XMWare

2018-03-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – With people living healthier and longer than ever before, 65 is the new 45. If that milestone birthday is right around the corner for you, odds are you’re too busy logging your 10,000 daily steps into your fitness tracker, shopping for organic produce and planning your bucket-list trip to Tuscany to notice.

But no matter how great you feel, when age 65 is on the road just ahead, it’s time to start planning for retirement. One big issue for retirees is insurance.

When you get that gold watch at your retirement party, the clock is ticking on your employer-sponsored health insurance. Traditional Medicare Parts A and B are a given, but they don’t cover everything, like vision, dental and prescription drugs. That’s why it’s a good idea to check into supplemental insurance to help you stay healthy for years to come.

Here’s a short primer into Traditional Medicare, and options for supplemental coverage.

Medicare Part A and B: When you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled into Medicare, whether you’re still working or not. Part A is hospital insurance, and there’s no monthly premium. Part B, medical insurance, is a little trickier. There is a monthly premium, so if you’re still working and covered by your employer-sponsored health insurance, you don’t need it just yet. When you retire and lose your coverage, that’s the time to sign up for Part B.

But Part B does not cover co-pays, deductibles and health care if you travel outside the U.S., so you’ll need additional insurance if you don’t want to pay for those things out-of-pocket. That’s where a Medigap plan comes in.

Medigap: Within six months of signing up for Part B, it’s time to enroll in Medigap insurance. As its name implies, it covers what Medicare doesn’t, including co-pays, deductibles and outside-the-U.S. health care.

Neither Medigap nor Medicare Part B covers dental, most vision (outside of glaucoma screenings for high-risk patients, cataract surgery and eye trauma) or prescription drugs.

The good news? There’s supplemental insurance for all three.

Vision coverage: You only get one set of eyes, and as you age, taking care of them is vital to your quality of life and overall health.

Coverage like VSP^® Individual Vision Plans cover eye exams, which can help you detect not only glaucoma and other eye problems but health issues like diabetes and hypertension as well, before you have any signs or symptoms. VSP covers contacts and glasses, too, so get a funky pair for every day of the week, and opt for lens enhancements like no-line multi-focal and light-to-dark tinting. VSP typically saves people $200 per year on their eye care, and has the largest network of independent doctors, so it’s likely you won’t have to change if you have one you trust.

With VSP, you’ll receive services at rates well below walk-in prices, and you can use your HSA for co-pays, too. Visit VSPDirect.com for more information.

Dental insurance: According to the National Association of Dental Plans, retirees are the least likely to have dental benefits, which is ironic because, outside of teens who need braces, they’re a group who needs it the most. Many plans cover a range of procedures from regular cleanings to crowns and root canals, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered if more major work is required.

Medicare Part D: We’ve all heard the horror stories of seniors having to choose between getting the drugs they need and paying for food. Medicare Part D is your insurance that this won’t happen to you. You’ll need to join a plan from an insurance company approved by Medicare, and those plans vary, so choose carefully and make sure yours covers the prescriptions you take.

By using supplemental insurance to cover what Medicare doesn’t, you can live your adventurous retirement worry-free. Haven’t you earned that?

2016-10-26T14:13:00

(BPT) – When winter arrives, parents eagerly anticipate taking kids on family vacations and spending more time with them during the holidays. Kids look forward to more free time for their favorite video games. However, a growing body of research indicates video gaming can actually be a good thing for parents and kids — if they play together and choose games that foster creativity.

A recent study by one game website found 63 percent of parents view video games as a positive part of their children’s lives, and 59 percent play video games with their kids at least once a week. Gaming together is a great way to spend time with children — who will play regardless of whether a parent is participating! What’s more, when parents help kids choose games that allow players to personalize their experience, they can nurture children’s creativity, too.

If you’re looking for creativity-inspiring games to play with your kids, here are some tips:

* Look for games that allow kids to stretch their imagination like Skylanders Imaginators by Activision Publishing Inc. Available now worldwide, the latest iteration of the popular franchise introduces video game icon Crash Bandicoot to the Skylanders universe that both kids and parents can enjoy alike, and gives players the ability to create their own customized characters. Players can choose from an endless combination of powers, abilities, catch phrases and much more to create unique Skylanders and bring them to life in an all-new adventure. Skylanders Imaginators is sure to be at the top of kids’ wishlists this season. The game has already won numerous prestigious awards including “Best Family Game” from the two top videogame tradeshows in the world: Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and Gamescom. The game is the perfect gift for kids and parents to enjoy together. There’s even a free new mobile app, Skylanders Creator, that allows families to express their creativity and love for franchise in a variety of ways. Some fans can choose to have their creations transformed into 3D printed Imaginator figures (limited quantities, while supplies last). Additionally, they can create Imaginator Cards with an image of their created Skylanders that are fully-playable in the console game. Fans also can create a customized Skylanders Imaginator T-shirt featuring an image of their very own creation.

* Long gone are the days when players were content to make their way through static virtual worlds created by someone else. Today, many games allow players to create their own levels and worlds within the game’s virtual universe. In addition to helping kids exercise their storytelling abilities, world-building games can also be a great basic introduction to the concept of programming.

* Not ready to dive into creating an entire virtual world? No problem! Look for story-based games that allow players to guide the outcome of the tale based on decisions they make within the game. Kids (and parents) can play through the game a first time to achieve a specific end, then play again making different choices to influence an entirely different outcome.

* Who didn’t love those classic block-busting games that required you to think 10 moves ahead in order to clear a level? These traditional puzzle games have always fostered problem-solving skills. New versions also allow players to create their own challenges by customizing puzzle pieces and other key elements of game play.

* Multi-player games that allow kids to share their creativity with a like-minded community of gamers can encourage collaboration, healthy competition and originality. In this type of game, players can create characters, scenarios, levels and story lines, and share them with the online community so others can play in the worlds they’ve created.

A recent study published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found evidence that playing video games may actually make kids mentally healthier and more socially adept.

Parents who want to spend quality time with their kids while maximizing the benefits of game time, should look for games that foster creativity through fun, exciting play.

2017-12-14T12:21:00

(BPT) – Sponsored Content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

The world that millennials have grown up in is a lot different than the world the Gen Xers and Baby Boomers knew. The digital revolution, widespread use of smartphones and adoption of disruptive technologies such as ride sharing and vacation rental apps are just a few of the factors that have altered the social landscape.

Unfortunately, rising student debt, rising home prices and other economic factors have hit many millennials and left them to believe that they cannot afford a home. Many feel as though they have been priced out of the American dream and they will never be able to buy a home.

But no matter what your age, there are plenty of ways to become a homeowner, you just have to think a little more creatively.

The rise of the rental

Looking at current trends, a recent research study found that more U.S. households are now renting than at any time in the last 50 years. With a rising number of renters, many have worried that we are becoming a nation of renters rather than a nation of homeowners.

This is most evident with the younger generation, people under 30, who the National Multifamily Housing Council have found now account for 50 percent of all renters in the U.S.

They aren’t renting because it’s a more affordable option, either. As many residents know throughout the country, rents are going up and up. Between 2012 and 2015, the median gross rent has gone up 8.24 percent, rising to $959. When you combine that with the utilities, a deposit and first and last month’s rent, it’s a lot of money to spend on something you will never own.

So why do people choose to rent? One reason is that many don’t realize that just like phones, cars and countless other things we use on a daily basis, homes have changed.

New priorities mean a new solution

As demand for housing increases, and prices on new and existing homes continue to rise, manufactured housing has adapted to the standards of today’s first-time homebuyers and provides a solution for a market in short supply of quality, affordable options.

In 2016, the average sales price for a manufactured home without land was around $70,600 — that’s an average of $48.82 per square foot — making them an affordable solution to renters looking to become homeowners.

“We believe manufactured homes offer a great solution for many households seeking affordable housing,” says Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “We work with our customers to help find financing options that fit their needs and circumstances.”

Renters don’t have to continue doling out a monthly check for something they’ll never own. The housing market has changed and with this change, manufactured homes have brought forth new opportunities to become a homeowner.

NMLS Disclosure

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2018-01-08T09:29:00

(BPT) – Sponsored content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

With the New Year upon us, many people are thinking about what they want out of 2018, what goals they’d like to accomplish and what changes they’d like to make. After the holidays have come and gone, America enters into a new season, that of New Year’s resolutions.

While gym membership skyrockets and bookstores sell out of the latest fad-diet books, millions of Americans will quietly be thinking of how they can shore up their financial situation. For the middle class, blue-collar workers and low-income individuals, this can seem like a daunting task.

But it is doable. Whatever your financial situation, there are easy steps you can take that will help you save, get out of debt and create better financial habits.

1. Set long-term financial goals

Looking ahead 10 years, what is the most important thing on your financial horizon? Is it paying down your student loans or saving for a down payment for a home? Setting a concrete financial goal is a simple though fundamental step in achieving financial security.

2. Make a plan and write it out

You know where you want to go, but how will you get there? Creating a road map to bring you from here to there will help guide you in such crucial areas as: budget allocation, amount you need to save each month, milestones to check your progress and more.

3. Come up with a steady, realistic way to reduce your debt

You’re not alone: There are very few people who are free of debt, and each day, people pay their way out of debt. You just need to figure out a way to do this. The best way to do this is to start small. Start with the highest interest rate debt and pay a little bit of the principal off each week. In time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

4. Save, save, save

While you’re paying off debt and just making enough to get to the next paycheck, it can seem like saving anything is completely out of the question. But just like paying off debt, a little bit here and a little bit there will eventually add up. Just think, what if you could put aside just $10 a week? That’s over $500 a year, and over $5,000 in 10 years.

5. Cut out the fat

You don’t need to cut out all the little pleasures in life to save money, you just need to alter some habits. For instance, instead of buying coffee and lunch during the day, bring it from home. Cancel your movie streaming service and rent DVDs from the library. You’ll still enjoy yourself, and could save $100 or more each month.

6. Earn extra money by putting your hobby to work

The so-called sharing economy has made it easier than ever for people to earn extra income. If you have a creative side, say you’re a knitter or woodworker, you can sell your creations online. You could also drive for a ride-sharing service in your off time or rent out a room when you’re out of town.

Most New Year’s resolutions fail because people are too ambitious with their goals. Getting into good financial shape should be an ongoing resolution that involves small, manageable changes anyone can make! For more financial resources, visit www.vmfhomeloan.com.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2018-02-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – At one time, you were probably a young child, stuck in a classroom, wishing you were outside playing. If you’re now a parent, you have plenty of experience trying to convince your child that learning is fun, and likely have to bribe them to do their homework.

Trying to get children excited to learn or instill in them a passion for education can be an ongoing struggle for parents. However, there is a growing consensus among educators that creative activities and guided play go hand in hand with developing the cognitive skills and passion for learning that is needed for academic success.

At the center of this playful learning is something called a makerspace, which is a collaborative workspace where kids of all ages can let their creative juices loose, build, discover and learn with any number of materials and tools.

Makerspaces have appeared in libraries, schools and community centers. Today we’re going to look at how you can set up your own makerspace at home.

1. Start saving things up

A makerspace isn’t so much about what you have as it is about how you use it. With creativity as their guide, your children can turn old T-shirts, egg cartons, milk jugs, cardboard and other loose parts you might otherwise throw away into a fantastic creation.

2. Keep all those doohickeys and knickknacks organized

Things can get pretty messy once the kids start cutting, building, gluing and making. Because a fun makerspace has such a range of materials, from copper wiring and yarn to circuit boards and magnets, you want to make sure everything is easy to find and, for your sanity, easily put away.

3. Dedicate a space for making

You might have a few shoeboxes full of LEGO bricks, various circuits, putty, batteries, tape and more tucked under a bed, but to make your child’s makerspace feel truly special, set up a dedicated area, with a work bench and storage. Ideal locations include the garage, basement, or if you have one, a spare bedroom!

4. Build with a goal in mind

The idea here is to add some structure to your children’s creativity. To get the most value out of your makerspace, set up a series of goals for your children to achieve. Maybe they want to take apart an old speaker and reassemble it in a new frame, or design a simple circuit. Experts like LEGO Education have plenty of ideas that will actively engage children of various ages in playful learning.

5. Don’t overthink!

Let your imagination guide you. There is no set-in-stone curriculum, no right way to use a makerspace. The scope and complexity of projects will constantly change as your child changes. What stays the same is their growing curiosity and desire to learn.

An at-home makerspace is a constant source of inspiration for you and your child. There are always new projects and ideas out there. You just might have as much fun learning as your kids.

2018-03-05T17:00:00

(BPT) – They say heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Never has this been more true than the story of Stubby, a stray mutt who went on to become the first dog ever promoted to the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army, and the subject of a new animated family feature, “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero,” to hit theaters on April 13.

It’s a fascinating tale that starts shortly before World War I, so let’s begin.

From humble beginnings

Stubby’s path to the military began when he was adopted off the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, by Pfc. Robert Conroy, who was a member of the 102nd Infantry Regiment 26th “Yankee” Division training on the parade grounds of Yale University.

As Conroy’s charge, Stubby stayed with the Private and the dog quickly became recognized as the regiment’s mascot, accompanying them as they trained before being shipped to Europe.

At the time, of course, the U.S. Army did not have a formal training program for working dogs, but Stubby’s instincts made him an invaluable resource to Conroy and his companions.

Accompanying them to France, Stubby saw action during 17 different battles while fulfilling his primary duties of keeping the trenches free of vermin and helping U.S. Soldiers locate wounded allies on the battlefield. He even proved adept at detecting incoming chemical attacks, raising the alarm for both American and French Soldiers.

But Stubby’s most notable achievement was catching a German spy, a feat which earned him the honor of being the first dog to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. To this day, Sgt. Stubby is recognized as the most decorated canine in the history of U.S. Armed Forces.

Headed home

When Sgt. Stubby and Conroy returned home after the war, Stubby led the Yankee Division’s victory parade and was named a lifetime member of the YMCA and American Legion. He received numerous medals, appeared in Vaudeville theaters, met three sitting U.S. presidents and visited hospitals to boost morale for fellow veterans.

Conroy went on to become an agent in the Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI, and attended law school at Georgetown University, bringing Sgt. Stubby to campus with him, of course.

While at Georgetown, Stubby performed tricks at pep rallies and football games, setting the standard for all Hoya mascots. Some people even credit Stubby as the creator of what is now known as the halftime show.

Stubby’s story was chronicled in several national publications, and when he passed away, the New York Times paid tribute to this historic canine with a three-column obituary. Today his remains are preserved by the Smithsonian Institution and are part of the “Price of Freedom” exhibit at the National Museum of American History.

Bringing Sgt. Stubby’s tale to a new generation

A visit to the Smithsonian is one way to learn more about Sgt. Stubby, but another is Fun Academy Motion Pictures’ debut feature film, sharing the “tail” of this four-legged military hero.

“Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” is a family-friendly animated film retelling Stubby’s amazing journey from abandoned mutt to American hero. Starring Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter and Gérard Depardieu and directed by Richard Lanni, this animated film offers a “dog’s-eye view” of history for the entire family.

“Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” will open in approximately 3,000 theaters April 13 across the U.S. and Canada, coinciding with the year-long 100th commemoration of the U.S. role in the “War to End All Wars.”

You can learn more about the film at www.StubbyMovie.com. It’s a fascinating story and one that can be enjoyed by heroes of any shape or size … or species!

2018-03-21T07:01:30

(BPT) – America needs to address its food waste problem, and a good place to start is taking steps to teach our children to conserve food.

Right now, a staggering 40 percent of all food in the U.S. goes to waste when restaurants, supermarkets and consumers throw it away, costing our national economy $1 trillion in the last two decades and needlessly destroying 10 percent of the earth’s wilderness, according to Newsweek. For the average American family, that translates into $1,500 yearly in wasted food.

Fortunately, educational and awareness campaigns sponsored by food-related businesses and others are helping children understand the scope of the problem and suggesting pathways toward a less wasteful future.

Many businesses don’t realize the huge role they can play in encouraging less-wasteful habits in their communities says Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promote interactive learning experiences that teach the importance of sustainable practices and habits across our communities.

One of their most successful programs leverages best practices around sustainability and food waste within a grocery store to challenge students and their families to do the same in their schools and homes. “The more we encourage sustainable habits at the family level, the faster we can together reduce the amount of food that’s needlessly tossed out in the U.S. each day and be good stewards of our communities and our planet,” notes Myeisha Gamino, director of corporate affairs & government relations for Ralphs grocery stores.

Some ways you could teach your own students, children or community members to help:

* Involve your entire family or class in a six-week project during which they’re challenged to reduce family food waste by 25 percent. Encourage them to suggest their own ideas for making that happen, establishing a reward for those who achieve their goal — maybe a trip to a favorite restaurant or recreation destination.

* Support the free elementary-level educational program “Speak Out. It’s YOUR Earth!” this April. The one-hour guided experience co-sponsored by supermarket chain Kroger Co. invites students into Ralphs grocery stores throughout southern California to learn about sustainability, conservation and ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling food in their daily lives. At the end of each in-store experience, students and adults are challenged to apply the main concepts learned into their own lives, whether at home or at school. The program is supplemented by pre- and post-event curricular materials.

* Involve children in planning a week’s worth of family meals, explaining the process of choosing entrees, side dishes and desserts, shopping and paying for ingredients, preparing food and storing leftovers. That helps them understand the money, time, transportation and effort involved so they’re less likely to take it for granted.

* Volunteer together at a local food bank or soup kitchen to give children a better appreciation for the relative ease of their daily meals. Families or groups might also tour a working farm, visit a landfill center, plant and harvest a vegetable garden and/or create and use a compost heap.

* Be mindful about not overloading children’s plates unless they ask for large portions. Similarly, don’t pack items in their daily lunches you know they won’t eat; instead aim for that golden mean of healthy foods they’ll actually consume, and coach them to bring home uneaten items. Note: They may take more ownership if they pack their own lunches.

* When children can’t eat their entire meals at home or in restaurants, save the leftovers in airtight containers for them to eat the next time they get hungry.

As a nation, we’re engaged in several habits that lead to expensive, unsustainable and environmentally harmful food waste. But the future can be brighter if we begin now to teach our children how to do a better job using our food resources in their daily lives.

This year the “Speak Out. It’s YOUR Earth!” program is expected to reach 60,000 students in southern California. Ninety-seven percent of participating educators plan to attend again, and the average ranking for the program has been 4.5 of 5 stars. To sign up your students or start a similar program in your community, contact The Field Trip Factory.