(NewsUSA) - Economic uncertainty and higher prices have brought shifts in consumer behavior, yet recent sales trends show steady spending, and economic indicators are moving in a positive direction heading into the holiday season. New data from ICSC, the member organization for the Marketplaces Industry, suggests that most people are eager to enjoy themselves this holiday season—including shopping and dining out.

ICSC has released its Annual Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey for 2024, and results suggest that 92% of American consumers plan to participate in holiday shopping this year, the highest percentage since 2019. The organization also forecasts an increase of 3.0% to 3.5% in retail sales from October through December, with a 6.0% increase in food and beverage sales.

Although online shopping continues, many shoppers combine online purchases with visits to brick-and-mortar stores. ICSC’s survey showed that nearly all in-store shoppers also plan to buy online from a retailer’s website, and almost half said that in-store browsing influences online purchases.

Shoppers will spend an average of approximately $700 on gifts and other holiday items this year, according to the data, with 58% reporting a plan to buy gift cards, 52% planning to buy clothing and accessories, and 50% planning to buy toys and games.

“Despite economic headwinds, 70% of holiday shoppers feel their financial situation is better than or the same as this time last year, signaling measured optimism among consumers,” said Tom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC. “Interest rate cuts and easing inflation are taking some pressure off holiday shoppers, but other macro factors such as geopolitical turmoil and the results of this year’s election are still at play.”

Consumers are still planning to spend this holiday season but are increasingly focused on how they can find the best prices, according to ICSC. Though inflation is moderating, 9 in 10 say it will impact their purchase decisions. In response, most consumers say they’ll plan to spend more time hunting for deals and discounts, and 68% say they’ll visit brick-and-mortar stores more often in pursuit of promotions – seven percentage points higher than in 2023.

“Shoppers overall are well-positioned for the holiday season,” McGee added. “While this year has seen consumers tighten their belts in some areas, they’re continuing to spend – and we expect that moderating inflation and a steady labor market will help maintain spending throughout the holiday season.”

Visit icsc.com for more information.

(Bart S. Fisher) - Former President Donald Trump has proposed replacing the federal income tax with tariffs imposed on imported products. Indeed, this is the central pillar in his campaign's economic program.

There are four problems with this flawed proposal.

First, it would trigger a global trade war, as other countries would surely retaliate with their own tariffs. It was the protectionist Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 that contributed to the Great Depression, which occurred when other countries retaliated against the draconian tariffs imposed by the United States. Far from Making America Great Again Trump's tariffs would bring America a Great Depression again. It is the consensus view of economists and economic historians that the passage of Smoot-Hawley dramatically worsened the effects of the Great Depression. We should remember the wise words of George Santayana, who said that "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.".

The second problem is that the president does not possess the legal authority to replace the income tax with tariffs. Under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution, known generally as the Commerce Clause, Congress possesses the plenary power over the the collection of taxes and the regulation of foreign commerce, including the power to "lay and collect Taxes, Imposts, and Excises," unless and until it delegates such power to the Executive Branch. Moreover, an attempt by Congress to delegate across the board tariff-making authority to the president would surely be struck down by the courts as an impermissibly broad delegation of authority.  

The third problem is that the tariff is essentially a regressive national sales tax that would discriminate against lower income consumers and permit corporations and higher income Americans to escape paying their fair share of taxes. American consumers would see higher prices and increased inflation as a result of the Trump tariffs. Contrary to Trump's repeated erroneous assertions, tariffs are passed along in large part by importers to consumers. 

Fourth, replacing the income tax with tariffs would be irresponsible fiscal folly, as tariffs imposed on goods alone could not raise the revenues required to run the federal government. America is a service-based economy, with 77.6 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coming from services in 2021.  Indeed, the reason the federal income tax was instituted by the 16th Amendment in 1913 was that tariffs alone could not adequately support the activities of the federal government. The purpose of the federal income tax is to pay for the essential services of the federal government, including defense, highways, supporting the justice system, social security, and providing services that benefit all citizens, who could not provide such services very effectively for themselves.

In a nutshell, replacing the federal income tax with tariffs is a simple proposal from a simple mind designed to soak the poor. It ignores the lessons of history, a major symptom of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

 

* Bart S. Fisher is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. He was nominated in 2019 and 2020 for the Nobel Peace Prize.

(NewsUSA) - Photo caption: The Astoria fiberglass pool by Latham, The Pool Company

When it comes to building a residential swimming pool, homeowners have a variety of materials to consider. While concrete and vinyl remain popular, fiberglass is quickly becoming the go-to choice due to its unique blend of durability, easy maintenance and aesthetic versatility. Here are six reasons why:

1. Long-Term Durability

Fiberglass is remarkably strong and made of an advanced composite material, resistant to cracking and wear. Unlike concrete, which is rigid and can develop structural cracks over time, fiberglass has the ability to flex in response to environmental impacts, ground shifts and temperature changes. This makes it an ideal option for homeowners who want a pool that lasts for decades.

2. Low Maintenance

Concrete surfaces are porous, which means they can harbor algae and bacteria, necessitating regular brushing, chemical balancing and even resurfacing over time. By contrast, a fiberglass pool has a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae growth and requires fewer chemicals and less frequent cleaning. This means less time and money spent on upkeep and a generally healthier swimming environment.

3. Quick Installation

Concrete pools can take months to install due to the labor-intensive process of excavation, forming, pouring and curing. Fiberglass pools come ready to install, drastically reducing installation time and disruption to daily life. In most cases, a fiberglass pool can be fully installed within just a few days.

4. Smooth, Comfortable Surface

Unlike the rough and often abrasive surfaces of concrete pools, fiberglass pools are known for their smooth, comfortable texture. There’s no need to worry about scrapes or rough patches, making every dip a relaxing experience.

5. Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass pools retain heat better than concrete pools, making them more energy efficient. This heat retention not only makes swimming more comfortable but can also reduce the need to run pool heaters as frequently, resulting in energy savings over time.

6. Modern Aesthetic Appeal

Today’s fiberglass pools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized with built-in features like tanning ledges, benches, water features and other spa-like elements. Plus, advances in gel-coat finishes allow for different color options that add elegance and personal style to any backyard.

As homeowners increasingly prioritize ease and aesthetics in their outdoor living spaces, fiberglass pools are set to dominate the market as a modern, long-lasting and hassle-free pool solution. To learn more about fiberglass pools, visit LathamPool.com.

(Mayra Garza, Head of Group Benefits Strategy and Retail Segment at Guardian and Shawn Patrick, Director of Strategic Growth at Kelsey National) - Open Enrollment is here.

For many Americans, this is the time of year they dedicate to thinking about their insurance benefits, regardless of whether they are purchased individually or accessed through their employer.

As individuals think about their and their families’ health needs and what types of coverage will provide the best support, it’s important not to overlook the role of dental insurance. Why? Because good oral health plays an important role in influencing physical health, as well as someone’s mental and financial well-being.

Kick-starting and supporting good oral health is rooted in selecting the right dental insurance plan for you and utilizing its benefits. With this in mind, here’s what individuals should consider as they evaluate their various dental insurance options over the next few months.

The oral health foundation

A recent study by Guardian found that only 35% of Americans rate their oral health as excellent or very good.

The implications of this go beyond just the mouth.

For example, problems located in the mouth can affect the whole body. When left untreated, mouth bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, harming other parts of the body. Gum disease, for example, occurs when bacteria infect the gums and the condition has been linked to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and even Alzheimer's disease.

Another way dental hygiene can influence the whole body is nutrition. When significant tooth loss occurs, it may decrease a person’s appetite and limit what a person eats. This situation may lead to an imbalanced diet that lacks the foods necessary to promote sound health.

There are also mental and emotional health implications. Missing, damaged, or discolored teeth, for example, can make a person self-conscious and lead them to avoid social interactions. In fact, Guardian found that 78% of people with self-reported “fair” or “poor” oral health indicated it has had an effect on their mental health.

Finally, there is a connection between oral health and financial wellness. Generally speaking, individuals who get regular preventive dental care see significant cost savings down the line—either because they need fewer dental procedures overall or have lower claims costs. As financial well-being plays an outsized role in influencing mental, physical, and overall well-being, finding the right dental insurance policy for you and using the associated benefits is essential.

Finding the right coverage for you

There is no single dental plan that is perfect for everyone. However, even when purchasing dental insurance individually (as opposed to receiving it through a work benefit), there are a wide range of options to help meet someone’s needs.

