from elevated surfaces also continue to be a leading cause of unintentional injury in infants.

The best-selling Bumbo Baby Seat, which is fully compliant with applicable safety standards, has recently been called out for reports of incident and injury, mostly stemming from cases where the seat is being used improperly.

The Bumbo’s warning label clearly reminds consumers to use the Bumbo Seat only on a floor-level surface, to not set the seat on any elevated surface, not use the seat as a car or bath seat or in water and to never leave a baby in it unattended. The product maker and CPSC are cooperating to further educate consumers on the proper, safest use of the seat. For more information and to watch a video on the proper use of the Bumbo Baby Seat, visit www.bumbousa.com.

(ARA) - Though it may have started off mild in many parts of the country, cold and flu season is now in full swing and staying healthy this time of year can be a challenge. For those suffering, identifying the type of illness — cold, flu, sinus infection, etc. — and finding the right over-the-counter medications are key in helping to alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms of a cold may vary and can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes and congestion. Medications containing pseudoephedrine (located behind the counter in the pharmacy), including many national and store-brand decongestants sold at leading retailers, can be used to address nasal congestion, while pain relievers containing active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with other symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or fever.

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection affecting the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat and lungs. The flu tends to come on suddenly and with more severe symptoms, whereas a cold generally develops slowly. The best defense against influenza is prevention by getting an annual flu vaccination. For the unlucky ones who’ve contracted the flu this year, try to get plenty of rest and take in a lot of fluids. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu.

(ARA) – Upgrading the kitchen is on many homeowners’ “to do” list. And for good reason. A minor kitchen remodel ranks fourth on the list of the top 10 home improvement projects that deliver return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.

But whether you’re in it for the investment, or just to freshen up the space in your home where people spend the most time, a new kitchen look could be a fun, impactful improvement to your house. Some may start with a weekend project and a $40 can of paint, while others will jump into a $50,000-plus remodel. Either way, one thing is for sure – you can’t go wrong with a beautiful, highly functional kitchen.

If time or budget restraints point you in the direction of changing a few basic elements of the kitchen, focus on things that make the most impact. Even a novice do-it-yourself homeowner can complete many of these items on their own:

* Paint the walls.
* Change out the faucet.
* Add new accessories like pillows or wall art.

“Faucets in the kitchen are much more than what they used to be,” says Kevin McJoynt of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing faucets and fixtures. “They play an important role in setting the decor and focal points of any kitchen.”

While a contractor is recommended for most of these projects, make sure you’re involved in exploring the options that will help you use this space as smart as possible.

(ARA) - Education is the second largest industry in the United States, and nearly everyone is impacted by its professionals in some way.

The industry is transitioning to a performance-based work culture, and expectations have increased for most educators, prompting many to explore the process of earning a master's degree in education.

In addition to preparing current K-12 educators with training and credentials that may open doors to leadership roles within a school system, master's degrees are an attractive option for students with a range of undergraduate degrees and career backgrounds who are interested in transitioning to roles that support K-12 learning.

DeVry University offers a Master of Science in Education degree program through its College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. With specializations in curriculum leadership, educational leadership and educational technology leadership, the program helps prepare graduates for career success in an evolving industry.

Graduates of a master's degree program in education may go on to become educational consultants, specialists or educational leaders such as principals or superintendents. Others become instructional coordinators, developing curricula, training teachers and assessing educational programs for quality and adherence to regulations.

Employment for these professionals is expected to grow 23 percent from 2008-2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(ARA) - The statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimate that every year about 785,000 Americans will have their first heart attack, and another 470,000 will have a recurrent attack.

Adults should know how they can avoid becoming a statistic of heart disease. For many, knowing the leading risk factors and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle will go a long way. And for a number of patients, talking to their doctors about low-dose daily aspirin therapy may be the “heart-smart” thing to do.

“You should never start aspirin therapy on your own,” says cardiologist Prerana Manohar. “If you feel that a daily low-dose aspirin regimen may make sense for you, be sure to talk with your doctor about its benefits and risks.”

Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo is a pharmaceutical company which offers consumers a variety of affordable store-brand aspirin choices that compare with a variety of brand names, including Bayer, Ecotrin and St. Joseph.

(ARA) – When it comes to planning your family’s vacation, you can find a lot of value in that old saying “teamwork divides the task and doubles the success.” Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that everyone is excited about and invested in the trip.

Successful teamwork requires constant communication. Your family vacation team effort should start by polling the members. Where does everyone want to go? Of course, you won’t be able to fulfill every desire, but you can come close by encouraging everyone to be specific.

For example, it’s not enough to say everyone wants to go to the beach, because not all beach destinations will offer the same appeal for all family members. Will your family members be relaxing or frolicking on the beach? Spending the whole trip in the sand and surf, or looking for other attractions to round out their adventure? Do they want to stay in a busy beachfront hotel, or somewhere quieter and off the beaten path?

Destinations that offer a broad range of activities have the best chance of pleasing everyone in the family. Look for a location like Myrtle Beach (www.visitmyrtlebeach.com), where generations of families have found something for every member – from miles of pristine beaches and plenty of water sports, to amusement parks, great shopping and dining, and even museums and live entertainment.

(ARA) - What are the next big things when it comes to healthy food? Here are some healthy food trends to look for the next time you’re at your local grocery store.

Trend 1: Sprouted grains
Because the process of germination changes the composition of grain and seeds in numerous ways, sprouting can increase vitamin content and aid in digestion of the entire grain so your body better absorbs all the nutrients. Food for Life is at the forefront of the sprouted grain trend and offers different products using grains sprouted under an exclusive process.

Trend 2: Omega-3 additives
The newest nutrient being added to some of our favorite foods is omega-3. This essential fatty acid has been shown to have numerous benefits when consumed, from reducing risks of illnesses such as heart disease, to aiding in brain growth for children.

Trend 3: Fruits and veggies galore
More people are making an effort to eat a rainbow of colorful produce each day and they want the freshest items possible. Continued demand for locally produced foods is inspiring droves of people to visit their local farmers markets.

Trend 4: Plant-based “dairy” products
Plant-based foods are known to contain higher levels of nutrients and often have little or no bad fats/oils. As an alternative to 2-percent cow’s milk, now you can easily find almond or coconut milk at your local store.

(ARA) - In the dark about how to invest in gold? Despite gold's increasing value and popularity, many folks don't know where to get started.

To help investors who want to add gold to their portfolio, the World Gold Council highlights these five options to get you started:

1. Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Since the launch of SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) in 2004, US investors have been able to buy gold on a stock exchange just like a share of a company's stock.

2. Gold mining stocks
With this option, you are investing in a gold-mining company, rather than gold bullion.

3. Gold Accumulation Plans (GAPs)
Similar to a conventional savings plan, GAPs allow investors to set aside a fixed amount of money every month in order to purchase gold on each trading day during that month.

4. Gold bars
There are many different refineries that produce gold bars and most companies that sell gold will offer a variety of options to suit various budgets.

5. Gold bullion coins
Issued by governments around the world, gold bullion coins are a popular choice for investors.

For more information on how to invest in gold, visit www.gold.org.

(ARA) –Cada proyecto de excavación, ya sea grande o pequeño, implica una llamada gratuita al número telefónico 811. La instalación de un buzón o una cerca, la construcción de una plataforma de madera y las obras de jardinería son ejemplos de este tipo de proyectos que sólo comienzan pocos días después de hacer la llamada al 811.

El proceso es el siguiente:

1. Una llamada sencilla y gratuita al 811 facilita que el centro local les notifique a las compañías de utilidades correspondiente que usted se propone hacer una excavación. Llame unos días antes del inicio de la excavación para garantizar tiempo suficiente y que la ubicación aproximada de las líneas de utilidades se marquen adecuadamente con banderas o pintura.

2. Cuando llame al 811, un representante del centro de notificación le pedirá los datos del sitio y la descripción de su proyecto de excavación.

3. Su centro local de notificación con una sola llamada se comunicará con las compañías de utilidades afectadas, quienes enviarán un localizador profesional al sitio propuesto de excavación para marcar la ubicación aproximada de sus líneas.

4. Una vez que las líneas se hayan marcado adecuadamente, prepárese para excavar con cuidado alrededor de las áreas señaladas.

Para buscar información acerca de Call 811 o del centro de notificación de utilidades más cercano, visite el sitio Web www.call811.com.

(ARA) - Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck and landscaping are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811.

Here’s how it works:

1. One free, simple phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one-call center to notify all appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint.

2. When you call 811, a representative from your local one-call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

3. Your local one-call center will notify affected utility companies, who will then send a professional locator to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines.

4. Only once all lines have been accurately marked, roll up those sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas.

To find out more information about 811 or the one-call utility notification center in your area, visit www.call811.com.

(ARA) - Americans of all walks of life experience personal injuries every day – many of them through no fault of their own.

What should you do if you’ve been involved in an accident and sustained injuries? Here are some tips from FindLaw.com to keep in mind:

Seek medical help immediately. Medical bills and receipts will be critical in demonstrating the extent and nature of your injuries.

Call the police. It’s critical to call authorities into a situation to not only provide immediate help, but also to establish a legal record of an accident or incident.

Document the accident. If you have been involved in an accident, it’s vital that you document what happened. The longer you wait, the greater the possibility that memories fade and physical evidence disappears.

Contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if your case is strong enough to file a claim.

Keep track of the time. Every state has laws regarding the time limits under which you can file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your claims may be dismissed.

To learn more about your legal rights, visit FindLaw.com.

(ARA) - It has become the new norm: Unmarried couples deciding to live together. In fact, the number of unmarried, opposite-sex couples who shared the same living quarters jumped by 13 percent, to 7.5 million, in 2010 over 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of same-sex couples living together is about 620,000.

As cohabitation has become the norm, the number of legal cases involving disputes among couples who live together has risen in proportion, according to FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading website for free legal information. Before moving in with your significant other, consider these tips:

Set the ground rules. Take time to talk about how you want the relationship to work and what you will do if it doesn’t work.

