The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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While the majority of drivers still finance their vehicle with a loan, a share of drivers in the U.S. choose to lease. Leasing can have a few advantages over buying, such as more manageable payments and warranty coverage, but some of the advantages afforded to drivers who prefer leasing to buying are disappearing in 2024. According to Experian data from the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, the average auto lease payment was $638—lower than the average monthly auto loan payment of $655. The d...
Charitable donations are historically concentrated in the final weeks of the year, specifically between "Giving Tuesday" (the week following Thanksgiving) and the last day of the year. It's during this period that people are in the religious and holiday spirit. It's also when nonprofit organizations blast fundraising campaigns—and when donors rush to qualify for tax deductions. In fact, nonprofits raise between 17% and 31% of their online donations in December alone, according to data from D...
We're hard-wired to connect over food. In ancient Greece, revelers gathered at "symposiums" to eat, drink, and philosophize or recite poetry. The Romans also often feasted together, and the rules and rituals they developed in antiquity set the precedent for the modern-day dinner party. From grandiose Victorian affairs with multiple courses and lush decorations that flaunt one's social status to the "hostess with the mostest" trend in 1950s America, dinner parties often come with strict rules...
The holiday season is one of joy and cheer, but it can come with increased risks. Holiday disasters like house fires, vandalized decorations, and home burglaries often spike come November and December. Fortunately, a homeowners insurance policy can help out if the holiday season takes a turn for the worse, Policygenius explains. Key takeaways: - Homeowners insurance covers many common types of holiday disasters—including kitchen or Christmas tree fires, vandalized decorations, and burglaries. -...
Traditions are a big part of what makes the holidays special, from decorating the tree to rewatching your favorite Christmas movies. But have you ever considered leveling up the holiday season by enjoying the foods featured in those iconic films? If this sounds like a fun way to spice up the season, you may be wondering which Christmas movie foods are the healthiest—especially if you're on a weight loss journey. Around 35–64% of people try to lose weight during the holiday season, and that sta...
Customer loyalty is declining—but ironically, some consumers are showing brand devotion by shelling out annual fees. In the early days of retail, customer loyalty was secured the old-fashioned way: through high-quality products, reasonable prices, and brand recognition. But in 2024, consumers have a dizzying array of choices in a global, digital marketplace. Businesses eager to edge out the competition must get creative to attract and retain customers. One way to up the ante is through paid loya...
When it comes to weight loss, people often talk about foods you should avoid or limit. But what about the items you should eat more of? If you're looking to lose weight, focusing on high-fiber foods for weight loss is a great place to start. Here, Ro explores the relationship between fiber and weight loss, six high-fiber foods for weight loss, and how incorporating these items into your diet can support your goals. How does fiber help with weight loss? There are two types of fiber: Soluble fiber...
Going for an adventure outdoors is one of the best ways to spend time together as a family. Not only does it offer a chance to bond and create lasting memories, but it's also good for children's health. According to Harvard Health, outdoor activities can improve a child's creativity and executive function, and, of course, increase their appreciation for nature. Taking up an activity like fishing offers its own specific benefits, too, as it teaches important skills such as patience and...
In today's digital age, social media platforms enable people to bridge geographic distances and connect with their friends, family, and community, no matter where they are. According to a 2022 Gallup and Meta study, at least 1 in 3 people across seven countries, including the U.S., said they used social media to interact with others at least once a day in the past week. While social media has its drawbacks—such as pulling attention away from other tasks or fostering a problematic comparison c...
With inflation and interest rates rising, many people are looking for ways to generate additional income these days—and finding reliable sources of passive income, which require less effort than most jobs—has become particularly desirable—SoFi reports. Creating and managing passive income streams isn't a truly passive activity, however. Generating passive income usually requires upfront work, or sometimes a substantial investment to get the ball rolling. Depending on what your passive income ide...
Engagement ring shopping can be an exciting yet daunting experience. From choosing the perfect ring to navigating budget constraints, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth and satisfying shopping journey. To help you make the right decisions, VRAI details the top ten do's and don'ts of engagement ring shopping. Top Ten Do's and Don'ts of Engagement Ring Shopping So you've met your life partner and are ready to commit, but nothing from diamond shape to center stone to band...
For the last 1.5 years since ChatGPT launched, workers and business leaders have been singing two different tunes about the advent of generative artificial intelligence. From the C-suites, there is excitement and optimism about cost savings and improved productivity—but among the rank and file are rumblings of anxiety and fear. An ADP Research Institute survey of 35,000 workers published in June found that more than 40% believe generative AI will replace some or most of the functions they p...
Two more states have passed bills restricting guns at polling places since The Trace reported in March that several states were considering such measures. Colorado, which already banned openly carrying firearms at voting locations, extended its prohibition to the possession of concealed weapons. In Massachusetts, a new law bars anyone from possessing a firearm within 150 feet of a polling site. The measures reflect intensifying concern about shootings and voter intimidation as an election...
At Thanksgiving dinner, lucky families will avoid impassioned discussions about religion and politics. But another argument is almost inevitable: white meat versus dark meat. Light meat lovers claim dark meat is greasy; dark meat devotees complain that light meat is dry and lacks flavor. Few meat eaters are ambivalent on the matter. But why do these different types of meat exist, and what underlies these differences? It comes down to the metabolic and functional differences between various...
With hundreds of thousands of lakes spread across the United States, most of us aren't too far from a body of water perfect for fishing, boating, or swimming. When it comes to the largest lakes in the country, visitors from all over the world flock to the shores of these natural and human-made wonders. Covering thousands of square miles, the country's biggest lakes provide ample opportunities for recreation. More importantly, these lakes also serve as habitats for millions of species, among...
The COVID-19 pandemic was the third leading cause of death globally in 2020 and the second in 2021, according to a recent World Health Organization report. The almost 13 million lives lost during those years opened peoples' eyes to the way viruses can mutate or change. Words such as 'variant,' 'subvariant,' and 'strain' became part of the lexicon. All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, acquire mutations over time as they spread. Some mutations do not change any...
As climate change continues to worsen the severity of extreme weather and expensive property damage, home insurance companies in Florida, California, Louisiana, and other high-risk states have adopted stricter underwriting rules or are choosing to no longer sell policies in these states. Meanwhile, homeowners are left scrambling to find coverage after their policies are canceled or nonrenewed. Younger homeowners are feeling the effects more than others, according to the 2024 Policygenius...
Everyone knows fast food isn't the healthiest option, especially if you're watching your weight. But Chipotle stands out as a quick and healthy choice. The fast-casual chain offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients and customizable meals that make it easy to keep calories in check. Thanks to the array of protein, veggie, and grain options, there are dozens of low-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber meal combinations—exactly what to aim for to lose weight. Protein and fiber are the c...
The holidays can bring joy, time off from work, and days spent with family-but they can also be accompanied by added stressors. Whether stretching finances to afford presents, struggling with travel plans or rushing to get everything done before taking a few days off, the extra expenses and pressure could make someone a prime target for identity theft or scams. While the dangers are real, there are also things that can be done to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam or having your...
Aeroplan is considered Canada's top loyalty program and one of the most lucrative frequent flier programs available today. Recent changes have come into play that have added a lot of value to being a member, including family sharing and the fact that every seat is now available. However, no program is perfect, and Aeroplan has a couple of downsides too—the biggest drawback being the dynamic pricing which means, in some cases, flights will cost more points than they did before. That being s...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a l...
Over the past decade, researchers have made strides in understanding the link between two seemingly unrelated organs: the gut and the brain. Findings from microbiologists, neurologists, and nutritionists who study the gut-brain axis, or the interaction between these two essential organs, all point to the profound influence the gut has on the brain, and vice versa. But how exactly does this connection work? It starts with what's called the gut microbiome, or the trillions of microorganisms...
After decades of decline, syphilis cases are on the rise again, hitting their highest levels since the early 1960s. Though the vast majority of syphilis cases are preventable, rates surged nearly 80% between 2018 and 2022, rising among all age groups and including a spike in transmission at childbirth, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by infections from the bacteria species Treponema pallidum, has plagued...
Buying a cheap, flood-damaged car might seem appealing since it might not have any visual damage, but the host of issues it could be hiding might cause serious problems. There are also shady sellers who might try to pass off a flood-damaged car as a perfectly good vehicle. Edmunds shares how to avoid buying a flood-damaged car, as well as some telltale signs to look for. What Happens to a Car in a Flood? It may seem obvious, but when a car spends time underwater, a number of really bad things...
Hurricane Helene wrought devastation across the Southeast. The storm's high winds and flooding killed more than 230 people, and the damage to property, infrastructure, and other economic impacts is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars. But heavy rains and destructive winds weren't the only natural disasters out in force: The hurricane also activated nearly 2,000 landslides, of which over half have impacted roads, rivers, and structures, according to early estimates. Even on their...
