Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2018-10-05T14:09:00

(BPT) – Many options exist when it comes to investing, and the variety of choices can be overwhelming. Whether it’s stocks, capital investments or the latest investment tool, each seems to come with its own set of rules and specialized terms. But one tool stands out as simple, safe and accessible to the average consumer without a lot of bells and whistles: the Certificate of Deposit.

The relative straightforwardness of Certificates of Deposit is what distinguishes them from other investment tools. While CDs may be offered in a wide range of terms, the basic framework is the same across all CDs: An investor commits money over a certain period of time and the bank pays out a pre-determined interest rate at the end of the term.

Top benefits of CDs include:

1. FDIC insured. Regardless of market fluctuations, the principal of your deposit is guaranteed, up to federal maximums (typically $250,000 for individuals).
2. Stable interest rates over the term of the deposit. Most CDs come in the fixed-rate variety, but banks can offer variable-rate CDs, where interest is tied to the market, and adjustable-rate CDs that allow the consumer to adjust the rate of interest on the CD to match market trends.
3. Low or no fees for the investment, although there is usually an interest penalty for early withdrawal of the deposit — in general, some percentage of the already accrued interest.

In general, the returns are higher on longer-term CDs, but banks often see the value in offering short-term CDs with moderately high interest rates to educate consumers and increase participation in these valuable savings programs. Once the value of including CDs in investment portfolios is demonstrated, it’s clear why so many people choose to put a portion of their money into these types of savings accounts.

Looking for a safe place to put your money? Get more tips, and the latest rates and terms, at American State Bank, or contact your financial institution.

2018-10-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – While many believe only the wealthy need financial professionals, the truth is that hiring such key advisors may help pay for itself financially and bring you peace of mind — regardless of your economic status.

Whether you’re just starting out in your professional life or nearing retirement, an experienced financial professional can act as an important source of information, explaining options and helping steer you toward smart decisions.

Consider how these five life stages can be important times to seek professional guidance and advice about your financial future.

You’re saving for college tuition

It’s no secret today’s college costs can be astronomical, but of course most parents want to provide their children as many advantages as possible. The earlier in your kids’ lives you begin investing, the faster their college fund(s) can accrue. A professional can help decipher the best methods for helping make that happen.

You’re getting ready to retire: Now what?

Only 50 percent of Americans have socked away more than $10,000 for retirement so far, reports the American Payroll Association. But even if you’re nearing 50 and have a minimal amount in your retirement fund, it’s not too late to start building wealth for your future and preparing for how to make it last. Whether you plan for lifetime income via an annuity or opt for another savings vehicle as part of your retirement strategy, a professional can assess your situation and develop a strategy with the goal of a comfortable retirement in mind.

Your parents are aging or ill

Caring for an aging or ill parent is tough emotionally, and ambiguity or strife around finances only makes it worse. Elder care is an expensive business, and planning how to use your folks’ money to ensure they get the best possible care can be complex — especially if siblings are at odds about what to do. Talking to a financial professional can be a great way to sort that out, since their focus will be on the most appropriate use of available funds.

You’re undergoing a life transition

Marrying, divorcing, starting a family or dealing with the death of a loved one can impact your finances as well as your emotions. But in times of great change or strife, budgets and bills may be an added burden you’re not prepared to address. That’s when a session with a financial professional may ease your mind and even be a preemptive strike against future money troubles.

You want to start investing

Finding a financial professional who understands your situation and can design solutions for your day-to-day financial concerns can go a long way toward financial peace of mind, says Salene Hitchcock-Gear, president, Prudential Individual Life Insurance and Prudential Advisors. You might be tempted to DIY, but a financial professional can see the big picture and work with you to create a strategy based on your timeline, risk tolerance and goals.

Bottom line? You don’t need to be a millionaire to benefit from the services of a financial professional. But working with one just might put you on the road to setting and achieving your financial goals. For more information about building a financial future for yourself and your family, visit Prudential at www.prudentialadvisors.com.

“Prudential Advisors” is a brand name of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries located in Newark, New Jersey. Securities products and services are offered through Pruco Securities, LLC (Member SIPC).

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2018-10-02T09:11:00

(BPT) – The fall season brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. Held each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, this is the ideal time to explore health care plans so you can choose the right one to help you maintain your benefits for better health all year long.

By combining Medicare benefits for people with financial need (or on Medicaid), some applicants may be eligible to enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan — or dual plan for short — that offers additional benefits and features such as dental, hearing and vision coverage. With a dual plan, beneficiaries may also receive transportation to health care appointments and help to purchase approved health items. Most importantly, they will have someone to help them manage and coordinate their care. All of these additional benefits and features may be available at no additional cost.

However, about 80 percent of people who qualify for dual plans are unaware of this option, according to Karyne Jones, president and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging. “It’s important that everyone knows what they qualify for so they can maximize benefits to help save money and improve their health, which can help for a more secure and active future as a person ages,” she said.

DSNP basics

A Dual Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides health benefits for people with income limitations who may need extra help because of disabilities, health conditions or age. Dual plans encourage everyone involved in caring for a patient — including primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and care managers — to work together. This can help improve the patient’s health as well as their experience with the health care system.

It’s important that people who qualify know that they may be missing out on additional benefits that a dual plan can offer. Navigating health plan offerings can be challenging, so it’s important for people to understand their choices and whether they qualify for more benefits. Although requirements vary from state to state and by circumstances, an individual making less than $16,000 a year or a family of two making less than $21,000 a year may qualify.

How are DSNPs unique?

In addition to helping manage and coordinate care, dual plans offer additional benefits including:

* dental care, such as exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns and extractions;

* credits to purchase over-the-counter health products such as vitamins and first-aid supplies;

* hearing exams and access to hearing aids at a reduced cost;

* an annual eye exam and a credit for eye wear; and

* transportation to health care visits and the pharmacy.

Beyond the benefits, dual plans are designed to be budget-friendly. People who are eligible for a dual plan can usually enroll for no monthly premium.

When to enroll?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time for people to consider their health plan options and see if they qualify for a dual plan. However, people who qualify for a dual plan can enroll or switch to a new plan at certain times throughout the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare’s dual health plans, call 1-855-799-3199, TTY 711, or visit www.getdual.com. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, including DSNPs.

“More than 2 million people were enrolled in a dual plan in 2017, which represents 3 percent of all people enrolled in Medicare,” said Jones. “By spreading the word about these plans the hope is more people will enroll and take advantage of important health care benefits in 2018 and beyond.”

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

“Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.“

2018-10-01T07:15:00

(BPT) – We all know about health and dental insurance, but did you know there is a workplace benefit for everyday legal matters that occur throughout life? Choosing to see an attorney when you buy a home and need someone to represent you at the closing or when you need to handle an issue with a landlord can be a costly endeavor. Rather than trying to wade through complicated legalese on your own, or paying thousands of dollars in attorney fees, you may have access to a benefit at work that allows you to see attorneys for common legal issues.

Legal plans are offered at companies across the U.S. as a voluntary benefit you can enroll in during your company’s open enrollment period. Typically, a legal plan costs around $20 a month and is paid via payroll deductions. Once you enroll you have access to attorneys, as if on retainer, for legal advice and representation for a wide range of issues, from estate planning and real estate issues, to dealing with identity theft or elder care matters.

Here are five reasons a legal plan is a valuable employee benefit.

* 54 percent of working adults experience a legal event over the course of a year, according to MetLife research. Many people may think they don’t have legal issues, but in reality, legal issues happen every day. From getting married and needing to change your name or update your will, to buying a home, contesting a traffic ticket or settling a matter with a neighbor, a legal plan provides a wide range of assistance for many common life issues.

* Attorneys charge by the hour, and it’s not cheap. Considering the average hourly rate to see an attorney can range upwards of $300 an hour, according to a National Law Journal and ALM Legal Intelligence survey, it is unaffordable for many people to see an attorney. By enrolling in a legal plan through work, you have access to attorneys for common legal issues with no copays, deductibles or waiting periods. As long as the matter is covered under your plan, you can have an attorney represent you, review or draft documents, or just give you advice.

* You can choose from a network of experienced attorneys. As anyone who has tried to find an attorney can tell you, it’s not always that easy to find a qualified attorney for your legal matter. When you’re enrolled in a legal plan, you have access to customer service representatives who can help you find a qualified attorney to help with your legal matter. And, you have assistance throughout the process to ensure that your matter is handled and you get the help you need.

* Your whole family is covered. Similar to health or dental plans, when you enroll in a legal plan your whole family is covered. But unlike a health plan, with most legal plans you don’t pay extra to cover a spouse or your dependent children. You can use the legal plan to create wills for yourself and your spouse, or help your teenage son or daughter contest a traffic ticket or deal with a landlord issue.

* Identity theft coverage is provided at a much lower rate than most services. Most legal plans provide assistance for identity theft issues, giving you access to specialists or attorneys that can resolve ID theft issues for you. Enrolling in a legal plan that has identity theft coverage provides you with one resource for resolving matters you face, and at a much lower rate than most standalone ID theft solutions.

For more information about how legal plans work, visit www.legalplans.com/member/reviews.

2018-10-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – While office managers are often the biggest champions for keeping their offices environmentally friendly, many may not be aware that being eco-friendly now goes far beyond recycling bins and reusable water bottles.

But building a greener office is something we all have a stake in — and you can help your office manager become an even better eco-warrior. Here are five questions, courtesy of Jake Swenson, director of sustainability at Staples Business Advantage, you can ask your office manager to help encourage him or her to stay up-to-date on the latest environmentally conscious policies and products — from breakroom to bathroom.

What are we doing to reduce office waste?

Waste reduction is the cornerstone of any office’s green policy initiatives. One key way to minimize waste is to reduce the use of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, straws and cups. Instead, your office manager should consider investing in more permanent products, like real silverware and ceramic mugs. If workplaces are serious about being more environmentally friendly, office managers should also implement comprehensive recycling programs that go well beyond paper and plastic. For example, many basic components of an old computer can be reused once it is broken beyond repair, and batteries can be recycled to avoid releasing hazardous chemicals into the environment.

What types of cleaning products are we using?

It’s not just about using fewer products, but also about the products you’re using. Biodegradable, non-toxic products and cleaners have been extensively researched and many perform as well, if not better than, their less-green counterparts. And the impact of using these eco-friendly cleaners extends beyond their immediate ability to disinfect a surface — cleaning products that are free from alcohol, ammonia and phosphates are friendlier for the environment and are often much less harsh on people. If offices are not thoughtful about the kinds of cleaning products they are using, they could be using products that negatively affect the office air quality and create odor pollution.

Are we purchasing sustainably sourced, healthy snacks and beverages?

Being green can apply to office snacks, as well. For example, ethically sourced fresh produce can provide both a healthy and sustainable option, and fair-trade coffee and teas can support the environment without requiring workers to give up their morning caffeine fix. And while purchasing these kinds of products may not directly impact your office’s waste generation, eating and drinking them benefits the environment at a more macro level and may be encouraging your colleagues to shop green and healthy outside of the office.

What are we doing to conserve energy?

Reducing energy usage is one of the easiest ways that offices can become greener, and small changes in behavior can add up to big changes for the environment. By simply having the last person in the office turn off the lights each night, companies can significantly reduce energy consumption. During the day, offices should also take advantage of natural light, as this can have a real impact on your organization’s monthly power bill. Another easy way for an office to conserve energy is to remind employees to turn off their computers before they leave for the day or switch them to standby mode.

How are we encouraging employees to be green outside of the office?

Office managers have the ability to help implement environmentally focused policies that extend far beyond the walls of your office. You can work with your office manager to organize events encouraging your colleagues to participate in volunteer work centered on the environment, such as an outing to clean up local parks and green spaces. These types of volunteer-focused events are not only good for the environment; they are also morale boosting. Your office manager can also help you champion donation matching initiatives for an eco-friendly cause.

Building a more eco-conscious office doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple changes can make a big difference — now and further down the line. Opening an ongoing dialogue with your office manager regarding your company’s sustainability efforts will get you well on your way to helping your office turn over a new “green” leaf.

For more information on eco-friendly products, visit StaplesBusinessAdvantage.com.

2018-09-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Because September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, now would be a good time to consider investing in a policy that could protect you and your family in your time of need, plus protect your loved ones in your absence.

Given the importance of life insurance, it’s astounding that 37.5 million American households lack such a policy, according to the 2016 Facts About Life study by the industry group LIMRA. That may be because many people misunderstand how such policies work and how much it costs. For example, recent Insurance Barometer studies by LIMRA and Life Happens found 63 percent of Americans cite expense as the reason they don’t carry term insurance, yet 80 percent overestimate the cost — millennials by 213 percent and Gen Xers by 119 percent.

While some Americans hope to rely on other sources to protect their families, they may not realize all the benefits life insurance offers. Every family has different needs, and some life insurance products are flexible enough to offer customizable options to provide a measure of financial security to your spouse and children — the people that matter most.

Some other common myths about life insurance of which you should be aware:

Myth: Life insurance is only available through financial advisors. In fact, quality, strong-valued policies for your entire family are often available through your employer or your spouse’s employer. For example, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company offers a wide range of workplace solutions paid for by employers, employees or both, including permanent life, term life, critical illness, accident and disability insurance. Talk to your company’s HR department about the process involved in securing comprehensive coverage for your family.

Myth: Workplace policies can’t offer enough options for your needs. You’ll find that well-established life insurance companies understand the market well enough to offer a range of flexible products, including policies that are payroll deductible, stable in cost regardless of your age, portable when you’re changing jobs and available with add-on riders or other insurance types through the same carrier.

Myth: Young, healthy people don’t need life insurance. The truth is, your health can change at any time and it’s best to expect the unexpected. Further, uninsured people can easily leave behind personal, medical or mortgage debts and/or funeral expenses that end up burdening family members or executors when they die.

Myth: Your life insurance policy only covers you, not your family. Not true. Some products protect you, your spouse, your dependent children and even your grandchildren, often at one affordable cost. That’s why marriage and becoming a parent can be excellent reasons for buying new policies.

Investing in life insurance is a crucial step to take when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from unexpected losses. But it doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. Find more detailed information about life insurance options for you and your family at www.BostonMutual.com.

2018-09-20T10:19:00

(BPT) – Many Americans are taking some action to protect themselves from fraud and data breaches but it’s often not enough. TransUnion is committed to making the understanding, managing and protecting of your information as simple and accessible as possible — which is why they launched the myTransUnion mobile app. With the app, which you can download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, you can freeze and unfreeze your credit reports for free in a matter of seconds, whenever and wherever you need.

2018-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – A visit to Philadelphia is sure to be steeped in American history and culture. It doesn’t get more American than the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. And it doesn’t get more authentically Philly than cheesesteaks at competing Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King Of Steaks, and the oldest farmers market in the country, Reading Terminal Market. But, when you’ve been there, done that, what else can you explore?

Philadelphia neighborhoods beckon the savvy traveler who can, by slowing down, get a glimpse of what it’s like to live here, to exhale and experience the heart and soul of a great American city. One neighborhood that’s not on the radar of many travelers, but should be, is West Philadelphia, or West Philly as it is commonly known, with University City as its bustling heartbeat. Aptly named — the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are located here — the area buzzes with youthful exuberance. The diverse, worldwide student population brings the magic of different languages, dialects and customs to the area.

Strolling along the bustling sidewalks, visitors will find a foodie’s dream with a vibrant street-food scene, high-end, locally owned restaurants and everything in between. Historic sites and museums are everywhere, with some pop culture icons as well, and the parks add a touch of green to the cobblestone and brick.

