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Home Improvements

Are Your Appliances Up To Scratch?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Are Your Appliances Up To Scratch?
Kitchen DishesHome appliances should be checked on a regular basis. Not only will this help you to know that you are getting the best out of them, but also you will be ensuring that you and your family are kept as safe as possible. Are Your Appliances Up To Scratch?
If your appliances are not in a good working order, they will be potential hazards, but not only that, even if you avoid a major disaster, they will certainly be costing you far more in energy. Ovens for instance could have the potential to leak gas whilst washing machines can carry many dangers from the potential for major electrical faults to simple things such as ruining your family’s clothes.
Checking them regularly is the first step to making sure they are not hazardous or simply just not doing the best possible job. Faulty washing machines for instance could lead you to have to wash clothes many more times than should be necessary and in turn waste money not just on energy bills but on washing powder and softener too.
Should your appliances be old or no longer working like they should, it is easy to just let things carry on as they are and get complacent, or be worried about how much new replacement ovens are going to be. However, if they are showing problems there is a potential for danger never mind the reduction in efficiency and getting them repaired or buying new alternatives is a must.
In the long run it is often easier to simply buy new appliances as by shopping for them online you will almost certainly find them at prices that make forking out for repairs seem utterly pointless. A new appliance will also come with a good warranty and you can be sure that it will do the job you need it for many years to come.

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Later is Too Late
Money Tips

Tips for Giving Money in Times of Crisis

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Tips for Giving Money in Times of Crisis

  • Give To An Established Charity Tips for Giving Money in Times of Crisis
    FinancesDon’t let an unscrupulous charity take advantage of your goodwill. Find a charity with a proven track record of success with dealing with the type of disaster and in the region in which the disaster occurred. Avoid fly-by-night charities created specifically to deal with the new crisis. Even well-meaning new organizations will not have the infrastructure and knowledge of the region to efficiently maximize your gift. If you do feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof that the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status. Tips for Giving Money in Times of Crisis
  • Designate Your Investment
    Worried that your donation will go towards the charity’s general operating fund or saved for a future crisis? This is a very understandable concern. Many charities do encourage donors not to designate their gifts so that the charity can decide how best to utilize the money, but depending on your confidence in the charity’s ability to make that determination, you may choose to tell the charity exactly how to use your investment. By designating your gift, you’ll ensure that your donation will be used as you intended. Most charities with online giving portals offer a check box feature so that you can tell the organization how to spend your contribution. If you are mailing in a check, then write a note in the memo section of the check specifying that you want your gift spent entirely on the current crisis.
  • Avoid Telemarketers
    Be wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own. Once you feel comfortable with the charity, send the organization a check directly in the mail, or give through their website, thus ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the charity and not the for-profit fundraiser.
  • Do Not Send Supplies
    Knowing that people are desperately in need of basic supplies like food, water and shelter, it is hard not to want to pack up and send a box of supplies. But this type of philanthropy is simply not practical or efficient. Even if mail could get to an impacted region, no one is set up to receive these goods, much less organize and distribute them to the victims. Furthermore, charities are often able to partner with companies to acquire large amounts of in-kind donations such as bottled water and new clothing. Instead of boxing up and sending your old clothing, have a garage sale and turn your used goods into cash and donate that to a worthy charity.
  • Be Careful Of Email Solicitations
    • Be Leery Of People That Contact You Online Claiming To Be A Victim – Unless you personally know someone in the impacted area, anyone alleging to be in this position is most likely part of a scam. Obviously, people affected by a large scale disaster like a earthquake, hurricane or tsunami are in no position to contact you directly for assistance.
    • Delete Unsolicited Emails With Attachments – Never respond to unsolicited emails. Do not open any attachments to these emails even if they claim to contain pictures from the disaster. These attachments are probably viruses.
  • Seek Out The Charity’s Authorized Website
    Criminals are likely to set up bogus sites to steal the identity and money of generous and unsuspecting individuals. We saw this after Hurricane Katrina when the FBI reported that 4,000 sites were created to do just that. So, if you plan to give online, be sure to find the charity’s legitimate site. You can safely give on Charity Navigator’s site via our partnership with Network for Good. Alternatively, we link to each charity’s authorized site so you can give there if you prefer.
  • Think Before You Text
    So long as you do your homework – meaning that you’ve vetted the charity and made sure that you are using the proper texting instructions- then texting can be a great way to give. Remember there may be additional costs to you to make such a gift. And it can take as much as 90 days for the charity to receive the funds.
  • Consider The Nature Of The Charity’s Work
    Not every charity responds to a disaster in the same way. Some provide medical assistance, some shelter, some food and water. Others will be more focused on either short term or long term rebuilding efforts. And some will just fundraise for other nonprofits. Think about what it is you want your philanthropic investment to accomplish and then take the time to find the charities doing that work. At Charity Navigator we link to each charity’s website so that you can quickly learn more about their plans to help.
  • Be Inspired By Social Media, But Still Do Your Homework
    Social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogs can deliver heart-wrenching images and information about a disaster to our computers and phones. These often include pleas to donate. While these applications can be a powerful tool to inspire your desire to help, you should not blindly give via these vehicles. You must take the time to investigate the groups behind such pleas for help to ensure that it comes from a legitimate nonprofit.
  • Do Not Expect Immediate Results, But Do Keep Tabs On What Your Donation Accomplishes
    It takes time for charities to mobilize, to assess the problems that need to be addressed and to develop effective solutions. Donors need to be patient so charities will not feel pressured to plunge in and offer ineffective aid, simply to placate impatient donors. That doesn’t mean donors shouldn’t hold the charities accountable for delivering on their promises! Be sure to follow up with the charity in a few months to find out (a) how your donation was put to use and (b) if the organization needs additional support to complete the recovery effort.
    By www.charitynavigator.org
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Retirement Planning

Why Working in Retirement Is a Smart Move

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Why Working in Retirement Is a Smart Move
And not just financially!
shutterstock_142295632 (1)For some people, retirement means exotic travel, days on the golf course, and nights spent feasting on early bird specials galore. But for others, it means busting out a computer or driving into the office to clock in some hours on the job. Why Working in Retirement Is a Smart Move
These days, a growing number of retirees are opting to work part-time after formally leaving the workforce. In fact, according to a recent retirement study conducted by Merrill Lynch, about 47% of today’s retirees say they either have worked or plan to work during retirement. Furthermore, 72% of pre-retirees aged 50 or older feel that retirement should include some amount of professional work.
Why Americans work in retirement
There’s a reason that working during retirement is becoming more common. Americans are living longer these days, which means they spend more time in retirement. Back in 1950, the average male retiring at age 65 could expect to live another 13 years, while the average female retiring at 65 could expect to live another 15. Today, the average man can expect to live an extra 17 years, while women can expect to live another 20.
Additionally, fewer Americans are retiring with pensions, which previously provided a great deal of financial security during retirement. And let’s face it: For those intent on living the cruise-ship-golf-course retirement of their dreams, Social Security benefits alone just aren’t going to cut it. Living costs and healthcare expenses are only going up. The average couple retiring today at age 65 can expect to spend a whopping $245,000 in healthcare costs throughout retirement, not including expenses such as nursing-home care.
Inadequate retirement savings are another factor pushing retirees to work. An estimated 31% of non-retirees have no retirement savings whatsoever, and many of those who do save are realizing early on that come retirement, they’re almost guaranteed to fall short. Some financial experts recommend saving eight times your ending salary for a comfortable retirement, but for many, this figure is simply unattainable.
Even generation X-ers and millennials, who are generally told to save for retirement from the moment they receive their first paychecks, are coming to realize that working during retirement may simply be par for the course. With the future of Social Security looking precarious at best, generating some degree of income during retirement may gradually become the norm.
The upside, however, is that working during retirement can help to alleviate financial concerns and the stress that comes with them. Imagine having a steady stream of income to offset market volatility, which can send your retirement portfolio into a downward spiral. Part-time work is, to some extent, a means of diversification that can help you get by when you’re most financially vulnerable.
But it’s not just about money
On top of the obvious benefit of bringing in extra income, working during retirement can also be intellectually and emotionally fulfilling. For some, part-time work can serve as a social outlet. Furthermore, studies have shown that working during retirement is better for your health than not working at all. Those who don’t work during retirement tend to experience a more rapid physical and mental decline, whereas working in retirement can help you stay healthy — and thus lower your healthcare costs, too.
If you enjoy what you do, working in retirement can be particularly fulfilling, especially if you can do it on your own terms. Some retirees manage to secure extremely flexible arrangements so that they can work where and when they please. Others use retirement as an opportunity to explore new means of employment, pursuing job prospects that don’t necessarily align with their previous experience. And for those for whom the extra income is more of a bonus than an outright necessity, sacrificing earnings for personal fulfillment is an easy decision to make. As an added perk, if you choose to work during your retirement, you can still collect your Social Security benefits in full with no limit on your earnings, provided you’ve reached full retirement age (which, as of 2015, is 67 for those born in 1960 or later).
Best of all, working during retirement doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing deal. You can work one year, take the next year off, and pick back up again should you find yourself in need of money or something meaningful to do with your time. But if you do decide to squeeze in a few on-the-job hours here and there, there’s a good chance you’ll be a much happier person for it.

The $15,978 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook
If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known “Social Security secrets” could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. In fact, one MarketWatch reporter argues that if more Americans knew about this, the government would have to shell out an extra $10 billion annually. For example: one easy, 17-minute trick could pay you as much as $15,978 more… each year! Once you learn how to take advantage of all these loopholes, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. Simply click here to discover how you can take advantage of these strategies.
Motley Fool
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Home Improvements

Is your Furnace Filter Making You SICK?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Is your Furnace Filter Making You SICK?
FilterWe all know how important nutritious food and clean drinking water are to our health. But rarely do we consider another major health factor we cannot see, touch, or taste: the air we breathe. Medical studies confirm that many people unknowingly breathe “sick” air in their homes and offices every day- air that contains common microscopic elements like pollen, dust mites, and bacteria. As this polluted air is absorbed into our skin, lungs, and blood cells, it often causes or aggravates allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, recurring colds, breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and serious respiratory diseases. Is your Furnace Filter Making You SICK?I
Air conditioner filters commonly used in residential applications are often inefficient, low cost furnace filters purchased from a local hardware store. These filters generally consist of a cardboard frame housing fiber mats or blankets of varying thickness, fiber sizes, and densities. Manufacturers recommend changing these filters regularly, however, homeowners rarely follow such recommendations.
As a result, particulate buildup on the filter increases thereby increasing the pressure drop or resistance across the furnace filter. When this occurs the airflow naturally seeks the path of least resistance. Since the thin cardboard filter frames provide a poor perimeter seal, when the resistance increases, air tends to leak around the frame edges thereby completely avoiding filtration.
One company recently received a US patent for a new, efficient, air conditioning filter incorporating a plurality of filtration methods in series configuration for optimum filtration performance and low resistance. The invention comprises: a rigid frame custom fabricated and sized for a conventional air handling unit filter track, a gasket attached to the frame for providing a seal to prevent air bypass, a conventional replaceable dry-type filter media, viscous impingement media, and an electrets or electrostatic filter, arranged in series.
These new furnace filters have been engineered to eliminate the many problems found in ordinary furnace filters. They are available through air conditioning companies and home inspectors; you can also find them on the internet by searching Air Sponge Filters.
articlecity.com

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Money Tips

Fed Tightens

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Fed Tightens

It is hard to argue why the Fed is raising rates at this point in time. The economy has strengthened to a level where zero interest rates are not necessary. This is not to say the economy is completely out of the woods; interest rates still remain highly accommodative and nowhere near a “normal” rate which we estimate to be around 2-3%. The Fed continued to make similar dovish comments today. They indicate that they will gradually raise rates and wait for additional data on the economy before taking additional action. “Gradual” was so important, it was mentioned twice in the Fed’s press release after their meeting. Fed Tightens
As we enter a new interest rate cycle, what does this mean for the market? Contrary to conventional wisdom, rising interest rates seldom spell doom for the markets. In fact, during past periods of Fed rate hike cycles since 1983, the market has actually been rising, returning an average of almost 10% (Source 1). While that might be optimistic, we also don’t see the U.S. heading towards another recession like Europe in 2011 after the European Central Bank raised rates and quashed a weak recovery. Currently we don’t see any indicators that point to a recession: recent manufacturing data has slowed but nowhere near recessions levels, profit growth outside the energy sector has been resilient, and most importantly, the Treasury yield curve remains positive. The Treasury yield curve has been one of the best indicators for the economy. History shows that when longer term Treasury bonds yields are LOWER than shorter term bonds yields (the green circles), a recession came shortly after (the grey bars). Even if the yield curve were to flatten by 0.25%, the chart below still shows the bond market is not indicating an upcoming recession.
The Fed Tightens
We continue to be modestly optimistic about the next 12 months. However we will monitor the data carefully. If the problems get worse, we will take action. Most of Apriems’ strategies now include a circuit breaker component in our investment process. If our thesis on the market is wrong, this type circuit breaker allows us to reduce risk in client portfolios to try to preserve your capital. We continue to review our process to determine if adjustments are needed as we go forward. We know that you have placed significant trust in our team at Apriem. We do not take this responsibility lightly.
-The Apriem Investment Team-

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Pets

Pet Boarding Is the Best Bet for Your Family Friend

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Pet Boarding Is the Best Bet for Your Family Friend
shutterstock_170540258When you have pets there are many considerations to keep in mind, especially when you go away on business or for a leisure vacation. Pet boarding offers an easy solution to those who need someone outside of family and/or friends to take care of their pets. Pet boarding facilities are good choices because they are establishments with a good amount of staff members who will take good care of your pet while you are gone. Pet Boarding Is the Best Bet for Your Family Friend
Here are some more reasons why pet boarding businesses are ideal:
Offer a Full-Service Solution
Pet boarding companies are often in business for quite a long time as they offer pet owners a full-service pet care solution. In addition to feeding your pet and caring for them in your absence, pet boarding facilities also play with them, let the dogs play with each other and keep them safe the entire time you are gone. Some pet boarders will even offer grooming and training options to their pet guests.
Watch Your Pets 24/7
Pet boarding companies will watch over your pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows you to enjoy your vacation or get work done on your business trip and not have to worry about your playful pup or frisky feline being alone at any time. The constant supervision means that anything your pet may need can be acquired when in the care of a pet boarder.
Have Vets on Call Just In Case
No pet owner likes to envision their pet needing a veterinarian’s assistance while they are away but the fact of the matter is that every once in awhile a pet may need some help due to an unexpected illness or just to be checked out for one reason or another. Many pet boarding facilities have an in-house vet or have one on call when needed for pet emergencies. This means that your pet will have that safeguard in place just in case it is necessary.
Now that you have a general overview of what a pet boarding company does and how they can help you with your specific pet care needs, it is the ideal time to get started. Pet boarding offers your pet a safe and enjoyable place to stay when you are on vacation or away on business.

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Diet & Nutrition

5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

056024D5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating
Many of us are looking for fresh ways to lead healthier lifestyles and eat nutritiously, without having to sacrifice flavor. You may already be eating fruits and veggies, like broccoli and bananas, but here are five nutritional superstars you should be piling on your plate if you aren’t already: 5 Healthy Foods You Should be Eating

  1. Lentils. Lentils may look like the runt of the legume family, but don’t be fooled. These are rich in dietary fiber and are a good source of iron and folate, which collectively help reduce the risk of heart disease, increase your metabolism and improve digestive health. Talk about big things coming in small packages!
  2. Cauliflower. Cauliflower is having its turn in the spotlight this year — and rightfully so. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Try whipped cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes, or grill slices of it for a new side dish. Tip: If the bitter taste of raw cauliflower turns you off, try steaming or sautéing for milder flavor.
  3. Sardines. Sardines may not be the first fish to come to mind, but they are certainly one of the healthiest. This petite treat is a lean source of protein, rich in Omega-3s, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, making them a heart-healthy snack worth trying. StarKist’s new Gourmet Selects skinless, boneless sardine fillets come packed in delicious gourmet sauces. They are great for a snack right out of the can or a perfect addition to any culinary creation.
  4. Pomegranate. Pomegranates have often taken a backseat to other fruits, but these delicious gems pack arguably a bigger nutritional punch than some of the traditional favorites. Not only are the seeds and juice jam-packed with antioxidants, but they are also high in vitamin C and potassium, and the seeds are a great source of fiber. Tip: Avoid the mess by deseeding with the pomegranate submerged in water.
  5. Flaxseeds. As a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, flaxseeds are often considered nutritional powerhouses. Lucky for us, ground or milled flaxseeds can be easily mixed into almost any recipe, including cereal, baked goods, yogurt and more. Tip: If you buy whole flaxseeds, grind them right before using to reap all the nutritional benefits.
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Safeguard Your Identity During Holidays
Medicare Plans

Keeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Medicare fraudKeeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud
With Medicare enrollment season coming to an end on December 7th, some seniors may be scrambling to assess plans and make final decisions. Medicare is still a very confusing topic to many seniors, and worrying about the risk of fraud can add to this frustration. During this rushed state, it’s important not to lose sight of potential issues with fraud. Keeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud
Based on an Express Scripts survey, 10% of seniors said they or someone they know has been the victim of healthcare fraud. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted seniors to several scams associated with Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.
Be careful with calls: Whether you’ve received calls requesting that you sign up for one plan in particular, calls offering you deep discounts on health services or calls from a government representative – BE WARY. If you are questioning an offer you’re receiving, reach out to the FTC or contact your current Medicare Part D plan to determine the validity of the request.
Keep track of your personal information: Never give out personal information including your social security number, bank or credit/debit card number or passwords to anyone you don’t know or haven’t specifically initiated contact with directly. This should also apply to your insurance/Medicare Part D card or ID number, which should always be kept in a secure spot. If you’re unsure, reach out to the company contacting you at a later point after you’ve had time to research their credibility.
Only look for CMS-approved plans: Before enrolling in a Medicare plan, visit www.Medicare.gov. This is the home page of the official U.S. government site for Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that all plans be approved. If your plan is approved by CMS, it will be listed on Medicare.gov. And don’t forget, CMS prohibits door-to-door selling of approved Medicare plans.
Toss with caution: Remove or black out personal information on prescription bottles and other health-related forms and documents before discarding. Even better…shred all personal information before discarding it in the garbage.
If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, or if you think you gave your personal information to someone you should not have, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Express Scripts has developed http://www.roadmapformedicare.com to serve as a resource for Americans looking for information on Medicare, retirement and healthy lifestyle tips. To stay up-to-date with the latest Medicare news, sign up for a free newsletter about retirement planning and Medicare at http://www.roadmapformedicare.com/sign-up/.
 

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Conditions & Treatments

Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia
shutterstock_156184517It may be easy to write a prescription for opioids in hopes that they will do the trick for patients struggling with fibromyalgia pain. But the best path towards effective analgesia may not require medication at all. Fitness Linked to Pain for Women with Fibromyalgia
This isn’t the first time that research has pointed out the benefits of exercise as a form of treatment for women with fibromyalgia. A study released earlier in the year found that patients who took more steps each day experienced less pain. However, in the new trial researchers used a larger population pool to make their case in Arthritis Care & Research, and they succeeded.
A total of 468 women with fibromyalgia were evaluated and levels of pain were recorded with several methods including algometry, numeric rating scale, visual analog scale, and the bodily pain subscale on the Short Form 36 health survey. The authors also looked at chronic pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing to determine patients who may exaggerate what they were actually feeling. The Senior Fitness Test battery and handgrip dynamometry were used to measure physical fitness – made up of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and motor agility – and average global fitness profile.
Time and time again, higher physical fitness proved to be associated with less pain. In addition, better fitness was linked to higher chronic pain self-efficacy and lower pain catastrophizing – regardless of pain and fitness evaluation methods.
Muscle strength and flexibility showed a direct relationship with pain. The patients who had both high muscle strength and flexibility reported the lowest levels of pain. When it came to pain catastrophizing, aerobic fitness and flexibility proved to be the independent factors. Those who had high levels of both had the best catastrophizing and self-efficacy profiles.
“Our results suggest that higher physical fitness is associated with lower levels of pain, lower pain-related catastrophizing, and higher chronic pain self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia,” the authors concluded.
More studies in this area of fibromyalgia are needed, but these findings suggest that it may be time to put down the prescription medication and get moving.

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