Ciara Larkin
Verified
Editorial Director @growwithco
Articles by Ciara Larkin
5 Airlines That Offer Refundable Plane Tickets
When booking a flight, many travelers prioritize lower-cost airfare. The convenience of potentially canceling and getting a full refund may also be top of mind. While refundable tickets tend to be more expensive, they offer peace of mind if plans change. If you’re unsure about your travel dates, booking a refundable airline ticket could be worth the extra cost. Here’s a look at five major U.S. airlines that offer refundable tickets and what you need to know about their policies.
Going Organic Without Going Broke: What to Buy and How to Buy It!
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Most people embarking on weight loss journeys these days rely much on convenience. Whether it’s paying for a nutritionist, ordering pre-packaged diet food, or taking expensive supplements, dieters have the tendency to buy without thinking. However, while the typical “nutritious diet and exercise” method isn’t exactly free either, a hefty budget is not always needed for food shopping.
5 Affordable Hairstyles: Get the Celebrity Look
NEW YORK (MainStreet) We all admire the celebrities on the red carpet modeling their sleek buns and flowing waves, but owning a few affordable items can make those hairstyles your own. For those of us non-celebs, there's a good chance that every day we wear our hair the same, or at least similar to the way we did the day before. We do not have the luxury of getting daily blowouts by top-named stylists, or any stylist for that matter.
The Paleo Diet: A First-Hand Account
Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. Forgot your password? Don't have an account? Sign Up Here Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. I agree to TheMaven's Terms and Policy Already have an account? Login here NEW YORK (MainStreet)Let me just start off by saying that I am not, in fact, a modern-day cavewoman.
5 Worst Celebrity Financial Mistakes of 2013
NEW YORK (MainStreet) Every year we hear of celebrities that are in millions of dollars of debt, spending tons of money on frivolous items, or possibly even going bankrupt. It really makes a person wonder what these wealthy entertainment icons are using their money for when they declare bankruptcy after being worth so much.
5 Ways to Go Green and Save Money in 2014
NEW YORK (MainStreet) During these first weeks in January, all the common New Year's resolutions are floating around with weight loss usually being first on the list. However, this year especially, more people are looking for ways to save money. If you are a homeowner, the following five "go green" tips are simple enough to carry out and have the potential to save you a bunch of money over the course of the year. 1. Cleaning Products.
Most Offensive Things Said to Pregnant Women at Work
NEW YORK (MainStreet) Pregnant women in the U.S. face considerable challenges. When President Obama held the Working Families Summit in Washington, D.C. this June, he highlighted the considerable deficiencies in benefits for American working mothers compared to those in other developed countries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that just 12% of workers in private industry could access paid family leave.
Job Interview Trivia: 10 Things You Need To Know Beforehand
NEW YORK (MainStreet) Have you ever felt like you nailed a job interview, but then were left wondering why you never received the offer? Aside from the typical interview "dos," like dressing up, offering firm handshakes, and toting at least five hard copies of your resume, there is a whole slew of lesser-known actions that you may or may not be doing at your interviews that are seriously hurting your chances as a prospective employee.
How to Travel Without Gaining Weight: Pack Your Bags Without Packing on the Pounds
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Most people look forward to a vacation as a way to kick back, relax, and step away from the endless obligations of everyday life. More often than not, this tends to include a much less restrictive diet and exercise plan. However, while it is nice to use vacation as a way to enjoy various food and drink indulgences, many travelers do not like the idea of carrying around the extra pounds that are sure to come along with eating out at every meal.
Can You Go Gluten-Free Without Hurting Your Finances?
NEW YORK (MainStreet) More and more people are starting to catch on to the wave of going gluten-free. Many, however, are unaware as to what gluten actually is and how it can potentially cause great damage to both the digestive and immune systems. It is also assumed that gluten-free diets are unavoidably costly, which is not necessarily true. Read on to find out more about gluten, to debunk some myths, and to learn how you can, in fact, go gluten-free on a budget! What is gluten?
Juicing as Medicinal Alternative: Can It Save You Money and a Doctor's Visit?
Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. Forgot your password? Don't have an account? Sign Up Here Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. I agree to TheMaven's Terms and Policy Already have an account? Login here NEW YORK (MainStreet) Well, it's the fall--the season of sniffling and achoos. The days of shorts and flip flops have now become days with scarves and boots.
Black Friday 2014: The Best Deals from the Top Department Stores
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — With each coming year, it seems that Black Friday sales begin earlier and earlier, and are no longer limited simply to Friday. This year, many stores have advertised openings as early as Thanksgiving morning. While many have decided to boycott the early shopping hours for this reason, those true-to-form Black Friday shoppers are printing their ads and preparing their lists. Check out the information below for the best Black Friday deals and steals. Target.
Buying for Your Significant Other: How to Beat the Stress
NEW YORK (MainStreet) The winter holidays, despite the tidings of comfort and joy, are full of stress when it comes to presents. People start discussing their own wants and needs while also jotting down gift ideas for the special people in their life. If you're buying for your significant other, there's a good chance that you're in need of some help with choosing gifts for your other half.
Simple Ways to Stay Healthy and Still Enjoy This Thanksgiving
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — It has become quite typical these days for people to plan to “cheat” on their diets over the holidays. With all of the temptation that now comes along with these multi-course meals, it is understandable that the majority of the population is destined to consume more calories than normal.
AARP Launches "Rewards for Good"
NEW YORK (MainStreet) On March 5, 2014, AARP, the widely-known nongovernmental organization, announced the launch of "Rewards for Good," its brand-new loyalty program that is sure to pique the interests of many. Rewards for Good is quite unlike anything else in its league.
Thanksgivukkah Mash-Up Meals
NEW YORK (MainStreet) As we enter the threshold of this year's holiday season, more and more people are catching on to the excitement for the "once in a lifetime" holiday mash-up now known as "Thanksgivukkah." Coined by a Massachusetts resident, who also created this Facebook page and this Twitter page to spread the word, the term "Thanksgivukkah" is a name combination of the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
College Graduates: 5 Things You Should be Doing with Your Money
NEW YORK (MainStreet) Well, you finally did it! You are now a college graduate. Chances are you're also broke, and probably depressed not so much about the end of classes, but more about having to grow up. No more spending allowance from your parents (if your parents actually gave you any), no more sleeping late because you're hung over from "thirsty Thursday." You probably have to move back home, and the job that you grew up wishing for doesn't seem as close to attaining as it should.
Budget Beauty Buys
NEW YORK (MainStreet) Now that spring has somewhat sprung, the shopping fever has begun to spread. The return of brighter colors, lighter clothes and fresh air is enough to entice any girl to start dabbling in improving her daily look. Unfortunately, this "fever" can quickly get expensive. For those who don't typically shop for their cosmetics at makeup counters in high-end department stores, there is no reason to lose hope in being able to look good.
Ireland Budget Travel Tips: Experiencing the Emerald Isle Like the Pros
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — With St. Patrick's Day upon us, we consulted various travel experts for their best tips on voyages to Ireland -- how to get there, where to stay and which places to visit on a budget. Especially now with the euro at an 11-year low, there may never be a better time to experience all that the Emerald Isle has to offer. Getting There. The two most popular airlines for flying into Ireland are Aer Lingus and RyanAir.
9 Unique College Grants and Scholarships For Prospective Students
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — With education fees at record highs and outstanding student loan debt topping $1.2 trillion nationwide, prospective students are staring down the barrel of burdensome college debt. Sure, President Obama's recent goal to make community college free for all students and his college ranking system based on affordability and ROI are steps in the right direction. But free tuition, or even tuition assistance, would be an immeasurable gift for many.
Money-Saving Games and Strategies: From Beginner to Intermediate, Choose Your Challenge
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Do you find yourself more compelled to save money when it comes as a challenge? While many people are on the up-and-up when it comes to squirreling away money for retirement and saving for the future, there are also others who are only concerned with the here and now. Just like we sometimes have to turn eating vegetables into various games for kids (and even some adults), there’s something to making a “game” out of saving money.
Have Your Chanel and Wear It, Too: The Best Sites to Rent Designer Clothing
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — These days, people can rent just about anything. With vehicles and homes being the most commonly rented commodities, there are other less expected items that are now also available for rent. One of the biggest rental industries on the rise, which is also one of the most popular industries in the world, is high-end fashion.
How Valentine's Day Works When the Woman Makes More Money
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Valentine’s Day: the honorary romantic holiday that allows restaurants to up their prices and couples to question their relationships. While Valentine’s Day originated in the 5th century as a feast for Christian saints, it has now morphed into a reason for significant others to stress out about buying the perfect gifts for each other, choosing the perfect card, and planning the perfect date.
Want to Find True Love? It's Time to Get Online
NEW YORK (MainStreet) For the past four years, the well-known online dating website, Match.com, has been working to perform yearly comprehensive studies on singles, known as Singles in America (SIA). The findings of the 2013 study were released on February 5, 2014 indicating that the 111 million singles in the United States spent a whopping $82 billion last year on dating.
Is Apple Pay Really Safe? Exploring Its Security Features
Key Takeaways Apple Pay uses NFC technology, keeping your card in your wallet. Each Apple Pay transaction uses a unique, encrypted code for security. Optional security features include two-factor identification and a complex passcode. Apple ensures card information isn’t shared across its cloud for added safety. Potential vulnerabilities mainly stem from user errors or misconfigured devices. Apple Pay is a mobile payment system.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
Over 50% of Americans use dental insurance, but it does not tend to cover any sort of cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening procedures. What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover? Dental insurance has a typical yearly maximum amounting approximately between $1,000 to $3,000 for covered procedures. The umbrella of dental coverage includes procedures strictly related to health and wellness: routine cleanings and X-rays, root canals, fluoride treatments, fillings, and the like.
Business Lessons from Hallmark Christmas Movies
This past year brought its fair share of ups and downs—particularly with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—affecting businesses, individuals and life in general. Fortunately, ‘tis the season for the warmth and comfort that Hallmark Channel holiday movies bring. If you've been watching for a few years, you already know that at the heart of nearly every Hallmark movie is a struggling small business.
Interview with the Co-Founders and COO of Tiesta Tea
Good Company » The Leap Co-founders Dan Klein and Patrick Tannous and COO Alex Sosnov share how a startup idea among college friends became a brand sold in 8,000 stores nationwide. By: Ciara Larkin, Managing Editor Share The team at Tiesta Tea credits its success to offering high quality, affordable teas, placing value on its employee culture and giving back to the community.
Interview With Care/of CEO Craig Elbert
Good Company » The Leap The co-founder of the direct-to-consumer vitamin brand discusses his experience with growing and adapting when launching a product that meets a distinctive demand. By: Ciara Larkin, Managing Editor Share Care/of uses daily, colorful and quotable packaging to engage its customers and encourage excitement around health and wellness. — Care/of Shopping for vitamins and supplements can be an overwhelming experience for customers.
Here's How Madison Reed Is Disrupting the Haircare Industry
Madison Reed incorporates artificial intelligence and augmented reality into its business model to encourage customer comfort and ease when purchasing. — Madison Reed “Mommy, are you gonna do it?” When Amy Errett’s nine-year-old daughter, Madison, asked if she was going to finally start her hair care business, it really struck a chord. She got in her car that morning, on her way to work as a venture capitalist, and she realized it was time.
Clienteling Services Omnichannel Customers
Launch Pad Alex Drinker, Shinola's vice president of marketing, explains how personalization technology is tracking the customer path to purchase. By: Mark Hamstra, Contributor Share Shinola's use of clienteling allows its employees to view the path a customer takes to making a purchase. — Shinola As a growing luxury brand, Shinola faced a critical challenge when it came to providing customer service.
Want to Grow? ‘Strive for Greatness,’ Says NightLight CEO
Growth Studio Zawadi Bryant helped scale NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care into a multi-location business by striving for “great” instead of "good enough." Share Zawadi Bryant, CEO and co-founder of NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care, took a leap of faith in leaving corporate America behind for a career she loves.
Birchbox Review: Is It Worth It?
Walk into any drug or makeup store, and you're likely to find a plethora of small travel-sized versions of some of the most popular products. From fragrances to skincare, makeup to hair care, it's a great way to try a new product without having to spend a lot of money. With so many products to choose from, it can be very difficult to find ones that fit your needs and lifestyle. Enter the subscription box. Subscription boxes have been around since the early 2000s.
Top 5 U.S. Airlines with Refundable Ticket Options
Refundable plane tickets allow travelers to cancel for a full refund, providing flexibility if travel plans change. Airlines are required to offer either a cancellation or a full refund within 24 hours of booking or a 24-hour unpaid reservation hold for bookings made directly with the airline at least seven days before departure. Refund policies can vary significantly between airlines, affecting fees and eligibility for refunds.
Can CareCredit be Used for Family Members?
CareCredit has become a widely used option when it comes to paying for medical procedures, primarily procedures not typically covered by health insurance. One of the most useful aspects of the CareCredit card is it can be used for multiple instances, multiple times and even for multiple people. CareCredit openly permits and encourages the account holder to utilize the card to finance various treatments and procedures that may not even involve the account holder directly.
CreditCare for Pets: How Does it Work?
Often pet owners look upon their animals as four-legged family members, and like health and dental care for families, veterinary medicine is usually expensive. According to the American Pet Products Association's 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, 67 percents of U.S. households are home to at least one pet—possibly more. The cost of veterinary services, even just annual check-ups, can add up, and if a pet owner has a sick animal, the higher the price tag.
Are Sallie Mae Loans Considered Federal Loans?
SLM Corporation (SLM), more commonly known as Sallie Mae, is a public corporation and a private-sector lender, so its direct loans are not federal loans. Basically, federal student loans consist of funds that are provided by the U.S. government, while private student loans come from entities such as banks and other financial institutions. However, private entities often work as loan servicers for certain federal loans on behalf of the government.
9 Unique College Grants and Scholarships For Prospective Students
Students presently studying, or looking to study, business and are creative and innovative. 5. Create-A-Greeting-Card Annual Scholarship Contest. Every year, from mid-April through mid-February, The Gallery Collection accepts unique, original greeting card submissions from prospective students for a chance to a win a $10,000 scholarship.
9 unique college scholarships to consider
With education costs at record highs and outstanding student loan debt topping $1.2 trillion nationwide, prospective students are staring down the barrel of burdensome college debt. Sure, President Obama's recent goal to make community college free for all students and his college ranking system based on affordability and ROI are steps in the right direction. But free tuition, or even tuition assistance, would be an immeasurable gift for many.
Cheap Travel: Where to Search for Fun Vacations on a Budget!
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — While budget travel is not exactly something new, it has gotten quite popular in recent years. People have started to realize that it is possible to travel affordably, and now there are quite a few travel companies competing for a top spot in the increasingly popular theme. To make choosing easier, each site tends to have its own "hook,” attracting travelers based on different interests, needs, conveniences and desires.
Black Friday 2014: The Best Deals from the Top Department Stores
NEW YORK (MainStreet) — With each coming year, it seems that Black Friday sales begin earlier and earlier, and are no longer limited simply to Friday. This year, many stores have advertised openings as early as Thanksgiving morning. While many have decided to boycott the early shopping hours for this reason, those true-to-form Black Friday shoppers are printing their ads and preparing their lists.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Ciara
Contact Ciara, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack