Credit increased savings is something that doesn’t get talked about enough for American investors who want to be better prepared financially for retirement.In fact, according to Fidelity Investments’ latest biennial Retirement Savings Assessment, the typical American household is on track to have 83 percent of the income they’ll need over the course of their expected retirement years – with about half in even better shape than that. To put this into perspective, fifteen years ago, when the assessment was first conducted, the projected figure was a bleaker 62 percent.
“It’s a testament to the hard work many families have made in taking control of their finances,” says Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college leadership at Fidelity.
The study is based on a comprehensive national survey of 3,234 people identified as saving for retirement, age 25 to 74 in households earning at least $20,000 annually, and looked at assets such as retirement accounts, home equity, inheritances, and current or expected pensions and Social Security benefits. The one disheartening finding: Twenty-eight percent of respondents might just as well be walking around with bright red warning signs if they don’t take significant steps to make up their current shortfall.
Fidelity actually used color-coded indicators to give a fuller picture of households’ ability to cover their estimated expenses in a down market during those later years:
• Dark Green (“On Target”). Thirty-seven percent were on track to handle more than 95 percent of their expected expenses (up 5 percentage points from 2018).
• Green (“Good”). Seventeen percent were on track for 81 to 95 percent – the essentials, but not discretionary items such as travel and entertainment (down 1 percentage point from 2018).
• Yellow (“Fair”). Eighteen percent came in at 65 to 80 percent, hence face “modest adjustments” to their lifestyles (down 3 percentage points from 2018).
• Red (“Needs Attention”). Twenty-eight percent were completely off-track at less than 65 percent of expenses (down 1 percentage point from 2018).
The two factors driving the shift into the green?
First, the median savings rate has steadily increased over the years – it’s now at 10 percent, as opposed to 8.8 percent two years ago – with Baby Boomers socking away the most (11.7 percent of their salaries). Even Millennials, a generation noted for its crushing student loan debt, managed a rate of 9.7 percent.
And second – and here’s what’s often overlooked – improved asset allocation.
“Sixty percent of respondents are allocating their assets in a manner Fidelity considers age-appropriate,” Ridolfi says, “compared to 48 percent in 2006.”
One reason is that many workplace retirement plans began defaulting employees into target date funds and managed accounts over the past decade.
For those curious about their own retirement readiness, Fidelity’s free Retirement Score tool allows anyone to get their score and shows the percentage they’re anticipated to have saved versus their projected needed income. Better yet, you can also test out potential tweaks that would allow for a cushier retirement lifestyle.
And if cushy is what you crave, never forget three of the greatest “accelerants” for improving your preparedness. Specifically, by upping your savings rate to the recommended minimum 15 percent (including any employer 401(k) contributions), ensuring an age-appropriate asset mix, and deferring Social Security benefits until at least age 66 or 67, you could dramatically boost your total score to more than 100.
“Any one accelerator is clearly helpful,” says Ridolfi, “but all three combined could help bring you from a ‘good’ to a ‘great.’”
– Yeast infections are a source of discomfort for many women, but sometimes the symptoms of yeast infections are a sign of something more serious.Potentially severe vaginal infections with symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection include bacterial vaginosis, a condition caused by abnormal bacterial growth in the vagina; and trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection. Both of these conditions require antibiotics from a doctor. Self-treating these conditions with a yeast medication may delay getting the right diagnosis and an effective treatment.Fortunately, at-home tests can help women learn what to look for and determine whether their discomfort is indeed caused by a yeast infection or by something else that requires a doctor visit and prescription medication to resolve.A vaginal health test kit is available over the counter at most pharmacies. The test measures the acidity of vaginal discharge using a hand-held detector with a tip resembling a cotton swab. The tip is designed to detect acidity, or pH, to help distinguish the type of infection that is present, and shows results in 10 seconds.In the case of a typical yeast infection, the test kit swab will not change from its original yellow color, and you can likely treat yourself with an over-the-counter yeast infection medication.However, if bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis is the source of the symptoms, the swab will change color to a blue or green, and the kit instructions strongly advise a visit to your doctor. Even in cases where there is a mixed infection caused by a combination of candida and bacterial vaginosis / trichomoniasis, the test will give a positive result and send the user to the doctor.Other features that distinguish a yeast infection from a bacterial infection include:- Smell. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are usually accompanied by fishy, musty, or otherwise unpleasant odors, while yeast infections are usually odorless.- Texture. The discharge associated with yeast infections is usually thick and white, while discharge from bacterial vaginosis is often thin and milky white or gray in color. By contrast, discharge in cases of trichomoniasis may be frothy and yellowish-green.- Sting. Yeast infections usually involve an itching, burning, or stinging feeling, but these symptoms are not always present or as severe in cases of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.The over-the-counter vaginal health tests available today are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are the same as those used by doctors in their offices.For more information about vaginal health and vaginal health tests, visit 
– A healthy heart has many benefits, but did you know that a healthy brain is one of them?Brain health and heart health are closely connected, and forging healthy lifestyle habits at any age will help keep both your brain and your heart at peak performance.According to a recent survey from the American Heart Association, the greatest challenges adults in the United States face to maintain heart and brain health are stress and poor diet.The American Heart Association conducted a market research survey of 2,000 adults across three age groups, including Generation X (aged 40-54 years), Millennials (ages 23-39 years), and Generation Z (18-22 years). The survey found that, overall, fewer than half of the adults surveyed rated their brain health as "very good or excellent." The same survey also found that 1 in 4 respondents said they were unaware of the connection between heart health and brain health.In addition, the youngest adults (Generation Z) reported significantly lower levels of emotional well-being and brain health compared to older generations.But it is never too early or too late to try these tips to improve your health.* Eat smart. Research suggests that a cup of greens each day may slow brain aging and eating fish such as tuna and salmon can help maintain emotional balance and reduce inflammation from heart disease.* Sleep well. Sleep lets the brain learn and grow; aim for seven to nine hours a night for optimal health and to allow your brain to process all of the thinking and learning from a day.* Get moving. Physical activity is as good for the brain as it is for the whole body. Data shows that exercise increases a protein in the brain that impacts learning and memory. Aim to be active for 150 minutes per week to reap the benefits of a stronger body and mind. In essence, the more you move, the healthier your brain.* Stay connected. Making social connections strengthens the brain, so make time for your friends and family. Make it a priority to connect with someone at least once a week, whether in person or by phone.The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health.Visit 
– As the world has hit the metaphorical panic button during the rise of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases worldwide, the daily reality for people and businesses is rapidly changing.Practically overnight, businesses have been forced out of the comfort zone of face-to-face contact, now having to heavily rely on digital platforms. Businesses, especially, are struggling with figuring out how to survive by using digital communication techniques.With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and government officials emphasizing "social distancing and mandatory nonessential business closures," technology such as live video conferencing, chat boxes, and email will be the basis for millions of Americans for their jobs, schooling, and everyday communication. So, with so many players in the game, how can businesses continue to function successfully?Higher Images, a 20-year-old full-service digital marketing agency located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is helping organizations, businesses, and the community re-imagine what their lives and work-life will look like through web-based technology and mobile devices.President and CEO of Higher Images, Bryan Thornberg, says, "Rather than going into crisis mode, businesses should take this as an opportunity to expand their knowledge and reach. With many more people relying on digital communication, this is an ideal opportunity for businesses to break boundaries and try new techniques when connecting with clients."Thornberg and his team want to help people not just survive this crisis but to thrive during it and come out with an organization and business model stronger than ever.Thornberg has already been able to impact his clients by thinking outside the box and recommending the usage of technology such as live feeds and Facetime.For example, a hot tub distributor – a business that relies on their retail location for sales – took the recommendation of Thornberg and is now offering live video conferencing for customers to do live demonstrations of products and make purchases.Higher Images also urges businesses to utilize their existing websites to drive business: for example, adding a chat-box function to their website for customer communication, allowing organizations to respond to clients in real-time from the convenience of a cell phone or office computer from any location in the world.With higher internet traffic, this is also a key time for organizations to utilize search engine marketing, Google ads, and mobile in-app advertising technology such as Webtracker, which geo-fences homes to enhance brand visibility. Strategizing with a digital marketing company like Higher Images will provide businesses with the tools they need to succeed.Visit 
– Spring is here, and that means so is spring cleaning. This year, take time to show some love to the workhorses that make your house run smoothly; namely, the washing machine, dishwasher, disposal, and stove.Deep-cleaning these appliances help eliminate hard-water buildup and residue – the silent invaders that degrade the performance of your appliances and create unpleasant odors – to keep them running smoothly, efficiently, and cleanly.The best way to clean major appliances is to use products designed specifically for that purpose. A small investment in a specialty appliance cleaner can pay off in the long run by extending the life of your appliance.The Glisten product line from Summit Brands is one example. The company has a long history of producing effective, environmentally- friendly products designed specifically for a range of appliances.Detox the dishwasher: The Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner both disinfects and reduces hard-water buildup with easy, monthly use. To help keep odors and buildup at bay as needed between deep cleanings, place a Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner & Freshener tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher before running, and run the machine as usual. Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner is the only EPA-registered dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant.Enhance the washing machine: The Glisten Washer Machine Cleaner is designed for monthly use to clean door seals, detergent drawers, and other tricky spots. The product has no bleach or other chemicals that could harm fabrics and meets the EPA Safer Choice designation.Boost your disposal: Get rid of the grunge this spring with weekly use of Glisten Disposer Care Foaming Cleaner, which can help remove not only gunk and buildup in the disposal but in the drainpipe as well.Support the stove: This spring, start a healthy habit of "as-needed cleaning" of cooktops, ovens, microwaves, and other small appliances with Glisten Cooktop & Kitchen Cleaning Pads, engineered for the job with a non-abrasive, deep cleaning side and a soft cloth polishing side.Glisten products are created with consideration of sustainability and environmental impact and are formulated with natural ingredients.For more information about Glisten products and cleaning tips, visit 
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– The post-Civil War years were challenging and tumultuous times. The WARRANT, a new drama, brings this period to life with a story of hardship, friendship, and ultimately justice.Former Civil War hero John Breaker has become a local sheriff, and does his best to keep the peace in rural Georgia. That peace is disturbed when his son, Cal, a marshal, arrives with a warrant for the arrest of one of Breaker’s old army colleagues, Virgil St. Denis, now known as "the Saint," and leading a band of outlaws.Despite his better judgement, or perhaps because of it, Breaker joins his son to track down St. Denis and put a stop to his raids, which threaten to drive the still-fragile union back into conflict. Along the way, both men deal with memories from the past that intrude on the present."This post-Civil War action-drama is the first movie of its kind for Imagicomm Entertainment," says Jonathan Collins, vice president of digital media distribution for Imagicomm."The WARRANT showcases a period of American history that was full of heartache, sacrifice and standing up for what’s right," says Collins. "The story is relevant and personal, and captures your attention early on."The WARRANT is produced by INSP Films and distributed by Imagicomm Entertainment.The all-star cast includes Neal McDonough (Yellowstone, Captain America), Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Tarzan), Steven R. McQueen (The Vampire Diaries, Chicago Fire), and Annabeth Gish (X-Files, The Haunting of Hill House). In addition, Christie McNab brings some gun-wielding girl power as part of the Saint’s gang.The WARRANT is available on DVD through major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, through Vudu, iTunes, Christian Cinema, Google, Fandango, DirecTV, and Dish.The WARRANT continues the tradition of Imagicomm Entertainment films and television series with strong storytelling, memorable characters, and high production values. Imagicomm Entertainment distributes content globally through a variety of streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Netflix and Vudu, on traditional television outlets, and on DVDs as well as through DVDs from major retailers, and on traditional television outlets.
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– As temperatures rise and air conditioners begin to blast, educated homeowners have no need to fear the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2020 Freon Phaseout.
