Current Events in August 2017

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    Amazon reportedly recalls some eclipse glasses

    Retailer says it can't confirm that they are safe

    An Oregon TV station reports Amazon has cautioned it against using some of the eclipse-viewing devices it purchased from the site.

    According to an email to KGW-TV, the online retailer said it could not confirm the solar filters purchased by the station's photographers were safe for viewing the eclipse.

    “We recommend that you DO NOT use this product to view the sun or the eclipse,” the station quotes the Amazon email.

    The station also reports that at least a dozen viewers reported receiving a similar email from Amazon over the weekend, advising them not to use the solar glasses they had purchased.

    Hot-selling items

    Portland is in the 70-mile wide total eclipse zone, and stores selling solar glasses there, and elsewhere around the country, have sold out as the August 21 eclipse day approaches. Glasses used to view the moon passing between the earth and the sun must be ISO 12312-2 certified to be safe.

    KGW reports the filters it purchased from Amazon bear the proper certification, but that Amazon said it could not confirm that the item came from a recommended manufacturer. Amazon told the station that it is offering refunds to consumers who purchased the eclipse glasses and is recalling them "out of an abundance of caution."

    Amazon told the station that consumers who purchased glasses but have not received an email announcing the recall purchased glasses known to be safe. Those who receive the email, it said, should not use the glasses to view the August 21 total eclipse.

    NASA has advised that the only safe way to look directly at the partially-exposed sun during the eclipse is by using special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses”or hand-held solar viewers.

    "Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun; they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight," NASA warns.

    Recommended manufacturers

    Here is the American Astronomical Society's list of recommended manufacturers of eclipse glasses and hand-held viewers:

    • American Paper Optics (Eclipser) / EclipseGlasses.com / 3dglassesonline.com

    • APM Telescopes (Sunfilter Glasses)*

    • Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold Film)* [see note]

    • Celestron (EclipSmart Glasses & Viewers)

    • Daylight Sky (plastic glasses only)

    • DayStar (Solar Glasses)

    • Explore Scientific (Solar Eclipse Sun Catcher Glasses)

    • Halo Solar Eclipse Spectacles

    • Lunt Solar Systems (SUNsafe SUNglasses)[see their unique kid-size eclipse glasses]

    • Meade Instruments (EclipseView Glasses & Viewers)

    • Rainbow Symphony (Eclipse Shades) [sold out]

    • Seymour Solar (Helios Glasses)

    • Thousand Oaks Optical (Silver-Black Polymer & SolarLite)

    • TSE 17 / 110th.de (Solar Filter Foil)

    An Oregon TV station reports Amazon has cautioned it against using some of the eclipse-viewing devices it purchased from the site.According to an email...

    Driver-assist devices making drivers complacent, experts fear

    Driving is still a full-time job despite new systems that help with some tasks

    Automation is great, but it has its downsides. For example, some safety experts worry that highly automated cockpits are robbing airline pilots of the flying experience they need to keep their skills up to date.

    If that's a concern, just think how scary it would be if the same thing happened to drivers of new cars loaded with driver-assistance packages like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automated parking.

    It's not an idle concern. Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is worried about drivers "checking out" and letting the car do the driving.

    “Everything we do that makes the driving task a little easier means that people are going to pay a little bit less attention when they’re driving,” Lund said in a recent Insurance Journal report.

    The hope is that when cars become fully self-driving, traffic accidents and deaths will be drastically reduced. Everyone hopes that's true, since right now the numbers are going in the other direction, with U.S. highway deaths up 14 percent over the last two years, with more than 40,000 people dying in crashes in 2016.

    Rising complacency

    While speed and congestion are partly to blame, distraction is another big factor -- as drivers fiddle with smartphones, GPS, and entertainment software while driving.

    The semi-autonomous features being built into today's cars are supposed to be compensating for driver inattention, but the fear is that drivers are becoming complacent because of all the extra safety devices.

    A recent University of Michigan study, for example, found that many drivers whose cars have blind-spot detectors are relying on the software and failing to glance ovr their shoulder before changing lanes.

    Safety advocates also worry that consumers are often unaware of exactly how their driver-assist software works and may rely on it too heavily. There's also the risk that as drivers become used to the driver-assist devices, they may not realize that not all cars have the equipment, which could increase the number of crashes involving rental cars and other vehicles that consumers don't drive every day.

    Automation is great, but it has its downsides. For example, some safety experts worry that highly automated cockpits are robbing airline pilots of the flyi...

    North Carolina's Outer Banks welcomes back vacationers

    Vacation spot back to normal after brief blackout

    North Carolina's Outer Banks are a favorite beach destination for consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

    Made up of some 125 miles of barrier island beaches jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, the Outer Banks have long been a favorite of vacationing families, since most of the accommodations consist of houses that can be rented by the week.

