Lifestyle
The Post-Tax Season Playbook for Spending Smart
Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Rod Washington
Turn common small business expenses into rewards
(Family Features) With tax season officially in the rearview mirror, it’s the prime time for small business owners to step back and re-evaluate their expenses. Before tossing those receipts, now is a good opportunity to understand how every dollar you spend can fuel your next adventure. One way to maximize your rewards for business spending is by selecting a credit card that works as hard as you do. Credit cards can help manage cash flow but also provide a way to get rewarded for purchases you’re already making. One credit card to consider is the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card from Chase, which offers opportunities to unlock benefits like free hotel nights, elite status and points on every purchase. Cardmembers can conduct business as usual while unlocking a quicker route to an elite status and earning two World of Hyatt Bonus Points per $1 spent on their top three eligible spending categories each quarter. That means treating clients to a dinner, shipping samples or running a digital campaign to boost your business can transform into more points toward a bucket-list trip, higher tier status and more. Those who apply by June 30, 2025 and are approved can also earn a special offer of 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points and enjoy World of Hyatt Explorist status through February 2026 after spending $7,000 in the first three months of opening the account. That means more rewarding stays with perks like room upgrades, 2 p.m. late checkout, and extra points every time you check in. Learn more at chase.com/hyattbiz.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your business expenses, consider these categories and how they can be maximized for more rewards. Earn While You Wine and Dine Entertaining clients is more than just a meal – it’s an investment in the relationships that can drive your business forward. Whether that’s closing a deal over lunch or hosting a team dinner to celebrate a milestone, dining can reward your business. By using a rewards-driven credit card to pay for these expenses, you can accumulate points and turn them into valuable rewards. The celebratory dinner for your biggest client can earn you points toward your next business trip or vacation to unwind with the family. Supercharge the Online Visibility of Your Business Marketing and advertising – including social media and search engine advertising – can be crucial for business growth, and a credit card designed for small business owners can help you earn more rewards for the way you do business. Turn Spending into Upgraded Travel Experiences If your business requires frequent travel, you can earn up to nine Bonus Points total per $1 spent on qualifying purchases at more than 1,400 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world with the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. Plus, extended benefits like auto rental coverage, extended warranty protection and travel assistance make it so you can focus on what’s important without worrying about unforeseen events. Being a small business owner requires complete dedication, which can lead to long hours, high stress levels and a lack of time for self-care. A strategic credit card can help drive your business forward and allow you to redeem points for experiences that are designed to complement your well-being. From on-property spa treatments to unique experiences that don’t require a hotel stay, you can reward yourself and your employees. As a small business owner, you can flip the script on business expenses and turn spending into epic getaways and well-earned rewards for you and your team. Content courtesy of Chase and Hyatt. Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Discover more from Daily News
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Family
5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting
Get your home guest-ready with these 5 holiday hosting tips. From decluttering to creating cozy spaces, prepare for stress-free entertaining this season.
Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff
5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting
(Family Features) Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with friends or a full-blown holiday gathering, preparing your home for guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can create a space that feels warm and welcoming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: spending time together. Declutter and Deep Clean Start by refreshing high-traffic areas, including the living room, kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counters and coffee tables, dust surfaces, vacuum carpet, mop tile or hardwood and wipe down glass or mirrors. Tidy Up the Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of many gatherings, meaning it’s important to clear both refrigerator and counter space to make room for food, drinks and serving dishes. Before guests arrive, ensure your oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, coffee maker and other appliances are working properly. Don’t forget to stock essentials like paper plates, silverware, napkins, ice and paper towels so you’re not scrambling later. Refresh Guest Spaces If visitors will be staying overnight, prep sleeping areas by changing the sheets, fluffing the pillows and stocking extra blankets. Thoughtful touches like fresh towels, water bottles and a charging station can make guests feel at home. Create a Functional Flow Think about how guests will move through your home. Designate areas for food, drinks, games and mingling, arranging furniture to encourage conversation. If you’re expecting a large crowd, add extra seating options. Add Seasonal Touches For seasonal warmth, swap out throw pillows, add greenery and candles or hang a wreath or other decorations. Scattering cozy blankets and simmering a pot of cinnamon and citrus on the stove can also help create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more tips and guidance to get your home ready to welcome guests. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockWelcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
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health and wellness
Fact Check: Test What You Know About Heart Health
High cholesterol and age are two significant risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Test your heart health knowledge and learn more about managing your risk factors, including high cholesterol, with this quick quiz.
Fact Check: Test What You Know About Heart Health
(Family Features) As you age, your doctor’s interest in your cholesterol level is likely to increase. That’s no coincidence. High cholesterol and age are two significant risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. You may not be able to slow the hands of time, but elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is one of the most significant addressable risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled high LDL-C can lead to death, heart attack, stroke or the need for a coronary revascularization. While statins are considered first-line treatment for people with high LDL cholesterol, an estimated 29% of patients stop taking their statin within the first year, based on findings published in the “American Journal of Cardiology.” Up to 30% of people have some degree of statin intolerance, according to research published in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology.” Test your heart health knowledge and learn more about managing your risk factors, including high cholesterol, with this quick quiz:1. Do cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths (the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death, respectively) combined?
Yes. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America and worldwide, killing more people than both cancer and accidents each year.
2. According to the American Heart Association, which of the following are true?
- Men are more likely to have heart attacks at a younger age than women.
- Women experience different symptoms indicating potential heart disease.
- Women have a higher risk of fatality because their symptoms are frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment.
All are True. While many factors are at play, one major underlying issue is historically, women simply haven’t been well represented in clinical trials of heart-related conditions. However, Harvard Health reports that culture is slowly changing and some of the gaps are starting to close.
3. Does statin intolerance mean statins are not effective?
No. On the contrary, statins are the standard of care to lower LDL cholesterol. However, some people cannot take statins at any dose because of statin intolerance symptoms such as muscle pain, while others may have their LDL cholesterol remain uncontrolled because they are not able to take higher doses.
4. Are women more likely to be statin intolerant than men?
Yes. According to the National Institutes of Health, being female is a risk factor for statin intolerance.
5. If a person is statin intolerant, are there other treatments available to help lower their uncontrolled LDL-C?
Yes. Alternative treatments are available for people with statin intolerance. A health care provider can help explain what options are available if you experience potential statin-associated side effects.
6. Are muscle-related symptoms typically the most common side effect of statins?
Yes. Muscle pains or cramps (myalgias) are the most common symptoms people experience. Your health care provider may run tests or change your medication to address these symptoms.
For more information on statin intolerance, talk with your health care provider or visit statinalternatives.info.How to Lower Bad Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, leads to plaque in your arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially damaging your cardiovascular system. If your bloodwork shows elevated LDL cholesterol levels, you can take steps to reduce it.- Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and if you carry extra weight, work to lose it.
- Talk to your health care provider about cholesterol-lowering medications, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risks associated with heart disease.
Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation MilestoneLike: https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
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holidays
5 Ways to Make the Holidays Simply Wonderful
Make the Holidays Simply Wonderful: There’s no magic quite like the holidays through the eyes of a child. The season brings countless special moments and opportunities to make lifelong memories, from enjoying tasty holiday treats to exploring traditions with the family. Infuse your festive moments with some extra magic this season with these family-friendly tips.
Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff
5 Ways to Make the Holidays Simply Wonderful
(Family Features) There’s no magic quite like the holidays through the eyes of a child. The season brings countless special moments and opportunities to make lifelong memories, from enjoying tasty holiday treats to exploring traditions with the family. Infuse your festive moments with some extra magic this season with these family-friendly tips from the experts at Kinder Chocolate, who aim to spark, share and celebrate simply wonderful moments of togetherness between parents and children. Decorate Together Letting your family’s creativity soar is a terrific way to bond and nurture kids’ development. Let them take an active role in bringing festive energy to the household and allow them to make some design decisions, such as stringing lights and choosing the perfect place for ornaments or seasonal decor. You can also create a personalized wreath for each member of the family to display or decorate custom stockings.
Enjoy Magical Treats From candy canes to gingerbread houses and beyond, candy and other edible goodies are integral to the holiday season. This year, make treat time extra special with an option like limited-edition Kinder Chocolate bar x The Elf on the Shelf packs. These special packs feature the beloved Scout Elf character in single, share and mini sizes. Each pack also includes one of eight collectible cards with a special QR code that unlocks “Let’s Story!” – a unique, co-created digital storytelling experience via Ferrero’s free Applaydu app that lets parents and kids build personalized adventures together. Partake in Holiday Traditions ’Tis the season for traditions and creating your own makes celebrating together each year even sweeter. You might make trimming the tree a family affair, encouraging kids to try their hand at decorating or involving everyone to help clean up before a cozy family meal. Many families also make volunteering together an important part of their holiday experience, reinforcing messages about kindness and caring for all ages. Look at Holiday Lights Bringing the family together for special holiday experiences doesn’t have to be grand. In fact, a simple road trip through your hometown to find the most awe-inspiring light displays can bring plenty of fun. You may even find local light shows that synchronize to radio music in your car. Make it an extra exciting family outing by bringing along some hot cocoa and treats like Kinder Chocolate for the car ride. Organize a Family Movie Night Bring the vibrance of the big screen to your living room with an at-home family movie night. For a special touch, consider investing in a low-cost projector that creates a theater-like experience on any wall in your house. Choose a favorite family-friendly holiday movie (or two), some popcorn and treats then settle in for an entertaining evening together. Pick up the limited-edition packs at local retailers, and discover more free, family-friendly ideas to last all season long at elfontheshelf.com/blog. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (mother and daughter hanging ornaments) Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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