 NewsUSA) – When most people think of social justice, they think solely in terms of the government redistributing wealth, rather than individuals and churches tackling the deeper personal issues associated with poverty.
But a program being piloted by the Richard and Helen DeVos Center at The Heritage Foundation aims to show thoughtful young American churchgoers and seekers that there is more to social justice than government intervention, which is unable to cure the spiritual and personal ills that so often accompany poverty. “A lot of people today, especially in the rising generation, are interested in social justice,” said Ryan Messmore, the DeVos Center fellow who served as the lead writer on the project. “But there isn’t a clear understanding of what exactly it means. That’s problematic because a lot of actions championed in the name of social justice end up hurting the very people they are trying to help. Many young adults today lack a framework for thinking about social justice and engaging the personal needs of the less fortunate.” The new Heritage program is called Seek Social Justice. It is a six-part DVD presentation with an accompanying study guide. It addresses topics like: “Relational Justice,” “The Power of Family and Friends,” “Working Toward Justice” and “Justice as a Way of Life.” “The DeVos Center is doing remarkable work. They are brilliantly sharing the concept of social justice and taking that message to a whole new generation of young Americans,” said Tim Goeglein, vice president for external relations at Focus on the Family. The videos, which may be ordered without charge at www.seeksocialjustice.com, aim to show those afflicted by poverty as real human beings with inherent dignity and worth rather than merely a sociological category on a government chart. The accompanying discussion guide may be downloaded for free at the same site. “We need to put the human person front and center in the discussion and not talk about abstract categories such as ‘the poor.’ That betrays an impersonal perspective that more often than not leads to ineffective solutions,” Messmore said. |
Prepaying Our Way Out of the Recession
 NewsUSA) – As signs suggest a slowly improving economy, all Americans agree -; we never want to see another large recession.
Consumers are learning to live within their means. The Obama Administration is considering creation of a new government agency to better protect consumer interests. There is a huge risk, however, that lawmakers may unwittingly limit access to one of the more important elements for consumer recovery -; network branded prepaid cards. People need financial products that help them spend within their means. With prepaid cards, you can’t spend more money than you put on the card, so it’s easy to stick to a budget and not over-spend. Prepaid cards also allow those Americans who cannot qualify for credit cards to carry something other than cash. Prepaid cards give a level of security that cash cannot, and offer valuable consumer protections. According to a study conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, prepaid payroll cards are less costly than check-cashing services or low-balance checking accounts. In the wake of the housing collapse and credit crisis, the government must strengthen consumer protections. However, new regulations should not prevent Americans from buying helpful financial products. For example, new laws could limit access or increase costs for prepaid cards. Some suggested regulations would deem prepaid cards “deposit-taking” mechanisms. As such, prepaid cards could only be sold at bank branches. This would disproportionately penalize the millions of Americans without bank accounts. Other seemingly innocent requirements would require companies to send paper statements, even if consumers prefer e-mail or text messages. Still other proposals would punt regulation to the states, allowing a patchwork of state-by-state rules that would serve a limited interest. As is already the case in some states, such as Vermont, state laws could become so prohibitive that they force companies to take their products off the shelf, limiting consumer access. Regulatory changes need to be weighed against their economic impact and aligned with the way consumers use financial products. Without that balanced view, well-intentioned policy changes could prevent Americans from using tools like prepaid credit cards to control their spending. Kirsten Trusko is the Executive Director of the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA), an inter-industry trade association that works to advance network branded prepaid cards. |
Prepaid Cards: One New Way to Receive Unemployment Benefits
 NewsUSA) – With the ranks of unemployed workers growing in the U.S., new tools that offer cost savings and convenience are being offered to receive unemployment benefits. In many states, branded prepaid cards are replacing paper checks. With cost savings that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, prepaid cards present a compelling benefit for the state as well as the taxpayer at large.
The new cards are simple to use and can be free of surcharges if you spend a few minutes learning about how to use them. Here are some tips: 1. If you currently receive your unemployment benefits via direct deposit, continue to do so. All states offer a direct deposit option. Prepaid cards are a replacement for paper checks. 2. Prepaid card funds are available on the day of payment. There are no more trips to the bank and no more waiting for a check to clear. 3. With a little bit of effort, it is easy to virtually eliminate any fees or surcharges. All state unemployment programs offer surcharge-free withdrawals. For example, the State of Maryland and the State of Kansas offer free funds at all Citibank locations, Citibank network ATMs and participating retailers such as convenience stores. They also offer free bank transfers, a toll-free, interactive voice response system and online account management for greater control over funds. Take five minutes to read the information that comes with your card to understand how you can access your money surcharge-free for your particular state program. 4. Prepaid cards are consistently cited by users to be cheaper than using check-cashing facilities. Use it responsibly and you will save money. 5. As a cardholder, you are protected if the funds are lost or stolen. Unlike paper checks, funds can be recovered if the cards are lost or stolen, and the cards can be replaced. 6. Use your unemployment benefits card just like a credit or debit card to make purchases at any merchant that accepts the card brand. Enjoy the safety and convenience of not having to carry around as much cash. 7. A branded prepaid card offers the convenience and protection of a debit card but does not require a bank account or credit check. You can use your card to purchase goods or services that typically require a card, like signing up for cable or making airline reservations. |
Get Dad In Line This Father’s Day
 NewsUSA) – Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on Father’s Day gifts. Instead of buying Dad the latest gadget or gift certificate this year, consider purchasing a wheel-alignment service for his vehicle. A wheel alignment will not only help one of his biggest investments last longer, it can help him stay safer on the road.
During a wheel alignment, the technician adjusts the geometric angles of the steering and suspension systems in relation to the frame of the vehicle to ensure that all four tires wear properly while maintaining optimum vehicle stability and handling. Proper vehicle alignment is important for correct vehicle handling, tire wear, braking stability and a smooth ride. All vehicles require a wheel alignment from time to time. For example, hitting a pothole or curb can knock the alignment out of whack. Additionally, many vehicle manufacturers recommend having the wheel alignment checked as part of the vehicle’s normal maintenance schedule. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, warning signs of possible improper alignment include: - Uneven tire wear. - The vehicle pulls to one side, wanders or weaves when driving in a straight line without braking. - The steering wheel does not return to the center position after making a turn. - The steering wheel isn’t centered when the wheels are pointed straight ahead. - Excessive tire squeal while turning at normal speeds. If you or Dad notice any of these warning signs, have an ASE Certified technician inspect the vehicle and perform a computerized alignment check to verify that the steering and suspension angles are adjusted properly. Diagnosing and fixing a potential problem early can save you and Dad money in the long run. This Father’s Day, show Dad you care by getting him an unconventional, but very important, gift — a wheel alignment. Trisha Hessinger is a former racecar driver and nationally recognized automotive education specialist for Firestone Complete Auto Care. |
Cutbacks on Care Not a Solution In Economic Downturn
 NewsUSA) – In response to uncertain economic times and rising unemployment, Americans are cutting back on medical care, including doctors’ appointments, preventive tests and prescription drugs. According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 47 percent of Americans report that a family member has sacrificed medical care because of the cost. More than one-third say they or a family member have delayed care, and 30 percent say they have skipped a recommended test or treatment.
Short-term care cutbacks, however, could lead to more medical problems and higher spending in the long run. Forgoing necessary medications to treat chronic conditions or diseases could lead to more serious complications and even hospitalization. Now, more than ever, people need assistance in taking care of their health and the health of their families. Resources such as prescription assistance programs can help uninsured Americans better afford the medicines they need to stay healthy and to treat disease. While government officials and policymakers work towards a more permanent solution to the healthcare and economic crises, these programs offer immediate help for those who are struggling with healthcare expenses due to the economic downturn. One program, Together Rx Access, which is sponsored by many of the nation’s leading pharmaceutical companies, helps eligible uninsured Americans gain access to the medicines they need to maintain their health. Individuals who enroll in Together Rx Access receive a free-to-get and free-to-use card that can help them save on brand-name and generic medicines right at their local pharmacy. Savings vary depending upon the particular drug purchased and the pharmacy used, but most cardholders save 25 to 40 percent on the brand-name products in the program. The program includes medicines used to treat cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, depression, asthma and many other common conditions. For more information, including a list of medicines and participating pharmacies, visit TogetherRxAccess.com or call 1-800-966-0407. Roba Whiteley is executive director of Together Rx Access, a prescription savings program that helps eligible Americans without prescription coverage gain access to immediate and meaningful savings on prescription medicines. |
Designing the Home of Your Dreams, California-Style
 NewsUSA) – Each year, many proud homeowners set out to increase the “dream” appeal of their homes – a task that can be made easier and more exciting with inspiration from the annual HGTV Dream Home. The 2009 home, located in beautiful Sonoma, Calif., is full of ideas that can help you amp up the dream quotient of your existing home. Investing time and love in your home can prove to be a rewarding experience whether you’re dreaming of a wine-country Victorian home, a Manhattan high-rise or an inviting log cabin. Here are a few tips:
- When choosing a color palette for your home, look at the colors in your area. Do you live in a desert or by the beach? Using color to connect your home to the outside environment will create a more natural feel. - Identify the strengths of your home, then play them up. If you see natural focal points, make them pop with eye-catching art. - Consider how you will use your home. Plan spaces where you can have fun with family and friends along with secluded places in which to relax. - If you have a home office, and clients visit often, consider creating a separate entrance to maintain privacy in your home. - Think about things you really love and are passionate about and include them in your home. Find a space for what makes you happy. - Use your rooms. If you never use the formal dining room, turn it into an art studio or office so you can enjoy all of your home. - Give yourself the luxury of a fabulous master bedroom. This is the ultimate DREAM and you can find inspiration on air and online at HGTV. For more information on how you can enter for a chance to win the HGTV Dream Home visit HGTV.com/dreamhome. Linda Woodrum has served as HGTV’s Dream Home designer for the past 12 years. |
To Make the Tailgate, Check the Tires
 NewsUSA) – As football season kicks off, many Americans look forward to tailgating parties. But you might not make it to the parking lot with worn tires.
Tires with worn tread can become safety hazards. When it’s wet, a braking car may need up to four times its regular stopping distance. Worn tread can cause cars to hydroplane, or skim over the road with little or no traction, which can lead to lost control. There are a number of steps you can take to avoid being blind-sided by worn tires this football season. Firestone Complete Care offers a few tire-maintenance game plays: - Balanced Line – In a balanced-line offense, the number of football players is divided evenly on either side of the center. Likewise, drivers need to make sure that their tire tread pattern wears evenly across each tire and equally on both sides of their vehicles. Uneven tread wear can signify different problems, including over- or under-inflation, tires out of balance or wheels out of alignment. If your tread looks uneven, ask your service professional to take a look. - Spiral – During a correct throw, a football rotates smoothly and without wobbling. Properly maintained tires also rotate smoothly. In addition to keeping your tires inflated and balanced, you should rotate them every 5,000 miles or as indicated in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. The force exerted on each tire will differ depending on the tire’s position on the vehicle, causing different tread-wear patterns on each tire. Your tires are more likely to wear evenly if you rotate them. - Zone Defense – Tires can lose one pound of air pressure per square inch (psi) each month, and one psi for every 10-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop. It’s important to check your tires monthly with an accurate tire gauge. Check your tire pressure only when the vehicle has been driven less than one mile or has been sitting for at least three hours. You can’t tell whether a tire needs air just by looking at it. Driving on under-inflated or overloaded tires at high speeds over long distances – for instance, driving on the highway – can lead to tire failure and accidents. Trisha Hessinger is a former racecar driver and nationally recognized automotive-education specialist for Firestone Complete Auto Care. |
America’s Private Benefits System a Success for Millions
 NewsUSA) – America’s private, job-based benefits system is one of the most successful in the world. The benefit plans within the system hold more than $6.1 trillion in assets and cover approximately 150 million workers, retirees and their families. The job-based benefits that give millions of workers health coverage and the opportunity to enjoy a financially secure retirement are more critical than ever.
Since 2001, the Labor Department has made great gains in its efforts to safeguard the pension, health and other employee benefits crucial to millions of workers. And we are continuing to improve the system to make benefits more accessible and secure. This administration succeeded in enacting the Pension Protection Act of 2006 – the most sweeping reforms of retirement plan rules in over three decades. These reforms have improved the solvency and the transparency of traditional pension plans, better ensuring that retirement promises made to workers are kept. We are boosting participation in 401(k) and similar plans through automatic enrollment, helping many more workers and their families build a nest egg for a secure and comfortable retirement. We are also making it easier for workers to get quality, professional investment advice to inform their retirement savings decisions. And the Labor Department’s efforts have produced record-setting results. Since 2001, our enforcement and outreach programs have yielded monetary results of nearly $11 billion on behalf of workers and retirees and have led to the indictment of more than 800 individuals for crimes involving benefit plans. In addition, the participant assistance program handled nearly 1.3 million inquiries that helped individuals understand their benefit programs and recovered nearly $545 million to pay pension and health benefits of working families. The Department’s successful stewardship benefits millions of Americans, both as workers and investors. The Department of Labor put the tools in place for workers to plan and save for their retirement, and now it is up to each of us to save so we can achieve our retirement dreams. For more information or assistance, call 1-866-444-3272 or visit the Web site at www.dol.gov/ebsa today. |
Free New Medical Service Saves Money in 3 Steps
 NewsUSA) – As an emergency room doctor, I was moved by problems that people faced in seeking medical care. I established FreeMD.com to provide a new, free medical service that will save people money by immediately helping them determine what may be wrong and where to go for the appropriate care. Taking the right steps when something happens is important whether consumers have medical insurance or not.
Many people are alone when symptoms pop up or injuries occur. Now, anyone with access to the Internet can get help making decisions promptly. Numerous studies show that many people go to the emergency room for care when they do not have an emergency. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that a visit to the emergency room can cost five times more than at a doctor’s office. Another study by the Indiana Health Department found that using a nurse practitioner can cost 40 percent less than using a doctor. With health care costs rising and many people uninsured, it’s important to keep in mind these three steps to save money and time: - Determine whether it’s an emergency. - Determine whether the problem needs the attention of a professional. - Determine the right place to get the appropriate care. Unfortunately, without a doctor on hand, it’s often impossible to know how to answer those three questions. Those people who usually rely on the emergency room for care could save money and time by correctly identifying non-emergencies, then seeking less costly services. Those with insurance could avoid paying deductibles for service in the wrong place and then paying again for service in the right place. People who visit FreeMD.com will meet me as the virtual doctor, and I will help them make the right decisions. The virtual doctor will tell them what might be wrong and where to go for care -; the emergency room, urgent care center, or the doctor’s office. If they don’t need to see a professional, the doctor will explain how to treat the problem at home. FreeMD.com even helps them find the closest emergency room, urgent care center or doctor’s office. |
Back to School, Back to Driving Basics
 NewsUSA) – For teenagers, heading back to school can mean increased driving. But before you let your teenager drive to school, sporting events or on trips with friends, you should make sure he knows how to drive safely.
The first few months behind the wheel can feel overwhelming. Try not to criticize teenagers’ driving. Instead, make sure that your son or daughter knows that they can ask you questions. Make your “driving safety” talk part of a special trip or treat, so young drivers feel comfortable. Ensure that teens get your message: I trust you behind the wheel, but driving is both a privilege and an important responsibility. The experts at Firestone Complete Auto Care suggest that parents discuss the following topics with their teens: - Gadgets and Gizmos. New drivers might not understand all of the lights, buttons and meters that surround the wheel. Explain the dashboard. Make sure your teenager can adjust his seat and check his mirrors. - Teach Basic Maintenance.You don’t want your teenager driving an out-of-shape car, so teach your teenager to check the oil and other automotive fluids. Make sure that teenagers can check and adjust tire pressure. You might also want to teach your teen how to attach a spare tire in case of a blow-out. - Set Realistic Travel Times. More traffic is on the road when teenagers head to school, so caution them to set their alarm clock a bit early. If your son or daughter has slept in, tell them to accept the delay. You don’t want them speeding, tailgating or weaving through traffic to make up for lost time. - Aggression Isn’t Worth It. Make sure your teenager knows not to engage aggressive drivers. If your teenager meets an aggressive driver on the road, tell them to move out of the way and let the other vehicle pass. If an aggressive driver pursues your teen, let them know that they should call the police and pull into a well-lit, populated area to get help. A driver’s license shouldn’t mean a fight with your teenager. Instead, strengthen your relationship by allowing your son or daughter to earn your trust and express their growing independence. |
