Why vocational education is critical for many young people

StatePoint
February 10, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
In this high-tech era where a college degree is positioned as a necessity for success, vocational education is often overlooked. But experts say that a vocational education provides the right experience for many jobs that are currently vacant. Indeed, there are 30 million jobs nationwide that don’t...
How to find and apply for scholarships

StatePoint
February 10, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Savvy students and families know that scholarships can play an integral role in meeting college costs. To help students and families find and apply for scholarships, Sallie Mae, the nation’s saving, planning and paying for college company, is offering six tips: Get an early start. Apply for schola...
How families today are paying for college

StatePoint
February 10, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
The way families pay for college is a good indicator of how much planning takes place before the first tuition bill arrives. A new study by Sallie Mae suggests that while families are feeling confident in their decision-making, nearly 40 percent do not have a plan to pay for college. Last year, family...
Tips to tackle 2019 with greater financial confidence

StatePoint
January 7, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Many Americans will start the New Year with specific goals or resolutions in mind. While resolutions are often broken where your finances are concerned, they don’t have to be. Use these tips to tackle 2019 with greater financial confidence. Set a specific goal. Setting goals for the year may...
5 water-saving New Year’s resolutions

StatePoint
January 6, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
It’s that time of year to start setting New Year’s resolutions: work out more; get a new job; save money. While these are admirable goals, have you considered how your resolutions might make a bigger impact? Protecting our water is one of the biggest challenges facing the planet, but many of us...
10 doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions

StatePoint
January 6, 2019
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
With the new year upon us, you may be looking for resolutions that will help to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy in the year ahead. “This is the perfect time of year to consider your personal goals, and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year,” says American Medical...
Family-friendly ideas for getting out this spring

StatePoint
March 18, 2018
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Spring is the best time of year to get outdoors and spend some quality time with the family. Here are three ideas to shake off winter’s cabin fever and the most of the season. Take a hike Visit a state or national park and hit the hiking trails. Most parks have a variety of trails of varying diffi...
Food for thought during National Nutrition Month

StatePoint
March 18, 2018
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
We hear a lot about the important nutrients in vegetables and fruits, but the health benefits of eating seafood regularly aren’t always in the spotlight. It should be a no-brainer when it comes to seafood, which is packed with omega-3s. Yet, most Americans only eat one serving of seafood a week. Here...
Tips to protect birds in your yard and garden

StatePoint
March 18, 2018
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
One of the best parts of backyard living in the warmer months is all the potential for bird watching that comes with it. You may have even installed a bird feeder in your garden in an attempt to attract more birds to your property. But did you know, your home poses dangerous risks to the birds that...
FAMILY: National Music Day — make music a bigger part of your family’s life

StatePoint
June 9, 2015
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Researchers say that music can bring many benefits to your life — and for households that incorporate music into their daily lifestyle, these benefits can extend to everyone in the family. According to a survey conducted by Casio America Inc., a leading manufacturer of digital pianos and keyboards,...
EDUCATION: What’s the Maker Movement about? Reinventing the world one child at a time

Brandpoint (BPT)
June 9, 2015
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Can kids playing with Legos make the world a better place? Will children who build their own rocket ships or dollhouses go on to be the adult innovators of tomorrow, who take on the world’s challenges with technology and creativity? If 13-year-old Shubham Banerjee is an example of young makers, the...
Spruce up your home this summer for under $100
StatePoint
June 3, 2014
Filed under MERCHANTS' SQUARE
Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your home this summer? With a little inspiration and work you can give your home a quick makeover within a limited budget. “From interior decor projects to a fresh coat of paint, there are plenty of ways to make a big impact in a room for under...