BusinessVoice News Network

You can turn that messy kitchen into a clean scene in just 15 minutes with these tips. Load the dishwasher and throw a wet sponge into the microwave for one minute on high to create steam that will loosen gunk. Wipe down the sink, counters, and stove top with disinfectant wipes, use that sponge to wipe the inside of the microwave, and then sweep and mop. Source Link

Using dumbbells, barbells or weight machines are all effective ways to build muscles, but how much you lift and how you do it can determine the results. Lifting the heaviest weights with three to five reps is best for building strength. Weights that you can comfortably lift eight to ten times are best for building muscle size. Source Link

You can teach kids good money habits at any age. Explain to youngsters under 5 how money is used to support everyday activities. Kids ages 6 to 11 can earn chore money and make decisions on how to spend it on things or experiences. And teens can learn about payroll taxes and experience investing with a custodial brokerage account. Source Link

If your phone’s photo gallery is overflowing there’s a technique popular with home cleanup experts that also works on a cramped camera roll. Look at each photo and ask yourself if seeing this makes you happy or if you’d want to see it again. If you answer “no” to either question, the photo can probably go in the trash bin. Source Link

Using a fan along with air conditioning can help you feel cool without burning up your utility bill. A ceiling fan is best because it distributes air throughout a room but a pedestal, tower or table fan can also help you feel cooler when using air conditioning. Studies have shown that a room with fans and the thermostat set at 80 degrees can feel as cool as only using AC that’s set at 72 degrees. Source Link

There’s a reason why taking notes with pen and paper helps you learn better than when typing on a keyboard. Handwriting involves fine-tuned coordination between the motor and visual systems in the brain to deeply engage in ways that support learning. Testing showed that typing doesn’t offer the same benefits. Source Link

The long weekend is a favorite getaway and these tips can help you save on your mini-vacation. Book your rental car as far ahead as possible to get the best rates but consider waiting to find last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms. The same strategy might also work with an Airbnb that still has an opening a few days before you plan to leave. Source Link

The typical kitchen or pantry will have more room for storage when you ditch these space wasters. Throw out mismatched plastic storage containers or damaged utensils you no longer use and save the kitchen cupboard space for only the number of place settings you typically use. The rest can be stored elsewhere and you can also throw away any expired pantry staples, spices or condiments. Source Link

Creating a successful fitness plan takes some work before you start that first workout. Determine what you want out of exercise, whether that’s more energy, stronger muscles or to lose weight and find exercise you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to it. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals and create healthy rewards for when you reach those goals. Source Link

A summer heat wave can be hard on your heart, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are obese. Triple-digit high temperatures may double the number of deaths from heart disease and strokes can be more severe. Staying hydrated is important and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout a hot day. Source Link

Getting rid of apps you don’t use can pay big dividends. It saves space on your phone or tablet, keeps you from scrolling through endless screens and reduces the risk of security breaches. Make a list of apps you use every day and work back from that to find what can go. And remember to close out accounts online as well as deleting the app. Source Link

Try the “90-90” rule to decide what stays and what goes when you want to thin out your wardrobe. For each item, ask yourself if you used it in the past 90 days, or if you’re likely to use it in the next 90 days. If the answers to both questions are “no,” then it can go. And make the next step easier by keeping a box in your closet where you can toss items that are going away. Source Link

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