BusinessVoice News Network

Cleaning up after your dog does their business can be easier with these tips. Save those fast food cardboard French fry boxes because they make great disposable poop scoopers when you walk the dog. Or spread non-toxic squirrel repellent on the parts of your yard that you don’t want your dog to use as a bathroom. Source Link

Giving a child an allowance can be the foundation for a lifetime of smart money management. Having their own money forces kids to think about how to spend it and learn the difference between needs and wants. And using an allowance for savings, donations and spending can teach self-reliance in kids. Source Link 

You should think twice before scanning a QR code with your phone. Scammers are using fake QR codes for rip-offs that range from bogus parking meter payments to fake online portals for bill payments and even romance scams. Always confirm that a QR code is legitimate before scanning it and avoid any that come in an email you weren’t expecting. Source Link

You can boost cell phone reception with some simple steps. Move away from metal objects or concrete walls and get near a window or go outside and remove a phone case that may be blocking the built-in antenna. And turn Airplane Mode on and then off to force your phone to find the best signal in the area. Source Link

When fashion dictates your footwear you may pay the price with blisters, hammertoes and bunions. Choose shoes with a toe box that’s wide and deep for free movement. And find your foot’s arch by placing it on flat ground and taking a photo to know what type of shoe is best for you. Source Link

The best perks in a new job go beyond good health insurance and flexibility to work from home. Look for an employer that matches 401-k contributions to earn more from your retirement savings. And the availability of tuition assistance or professional development programs can help you grow and advance in your career. Source Link 

How could drinking coffee help you take a better nap? Identify the afternoon time when you start to drag, find a quiet spot behind a closed door or on the couch, drink a cup of coffee and set a timer for 25 minutes before you start to nap. The caffeine will begin to wake you up in about 20 minutes and you won’t feel groggy after your mid-day shuteye. Source Link

What’s that new app going to do with your personal information? Search the app’s name and the words “sell” or “selling” to see that part of its privacy policy. You can also try the search including the words “California” or “state” because it’s a California law that requires app developers to post a clear explanation about information they collect. Source Link

You clear out your suitcase after every trip, but do you clean it too? Luggage picks up plenty of dirt and germs, from conveyor belts to hotel rooms, and you don’t want that in your home. Clean the outside of that suitcase including the wheels with soapy water or a multi-purpose cleaner and use disinfecting spray or wipes to clean the inside. Source Link 

Getting your preschooler to eat more fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be a stealth operation. Sneaking healthy ingredients into a dish won’t help your child learn to enjoy them. The better approach is to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables in whole form when they’re younger so they can learn to appreciate those tastes as they get older. Source Link

Keeping your address off the Internet is a smart security step. When you find your address in a Google search, go to “Manage Your Google Account,” select “Data and Privacy,” “History Settings,” and “My Activity.” Choose “Other Activity” and scroll down to “Results About You” to alert Google to remove the address information. Source Link

Beans are a natural superfood with many health benefits. They’re packed with protein and complex carbohydrates, have higher levels of potassium that can help control blood pressure and are high in fiber. If you use dry beans, soak them in water overnight to draw out some of the gas-producing compounds. Source Link

If you’re among the half of Americans who admit to using retail therapy to cope with stress you might slow down the compulsive shopping with the 30-day rule. Wait one month before making that impulse buy. If you still want it 30 days later, it’s probably a worthwhile purchase. Source Link

It’s yellow and tart and makes one of the best home cleaning products. Use a cut lemon as a scrubber along with table salt to remove stains in a coffee or tea mug or to disinfect many surfaces. And lemon juice has natural properties to break down fats and proteins and clean that cheese grater without ruining a sponge. Source Link

Headphones are a must for travelers of any age. There are kid-friendly headphones that limit the top volume and are safe to use for younger children but there’s a good rule of thumb for volume limits on any headphones. Your child should be able to hear you talking to them over a movie or the noise of an airplane cabin while wearing headphones. Source Link

This trick will help you cut clutter by managing the in’s and out’s of things in your home. With each new thing that comes to stay, you’ll get rid of one other thing. Having a designated “outbox” for the items you’ll donate or give away helps you keep the habit. Source Link

Living like it’s the old days before we had cell phones might be a good way to deal with today’s distractions. Smartphones can interrupt you with constant notifications, so turn those off whenever possible. While you’re at it, put away that phone for occasional breaks throughout the day because just the sight of it can raise anxiety and prompt you to pick it up. Source Link

To sleep or not to sleep – that’s the question on an airline flight. An overnight red-eye is a good time to sleep and watching a movie or listening to music can sometimes help you doze off. If you can sleep when you arrive, bring some work on the flight to occupy your brain. Either way, pack some good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions. Source Link