Here are some gems of West Philly not to be missed:

* The Penn Museum will take you back to ancient times in faraway places and other lands. You’ll find jewelry from Ethiopia, Mayan sculptures, an Egyptian tomb, the Granite Sphinx of Ramses and new Middle East galleries. After you’ve seen the amazing American History of Philadelphia, the Penn Museum gives you the world.

* World Cafe Live is a multi-level venue devoted to music and good food. Take a seat upstairs at the chic Upstairs Live Cafe, where you can get late-night food and drinks along with an eclectic array of live music (they don’t call it World Cafe Live for nothing!). Downstairs Live is a larger concert venue, hosting nationally known artists. It’s also the home of WXPN radio, which broadcasts a show of the same name.

* The Study at University City is a local gem for guests who believe the right hotel can enhance and elevate an already wonderful trip into the stratosphere. This is not a cookie-cutter chain, but a boutique that features local artwork in an onsite gallery; hand-blown glass light fixtures (locally made); display cases with artifacts of the city’s past; and its lobby, dubbed the Living Room, a vibrant and dynamic core of the hotel, a gathering place for guests to feel at home.

* Schuylkill River Trail meanders along some 30 miles of the Schuylkill river, and is a favorite of bicyclists, walkers, runners and families. Enjoy the green space along the riverfront, or use it as your way to and from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other area attractions. If you really want to get your exercise and American history on, you can pick up the trail in West Philly and take it all the way to Valley Forge National Historical Park.

* The multitude of cuisines in the West Philly neighborhood is reflective of the diversity of the student population. A true foodie destination that’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll find African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indian spots with daring fusions of flavors; upscale, chef-driven restaurants; and down-home Philly goodness. Highly recommended from the city’s foodie community: Marigold Kitchen (its gin-marinated venison gets rave reviews), Aksum, which blends Mediterranean and North African cuisine; and Dock Street Brewing (Philly’s first microbrewery) for all-American bar food, burgers and of course, beer.

For other insider tips on exploring West Philly, contact the knowledgeable staff at The Study at University City. They’ll make sure you get the most out of your visit to the neighborhood.

2018-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Up to 40 percent of food grown, processed and transported in the United States is never eaten, yet one in eight Americans suffers food insecurity. The average four-person family wastes $1,500 a year on food.

Food waste in manufacturing and packaging costs corporations $2 billion each year — plus $15 billion for farmers — while dumping 52 million tons of waste in landfills.

The impact of food waste is social, environmental and economic — children and elderly are going hungry, natural resources are being squandered and ever-rising costs of food affect both businesses and consumers.

Reducing food waste at home

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has some best practices for families to save money, help those who don’t have enough to eat, and conserve resources for future generations.

By making a list of weekly meals and necessary ingredients, shoppers will buy less than they would otherwise and keep things fresh, with less waste. Also, checking the pantry and refrigerator before a grocery shopping trip can prevent buying duplicates of things you already have.

Meal prep — washing fruits, chopping veggies, creating portioned servings — can save time and money. Freezing items such as bread, sliced fruit and meat that you won’t eat immediately can save them from spoilage.

Finally, learn the difference between “sell-by,” “use-by,” “best-by” and expiration dates. This can mean the difference between discarding perfectly fine food and filling up landfills, or saving money and feeding your family food that is still nutritious and delicious. If you’ve purchased foods your family won’t eat or just have too much, find a local community program or food pantry accepting donations.

Corporate responsibility

Several Arkansas food and beverage industry leaders are taking steps to eradicate food waste, from changing policies and logistics, to rethinking how to use previously discarded foodstuff.

Tyson Foods launched “¡Yappah!” this summer, bite-sized chicken crisps made from upcycled chicken breast, rescued carrots and celery puree from juicing or malted barley from beer brewing. Founded in Springdale, the world leader in poultry and beef is dedicated to seeking new ways to make more and better food while helping to build a more sustainable food system.