The first step in choosing the right plan for you and your needs is finding a plan that covers preventive, basic, and major dental care. While you may not have immediate need for all these services, comprehensive coverage provides protection against unexpected events like the fracture of a tooth or the need for a root canal. At minimum, using the preventive benefits—which often includes coverage for bi-annual dental exams and teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar—provides dentists with the opportunity to spot emerging problems before they become more complicated or expensive to fix.

The second step is to confirm the plan in question covers services you expect to use in the near future. Aside from regular cleanings and x-rays, you may want teeth whitening or orthodontia. Since not every plan insures these services, you’ll need to confirm coverage in a plan’s summary of benefits. When considering services you may need, pay particular attention to waiting periods—which many dental plans have and which require that you be enrolled in the plan for a minimum number of months before a more expensive procedure may be covered. If you have an immediate dental need, it’s important to make certain that service is available once your plan is purchased and active.

A third step is to look into the plan’s dental network. There are three common types of networks—Preferred Provider Organizations (which give you the option of using dentists both in and out-of-network), Health Maintenance Organizations (which restrict you to in-network dentists), and indemnity (often lacks a network and allows a member to see any dentist). In addition to confirming that your current or preferred dentist is in your plan’s network, make sure that network includes nearby specialists. Whether you might need a pediatric dentist for your child or an oral surgeon, having a comprehensive network is one of the best ways to get value from your dental plan. To help confirm whether a dentist takes a specific insurance plan, many insurance carriers have a provider search function on their website or app.

Another consideration is a dental plan’s maximum benefit. A maximum benefit is an insurance company’s annual limit on what they contribute toward dental expenses. If a dental plan has a $1,500 maximum limit, for example, that means the insurance company will spend up to $1,500 every plan year on covered dental expenses (after the deductible has been satisfied). Some plans reward enrollees for loyalty by increasing the plan’s annual limit in the second and third year of coverage.

Finally, make it easy on yourself. After all, people are more likely to utilize dental benefits that are accessible and understandable—and, as mentioned, increased utilization is closely linked to better oral health outcomes and lower costs. One area many insurers are investing in to support utilization is technology. When evaluating an insurance plan, take a look at some of these tech enabled features, including whether you can add your ID card to your smartphone wallet and whether they have any online resources to help you understand or maximize offered benefits. Another component to look at is whether any self-service tools are available, including online dentist search databases, the ability to set-up recurring payments, and whether you can pay bills online. 

Supporting your well-being

The link between regular dental care, better oral health, and overall wellness can’t be underestimated—and it starts with having the right plan for you in place. As you consider your insurance benefits for the year ahead, don’t overlook the importance of dental insurance.  

For more information, visit dentalinsurance.com.

(NewsUSA) - According to a recent Houzz report, kitchens remain the most renovated interior room (29%), followed closely by guest and primary bathrooms (27% and 25%, respectively). In 2023, the median spend for kitchen renovations climbed by 20% to $24,000, while primary bath projects saw an 11% increase, reaching $15,000. With home improvement investments rising, here are five transformative kitchen and bath upgrades to elevate your space without breaking the bank:

1. Create a Spa-inspired Bathroom –The Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panel System is an affordable and easy way to create spa-worthy retreats that deliver high-end style without the need for disruptive demolitions. Thanks to grout-free, tongue-and-groove panels that can be installed over virtually any existing material including tile, this upgrade can be completed in as little as 2.5 hours. Available in high-end designs, the panels are perfect for shower walls, bath surrounds, accent walls, and cladding and can instantly transform your bathroom into a spa-worthy retreat buyers will love. 

2. Update Your Countertops – Countertops are a key focal point in kitchens and bathrooms, and upgrading your tops can instantly refresh any space. Quartz delivers the elegance of natural stone with superior durability, offering a luxurious yet practical surface. For homeowners who love the look of Taj Mahal quartzite, Wilsonart® Quartz Glencoe and Marathi Marble designs provide stunning alternatives that capture the same timeless beauty with enhanced durability. For seamless, low-maintenance integration, Wilsonart® Solid Surface is perfect, providing a sleek look for countertops, backsplashes, and even integrated sinks in both kitchens and baths.

3. Refresh Your Flooring – Flooring is an often-overlooked element in kitchen and bathroom makeovers, but it’s crucial for both function and style. Consider water-resistant flooring for kitchens, such as luxury vinyl planks or tiles that offer the warmth of wood without the maintenance. For bathrooms, opt for durable, moisture-proof options like porcelain tile or vinyl. These materials add elegance while standing up to the demands of high-traffic areas.

4. Upgrade Your Cabinets – Updating your cabinets can help elevate your living environment to a new level of luxuriousness. The LUJO® Collection inspires with a sense of reassurance and comfort that can transform any space into a sanctuary. The collection allows you to choose luxurious wood species for cabinets/case goods, cabinet interiors and closet systems and is stain and moisture resistant, allowing for simple cleaning and disinfection. It can also be easily combined with other engineered surfaces, allowing you to create a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic for your living spaces.

5. Transform with Paint – Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. In 2024, expect to see a continued focus on nature-inspired shades like soft greens, warm taupes, and muted blues in kitchens and bathrooms alike. Accent walls in bolder hues, such as deep blues or rich terracottas, are also trending for those looking to add a pop of personality without overwhelming the space.

For more information and ideas to help inspire your next home remodel project, visit www.wilsonart.com.  

(Mark Gibbons, President/CEO of RetireSafe) - With the start of Medicare’s open enrollment period, it’s important that older Americans explore their healthcare options to make the best choice for their unique needs.

Seniors eligible for Medicare benefits have the choice of enrolling in traditional Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) or selecting a plan from Medicare Advantage (MA), which provides coverage through private health plans approved by Medicare. In recent years MA plans—or Medicare Part C—have become increasingly preferred among beneficiaries.

“We’ve seen Medicare Advantage become a popular alternative to traditional Medicare among older Americans over the last several years. The flexibility and cost savings associated with MA make these plans an attractive choice,” notes Mark Gibbons, President and CEO of RetireSafe, a non-profit dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of older Americans.

Compared to traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are typically associated with:

• Lower costs and greater predictability. Most MA plans offer lower out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, and all MA plans are required to cap the amount you spend on healthcare annually. On average, beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans save $2,500 per year on premiums and OOP costs.
• More coordinated and consistent access to care. Unlike traditional Medicare, where individuals pay separate monthly premiums for hospital visits, outpatient services, and prescription drugs, Medicare Advantage bundles these services into a single monthly premium. It’s why MA plans are better suited to offer coordinated care to patients, which is particularly important for those living with chronic conditions or seniors who see multiple healthcare providers.
• Coverage of supplemental benefits and prescription drugs. MA plans offer supplemental benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, telehealth, transportation, nutrition and wellness services. Additionally, while traditional Medicare requires beneficiaries to purchase a separate plan for prescription drug coverage, MA plans often cover prescriptions under the same plan.

Due to the cost, coverage, care, and accessibility benefits associated with Medicare Advantage, beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans report better health outcomes, on average, across a range of metrics. Those enrolled in MA are more likely to have a usual source of care and to report receiving routine healthcare screenings and preventive services,

Seniors should take the time to review their current coverage and consider whether Medicare Advantage might be right for their unique needs.

(NewsUSA) - The challenges of military life don't always end when the mission does. For many in our military community – both active duty and veterans alike – there's an ongoing, often silent struggle with mental health. This fall, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month in October and honor our service members in November, Blue Star Families is bringing this critical issue to the forefront.

As the nation's largest Chapter-based support organization for military and Veteran families, Blue Star Families has launched the Combat the Silence campaign. This initiative goes beyond raising awareness – it provides real, tangible support to those serving, those who have served, and the families standing beside them. Recognizing that mental health challenges can arise at any point in a military career or beyond, Blue Star Families offers crucial support for every stage of military life, from the stresses of active duty to the complexities of civilian reintegration.

"Our military families face unique challenges that often go unseen, reaching far beyond the battlefield," says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Through Combat the Silence, we're creating a network of support that catches our heroes before they fall. It's not just about awareness – it's about action, connection, and saving lives."

At the heart of the Combat Silence campaign are the innovative Blue Star Support Circles. These non-clinical, peer-oriented groups empower family members and friends to recognize potential mental health issues and provide crucial support to veterans and service members before crises occur. By fostering these supportive networks, BSF aims to significantly reduce suicide rates within the military community.

Complementing these efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting "Check On Your Buddy Week" from October 21-25. This initiative dovetails perfectly with Combat the Silence, reinforcing the vital role of peer support in addressing mental health challenges among veterans and active-duty personnel.

Blue Star Families extends a heartfelt invitation to all members of the military community to engage with an upcoming Support Circle cohort and actively participate in “Check On Your Buddy Week.”  By taking these simple yet powerful steps, we can collectively break the silence surrounding mental health and ensure that no one in our military family feels alone in their struggles.

Join the movement to Combat the Silence. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient military community.
Immediate Help and Support Resources

For those in immediate crisis, support is always available through the Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans) or visit 988lifeline.org. For ongoing community support and resources, individuals can register at www.combatthesilence.org.

(NewsUSA) - Life is uncertain, and there is no time like the present to be sure that you have life insurance in place. A life insurance plan provides affordable and lasting financial protection for you and your loved ones, and it does not have to be expensive.

Budget-friendly options make life insurance accessible to everyone and provide peace of mind for financial security in the event of an untimely loss of life.

"Whole life insurance is designed to offer peace of mind at a price that fits within most budgets," according to Christopher Flint, President of Kemper Life, the national life insurance brand specializing in providing life insurance coverage to budget-conscious individuals. "It’s a manageable way to protect your loved ones while also building cash value over time.”

A life insurance policy with a low initial face value (known as a low-face life insurance option) still offers many benefits often associated with larger or more expensive policies.

These benefits include affordable premiums that allow you to maintain a policy without breaking your budget. These premiums are fixed at the same amount each month and do not increase over time, which makes financial planning easier. As long as you pay your premiums, affordable policies will cover you for life.

Other benefits include cash value accumulation, meaning that a low-face policy still builds cash value over time, and may be accessed throughout your lifetime through loans or withdrawals.

When exploring whole life insurance, keep these tips in mind:

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs: Review your expenses, debts, and other obligations to help determine how much coverage you need.

Shop Around: Compare different life insurance policies to find one that offers the right balance of protection, cash value growth, and affordability.

Seek Professional Advice: If you are unsure, talk to an insurance agent who can help you select a life insurance policy that fits your needs.

Update and Adapt: Regularly review your policy to ensure that it continues to meet your needs as your life changes, and adjust as needed.

Don’t discount the value of whole life insurance to provide financial protection for your family.

Visit Kemper Life for more information.

(Jeffrey Pohn) - Over the years, service dogs have become an increasingly familiar sight on trains, planes and buses; in restaurants, nail salons and shopping malls, and even at the beach, diligently escorting and protecting their human charges through blindness, hearing loss, ambulatory limitations and even mental-health challenges—there are now half a million service dogs at work in this country. I’ve come to marvel at these fantastic beasts, the organizations and volunteers who train them and the Americans with Disabilities Act that provides a protective infrastructure. These four-legged friends are heroes. Heroes, one and all.

This week, I discovered that September is National Service Dog Month, and it occurred to me that I have been living with one of these heroes - albeit a non-credentialed one - for the past eight years. 

When my wife and I rescued Baby, a fifteen-pound terry-poo with a rasta-like coat and a slight underbite, she had been found on the streets of Tijuana, emaciated, and obviously abused. Baby immediately bonded with my wife, but every time I entered the room, she would shake violently. I finally suggested to my wife that we should take Baby back, it was hard living with someone who hated me. After my wife nixed that idea, I found myself tiptoeing around our home, in the most unthreatening way possible. Eventually, Baby came to at least tolerate me.

Then came Covid. My wife, Baby’s north star, decided to travel to England, to wait it out with her family. She never returned. Suddenly, it was just me and Baby, who was shattered by the disappearance of her ‘mommy’. Baby went on a hunger strike, and constantly gave me the stink-eye, blaming me for her heartbreaking loss. It destroyed my appetite, too, and ruined my sleep. I became a wreck. As a recovering alcoholic with bipolar disorder, and now utterly isolated and wifeless, with my only personal contact a dog who actively resented me, I was not exactly a ‘vision for you’. 

Over time, Baby mellowed and began to display affection for me. Perhaps that’s because she realized I was the sole provider of her food and walks, but I like to think it was more than that. We became inseparable, velcroed together. On the rare occasion that I left our house, Baby welcomed me home as if I was returning from the war. She started to sleep on the pillow next to mine, and the moment my eyes opened, I was the recipient of a thorough tongue bath. 

Baby became my own personal, emotional service dog; a daily calming presence, a reliable rock of support who demanded my attention 24/7, effectively yanking me out of myself by encouraging me to stroke, scratch, massage, and play with her. She was a nonstop source of activity, humor, and love, a furry anti-depressant, instrumental in my struggle to maintain my sanity. Having to focus on Baby’s care, feeding and happiness, I became largely freed from the bondage of crippling self-concern.

Even before Covid, I had been experiencing debilitating panic attacks, mostly in public, and, I was on the verge of becoming agoraphobic. But Baby coerced her couch potato master into taking her on walks more adventurous than our usual spin around the block. On these outings, she walked me. During a time when everyone else was retreating into their homes, my dog was leading me back into the world I had fled from; she took me to dog parks where she networked, and I got to enjoy distanced interactions with other humans. We became regulars at a nearby beach where she chased birds she would never catch, and insisted I join her, running on the sand, and frolicking in the surf. I think I became her new (less incandescent) north star.

Suffering from Covid Brain, I began talking to Baby all day long. My ridiculous longing for her to respond verbally was, of course, never requited. At the time, I was dying to write my second novel, but was unable to find a subject matter compelling enough to sustain the few years it would take to write. One night, when Baby and I were lying in bed, I leaned over to give her a goodnight kiss on the nose. She sneezed into my face, and it hit me, the idea for a new book to write - a tale about an isolated man and his talking dog. A couple of years later, fueled by love for and from a dog, and wish fulfillment, I published the book, HOUNDED: A LOVE STORY.

My rescue dog rescued me.

Having had the profound privilege of being serviced and saved by a dog, now, during National Service Dog Month, I salute all service dogs, credentialed and non-credentialed. I acknowledge their noble and necessary service to us humans. And to all of our heroic service dogs, with love and gratitude, I proclaim…Thank you for your service.

Purchase the book at amzn.to/4e0LyBv

Jeffrey Pohn, a screenwriter, published author, and avid dog-lover, lives with his beloved pooch, Baby, in Oxnard Shores, California. As of now, Baby has not uttered a single word.

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to installing a pool, spring and summer are the seasons that logically come to mind. But the best time to add a pool to your backyard is actually in the fall. There are definite advantages to installing later in the year that can make the process smoother, more cost-effective and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

1. Contractor availability – By waiting until the weather is cooling, you miss the height of pool-building season and have a better chance of finding a contractor without a lot of other jobs to divert their attention. With fewer projects to juggle, contractors may also be able to offer shortened installation timelines. This is especially true for fiberglass pools, which can be delivered and installed quickly and, depending on the location, even enjoyed before winter arrives.
    
2. Construction-friendly climate – The moderate temperatures of fall lend themselves well to working outside. Fall weather is more predictable than other seasons, which can help reduce setbacks during construction. The ground is typically dry and hard after the summer, making it easier for construction, and minimal rain allows builders to get more done in a shorter amount of time.
    
3. Natural nurturing – No doubt you’ll want to do some landscaping around your new pool. Fall is the best time of year to plant trees and flower bulbs. Over the winter months, new plantings will have the opportunity to take root and mature while the ground recovers from construction disruption. When you’re ready to take that first dip of the season, you’ll have a yard that looks fully finished.
    
4. Off-season savings – As the height of pool season winds down and dealers begin looking at their year-end numbers, you may be able to negotiate better prices or take advantage of overstocked inventory. This can free up funds for other fun additions, like a diving board, slide, water feature or spa. Installing a pool in fall also allows you to break up construction costs for the pool and any decking or hardscaping you plan to add and take advantage of tax benefits over two years.
    
5. Tax benefits – Yes, a pool is not only a major purchase but is also considered a home improvement that can be claimed on your tax return. Imagine opening your pool in the spring and then opening your mailbox to a nice tax refund. Talk about a win-win!

To learn more about Latham pools, visit www.lathampool.com.

Photo caption: Ocean Breeze fiberglass pool and Placid spill over spa by Latham, The Pool Company. Photo Credit: Sun and Fun Pools in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.