Set goals. To avoid misunderstandings, clearly set a goal about whether you will continue the relationship or end it after a certain period of time.

Keep finances separate. Keep separate checking, savings and credit card accounts. Sit down each month and do your bills together. Be clear with each other about who pays for what.

Keep major purchases separate. If you make a major purchase such as a car, and are making the monthly payments, be sure to keep the title in your name.

(ARA) - A broken engagement can be a very painful and confusing experience. And in the fog of hurt feelings that accompany such a stressful moment, one question often arises: Should the engagement ring be returned?

With an estimated 15 to 20 percent of engagements broken off annually, it’s a question that’s more common than you think.

The reason it comes up is that the laws surrounding broken engagements and engagement rings are not always clear, according to FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading website for free legal information. Laws regarding the return of engagement rings vary by state. Some states incorporate a fault-based approach, while other states do not. Some state laws look at an engagement ring as a gift, while others consider it a conditional gift dependent on a future event (a wedding) taking place.

Giving back an engagement ring is made even more complex by changing social and economic factors. More couples are living together before they get married, which often leads to the joint purchase of an engagement ring and such assets as furniture and other household items.

If you are experiencing a broken engagement, it’s best to figure out your state’s laws, and speak with an experienced lawyer if need be.

(ARA) - Are you among the millions of Americans who scramble every year to meet Uncle Sam’s income tax filing deadline?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that one-third of Americans wait until the last minute to file their personal income tax returns (for 2011 income tax returns, the deadline has been extended to April 17). To help you make the most of tax season, here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading website for free legal information:

Start a file. Somewhere in your home, create a place where you can store all the documents you’ll need to complete your taxes.

Seek advice for your small business. From the moment you decide to open a small business, go to an accountant who specializes in working with small business owners and get advice on how to properly and accurately record all of your business expenses and revenue.

Get help. Get the help of a professional tax preparer immediately after you receive W-2 forms from your employer in order to complete and file your taxes before the filing deadline.

Go electronic. Every year, more and more people file their taxes electronically. Why? Because it offers ease of use and quicker tax refunds, which are typically issued two weeks after a taxpayer files an electronic return.

(ARA) - Are you starting off your day with a bagel and a coffee ... again? It’s easy for a breakfast routine to quickly turn into a breakfast rut.

People often sacrifice a well-rounded breakfast that helps fuel morning activities and stave off hunger for a quick breakfast loaded with refined carbohydrates and sugar. The goal is to strike a balance: find quick and easy recipes that balance carbohydrates – derived from whole grains, fruits and vegetables – with a lean protein.

One protein to consider for breakfast is turkey, which is available in a variety of breakfast-friendly and oftentimes gluten-free cuts, including links, bacon and ground. Jennie-O offers many quick and easy breakfast recipes on SwitchToTurkey.com and jennieo.com.

“It’s time for Americans to drop their soggy cereal, pudge-inducing pastries and boring granola,” says Barry Lynch, Jennie-O Turkey Store. “The new year is a perfect time to start each day right with a convenient, protein-rich breakfast using turkey.”

Find recipes – including a breakfast burrito, breakfast pizza and sassy scrambled eggs with JENNIE-O turkey sausage links – as well as tips on safe handling instructions for turkey on the company’s website.

(ARA) - After 10 years of serving around the world in armed conflicts, members of the armed forces are returning home to families, civilian jobs and a life very different from the constant state of readiness they experienced overseas.

While most military members and their families will transition easily, others may need some assistance. In an effort to help foster positive reconnections between family members and help service members reintegrate into civilian life, the American Red Cross and Walmart have teamed-up to offer a program called The Reconnection Workshops, presented by Walmart.

“The vast majority of our military personnel returning from deployment will successfully adjust to life after deployment,” says Dr. Marjorie Kukor, Ph.D., senior associate for mental health at the American Red Cross. “Others may experience some difficulty – reconnecting with their family, rejoining their workplace and re-engaging with their communities. They may appreciate having some support as they adjust to post-deployment changes.”

To learn more about this new, no-cost and confidential program, military service members, veterans and their families can visit www.redcross.org/reconnectionworkshops or contact their local Red Cross office.

(ARA) - With heart disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s time to listen to your heart and get the right kinds of fats into your daily diet.

Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Somer, author of “Eat Your Way to Sexy,” answers some questions about heart health.

Q: What are the main differences between “good fats” and “bad fats?”
A: Fats to avoid are saturated and trans fats, which are solid at room temperature. Consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids - specifically omega-3s DHA and EPA found in fatty fish - are important for brain, eye and cardiovascular health.

Q: Doesn’t my body make all of the omega-3s needed?
A: An average U.S. diet contains less than 100 milligrams of DHA per day. That is well below one expert’s recommendation of at least 220 milligrams of DHA per day.

Q: Are there other ways to get DHA and EPA into my diet?
A: For those who do not eat significant amounts of fish, there are DHA/EPA supplements made from algae. One such supplement is Schiff MegaRed Plant-Omega, which is made from a vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA and EPA – algae. To learn more, visit www.schiffmegared.com.

