Consumer Corner
Creating a Bathroom Oasis: 5 upgrades that evoke the joy of water
Water is essential in beauty routines, transforming bathrooms into serene retreats. Key features include versatile showerheads, elegant faucets, soothing bathtubs, and calming scents that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
(Family Features) As an essential element that nourishes and revitalizes, water plays a fundamental role in every beauty routine. From the droplets dancing on your scalp as they chase away lingering hints of slumber to creating the lather that cleans and rejuvenates your body, water is at the center of your daily life. Especially where you start your day: in the bathroom.
Your Bathroom Oasis
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, create a refreshing oasis by celebrating the joy of water and the soothing function it brings. Transform your simple bathroom into a sanctuary filled with features that make it easy to enjoy the many ways water soothes your senses.
In the Shower
The shower is an obvious source of plenty of water-fueled relaxation. Shower heads with a selection of spray options let you adjust the pressure to fit your needs so you can opt for a quick cleanse or a more therapeutic experience with a calming rain effect. Other enhancements include a water-resistant bench and spacious shower shelves to hold a variety of products. Add in a touch of luxurious comfort by installing a heated towel rack to cap off the ideal shower experience.
At the Bathroom Vanity
When designing a practical space like the bathroom, it’s easy to overlook everyday features and focus instead on the bigger elements like the flooring or countertops. It’s these details that can make all the difference, however, and upgrading your bathroom sink faucet can take the retreat to a new level of beauty and functionality.
A subtly elegant selection such as the Lineare Collection from GROHE makes a sophisticated statement that instantly elevates the look and feel of a premium bathroom space. The sleek design is defined by slender cylindrical shapes complemented by slim profiles on the lever handles and spouts. Other appealing features include an increased spout height for enhanced comfort and a 90-degree swivel angle for better accessibility and easier cleaning.
“As an interior designer, I believe the way we experience water has the power to elevate everyday routines into something truly special,” said César Giraldo, founder and principal designer of César Giraldo Design. “GROHE’s elegant fittings and fixtures not only enhance the aesthetic of any space but also create a sanctuary where one can unwind and rejuvenate. Elevating your bathroom to a luxurious, spa-like retreat is about embracing the serene and revitalizing essence of water in its finest form.”
Mix in Nature
Borrowing inspiration from nature as you design your space allows you to introduce a variety of creative water features. You might select a soaking tub with a waterfall feature, a soothing standing fountain or a countertop fountain that provides tranquil water sounds and incorporates other natural elements like river rock. To further enhance your nature-inspired oasis, incorporate lush greenery and plenty of natural light.
In the Bathtub
There are few things quite like soaking your cares away in a deep tub, especially in the comfort of your own home. The wisdom of keeping an eye on the details extends to the tub, where you can make a leisurely soak even more enticing. Take the faucet you use to fill your tub as an example – modern and sleek yet warm and tactile, GROHE Essence faucets are versatile choices for creating harmonious bathrooms that feel luxurious and inviting. Freestanding styles make for a perfect complement to freestanding tubs while the collection’s deck-mounted styles include features like a hand shower for effortless rinsing.
Add Calming Scents
Remember, a true personal sanctuary should soothe all the senses, so while you focus on more tactile and visual features, don’t overlook the power of smell. Enhancing your oasis with calming scents can help keep you grounded and relieve stress, and many appealing fragrances reflect the allure of the aquatics, like those that mimic the ocean or rainfall.
Find more ways to transform your bathroom into an oasis retreat at grohe.us.
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GROHE
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Automotive
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, consider these rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure.
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.
To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.
“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”
While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.
“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”
A Cost You Can Plan For
Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.
Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.
Factors Influencing Insurance Costs
Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:
- Repair and replacement costs
- Historical claims experience
- Vehicle safety features and crash performance
- Theft frequency
- Availability and cost of replacement parts
- Vehicle performance characteristics
The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure
This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.
SUVs:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Pilot
- Kia Sportage
- Honda Passport
Trucks:
- Chevrolet Colorado LT
- Chevrolet Silverado C3500
- Ford Maverick and Ranger
- Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
- Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Sedans and Coupes:
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Acura Integra
- Honda Prelude
- Kia K4
- Mazda3
Electric and Hybrids:
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”
Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)
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financial wellness
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
The Debt Cycle: For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
(Feature Impact) For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a debt consolidation company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities.
In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year. Other essentials aren’t far behind: 47% said they’ve used it for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.
How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt
Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens – a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill – however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future.
Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data suggests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago.
Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult
Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save.
Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they’ve even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills – 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt – making meaningful progress toward paying down debts becomes more difficult.
The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt
Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they’re facing long-term financial instability. What’s more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being.
Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Automotive
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
(Feature Impact)With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
Watch this video to learn more
According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs.
For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year.
“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com.
For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim.
To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com.
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