Money & Career
How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan During Open Enrollment
The cheapest monthly premium is not always the cheapest plan. Here is how to compare total yearly cost, networks, drugs and deadlines before you enroll.
Independent guides for everyday decisions
IC Americas
Practical guides for informed choices
Latest guides
Search all guides
Tips from six recent guides
Compare a full year of premiums plus likely out-of-pocket costs, not the monthly premium alone.
From: How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan During Open EnrollmentChoose your menu and check oven, refrigerator and serving-dish space about two weeks ahead.
From: Thanksgiving Dinner Timeline: A Stress-Free Plan From Two Weeks OutChoose your limits before you commit to holiday plans, and focus on what you can control.
From: How to Set Boundaries With Family During the HolidaysStart with a traditional cache rated 1 to 2 for both difficulty and terrain, then check the listing and recent logs.
From: Getting Started With Geocaching: Essential Tips for Your First AdventureStart with 140-pound cold-pressed paper, a few reliable brushes, and a small set of student-grade paints.
From: Learn Watercolor Painting: Essential Tips for BeginnersGet outside during daylight when you can, especially earlier in the day, and avoid looking directly at the sun.
From: How to Beat the Winter Blues: Light, Movement and RoutineMoney & Career
All 15 guides
How to Check Your Credit Reports for Free and Fix Errors
Your credit reports can contain different information, and a small mistake can cause trouble. Here is how to review all three, dispute errors, and protect your file.
Home & Garden
All 13 guides
Vertical Gardening With Exotic Climbing Plants: How to Grow a Tropical Climbing Garden
Passionflower, mandevilla, hoya, and other climbers can turn a wall or patio into a lush garden. Match plants to your climate, give them sturdy support, and plan for winter before you plant.
Food
All 11 guides
How Long Do Leftovers Last? A Practical Fridge and Freezer Guide
Most cooked leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below. Use this guide to cool, freeze, thaw, and reheat them safely.
Wellbeing
All 10 guides
Finding Your Purpose: Practical Ways to Think About Why We Are Here
Purpose does not have to arrive as one grand revelation. Learn how different traditions approach meaning and try practical exercises to shape a life that feels more like yours.
Outdoors
All 14 guides
Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners: How to Land Your First Trout
A simple setup and a little practice can make your first trout trip less intimidating. Learn what to bring, where to cast and how to fish responsibly.
Hobbies & Arts
All 15 guides
Black and White Photography Tips: How to Master Contrast and Texture
Strong black and white photos start before you convert them. Learn to recognize promising light and shapes, capture useful color information, and edit with control.
Travel & Culture
All 14 guides
Everything You Need to Know About Diwali Celebrations
Diwali is a major festival of light, renewal and community, but its meaning and customs vary. Here is how to understand the traditions and join celebrations respectfully.
Relationships
All 9 guides
Why Does My Ex Keep Viewing My Profile? What It Means and What to Do
An ex viewing your profile can stir up questions, but it rarely explains their intentions. Here is how to interpret what you see and choose a response that protects your peace.
Essential guides to keep handy
- How to Build an Emergency Fund When Money Is TightMoney & Career
- How to Check Your Credit Reports for Free and Fix ErrorsMoney & Career
- How to Spot and Avoid the Most Common Scams in the USMoney & Career
About IC Americas
IC stands for Informed Choices. IC Americas is an independent online magazine publishing practical, evergreen guides for readers in the United States.