Online Features

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(NAPSI)—Shopping for a new baby should be fun and exciting. However, sometimes it can turn into a daunting experience. A targeted baby registry can alleviate the guesswork for friends and family, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. To get the most mileage out of your registry, “Do just as much homework as if you were paying the tab yourself,” says Sandra Gordon, one of the nation’s leading baby product experts and author of the new book “Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.”

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(NAPSI)—Recent health care changes may offer more Americans access to major medical coverage, but consumers should be aware of the effect that out-of-pocket health care costs will continue to have on their bank accounts. Consumers may find themselves financially unprepared for an unexpected illness or injury if they do not understand all aspects of the cost of medical care.

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(NAPSI)—It’s time to think about adding refreshing color and zest to your garden. Lemonn Vista, the 2013 All-American Daylily winner, is both America’s favorite garden color and is an excellent repeat bloomer, providing a long-term color display.

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(NAPSI)—If you were offered a 50 percent pay increase but had to give up time with your family in order to get it—would you make that trade? Even though seven out of 10 Americans (71 percent) say they would be happier if they had more money, few are willing to make trade-offs between their families and their finances.

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(NAPSI)—A new poll on popular though sometimes controversial schooling issues shows that moms of school-age children are frustrated with K−12 education’s current course. Perhaps as a result, they want the ability to choose where and how their children are educated outside of public schools.

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(NAPSI)—Face it: Photo booths have once again become all the rage for teenagers and young adults.

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(StatePoint) Now that warmer weather and summer are upon us, grilling season is here again and families are taking meals outside to enjoy the sunshine. While a traditional barbeque is always great, Americans are increasingly adding unique twists to their summer grilling routines.

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Millions of consumers will be faced with a choice to enroll in one of four different Obamacare “metal plans,” on Oct. 1. The metal plans are new categories of health insurance - nicknamed “metal” because each plan is named after a metal - created by the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare.

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(BPT) - There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than by lounging by the pool. Unfortunately, this backyard family oasis requires regular maintenance throughout the summer that can include expensive and sometimes unhealthy chemicals. Have you ever wished there was an easier way you could clean your pool, that was also more eco-friendly?

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(BPT) - If you’re a recent college graduate, chances are you left school with more than just a diploma. You’re probably carrying debt, as well. You may already know how debt affects your future borrowing power, but it’s important to also understand how credit impacts other areas of your financial life, as well – such as how easily you’ll be able to rent an apartment when you leave home.

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(BPT) - It’s time to make your home’s exterior shine with some added summer curb appeal. You can quickly do the easy stuff – wash your windows, plant annuals, install pathway lights – to spruce things up. But you should also consider those projects you’ve been avoiding.

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(BPT) - The weather is warming up and summer is right around the corner. From holiday celebrations to road trips, family vacations to block parties, it’s the time of year for cookouts. Make all of your summer cuisine extraordinary no matter what the occasion with these five simple tips:

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(BPT) - What concerns Americans the most as they look ahead toward the retirement years? One of their biggest worries is outliving their money, according to a recent survey by Prudential Retirement. A substantial 71 percent of survey respondents fear they may not have enough retirement income to last a lifetime. Only one in five are highly confident they will have sufficient retirement income.

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(BPT) - Summer provides a much-needed break for families and a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the community. Depending on interest and time, there are many different ways to get involved or make a charitable contribution, including the following:

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(BPT) - As the seasons change, turn over a new leaf and give your home an energy makeover. You can improve your home’s comfort while helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, a variety of compatible technologies are available to help manage your home’s comfort systems more efficiently and economically. Here are some tips to get you started.

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(BPT) - Seventy-nine percent of smartphone users have their phones on or near them all but two hours of the day when they’re awake, according to a recent IDC Research report. For many, smartphone use is now a way of life, making it even more important to think carefully before you choose your next one. Today’s market is competitive, and new phones, such as the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10, are emerging.

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It’s that time of year when friends and family gather together to celebrate the onset of summer with barbecue lunches and outdoor dinner parties. Central to these celebrations are the charcoal and gas grills you use to sizzle your family’s hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken and ribs.

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While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, there’s no need to have swung a bat in your life to recognize iconic baseball parks across the U.S. Baseball became a national sport in the 1850s but the turn of the 20th century brought construction to what many Americans deem the most important baseball stadiums in history – including the Red Sox stomping grounds and the most expensive stadium ever built: Yankee Stadium. Whether you opt for the peanuts or Cracker Jack, there’s no doubt you will enjoy the game at one of these famous baseball parks in America.

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With all the overstuffed slot machines and tempting blackjack tables in Las Vegas, it can be hard to resist the siren calls of Lady Luck when you are in pursuit of the perfect photo opportunity. Fortunately, much of Sin City’s manmade beauty can be found right on the famous four-mile strip and nearby downtown area. If you need a break from the dimmed gaming rooms abuzz with constant beeps and chimes, check out some of the best vantage points to capture all that glitters in Las Vegas.

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(BPT) - The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and pollen counts are soaring ... and that means millions of Americans are dealing with the sneezing and wheezing that comes with seasonal allergies. While allergies are sometimes considered an uncomfortable nuisance, for the 25 million Americans with asthma, seasonal allergies can trigger serious attacks that if not managed properly could lead to a visit to the ER. In fact, asthma is responsible for half a million hospitalizations each year – 60 percent of which are caused by patients not taking their medication as prescribed.

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(BPT) - Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. Whether Chihuahua or Great Dane, a pup’s playful antics delight people of all ages. Having a dog can bring many years of companionship and precious memories, but before you ask, “How much is that doggie in the window?” consider a few expert tips for positive housetraining.

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(NewsUSA) - According to recent reports, Warren Buffet has identified energy deregulation as the next big financial opportunity to reverberate around the country. Similarly, former GE Chairman Jack Welch described deregulation as "the next biggest thing since the Internet."

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(BPT) - Warm weather is here, bringing barbecues, picnics and more time spent outdoors. Everyone should be able to enjoy these popular pastimes, including the up to six million Americans at risk for a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. For these people, a bee sting, shrimp on the barbecue or a latex balloon may lead to a life-threatening emergency. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place to help avoid allergens and be prepared if accidental contact occurs.

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(BPT) - Imagine what it’s like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence.