DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.comhttp://o.aolcdn.com/os/df/2013/img/2-dailyfinance_logo_m.pngDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Get the Lead Out: Lipsticks That Won't Hurt Your Pocketbook Or Your Healthhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/18/safe-lipsticks-lead-poisoning/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/18/safe-lipsticks-lead-poisoning/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/18/safe-lipsticks-lead-poisoning/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

shopping lipstick - trying on new lipstick
Alamy
When you think of lead poisoning, the first thing that comes to mind is probably peeling paint. Yet, for a lot of women, the biggest lead danger is right under their noses. Lipstick, the definitive American cosmetic, may also be one of the most dangerous: As a recent Mother Jones article pointed out, lipsticks routinely contain toxic ingredients like cadmium, chromium, aluminum and, worst of all, lead.

While simply putting lipstick on isn't dangerous, the fact is that most women also consume a fair bit of the waxy wonder. And, the more times during the day that women reapply lipstick, the more of those dangerous substances they are likely to ingest. In the case of some, the lead content can be bracing: Maybelline's Color Sensational in Pink Petal, the worst one on the market, contains a whopping 7.19 parts per million of lead. (That's 100 times more than any of the ones we recommend.)


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For most minerals, like cadmium, aluminum, and so on, there are minimum acceptable amounts for consumption. Lead, on the other hand, is supposed to be completely avoided. In children, it can cause lasting brain damage; in adults, it can lead to a host of problems, from cramps to seizures all the way to death.

(To clarify: As worrisome as a grown woman's occasional consumption of lead-laden lipstick may be, the effects could be significantly worse for young children playing dress-up with mom's cosmetics.)

While most companies are closed-lipped about their secret cosmetics recipes, there are, thankfully, a few resources available for women who are looking to get the lead out. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database offers a breakdown of many top cosmetics, and the the FDA occasionally releases lists of which cosmetics have the most and least amounts of lead.

Unfortunately, many of the healthiest lipsticks are the most expensive. With that in mind, here are a few of our favorites from the most recent survey:

Gallery: Get the Lead Out: Lipsticks That Won't Hurt Your Pocketbook Or Your Health

1. Best Bargain: Iman Red Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick2. Clinique's Almost Lipstick, Black Honey3. M.A.C. Satin Red Lipstick4. M.A.C. Lady Danger5. Fashion Fair Earth Red

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>cliniquecosmeticsestee lauderhealthlead poisoninglipsticksavingBruce WatsonSat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 EST5 Ways to Prevent College Dreams from Becoming Money Nightmareshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/16/college-dreams-money-nightmares/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/16/college-dreams-money-nightmares/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/16/college-dreams-money-nightmares/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

College planning how to
Alamy
Everybody knows how college is supposed to go, but before you get to the part with the beer pong, frat parties, and road trips, there's the not-so-small matter of paying for it. And after you're done with your higher education, there's the task of ensuring that you don't spend the next three decades of your life paying for four short years of bliss.

If you're planning to go to college this fall, or a year from then -- or even if you're heading back to campus for your second or third year -- it's time to start making decisions about what your college years will look like that'll pay off in years to come. Unfortunately, building a smart, sustainable future may require letting go of a few of your fantasies about the ideal college experience. With that in mind, here are a few of the most important things to consider when it comes to balancing college dreams with college costs:

What the Dream Will Buy You

Counting tuition, fees, room and board, the average four-year college costs more than $22,000 a year -- the kind of sum that's hard to justify without a serious consideration of the return on investment. Luckily, PayScale, an online salary comparison company, offers a yearly rundown of the best (and worst) schools when it comes to ROI.

Of course, the most profitable school on your list may not be the one you love the most. However, as The New York Times recently noted, when you measure the prestige of a university against the cost of enrollment, the school you love the most may not be the school you should invest in.

Summer Dreams, Ripped at the Seams

Forget road trips and sweet jobs in sunny climes: If you want to trim the price of your college years, you may have to suffer through some summertime blues. Summer classes at a community college, while not a lot of fun, can be a great way to cut a chunk out of your education costs.


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Prices vary widely among schools, but a good rule of thumb is that a credit hour at a community college will cost less than half as much as the same credit would at a nearby state university. As an example, taking two classes each summer for two years at Northern Virginia Community College could save an University of Virginia student about $6,100. And that's not counting the cost of additional room and board: Those four classes would take care of most of a semester, making it possible to graduate early.

Major Dreams

It's a well-worn trope, but it bears repeating: That bachelor's degree in family counseling probably won't leave you sitting in the lap of luxury. As you might expect, six of the 10 highest-paying majors are in engineering, three are in math, and the last is computer science, which is basically another form of engineering.

This doesn't mean, however, that a lack of scientific and mathematical ability will consign you to riding the counter at McDonald's. Government and international relations make the top 20, as does economics (the "dismal science"), and several other majors in the humanities and social sciences are in the top 50. The key isn't forcing yourself to find a major you'll hate -- it's finding a major you love and can make a living from.

Post-Grad Dreams

Just as your undergraduate major can have a major impact on your earnings, choosing the right graduate degree can mean the difference between a tiny salary bump and a big earnings explosion. "What's It Worth?," a publication by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, ranks majors by the size of the graduate degree boost. At the shallow end of the scale, meteorology, studio arts and petroleum engineering majors all get less than a 5 percent salary bump to go with their grad degrees. On the other end, a graduate degree in genetics, mining engineering, or geological engineering can almost double your earnings.

On another note, it's worth remembering how expensive grad school is: The added debt you could accrue by paying for a master's degree can make your fiscal situation far more dire when you finally leave school. If you can't get your university to offer an assistantship, fellowship or scholarship to help fund your degree, you'll want to take a serious, clear-eyed look at the economics of getting -- and paying for -- that extra few years of schooling.

Dream Jobs, Nightmare Timing

As endless news reports have pointed out, the job market remains sluggish, with employment -- and wages -- seriously depressed. Worse yet, the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that people who enter the job market during a slow time often accept lower salaries -- and it can take years to make up the difference between where they started and where they should be.

So what can you do? Well, one answer is to intentionally postpone hunting for your first job. A few days ago, I looked at strategies for staying out of the job market until the economy improves. Another popular option is internships; unfortunately, however, these can cut both ways. On the one hand, a 2010 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers determined that students who complete an internship in college are 38 percent more likely to get hired after graduation. On the other hand, a growing number of recent grads are finding themselves in the difficult position of working as unpaid interns in what would normally have been entry-level jobs.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>collegegraduate schoolinternshipsmajorssavingsstudent debtStudent LoanstuitionBruce WatsonThu, 16 May 2013 11:43:00 ESTBreast Cancer Gene: Why Most Women Can't Do What Angelina Jolie Didhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/15/angelina-jolie-breast-cancer-gene-cost/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/15/angelina-jolie-breast-cancer-gene-cost/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/15/angelina-jolie-breast-cancer-gene-cost/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

FILE - This Feb. 14, 2012 file photo shows US actress and director Angelina Jolie addressing the audience after premiere of her movie,
Amel Emric, AP
On Tuesday, Angelina Jolie drew headlines with her announcement that she has undergone a preventative double mastectomy. As she wrote in the pages of The New York Times, a blood test revealed that she carries a damaged BRCA1 gene -- a defect that greatly increases the odds of a woman getting breast cancer. Facing what she said was an 87 percent chance of developing the disease, she decided to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy, an operation that reduced her risk to 5 percent.

Jolie's decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy before any sign of the cancer had manifested, and her willingness to openly discuss it, is shedding fresh light on breast cancer -- as well as on the very real problems with how the American medical community deals with this disease. Every step in Jolie's process -- from the tests that uncovered her faulty gene, to the operations she underwent to protect against it, to the post-surgery reconstruction -- highlights shortcomings in the American health care system, and inequities in the care that most Americans receive.

To put it another way, when it comes to breast cancer care, your health may often be trumped by your finances: even if your best bet is to follow in Jolie's footsteps, you might not be able to afford the screening, care and surgery that may have saved her life.

Genetic Testing

The first issue is the test. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests, which may have saved Jolie's life, cost $3,000 to administer. Donna Faranda, helpline coordinator for Share Cancer Support, notes that there are four parts to the genetic test, but that many insurance companies only cover the first two. Paying for the last two parts is where things can get expensive.

Under the Affordable Care Act, getting the full genetic test for breast cancer will soon become a lot less expensive, at least under some circumstances. Starting in August, insurance companies will have to cover the tests, without cost-sharing, if a health care provider determines that doing so is "appropriate" -- which is to say, if the women have had breast cancer, have a family history of breast cancer, or otherwise seem particularly high-risk. In other words, the final decision on whether or not to test will come down to a doctor, nurse or other health care provider.

While it's frustrating that the ACA leaves this open to interpretation, it isn't hard to see why it does: Fewer than 1 percent of women carry flawed BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, and -- according to the National Cancer Institute -- flaws in those genes only account for between 5 and 10 percent of breast cancer cases. In other words, the (very expensive) test will only detect a small portion of potential breast cancer victims.

Who Owns Your Genes?

The equation would be a lot different if the genetic tests were cheaper -- and therein lies another tale. Myriad Genetics, the company that produces the breast cancer tests, patented BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the late 1990s. According to critics, this effectively shut down scientific research on the two genes -- and gave the company a highly lucrative monopoly on testing. Currently, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on the case; in June, it's set to determine whether or not a company can claim a patent on a gene that naturally occurs in every human body.


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But while the ACA and the Supreme Court are potentially working to lower the price of BRCA tests, a full genetic scan remains beyond the means of many women. Faranda notes, however, that there are ways of getting around the high cost of genetic tests. Universities, hospitals and government researchers regularly conduct clinical trials to study breast cancer or test new treatments -- and participants in these trials often receive genetic testing free of charge. To find a trial, Faranda advises looking at the National Cancer Institute's clinical trials page, the National Institutes of Health's clinical trials page, or BreastCancerTrials.org, a website that works to connect women concerned about breast cancer with trials that can help them.

After the Test

But getting tested is only part of the problem. After a woman is diagnosed with a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene -- or after a tumor presents itself -- there's still the matter of treatment. Studies have shown that prophylactic mastectomies, like Jolie's, can reduce the risk of breast cancer by more than 90 percent in women with flawed BRCA 1 and 2 genes.

Preventative mastectomies can also greatly reduce health care costs. Andrea Rader, a spokeswoman for Susan G. Komen, points out that a double mastectomy, without complications, can cost as little as $15,000. But after cancer emerges, the prices rapidly rise -- sometimes to $40,000 or more -- as doctors have to deal with more extensive reconstructions, metastasized tumors, and other complications.

While some states require insurers to cover prophylactic mastectomies for high risk women, there is no federal law mandating that they do so. Some insurers -- like Aetna -- cover the surgery; others don't.

The situation, unsurprisingly, is much worse for uninsured women. Rader notes that many women who don't have insurance also don't qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. This can have a devastating effect on diagnosis and treatment. "If you're not insured, its $300 for this and $200 for that and $3,000 for the other thing," Rader explains. "It makes you reluctant to get the help you need." And, in the case of breast cancer, delays in treatment can translate into complications and a higher mortality rate.

But even if everything works out -- if a woman is able to get genetically screened, and if she is able to get her insurance to pay for a prophylactic mastectomy -- many women don't receive the excellent reconstructive work that Jolie had. A big problem, says Faranda, is that many women aren't aware that they have a legal right to reconstruction: By law, any insurer who pays for a mastectomy must also cover reconstruction. Needless to say, insurers are often not eager to tell their customers that they have free access to an expensive procedure.

Ultimately, as Jolie herself notes, the high cost of health care makes early diagnosis "an obstacle for many women." But, while most women at high risk for breast cancer don't have access to Jolie's finances, as Faranda and Rader both point out, there are numerous resources available to help. The key, both for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and those at risk of developing the disease, is knowing what your community, your insurer, your hospital, and your doctor can do to help you.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>Aetnaangelina jolieBRCA1BRCA2breast cancergenetic testingHealthhealth careMyriad GeneticsNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthPatient Protection and Affordable Care Actprophylactic mastectomySupreme CourtSusan G. Komen for the CureBruce WatsonWed, 15 May 2013 14:05:00 ESTMoney Monsters: The Scary Economic Truths Behind Horror Movieshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/14/economic-truth-horror-movies/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/14/economic-truth-horror-movies/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/14/economic-truth-horror-movies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In The Red
YouTube.com
Earlier this week, American Student Assistance, a nonprofit group that works to help college grads deal with debt, released "In the Red," a seven-minute horror film that explored the terror of college loans. While it was probably the first movie to transform student debt into a monster, the film was only the latest in a long line of movies that connect ghastly terrors to economic miseries.

With that in mind, I decided to put together a list of horror films that draw a direct line between the monster in your closet and the hole in your wallet. In some, like "The Amityville Horror," the underlying economic terror is clear; in others, like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," the connection is a little more tenuous. Overall, though, one thing is clear: In America, having an empty bank account is one of the most frightening things imaginable.

Gallery: The Monster in the Closet: Economic Horrors and Scary Movies



Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>Angus ScrimmAuntie Lees Meat PiesBates MotelBruce WatsonDawn of the deadDrag Me to hellEntertainmenthollywoodhorrorJack TorranceJanet LeighmoviesPat MoritaPoltergeistpsychoShaun of the DeadStanley KubrickStreet TrashTall ManTexas Chainsaw MassacreThe Amityville HorrorThe Hills Have EyesThe Texas Chainsaw MassacreThe WolfenTobe HooperTucker Dale vs EvilTwitterWolf CreekYouTubeBruce WatsonTue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 ESTDelayed Launch: How (and Why) to Postpone Your Job Market Debuthttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/11/postpone-first-job-search/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/11/postpone-first-job-search/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/11/postpone-first-job-search/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

College graduation
AP
College is out and, for millions of newly minted graduates, it's time to get a job. While the job market has recovered from its lowest recessionary levels, more than 11 percent of recent grads remain unemployed and almost 50 percent are underemployed. Worse yet, as a National Bureau of Economic Research study reveals, people who enter the job market when salaries are low can take 10 years or more to catch up to where they would have been if they had entered during a hotter period.

Under the circumstances, it isn't hard to see why some people want to hold off on entering the job market; after all, the decision to wait a few years in order to start work when salaries are higher can have a major payoff, especially for people who use their time productively. With that in mind, here are a few great ways to delay launch -- and a few important things to consider when deciding on your next move.

Gallery: Delayed Launch: How (and Why) to Delay Your Entry into the Job Market

1. Grad SchoolGrad School: When It Makes SenseGrad School: When It Doesn't Make Sense2. The Peace CorpsThe Peace Corps: When It Makes Sense


Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>americorpscollegeemploymentgrad schoolgraduate schooljob huntingjob marketpeace corpssavingsteach for americatuitionunemploymentvistaBruce WatsonSat, 11 May 2013 05:00:00 ESTThis Mother's Day, Do More Than Pay Lip Service to Your Mom's Healthhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/10/lipsticks-that-dont-contain-lead/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/10/lipsticks-that-dont-contain-lead/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/10/lipsticks-that-dont-contain-lead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lipstick
Alamy
When it comes to Mother's Day gifts, most people stick to something safe, like a candle or bath salts, Sheryl Sandberg's new book or a pair of bunny slippers. But if you're looking for something a little braver -- and you want to do your mom a favor -- you may think about getting her a new tube of lipstick.

Lipstick, after all, is almost the definitive American cosmetic, the classic female accoutrement. It's given its name to a branch of feminism, an economic index, a TV series and dozens of movies. And while your mom might not love the shade that you pick out, she will no doubt appreciate the fact that you're showing a little initiative and stepping away from the Hallmark counter.

As an added plus, your purchase may even help your mom's health. As a recent Mother Jones article pointed out, lipsticks routinely contain toxic ingredients like cadmium, chromium, aluminum and, worst of all, lead. And the more times during the day that women reapply it, the more of those dangerous substances they are likely to ingest.

While there are minimum acceptable amounts for most minerals, lead is, officially, something that humans are supposed to avoid entirely. In children, it can cause lasting brain damage; in adults, it can lead to a host of problems, from cramps to seizures all the way to death.

Unfortunately, it's near-impossible to scan for all the ingredients in cosmetics that could, potentially cause health problems for your mom: companies are slow to disclose the secret ingredients in their makeup, and budget cuts have left the FDA underfunded and unable to analyze all the cosmetics on the market. On the bright side, the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database offers a breakdown of some of the top cosmetics out there, and the the FDA occasionally releases lists of which cosmetics have the most and least amounts of lead.

Here are the ten winners from the most recent survey:

1. Clinique's Almost Lipstick, Black Honey. With less than 0.026 parts per million of lead, this lipstick led the pack.

2. Lori Anne Mood Magic Blue. Bright side: only 0.03 ppm of lead. Bad news: it will make your mom look like Laura Palmer.

3. M.A.C. Satin Red Lipstick. Bright red is the classic lipstick color, and with only 0.03 ppm of lead, this one is a definite winner.

4. Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Pink Parfait. A classic Jackie Kennedy pink, only 0.04 ppm of lead.

5. Lori Anne Mood Magic Yellow. A mixed blessing. On the bright side, it only has 0.05 ppm of lead, on the downside it looks like a zit coverup for Bart Simpson.

6. M.A.C. Lady Danger. The bright red spells danger. The 0.05 ppm of lead spells safety!

7. Iman Red Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick. A mild red with a mild lead content of only 0.05 ppm.

8. Fashion Fair Earth Red. A tawny brown, with 0.05 ppm of lead.

9. Fashion Fair Magenta Mist. Light raspberry, 0.06 ppm of lead.

10. Bobbi Brown Black Berry lipstick. A slightly richer color, the same low 0.06 ppm lead content.

At the other end of the scale, Maybelline's Color Sensational in Pink Petal contained a whopping 7.19 ppm of lead, the most of the 400 lipsticks the FDA tested.

Granted, Bobbi Brown lipsticks cost around $25, versus around $5 for Maybelline. But isn't your mom worth it?

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>bobbi browncliniqueepaestee lauderfdalead in lipsticklead poisoninglipstickMAC cosmeticsBruce WatsonFri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 ESTStudent Loan Debt Has Been a Nightmare for Years. Now It's a Horror Moviehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/on/student-loan-debt-horror-movie/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/student-loan-debt-horror-movie/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/student-loan-debt-horror-movie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Red Movie
YouTube.com"In the Red," a film by American Student Assistance.
Economically speaking, it's a nightmare out there for young adults. Student loan debt has never been higher and the employment market has rarely been tougher. Wages are low, expenses are high, and a growing number of college grads are finding themselves on a treadmill to nowhere, running hard and fast merely to stay in place.

But student loan debt isn't just a horror: now it's a horror movie. American Student Assistance, a nonprofit group that educates collegians about loans and counsels graduates on their repayment options, has released "In the Red," an eight-minute horror film in which the young heroine is stalked by the ever-more-terrifying specter of her debt.



The movie draws from classic horror flicks -- some scenes will be familiar to fans of Final Destination, Jacob's Ladder, 28 Days Later and any number of Alfred Hitchcock films. But if the technique is classic, the story is all-too-contemporary: A recent college graduate finds herself drowning in college debt, car debt, and the high cost of her lifestyle. As hard as she tries, she can't escape from the relentless, constant threat of...the red.

Critics, including The Atlantic's Jordan Weissmann, have claimed that the movie exaggerates the student debt problem and have questioned the effectiveness of treating debt as a horror. However, as anyone who has ever been on the debt treadmill can attest, the nightmare is very real. And, for grads facing the harsh light of post-collegiate home economics, an eight-minute horror flick seems like the perfect tool to jump-start a conversation on bludgeoning...um, budgeting, your way out of debt.

Watch the movie and let us know what you think.

Gallery: The Monster in the Closet: Economic Horrors and Scary Movies



Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>American Student Assistancehorror moviesIn The Redloanssavingstudent loan horror movieBruce WatsonThu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 ESTStale Beefcake: '70s Hunks Selling Things to Your Momhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/08/stale-beefcake-70s-hunks-have-something-to-sell-to-your-mom/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/08/stale-beefcake-70s-hunks-have-something-to-sell-to-your-mom/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/08/stale-beefcake-70s-hunks-have-something-to-sell-to-your-mom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1/30/74 Henry Winkler (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images
Have you ever wondered what happened to the great heartthrobs of the 1970s and 1980s? In some cases, it's an easy question to answer, as they managed to stay in the public eye, making the transition from hot young hero to mature TV father figure. In other cases, they disappeared, taking their TV residuals and riding off into the sunset.

Over the last few years, though, a third option has emerged: TV pitchman. After all, while casting agents might have forgotten yesterday's hunks, the women of America haven't: The young women who once tuned in to watch "Dallas" and "Hart to Hart" every week are still out there, still buying things, and still looking for a glimpse of the men who stole their hearts all those years ago.

So, in honor of Mother's Day, we're rolling back the clock to see who's trading on '70s stardom to sell things to Mom in 2013. Here are a few of our favorites:

Gallery: Stale Beefcake: '70s Hunks Have Something to Sell to Your Mom

Henry WinklerPatrick DuffyRobert WagnerPat BooneClint Eastwood

See the commercials below:


















Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>Abe VigodaadvertisingBob DylanChryslerClint EastwoodEntertainmentHenry WinklerMothers DayPat BoonePatrick DuffyPaul McCartneypitchmenQuicken Loansreverse mortgagesRobert WagnerSam WaterstonTD Ameritradetv commercialsTwitterVictorias SecretBruce WatsonWed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 ESTSmart Shopper: How to Buy and Cook Ground Beef (and Live to Tell the Tale)http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/03/ground-beef-health-safety-tips/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/03/ground-beef-health-safety-tips/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/03/ground-beef-health-safety-tips/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're a meat eater, the past couple of weeks have been tough. Between reports of rampant bacterial contamination in meat and stories of people being arrested for filming meat processing centers, it's becoming clear that it is all but impossible to escape from -- or, really, even identify -- the dangers lurking in your favorite cut of meat. So, outside of going vegetarian, what can you and your family do?

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take that will greatly reduce the chances that your favorite cut of meat will send you to the hospital. Some are expensive -- but some, thankfully, could actually save you money. And all of them are a lot cheaper than the medical bills you're likely to face if you get a bacterial infection from your burger!

The Problem With Meat

When it comes to tainted meat, ground beef is a perfect storm, combining several of the worst problems facing the meat processing industry. To begin with, the grinding process often mixes meat from several different cows, increasing the chance that a customer will eat meat from a sick animal. Then, to make things worse, high-speed slaughtering and meat processing often leaves cows with "digestive bacteria" from their intestines smeared on the outside of the meat. When the outside gets mixed with the inside, as when meat is ground up, bacteria gets spread through the mix.

In 2012, a government study found that 55 percent of ground beef contained at least one kind of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Processors kill some of these pathogens with radiation or chemicals like chlorine and ammonia, but some bacteria slips through the net. And that's where the problems start.

Beyond the Bun

Most food-borne bacteria can be killed with heat, which is why the USDA advises cooking hamburgers to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F -- basically, well-done. But what about steak? After all, the bacteria in ground chuck develops because the outside of the meat gets mixed in when the beef is ground up. Since steak isn't ground up, it should be safe, right?

Not so fast. Many beef cuts are "mechanically tenderized," which means that meat producers use needles or small blades to chew up the meat before they sell it. While the cuts are invisible to the naked eye, the process of pushing needles into the meat injects the inside of the steak with whatever bacteria was on the outside.

An investigative report by The Kansas City Star found that, according to some estimates, mechanically tenderized beef may have been responsible for up to 3,100 food poisoning cases in recent years. Unfortunately, food producers aren't required to reveal if they have mechanically tenderized a cut of meat, and most don't do so. One exception is Costco: after an e Coli outbreak in 2012, the retailer began labeling all of its mechanically tenderized meats with the term "blade tenderized."

A Healthier Option?

On the surface, ground turkey seems like a great substitute for beef. It packs the same protein punch, but most turkey blends contain between 1 percent and 5 percent fat, far less than ground chuck. But, as a recent Consumer Reports laboratory analysis revealed, when it comes to bacteria -- particularly fecal-related bacteria -- ground turkey is, if anything, even worse than beef.

Consumer Reports found that 90 percent of the ground turkey samples they tested contained at least one kind of bacteria, and 69 percent contained fecal-related bacteria. In other words, just as with ground beef, if you want to eat a turkey burger without worrying about getting sick, you'll need to order it well done.

Some Guidelines for Buying

Bacteria are only half the meat problem: a bigger one is antibiotics. Factory farms, which produce the majority of American meat, are designed to get the maximum return with the minimum investment. In the case of meat processing, that means growing animals as quickly as possible, in the smallest possible space, and with the smallest possible labor cost. Antibiotics are the key to this process.

As numerous exposes have noted, factory farms save on money by cramming pigs, chickens, turkeys and cows into tiny pens, then using a mix of hormones and antibiotics to spur quick growth and prevent the diseases that naturally result from overcrowding and harsh treatment. In fact, 80 percent of the antibiotics used in the U.S. go to agriculture, where they are routinely administered to healthy farm animals.

This overuse of antibiotics comes with a huge cost: the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or "superbugs." And this is where the really scary news comes in: almost all of the bacteria that Consumer Reports found in ground turkey were antibiotic resistant. To put this in context, it means that, if you get sick from eating a burger, there's a very good chance that your doctor will need to use three or more different antibiotics to get you well. And, while you're waiting for your doc to find an antibiotic that will work, the pathogens will be wreaking havoc on your body.

The one spot of bright news was that turkeys labeled "organic," "grown without antibiotics," or "no antibiotics" were much less likely to harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In other words, the extra money that you pay for organic turkey doesn't make a difference when it comes to the presence of bacteria, but may make a big difference when it comes to the treatment of a bacterial infection.

What Can You Do?

Ultimately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself if you decide to eat meat:
  • First, you can buy organic meat, which costs a bit more, but has far fewer antibiotic-resistant pathogens. What's more, it doesn't have growth hormones, which could also wreak havoc on your health.
  • Second, you can try to buy from safe processors. Some local butchers might be able to tell you where your meat came from and how it was processed. But even if you don't have a trustworthy local butcher, you might consider going to Costco, which charges less for most meats and is careful to label all of its mechanically tenderized products.
  • Once you get it home, you should cook your meat fully, to an internal temperature of 160º F. In the case of burgers and steaks, this could be a bummer: After all, nobody likes to eat a hockey puck. But with some other cuts, like ribs, brisket, pot roast, and stew beef, slow cooking can break down the collagen in your meat, making it tender and delicious. As an added plus, these cuts tend to be among the cheapest ones in your butcher case!
  • Meat safety isn't merely something you should think about in the home: some of the country's most famous chain restaurants, including Red Robin, Applebees, and Outback Steakhouse have been cited for food poisoning outbreaks. If you're eating at a chain restaurant, don't be afraid to ask where your steak came from. And, if they don't know, you might think about switching from sirloin to pot roast!
Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>food poisoningground beefhealth risks of meatmeatsavingturkeyBruce WatsonFri, 03 May 2013 14:30:00 ESTPublic vs. Private Student Loans: Why the Differences Matter to Youhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/01/student-loans-public-vs-private-paying-for-college/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/01/student-loans-public-vs-private-paying-for-college/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/01/student-loans-public-vs-private-paying-for-college/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

College Loans
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Now that college acceptance season is well under way, the time has come to get focused on the next harrowing step on the road from high school to the dorm: Paying for it. As hard as it is to get into the college of your dreams, financing four (or more) years there can be even more difficult. And just as the college and major you choose can have a huge impact on the rest of your life, the way you choose to pay for your education can mean the difference between a manageable post-college debt and a crushing burden that will dominate your financial life for years after graduation.

For decades, college tuitions have been rising steeply. In fact, measured in constant dollars, they've more than doubled in the last 25 years. With the average cost of one year of education at a four-year college or university hovering around $22,000, the old ideal of students working their way through college is dead and buried. Instead, for all but the wealthiest families, going to college now means taking out loans. Today, about two-thirds of undergrads take out educational loans. And the debt involved is significant: The average new graduate from the class of 2011 owed more than $26,000.

There are two basic types of student loans: federal and private. Federal loans are made by the government, either directly to the borrower or through his or her college, while private loans are made by banks. Here are some of the major differences between the two:

Interest Rates

Federal loans usually have a fixed rate, which means that the student borrowing the money agrees to the interest rate on the loan, then pays that same interest rate until the loan is paid off. Right now, that interest rates on federal loans range from 3.4 percent for subsidized Stafford loans for low-income students, 5 percent for Perkins loans, 6.8 percent for unsubsidized Stafford loans, and 7.9 percent for PLUS loans. Right now, these rates are set by Congress, but President Obama's most recent budget proposal would tie them to the interest rate for 10-year Treasury notes.

Private loans generally charge a higher interest rate than federal ones. Worse, private loan interest rates are often variable, which means that they can fluctuate with the market. In other words, a loan that starts out charging 5 percent can -- and often does -- rise into double digits.

Accrued Interest

Another attractive aspect of subsidized Stafford loans is that they don't start accruing interest until the student graduates. With other federal loans, and all private loans, the interest starts building up as soon as the student cashes the check. To put it mildly, four years of accrued interest will definitely add a chunk to your loan debt.

However, federal loan interest can often be counted as a tax write-off, which can save you a fair bit of money down the road. Interest on private loans, on the other hand, generally does not qualify for a tax write-off.

Repayment

Another big difference between federal loans and private ones is the issue of repayment. With federal loans, students don't have to start making payments until after graduation. But on many private loans, repayment (either of the full loan, or just the interest) starts immediately -- and failing to keep up with your payments can take a brutal toll on your credit rating.

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There are several other factors that can make it harder to repay private loans. For example, if you're planning to pay your loan off early in order to avoid paying extra interest, you might need to think again: some private loans levy a prepayment penalty on borrowers who try to pay ahead.

'Til Death Do Us Part

The repayment saga can even continue after death. Federal student loans can be partially or entirely retired if you agree to a few years in the Peace Corps, Teach for America, or various other service-related programs. Students who are having a hard time making their payments may qualify for a variety of postponement, forbearance, or consolidation options. Finally, if a student dies or is disabled, part or all of his or her student loan debt may be retired.

Unfortunately, private loans are a lot tougher when it comes to repayment. Most private loans don't offer forbearance, flexible payment, or consolidation options. To make things worse, they also often require a cosigner, who is then responsible for the loan in the event that the student can't keep up his or her repayments. And, if a student dies while owing money on a private loan, the lender may go after the cosigner in an attempt to recover some of the missing money.

When You Should Go for a Private Loan

It's pretty clear that, generally speaking, it's rarely a good idea to get a private student loan. However, there are a few times when it makes sense. For example, if you have a guaranteed job waiting for you after you finish your program -- and if the job will pay enough money to service your debt -- getting a private loan might make sense. Similarly, if you don't actually need the money, but want to use the loan to help you manage your finances, then borrowing private money could be a wise choice.

For the most part, though, private loans aren't a good way to go. In fact, if the only way to pay for your degree is through private loans, you might want to seriously think about going to another school or enrolling in a less expensive program.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

Gallery: America's Money Troubles: Who's Hurting the Most in Today's Economy

Parents and Poor Folks Trying to Save for a Rainy DayWomen in the Midwest Who Are Worried About Their JobsSavers and Debtors All OverCity Dwellers with Falling Net WorthSo If You're Feeling Financially Secure, Enjoy It ... and Be Careful


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]]>collegeloanssavingsstudent debtStudent LoansStudentDebtStudentLoanstuitionBruce WatsonWed, 01 May 2013 11:51:00 ESTSavings Adventure: In Search of Amazing Asian Sodas and Drinkshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/savings-adventure-asian-sodas-teas-energy-drinks/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/savings-adventure-asian-sodas-teas-energy-drinks/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/savings-adventure-asian-sodas-teas-energy-drinks/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Roaring Lion Energy Drink
Roaring Lion Energy Drink / Facebook
Regardless of whether you're focused on saving money or saving your health, the beverage section of your local convenience store is packed with pitfalls. Sodas loaded with high-fructose corn syrup sit a few feet away from pricey energy drinks and coffees loaded with fat. The cheap drinks are bad for you, the healthier drinks are expensive, and you don't have much chance of finding something exciting or new.

Luckily, there's another option. Asian markets offer a wide selection of teas, sodas and juices that will challenge your taste buds without hurting your wallet. And, if you're in the mood for something new, but aren't feeling too adventurous, never fear: I've included a list of a few of my favorites. One warning, though: I bought all of these items in stores in New York City, which means that I probably paid a lot more than in your neighborhood convenience store or Asian grocery.

Gallery: Savings Adventure: In Search of Amazing Asian Sodas and Drinks

CoffeeEnergy DrinksCoconut JuiceTeaWeird Stuff



Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>asian groceriesAsian marketsbeveragescoffeeEnergy Drinkshealthy eatinghigh-fructose corn syrupshopping and dealssodateaBruce WatsonMon, 29 Apr 2013 16:20:00 ESTMonday Memo: This Week on the Saving Channelhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/saving-channel-week-ahead-college-finance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/saving-channel-week-ahead-college-finance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/29/saving-channel-week-ahead-college-finance/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alamy
As part of the new and improved DailyFinance, we're launching a new Saving Channel -- and a different way of looking at saving money. Rather than focusing on the grim business of pinching pennies, we're focusing on the things you gain -- things like extra cash for the life events that matter and greater security for the unknown challenges that lie ahead.

As part of this change, we're launching a new feature: the Monday Memo. A preview of a few of our major stories for the week, the memo will give you an idea of what to expect and a way for you to tell us what you want. It will also contain a weekly question, in which we ask you for your opinion on a major spending issue.

This week's question is: What are your summer secrets? We'd love to hear your best tips for saving on vacations or summer amusement. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below; or you can send me an e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com or a tweet at @bruce1971.

Monday: Looking for fun, cheap and delicious alternatives for sugary juices and sodas? Today, we taste-test the offerings from your local Asian market, where you can find a selection of soft drinks that will broaden your horizons without hurting your wallet.

Tuesday: It's student loan season, and we're here to help you figure out the complexities of college finance. This week, we're looking at the difference between private and federal loans.
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Wednesday: Trying to figure out what you're going to do after graduation? We've got some suggestions for ways to delay your entry into the job market while gaining essential and marketable skills.

Thursday: When it comes to college, the difference between what you want to do and what you need to do can cost you a lot of money. We're going to look at the compromises you need to make to get the education you need to have.

Friday: Who saves and who pays? We'll look at the uneven face of sequestration to see how Washington's budget battles are affecting you.

Those are a few of the money-saving topics we're going to explore this week. If you have any questions or suggestions, ideas or requests, drop me a line!

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>collegegraduationsavingssequestrationStudent LoanssummerBruce WatsonMon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 ESTIRS Overpaid on Tax Credit for the Poor by Up to $13.6 Billionhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/irs-overpaid-eitc-earned-income-tax-credit/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/irs-overpaid-eitc-earned-income-tax-credit/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/irs-overpaid-eitc-earned-income-tax-credit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As Washington's battles over the budget and sequestration have played out over the past few months, pundits, politicians and analysts have flooded the airwaves and Internet with arguments about the government's spending priorities. However, amid all the bluster and bloviating, one fascinating piece of budgetary arcana has escaped much comment until now: One fairly major line item in the federal budget is, essentially, an accounting error.

On Tuesday, The Hill reported that the IRS overpaid the benefit for the Earned Income Tax Credit program by between 21 percent and 25 percent -- or $11.6 billion to $13.6 billion -- in 2012. Put in context, the FBI spent just over $8 billion on salaries that year. The Department of Education's budget for grants to primary and secondary education in 2013 is $14.5 billion. In terms of sequestration cuts, the EITC's overpayment exceeds the $9.9 billion that has been cut from Medicare, and is equal to a little less than half of the $28.7 billion that is getting stripped from all discretionary federal spending.

On the bright side, the IRS estimates that 2012 overpayment was lower than in most years; then again, over the last decade, the IRS has overpaid by up to $132.6 billion. For that matter, the program has broad bipartisan support, and most politicians agree that the overpayments have gone to a good cause: The EITC directly helps the country's poorest workers.

Under the program, a single taxpayer without children can claim up to $475 for the EITC if he or she makes less than $13,980 a year. The benefit level increases as a family's need goes up: Depending on their income and the number of children they have, claimants can receive up to $5,891. What's more, because the EITC is a refundable tax credit -- not just a deduction -- qualified taxpayers can claim it even if it totals more than their entire tax burden. In other words, it can mean a large tax refund for families facing hard financial times.

It isn't hard to see why the EITC's overpayments are so high: The limited time that the IRS has to process tax returns makes it hard for the agency to investigate all EITC claims, particularly given the hard-to-verify salary requirements. Then again, given that the EITC has been so helpful in directing money straight into the pockets of families who need it most, it is, perhaps, easy to understand why few politicians in either party are clamoring to place intense accounting restrictions on it.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.


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]]>Earned INcome Tax CreditEITCeitc overpaymentseitcoverpaymentsfederal budgetIRSSavingsTax refundtaxesBruce WatsonTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:31:00 ESTGreen Funerals: 3 Ways to Help Save the Earth After You Leave Ithttp://www.dailyfinance.com/on/green-funerals-environmentally-friendly-burial-options/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/green-funerals-environmentally-friendly-burial-options/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/green-funerals-environmentally-friendly-burial-options/#commentsFiled under: ,

An example of what a burial site might look like in a demonstration plot inside the EcoEternity Forest at Makemie Woods in Barhamsville, Virginia. After cremation, subject's remains are buried in biodegradable urns made from cornstarch, which degrade with time. (Adrin Snider/Newport News Daily Press/MCT)
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Gazing out at the park-like greensward that is a modern American cemetery, it would be easy to imagine that the American way of death is an environmentally friendly business -- but nothing could be further form the the truth. From casket manufacturing to funeral embalming, cemetery maintenance to flower disposal, the entire process is saturated with dangerous chemicals and heavily reliant on fuel-guzzling transportation. However, a growing number of companies are working to make the process less costly and more green. So if you're interested in leaving the Earth a little healthier than it was when you arrived, here are some of the best options:

Burial at Sea
Eternal Reefs
Eternal Reefs


One of the most romantic forms of interment, burial at sea, can be especially evocative for Navy veterans. And, with prices for sprinkling ashes at sea starting at $100, it can also be extremely affordable. Many companies use biodegradable containers and old-fashioned burial shrouds, reducing the environmental impact. What's more, by giving the bereaved the GPS coordinates for their loved one, many at-sea burial companies make it possible for return visits.

While even the basic burial at sea is environmentally responsible, there are some ocean burial options that actually help improve the environment. For example, Eternal Reefs, a Georgia-based company, combines the ashes of the deceased with cement to create a concrete reef ball. This huge, porous ball is then lowered into the ocean, where various aquatic creatures can make their homes on its rough surface. Loved ones can take part in the reef ball construction, and multiple family members can be buried inside a single reef ball. The price for interment starts at $2,995, but larger reef balls can accommodate up to four family members. To make it easier for loved ones to visit, the reef balls have built-in GPS transmitters and plaques commemorating the inhabitants.

Alternative Caskets
http://funerals.naturalburialcompany.com/products/The-NORTHWOODS-Pine-Casket.html
The Good Funeral Store


Traditionally, caskets are made of highly-polished wood or metal, which means that even the most basic burial comes with a lot of mineral spirits, lacquers and other caustic chemicals. However, with a little bit of forward planning, you can arrange for funeral vessels that are cheaper and greener than what your local funeral home has on hand.

If you're in the market for environmentally friendly coffins, the Natural Burial Company is a good place to start. For those with simple tastes, their natural pine coffin is sturdy and attractive, in a rustic kind of way. Better yet, it features untreated wood, rope handles, and simple tongue-in-groove construction, which means that it carries nothing unhealthy into the earth.
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For those interested in something a bit more attractive, Natural Burial also has an impressive line of coffins woven from willow, seagrass, bamboo and wicker. All these plants are fast-growing and renewable, and the prices -- while not rock-bottom -- are still well below the cost of a traditional casket.

If you're put off by the idea of wasting time, money and materials on something that you're only going to use for a day or two, there are numerous options to maximize your enjoyment of your casket. Casket Furniture offers an impressive selection of coffee tables, bookcases and entertainment centers that do double duty as funeral vessels. The prices aren't exactly cheap -- at $700, the "Adam's" coffee table is on the low end -- but compared to other furniture, not to mention caskets, many of the items are a bargain. If you want to save even more money, some companies offer kits or plans that you can use to make your own casket.

Alternative Cemeteries
Ridgeview Memorial Gardens
Ridgeview Memorial Gardens
If you want to avoid the expensive, artificial, fertilizer-heavy standard cemetery, natural burial is an attractive option, Originally developed in the United Kingdom, the movement has spread to the United States. Although it isn't available everywhere, it seems to be growing in popularity. Currently, 22 American cemeteries allow natural burial, and 7 more natural burial parks are in development.

Green cemeteries represent a radical return to the burial methods of the pre-industrial era. They don't allow crypts and frown on wooden coffins. They prefer cloth burial shrouds, as these are more biodegradable and don't use as many resources. Some green cemeteries don't allow embalming, and many use natural flagstone grave markers or group markers to minimize the human impact on the grave site. Finally, they generally avoid traditional grounds-keeping, as it can add tons of artificial pesticides and fertilizers to the watershed.

All of this translates into a far less noxious burial procedure. Natural burial can still retain the ceremony and many of the trappings of a traditional funeral, but it seems to circumvent the artificial nature of most contemporary cemeteries. It also costs a lot less, as you are not paying for the upkeep of a traditional grave site. And you won't pay for a coffin, embalming, or many of the other services for which morticians charge a premium.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.


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]]>Deathearth dayfuneralgreen livingsavingsBruce WatsonTue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 ESTVacation Confidential: The Secret to Free Museum Admissionshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/free-museum-admissions-NARM/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/free-museum-admissions-NARM/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/23/free-museum-admissions-NARM/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY ROB GLOSTER Visitors to the Walt Disney Family Museum stroll through Gallery 9, September 26, 2009, The 1950s and 1960s: The Big Screen and Beyond. This prolific period of Walt's lifestarted with the installation of a scale model railroad on the grounds of his new home, an event that spurred him to develop Disneyland. Walt also created pioneering weekly television shows, and the studio continued creating both animated and liveaction films, including the Academy Award(R)-winning Mary Poppins. Walt was also involved in developing new technologies for installations for the 1964-1965 World's Fair. In the 1960s he announced his ideas for EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. In a 15-year period, Walt created the templates for family television entertainment and outdoor family recreation while also infusing the promise of space exploration and urban planning with a sense of wonder and awe. AFP PHOTO/Peter LEMIEUX (Photo credit should read Peter Lemieux/AFP/Getty Images)
Peter Lemieux, AFP/Getty ImagesVisitors to the Walt Disney Family Museum, a (NARM) Association Museum, view "The 1950s and 1960s: The Big Screen and Beyond." This prolific period of Walt's life started with the installation of a scale model railroad on the grounds of his new home, an event that spurred him to develop Disneyland.
Summer vacation season is right around the corner, but with sequestration cutting hours and reducing services at many national parks, it's getting harder to find a low-cost, educational place to take the kids during the time off. Museums are a good option, but admission costs can be bruising, especially for large families.

On the bright side, there is a simple, fairly inexpensive trick that your family can use to get free admission at 662 museums -- and counting -- across the country. By joining the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) at a member museum, you can gain admission to any other museum in the network free of charge.

I found out about the program during a visit to the Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge, Mass. One-time admission to the museum for my wife, my daughter and myself cost $37 -- not exactly a punishing fee, but high enough that we would have to think twice before coming back. The thing is, after wandering through the museum a bit, we realized that we definitely wanted to return.

A year's family membership at the museum costs $75, which meant that if we returned within a year, we would break even. Any further visits would essentially be free. Before I handed over my credit card, though, I saw a notice for NARM. It turned out that a $125 roundtable membership would enroll my family in the program, giving us free visits at hundreds of museums.

I looked at the museum list and quickly discovered that it would be a great value. Two NARM museums are located right around the corner from our house, but we rarely go because the admission is prohibitive. Another 12 are located in my city, but -- again -- we rarely go because the $40 admission cost for our family is too much for a casual visit.

Part of the reason that NARM is a great deal for my family is because we signed up at the Rockwell museum. According to NARM director Virginia Phillippi, museums in the program are allowed to set their own requirements for membership. In other words, the Norman Rockwell museum, located in rural Massachusetts, charged a relatively low $125, but museums in large cities can sometimes charge more than twice as much for NARM membership.

Location of (NARM) Association Museums
Location of (NARM) Association Museums

Phillippi is NARM's first full-time director. The program has been around for a few years, but its leaders have traditionally taken on the group as a side job; their main jobs were running their own individual museums. Phillippi, for example, used to be in charge of membership at the Greenville County Museum of Art in Greenville, S.C., and her predecessor ran the Georgia O'Keeffe museum.

Working at GCMA, Phillippi noticed that, when they heard about NARM, about a third of the museum's members paid extra for the extended membership. It isn't hard to see why: In addition to free admission, NARM members get discounts at museum stores around the country and reduced prices on lectures and concerts. In the case of my family, it will take us about three museum trips to pay off the full price of membership.

NARM is also a good deal for the museums, as well. The museum where members initially sign up gets an added boost in membership fees, and all the museums in the network get added foot traffic -- which translates into increased store revenues, higher attendance at events, and other benefits.

The program is still fairly unknown, but Phillippi is hoping to change that. NARM has set up a Facebook page and a website, as well as a (constantly growing!) list of its member museums. If you're looking for a great place to spend part of your vacation, the list is a good place to start. And if you find three or more museums you like, NARM membership might be a great way to start saving before your vacation even begins.

Gallery: How Saving the Post Office Can Save You Money

What's wrong with the post office?Why is the USPS losing so much money?Would that solve the problem?Is cost-cutting the best option?How do other countries manage?


Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>museum admissionsmuseumsNorth American Reciprocal Museum AssociationsavingvacationBruce WatsonTue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 ESTFast Food's Green Trend: Making Big Macs and Lattes More Earth-Friendlyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/22/fast-foods-green-trend-environmentalism/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/22/fast-foods-green-trend-environmentalism/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/22/fast-foods-green-trend-environmentalism/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Starbucks styrofoam cup by MyNameMattersNot, Flickr.com
MyNameMattersNot, Flickr.com
When you think of green companies, fast food chains don't exactly top the list. Fast food, after all, takes ingredients grown in monocultures around the world, transports them in gas-guzzling trucks and ships, then prepares them in air-conditioned kitchens before swaddling them in piles of plastic and paper that will eventually find their way into landfills. Overall, not an Earth-friendly process.

But what if fast food companies could find ways to chip away at those problem areas?

Some, like Chipotle, have started using solar cells and hyper-efficient plumbing to cut down on their carbon footprints. Others have installed recycling bins and segregated trash, to ensure that compostable materials and recyclables get disposed of properly.

But perhaps most impressively, some fast food chains are taking aim at their packaging. To anybody whose memory stretches back to the 1980s, a company like McDonald's might feel like the least-green business on the planet. After all, it spent decades packing its billions and billions of burgers into petroleum-based Styrofoam containers.

For that matter, fast food coffee can be similarly un-green. Between Styrofoam cups, plastic lids and cardboard sleeves, your basic latte is eight ounces of rainforest-destroying caffeine surrounded by another few ounces of Earth-killing waste products.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Starbucks and McDonald's have emerged as leaders in the green fast food movement. For the past few years, the two companies have been working on improving their sourcing, cutting down on their packaging, and lobbying the FDA to increase the amount of recycled fibers that are allowed in fast food packaging.

Recently, Starbucks took the trend a step further with its reuseable cups. Sold for $1 apiece, the cups last for about a month, cut down on the company's paper waste, and offer customers a low-cost way to improve their own carbon footprints. Not surprisingly, they're also profitable: By reducing waste, Starbucks trims its trash hauling costs. Beyond that, it also drives sales -- customers save 10 cents on their refills if they use the cups, a factor that seems likely to lure them in more often.
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Starbucks isn't the only chain hopping on the reusable trend. Many companies offer pricey reusable mugs, but a growing number are bringing in inexpensive, semi-disposable, reusable vessels. For example, Just Salad, a New York-based chain, offers reusable salad bowls. When customers bring them back in, they get free toppings on their salads.

The key to these sorts of initiatives is that they don't just benefit the environment: They also benefit the companies that employ them. After all, while Just Salad's bowls ensure that less plastic makes its way into landfills, they also give customers an added incentive to walk back through its doors at lunchtime. As an increasing number of restaurants discover the profit potential in going green, it will only become easier for consumers to cut down on their own waste.

It is, however, possible to go to far. Bob's, a Brazilian fast food company, is using the ultimate recyclable packaging: their burgers come wrapped in edible, rice-based paper. Then again, if the point of packaging is to ensure that your precious food doesn't come into contact with the outside world, it's worth asking if edible wrappers defeat the entire purpose of packaging.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

Gallery: The Greatest Business Rivalries of all Time

1. Coke vs. Pepsi2. Ford vs. GM3. Thomas Edison vs. Nikola Tesla4. AT&T vs. MCI5. Nike vs. Reebok

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]]>earth dayenvironmentally friendlyfast foodgreenMcDonaldsrecyclingSavingsStarbucksBruce WatsonMon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 ESTHow to Decipher Your College Financial Aid Letterhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/18/how-to-decipher-your-college-financial-aid-letter/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/18/how-to-decipher-your-college-financial-aid-letter/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/18/how-to-decipher-your-college-financial-aid-letter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Teen college letters mailbox
Alamy
It's college decision season, a time when students across the country watch their email with bated breath, waiting for the electronic harbinger that will inform them that (hopefully, thick) envelopes are on the way. But for most students, the misery of waiting for acceptance at the school of their dreams is only the first problem: The next, bigger one is finding a way to pay for it. And that's where things get really hairy.

These days, the average college student graduates with more than $26,500 in debt -- and, given current trends, that figure is likely to go up by a few thousand dollars before this fall's crop of new collegians collects their diplomas. To a great extent, that number will depend on the contents of another, less impressive piece of correspondence: the financial aid letter.

Unfortunately, the financial aid letter itself tends to be composed in the worst kind of bureaucratic English: borderline indecipherable, yet incredibly important, it will influence not only the next four years of your life, but the amount of money you need to make for the following 20. With that in mind, we've compiled this basic lexicon of college finance lingo to help you decipher the basic terms that your school is likely to use. Let's start with the easiest one.

Tuition: This is your college's basic charge, the price you pay to be a full-time student. Most schools start with the assumption that you will be taking at least 12 credits (or four classes) per semester, although 15 credits (five classes) is average. If you drop below 12 credits, you may qualify as a part-time student. With reduced class load, it will take longer for you to graduate; on the other hand, part-time students are sometimes allowed to live off campus, and often don't have to pay for some of the general student fees, both of which can reduce the cost of your education.

Room and Board: As you might guess, this covers most of your living expenses, including your dorm room, your meal plan and, in some cases, your laundry. Depending on your school's location, it may be less expensive to live off campus and cook your own meals. On the other hand, some colleges have campus residency requirements that force students to live in the dorms for a certain period of time. Some colleges also offer reduced room and board costs if you agree to live in an older or less well-appointed dorm. If you're interested in cutting costs, this may be worth considering.

Side note: You may have heard of the dreaded "freshman 15," the 15 pounds many students gain during their freshman year. One cause (for me, at least!) was my expensive meal plan, which covered 20 meals a week in the dining hall. In an attempt to get my money's worth, I ate far more than I normally would. The lesson? You're going to college, not hiking into the Outback. If you need more food, you can go out and buy it, so consider erring on the side of financial and caloric thrift by picking a lower-cost meal plan.

Books and Supplies: Depending on your major, your books and supply costs will vary wildly. You can often reduce costs by buying used textbooks, purchasing your textbooks through the internet, or sharing your books with someone else in the class. Then again, many universities are trying to fight these cost-cutting techniques by using proprietary textbooks that are updated regularly.

General Student Fees, Athletic Fees, Transportation Fees, Health Care Fees, and so on: Some schools itemize their fees, while others combine them into a single, general fee. Full-time students generally have to pay the full menu of fees, regardless of whether they use the bus services, athletic tickets or student health facilities that they help to fund. Part-time students sometimes get a break on this. If you're looking to pinch pennies, it's worth finding out what your school's policies are.

Total Cost/Average Total Cost: This is what your college or university estimates your total tuition cost for one year will be. As we've already seen, there may be some ways to bring that price down, but chances are that it's a fairly good reflection of what you'll be paying.

Expected Family Contribution: This is the amount of money that your college or university estimates that your family will be able to kick in. If you're wondering about EFC, but haven't gotten a letter yet, here's a calculator that may help you figure out how much a school is likely to expect.

Unfortunately, most EFC calculations don't take the debt your parents owe into account, which means that the estimated contribution for your family will probably be a lot higher than the actual amount that your parents can afford. If that's the case -- and if the school in question isn't willing to cut them some slack on the real number -- you should probably think about going to a less expensive institution.

Another Side Note: Some schools allow parents to make monthly payments, rather than requiring a lump sum payment. Depending on your family's financial situation, this could make paying for college a bit easier to deal with.

Scholarships and Grants (aka Gift Aid): This is money that you don't have to pay back. Colleges and universities offer a host of scholarships and grants. For that matter, so do many companies, community organizations and student groups. The Department of Education offers a useful roundup of search tools for finding money that's out there, but you might also consider stopping by the library, asking your local organizations, and talking to family members and friends.

Keep in mind that many scholarships need to be reapplied for every year, and many will decline in value from year to year. In other words, just because you've managed to scrounge up the money to pay for freshman year doesn't mean that you've got all four years covered.

Stafford Loans: These are federal loans, which means they generally have a lower interest rate than private loans. On the other hand, they still need to be paid back after you graduate, so you might want to think twice before taking them out. Subsidized Stafford loans are awarded based on need, and have a lower interest rate than unsubsidized Stafford loans. The rates change from year to year; in fact, President Obama's recent budget proposal would even change the way that the loan rates are calculated.
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As a side note, the government covers the interest payments on your subsidized Stafford loans while you're in college and during certain other periods. On unsubsidized Stafford loans, the interest starts accruing when you take out the loan, and you're on the hook to pay all of it back.

Perkins Loans: The Perkins is a different need-based federal student loan, and has a fixed 5 percent interest rate. If your school participates in the Perkins program, you can borrow up to $5,500 a year, with a limit of $27,500 for your whole undergraduate career.

PLUS Loans: These are loans that the government makes directly to your parents to help pay for your education. Your parents will need to begin paying interest immediately.

Private Loans: Your school may suggest that you take out private loans to cover part of the cost of your education. Proceed with caution! The interest rate on a private loan will probably be higher than what you'll pay on your federal loans, and you will be making payments on those private loans at the same time as you're separately paying down your federal loans -- a financial burden that few recent college grads will be earning enough to comfortably shoulder.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>collegeeducationFAFSAfinancial aidsavingstudent debtStudent LoanstuitionBruce WatsonThu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 ESTThe Best Way to Contact Loved Ones During a Disasterhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/16/how-to-communicate-disaster-text-cell-phone-internet/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/16/how-to-communicate-disaster-text-cell-phone-internet/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/16/how-to-communicate-disaster-text-cell-phone-internet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images Women desperate to hear from loved ones can't enter the scene at Boylston and Massachusetts Avenue after two explosions went off near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon on April 15.
As the details of the Boston Marathon bombing emerged Monday, I noticed that one of my coworkers was speedily typing, texting, and monitoring all his lines of communication. It wasn't hard to figure out what was going on: a Massachusetts native, he was checking up on his friends and family.

I could easily relate: Six years ago today, I was doing the exact same thing.

I was an instructor at Virginia Tech when the 2007 shootings happened. That morning, after the university canceled classes and the police put the school on lockdown, my thoughts went to my 93 students, and I spent the remainder of the day tracking them down, either through e-mails, phone calls, or -- in a few heart-stopping instances -- by finding them quoted in news reports. One by one, I checked them off a master list made up of all my class lists.

Monday, it was easy to see the communications change that those six years had wrought. On April 16, 2007, I spent my day writing e-mails and tying up land lines. On April 15, 2013, people instinctively went to their cell phones, quickly overwhelming the local cell network. As with Hurricane Sandy last year, wireless carriers advised people to text rather than call, as it ties up less network bandwidth. A Sprint representative, speaking with Salon, noted that the average wait time for a phone call during an emergency is 180 seconds, during which someone with fast thumbs could send dozens of texts.
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And texts weren't the only low-bandwidth tools that Bostonians could use to get the word out. According to reports, many people on the scene used Instagram and Twitter to notify their social groups that they were safe.

Google also helped get the word out, rapidly launching a "Person Finder" for the disaster, offering a central clearinghouse for information about people who may have been affected. As of press time today, it contains 5,400 records, offering a limited, but effective, checklist of people who were located along the marathon route. Google originally created the program for the 2010 Haiti earthquake and occasionally sets up pages for other disasters, based on their severity.

Given how quickly cell networks were overwhelmed after the Boston bombs went off, it's clear that there's still room for improvement when it comes to disaster notification. On the other hand, as the events of the day also demonstrated, the myriad tools now available for reaching out to loved ones are useful for more than sending out quick snapshots and pithy commentary: In an instant, they can also provide comfort, love and reassurance.

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>2010 Haiti earthquakeboston bombingBoston MarathonBruce WatsonGoogle Person FinderHurricane SandyInstagramVirginia Tech ShootingsBruce WatsonTue, 16 Apr 2013 15:15:00 ESTObama's Proposed Student Loan Debt Remedy Carries a Hidden Traphttp://www.dailyfinance.com/on/obama-student-loan-debt-remedy-interest-rate-trap/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/obama-student-loan-debt-remedy-interest-rate-trap/http://www.dailyfinance.com/on/obama-student-loan-debt-remedy-interest-rate-trap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Students listen to then national anthem prior to US President Barack Obama's delivering of the commencement address on May 21, 2012 at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages)
Mandel Ngan, AFP / Getty Images
America's student loan debt problem is nothing new: For years, the media has been offering up a flood of stories about people facing decades of debt repayment and crushing interest rates. But with tuitions still rising and employment options for college grads still stagnating, America's potential "student loan bubble" is making many experts increasingly jittery. President Obama's recent budget proposal includes a new plan to tackle the problem, but some critics worry that it could leave students in even worse shape.

Pay As You Earn, President Obama's first stab at the student loan issue, came late last year. The program caps student loan repayment levels at 10 percent of the borrower's discretionary income, effectively ensuring that recent graduates won't get stuck with brutal monthly payments. At the same time, the program also places an effective limit on the length of repayment: After a student has been paying off their debt for 20 years, the program will retire any debt that remains.

It's a great idea, and could go a long way toward ending the student loan debt carousel that so many workers are stuck on. Unfortunately, there are some rather severe caveats. To begin with, Pay As You Earn is only available to students who have taken out at least one student loan after fiscal year 2011. In other words, people who are already in repayment hell are stuck there.

Also, the program only applies to federally backed student loans, which means that many people struggling under the worst loan debt -- those who took out higher-interest private loans -- are ineligible.

What the President Proposes

Last week, President Obama debuted another balm to ease student-loan miseries, but the remedy is paired with another potentially devastating long-term consequence.
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Here's how it would work: Currently, Congress sets a cap on student loan interest rates, but Obama's proposal would peg student loan interest to the market. Under the proposed system, 10-year Treasury notes would be the benchmark for loan interest. The interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans would be the Treasury note rate, plus 0.93 percent; on unsubsidized Stafford loans, it would be Treasury rate plus 2.93 percent; and on loans to grad students and parents, it would be Treasury plus 3.93 percent.

Today, the Obama proposal would be a considerable benefit to students. It would lower the subsidized Stafford loan rate by 0.65 percent, the unsubsidized Stafford rate by 2.05 percent and the grad rate by 1.05 percent. The trouble is that the Treasury note interest rate is currently near historic lows and is almost certain to rise if the economic rally ever kicks into gear. As The Atlantic noted, there are times during the past few decades when -- under the proposed plan -- student loan interest rates would have jumped above 12 percent.

It's also worth noting that Obama's interest rate proposal doesn't do much to address a basic problem of student loan repayment. Students who attend school during economic boom times but have to repay their loans during economic busts could easily find themselves trying to service high-rate loans at the worst possible times. This, incidentally, is a big part of the problem now: Many students who took out loans at 8 percent or higher during the 1990s and 2000s are in repayment mode when interest rates are low and hiring is sluggish.

Ultimately, Obama's policies for college students and recent grads are proving to be a mixed bag. Pay As You Earn has the potential to completely transform the student loan landscape, effectively promising that the next generation of college graduates won't face the same Sisyphean economic task as the one the preceded it. On the other hand, the president's interest rate proposal risks undoing much of the good inherent in Pay As You Earn.

Either way, it won't really matter to young people recently arrived in the job market: Stuck with heavy loans at unserviceable rates, they're likely to remain out in the cold, trying to pay down their debt, without any real hope of escaping a brutal economic treadmill.

More from DailyFinance:


Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

Gallery: The Most Depressing Student Loan Stories

No. 9No. 8No. 7No. 6No. 5

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]]>collegedebt crisisinterest ratesobamastudent loansBruce WatsonTue, 16 Apr 2013 13:42:00 ESTWant Fast, Cheap, Healthy Food? Try Your Local Asian Markethttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/15/asian-markets-fast-cheap-healthy/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/15/asian-markets-fast-cheap-healthy/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/15/asian-markets-fast-cheap-healthy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Asian market grocery store
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See if this sounds familiar. It's 5:30, getting close to dinner time, and you're monumentally uninspired. You don't have the time or energy to cook a big meal, and the idea of eating another pizza turns your stomach. You could always go the convenience food route -- mac and cheese is quick, and pot pies are easy -- but you're worried about the mess of unfamiliar chemicals and unpronounceable additives that seem to fill the frozen food section of your supermarket.

If you find yourself caught between a rock and a hard place -- or, more accurately, the freezer section and takeout -- there may be another solution: your local Asian market. In addition to bottles of soy sauce and bags of rice, most Asian markets have a solid selection of low-priced convenience foods that are more flavorful, more interesting, and healthier than many mainstream offerings. As an added plus, unlike American convenience foods, which often sport a long, confusing list of unpronounceable chemicals and additives, Asian convenience foods are often a bit easier to figure out.

This isn't to say that Asian convenience foods are completely healthy. Like their American counterparts, they tend to be very high in sodium. What's more, some labels are only printed in non-English languages, which means that you may be flying blind when you pull something off the shelves. But with low prices and hundreds of intriguing options, chances are good that you'll find something you like.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Gallery: Savings Challenge: Finding Cheap, Fast, Reasonably Healthy Dinners at the Asian Market

NoodlesBunsPremade FoodsDumplingsBoxed Foods


Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>asian foodasian marketsdinnerdumplingseating ineating outramensavingsavings adventuresobaudonBruce WatsonMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST