• Todd Ray is senior vice president, provider network management and Medicare products at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

When shopping for goods and services, cost is most often the determining factor. For those preparing to shop for health care coverage, that’s never been more true.

We’ve all felt the impact of inflation on food and gas prices, and these concerns will likely carry into the holiday season as many Tennesseans travel and exchange gifts. As families continue to face high prices, many of us are in the market for health coverage we don’t receive from an employer — and weighing options that fit in our budgets.

For seniors, the Medicare annual enrollment period runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7. For others looking for a plan through the federal health insurance Marketplace, open enrollment runs Nov. 1-Dec. 15 for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2023. (Marketplace open enrollment ends altogether on Jan. 15; later-enrollment coverage

…
Read More

The media landscape has changed significantly over the years thanks to the rise of the internet and social media. With platforms like YouTube and TikTok, anyone can go online, create content, and find their niche audience. As a result, media has become more decentralized than ever, and millions of content creators have created a new space in the entertainment industry — the creator economy.

…
Read More

Laura Stuart of Laura Elizabeth Jewelry joined Studio 512 Co-Host Rosie Newberry to talk about online jewelry shopping tips.

I’m shopping online a lot these days, the hardest part is knowing how the sizing works. When it comes to necklace lengths, how do I know what’s what and what’s best for me?

“The first thing to think about is your height and what is the most common neckline you wear. For example, do you wear more boatnecks, scoop necks, v-necks, button down, or turtlenecks? I’m a bit about versatility. I’m 5’8 and have a pretty thin neck, so I wear 15-16 inches. 15 inches or under are considered ‘chokers.’ All Laura Elizabeth necklaces come with a two-inch extender. So, a 16-inch necklace looks good with most necklines. However, if I want to layer it, the extender gives me room to play.”

How do I know where the 16-inch necklace hits

…
Read More

Inflation has raised its ugly head these past few months. Everything is more expensive in particular electricity, heat and food. But we keep positive and plan – that is the key.

The main component of planning is creating lists – lists of all kinds. For instance, do you plan before you shop? Always bring your loyalty or discount cards, vouchers with you when shopping? Check what’s in the pantry or fridge before you leave home?

John Lowe of MoneyDoctors.ie gives invaluable advice on how to shop smart with the austerity challenges ahead of us with 20 ways to shed those euros.

1. Always shop with a pre-written grocery list. Stick to what is on the list.

2. Check to see what you need before making out a shopping list – many shoppers buy items they already have in stock. Check your pantry/fridge.

3. Create a daily list for updating. If

…
Read More