Rizal Hamdallah, head of Tyson Innovation Lab said, “The ¡Yappah! brand mission is unique, important and far-reaching. It was created to inspire people and partners to rethink their relationship to food and how it impacts society. Through this launch, we intend to address global food challenges such as food waste.”

The chips come in four flavors — chicken celery mojo, chicken carrot curry, chicken IPA, and white cheddar and chicken sunshine shandy beer — and are packaged in recyclable aluminum cans. The crisps would be available to consumers in October.

Bentonville-based Walmart has introduced Eden technology that focuses on tracking the freshness of produce as it travels from farm to wholesaler to retailer to table. Sensors measure and report temperature, moisture and metabolite data, which is then converted to carton-level freshness and shelf life assessment using FDA standards among other data.

Walmart seeks to eliminate $2 billion in waste over the next five years and has already prevented $86 million in waste by using Eden in 43 of its distribution centers.

ConAgra Brands — which makes Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s frozen meals in Russellville, Arkansas — has been leading food waste reduction efforts for nearly a decade and achieved an 81.7 percent landfill diversion rate in 2017 corporate-wide.

“Waste reduction is critically important to our company and we are dedicated to making improvements throughout our operations as part of our zero waste strategy,” said Gail Tavill, vice president, sustainable development, ConAgra Brands. “Many by-products of food preparation are highly valued as animal feed, source material for recycling, energy recovery or composting, or sometimes even suitable for donation to feed people when safe and properly handled.”

Saving money, time and reducing waste

The bottom line when it comes to food waste reduction: Efficient, cost-effective companies are best positioned to deliver affordable products to consumers, grow, create jobs and support their communities. Food waste management as practiced by several Arkansas food and manufacturing industry leaders is not only saving money and resources, it’s making a difference in the lives of U.S. citizens and people around the globe. And using best practices at home is healthier for families’ bodies and their budget.

2018-09-13T07:01:01

(BPT) – The answer you get to this question will depend on who you ask. The amount households have accumulated for retirement is not hotly debated, but the amount needed in retirement is. The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is working to make sure that everyone has the facts through its new website — FactsOnRetirement.org. Much of the academic research and the ICI’s analysis of the retirement data indicate that most Americans are properly preparing for retirement, and with some very small changes, the retirement system can be even stronger.

It might surprise you to know that Americans have accumulated seven times more retirement resources per household today than we had just over four decades ago — after accounting for inflation. As a nation, we’ve gone from $500 billion in defined benefit (DB) plans, defined contribution (DC) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and annuities in 1975, to nearly $30 trillion today. Those assets are widely spread too — eight in 10 near-retiree households have retirement resources, and retired Americans are more likely to get income from a retirement plan today than they were in the 1970s.

IRAs, 401(k) plans, and other DC plans account for a large portion of the increase in retirement assets. Americans have now amassed $17 trillion in hard assets in these accounts.

Combined with Social Security, resources from employer-sponsored plans and IRAs are helping retirees keep up their standards of living. At FactsOnRetirement.org, ICI points to a groundbreaking analysis of tax data that shows most workers transitioning into retirement maintained or even increased their spendable income after claiming Social Security.

We often hear that the decline of the traditional DB plan has driven seniors into dire straits — but that’s not true. Remember, those traditional pensions are designed to reward workers who stay for decades with the same company and end their careers at that company. Other workers may receive little or no retirement income from these plans.

With 401(k) style plans, benefits accrue more evenly over a worker’s career and continue to grow as a worker moves from job to job — which makes them particularly well suited to America’s mobile workforce. The research shows that IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar plans can provide the resources workers need to live comfortably throughout their golden years. That’s one reason nearly eight out of 10 U.S. households have confidence these plans will help people reach financial security in retirement.

In general, our retirement system works, but it can be even better if policymakers work to build on its strengths. ICI recommends putting Social Security on a secure financial footing for future generations, making it easier for employers to offer retirement plans, and encouraging innovative features like auto-enrollment to help more workers save.

But as a first step, every American needs the facts. You can get them — along with tips to make sure your own savings are on the right track — at www.FactsOnRetirement.org.