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Entry bubble Shopping at Local Farmers Markets

By: Nicole | May 30, 2008 | Category: General

Yesterday, when I stepped outside to walk my oversized puppy, I discovered a lovely sunny evening. As we wandered down the path, I was greeted by the distinct smell of fresh cut grass and the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Summer is definitely just around the corner. Sure, that means blistering hot days and relentless humidity, but it also means extra hours of sunlight and the occasional perfect evening.

I have another reason to be excited about summer: it’s the season for fresh produce. Farmers markets should be regrouping across the country, offering fresh local fruits and veggies, as well as dairy and meat products. The USDA farmers market search can help you find nearby markets and their hours of operation. Many of these markets begin in April or May and continue though November. Some places are lucky enough to have year-round markets.

Produce Stand

Gov Gab bloggers have written before about the benefits of organic gardening and cooking with locally grown foods, but many folks (like me) can’t grow a garden. For us, there are farmers markets.

Rest assured, there are lots of rewards for buying local produce in this time-honored fashion. You can support local farmers, especially those who practice organic, humane, and sustainable farming techniques. You won’t have to worry about a middle-man taking most of the profit, and you can make more informed decisions about what you buy. In addition, you’ll be helping the environment. Conventional stores often transport food from distant regions, which is expensive and requires additional fuel, especially if the food needs refrigeration.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll get to experience the wonderful flavor of fresh-picked fruits and veggies. One of my seasonal favorites is fresh asparagus (with a hint of butter). What’s yours?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: environment   farmer   fruits   local   market   organic   produce   shop   vegetables  

 

Entry bubble Resources for Seniors and Caregivers

By: Nancy | May 29, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

May is Older Americans Month. And while there are just a couple more days left in the month, as far as I'm concerned, people age 65 or better are worth honoring every day.

If you or someone you care about is in this age group, the information in USA.gov's Senior Citizens' Resources section can help make your life--and your loved one's--a little easier.

seniors picnickingAs time goes by, everybody thinks more about health. The Health for Seniors section is full of great resources to help in understanding Medicare's prescription drug coverage plan; dealing with changes in sleeping habits as you get older; and recognizing and managing depression. You can also use the drug interaction lookup page to find out how your medications, food and alcohol affect one another.

Money's important--especially when you’re on a fixed income. The Money and Taxes for Seniors section can help you with everything from creating or updating your will and estate plan to checking to see if, as a Social Security recipient, you're entitled to an economic stimulus payment this year.

Most people want to stay in their homes as long as possible as they age. See the Housing for Seniors section to find out how to make safety and other lifestyle modifications and to learn how to prevent falls around the house.

Seniors are common targets for scams. The Consumer Protection for Seniors section links to important resources like the Consumer Action Website to help you avoid getting swindled and learn how to fight for your rights as a consumer, and the Administration on Aging's Elder Rights and Resources page to help with legal assistance and advice.

Use the Education, Jobs and Volunteering for Seniors section to find out how using your years of experience and wisdom can help change your community or the world as you volunteer locally with Senior Corps, internationally with the Peace Corps or as you work for a company that values mature workers.

And if you're helping a senior family member or friend, use the Caregivers' Resources section to find out about respite and home health care agency options. Learn about providing long distance caregiving and getting support for yourself as you care for your loved one.

As a senior or a caregiver, what are some of the best resources you’ve found online to make your life easier?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: health   money   nancy   safety   senior   taxes  

 

Entry bubble Late Credit Card Payment Lament

By: Jim | May 28, 2008 | Category: Money

Ever have a problem with a credit card? I just did. When I got my most recent statement, it showed that the previous month’s payment was late -- by one day! Unfortunately, I misplaced the bill in the mess I call a desk and got my payment in the mail a little late. Even though it was my fault my payment was late, I was still a bit ticked that the company charged me a late fee and had half a mind to cancel the card. Geez, I’ve paid off my balance in full and on time for nearly 20 years. Couldn’t they cut me just a little slack!?

angry manAfter I was done being mad at myself for being late, I realized that canceling the card wouldn’t be good for my credit history in the long run. The longer you hold on to your credit cards and make payments on time, the better. The point being, you want to develop a history of showing that you pay your bills on time. This shows lenders that you are a responsible borrower and a good credit risk. Which means you can get better interest rates on credit cards and loans. Many people erroneously think that it helps improve their credit scores if they cancel cards they’ve had for a long time and don’t use much or need, this is not the case. Check out consumeraction.gov for more tips on how to manage your credit.

The late payment probably is a minor negative mark for my overall history, but I’ll worry about it all the same. Of course, I’ll be visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s annualcreditreport.com web site soon to get my free credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies. I’m hoping (probably in vain) that my report won’t get dinged.

There are a few other things I need to do while I’m at it. Like clean up my desk, so my bills don’t get misplaced. Better yet, I should just set up my accounts to that they can be paid by electronic funds transfer. Has anybody else out there had a problem with a credit card?

| View Comments [15] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: charge   credit   jim   late   loan   money  

 

Entry bubble Heading for the Beach? How's the Water?

By: Joanne | May 27, 2008 | Category: Travel

ocean waves breaking on the shoreMemorial Day weekend is behind us and hurray, it's beach season! Soon school will be out; we'll be taking the kids to swimming lessons and it's time to make plans for summer vacation if you haven't already done it.

My family likes to do many things, but we really love a week at the beach. So now my thoughts keep drifting to the sand and the surf. As the summer days pass and the weather warms, I'll fantasize about lazing in the sun and relaxing in that quaint cottage in Avalon, New Jersey.

Before we hit the road I'll check out the beach temperatures and I'll check our route for summer traffic and road closures. Then I'll toss the sunscreen, the kids, and the beach ball in the car and we'll be off!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: beach   joanne   ocean   temperature   vacation   water  

 

Entry bubble Why Are Gasoline Prices So High?

By: Jake | May 26, 2008 | Category: Money

My post last week about saving money on gas had many of you asking why the price of gasoline was so high. You weren't the only ones.

Congress brought executives from oil companies to Capitol Hill last week and asked them to explain the price hikes. Unfortunately, there weren't too many clear answers. I'm not an oil expert or economist, but in this post I'll try to shed light on why gasoline prices are high.EIA Gasoline Price Chart

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the Department of Energy (their job: to provide neutral data regarding energy in the U.S) says the cost of crude oil is the main contributor to the price of gasoline. Crude oil accounts for 70% of the price at the pump. According to the EIA, the spot price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil, which is the U.S. benchmark for light, sweet crude oil, has risen steadily from $101.54 per barrel on March 31 to a record high of $128.93 per barrel on May 20.

The main reason for crude oil's price increase is high worldwide demand. Countries like China (especially with the recent earthquake) have increased their imports of petroleum. Political events and conflicts in oil producing countries also affect the price. What's more interesting is that crude oil is traded worldwide in U.S. dollars and since the value of the dollar is declining, it causes the price of crude to go up.

In the EIA's "This Week in Petroleum" published May 21, they project prices will go up in June and will rise as long as the price of crude oil keeps increasing. The report adds that the usual Memorial Day and summer travel season increase in demand should be lower due to higher prices, but this will not have too much of an effect on price since millions will still travel. Policymakers have proposed lowering or repealing gas taxes, but it's not certain how much this would lower the price.

As long as the price of crude oil continues to rise, we'll be paying more for gasoline. Let's hope gasoline will never cost more than a gallon of beer or ketchup.

| View Comments [21] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: economy   fuel   gas   gasoline   jake   oil   world  

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