It’s autumn and there’s a promise of changing weather in the air. And that can mean spending more time indoors. Sure, you can deposit yourself in front of the television with a bag of chips. Or you can do something. Here are a few ideas for making it an interesting fall and winter season.

Learn something new. There’s no stopping a desire to learn. Most communities have a variety of cooking classes, knitting lessons or Spanish brush-ups for your cruise to Cozumel. And don’t forget the Internet. It can teach you everything from guitar chords to crochet stitches.

Get physical. It’s never too late or too early to focus on your physical fitness. A gym membership offers options: You can try several classes, machines or weights, then decide which of them work best for you. A reputable gym also has trained staff members who can help you customize a program that suits your requirements. If a gym doesn’t fit into your schedule or your need for solitude, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles treadmills can be affordable for your home.

Attack a project. Who doesn’t have a genealogy chart (or pile of family photos, a bedroom wall that’s an unfortunate shade of orange or a root-bound plant crying out for repotting . . . ) awaiting their attention? Let this be the year you make it happen.

Spend time outside anyway. Here’s a radical idea: Consider the above ideas but, in addition, invest in some warm, dry winter weather clothes and spend time outdoors in spite of the weather. Long walks in the crisp air will energize you. Enlist a friend to join you. You can also improve your neighborhood by picking up trash and recyclables. Or make a game of it and choose a mileage goal and incrementally work toward it.

Make it a great season!

Back in the day, TVs were all basic black-and-white sets with on-off knobs and a choice of four channels. People saved money in a bank account, carried a department-store charge card, and could fit all of their important papers in the proverbial shoebox. Today’s big-screen entertainment centers come with hundreds of channels and multiple remotes. Likewise, consumers are free to choose among a vast array of financial products and services. That’s a boon to your finances, but it also makes life more complex and can become overwhelming. To cut through the clutter, we suggest that you think one and done: one credit card to maximize your rewards points, one manager for all of your retirement accounts, a single do-it-all mutual fund. Even if you make only one or two of our nine moves, you’ll cut your stress and have more time to kick back—and you’ll save money, too.

1. Carry just one credit card in your wallet
Why tote around a clutch of credit cards for retail stores you no longer patronize or gas stations that are nowhere near your home? By consolidating your purchases on one rewards card that best matches your spending patterns, you can lighten your wallet and streamline your monthly bills; stockpile rewards points, frequent-flier miles or cash-back bonuses; and reduce the hassle if your wallet is lost or stolen.

The flip side is to get rid of the cards you don’t need. Even if you keep more than one and carry a backup card when you travel, the key is to prune your accounts judiciously. Canceling credit cards outright can hurt your credit score because a big component of your score is your credit-utilization ratio. That’s the amount of credit you’ve used expressed as a percentage of your overall credit line. You want to keep that ratio as low as possible (ideally below 30 percent or, even better, below 20 percent). Closing a number of accounts can bump up the ratio, even if you pay off your balance every month.

Start by ordering your credit reports from annualcreditreport.com. You’re eligible for one free report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. Once you have the list in hand, look for cards with low credit limits. If you have $50,000 in available credit, closing a department-store card with a $500 limit won’t make a big dent in your utilization ratio. Still, if you’re planning to apply for a mortgage or a car loan, it’s a good idea to put off closing unwanted credit cards until after the loan has been approved, says Rod Griffin, director of public education for Experian.

Or you could simply put aside all but one of your cards in a safe place. Your utilization ratio won’t suffer, and you won’t be tempted to use the cards.

2. Use a single insurer
Keeping your homeowners, auto and other insurance policies with the same company will cut down on the number of bills you have to pay and may even improve the service you get. For example, if you’re happy with the way your auto insurer handles claims, it makes sense to use the same company to insure your home (and possibly your life).

That’s especially true if the company rewards your loyalty with a generous discount. Most major insurers offer discounts if you buy more than one policy. Purchasing multiple policies from one company could save up to 20 percent on your auto insurance premiums and up to 35 percent on your homeowner’s policy.

Buying all of your policies from one insurer won’t always deliver the best deal. For example, bundling may not lower your insurance costs if you need a nontraditional policy, such as insurance for a home built with green technology, says Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute. But you can streamline your search by getting price quotes from an insurance agent who deals with several companies.

3. Create one master password
Hardly a week goes by without news of another massive security breach that has exposed thousands of people to identity theft. Yet despite this threat, the most common password is 123456, according to SplashData, a provider of password-management systems. The second most common password is—wait for it—password.

Clearly, we need to do better. But who has the time to come up with (and remember) difficult-to-decipher passwords for all of their online accounts? One solution is to use a password-management system that stores all of your passwords in a single file. All you need to remember is one master password (your dog’s name is not a good choice) to access all of your other user names and passwords. Most password managers offer a free basic version; you’ll need to update (and pay) to use the service on multiple devices.