(ARA) – Termites are a major factor in not only the health of your neighborhood but also your family’s greatest asset – your home. Termites cause more than $2 billion in property damage every year to homes in the United States, and statistics show that’s likely more damage than caused by fires, storms or earthquakes.

It is important to be able to spot the signs of a termite infestation by looking around your home. Look for mud tubes along your home’s exterior. Keep in mind that termites are very small in size – from 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch – so they can travel through small non-cellulose cracks in your home, such as through your foundation.

The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System from Dow AgroSciences provides a tough, environmentally responsible solution for protection against termites. Stations are strategically placed eight to 10 feet around the perimeter of your home. Bait in each station is highly desirable to termites, so worker termites will feed upon it and bring it back to the colony. Once other termites feed upon it they will start to die off. Soon the termite colony will be eliminated.

For more information about the Sentricon System, visit www.sentricon.com.

(ARA) – To maximize your bathroom storage and make it work best for you, consider these design and organizational tips.

Tip 1: Install a floating vanity
Floating vanities come in a variety of materials and designs that offer plenty of countertop space and storage solutions.

Tip 2: Make your mirror work harder
Robern, the industry leader in bathroom storage and grooming, recently introduced the R3 Series Mirrored Cabinets, a perfect solution for DIY-ers looking for a fast, affordable fix.

Tip 3: Use hidden space to your advantage
If you have a blank wall, the space between the studs offers a plethora of potential storage space.

Tip 4: Get wired for modern practicality
Cabinets equipped with outlets, such as the Robern PL Series with electric shelf keep personal care items fully juiced and concealed, leaving countertops and sink surfaces clutter-free for a clean and organized space both you and guests to enjoy.

Tip 5: Revamp the storage drawer
Vanity drawers in disarray steal precious time from your morning and evening routine.

(ARA) – If you’ve already done the personal exploration that many associate with college, you’re probably looking for a degree program that’s focused strictly on your educational experience. Therefore, you may want a program that could disrupt your personal life as little as possible and offers a straightforward approach to furthering your education.

American InterContinental University (AIU) has designed many of its degree programs with these things in mind. Here a few amenities that make earning your degree a no-nonsense proposition.

* Flexible schedules. Consider a school that offers classes on nights and weekends, or better yet online classes so you can focus on your coursework even with your busy schedule.

* Mobile learning made easy. With mobile technology rapidly advancing, the possibilities for online degree programs continue to evolve. For example, AIU offers both an iOS (both iPhone and iPad compatible) and Android app to students that can allow them to view assignments, check grades and contact their instructors.

* Program-specific training. Considering programs that could give you specialized training to pursue your career goals and hands-on training that may help you get the most of your educational experience.

For more information, visit www.aiuniv.edu (link to: http://www.aiuniv.edu).

(ARA) – Keeping your home beautiful, organized and running smoothly is a never-ending task. With some simple ingenuity and quick tips for getting the most out of your minutes, you can cut down the time you spend on everyday tasks.

* In the kitchen: While it may be an old habit that’s hard to break, pre-washing an unnecessary step. The latest dishwasher innovations, like TrueSteam technology from LG, uses high-pressure steam particles to remove food residue – whether baked, burnt or stuck on – so it virtually eliminates the need for pre-washing, soaking and scrubbing.

* In living areas: Clear clutter. Make a commitment to cut out clutter-creating habits, such as leaving magazines out, dropping coats on the couch or leaving shoes in the middle of the floor. Make sure that everyone observes – and enforces – the rules.

* In the laundry room: Lighten your laundry load. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans do 7.5 loads of laundry per week, on average. With time savings of 20 minutes per load, even on large loads, washing machines with features like LG’s TurboWash, can be a time saver that makes a big difference in your week.

(ARA) - Today’s hottest trend in interior design is easy to understand, totally relatable and applicable in almost every home: techorating.

“‘Techorating’ is the blending of technology into the overall design of a room to create functional, stylish and unique environments that work well and look great,” says Janna Robinson, technology and design expert. “This design trend grows from the integral role technology now plays in our lives and the majority of American homes.”

Start by considering the aesthetics of the TV itself. Flat screens are popular not only for the superior viewing experience they provide, but also for their visual appeal. Manufacturers have taken TV aesthetics to the next level, offering ultra-slim models. LG has gone even further with its Cinema Screen design, which is a nearly frameless TV that provides a streamlined, modern look.

Next, because more Americans are entertaining at home, it is important to maximize the viewing experience for the maximum number of viewers. For some TVs, viewing angle can be an issue. Robinson recommends arranging seating so that everyone has a good view of the screen, while still allowing traffic to flow freely around seats. Sectionals and modular sectionals provide flexible seating configurations. For smaller spaces, bean bags, decorative poufs and floor pillows can provide extra seating without overpowering the space.

Look for TVs that are designed to maximize viewing angles. LG’s CINEMA 3D TVs provide a wide range of viewing angles in 2D and 3D, so, content display remains crisp and accurate, even for off-angle viewing.

(ARA) – Throughout these past several turbulent years, you may have heard about the value of investing in gold. Even with the increased exposure gold investments have received – as well as its place as a one of the oldest ways people have accumulated and protected wealth – many Americans are still in the dark about the basic reasons why investing in this precious metal is important to their future.

A substantial number of Americans own gold in some form, but few are aware of the benefits of investing in it. In fact, almost half of Americans say they would like to own gold but don’t know enough to make an investment, according to a recent survey by the World Gold Council. For centuries, particularly during times of financial stress, investors have sought to protect their capital in assets that offer alternative stores of value.

As one of the few financial assets that do not rely on an issuer's promise to pay, gold provides protection from widespread default risk. It also offers investors insurance against extreme movements in the value of other asset classes.

More information about how the gold market works and investing in gold can be found at www.gold.org.

¿Está sobreviviendo a una economía en recuperación? La aseguradora QBE le aconseja que no caiga en la tentación de ignorar el seguro de automóvil y de vivienda para ahorrar dinero.

Protecciones de seguro indispensables:

De automóvil – Las leyes de todos los estados exigen que todo conductor debe tener seguro de automóvil o demostrar que es capaz de asumir los gastos de un accidente. Si el vehículo es financiado, por lo general se le exigirá seguro integral y de colisión. Considere la adquisición de cobertura contra conductores que no tienen seguro o no están suficientemente asegurados.

De vivienda – Desde el punto de vista jurídico, usted puede ser propietario de una vivienda y no asegurarla. Pero si paga hipoteca, usualmente se le exige un seguro. Una póliza convencional de seguro de vivienda cubre la estructura de la misma si necesita repararla o reconstruirla; sus pertenencias en caso de robo o destrucción; y además le da protección contra demandas jurídicas y para el pago de gastos adicionales de subsistencia, si no puede residir en su vivienda a causa de un desastre contemplado en la póliza.

Busque formas de reducir el costo aumentando el deducible, o analice la posibilidad de descuentos como el que se ofrece por comprarle seguro de vivienda y automóvil a la misma compañía. Y al menos una vez por año, revise sus pólizas y el valor de sus pertenencias.

Riding out a recovering economy? Insurer QBE advises you should resist the urge to eliminate car and homeowners insurance to save money.

Insurance protections you can’t live without:
For your auto – Laws in all states require drivers to either have insurance or be able to prove they can pay for an accident. If you have a loan on your vehicle, you’re typically required to carry comprehensive as well as collision insurance. Consider getting uninsured and underinsured driver coverage.

For your home – You can legally own a home without insuring it. But if you have a mortgage, insurance is usually required. A standard policy will cover the need to repair or rebuild your home, personal belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed, protection against lawsuits and expenses if you can’t live in your home after an insured disaster.

Look at ways to lower the cost by raising your deductible, or get discounts, such as buying your homeowners and auto insurance from the same company. At least once a year, review your policies and the value of your possessions.

(ARA) – Que alguien nos pague para comprar sería un sueño hecho realidad, ¿no es cierto? Pues tenga cuidado. Si bien los programas legítimos de “compradores secretos” o “compradores misteriosos” que pagan por comprar mercancías y luego dar opiniones sobre la experiencia existen realmente, hay numerosas estafas que usan las “compras secretas” como fachada.

Western Union en colaboración con la Asociación de Proveedores de Compras Secretas (Mystery Shopping Providers Association, MSPA) le ofrece los consejos siguientes para determinar si una oferta de “comprador secreto” es legítima:

* Nadie debe pedirle dinero para inscribirse como comprador. Por su parte, los programas legítimos de “comprador secreto” nunca le pagarán antes de que se lleve a cabo la compra en sí. Ninguno de estos programas se dará el lujo de enviarle un cheque a una persona como retribución por un trabajo que está por hacerse.

* No asuma que los formularios de evaluación con apariencia oficial que le envían para su uso implican que la oferta es legítima.

* Si una oferta le parece lo suficientemente buena como para ser cierta, probablemente lo es. Ningún empleo de “comprador secreto” le paga más de $20 al público en general que nunca antes ha trabajado para una compañía de compras secretas.

Para obtener más información sobre este tipo de estafas y otras formas comunes de fraude al consumidor, visite el sitio Web www.westernunion.com/stopfraud.

(ARA) – Being paid to shop – a dream come true, right? Not so fast. While legitimate “mystery shopper” programs that pay people to shop and provide feedback on their experience exist, there are a number of scams out there that use “mystery shopping” as a cover.

Western Union has teamed up with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) to provide the following tips on how to recognize whether a mystery shopping offer is legitimate:

* You should never be asked to pay to sign up as a shopper. On the other side of the coin, legitimate mystery shopper programs will also never pay individuals before the actual shopping is completed. No real mystery shopping program would take the chance of sending individuals a check for work that has yet to be done.

* Don’t assume that official-looking feedback forms provided for your use make the offer legitimate.

* If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are no mystery shopping jobs paying over $20 available to the general public who have never shopped for a mystery shopping company in the past.

For more information on mystery shopping scams and other common types of consumer fraud, visit www.westernunion.com/stopfraud.

(ARA) - Every January, Americans resolve to be healthier in the new year. We change our diets and start exercising. This is a good time to make annual doctors’ appointments and talk to your doctor about your health and any symptoms, no matter how insignificant they seem. Seemingly minor symptoms like dry mouth may be a sign of a more serious condition like Sjogren’s
(SHOW-grins) syndrome.

Sjogren’s is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks moisture producing glands. Although most people have never heard of it, Sjogren’s is the second leading autoimmune disorder in the U.S., affecting almost 4 million people.

“As a Sjogren’s patient, I know how uncomfortable dry mouth can be, yet I never mentioned my dry mouth to my doctors until my dental hygienist noticed symptoms and asked me about them,” says Kathy McCarren from Woodbridge, Va. “Now I always suggest to others that if they notice that they are drinking a lot of liquids or have difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking because their mouths are dry, they need to tell their health care professionals right away. Not only can dry mouth lead to increased dental cavities, like it did for me, but it can also lead to more serious health problems.”

If you suffer from dry mouth, resolve to Defy the Dry in 2012 and talk to your doctor about your symptoms. For more information on Sjogren’s and to download a symptoms checklist, visit www.DefytheDry.com.

(ARA) - When it comes to our health, many Americans have two realities: what we know and what we think we know. When what we think we know is less than accurate, it can be as harmful to our health as the things we don’t know at all. Perceptions about hearing loss are a good example of this phenomenon.

Hearing aids change lives. Technology has made modern hearing aids more effective, versatile, convenient and discreet than ever before. Advances like completely-in-canal styles make it virtually impossible for observers to know if someone is wearing a hearing aid.

Wireless hearing aids, such as those marketed by Starkey Hearing Technologies (www.starkey.com), can even stream sound directly from your TV, MP3 player or radio to your hearing aids, all without a relay device. The aids automatically transition from one device to another when you move from room to room. And the Starkey wireless hearing aids come in three custom styles including completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC) and in-the-ear (ITE).

(ARA) - When spring arrives with its bright sunshine, fresh air, vibrant colors and light, do you find yourself regretting the decorating decisions you made last fall or winter? It’s natural to incorporate the season into your home decor, and the best way to do that is with design touches that can change as easily – and quickly – as the seasons themselves.

While neutral-hued walls make a versatile background for virtually any design, don’t be afraid to spice things up with seasonal touches. Repositionable wall coverings, like SmartStick removable wallpaper from MuralsYourWay.com, make it possible to create a seasonal look with a wall mural — and then remove it and replace it with something different when the season changes.

A patented adhesive allows you to easily place the repositionable wall covering on virtually any smooth, flat surface, from windows to walls. You can pull it down, reposition it elsewhere, even fold it up and store it in a drawer for use next year. A wide variety of designs mean you can find something to fit your seasonal decor, and if you don’t see anything you like, you can customize by submitting your own original photo through the website.

(ARA) – For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources – such as an unstable television.

Between 2000 and 2010, 176 people died as a result of TVs tipping over on them, according to a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report. In 2010, the report estimated 20,000 emergency room visits were the result of tipping TVs – a 25 percent increase since 2006.

To minimize the risk of a TV tipping or falling, always properly secure it to appropriate furniture or mount it on the wall. Choose stable furniture made for displaying a TV, and always secure the top edge of the TV to the back of the furniture. The furniture itself should be secured to the wall, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Even properly constructed, appropriate furniture will be top heavy with a TV on it, so correctly securing it is essential. Look for products like Sanus’ Anti-Tip Strap that holds the flat screen in place by attaching the TV to the furniture and the wall behind it.

Wall mounting a flat screen is another alternative, and one that not only places the TV out of reach for little hands, but looks good, too. Look for a product, like Sanus' VisionMount series, which incorporates a wall plate that secures into the studs behind the wall, and attaches to the TV with mounting brackets. Visit www.sanus.com to learn more.

(ARA) - Bounce back from winter break with the tools you need to succeed. Smartphones empower you to do it all, whether staying on top of your academic work, never missing a social event, or helping nail down the perfect internship opportunity.

Get more done: With calendars, email and instant messaging, smartphones allow you to keep track of classes, be in touch with professors, and set up club meetings. You can maintain your busy social life too. Applications like Foursquare and Poynt for BlackBerry let you share where you are and what you’re doing, and chat with friends within the apps.

Consolidate: Smartphones keep all of your information in one place. With BlackBerry Tag, you can collaborate even better by sharing contact information, photos, documents, URLs, and other files by tapping one handset against another.

Be inspired: Smartphones empower you to achieve your goals. Use the Web browser to search for internship opportunities on-the-go, network and stay connected with apps like LinkedIn, and update your resume with Docs to Go. Follow your passion with challenges like BBM Generation. Celebs look for the next big thing on college campuses in entrepreneurship, music, sports, fashion, film and pop culture, and competitors use smartphones to show off their innovations.

(ARA) - For empty-nesters, it's easy to find redecorating options that pack grown-up appeal without a grown-ups only price-tag. You can make over bedrooms and play rooms with a few budget-friendly tricks.

Walls
If you’re afraid of committing to wallpaper, repositionable peel and stick wallpaper is a great option for creating a unique decorator feature in a room. Whether you're looking for beach wall murals to evoke the relaxed feeling of your last tropical vacation, or a city skyline to create a sophisticated aura, you can find many options online at websites like DecorPlace.com.

Entertainment
Bring in that big-screen, high-def TV you didn't buy before because you couldn't bear the thought of sticky fingerprints all over it. Buy that awesome surround-sound system you passed on for years because you feared how it would sound with your kids' favorite cartoon blasting out of the speakers.

Bathroom
If you've held off on buying new towels, bath matt and a shower curtain until there were no more teenagers in the house to mess them up, it's time to treat yourself. While you're at it, replace the utilitarian shower head with a luxurious multi-head unit or a rainfall shower head.

(ARA) - Some 39,000 U.S. troops will be headed home from Iraq by year’s end. Many will begin the difficult process of transitioning out of military life – including starting a second career. Some cities offer military veterans better employment opportunities than others.

In response, USAA and Military.com have commissioned a list of Best Places for Military Retirement: Second Careers. In addition to location, there are other factors that can help or hurt a veteran’s transition. June Walbert, a certified financial planner practitioner with USAA, offers these helpful tips to make your transition doesn’t wreak havoc on your finances.

* Deliver the goods. Many military retirees haven’t interviewed for a civilian job in decades, if at all. Government programs such as the Transition Assistance Program and Transition Boot Camp are a must.

* Build a transition fund. It’s a wise idea to have nine to 12 months of living expense money saved to bridge any potential financial gaps.

* Get it covered. Life insurance is often overlooked during transition, likely because it’s unpleasant to consider one’s premature demise.

This transition period also is an ideal time to take a retirement snapshot and assess your goals. Congratulations on ending one career and starting another.

(ARA) - Every garden is filled with them: millions of unseen weeds. They lurk just below the soil surface, ready to spring to life with the briefest exposure to sunlight.

To break the weeding cycle, the experts at Preen suggest a strategic approach that stops weeds before they start.

Start with a clean slate
Early spring is the ideal time to launch a weed prevention program. That said, it’s never too late, or too early, as different types of weeds germinate at different times throughout the growing season. Start by removing existing weeds.

Mulch is the first line of defense
Weed seeds begin to grow when exposed to light. A 3-inch layer of mulch helps block sunlight and retain soil moisture, keeps soil and plant roots cooler, adds organic matter and a nice tidy look to the garden.

Stop weeds before they start
Mulch deals with weed seeds in the soil, but the mulch itself may contain seeds, plus new seeds are continually carried into mulch and garden soil by wind, birds or animals. For a “one-two punch” against weeds, combine mulch with a pre-emergent garden weed preventer such as Preen. Sprinkling weed preventer granules on top of mulched garden beds stops weed seeds in the top layer of soil and mulch from germinating. To learn more, visit www.preen.com.

(ARA) – Even with a bare-bones decorating budget, you can still give your home a fresh look for spring.

It just takes a bit of creativity and an open mind, according to Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com.“One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your home is to subtract what’s in it,” says Bean. Removing clutter is just one of Bean’s low-cost, high-impact tips for giving your home a seasonal lift.

Clear the clutter. Put books on shelves, and magazines in a rack or basket. Tuck the throws in the linen closet, and pack away knick-knacks for a few months.

Rearrange the furniture. Try floating furniture in the room rather than hugging the walls.

Spring for some color. A few touches of bright, saturated color can refresh any room, and distract the eye from items that might be a bit dated.

Accessorize. You can change your towels, shower curtain and bath accessories for under $100.

Go sheer. Replace heavy draperies with bright, light-weight curtains or sheers. You won’t believe the difference it can make.

For more seasonal decorating ideas and products, visit Ginnys.com or call (800) 487-9024 to order a catalog.

(ARA) – Different tastes in music and varying perspectives on history aren’t the only factors that define the gaps between the generations. A new credit trends study shows that the generations also differ on how they handle credit and debt.

Members of the Greatest Generation (Americans older than 66) have the highest average credit score, 820, according to the study by Experian. The average score for Generation Y (ages 19 to 29) is 672. While 148 points separate their average scores, the two groups are much more closely aligned in the relatively lower amount of debt they both carry. Conversely, baby boomers (ages 47 to 65), and members of Generation X (ages 30 to 46) carry much higher debt loads, the study shows, and just 64 points separate their average scores of 782 and 718, respectively.

The generations also differ in their average amount of debt. Not surprisingly, Gen Y has the lowest average debt: $34,765. But their closet age group, Generation X, has the highest at $111,121. Baby boomers and the Greatest Generation have average debts of $101,951 and $38,043, respectively.

The composition of that debt has some interesting similarities and startling contrasts among the generations. A first mortgage constitutes the largest percentage portion of debt for all four generations. However, while second mortgages are the second largest percentage of debt for members of the Greatest, baby boom and X generations, student loans occupy that spot for the Y generation.

To learn more about managing credit, visit www.livecreditsmart.com.

(ARA) - For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is still alive and well. Here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading website for free legal information, on how to get started.

Save aggressively for your down payment. Many first-time homebuyers seek a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Association, which insures loans made by lenders for qualifying homebuyers. The program allows you to put down as little as 3.5 percent of a home’s cost.

Get your finances in order. Lenders are taking a close look at debt-to-income ratio (percentage of monthly income that goes toward debt payments) and housing-to-income ratio (percentage of monthly income that goes toward housing payments).

Clean up your credit report. Your credit score is critical to your mortgage application. The higher your score, the more likely you can qualify for a mortgage and obtain favorable terms.

Don’t apply for credit. In general, it’s not a good idea to take on more debt such as an auto loan or a new credit card within a year of buying a home.

Shop around for your mortgage. Compare proposals from at least three or four different lenders.

First-year expenses. You should consider putting away an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for expenses such as a lawnmower, furniture and basic decorating, and for potential repairs for the furnace, water heater and other appliances.

(ARA) – For many communities across the country, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s working at a local soup kitchen, visiting a nursing home, mentoring youth, or helping to paint a local house in disrepair, there are many ways to get involved.

Not only does volunteering help others, but it can actually help you too. In fact, the health benefits of volunteering can include reduced stress and an increased feeling of self-worth. Additionally, research has shown that for people with chronic conditions, being physically active can help to maintain joint mobility.

Founded in 2009, Hand in Hand for RA is a national awareness campaign that encourages people with RA to learn about the benefits of volunteering and share their own inspirational stories.

“We’ve seen that many people with RA share a common desire to volunteer,” says Seth Ginsberg, co-founder and president of grassroots arthritis group CreakyJoints, an online community for people with arthritis and a partner of the campaign. “I am inspired when I hear that others are giving back, despite their diseases.”

This year, give back to your community and lend a helping hand. For more information on how to get involved visit www.handinhandforRA.com.

(ARA) - For many divorce attorneys, January has long been perceived as “divorce month.” As has been widely reported, family law attorneys typically see an increase in clients seeking legal advice regarding separation or divorce.

What’s more, the interest in divorce continues to rise for several months. According to FindLaw.com, searches for “divorce” and other divorce-related terms and phrases jumped 50 percent, from just over 10,000 in December 2010, to nearly 16,000 in January 2011, and remained steady through March 2011.

Furthermore, an analysis of divorce filings in the widely used Westlaw legal research database revealed that divorce filings typically rise immediately after the holidays and peak in March.

While they may have been thinking about divorce for some time, and taking steps such as obtaining marital counseling, many men and women may put off the decision to file to avoid additional holiday season stress, says Mark Ohnstad, a family law attorney with Minneapolis firm Thomsen Nybeck. Couples with children may want to have one last holiday season together as a family.

Another reason many people delay divorce until after New Year’s is related to income taxes. Your marital status as of Dec. 31 determines whether you’ll file a joint or individual return for the prior year.

(ARA) - Buying a new car online is a lot different than other online purchases you might make, such as a book, music or movie. Buying a used car online is even more complex, because there can be far more unknowns when you buy a used vehicle online.

To help you in this, here are eight secrets to successful online used car shopping:

1. Find out about the vehicle’s history.

A vehicle history report like AutoCheck, offered by Experian Automotive can help provide information critical to making a smart vehicle-buying decision. The report will let you know if a vehicle has ever had a reported accident, how many owners it’s had, if it’s been registered in a designated natural disaster area, if the odometer reading is accurate and if the vehicle has ever been repossessed or stolen. The AutoCheck Score measures how a vehicle stacks up against others of the same make and model. Log on to www.autocheck.com to learn more.

2. Complete transactions through the purchase site.

3. Know what you’re buying. Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted third party prior to purchase to check for any mechanical or safety issues

4. Check out the seller.

5. Review the vehicle title. If it appears to have been altered in any way, you may want to reconsider your decision to buy.

6. Never send payments through Western Union, MoneyGram or other wire services.

7. Realize that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

8. If you encounter fraud during the car-shopping process, consider filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

(ARA) - Are you a first-time home buyer? Established homeowner? Empty nester? Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with insurer QBE, says homeowner policies can be customized to fit to your lifestyle.

He says everyone should have insurance to replace their possessions, so contents can be restored at today’s value.

Other essential insurance coverage when:

You’re new to home-buying
You’ll need insurance for the structure of your home, as well as against disasters, such as fire, severe storms and theft. Extra liability insurance is a good idea if someone is hurt in your home.

You’re an established homeowner
Those family heirlooms, artwork, and expensive jewelry you’ve accumulated aren’t typically covered by a basic homeowner’s policy. Consider buying an insurance policy “floater” to cover these items.

You’re an empty nester
When your children leave home and take their things with them, you may need less coverage. If you work at home, consider a supplemental liability policy. If you decide that you’re finished with homeownership and want to rent instead, remember: You still need insurance coverage.