Boomers Dental Health: What You Need to Know

English: A little girl has her first visit to the dentist. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As more and more Baby Boomers age, many are finding that their overall dental health is lacking. Trying to juggle the many different monthly expense is contributing to the lack of proper dental care. It's true their prime health concern is worrying about paying their health insurance premiums. Plus with the Obama Care debacle, many losing are losing their health care insurance.

It is very important to take care of your dental health but to many it's secondary and often ignored. A survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) finds that for older Americans, even though they claim to be aware of preventive dental measures, neglect to implement these measures. These measures include using floss and mouthwash daily and even daily tooth brushing.

Still the good news is many Boomers do make twice a year visits to the dentist for check-ups. You need to take charge of your dental health care by learning what your needs are and making sure your dentist performs the proper the treatment properly.

It is important to be aware that 80,000 people per year are victims of some form of dental negligence. Sadly only 10,000 of these people seek help and appropriate compensation. Many wish to avoid the malpractice root because of fear or ignorance of their rights. 

The law states any health care practitioner who is responsible for causing injury is subject to the laws of medical malpractice. If your dentist hurts you or causes pain or injury it could be considered medical malpractice.

Dental malpractice is considered by many to be when the dentist causes a negligent conclusion to a medical procedure. This is true but there is another type of malpractice called passive malpractice. An example of this is when during a regular checkup your dentist spots evidence of cancer development. If the dentist neglects to tell you, then this is considered passive negligence.

There are many reasons that people avoid going to the dentist. But for overall health it is important to get you checkups and cleanings twice a year. For more information on dental health and your rights visit brooklyn dental malpractice.

Tips for Saving When On a Low Income

If you are on a low income, you may be struggling just to pay your monthly bills and have not even considered starting to save. As difficult as it may seem in your specific situation to start saving money, it can be done, even if it is a little at a time. Having a savings account set aside can reduce your financial stress level and help you be prepared for emergency money situation. There are several great tips listed below to help you get started on your own savings plan.

Set Up a Budget

The first step to saving money is to set up a monthly budget for your household. This will quickly let you see if you have enough income coming in each month to cover the costs of your bills. A budget may also alert you to any areas where you may be spending more money than you realized. It will also help you monitor your spending habits. Try to incorporate a savings category in your budget, even if it is a small amount because it will add up over time.

Seek Out Government Benefits

The government offers a wide selection of benefits to low-income families and seniors. Some of these benefits include a Baby Bonus and Parental Leave Pay for after the birth of a child or an adoption, childcare rebates and benefits, Single Income Family Supplement, and Parenting Payments. These payments are made through Centrelink through the Department of Human Services. To find out what benefits your family may be eligible for, you should go to the Department of Human Services’ website. Obtaining some of these benefits will take some of the financial pressure off of you and free up some money in your budget for savings. 

Take Out a Low or No Interest Loan

The government offers no interest loans through the No Interest Loans Scheme that allows qualified people to borrow up to $1,200. The also offer the StepUP low interest loan that provides loans up to $3,000 to eligible people. Depending on your specific situation, taking out one of these no or low interest loans may help you pay off some outstanding bills or loans, so you do not have to keep paying interest fees each month. It can also consolidate all of your unpaid bills into one low monthly payment and can help save you money each month. This is also a better option that a standard bank loan that comes with higher interest rates. 

Set Up a Savings Plan

Setting an account up that is just for your savings is a great idea. This allows you to keep your savings separate from your disposable money and may make it easier not to spend. The government also has several savings plans that will match your savings dollar for dollar up to a set amount. This can help you save twice as much money in a shorter period of time. The AddsUp savings plan is designed for those who have successfully paid of a StepUp loan or a No Interest Loans Scheme loan. Once you are able to save $300 they will match your savings up to $500. The Saver Plus plan allows you to set a financial goal and once that goal is met they will match your savings up to $500.

If you are trying to find ways to save money to secure your future, you should try all of the suggested tips listed above. Combined a few of these savings tips will provide you with more disposable income each month. You can then use a portion of this income to set aside into a savings plan. When setting up your savings account, be sure to look for matching funds from the government, this will help you save faster and make more money available to you in case of an emergency.

To Save or to Splurge? Common Sense Spending and Saving Options for Empty Nesters

The kids are gone and your nest is empty. Now that you’re no longer financially responsible for your children, you may find yourself with a bit of extra money (and time) on your hands. Before you go on a shopping spree, splurge on a night on the town or take your dream vacation, make sure you save. That means contributing more to your savings accounts before increasing your spending budget. Fill your empty nest with good times, prosperity and personal development by balancing your spending habits with these unexpected ways to save. 

When to save?

Downsize your nest. There are dozens of unexpected ways to save for empty nesters. However, a more traditional approach is downsizing your living situation. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, in 2009, 29 percent of U.S. households with occupants above the age of 50 spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing. That’s an increase of 20 percent since 2000. Don’t bog yourself down by paying for and maintaining a large home; consider downsizing to a smaller house, condo or apartment for more manageable mortgage payments and savings on utility costs, home maintenance and property taxes. That means more money to spend – or better yet, invest in your saving accounts.

Buy fewer groceries and clothes. Fewer people at home means fewer mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. So, skip the epic shopping trips to Costco and the Mall to cut back on your grocery bill. Remember, you’ll be cooking for just one or two now, not your kids and the entire soccer team. And you don’t have to handle back-to-school wardrobes any longer, so take that budget and put it directly into savings accounts.

Unexpected ways to save. Look into discount programs like frequent flyer, hotel rewards and credit card points, as well as social couponing to save. You can also consider consolidating to one car, reducing the number of cable channels you subscribe to and eliminating a home phone in favor of cell phones to save a little more. Try to contribute these savings to an account monthly or even weekly to avoid spending them.

Contribute more to your retirement saving accounts. Now that you don’t have to feed, clothe and house your children, take the money saved from these reduced expenditures and contribute to your retirement fund savings options. By putting away more money into one of your retirement savings accounts, like a 401(k), IRA or other high-interest savings account , you'll not only reach your retirement saving goals, but you might even be able to reach them faster. 

When to spend?

Pay off your debt. Reducing debt is almost as important as saving for retirement. So, after you cut down costs and increase your cash flow, come up with a debt reduction plan that works for your budget. The more quickly you get out of debt, the less interest you will pay over time. And that means more money to spend enjoying the rest of your life.

Take on a new hobby. You've probably spent the last twenty years or more working and/or chasing around your kids. Now that they’re grown, you have more time to invest in your personal development. Check out your local community college’s continuing education classes to learn to use your new digital SLR or brush up on your French for your upcoming trip to Paris. Classes are usually inexpensive and available at night and on weekends. Whether you’re going back to school, gardening, learning to paint, practicing yoga or taking a culinary course, spending your newfound money and time cultivating your passions is a wise investment in your future. Who knows, you may even be able to sell some of your art online or at a local show and contribute to your savings account!

Embark on an adventure. One of the most popular (and rewarding) ways empty nesters spend their money is on vacations. Taking a holiday has the power to reinvigorate your mind and body and expose you to new cultures. Plus, now that you don’t have to worry about the kids, you can take your vacation anywhere you like – and spend more money on pricier destinations, luxury hotels, fine dining, and once-in-a-lifetime activities. However, you may choose to save on accommodations and splurge on activities by staying at a B&B, or rent a cottage in the woods one year so you can go with the whole family to Aspen the next. There are always little ways to save and still enjoy your vacation. 

Celebrate your independence

Don't be shy about hitting a night on the town, taking a spa day, having dinner at your favorite restaurant or attending a glamorous opera. You don’t have to worry about a babysitter or a curfew, and with your savings built up, it’s OK to splurge. So, spend a little time (and money) enjoying yourself and your newly discovered “me” time. Of course, if you can find discount nights, coupons, or tickets that support your favorite charity it’s even better!

Sponsored content was created and provided by RBS Citizens Financial Group.

Are Baby Boomers Fueling The Auto Industry?

This past decade has been an especially tough one for the automotive industry. Now, as the American economy is recovering, auto makers are finding that baby boomers are responsible for a very large chunk of their business. According to research from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, consumers aged 55 – 64 were responsible for 23 percent of all new car purchases, which those aged 45 – 54 made up 26 percent of the sales.

These figures aren’t just coincidence – there are a number of factors in play which are causing this generation to be such good customers. Here are three reasons that potentially help explain why so much of the automotive market is filled by baby boomers:

1. The Sheer Number Of Baby Boomers

The first reason that it makes sense for such a high proportion of purchases to be made by baby boomers is that there are so many of them. According to studies on the subject, there are well over 70 million baby boomers in the United States. They make up the second largest age demographic in the United States, following millennials born after the year 2000. This provides a foundation for the other potential explanations to even further push baby boomers into the position of top consumers in the automotive market.

2. Financing Is Available For This Generation

For older adults such as baby boomers, financing is often much more available than it is for the younger generations. This is due to the fact that a much larger percentage of baby boomers are financially secure than their less-aged counterparts. Not only have they generally advanced into higher-paying jobs in their careers, but they likely have many more assets stashed away for retirement. The type of loan security that comes along with many baby boomers makes lenders much more likely to approve them for loans with favorable terms. On the other hand, many members of younger generations are feeling the effects of the recent recession more strongly and face greater challenges in obtaining funding for their automotive purchases.

3. They May Be More Optimistic About The Future

To put it simple, this isn’t the first trip around the sun for baby boomers. Despite the economic recovery we’ve seen over the past few years, the younger generations still seems more hesitant about making major purchases than baby boomers are. While many members of generation Y were unsure whether the economy would ever be the same, baby boomers had already been through their fair share of economic downturns. From recessions in the 1970’s and 80’s to the dot-com bust early last decade, they have seen ups and downs and understand that the economy will always be cyclical.

One thing is for sure – baby boomers are one of the biggest factors aiding the recovery of the nation’s automotive industry. Despite the proven statistics, many automobile companies are still targeting their advertisements towards a younger generation X and generation Y crowd. As a growing number of these companies begin to understand the importance of baby boomers in their industry, we are starting to see a shift in focus in order to increase their market share among the nation’s largest demographic. Thanks to the sheer size of the baby boomers, the financial security that they possess and their outlooks on the future of the economy, this generation represents a crucial market segment to automakers.

David Lye is the founder of fincar.com.au. He has always been passionate about cars, finances, businesses and enjoys sharing tips with others.

9 Good Reasons Why 50+ Entrepreneurship is in the Cards For You

If you're in your 50s or even older, you may think that you don't have what it takes to start a business. This isn't the case at all. In fact, in some instances you may be in a better position to be an entrepreneur. Whether you succeed or not is never guaranteed, of course, but there's a good chance that you're going to be able to reach all your goals. Keep reading for some specific ways you will have an easier time of starting a new company.

50+ Entrepreneurship Makes Sense

Here's a look at nine different ways that entrepreneurship makes sense for those who are 50 years of age or older.

1. More Experience - Because you've lived longer, you're going to have more life experience, which is really worth something in the modern world. Your 50s are one of the best times to start a business if you want to avoid mistakes. 
2. More Resources - Being in your 50s or older, there's also a good chance you're going to have more financial resources available to you. Whether this is through savings or some other means, this can make or break a new company. 
3. Bigger Network - Let's not forget a large network of people - which is really useful as well. This can really be useful in a lot of different ways if you're thinking of starting a company. 
4. Personal Support - You're also likely to have more family support if you're in your 50s. If you have children there's a good chance they're going to be grown and in college, which means you have less responsibilities and can concentrate on a business. 
5. Help Available - Additionally, the current job market should be taken into consideration. For example, a lot of recent graduates are trying hard to get a job and looking for good work. Now is a great time to hire fresh faces out of college. 
6. Government Assistance - You may also be eligible to get assistance from the government because of your age. You'll have to check local and state places for this information, but it's not hard to do. 
7. Internet Expansion - The Internet is growing all the time. Now's a great time for people of any age group to start their own business, but people in their 50s have an even better chance to tap into this evolving market. 
8. More Courage - This isn't going to be true for everyone, but there's a good chance that if you've made it to your 50s, you have quite a bit of courage that you can use to overcome obstacles. 
9. More Time - Last but not least, in your 50s there's a good chance you're going to have a lot more time to start a business.

Do you have any other tips for starting a business in your 50s? If so, leave a comment below and let us know. We love to hear from our "slightly older" readers!

Written by: Sara Xiang likes to purchase frozen rabbits online because it's easiest to feed her reptiles that way. When not working on other things, she likes to write articles to market with content online.

How Car Financing Works

When financing a car you will most definitely need the cash to do so! However, there are a lot of people who don’t have the cash needed in hand to finance a car. With that being said, you will need to apply for a loan so that you will have the money to put down on the car. Now, there are various different car loans that are available to apply for. The car loan that you choose or that you are able to get approved for will depend upon your personal situation. 

How the finance process works

The applications for car loan financing are typically the same with few differences depending on the institute that you apply with.

You will first need to fill out the application. In most cases nowadays, people do this online. You will need to add some details about your finances, such as your monthly income, rent/mortgage payments, etc. All of this is needed to determine whether you qualify for the finance loan. Some documents will also be required of you in order for you to be considered for the loan. You will need to provide a driver’s license that is valid and up to date, bank statements, and proof of where you reside at will also be required to present to the institute.

After you have provided all that is needed you will need to wait a couple of days in order for the application to process so that you will know whether or not you have been approved.

Options for financing

The bank is who most people go through when they want to finance a vehicle. You don’t have to go directly to the bank, there is also the option of having the dealership do all of the financing for you.

The repo rate that is posted for the vehicle that you buy will determine what your interest rate will be. Your credit score and how long you will be paying on the loan will also have a lot to do in determining the interest rate that you will be paying. The interest is basically the percentage that the bank adds to your monthly repo rate so that they will earn revenue off of your payments for the car. Good credit will allow you to have the benefit of getting a prime or minus prime. All banks have their own personal interest rates and loan periods, so it is would be wise to choose the bank that you know will be cheapest and most convenient for you with financing.

Leasing instead of financing

Another option that you can go with if you decide that you want an easier route of obtaining a vehicle is leasing one. Even though you would own your vehicle through financing it, it would be much easier and cheaper with monthly payments to lease a vehicle. If you want to learn more about vehicle leasing you can check out some options here at this link by clicking here. Compare the low leasing rates to how much you’d pay to financing a vehicle.