Strategic tips to save money on back-to-school deals »

(BPT) - The cost to send children back to school increased 5.3 percent for elementary and middle school students and 9.5 percent for high-schoolers last year, according to Huntington National Bank's annual Backpack Index. When prices increase that much from year to year, it's a…

Expert tips for making peer learning part of your child’s academic success »

(BPT) - As students young and old head back to school, attention turns to getting good grades. Smart parents know that positive study habits boost success in the classroom, but finding ways to encourage kids academically can be difficult. A growing body of evidence proves…

Carpools and school buses: tips for arriving to school safely and on time »

(BPT) - Your children are getting older and with each new grade level they want more independence. You're OK with that, but you still get a little worried when you think about them getting to school safely each day. Whether they drive themselves, ride in…

What to collect at Comic-Con and beyond »

(BPT) - What started in 1970 as a small comic book convention has become the mecca of all pop-culture events. Comic-Con, the four-day convention in San Diego, has grown to attract more than 130,000 people a year. Each year's attendance seems to surpass the last.

So…

With drought across the country, you can do your part to conserve water »

(BPT) - When you turn on the water faucet in your kitchen, do you think about the water that goes down the drain without being used in any way? Or have you wondered how you might be able to reduce your water bill? Having good…

Your how-to guide for an amazing deck makeover »

(BPT) - Deck season is in full swing, but before you mix that pitcher of lemonade or fire up the grill, you may want to give your deck a much-needed makeover.

'If you've never cleaned and stained your deck before, you probably have lots…

Which life insurance do you need at each stage of your life? »

(BPT) - Many of life's different stages offer challenges and rewards - whether you're starting out on your own, raising a family, focusing on your career or preparing for a rewarding retirement. However, while each life stage is unique, making sure your loved ones are…

Tips for making real, pure ingredients a part of everyday life »

(BPT) - Trends and fad diets come and go. But a progressive approach to nutrition - one grounded in positive eating - remains constant. It's the desire to get more out of food with real, pure ingredients. Most people find the commitment to natural, healthy…

Take these steps to keep your kid’s information secure on school computers »

(BPT) - A lot has changed since you were in school. Your children don't listen to the same types of music you enjoyed, and they certainly dress differently despite your protests.

They learn differently as well.

Today's classrooms are no longer focused on chalkboards and lectures. Digital…

Inject fun personality into a wedding ceremony and reception »

(BPT) - When planning a wedding, you'll receive plenty of advice via to-do lists in bridal magazines, from friends and coworkers who've already been through the wedding process and even from professionals in the industry who have helped many couples achieve their 'I dos.'

The advice…

Keep your family organized with these helpful tips »

(BPT) - These days, more is expected of working families than ever before. Families with two working parents are now the norm, and in addition to full-time jobs, parents still have errands to run, youth activities to attend and a house to maintain. So how…

Make your big day as unique as you are »

(BPT) - Weddings are steeped in tradition - no matter whom you are or where you live. But what if you're not interested in wearing the same dress your mother did, getting married in the same location your sister did or wearing something blue?

Don't worry,…

Turn your fantasy fairytale wedding into reality »

(BPT) - Every girl dreams of her fantasy wedding. It usually includes a Prince Charming standing next to her at the altar, saying 'I do,' while surrounding by friends and family in a fairytale atmosphere.

Now it's time to turn that fantasy dream into reality. And…

Teach your kids the value of money »

(BPT) - Teaching your kids to be financially savvy could help them to be financially confident and successful in the future. As credit card debt and low retirement savings continue to frustrate many Americans, you can help your kids steer clear of these and other…

Take the hassle out of moving your boxes to a new home »

(BPT) - Americans are on the move. More than 35 million Americans moved last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While relocating to a new place is exciting, it also brings its own set of worries, with packing and unpacking topping…

Don’t let college debt drag you down »

(BPT) - With each passing year, student loan debt is digging a deeper hole for more young Americans. Over a nine-year period, the average student loan balance among 25-year-olds has grown 91 percent, from $10,649 in 2003 to $20,326 in 2012. More than 38 million…

Home on the road: Insight and advice about America’s driving habits »

(BPT) - Our homes may be our castles, but as we do more and spend more time in our vehicles, our four-wheeled chariots are not too far behind.

We eat, talk, work, and sometimes even dress in our vehicles. We do things we're not supposed to…

Better than a siren: How new technology is keeping people safe from tornadoes »

(BPT) - A peculiar corkscrew sensation goes up one's spine when a tornado siren goes off in the dead of night. It means a tornado is on the ground. You know it's coming. You can hear it and you can feel it. You just can't…

Five fixes for kitchens that get compliments »

(BPT) - No matter if you're an aspiring chef or TV dinner connoisseur ... if the look of your kitchen makes you want to dine out - it may be time for an upgrade. The kitchen should be the heart of your home: it's where…

Critical program helps veterans find health care and other benefits »

(BPT) - It could be a parent, a son or daughter, a co-worker, or a best friend. With more than 21 million American men and women over the age of 18 having served in the U.S. Armed Forces, most people know at least one person…

How workplace flexibility works for your business »

(BPT) - With technology rapidly changing the world, people need to embrace an evolving workplace. The workforce has become more diverse and mobile - demanding different needs. And while some existing challenges have crossed over into the modern workplace, opportunities for succeeding have never been…

Preparing for cyber warfare »

(BPT) - Recently, emboldened Russian hackers breached the systems of power plants across the United States and Western Europe. In June, Chinese hackers attempted to gain access to several U.S. power plant operation control systems. And in May, the Department of Homeland Security announced hackers…

Religious guidance, moral support and more roles filled by Navy Chaplain Corps »

(BPT) - When serving domestically and overseas, Sailors are away from home, family, familiar settings and traditions. Many use their beliefs and faith to help them understand and manage the unfamiliar surroundings they're experiencing. Guidance, moral support and worship opportunities are critical services provided by…

The great debate: Stacking TVs and fireplaces »

(BPT) - When choosing a focal point for a room, designers and homeowners alike often plan for a single feature - windows, TVs, artwork, or fireplaces - to take center stage. However, the explosion of flat screen TVs for every room in the home has…

Getting hitched at home? Things you should think about first »

(BPT) - Deciding to get married is one of the biggest and most important decisions many people will ever make. According to The Knot and WeddingChannel.com, the average wedding costing more than $28,000 - the cost of a new car or a down…

Must-have technology is making bathrooms healthier, safer, more enjoyable »

(BPT) - Think home technology begins with your wireless, programmable thermostat and ends with the high-definition, 3-D, web-enabled flat-screen TV with surround sound? Think again - whole home technology means using leading-edge devices to improve life in every room of the house, including the bathroom.

From…

5 tips to keep your family healthy and your house clean this school year »

(BPT) - While you and your family have enjoyed relaxing vacations and amazing weather these last few months, it's time to prepare for the hustle and bustle of another school year.

A new school year also means your family's mornings will return to that more familiar,…

Why nutrition is just as important for mom as it is for baby after birth »

(BPT) - After baby arrives, all of the attention goes to him, especially when it comes to eating, but many moms may not realize how important it is for them to eat well during this critical time - especially if they are breastfeeding.

Nutrition needs…

Communicate confidence in sleeveless style this summer »

(BPT) - Women today know that the clothes they wear make a statement about who they are to the world around them. Sleeveless fashion can be one of the easiest ways to communicate confidence. However, it can often be difficult to put together a great…

Thinking of buying a puppy? You may want to think again »

(BPT) - Your family is ready for a pet, so you head out to the local pet store. Within moments of walking into the shop, an energetic, sweet-eyed puppy steals your heart. You plunk down your money - possibly hundreds of dollars - and take…

Learn how to help college students take control of their health »

(BPT) - College may provide the first opportunity for many young adults to make important health decisions for themselves. In its Healthy Campus 2020 objectives, the American College Health Association's Healthy Campus Coalition highlights a number of important topics for improving the health of college…

Enjoying retirement in a home suited for an active life »

(BPT) - When it's time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by? Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new - or restarting older - hobbies. They also love…

Decor through the decades: How kitchen and bath product designs have evolved »

(BPT) - Remember when brass fixtures and mauve countertops were all the rage in kitchen design? How about the days of shag carpet (yes, in the bathroom) and avocado tile? Fortunately, those particular trends have come and gone. And, whether you embraced them or not,…

How ‘big data’ is changing your movie-viewing experience »

(BPT) - What do personalized movie-kiosk offerings, marketing campaigns and Godzilla all have in common? The obvious answer is 'the movie industry,' but another equally important common element ties all three together: they're all the product of big data.

'Simply put, big data refers to huge…

Establishing a 401(k) at your small business is easier than you think – and helps employees save for the long-term »

(BPT) - Over the next 16 years, 10,000 people will turn 65 every day. Social Security alone may not be enough to provide an adequate retirement. Every day you hear about the lack of retirement savings and how ill-prepared many Americans are to meet their…

6 tips for a safe and enjoyable summer »

(BPT) - Summer is all about spending time outdoors - either at home or away. Whether you're hitting the road or taking a trip to the local park, it's time for fun in the sun. And when you're preparing for fun outside, remember that there…

Make the big move less stressful for the 4-legged members of the family »

(BPT) - When moving houses, you make a checklist of the utility companies you need to contact for stopping and starting services. You also schedule all the volunteer or professional movers to pack, transport and unpack your belongings, and you let all your friends and…

What employers want: the 3 ‘Cs’ »

(BPT) - Whether you are an employer looking to hire someone or the person looking to get hired, it's all about competency.

Only 11 percent of employers believe recent graduates have the skills needed to succeed within their work forces, according to a recent Lumina Foundation…

5 summer paint projects to create a splash »

(BPT) - With the arrival of warm summer temperatures, it's time to brighten the home with sensational summer shades. And it's easy to add a pop of vibrant color with the help from the experts at Krylon spray paint.

'Painting is a project that even a…

Calling all junior chefs: Expert tips make cooking an enjoyable family affair »

(BPT) - There's a place in the home that is full of endless fun and family bonding potential: the kitchen. When kids learn to cook - from meal prep to cleanup - they gain valuable skills and make lifelong memories. Fortunately, inspiring kids in the…