Unfortunately, these programs aren’t bulletproof. In June, LastPass, one of the most popular password-management systems, announced that its network had been hacked, exposing users’ e-mail addresses and password reminders. The company said encrypted master passwords were not compromised, although users were prompted to change them.

If you’re uncomfortable storing your passwords in the cloud, there are alternatives. KeePass stores all of your passwords in an encrypted file on your computer. As is the case with the cloud-based systems, you use a master password to access the file. Just make sure your computer is protected from hackers with strong antivirus software, or you’ll lose the benefits of storing your passwords locally.

4. Store your files in one place
Among the mountains of paper in your home office are a number of documents that you should save forever: birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, education records, life insurance policies, marriage license, divorce decree and record of military service. Hold on to home-purchase documents and records of improvements for as long as you own the property. The same goes for the titles to your vehicles.

In addition, the IRS generally has three years from the tax-filing deadline to audit your return, so keep your return and supporting documents for at least that long. Some experts recommend, though, that you hold on to your tax returns in­definitely because they can be useful for other purposes, such as applying for disability insurance or a mortgage. Starting with tax year 2014, you’re also required to keep records that show you and your family had health insurance, along with records of any subsidies you received to cover health insurance premiums.

Once you’ve stored all of those documents in a bank or a couple of file drawers at home, feel free to toss, toss, toss. After you’ve paid your credit card bill, shred the monthly statement unless you need it to claim tax deductions. Monthly bank statements can also go into the shredder unless you need them for tax purposes. Shred pay stubs after you’ve received your Form W-2 and checked it for errors. You can dispose of brokerage statements once you receive your annual statement, unless they show a gain or loss that you’ll need to report on your tax return. Hold on to statements that show the cost basis for an investment you still own.

You can also harness technology to reduce paperwork. The IRS accepts digital copies of supporting tax documents, so you can scan documents you’ll need, such as letters from charities, and convert them to digital files. Back up the files with an external hard drive or flash drive. Or store scanned documents on the Internet, using free cloud-based services such as Evernote, Dropbox, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.

5. Get your bank to pay your bills
Why waste time paying your bills when your bank or credit union probably offers an electronic bill-payment program, most likely at no charge? Even if one of your accounts doesn’t accept e-payments, the bank will send a paper check.

You can set up e-mail or text reminders of due dates, which will reduce the risk you’ll incur late-payment fees. Or arrange for recurring payments to be made automatically every month before the due date.

Although auto-pay can be a godsend for busy people, there are downsides, too. Changing banks can be a hassle because you must unwind all of your auto-payment plans before closing your old account (most banks and credit unions provide switch kits that help you with this process). If you’re hit with an erroneous charge, you’ll be out the money while you dispute the payment. Even when bills are accurate, you need to make sure there’s enough money in your account to cover the automatic payment. Otherwise, you’ll be hit with hefty overdraft fees.

One way to avoid that problem is to put your savings on autopilot, too. Have your paycheck deposited electronically in your bank account and, if your employer permits it, consider having a portion of your check deposited in a savings account set up for emergencies. You can arrange for your bank to withdraw money automatically from your savings whenever there’s a shortfall in your checking account.

6. Consolidate retirement accounts
Over the course of your working life, you may have accumulated a raft of 401(k) plans from former employers and individual retirement accounts at various financial-services firms. You can reduce paperwork, lower fees and make sure rounding up these accounts under one umbrella appropriately diversifies your portfolio.

For IRAs, consolidating with one firm will help you avoid low-balance fees that could eat into your returns. As long as mutual funds in your IRA are included in the financial institution’s funds network, you won’t have to sell your funds when you consolidate. You can combine the same types of IRAs (such as traditional IRAs) in a single account, which makes it easier to keep track of your portfolio.

Increasing the size of your account could also make you eligible for perks, such as a discount on tax software or a free portfolio review by a financial planner. Changing and updating beneficiaries is also easier when all of your IRAs are in the same place. And when you retire, taking withdrawals from your IRAs will be easier if you have all of your accounts with the same firm.

Your IRA provider will happily help you roll over old 401(k) plans into your account, too, but that’s not always in your best interest. Some large-company 401(k) plans offer institutional-class mutual funds with lower fees than retail funds offered by IRAs. Many also offer stable-value funds, which are attractive low-risk alternatives to money market funds and are only available in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

If you’re still working, there’s a one-step alternative: Roll your former employer’s plan (or plans) into your current employer’s 401(k). Most large companies allow plan-to-plan rollovers. You’ll streamline your retirement savings accounts without sacrificing the benefits offered by a 401(k).

7. Pick one broker or fund firm
It’s also a good idea to put taxable investment accounts under one roof: You can see what you have at a glance, compare your asset allocation to your target mix of investments, and reduce the amount of paperwork you have to contend with at tax time.

All of the big fund companies have brokerage arms, such as Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., so you can transfer both individual securities and mutual funds to them. Big brokerage firms let you buy and sell funds as easily as stocks. Know, too, that you usually don’t have to sell an investment to transfer it. Just stipulate that you want to transfer it “in kind” and your current brokerage will transfer your securities without triggering a potentially taxable gain.

Going simple will not only make your life easier, it could also improve your results, partly because you’ll find your portfolio easier to understand. That cuts down on shocks that can lead to poor, emotionally driven decisions.

8. Invest in an “all-in-one” fund
If you’d rather let someone else pick your tax-deferred or taxable investments and make sure they stay in proper balance, you’re a candidate for an all-in-one fund. They come in three main flavors: Balanced funds typically hold 60 percent to 70 percent of their assets in stocks and the rest in bonds. Lifestyle funds assemble a mix of investments geared to your tolerance for risk. A conservative lifestyle fund might have 40 percent of its assets in stocks, while an aggressive one might have 80 percent in stocks. Asset allocations in both balanced and lifestyle funds tend to remain fairly constant over time.

The asset allocation in target-date funds, by contrast, changes as the fund ages. The idea is to pick a fund whose target date matches your particular goal—usually retirement, but the funds may also be used to save for college or other purposes. A fund with a target year far into the future typically has a high percentage of stocks. Over time, the fund gradually trims its allotment to stocks and adds more bonds and cash. Note, however, that this so-called glide path can vary dramatically from one fund sponsor to another.

Which type of all-in-one-fund should you choose? A balanced or lifestyle fund is fine for investors who want to temper the risk of an all-stock portfolio. But for goals with a clear estimated date of arrival, such as college or retirement, a target fund is just the ticket. For someone who wants to keep things really simple, that’s a good option.

9. Sign up once and forget it
To procrastinate is human. To automate is divine. You may have already automated an aspect of your finances by signing up for a 401(k) plan or direct deposit of your paycheck. You can do the same thing with your investment accounts. Every major brokerage firm, fund company and bank offers automatic savings programs that allow you to establish a timetable designating how much you want to save and how often, the account that should be tapped to make the contributions, and where you want the money to go.

You can specify a money market fund if you’re saving for a short-term goal, or even a state 529 savings plan for college bills. No immediate goal? Then set up the savings to go into a balanced fund.

By Sandra Block and Kathy Kristof, Copyright 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

It used to be that capturing those special moments meant having your camera ready and hoping it was loaded with film. Then you had to wait to share it. Now all you have to do is whip out your smartphone and click. And you can share it immediately.

But just because it’s easier to snap photos doesn’t mean you’ll get better pictures. You still have to know how to take them.

Take a look at these tips for taking better pictures with your smartphone:

1. Get sideways – Hold your smartphone horizontally. Shooting this way helps you better capture an entire group or backgrounds. And it will display better on your computer or television.
2. Choose where you click – You’re not limited to the button on the screen to take the picture. There are a number of choices on your smartphone—the volume buttons on the side or the volume control on your earbuds. Use the one that feels most comfortable for the photo you’re taking.
3. Stop the shake – Ever get a blurry picture when you’re taking a photo in low light? That’s because the exposure time is longer. Use the self timer then brace yourself just before the photo is shot. Try leaning against a wall to steady yourself.
4. Take more shots – Don’t worry about taking the perfect shot. Go ahead and take several. With digital photos it’s easy. And you can view the shot instantly. So if you didn’t get it right, you still have a chance to take another.

Your smartphone camera makes it easier than ever to take photos. And it’s always with you. Now make sure those photos look good by using these tips.

With the unofficial start of summer last weekend, our activities move outdoors. That’s why we are reminding you how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes most skin cancers, unsightly sunspots and premature aging of skin. People of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer, but some people are more susceptible to UV damage, including those who have:

> A family history of skin cancer
> Many moles or freckles
> A history of severe sunburns early in life

Here are three things you can do to protect your skin this summer.

1. Apply Sunscreen

When used properly, sunscreen is an important defense against the sun’s harmful rays. Experts recommend:

> Using a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
> Applying one ounce of sunscreen at a time
> Reapplying at least every two hours; more often if in the water or sweaty
> Adding a second layer to sensitive skin areas such as lips, ears and tops of the feet

Consider multiple travel-size sunscreens for skin and lips to place in the car, purse, diaper bag, bathroom, etc. and avoid leaving it in extreme heat.

Sunscreen loses its potency after two to three years. Check the expiration date on what you already have. If it’s still good, give it a shake to activate it, otherwise restock.

2. Seek Shade     

Shade is just a barrier between you and direct sunlight. Carry an umbrella or pitch a beach umbrella. Find a spot under trees or in shadows. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing or lightweight long-sleeves shirts and pants.

3. Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes and surrounding sensitive skin with UV sunglasses or over glasses. The important thing is that the glasses wrap around the side of your face to block all angles of sunshine.

For more information and to test your Sun Safety IQ, visit the American Cancer Society.

There’s good news for teens about summer jobs: It’s not too late to get one. Although many positions have been filled, turnover is often high among teenage workers, says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm. “Retailers, restaurants, amusement parks and the like may continue hiring throughout the summer to replace people who quit or were let go for whatever reason,” says Challenger. Look for opportunities to sub for workers who may be going on vacation, and don’t be afraid to return to employers who have already turned you down.

The extra effort could pay off, not only with cash in your pocket but also in the experience of earning money at a real job and learning how to manage it. In recent years, jobs seem to have become a four-letter word with many teens. Challenger points out that the labor-force participation rate among 16-to-19-year-olds has been declining since the late 1970s.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that kids are spending their summers lounging by the pool. A survey of teens by Junior Achievement found that among those who don’t plan to get a job this summer, 27 percent said they had too many other activities scheduled and 26 percent said they’d be away at summer camp or elsewhere.

But as we’ve written before, teens are missing out on valuable life lessons by not holding down paid employment. Showing up on time, taking responsibility, and getting along with co-workers and supervisors are all critical skills—and so is knowing how to find a job in the first place. Social media and online job sites are a great place to start. But even today, nothing beats personal contact.

The personal touch paid off big-time not once but twice for Nate Reistetter, the 15-year-old son of my colleague Stacie Harrison. Nate landed a temporary stint at a science camp on the strength of his older brother, Ben, 17, who has been a popular counselor at the camp for three summers. “As soon as Nate said he was Ben’s brother, he was in,” says Stacie.

After that gig ended, Nate started looking for a new job online and saw that Baskin-Robbins was hiring. He set up an in-person interview, which went well. When he didn’t hear anything for a week, he called again and this time spoke to the manager, who brought him in for another interview and hired him on the spot. Nate makes $9.50 an hour plus tips, and he’s thrilled to be scooping ice cream and making waffle cones. “He’s had volunteer positions before, but he says it feels really good to work at a job and be paid,” says Stacie.

Earning an income also gives Nate some golden opportunities to learn to manage money:

> Pay taxes. Right off the bat, Nate will learn that even 15-year-olds have money withheld for income taxes, which he’ll probably get back as a refund, and for Social Security and Medicare taxes, which aren’t refundable. See What Kids With Summer Jobs Need to Know About Taxes for tips on how to fill out the forms.

> Set up a checking account, and have his pay deposited directly, if that’s an option. Those are basic moves that have a big payoff but that kids don’t necessarily think of on their own. The America Saves campaign, managed by the Consumer Federation of America, conducted focus groups with low- and moderate-income teenagers who participated in its First-Time Workers program to gauge their attitudes toward spending and saving. The group found that although the teens knew it was important to save, they didn’t know how, such as by contributing a portion of their pay automatically to a savings account. Among the teenagers, the most successful savers had two accounts, one for spending and one for saving.

> Contribute to a Roth IRA. Because Nate will have earned income from a job, he’ll also be eligible to save for retirement in a Roth IRA. He can contribute up to the amount of his annual earnings, with a maximum of $5,500. And he doesn’t have to use his own money; parents and grandparents can give him the funds.

> Keep up the good work. For Nate, the lessons don’t have to end with the summer. He’s already talking about working part-time during the school year.

By Janet Bodnar, Copyright 2016 Kiplinger Washington Editors

Everyone knows hugs can make us feel loved and special. They can encourage us to excel or comfort us when we’re down. They can create a feeling of trust and make us feel safe and secure. But did you know hugs also have some important health benefits?

> Hugs are good for your heart – Some studies suggest hugging may lower the risk of heart disease
> Hugs can reduce blood pressure – A good hug may help bring your numbers down
> Hugs can reduce stress – Hugging has been shown to reduce Cortisol, the hormone released when we’re under stress
> Hugs can strengthen the immune system – Gentle pressure on the sternum stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates the body’s production of healthy white blood cells
> Hugs can take away pain – Hugging releases tension and relaxes muscles, which can help to ease aches and pains
> Hugs can elevate mood – Hugging creates a feeling of happiness, and that may help alleviate depression

When it comes to the minimum daily hugging requirement, experts say we need four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth. So if you find yourself falling short, the solution is simple. Start hugging. Remember hugs don’t just feel good. They’re actually good for you.

Summer can be a great time to be outside and enjoy the sun. Summer also has heat, humidity and bugs — things that drive people indoors. If you have to spend some time inside this summer, here are five fun things to do with your kids or grandkids (and heck, most of these can be fun for anyone).

1.  Make frozen popsicles – Here’s one way to beat the heat; all you need are paper cups, popsicle sticks and your ingredients (could be as simple as pouring Kool-Aid into a cup); put your creation in the freezer and enjoy

2. Have a movie day or night – There may be an old movie you’ve been wanting to watch again or a newer release you never made it to the theater to see but is available for rent; find a comfortable seat and a bowl of popcorn and have a movie day or night

3. Break out the board games – Set up some board games to tempt your competitive side; long-time favorites like Monopoly, Sorry or Pictionary can be worth hours of fun

4. Crank up the music – There are a lot of classic summertime tunes; turn up the music and dance like you did when you were a teenager — and who care if your neighbors might see

5. Go bowling – If you want to get away from your house for some indoor fun, go to your local bowling alley; bowling alleys often have specials since the summer is their slow season

Summer can be a great time to be outside and enjoy the sun. Summer also has heat, humidity and bugs — things that drive people indoors. If you have to spend some time inside this summer, here are five fun things to do with your kids or grandkids (and heck, most of these can be fun for anyone).

1. Make frozen popsicles – Here’s one way to beat the heat; all you need are paper cups, popsicle sticks and your ingredients (could be as simple as pouring Kool-Aid into a cup); put your creation in the freezer and enjoy
2. Have a movie day or night – There may be an old movie you’ve been wanting to watch again or a newer release you never made it to the theater to see but is available for rent; find a comfortable seat and a bowl of popcorn and have a movie day or night
3. Break out the board games – Set up some board games to tempt your competitive side; long-time favorites like Monopoly, Sorry or Pictionary can be worth hours of fun
4. Crank up the music – There are a lot of classic summertime tunes; turn up the music and dance like you did when you were a teenager — and who care if your neighbors might see
5. Go bowling – If you want to get away from your house for some indoor fun, go to your local bowling alley; bowling alleys often have specials since the summer is their slow season

Grab your Trapper Keeper and Troll Topper, it’s almost back to school time. And if you think it’s gotten more expensive, you’re right. According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school spending has increased more than 40 percent in the past ten years. Given the hit to the pocketbook, going into the season with a plan can lead to big savings.

Here are a few tips to save some moolah this summer.

> Do a closet/backpack/junk drawer sweep – Whether you’re planning on pencils, paper, erasers, highlighters or rulers, chances are you have a good supply in stock before heading to the store.

> Clip coupons – Second only to winter holidays in terms of spending, back-to-school season is a bonanza for retailers. Many look to increase sales this season with coupons. Check your mail, the Sunday paper, websites (Target, for example, has an incredible coupon page) or download mobile apps that provide personalized coupons and notifications

> Price match – It takes a bit of homework, but knowing the price match policies can pay off.  TheSimpleDollar.com recently compiled and rated many major retailers’ policies. If you don’t want to do the work, Walmart’s Savings Catcher compares the prices of your purchase to local competitor ads and will automatically refund the difference on a gift card.

> Don’t forget the dollar store – Whether it’s Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar or another bargain store, they do deliver on price. Stock up on pencils, loose leaf paper or other supplies and watch the savings pile up.

> Celebrate tax holidays – Although not applicable everywhere, about a third of the states in the U.S. have state tax holidays. Depending on the tax rate, these savings can be substantial, especially when buying big ticket items such as dorm furniture, classroom electronics or clothes for your teen. To see a full calendar, check out this page.

By taking a simple, smart approach to this annual rite of passage you can get what you need without breaking the bank.

It used to be that parents worried about their kids getting bullied on the playground. Today, kids don’t even have to leave home to fall victim. One study finds that 15 percent of high school students were electronically bullied last year.

It could be a text message, an email or on social media. Sometimes the sender can remain anonymous making it almost impossible to track down the offender.

What can you do about it? Start with these three tips from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to prevent cyberbullying:

> Be aware of what you kids are doing online – Monitor what website or apps your child uses. Tell your kid that you may review their online communications, if you see a need. Use parental control filtering software. Encourage them to tell you if they or someone they know is being cyberbullied.
> Establish rules about technology use – Set rules and talk with your kids about what is appropriate to share and with whom. Be sure they know that once something is posted, they lose control over it.
> Understand school rules – See if your school district has developed policies on the use of technology. They often cover online behavior in and out of the classroom. Talk with your child about this expectation and the consequences.

For more information on cyberbullying and how to report it, go to stopbullying.gov.

Candied apples, campfires, color … October’s gifts. Explore autumn’s intoxicating sights, smells and tastes as if for the first time.

What do you like to do this season? Here are some ideas to add to your own for a rich autumnal experience. Just do it before the snow flies.

See the Colors
Pump up your leaf peeping skills and, if you can, go beyond your neighborhood. Consider driving, biking, canoeing, running or hiking through an arboretum (utility companies offer arboretums across the country), nature centers, parks and forests. Take part in campfires, hayrack rides, night walks and the like. See peak leaf peeping times.

Watch Migrating Birds
North America has many flyways for migrating geese, cranes and other birds. Look for one near you for optimal viewing.

Check Out Fairs and Festivals
There’s nothing like being outdoors on a clear crisp day. Whether your autumn exploration takes you outside or you remain indoors, you won’t be disappointed with America’s fall crafts fairs or apple, music or storytelling festivals. Start your search here.

Create Autumn-Themed Items
Do your creative juices flow in the fall? Take advantage of the inspiration and learn a new craft, collect fallen leaves, acorns, moss pinecones for wreaths or nature boxes, or make Halloween costumes. There are plenty of ideas at your fingertips.

Spice Up 10 Meals
Many foods and aromas remind us of autumn — from cinnamon and nutmeg to pumpkins and apples. Incorporate one or more of your favorites into your meals for a while, such as pumpkin pancakes, cinnamon scones, or spiced cider. Recipes abound.

Play Outside
Add a new activity to your family’s established annual autumn rituals. Get out and pick apples, plant spring flower bulbs, navigate a pumpkin patch or corn maze. For more fun, join others to play a fall sport such as flag football, cross country or volleyball.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. So it’s a good time to brush up on how to keep your pets warm and healthy throughout the cold-weather months. Here are a few reminders on what you need to do.

If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.

It’s a common misconception that cats and dogs are more tolerant of the cold. Their fur might help keep them warm for short periods of time, but they can easily suffer from frostbite and hypothermia if exposed for too long a time to extreme cold. Also, never leave a pet alone in the car during colder weather — this is just as dangerous and potentially deadly as doing so in the hot summer months.

Protect their paws.

One of the biggest issues for pets during the winter can be cracked and irritated paws. All the cold, damp, and salt their feet are exposed to during walks can dry out the pads and cause cracks, bleeding and potentially infection. Help keep their tootsies healthy by wiping them off as soon as they come indoors. You may also want to consider getting them special boots to protect them further; just be sure they fit correctly and won’t hinder mobility.

Keep them away from antifreeze.

One of the key components of antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is lethal to dogs and cats. Because it is sweet to the taste, pets are prone to lick up any spills. Steer your pets clear of standing puddles along the streets that could have been left from parked cars and be sure to clean up leaked fluids in your driveway and garage.

Finally, if you do notice any issues or if you have questions about how to keep your specific breed safe this winter, reach out to your veterinarian. He or she can provide customized advice that will help you and your best friends stay happy, warm and healthy throughout the season.

Remember when you’d get out the encyclopedia to do a report for school? Today, kids go online instead. There they find an explosion of words, pictures and videos that provide a rich learning experience. But they can also find elements that can put them at risk. That’s why it’s important to teach your children to use the internet safely.

Here are some tips to help you keep them safe online:

> Get set-up for safety – Keep electronics in an open area of your home where you can monitor their use. Many devices allow you to establish unique user accounts for each child. Within the account, you can limit what that the individual has access to.

> Protect personal information – Talk with kids about what information should not be shared online unless you approve it first. That can include basic items like their address or phone number. But it also includes passwords and logins. For older children, that can mean locking down their privacy settings.

> Have “the talk” regularly – It’s hard to monitor kids every minute of the day. So take the time to have “the talk” with them about their online experience. An important part of the discussion should be about cyberbullying. Start with these five questions: http://us.norton.com/the-talk/article.

> Create a safe zone – Even with the best of training, kids make mistakes. So be sure to create a safe environment for them to tell you about it. That doesn’t mean there will be no consequences but it does mean that you will listen and help them solve the problem.

Kids can learn a lot online. Just make sure it’s the right thing. Start with these tips to keep them safe.

February is a month that’s just perfect for romance. Not only is it home to Valentine’s Day, but all those cold winter nights just cry out for cozying up with the one you love. Here are a few date night ideas to rekindle the flames with your special someone — without spending a lot of dough.

> Go on a winter hike. Get bundled up and head outdoors to check out the beauty of nature. Many state parks have guided winter tours, or you can fly solo and enjoy some time alone together.
> Assemble a cuddle kit for two. Gather warm socks, a blanket, snacks, candles and a favorite movie or two and put them in a basket for your S.O. Then break your kit out on a cold evening and warm up together.
> Go ice skating. Most cities have indoor and outdoor rinks that won’t cost you much (and generally include skate rentals). Never skated? Even better! Hold on to each other and laugh the night away.
> Visit a local art exhibit. Support your local artists by visiting area galleries during special exhibits or First Friday tours. These events sometimes offer free appetizers and drinks, making them a fun, unique and low-budget way to hit the town.
> Have a cookie bake-off. Satisfy your taste buds and your competitive natures with a friendly bake-off. You can challenge one another to see who can come up with the most creative cookie and then reap the benefits by snacking the night away.
> Hit the arcade. Who doesn’t love video games? Grab your partner and a roll of quarters and let your inner-children run wild for a night of Pac-Man, pinball and Donkey Kong.

There’s one in every family — a keeper of family history. The one person who knows Aunt Margaret isn’t really your aunt, but your grandmother’s second cousin, once removed.

If you’ve been bitten by the genealogy bug, now is the perfect time to start exploring your family tree. Begin with yourself and work backward, listing the names of your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and on, going as far as back as you can. Search family records for names of family members plus dates of births, marriages and deaths.

Once you’ve recorded the vital information, it’s time to add some life to your family tree. Dig for the fascinating facts. Search for the colorful characters. Even expose the skeletons in your family’s closet. It’s these details that really provide a sense of who your ancestors were and what their lives were like.

A good source for this type of information may be your older relatives. Give them a call to set up a time to visit. You’ll be amazed at the wealth of knowledge, not to mention the interesting stories, these folks can provide. Ask them about their lives. Get them to tell you about other relatives. Gather as much information as you can.

Here are a few questions to help get you started:

> What’s your earliest childhood memory?
> What were the most relevant world events in your lifetime? How did they affect you and your family?
> Who is the oldest relative you can remember?
> Are there any famous or infamous relatives in our family?
> Are there any family heirlooms, traditions, stories or favorite recipes that have been passed down?

Once you start gathering information about your ancestors, you’ll get a sense for where you want to go next. Some people are driven to trace their family tree as far back as possible, often to the “old country.” Others are content to delve further into the lives of ancestors who settled in America. Some want to identify as many distant relatives as they can. Others prefer to focus on their immediate family line. But no matter where your genealogical journey takes you, it’s certain to be a fascinating and surprising trip.

With many colleges requesting an enrollment deposit on May 1, April is peak financial aid season. For those going through the process the first time, the experience can be a stressful. Between forms and deadlines, families often feel overwhelmed.

If that sounds a bit like you, take heart. Here are some answers to your basic financial aid questions.^*

What is financial aid?
Financial aid is a resource used to pay for education. It can come in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and on-campus employment. In some cases, financial aid is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

What kinds of financial aid are available?

> Gift aid – In short, this is free money. It can come in the form of a grant, scholarship or endowment and does not require repayment. Sources can vary from government to institutions to outside organizations, and it can be either merit or needs-based.
> Self-help – In many instances, these are loans. The main federal loan programs are the Direct Student Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and Perkins Loans. These are needs-based and eligibility is determined by FAFSA results. Work study is also considered financial aid if family need still exists after other options.

How can I apply for financial aid?

> FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – This is the form required to be considered eligible for any federal or state financial aid (including loans). You can access it on the FAFSA website.
> Institutional aid – Many colleges have scholarships, endowments and grants available for students who attend that institution. Review college websites and contact the schools’ financial aid offices for pertinent information.
> Outside scholarships – These can be obtained by online scholarship engines such as www.finaid.org, www.fastweb.com  or http://www.scholarships.com/. For local scholarships, you can contact your student’s guidance counselor or community organizations. As a rule, never pay for a scholarship search.

What are the deadlines?

> Federal – The federal deadline for online FAFSA applications is midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
> State – Each state sets its own deadline, which you can check on the deadline page for FAFSA.
> Institutional – Contact your college for deadlines as well.

Hopefully, with this information you can feel a bit more prepared and at-ease as you prepare to help your child with begin the next stage of their education.

* This is not financial aid advice and is for informational purposes only. For specific financial aid questions, please contact your college financial aid administrator.

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John Ogonowski flew airplanes all his life and understood the risk of his profession. His planning helped ensure his family’s financial future when the unthinkable happened on Sept. 11, 2001.

John Ogonowski grew up on a farm and never wanted to give up that life, even as he pursued a distinguished military and civilian flying career. While a young pilot for American Airlines, John began buying land in his hometown of Dracut, Mass., and eventually developed a second career as a hay farmer. John’s wife, Peg, was a flight attendant at American, and they knew her salary would not be enough to support their three young daughters and keep their farm going if something were to happen to John. So John bought life insurance to supplement the coverage provided by the airline.

On Sept. 11, 2001, the unthinkable happened. Terrorists hijacked American Flight 11, commanded by Capt. Ogonowski, and flew it into the World Trade Center. In an instant, Peg found herself at the center of the worst terror attack in the nation’s history, her grief compounded by concerns about how she would manage without John.

A few days later, the Ogonowskis’ insurance agent¹, Richard Bourgault CLTC LUTCF, came by to offer condolences. The oldest daughter, Laura, then 16, approached him apprenhensively and asked whether they would have to move out of their home. No, he said firmly. “That made all of the difference in the world,” he recalls.

With the insurance proceeds, Peg was able to pay off the mortgage on her home, retire all of the debt on the farm and set aside college money for her girls. Today the 150-acre family farm is still in the business, operated by John’s brother, Jim. Peg, recently retired after a 30-year career with American. “I can’t begin to tell you how huge it was to have had the insurance and to know that we were completely covered,” she says.

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In more than 30 years of farming, Harvey Wood never had an accident. But he didn’t take anything to chance and made sure his family was protected.

It would be difficult to find someone more cautious than Harvey Wood, a third generation Arizona cotton and citrus farmer. In more than 30 years of farming, he never had an accident.

Harvey was cautious about his financial affairs too. Shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart, Sandy, he bought life insurance to make sure she’d always be protected. Over time, Harvey realized that his coverage hadn’t kept up with growing needs. He and Sandy now had young children and the farm was expanding. That’s when Harvey met with insurance agents¹, Bryan Buzzard and Bob Sapanaro. After their comprehensive financial needs analysis, he took their advice and significantly increased his coverage.

Still, there were years when crops were ruined and Harvey didn’t know how he could afford the premiums. Knowing how much Harvey needed the coverage, his agents¹ discussed with him how to use the cash values in his whole life policy to keep the insurance in force.

Several years later, Harvey, 50, was refilling a fertilizer tank in front of a tractor when it slipped into gear and killed him. Sandy and the kids were devastated, but there was hardly time to grieve. They quickly realized that the world wouldn’t stop simply because tragedy had struck.

The crops and bills kept growing. “We owed hundreds of thousands of dollars,” says Sandy. “I kept thinking, this farm has been in our family for generations, I can’t lose it now.” But that’s why Harvey had purchased and kept the additional life insurance. With it Sandy paid off the farm debt, college loans, the mortgage and credit card bills. Today, the family is thriving. Sandy handles the business side of the farm, while her son, H.C., manages the farming operations.

“Our life is forever different without Harvey,” says Sandy, “but because he cared so much and bought the life insurance, our way of life hasn’t changed.”

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As a business owner you have a lot of responsibilities at work and at home. Sometimes those priorities conflict and require tough decisions on how to use the money you earn from your business. Most business owners feel that the best use of their money is to put it back into their business, since that gives them the best return. While for many business owners that is true, that can leave other important priorities like college funding unmet.

Even if you haven’t saved anything for college, and have a child just about to start classes, it may not be too late. Of course, there isn’t time for regular college saving, but maybe there’s a way that those who haven’t prepared can fund college in reverse.

What does it mean to fund college in reverse? It means using a vehicle such as a cash value life insurance policy to build cash to help pay off the college loans. Life insurance is typically used as a death benefit when the insured has died. A lump-sum is paid to the beneficiaries of the policy.

Here’s how it works: Let’s say your daughter has been accepted to a school with tuition of $30,000 per year and you haven’t saved anything for her college. If the school called you and said, “Hey, we decided we were charging too much and so we decided to lower our tuition to $500 a month or $6000 per year. Can you afford that?” You jump up and say, “Yes!” Here’s the rub: the school is not going to call you and lower their tuition bill. But, if you take that $500 a month and buy a cash value life insurance policy on your daughter as she takes out student loans, that policy could build cash sufficient to help pay off her student loans 15 or so years down the road.

So even if you didn’t save in advance and your children are starting college, you may be able to take out the student loans and work towards paying them off.

Insurance products and services are offered by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company or one of its affiliates. Home Office: 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175. Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company is licensed nationwide. United of Omaha Life Insurance Company is licensed nationwide, except New York. United World Life Insurance Company is licensed nationwide except Connecticut, New York and the Virgin Islands. Companion Life Insurance Company, Hauppauge, NY 11788-2934, is licensed in New York. Omaha Insurance Company is licensed in all states except: AL, CA, CO, ID, IL, LA, NV, NH, NY, NC, PR, RI, VT, VI, and WI. Products not available in all states. Each underwriting company is solely responsible for its own contractual and financial obligations.

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