Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Health, Diet & Fitness, Healthy Recipes

Black umbrella covered in raindrops against a blurred grey outdoor background

Finance Personal Finance

How to Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is money set aside for unplanned costs and kept where you can reach it quickly. To build one, choose a first target, move money into a separate account on a schedule and add to it as your...

Del Bailey

White tissue container with a tissue pulled up beside a bright window

Health Medical

How Long Is a Cold Contagious

How long is a cold contagious? MedlinePlus says people are most contagious for the first 2 to 3 days, and a cold is most often not contagious after the first week. CDC says you can return to normal activities...

Jim Owen

Christmas tree glowing with warm white string lights

Health LifeStyle

How to Manage Holiday Stress

To manage holiday stress, set realistic expectations, plan your days ahead, say no to extra commitments, and protect your sleep, movement and downtime. Those are the steps Mayo Clinic, the National Institute...

Madeline Marshall

Editor’s pick

Finance

College Costs 101: What Freshman Families Should Budget For Beyond Tuition

Updated November 2, 2026 Beyond tuition, freshman families should budget for housing and meal plans, books and access codes, a laptop, campus fees, health insurance, dorm supplies, travel home and monthly spending money...

Madeline Marshall

Three stacks of coins on a wooden table in front of a black alarm clock

Finance Personal Finance

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA

Del Bailey

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry

TSA PreCheck costs $85 or less for five years, per TSA, and speeds you through U.S. airport security. Global Entry costs $120 for five years, per CBP, adds faster customs when you return from abroad, and includes TSA...

Tami Benedict

Logs burning behind the open door of a wood stove

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Del Bailey

Medicare Open Enrollment Dates

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 every year, according to Medicare.gov. In that window people can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan. Changes made then...

Jim Owen

This week’s hottest

Small green plant growing from a glass jar of coins

Finance Personal Finance

401(k) Contribution Limit: How Much Can You Put In?

The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500 of your own pay. At 50 or older you can add $8,000, for $32,500. At 60 through 63 the catch-up is $11,250. A separate IRS cap covers everything going in, yours plus your...

Del Bailey

Does Vitamin C Help Colds? What the NIH Says

Vitamin C does not prevent colds for most people. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says regular use might shorten colds slightly, by 8% in adults and 14% in children. Starting after symptoms appear does not appear...

Madeline Marshall

How Long Can Food Sit Out at a Holiday Party?

How long can food sit out at a holiday party? Two hours for perishable dishes, or one hour if it is above 90°F, according to USDA and FDA. The clock stops only for food held at 140°F or warmer, or 40°F or colder. The...

Del Bailey

Travel

Carry-On Only Travel: How To Pack Everything In One Bag

Del Bailey

How to Heal Chapped Lips in Winter

To heal chapped lips in winter, use a fragrance-free ointment or balm several times a day and before bed. Stop licking your lips. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says lips should improve within 2 to 3 weeks...

Madeline Marshall