NEW YORK, February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Wedding photographer Olivia Kalton knows a thing or two about the costs involved in making a wedding day happen. So when she got engaged, she decided to shop around and find the right credit card for wedding expenses she'd have to pay that would also give her the most bang for her buck.

She posted her "hack" on TikTok detailing how opening a new Chase Sapphire card helped her maximize her purchases and allowed her to convert all those points she earned on purchases into an all-expenses-paid honeymoon.

Though her TikTok doesn't specify if it was the Reserve® or Preferred® version of the card, we'll show you how you can use any card to help subsidize your wedding or honeymoon costs just for buying the things you already need.

Difference between a credit card and a personal loan

First, let's cover the basics to help you decide if you should use a credit card for wedding expenses or a personal loan for wedding expenses. While there are some similarities between a credit card and a personal loan there are also some major differences. 

Personal Loans

• Work like installment loans so you will receive the funds upfront in one large sum and repay the loan each month over a certain period
• They can be both secured or unsecured
• Personal loans have an end date
• Personal loan funds can be used for almost anything

Credit Cards

• Work as revolving credit, so you can borrow as much as you need (up to your limit) and then your payments depend on the outstanding balance.
• The payments don't have interest if the balance is paid in full each month
• Credit cards usually have interest rates
• Credit cards can be used for everyday purchases

How to earn a free honeymoon with your credit card

Step 1: Figure out which costs you'll have to pay.

Before you even start looking at cards, you'll need to know your budget and what you'll need to pay for. 

Step 2: Start saving

None of this works if you'll be left with a balance on your credit card at the end of the month. While free travel is always nice, it's not really "free" if you're paying compounding interest on your purchases, so start putting money away for your wedding ASAP.

Step 3: Ensure your vendors accept credit cards

Some of Olivia's commenters mentioned they had trouble paying with credit cards for wedding services, so shop around first to see what companies accept credit cards and which type. Some vendors will accept Visa or Mastercard but not American Express (due to their higher vendor fees). Knowing this ahead of time will give you a better idea of which card you'll need to get.

Step 4: Research your honeymoon ideas

You can do this after Step 5 if you want, but having an idea of where you want to go will help you determine which airlines, hotels, cruises, etc., you'll need to work with.

Step 4: Research credit cards

There are dozens of cards that offer membership or reward points for purchases, so you'll need to research and find the one that best fits your needs. In particular, look at:

• How many points you'll get for each spending category (some cards will offer more points for travel, while others give bonus points for groceries, online shopping, etc.)
• Their travel partners - Again, you can base your honeymoon off of your preferred cards' travel partners instead of Step 4. Regardless, see which travel partners (airlines, hotels, cruises, rental car companies, etc.) they work with so you'll know your options.
• The annual fee - Many premium travel cards come with hefty annual fees that should be considered in your expenses
• The welcome offer and terms - Most cards will offer you a lump sum of reward points, typically in the tens of thousands, if you spend a specific amount of money within the first few months of opening your card. This is usually a one-time offer, so you'll need to strategize your costs accordingly.

Step 6: Check award blogs and calculators

Now that you know how many points you'll earn off the bat (plus a rough estimate of how many points your purchases will earn), you'll need to find out just how many points it'll cost you to do your honeymoon. There are dozens of travel blogs and websites with calculators that help people figure these out, like Doctor of Credit or the /r/churning and /r/awardtravel subreddits.

Step 7: Open the card and start spending

Step 8: Keep a running tally of your total points and how close you are to your goal

Step 9: Convert the points with travel partners

This is it! Now that you've accumulated all those points, it's time to cash it in and book your trip! Keep confirmation records handy, just in case.

Bonus tip

Keep an eye out for promotional offers from credit cards and travel partners that offer bonus points. Some hotels will offer a % bonus if you buy points in bulk (i.e., 25% more points if you buy points directly from them), while others will have a temporary promotional period where your credit card points convert to a higher amount (i.e., instead of 1:1, 1:2, etc.)

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: How This Woman Got A Free Honeymoon By Paying For Her Wedding With Her Credit Card

BROOKLYN, N.Y., February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) has recognized Kazoo, an independently published quarterly print magazine for girls, ages 5 to 12, for awards in the categories of General Excellence, Best Print Design, and Best Print Illustration. 

Kazoo is nominated for General Excellence-Special Interest, the most prestigious honor in the publishing industry; for Best Print Design for The Brave Issue (#27); and for Best Print Illustration for "Look for the Light" by Lucy Knisley in The Future Issue (#26). Kazoo is the only children's magazine recognized in 2023. 

In 2023, Kazoo published four powerful issues: The Brave Issue (#27), which inspires girls to dream boldly and make their voices heard; The Future Issue (#26), which encourages them to imagine—and build—a better tomorrow; The Ocean Issue (#25), which takes them on a deep dive into the science and secrets of the sea; and The Magic Issue (#24), which sparks their wonder and curiosity about the world. Every 64-page, ad-free issue is filled with visually stunning illustrations, clever comics, powerful fiction, and interactive stories, and each supports Kazoo's simple, yet still radical, mission: to celebrate girls for being strong, smart, fierce and true to themselves. 

The three 2023 ASME nods mark Kazoo magazine's eighth ASME nomination in just seven years, having previously been nominated in 2017, 2019, and 2021 for General Excellence-Special Interest and twice in 2022 for Best Single Topic Issue and Best Illustrated Story. Kazoo won the highest honor in the category of General Excellence-Special Interest in 2019.

This year, 243 national and regional media organizations entered the National Magazine Awards. Finalists and winners will be honored at the annual presentation of the National Magazine Awards at Terminal 5, in New York City, on Tuesday, March 28.

MORE ABOUT KAZOO MAGAZINE:

Kazoo: A Magazine for Girls Who Aren't Afraid to Make Some Noise is the story of a little quarterly magazine that could. We're print-only by design, ad-free by choice, and we launched in 2016 after running what was the highest-funded journalism campaign in crowdfunding history. With a full-time staff of one, Kazoo now reaches subscribers in 51 countries worldwide and counts among its contributors Stacey Abrams, Margaret Atwood, Amy Sherald, Greta Thunberg, and others. Our mission is as radical as it is essential: to celebrate girls, 5 to 12, for being strong, smart, fierce and true to themselves.

Representation matters, especially to kids, so celebrating all kinds of girls and women in our pages is not a quota to fill; it's part of our purpose.

[Kazoo's Media Kit: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0478/1254/2631/files/Kazoo_Media_Kit_2022.pdf?v=1646063959]
[Asme Announcement: https://asme.memberclicks.net/american-society-of-magazine-editors-announces-finalists-for-2023-national-magazine-awards]

Contact Information:
Erin Bried
Editor-In-Chief
[email protected]
872-529-6646


Original Source: Kazoo Magazine Named a 2023 ASME Finalist in Three Categories

NEW YORK, February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: With so many economic experts warning of an upcoming recession, it's no surprise many are wondering how to weather the impending economic storm. However, there's a small faction of the population out there that is welcoming it and see a recession as an investment opportunity.

A recession survey done by Credello discovered that 45% of males surveyed see a recession as a "glass half full" situation and are planning ways to maximize their opportunities to capitalize on the economic impact. 

How does a recession work?

Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and understanding how they work can be a valuable tool for investors.

During a recession, there is a decrease in economic activity, resulting in a reduction in consumer spending and investment. This can lead to lower stock prices, higher unemployment, and decreased output.

Despite these challenges, investing during a recession can have its advantages. By making smart decisions, investors can capitalize on the low prices of stocks and other assets. Furthermore, recessions often allow investors to purchase high-quality investments at lower prices.

In addition, recessions can create buying opportunities for long-term investors willing to be patient with their investments during the recovery period. What investment opportunities could there be in a recession? Here are a few ideas.

Contribute to high-yield savings accounts

As the Federal Reserve fights to keep inflation at bay, interest rates will rise. While that means bad news for your credit card debt, it's excellent news for savings accounts and CDs. Expect to see interest rates on your interest-bearing checking and savings accounts rates to increase back to levels not seen since the early 2000s.

Gain exposure to the stock market

There's always the chance that the stock market will take a nosedive during a recession, but if you're smart about it, you can gain exposure to it without actually investing in it. For example, you could buy ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that track stocks or indexes and earn dividends based on the underlying stock prices.

Invest in real estate

While there's always risk associated with real estate investments, they tend to be relatively stable during recessions and can offer higher returns than most other investment options.

What investments to avoid in a recession

On the other hand, there are a few investments that will become more volatile in a recession that you may want to avoid if you're averse to risk.

Startup stocks - These are often high-risk investments and can be hard to sell if the company fails.

Investments in commodities - While commodity prices have been trending down recently, a recession could reverse that trend and lead to higher prices for these items.

Alternative investments - Some believe that alternative investments, such as hedge funds and private equity, are better protected from recessions than traditional stocks or bonds. However, this is a risky proposition and should only be considered if you're confident in finding suitable investments in a downturn.

The bottom line

Taking advantage of these opportunities can be a great way to protect your investments in the long run and potentially reap higher returns when the economy recovers. With this knowledge, investors can make informed decisions about their investments during a recession and come out ahead when it's all said and done.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125

Carolina Darbelles
Senior Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Recession Investment Opportunities: Survey Reveals 45% of Males Are Looking Forward to It

Vietnam Veteran J. Kimo Williams returned to Vietnam with his camera and wrote music.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va., February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - FACES OF VIETNAM exhibit returns for the third year to the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building in West Virginia on March 24, 25, and 26, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam Veterans, Public Law No: 115-15, Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 as the official day to recognize Vietnam Veterans and their service to the country. FACES OF VIETNAM is a wonderful opportunity to remember those who contributed and served.

Vietnam Veteran J. Kimo Williams returned to Vietnam with his camera, and his stunning photographs are a testament to the land's beauty and people. Williams' journey started in 1969 when he thought Vietnam was nothing more than a third-world country, as portrayed by the media. But upon his return to the country in 1998, he realized how wrong he was. Williams has since visited Vietnam several times, capturing the essence of the culture through his camera lens.

The FACES OF VIETNAM exhibit showcases the people that Williams encountered during his trips to Vietnam, and it is a truly unforgettable experience. Williams' work is not just limited to photography; as a composer, he has also remastered and rereleased his DownBeat 41/2 Star album War Stories, featuring esteemed musicians like Mike Stern, Victor Bailey, and Vinnie Colaiuta. Pulitzer Prize winner Studs Terkel also provides a liner note introduction to several tracks.

Williams wants his music to be heard like an abstract painting on canvas, and it is sure to inspire a range of emotions in its listeners. You can find War Stories on streaming platforms and during the exhibition in Shepherdstown.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Vietnam through the eyes of J. Kimo Williams and reflect on the contributions of Vietnam Veterans. 

War Stories is available at www.Kimotion.org, on streaming platforms, and during the exhibition in Shepherdstown.

Contact Information:
Kimo Williams
Artist-Photographer
[email protected]
3045821487


Original Source: J. Kimo Williams Presents His FACES of VIETNAM Photo Exhibit: March 24th, 25th and 26th

Houston's first bottled water company launches Hyper Pure, Oxygenated Water in aluminum bottles with zero plastic packaging. A unique approach to bottled water (through their patented system) that replicates the best water nature ever created without exploiting the earth's most pristine water sources.

HOUSTON, February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Recently launched HOW Water (drinkhowwater.com) is the first bottled water company to launch exclusively in Houston. HOW (Hyperpure Oxygenated Water) has a unique approach to bottled water through their patented system that replicates the best water nature ever created without exploiting the earth's most pristine water sources. Responsibly (and locally) sourced and sustainably packaged in plastic-free 100% aluminum right here in Texas. They have a big mission with a tiny footprint.

"It's exciting to launch the first-ever water brand that started in the Bayou City," Founder, CEO, and proud Houstonian Robert Peebler says. "I am looking forward to reaching the Houston community whom we can positively impact by bringing them the healthiest bottled water while protecting the environment. I can't think of a better place to launch than Houston, where people love new ideas and groundbreaking businesses. I hope that Houstonians will see it the same way."

Their product is for the consumer searching for one of the best-tasting waters in the world, with a smooth, silky taste and impurity free. With the company's focus on sustainability, the bottles are made from infinitely recyclable aluminum and sourced from local Texas water versus the exploitation of earth's most precious freshwater resources (unlike most other bottled water).

"We want our consumers to understand that by drinking HOW Water, they can reduce plastic pollution in our landfills, oceans, and bayous (where much of single-source plastic water bottles end up) and eliminate ingesting microplastics into their own bodies."

Plastic pollution has become a household topic, but the dangers of microplastics have only recently been recognized as a long-term health threat and potentially even more dangerous for children. HOW chose the more expensive path of bottling in aluminum versus plastic in the belief that, although it's more costly, it's the right choice for both the environment and its customers.

HOW Water is bottled by Eventide Waters in Mineral Wells, TX. HOW's licensed patented technology has been uniquely installed to convert normal municipal water into the water nature intended. 

About HOW Water: 

Hyperpure Oxygenated Water (HOW) is an oxygenated water brand whose proprietary process begins with stripping out the impurities in water to the nano level until it reaches a state of hyperpurity. Utilizing a patented system that enriches the water with oxygen and the perfect number of electrolytes to achieve optimal taste, HOW is bottled in infinitely recyclable aluminum for better bottled water that is good for both the consumer and the environment.

Contact Information:
Deryk Ruth
Co-Founder
[email protected]
8324592037

Bob Peebler
Founder
[email protected]
8322444000


Original Source: HOW Water: Making Their Splash as the Future of Bottled Water. Big Mission. Tiny Footprint.

NEW YORK, February 23, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Most couples are already aware that wedding expenses come at a premium, but did you know that it could cost you a home? It's true! Experts have analyzed the typical wedding cost breakdown and found some startling discoveries. Namely, your special day might end up costing more than a down payment in over twenty cities around the United States.

Here are the top five cities where your wedding day could cost more than you'd spend to become a homeowner:

1. Syracuse, NY

The average 13% down payment in Syracuse would cost a homeowner $23,816, while the average wedding cost for residents clocks in at $31,304, 31% higher than the down payment would cost.

2. Rochester, NY

A Rochester wedding will run its residents an average of $31,340, which is 24% more expensive than the average down payment of $27,919.

3. York-Hanover, PA

York-Hanover has the distinguished rank of "most expensive home prices" out of all other cities on the original survey, with the average home running just over $224,000. Consequently, the average resident will have a higher down payment of $29,169 (assuming 13% down). But these higher costs don't mean it's cheaper to afford a wedding there; far from it. The average York-Hanover wedding will cost $34,069, 16.8% more than the average down payment.

4. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA

Scranton residents pay an average of $22,936 for a 13% down payment on a home. Compare that to $26,780 for their average wedding, a 16.7% difference that puts Scranton in fourth place on the list.

5. Toledo, OH

Like many of the towns on this list, Toledo has fairly reasonable housing prices for its residents, averaging $20,236 for a 14% down payment. Unfortunately, reasonable housing costs don't equate to reasonable wedding costs, as the average wedding will run Toledo residents $22,975, 13.53% higher than the down payment.

How to get the best of both worlds

If you're planning to get married and become a homeowner in the near future, you don't need to pick one or the other. There are a few things you can do to get everything you want; it just requires becoming more intentional with your budget:

1. Create a budget - Knowing how much you're spending on certain things is the first step to being more mindful of your overall expenditures.

2. Shop around - Don't be afraid to compare prices and find the best deal for both your wedding and home-buying needs.

3. Don't fall into the trend trap - Don't feel like you need to have the best or most up-to-date of everything for either your house or wedding. Trends often come with a premium markup (both for homes and weddings) and may not be something you look at fondly 10 years from now. Stick to tried-and-true options as a baseline and make the occasional upgrade if your budget allows.

4. Understand your priority should be the house - While your wedding should certainly be a special day, it will only be one day (or a few days if you're having a big event) while your house will be something you have for years. Any "extra" money should go toward getting that down payment ready for your home, not your wedding.

5. But don't forget to enjoy the moment - Just because your budget for both is tight doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your union or the fact that you're about to own a new home. Don't go "bare-bones" if it means sacrificing your happiness; simply find a way to compromise so that you can have your wedding cake and eat it, too.

The bottom line

There's no need to break the bank just to have a beautiful wedding; in fact, in some cities, it may actually be more expensive to have one. But don't despair; there are plenty of affordable ways to have a spectacular day without emptying your bank account.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: These Are the Cities in 2023 Where Having a Wedding Is More Expensive Than Buying a House

NEW YORK, February 23, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Many married couples will say one of their biggest wedding regrets is letting the costs get out of hand too quickly. It's not hard to do since the average wedding in the U.S. is $28,000. Luckily there are ways you can subsidize those costs, particularly your travel expenses, with credit cards. Here are the best cards to use for wedding travel costs and why.

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual fee: $695 + $175 for up to 3 additional authorized cardholders

Known for its excellent customer service and rewards programs, American Express is a top pick for wedding travelers. Their Platinum card offers 5X rewards on airlines and hotels. In addition to that, you'll have access to their Fine Hotels and Resorts program, which offers exclusive benefits like late checkout, complimentary breakfasts for two, and welcome amenities at each participating hotel, making it a great option if you plan on hitting up some high-end destinations. Platinum members also have access to the Centurion collection of lounges around the world, Delta Airlines' Sky lounges, and Priority Pass access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world.

Other benefits:

• TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit
• $200 in annual Uber credits
• $200 airline fee credit
• Free Walmart+ membership
• $240 digital entertainment credit
• $300 Equinox/SoulCycle At-Home credit
• $100 year Saks credit
• $189 CLEAR® credit
• No foreign transaction fees

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550 + $75 per each authorized user

Another top choice for wedding travelers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers incredible perks such as 3x points on all travel expenditures and 5x points on flights purchased through the Chase Rewards portal. This card also comes with an impressive $300 annual travel credit that can be used for unexpected costs when traveling and Priority Pass access to airport lounges around the world. 

Other benefits:

• TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit
• Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection access
• DoorDash DashPass Subscription
• $10 Gopuff monthly credit
• 10x points for hotels and car rentals purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards® platform
• No foreign transaction fees

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Annual fee: $95 + $0 for authorized users

If the annual fees are a little too high for your budget, consider the Sapphire Preferred® card from Chase. This card offers many "lite" versions of the Reserve® at a fraction of the cost, such as:

• $50 annual hotel credit
• 5x points on all travel purchased via Ultimate Rewards platform
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 3x points on online grocery purchases
• 3x points on dining
• DoorDash DashPass subscription
• GoPuff $10 monthly credit
• No foreign transaction fees

4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Annual fee: $0

If you're looking for a card with a wide variety of travel benefits without the expensive annual fee, the Travel Rewards card from Bank of America is worth considering. While it doesn't offer the luxury-based benefits of the premier cards, it's still a hardy card that can help get you extra perks for your honeymoon or wedding travel plans. Its advantage comes in the cards generous definition of what constitutes "travel." Some users have received the travel category for amusement parks, zoos, and even restaurants.

Benefits:

• 3x points on eligible travel books through Bank of America® travel center
• 1.5x points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees 

The bottom line

No matter the card you choose, it's important to consider what costs you're expecting for your wedding and find the right card that gives you the most bang for your buck. Give any of these cards a try and you'll be sure to find a way to get some of those hefty travel costs subsidized easily without sacrificing the vision for your perfect day.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: These Are the Best Credit Cards to Use for Wedding Travel in 2023

Effectively Escalating Its Education Portfolio to Encompass the 62.1 Million Spanish-Speaking Sector

PHOENIX, February 23, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), a world leader in the personal training certification and holistic wellness industry, is proud to bring to market its Spanish-translated personal training course, aimed at serving the growing Spanish-speaking community.

The new course will provide Spanish-speaking students with the opportunity to receive certified personal training in their preferred language. To ensure absolute accuracy and clarity in communication, and the highest quality training sessions, ISSA has partnered with a professional language translation and interpretation service and educated ISSA trainers in the language.

"The power of fitness and education knows no language barriers. By translating our personal training course from English to Spanish, we are opening up a world of knowledge and opportunity to Spanish-speaking individuals and empowering them to reach their full potential," said ISSA CEO Andrew Wyant. "Our goal is to meet people where they are and support students of all languages and backgrounds. That's why I'm proud we're beginning our mission in Spanish."

The Spanish-translated personal training course will be available online and will include a fully translated learning experience. ISSA will also be marketing the course effectively to the Spanish-speaking community through Spanish-language media, social media, and community outreach programs.

ISSA is committed to providing high-quality personal training services to all customers, regardless of language. With the launch of its Spanish-translated personal training course, the company continues to make strides in promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the fitness industry.

###

About the International Sports Sciences Association 

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a global leader in the personal training certification industry. For more than 30 years, ISSA has been committed to providing innovative and science-based fitness education that creates a pathway for people to pursue their passion. In addition to their Personal Training Certification, ISSA offers 24 fitness specializations, including senior fitness, exercise therapy, and corrective exercise. To date, ISSA has educated more than 400,000 students across 174 countries, all while creating additional opportunities to promote a healthier world: www.ISSAonline.com.

Contact Information:
Colleen Reddington
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
800-545-8111


Original Source: ISSA Launches Spanish Language Personal Trainer Certification