BusinessVoice News Network

People who’ve gone on a water fast claim it’s a great way to lose weight, but is it safe? Researchers say “yes” and they found that a water fast can trigger significant weight loss, but the benefits are often short-lived. For many people the weight returns within three months, unless they follow their water fast with a diet that restricts calories. Source Link

The price of gasoline makes it smart for anyone to take a few steps to get the most out of every fill-up. Start by getting junk out of your trunk that adds extra weight and use a hitch-mounted rack instead of one on the roof that slows you down. And don’t waste gas by letting your car idle for more than 10 seconds when you start it up. Source Link

Memory loss is just one of many symptoms of dementia. Look for early warning signs like difficulty with problem-solving, confusion of time and place, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from social interactions, and mood and personality changes. And be on the lookout for increased aggression or difficulty with speech or writing. Source Link

That rental ride on your next vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Booking your rental car early is one way to save money but don’t pre-pay because you might find a better deal later. Consider if you want to buy separate insurance or have an accident show up on your own policy and take photos of any scratches or damage on the vehicle that you find before you head out. Source Link

An IRS program to file your federal income tax return for free is going nationwide. The Direct File system that was tested in a dozen states will be available for all eligible filers for 2024 returns. Direct File works with a smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer to complete your federal return for free and get a refund via direct deposit. Source Link

Is your homeowners insurance carrier flying high to check up on you before renewal? Some companies are using drones to look for things like an old roof that could leak or new features such as a pool or trampoline that can raise the risk of an at-home accident. The good news is that you can always compare coverage from other carriers if this happens to you. Source Link

Here’s a strategy if you have an average student who’s heading to college and looking for scholarships. Check for any that may be connected to your profession or where you live and apply for the many scholarships that don’t require a high GPA. You can also use social media to search for scholarship opportunities via hashtags. Source Link

Try these smart ways to save money on your next getaway. Look for travel deals from wholesale clubs and consider reliability of flights when choosing a bargain air carrier over a mainstream airline. Bring your own mini bottles of alcohol to save on bar and restaurant prices, go for free walking tours versus expensive guided ones and try local markets and street food for some meals. Source Link

What are some products likely to use shrinkflation, when you get less for the same price? Toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes are getting smaller, along with family size boxes of crackers, cans of tuna fish, boxes of pasta and sharing size bags of some candy. The shrink is also on with box counts of sandwich bags, dishwasher tabs and cleaning wipes. Source Link

When you might fall victim to a telephone scam could depend on the day and time. Testing found that people were least likely to take the bait on a Monday but by Friday two out of three gave away secure data over the phone to someone posing as an HR rep. After 5 pm was when scammers were the most successful. Source Link

A true bedtime snack isn’t a good idea because it redirects blood flow that the brain needs for good sleep, but what can you eat in the evening to satisfy that hunger? Foods high in protein or fat, like fresh fruit, yogurt or peanut butter are good choices for better digestion, but skip the traditional sweet and salty snack foods. You can drink water, milk or sparkling water, but avoid anything with caffeine. Source Link

An empty cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels can have many great uses. Use a longer size to roll up and protect important paper documents or to save kid’s artwork; wrap string around the tube to store it or wind-up extension cords, spare computer cables or Christmas lights and slip them inside that cardboard tube for neat storage. Source Link

These tech upgrades can increase your home’s value and improve your life. Installing a doorbell with a built-in security camera or a WiFi programmable thermostat are projects that most DIY’ers can handle. Adding smart outlets lets you program individual lights, or go with a full system of automated devices that use Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Source Link

The old standard of an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles doesn’t fit for today’s cars that use synthetic oil, but how often do you need to change it? Your owner’s manual gives you a precise number, but typically it’s between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. And many cars take the guesswork out of it with a warning light on the dash that tells you it’s time for an oil change. Source Link

Who’s a good candidate for an FDA-approved hearing aid sold in stores? You might benefit if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, where speech seems muffled; if you struggle to understand TV or phone calls, or ask people to speak louder. But see an audiologist if you have sudden hearing loss, ringing in both ears, or pain or dizziness. Source Link

Keeping a tick bite from making you ill takes some fast steps after it happens. Check for ticks right after any hike. You’re usually okay if you remove a tick within 24 hours, but after that see a doctor about testing or treatment. You can avoid tick bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks and spraying clothing with the insecticide permethrin. Source Link

Here’s how to prepare your digital life for after you’re gone. Set up a password manager for all accounts and apps, share that master password with a trusted contact and designate a legacy contact for your Facebook page, or ask Facebook to delete your account after you die. Your next-of-kin can also memorialize your Instagram account after providing proof of death. Source Link

Don’t be that passenger who makes things miserable for the airline flight crew. Don’t get up to use the bathroom during service and make a flight attendant move the cart for you. Don’t ask for water while passengers are still boarding and don’t hand off trash to the flight attendant who’s serving drinks or ask for a drink when they’re collecting garbage. Source Link