US Media Studios Shares Retirement Fund Tips

As more Americans approach the age to retire, it pays to review when to take the required monthly distributions. US Media Studios shares retirement fund tips.

Monthly 401(k) Distributions

In most circumstances, the soonest someone can start receiving  monthly distribution from their 401(k) account is at age 59 ½ without being taxed an extra 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.  It’s also beneficial to know that there is no 10% penalty tax if someone retires early because of a qualifying disability or can claim financial hardship. But generally speaking, the US IRS says minimum monthly distributions from a 401(k) must start April 1 following the later of the calendar year when a worker reaches age 70 ½ , or they retire. There are other exclusions too. Take time to review the rules for retirement monthly distributions in your plan.

IRA Accounts

Workers who have an IRA must start taking the required monthly distributions once they turn 70 ½ . But if a worker is still working and doesn’t need the income, it’s best to roll the IRA into a 401(K), if the plan allows it. An exception to this rule relates to Roth 401(K) plans. The monthly distributions are tax-free since they the deposits should have been treated as taxable income while working.

The Four Percent Assumption

The old assumption that a four percent yearly withdrawal would be the perfect amount to add to any other retirement income is a bit outdated for today’s older working and soon to retire employees. Inflation is higher than it was back in the early 1990s.  Today, retirees could need more than a four percent withdrawal rate. US Media Studios notes that the four percent assumption would net a retiree less than they need make ends meet, and would need to be adjusted up, meaning less money in retirement accounts to carry a retiree through several decades of retirement.

In Closing

As financially challenging as it can be with the economy, high prices and jobs outlook today, it pays to deposit as much money as one possibly can into 401(k) and IRA retirement accounts. Many small to medium-sized employers have already stopped matching funds. Keep on adding funds to retirement accounts. Try not to take any withdrawals until absolutely necessary. If financial advice is needed, ask a trusted friend for a referral, a financial institution, veterans’ organization, or a representative from the retirement plan you have now.

US Media Studios Relays 2016 Flu Vaccine Information

Do you get the flu vaccine every year? Nearly a quarter of adults don’t get this annual vaccine for varying reasons. One of those reasons is having a reaction to the vaccine. But very few people who get the flu shot ever have a bad reaction to it.

The Flu Shot and Side Effects 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 157 million to 168 million doses of the injectable flu vaccine available this year. The vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chance of getting the flu. Yet, the possibility of feeling lousy from side effects keeps some adults away from the doctor’s office, community center or pharmacy. Soreness at the shot site that lasts for maybe two days is one of the aftereffects of the vaccine. Other complaints US Media Studios notes people make after getting the shot are: headache, nausea, and muscle aches, which can be the symptoms of influenza. These last perhaps a day or two and then go away.

Who Should and Should Not Get the Flu Shot

Children 6 months old and everyone else and especially seniors.

Pregnant women can get the flu shot.

Children under 6 months should not get the flu shot.

Anyone with a severe egg allergy should not get the flu shot

The Flu Shot Myth

Every year we hear people say they won’t get the flu shot because they think it will give them the flu. The truth is that the flu viruses are inactive and therefore, non-infectious in the vaccine. One cannot get catch the flu bug from getting a flu shot. If someone does happen to get the flu after getting a flu vaccination, they were already exposed to the virus before immunity from the vaccine was built up.

Stay healthy this fall and winter.

US Media Studios Reviews Fall and Winter Household Expenses

Household budgets are tight for many Americans. Yet, we still will spend a pretty penny to spiff up the home for the fall and winter holidays.

A recent poll from the National Retail Federation estimates that Halloween enthusiasts will spend $8.4 billion getting ready for the yearly fall holiday. That comes out to almost $83 per shopper and almost $10 more per shopper than last year. The estimate includes decorations, candy and the always popular costumes, which many people shop for in physical stores and online.

US Media Studios also notes from the survey that Americans spent more than $626 billion dollars in 2015 on winter holiday preparations. Meanwhile, it’s reported that we spend almost $76 billion dollars on back to school and college shopping, with Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Easter following in that order.

Fall and winter household expenses for home repair and preparation for cold weather should start now before the cold blast of winter air arrives. Check all windows and doors for leaks with special devices found in hardware stores.  A candle or cigarette lighter also works to check for air leaks. Caulk leaky window areas and add padding around the door frame. Run ceiling fans in the opposite direction to move cold air up and warm air down. Use the schedule function on thermostats as it saves electricity.

Fall is a great season to sleep with windows open a bit to enjoy the cooler air at night. If at all possible, it is also nice to open the doors and let fresh in and stale air out. This is assuming there are screen doors to keep closed.

Another way to save money on fall and winter household expenses is to bring out all holiday decorations and sort through them. Throw old ratty decorations and take stock of what is left and usable. Be creative and put Halloween costumes together from what wardrobe in the closet.  Dig deep. There may be some goodies in there!

Everyone likes to dress up for Halloween

US Media Studios Highlights National Fall Prevention Awareness Day

Today is National Fall Prevention Awareness Day. US Media Studios highlights important information for seniors about how to prevent a fall and the possible injuries that come with it.

Hard Facts about Falls

• Two out ever ten trauma admissions among people over age 65 and older are due to falls and subsequent injuries.
• Age, gender, a history of falling, prior health conditions, physical limitations, environment, and medication clashes can cause a person to become lightheaded, dizzy, and fall.
• Loose throw rugs and loose carpeting can cause a fall.
• Small toys and balls on a floor can cause a fall.
• Hallways and rooms which are too dark when walking can cause a fall.
• Loose cords and wiring can cause a fall.

Preventing a Fall

• Seniors who have fallen or are prone to falling might want to check their homes for trip hazards and have someone remove or fix them.
• Leave a night light on in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms at night.
• Ask a trusted pharmacist if any new medication will clash with regular medication. And ask if the dose is right for the height and weight of the person. Blood pressure that’s too low can cause fainting and falling.
• Slow down when walking. Look around, hold on to countertops, chairs and other places to steady gait when walking.
• Use a walking aid such a cane (many of pretty spiffy these days) or a walker if needed.

US Media Studios cares about the senior community. They enrich our lives and offer history, experience and knowledge that can be immensely beneficial. One fall can cause a bone fracture, concussion, or worse. Prevention is key in keeping our valuable seniors safe from falls.

US Media Studios Stresses Health Benefits for Women Stressed Out

Stress affects everyone. It wreaks havoc on our health, mind and soul. For women, the health effects stress can cause can undo the positive steps taken the day before to improve wellness.

Women, Food and Stress

Stress can cause plenty of wellness problems from high blood pressure to diabetes. And while both genders know to eat healthier and get more daily physical activity, stress can wipe out the benefits for women. Research published has shown that the benefits of eating healthy were diminished when women were stressed the day before. Healthy people who follow positive steps for improved wellness should find the best methods to reduce the level of stress in their lives. Simple methods to de-stress can be taking a walk, getting more daily physical activity, trying yoga or other relaxation exercises, a warm bath or sharing problems with trusted friends and family.

Going Forward

Stress is a part of every day life no matter the gender or age. Children feel it, men feel it, women feel it. US Media Studios does not recommend indulging in “stress eating”, no matter how satisfactory it may feel at the time. Unhealthy food and beverages are short-term “feel good fixes”.  Every once in a while, it’s not so bad. Going forward, stick to a healthy diet which is low in fat, drink plenty of water, and at least take a walk on work breaks and right after dinner. Here’s to women living longer healthier lives. 

US Media Studios Shares Retirement Tactics for Boomers

A search on any website about financial or retirement news will usually turn up several articles geared toward the Millennial generation. US Media Studios takes time to share some retirement tactics for Boomers instead.

For the Baby Boomer Generation

Employees in their 50s and 60s spend most of their careers working hard, working long hours, and socking away money in retirement accounts. They know if or when they can retire. They know how much more they need to save before they can retire. They have a solid understanding about health care, social activity and perhaps even part-time work they might engage in after full-time works ends.

It is also essential that career employees in their 60s know that retirement account withdrawals are permitted and without penalty. If older workers in their 60s are let go, they can withdraw and use some of their retirement savings to help with expenses. There are circumstances, such as unexpected medical expenses, which can force someone to dip into savings also. However, it is best to avoid that and to continue to save as much as possible before finally retiring.

US Media Studios reminds that employees in their 60s might want to keep working until they have a good nest egg stashed way. Most 401(k) plans have catch-up limits. Workers can contribute up to $23,000 a year. Roth IRAs have a limit of $6,500. It’s best to diversify savings accounts so not all of the savings “eggs” are in one basket. The best bet is to keep working as long as possible or as long as one can afford to. Use retirement savings to live from as a last resort.

US Media Studios Examines Strategies to Cut Healthcare Costs

Health care is getting more expensive every day. Employees are paying more for health care than they were in previous years. Fortunately, there are thrifty strategies to help cut health care costs, as US Media Studios relays.

Stash Some Cash

One of the most effective methods of reducing the personal cost of health care is to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HAS). Both of these savings plans offer employees a way to contribute pre-tax dollars into the accounts to be later used for prescriptions, co-pays, medical equipment, and the like. But there are differences in each plan to note:

The money in an FSA cannot be rolled over at the end of the employer’s health coverage. It must be used before the next pre-enrollment period begins. So, you use it or lose it.

The money put in an HSA is the employee’s to keep no matter where they go. However, the health care plan must be a high deductible one in order to qualify for this savings.

Another caveat is that some employer-paid health care plans do not offer either savings option.  But if they do, take one. Savings average about 30 percent.

Save on Prescriptions

Research and compare the price of prescriptions within your geographical area with GoodRX.com. This site shows you differences in prices for one prescription within a zip code range. People who have to pay out of pocket for prescriptions could find price comparison shopping advantageous.

Additional Ways to Reduce Health Care Costs

Warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ’s can be beneficial when consumers want to save money. 

Get a 90 day supply of the prescription because it saves money in the long run.

US Media Studios suggests looking into The Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a free service that helps consumers get access to needed prescriptions.

Community centers offer free health checks once a month. Drug stores provide low cost vaccinations.

There are many ways to save on health care costs. We hope these suggestions are helpful.

US Media Studios Highlights Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

What traits do the most successful entrepreneurs have in common?  Some very basic ones grounded in common sense.

The Path to Success Has No Potholes

Bad habits can get in the way of anyone with career and personal goals. The bad habits are like potholes in which an entrepreneur, or anyone really, can become stuck. Here’s how to not get stuck in these common potholes:

Get regular, restorative sleep every night. Turn the TV off early, get in bed and read something lightweight. Relax. High quality sleep is valuable for the mind and body. It enhances productivity increases energy, improves mood, and leads to overall better health. US Media Studios notes that overall better health leads to more success.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle every single day. Don’t overindulge with alcohol. A drink now and then to take the edges off a stressful day is okay. But drinking excessively wreaks havoc on every part of the body. It also affects decision making both when drinking and the day after.

Know yourself, trust yourself. Confidence is knowing who you are and what you know you can do. It is not arrogance. Confidence is not gained by putting other people, treating them in a condescending manner. It IS all about you. No one else. It is not about the negative people in your life, nor about the weak willed people in your life. No one knows you better than you. Avoid all other ones who can bring you down, if possible.

US Media Studios highlights entrepreneurs from different industries. Today’s innovators, movers and shakers, and game changers are not daunted by bad habit pot holes. Are you one of them?

US Media Studios Reviews the Marks of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are the movers and changers. They are the ones who can find innovative ways of fixing or correcting what does not work and what is broken.

Entrepreneurs mostly offer a service to everyone else. There is usually a piece of something ethical and good in what they offer. They want to help solve a common problem, or they found a new problem and are offering a correction for it. The solution or correction is offered for a cost. If the solution works, then the entrepreneur is rewarded by making money from it. But if the solution does not work well, is too lengthy or too complex, consumers won’t buy it. This is common sense. And this is honest entrepreneurship, as US Media Studios notes.

There are however an over abundance of newer businesses that seem to be copies of longer standing ones, performing the same types of services as the others, with far less experience and skills. While a brand new at-home business might seem like a great idea even its service solves a common problem, why add another entry into an already crowded field? All the social media posting and SEO-ing of the new enterprise will not necessarily pull in new accounts. It may bring questions, instead. It may or may not bring in any revenue. Too many social sites filling up the first two pages of a Google keyword search can look fishy to some consumers.

Consider instead what the consumer needs or wants and tailor the entrepreneurial endeavor in that direction. US Media Studios knows that this could very well be the golden egg in the basket.

US Media Studios Kicks Up Start-Up Discussion

What happened to all the start-up businesses in the United States?

The latest U.S. census data relays that there were 452,835 new businesses started in 2014. That’s down by about 50,000 that were started every year from the late 1970s to the mid-2000s. It is long reported that new businesses account for the greatest number of new jobs. But none of that is booming now, and hasn’t been since the Great Recession ended. People seem wary of getting into something that could crash cause them to lose money.

Start-Ups and Hiring

Start-ups generally hire less people than the big brand stores and businesses.  Major companies are seen aggressively recruiting and gaining new staff. They have the capabilities of utilizing outsourced vendors, some domestic and some foreign. Small businesses do not have this ability.

Restrictions

Other factors which prevent an entrepreneur from starting up are the mind boggling regulations in the U.S. Many businesses also insist a new employee sign a “non-compete” clause that prevents them from leaving and starting up their own company, for months or even years. With so many restrictions and stringent regulations, it is no wonder there are less new businesses than in previous years.

Future for Start-Ups

Many of the most successful start-ups were begun by an entrepreneur in their 30s. The Millennial Generation is rounding that corner. Generations X and Y are already there. The US Department of Labor notes there is an uptick since 2014 in new businesses. US Media Studios also notes that there are some steps established businesses and local, state and the federal government can take to spur new business growth: loosen up on the “non-compete” clauses, offer new business owners some tax breaks, give entrepreneurs support and financing if requested.

America is a great place to start a new business. If this is your dream, just go for it. Start very small and let it grow.

US Media Studios Relays Workplace Concepts for Success

No matter what size business it is, good, sound workplace concepts help both the business and the employees grow and be successful.

Empowering Staff for Better Results

The guts of any successful business are the people who make it operate every day. Employees, managers and business leaders are the blood in the veins of the company. Flexibility in both scheduling and work location gives employees the ability to work the hours they need and where it is most convenient for them. If staff can get their work done from home a few days a week, as opposed to being in a strict office environment, then they should be able to do so. Many people relay how they get more work done, are more creative and proficient at home than in the office. Flexible work schedules are more accepted now than in previous decades. When someone does not have to use creative time to commute to an office, they start work earlier and are more productive.

The Two-Way Street of Common Sense

Common sense seems to be absent from so many aspects of living and working today. From the rabid comments and posts on social media to the workplace, it’s curious how we manage. Common sense is best when applied by employer and employee. If there are changes in structure, work responsibilities, schedules, benefits, etc, both parties need to be practical and flexible. Good employees do not need to be managed. Good managers need to communicate if any workplace concepts change. US Media Studios reminds that common sense in the work place is a two-way street. No one can get away with something that any other business would not allow.

US Media Studios Relays Benefits of Health-Related Apps

The American Heart Association found that people who used health-related mobile apps or Internet-based applications were more effective in engaging a healthier lifestyle, including increased physical activity than those who did not.

How Apps Boost Health

There are 640 million adults and 110 million children who are obese in the world. In the U.S., roughly a third of adults and children weight more than they should. Overweight people are at a higher risk of health and chronic health problems. Mobile and Internet apps have proven to help people adopt a healthier lifestyle, and add more physical activity to daily schedules. The AHA study reviewed studies from 1999 to 2013 to evaluate the effects of using the Internet, mobile phones, stand-alone software tools and wearable devices, and the effect they have on personal health. Researchers found that those who used mobile-based programs were more likely to increase daily physical activity than those who didn’t use a mobile app.

Wear It and Move It

Wearable devices that measure and relay how much physical activity someone does are also effective in improving health, US Media Studios relays. The more specific or personalized the message, the better than chances of engaging in a healthier daily diet and adding exercise to the day or week. Most people who use wearable devices regularly exercise, even if it is to just take the stairs more often. The AHA study also relays that self-monitoring and goal-setting programs with multiple methods of communication messaging were effective, and results were better when there was some level of communication with health care providers. While there may be some people who scoff at purchasing a wearable health-related device, there are benefits to it such as monitoring daily physical activity and water intake, as well as measuring and recording overall health objectives. 

US Media Studios Relays FDA Finding on Antibacterial Products

What cleans hands better than soap and water?

The FDA Findings

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (FDA), recently published its findings on the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. In its report, the federal agency found that among several ingredients in antibacterial soaps, triclosan and triclocarban are not more effective than using soap and water to wash hands. Then two named ingredients are intended to be used with water, and rinsed off. Manufacturers of over-the-counter antibacterial products which include those two ingredients are now no longer permitted to market them as such. The FDA also states that manufacturers of products with those ingredients have not proven that that they are safe for long term use, nor any more effective than using soap and water.

Cold and Flu Season, Schools, Workplaces

US Media Studios long believes that the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs in commonly populated spaces, and when germs are most likely to be spread, is to wash hands regularly with warm water and soap. No special soap is needed as most are effective in killing germs. Schools and workplaces, where more people are located and congregate, should consider antibacterial soaps with regular soap dispensers and running hot water.

If soap is not available, and hot water is not provided, a hand sanitizer product with 60 percent alcohol is recommended, such as disposable wipes and hand gels. Washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Other methods of germ prevention is cleaning desks, telephones, doorknobs, lunch and break room tables and other objects with a germ-killing solution or spray.

Nothing cleans hands better than soap and water. Read more on the topic here.