    At the peak of vacation season in late July, workmen accidentally severed the main power line serving Hatteras Island, one of the southern-most islands in the chain. It required the evacuation of vacationers from that island until power was restored late last week.

    "We got the wind kicked out of us," said Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lee Nettles.

    It was made worse, Nettles said, by what he termed "sensationalized or ill-framed reports" by the media that suggested the whole Outer Banks was experiencing a total blackout. In fact, the northern beaches, including six towns from Duck to Nags Head, and the Roanoke Island town of Manteo, still had the lights on.

    Back to normal

    By last weekend, everything was back to normal as Dennis Fisher of Philadelphia, along with his extended family, headed for their reserved beach house on Hatteras Island. They had nervously awaited word on whether they could check in as scheduled.

    "Our arrival on Sunday was unimpeded by traffic," Fisher told ConsumerAffairs. "We saw where the electric company installed more poles, but we really could not tell where the underground cables had been severed."

    Fisher and his family report everything on the island seems to be back to normal. He said they had to reset all of the clocks once they arrived at their beach house and reprogram the TV, but that was the only sign that there had been a power outage. He also says the crowds appear to be back, which will be music to Nettles' ears.

    The Visitor's Bureau has posted an accommodations guide, with a list of hotels on the Outer Banks and whether or not they have vacancies, for use by consumers making last minute vacation plans. Meanwhile, the region's attractions, are as crowded as you would expect in August.

    Attractions

    Famous as the launching pad for the Wright Brothers' first airplane, the Outer Banks have long been associated with flight, aided by a stiff and steady ocean breeze. Jockeys Ridge State Park features a towering sand dune, a favorite venue for hang gliding and kite flying.

    Roanoke Island, located in the bay on the western side of the islands, has a place in history as well. It was the site of the first English military outpost on American soil, established in 1585. Today, the settlement is referred to as "the lost colony," because the colonists disappeared three years after their last shipload of supplies arrived from England. Though there are many theories about what happened, no one really knows for sure.

    Visitors to Roanoke Island can go aboard the Elizabeth II, a replica of a ship from the era. Costumed sailors interact with visitors as they set sails, swab decks, and perform other nautical chores.

    The island also has a settlement site, complete with costumed interpreters, an American Indian town, and a museum.

    Just about every kind of fishing

    Anglers are also drawn to the Outer Banks, especially in the fall. Fishermen can choose from surf and pier fishing, freshwater, fly and sound fishing, and inshore and offshore charter fishing.

    Offshore anglers only have to venture 12 to 15 miles out to sea in order to reach the Gulf Stream, providing a diverse assortment of fish.

    Since 2007, North Carolina has offered a Coastal Recreational Fishing License. It can be purchased on a 10-day, annual, or lifetime basis.

    Getting there

    The closest major airport to the Outer Banks is Norfolk International. It's served by Delta, United, American, Southwest, and Allegiant Air.

    From Norfolk, the northern Outer Banks are reached by taking highway 168, then 158 and crossing Albemarle Sound at Kitty Hawk. The southern islands are reachable by taking highway 17 to highway 64.

    North Carolina's Outer Banks are a favorite beach destination for consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.Made up of some 125 miles of barrier...

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      Epilepsy cases on the rise in the U.S.

      More than 3 million adults and children are affected

      In the modern era, diseases and health conditions usually become more rare as new drugs and treatments emerge.

      But there are exceptions. Autism is one. Epilepsy, it turns out, is another.

      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an unexplained increase in epilepsy among both adults and children. At least 3 million adults and 470,000 children in the U.S. are living with the condition, the health agency says.

      The report comes as no surprise to the Epilepsy Foundation, which says the condition is the fourth most common neurological disorder. The foundation says epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems too.

      "Millions of Americans are impacted by epilepsy, and unfortunately, this study shows cases are on the rise," said CDC Dr. Director Brenda Fitzgerald. "Proper diagnosis is key to finding an effective treatment – and at CDC we are committed to researching, testing, and sharing strategies that will improve the lives of people with epilepsy."

      State-by-state breakdown

      For the first time, CDC has been able to provide a state-by-state breakdown of epilepsy cases. The number of active cases ranges from 5,100 in Wyoming to nearly 368,000 in California. Eleven states have an estimated 92,000 or more cases.

      The Epilepsy Foundation says public misunderstanding of epilepsy can often cause greater challenges that the condition itself. The CDC report tends to agree.

      The challenges

      Researchers say people with epilepsy often face problems at work, difficulty finding transportation, and difficulty affording medical care. They say children with epilepsy are more likely to fall behind in their school work.

      "Epilepsy is common, complex to live with, and costly. It can lead to early death if not appropriately treated," said Rosemarie Kobau, who leads CDC's Epilepsy Program. "Everyone should know how to recognize a seizure and how to give appropriate first aid."

      The problem is, there are at least 30 different types of seizures so it is sometimes hard to tell if someone is having one. Symptoms include looking dazed or confused, shaking, and even falling down.

      The CDC says first aid involves keeping the person safe until the seizure ends on its own and knowing when to seek emergency assistance.

      In the modern era, diseases and health conditions usually become more rare as new drugs and treatments emerge.But there are exceptions. Autism is one....

      Seven key elements your child's school should have

      Parents should ensure their child's school environment is both healthy and nurturing

      Your child’s health is in your hands when they’re under your roof, but the torch gets passed when they head off to school. For this reason, it’s crucial to make sure your child’s school environment has all the elements needed to help them thrive.

      "Children spend a significant part of their day in school, and so the school environment is really important to their overall health," said Dr. Sandra Hassink, medical director of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight.

      To pave the way for learning and growth, every child needs a nutritious diet, enough exercise, sleep, protection from illness, and security in the fact that their environment is a safe place.

      You may be confident in your ability to provide these elements at home, but it’s also important to make sure your child’s school is up to the task of creating a healthy, nurturing environment for learning.

      Elements to look for

      The AAP recommends giving your child’s school a check-up to make sure it has the following elements:

      • Healthy food. Kids consume between 35 to 40 percent of their daily calories while at school. And while most schools serve healthy, balanced lunches under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed in 2010, it’s important to make sure your child’s school doesn’t veer into unhealthy territory with regard to informal snacks, beverages, and treats.
      • Daily recess. Designated time for unstructured play is fundamental for children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, says the AAP. Make sure your child’s school allots daily time for play and physical activity.
      • Safe routes to school. Your child should be safe whether they travel to school by foot or on wheels. If your child walks to school, make sure the route has crossing guards at every intersection. If they ride the bus, ensure the bus has safety restraints.
      • Reasonable start times. A brain that is well-rested will be much better at absorbing new information. To make sure kids (especially teens) are able to get enough sleep, the AAP recommends that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 AM.
      • Protection from disease. Ensure your child’s school has achieved “community immunity” by having a high percentage of immunized people. This can help prevent your child from catching a contagious disease like measles, chickenpox, or whooping cough.
      • A school nurse. Make sure your child’s school employs a full-time professional school nurse, especially if your child has a chronic health issue like ADHD, allergies, or asthma that requires management.
      • Freedom from bullying and teasing. Your child shouldn’t have to fear being bullied or teased when they step onto the school bus or walk through the doors of their school. To make sure your child’s school environment is a safe space, the AAP recommends making sure it has a firm policy against bullying and teasing.

      Your child’s health is in your hands when they’re under your roof, but the torch gets passed when they head off to school. For this reason, it’s crucial to...

      Judge turns aside pleas for cheaper phone calls for prisoners

      Nothing gives prisoners the right to reasonably priced calls, the court finds

      Back in the last millennium, Congress tried to increase competition in the telephone industry and passed a gigantic bill that, a few decades later, has created a patchwork in which some types of consumers enjoy plenty of companies competing for their business while others enjoy nearly none.

      Residents in affluent areas, for example, often have multiple broadband carriers offering high-speed fiber connections at competitive prices while rural consumers are stuck with slow-speed telephone lines.

      But of everyone affected by the legislation, no one has fared worse than prisoners and their families. Local and state governments, seeing an opportunity to make a few bucks off the backs of prisoners, have cut deals with private providers who operate the jailhouse phone systems, charging exorbitant rates to those unlucky enough to place or get a call from prison.

      You might think the courts would outlaw the practice, but despite a few limited actions, that hasn't been the case so far. Just yesterday, a federal judge in California pitched four lawsuits challenging the price-gouging, according to a Courthouse News Service report. 

      "Grossly excessive" rates

      Plaintiffs had charged that Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties had contracted with Global Tel Link Corp. and Securus Technologies, allowing them to charge "grossly excessive" rates to inamtes and their families.

      The plaintiffs had argued the Ninth Circuit has recognized a First Amendment right to telephone access, and that the commissions amount to unconstitutional taxes on that right.

      But U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers granted a motion by the counties to dismiss the suits.

      “That the commissions charged may result in higher phone rates, which, in turn, may reduce the frequency and length of phone calls made, does not constitute a governmental restriction on plaintiffs’ constitutional rights,” Gonzalez Rogers wrote in a 26-page order.

      Gonzalez Rogers said the Ninth Circuit ruling applied to prisoners who were denied access to a telephone and did not deal with pricing issues.

      The judge also turned aside the claim that the counties were in violation of antitrust laws, noting that state law bars antitrust action against governmental units.

      Back in the last millennium, Congress tried to increase competition in the telephone industry and passed a gigantic bill that, a few decades later, has cre...

      Insured consumers gouged when buying generic drugs, lawsuit alleges

      The case involves the murky world of pharmacy benefit managers and insurers

      A federal class action lawsuit charges that Walgreens unlawfully conspired with pharmacy benefit managers to gouge customers for generic drugs.

      The case grows out of the mysterious and often baffling world of drug pricing, in which different consumers pay wildly varying prices depending on what insurance they have. In some cases, consumers with no insurance at all can buy a generic drug for less than the copay charged to consumers who have insurance.

      The lawsuit was filed in Chicago federal court on behalf of David Grabstald, a Californian who charges that Walgreens entered into secret contracts with the pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs, which act as middlemen between insurance companies and pharmacies, according to a Courthouse News Service report.

      The PBMs negotiate with the insurance companies and pharmacies, setting the price that pharmacies can charge their customers while still making a profit. 

      "Secret, undisclosed contracts"

      “As a result, Walgreens is eager to reach agreements with PBMs that will drive more people to the stores, where customers often purchase more than their generic drugs,” the lawsuit states. “These agreements with PBMs are based on secret, undisclosed contracts, under which Walgreens agrees to specific amounts it will charge and collect from insured customers—but the customers can neither see nor learn about these agreements or their terms from the pharmacies, the insurance companies, or anyone else.”

      In some cases, the agreement may mean that customers with insurance wind up paying more than customers without insurance, the complaint alleges.

      “Although the customers are told, for example, that they are required to pay $15 in a ‘copay’ for the drug, in reality this is not a ‘copay’ at all because Walgreens is sending a significant portion of the $15 back to the PBMs. The PBMs, far from assisting with the payments, are taking an extra chunk out of the customer’s copayment,” the lawsuit states.

      Grabstald, who was insured by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, noticed he was overpaying for his generic drugs at Walgreens with his insurance and that the cost of the drugs without his insurance would have been significantly less.

      His suit alleges that Anthem and its PBM, Express Scripts Inc., have a written contract outling the terms under which Express Scripts administers the prescription-drug benefit part of Anthem’s insurance plans, all without the knowledge or consent of the consumer.

      A federal class action lawsuit charges that Walgreens unlawfully conspired with pharmacy benefit managers to gouge customers for generic drugs.The case...

      What you can do to protect your pet's health

      Six of the most common pet illnesses and how you can prevent them

      Pet ownership can get expensive, especially if your beloved companion suddenly comes down with an illness.

      The costs associated with providing proper veterinary care when medical issues arise can be sky-high, but just as eating right and exercising can help you stay healthy, so can scheduling routine wellness exams for your pet.

      Providing preventive care through annual wellness visits won’t only help to stave off medical bills, it’ll give you peace of mind in knowing that your four-legged family member isn’t being burdened by a painful ailment.

      "The cornerstone of good veterinary care has always been catching diseases early,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. “I strongly recommend that pet owners schedule routine wellness examinations with their local veterinarian."

      Preventive care measures

      "Being proactive is in your pet's best interest," MicConnell added. But in order to provide preventive care, it’s important to know which conditions most commonly plague dogs and cats.

      To clue pet parents in, pet health insurance provider Nationwide recently sorted through its database of more than 600,000 insured pets to provide a cost analysis of the five most common preventable ailments.

      The following cat and dog conditions can be avoided through preventive veterinary care, says Nationwide.

      • Dental diseases. Cavities, tooth infections, and other dental diseases cost an average of $390 per pet to treat, but only $180 to prevent. Brushing your pet’s teeth can help keep dental diseases at bay, but the most effective preventative treatment for dental disease is having your pet’s teeth cleaned annually by a veterinary professional.
      • External parasites. Tick-transmitted lyme disease and allergic dermatitis caused by fleas can cost around $250 to treat, but just $121 to prevent. Nationwide suggests using preventative flea and tick medications, keeping your home free of fleas and ticks, and checking your pet for fleas and ticks after outdoor activities.
      • Internal parasites. Heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and Giardia cost roughly $200 to treat, but only $35 to prevent. Similar to external parasites, preventing internal parasites can be achieved by keeping your pet and home flea-free. Additionally, annual fecal exams and preventive medications can reduce your pet’s risk of being affected by a parasitic infection.
      • Infectious diseases. Parvovirus, Lyme disease, and feline leukemia virus can incur costs of over $800, but preventive vaccination against these diseases costs less than $100 per pet. Your pet’s exposure risk (whether they are an outdoor cat, if you live in an area with a large population of ticks, etc) can help your veterinarian determine which vaccines to recommend.
      • Reproductive organ diseasesIf your pet’s reproductive organs become infected or inflamed, it can cost up to $600 to treat. But preventing reproductive organ diseases costs roughly half that amount and can be achieved by spaying or neutering your pet.
      • Respiratory infections. Treating canine kennel cough or feline upper respiratory virus costs almost $200, but preventing respiratory infections with a Bordatella vaccination costs only around $25 per pet.

      Pet ownership can get expensive, especially if your beloved companion suddenly comes down with an illness. The costs associated with providing proper v...

      A new approach to rural healthcare

      Doctors says the hospital ER should play a bigger role

      In healthcare, conventional wisdom holds that seeking treatment for a non-emergency condition in a hospital emergency room is both expensive and highly inefficient.

      But a plan drafted by emergency physicians in Michigan turns that belief upside down, at least as far as rural communities are concerned.

      Their study, published in the the “Annals of Emergency Medicine,” proposes a partnership between the ER and primary care providers to meet unique rural healthcare needs.

      This partnership, the authors contend, could reverse the trend of failing health in underserved parts of the country.

      Urban model ineffective

      "The traditional urban model of health care has been ineffective at improving rural health," said the paper's lead author Dr. Margaret Greenwood-Ericksen, the paper's lead author. "Our emergency medicine-primary care model embraces the role that emergency departments play in providing primary care in rural areas while also connecting patients to other physicians and resources in the community.”

      Under the proposal, rural hospitals would serve as a hub for a full range of healthcare services, including emergency care, primary and preventive care, and social services for improving rural population health.

      The new Carolinas Heathcare facility in Wadesboro, N.C., is cited as an example. The final design has no physical walls separating emergency and primary care. Rather, the two are integrated. The authors say it is a test of their new model of rural healthcare delivery.

      Declining health

      Greenwood-Ericksen says a different approach is needed because the health of rural Americans is declining.

      “The partnership we propose is novel yet practical and acknowledges that an emergency department might be the closest source of health care for rural patients. Emergency medicine-primary care partnerships can address rural populations' most pressing social and medical needs," she said.

      And with a smaller population surrounding it, a rural hospital ER likely has more capacity to treat non-emergency cases without creating the inefficiencies that could occur in an urban hospital ER.

      In an urban ER, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina estimates a non-emergency patient waits an average of four hours to see a doctor, and the visit could cost an average of $1,200. It says a better alternative is an urgent care facility, which are common in cities and suburbs but are rare in rural areas.

      In healthcare, conventional wisdom holds that seeking treatment for a non-emergency condition in a hospital emergency room is both expensive and highly ine...

      Why it may soon be harder to find an electrician

      Report finds growing shortage of experienced professionals

      Many homeowners pride themselves in their do-it-yourself capabilities, but when an electrical issue arises, most will call in an electrician.

      A new report from Klein Tools suggests it may soon be a little harder to find one of these home service professionals.

      Its State of the Industry survey gathered input from both union and non-union electricians and found growing concern about a skills gap. At the same time, it found more experienced electricians are leaving the industry to pursue other professions, citing the physical demands of the job.

      Declining experience level

      As a result, the report's authors say the experience level is on the decline. Electricians with 10 to 19 years of experience are hanging up their tool belts in increasing numbers.

      Forty percent of the electricians in the survey worried that there may not be enough qualified workers in the industry over the next five to 10 years.

      "It's concerning that electricians are seeing fewer experienced skilled workers on job sites," said Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools. "As part of the solution to this problem, we need to continue to educate the younger generation on the many benefits a skilled trade job offers, including job flexibility, potentially high wages and the opportunity for creativity and pride of ownership.”

      Klein says there also needs to be more technical and vocational academic training to increase the ranks of both electricians and other building trades.

      Opportunities

      The decline in the number of electricians might well provide employment opportunities for young people without a college degree. According to Salary.com, a third class electrican earns an average of nearly $59,000 a year, with salaries ranging from $52,000 to $66,000.

      To become an electrician, a candidate needs a high school diploma or GED certificate. A basic foundation in math is helpful.

      To learn the trade, join an apprenticeship program through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

      Candidates typically go through both classroom courses and on-the-job training, spending a total of about four years learning the ins and outs of the trade. During that time candidates can usually get jobs as electricians' helpers as part of the learning process.

      The final step is to earn a license by taking a usually location-specific exam, to make sure the candidate is familiar with local building codes.

      Many homeowners pride themselves in their do-it-yourself capabilities, but when an electrical issue arises, most will call in an electrician.A new repo...

      Questions to ask before considering a 'pension advance'

      Signing away your pension for a lump sum payment may be an expensive proposition

      Retirees who are trying to make ends meet may be tempted to sign up with a company that promises to turn pension payments into lump-sum cash.

      Instead of getting a check every month, the retiree essentially agrees to sell his or her right to the pension to the company in return for the single big payment.

      Officials in Pennsylvania, which has one of the largest populations of seniors in the country, is warning consumers to get all the facts before considering such a proposal.

      'Thinly-disguised loans'

      The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities calls these pension advances nothing more than “thinly-disguised loans with no contractual or financial relationship with the consumer's pension or pension plan.”

      It points out that the company making the advance may collect a lot more in terms of pension payments than what it pays the retiree.

      “In almost all cases, the payments made by the consumer are more than a lender can legally charge on a loan to a Pennsylvania resident,” the department said in a press release.

      It intervened in May to stop one company from operating a pension advance business, citing it for not being licensed.

      FTC's advice

      The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that pension advances aren't cheap. They can carry fees that can push the effective annual percentage rate (APR), the cost of credit on a yearly basis, over 100%. In many cases, it says these companies also require consumers to purchase life insurance, with the pension company as the beneficiary.

      There are several questions you should ask before considering a pension advance proposal.

      • Are you eligible? It might be against the law to sign over your pension to someone else. Check with your pension administrator.
      • How much does it cost? Do the math, measuring the amount you get against the number of payments the company will collect. The difference is the interest and fees the company is collecting.
      • Do you have to buy life insurance? If so, the premiums will be an extra expense.
      • What are the tax implications? A lump sum payment could push you into a higher tax bracket.
      • Can you cancel the deal if you change your mind? Maybe not, some of these agreements are binding.

      The FTC says there are better alternatives for seniors who need extra cash. A personal loan from your bank or credit union might actually be cheaper.

      If money problems are persistent, consider working with a non-profit credit counselor to find ways to reduce expenses.

      Retirees who are trying to make ends meet may be tempted to sign up with a company that promises to turn pension payments into lump-sum cash.Instead of...

      Up to 160 Applebee's and IHOP restaurants to close down

      Lagging sales at underperforming restaurants was cited as the main reason

      You may notice fewer Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in your travels over the coming year. DineEquity Inc., parent company of both chains, announced on Thursday that it will be closing up to 160 locations (up to 135 for Applebee’s and up to 25 for IHOP) over the next fiscal year.

      DineEquity Chairman and Interim CEO Richard J. Dahl cited lagging sales at underperforming locations as the reason for the closings, but said that the parent company plans to open up dozens of new restaurants in an effort to improve the brands’ overall financial health and supply chain.

      “We believe 2017 will be a transitional year for Applebee’s and we are making the necessary investments for overall long-term brand health and expect to see improvement over the next year,” he said.

      “IHOP remains on solid ground, despite soft sales this quarter. I am optimistic about the growth in both effective franchise restaurants and system-wide sales.”

      Dahl did not disclose which restaurants were being targeted to close. Currently, DineEquity operates more than 3,700 Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in 18 different countries.

      You may notice fewer Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in your travels over the coming year. DineEquity Inc., parent company of both chains, announced on Thu...

      GM recalls Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks

      The owners' manual may lack information on child restraint anchoring

      General Motors is recalling 29,647 model year 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks.

      The owner's manual may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems.

      As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

      If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

      What to do

      GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

      Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 17307.

      General Motors is recalling 29,647 model year 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks.The owner's manual may be missing instructions o...

      Labor Department delays full Fiduciary Rule for additional 18 months

      Key provisions had been set to take effect next January

      The Labor Department has served notice that it intends to delay full implementation of the Fiduciary Rule until July 2019.

      The government revealed the delay in a brief filed in a court in Minnesota, where it is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Thrivent Financial. Previously, the Trump Administration had said it would delay key provisions of the Obama Administration rule until January 2018.

      The Fiduciary Rule requires financial advisors to always place the client's interests ahead of their own. While that might sound fairly straightforward, the financial services industry has resisted that.

      One argument is that advisors who make no commissions from the investments their clients make would have to charge so much for their advice that only wealthy investors could afford their services. However, some experts say that delaying the rule further will only make it easier for firms to stall their implentation efforts.

      "We have consistently opposed any additional delay, which will only serve to increase uncertainty over the rule’s ultimate fate," Barbara Roper, director of investor protection at Consumer Federation of America, told ConsumerAffairs.

      An early target

      From the first month it took office, the Trump Administration targeted the rule, signing an executive order in February rescinding it. That drew a stern rebuke from AARP, which said that too many retirees are losing too much money due to impartial investment advice.

      The rule's backers say conflicted investment advice -- a broker recommending a fund or investment because he or she earns a commission -- does in fact end up costing consumers a lot of money. In an analysis issued in May, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) put a figure on it.

      Estimated cost to investors

      In a state-by-state breakdown, EPI's director of policy Heidi Shierholz and economist Ben Zipperer estimated financial advisors who have a conflict of interest cost Wyoming investors $24.2 million a year and California investors $1.9 billion.

      “The fiduciary rule will require financial advisers to act in the best interests of clients saving for retirement,” Shierholz said at the time. “The Department of Labor (DOL) should fully implement and enforce the fiduciary rule to protect the savings of working people.”

      But not surprisingly, the American Bankers Association (ABA) takes a different position. One of its concerns, it says, is that the Fiduciary Rule expands the definition of who is a financial advisor.

      "The delay marks a significant victory for ABA, which has long called on DOL to extend the effective date for the exemptions to allow bankers more time to comply," ABA said in a statement.

      It notes that the delay came just two days after ABA wrote to DOL expressing concern that the rule remains “deeply flawed in several critical areas.”

      The Labor Department has served notice that it intends to delay full implementation of the Fiduciary Rule until July 2019.The government revealed the d...

      Is the housing market at a tipping point?

      There are plenty of buyers, but not sellers

      Home sales have slowed in recent months, but not because of a lack of buyers. The problem has been a lack of sellers.

      In a new report, real estate marketplace realtor.com says the U.S. housing market is in the midst of its biggest inventory shortage in two decades. The reason, it says, is two-fold.

      First, Baby Boomers aren't putting their houses up for sale. The report found 85% of Boomers don't plan to sell their homes in the next year. Since Boomers make up the nation's largest group of homeowners, realtor.com says that takes approximately 33 million properties out of play.

      “Boomers indeed hold the key to those homes the market desperately needs, both in the urban condo and the detached suburban home segment,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com. “But with a strong economy and rising home prices, there’s really no reason for established homeowners to sell in the short term. Although down-sizing might be on the minds of boomers, they face the same inventory shortages and price increases plaguing millennials.”

      Lack of home building

      A second reason for the declining number of homes for sale is that fewer new homes are being built, and those that are being built are the wrong kind. Construction of new single-family homes peaked in 2005, then plunged in the wake of the financial crisis.

      New home construction hasn't recovered and the homes that are being built tend to be expensive, not in the entry-level price range that first-time buyers can afford. There are many explanations for this, but the result is there are fewer homes available as the large Millennial generation is finally ready to buy a home.

      This supply and demand imbalance has sent home prices soaring. Prices are up so much in some markets that a new homebuyer survey by ValueInsured uncovered significant concerns among many buyers that the housing market is in for a price correction.

      Valuation fears

      "We see more homebuyers concerned with timing the market," said Joe Melendez, CEO of ValueInsured. "This is especially true for millennials, who are more likely to switch jobs, relocate or need to upsize in the next few years. No one wants to buy at the peak and find themselves underwater as so many did a decade ago."

      The survey shows Millennials still want to own a home, but they are less confident that the property they buy will hold these lofty levels. Remarkably, 57% of current homeowners think houses in their area are overvalued and current prices are unsustainable.

      Those fears are most likely to be expressed by homeowners in urban areas, especially those in technology centers that have seen the most dramatic price increases. And in fact, home prices and rents have begun to level off in some of these markets.

      However, as long as inventory levels remain tight, the supply and demand equation will continue to favor sellers. Industry analysts say only fewer potential buyers or a flood of houses hitting the market will likely bring prices down.

      Home sales have slowed in recent months, but not because of a lack of buyers. The problem has been a lack of sellers.In a new report, real estate marke...

      How often should kids visit the eye doctor?

      Survey finds US parents aren't prioritizing back-to-school eye exams the way they should

      Your child’s eyes are a primary vessel for new information. With fuzzy vision, kids may struggle to see the chalkboard, computer, or other reading material -- and as a result, they could fall behind in school.

      But as important as kids’ vision is to their overall academic performance, a new survey finds that half of US parents skip back-to-school eye exams.

      Routine eye exams are crucial, experts say, as they can help spot issues early. Left untreated, certain eye issues can cause kids to fall behind academically or developmentally. They can even lead to vision loss later in life.

      First visit at six months

      Your child’s first comprehensive eye assessment should happen at six months old, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). This first appointment will help ensure the eyes are working together properly and detect any vision problems.

      After the first exam, the AOA recommends children be seen for a comprehensive eye exam at three years old, five years old, and annually throughout the school years.

      Despite these recommendations, the VSP Vision Care and YouGov survey found that one in five parents did not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until they were school age (at least five years old). One in 10 (13 percent) parents had never taken their child(ren) to the eye doctor.

      ‘Kids don’t know what’s normal’

      Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, owner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver, urges parents to have their children’s eyes checked out regularly by a trained professional.

      "It may seem surprising, but kids who can't read or even speak yet can still have a comprehensive eye exam,” said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, owner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver. “The connection between eyes and the brain starts early.”

      Murphy, who is an optometrist as well as a mom of school age children herself, encourages parents to prioritize back-to-school eye exams “the same way you wouldn't miss a dentist or pediatrician visit.”

      “Kids don’t know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to eye health,” she added. “When vision problems aren’t identified early, kids will be at a disadvantage before they even start kindergarten.”

      Your child’s eyes are a primary vessel for new information. With fuzzy vision, kids may struggle to see the chalkboard, computer, or other reading material...

      FTC charges online operation of running a negative option scam

      Consumers were allegedly misled into paying hundreds of dollars per month

      An online marketing operation has been charged by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of conducting a negative option scam that allegedly fleeced consumers out of hundreds of dollars per month.

      Officials say that the defendants deceptively lured consumers in with a trial offer for tooth whiteners and other associated products for an initial low-cost of $1.03, plus shipping and handling. However, the FTC says that consumers who provided their billing information were charged $100 per month unless they canceled the offer within 8 days.

      To make matters worse, the agency says the defendants used deceptive claims, hidden fine-print disclosures, and confusing terms to trick consumers into signing up for a second monthly subscription that cost an additional $100 per month for identical products.

      So, instead of getting products that cost just $1.03 plus shipping costs, an unsuspecting consumer could pay up to $200 per month until they canceled both unauthorized subscriptions. The FTC say that the defendants used a network of 78 companies, at least 87 websites, and dozens of bank accounts to run the scam and launder their ill-gotten gains.

      All parties have been charged with violating the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, and a temporary restraining order has been filed to stop their operations and freeze their assets pending further investigation. Consumers can learn more about the scam by visiting the FTC website here, viewing the agency’s infographic here, or reading the original complaint here

      An online marketing operation has been charged by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of conducting a negative option scam that allegedly fleeced consumers...

      Facebook wants you to watch Watch, its new video channel

      Instead of cat videos, Watch will be professionally produced content

      There is apparently a dire shortage of video in the world today, but don't worry -- big companies are rushing to fill the imagined void with, you guessed it, even more video.

      The latest light and nimble entrepreneurial venture to wade into video is none other than Facebook. It's starting something called Facebook Watch -- clever, no? 

      Watch will be just what you expect -- a video distribution platform that we're told will be chockfull of scintillating, original video. And, of course, like everything else these days, it will be "personalized," meaning you'll be shown videos that Facebook thinks you want to see. Or, to be a bit more precise, videos that Facebook's advertisers want you to see.

      Like everything else on Facebook, it will also be driven at least partly by what your friends -- and your "Friends" -- are watching and raving about. We're told you will find it on the Facebook menu bar, replacing the tab that currently says "Video."

      "Watch is personalized to help you discover new shows, organized around what your friends and communities are watching," said Daniel Danker, Facebook Director of Product. "For example, you’ll find sections like 'Most Talked About,' which highlights shows that spark conversation, 'What’s Making People Laugh,' which includes shows where many people have used the 'Haha' reaction, and 'What Friends Are Watching,' which helps you connect with friends about shows they too are following."

      Professional content

      It's important to note that, unlike videos of cute cats and bouncing babies posted by your supposed friends, Watch will be the real thing -- you know, professional content: movies, series, and even sports. Facebook says it will live-streaming one Major League Baseball game each week and has several other attractions up its sleeve.

      Not everyone will have Watch right away. It's being rolled out, in usual Facebook fashion, on a staggered basis. So let's just say you'll be seeing it soon -- and, Facebook hopes, watching it ever after.

      There is apparently a dire shortage of video in the world today, but don't worry -- big companies are rushing to fill the imagined void with, you guessed i...

      FDA hopes to clear up generic drug backlog

      Approving more generics could create competition, drive down prices

      Amidst all the political back-and-forth about drug prices, there's general agreement on one thing: generic drugs can save money. But until recently, the Food and Drug Administration was moving at a somewhat stately pace when it came to approving new generics.

      That has changed recently, with the announcement that the FDA is working to clear the backlog of pending applications -- a whopping 4,000 of them. 

      “No patient should be priced out of the medicines they need, and as an agency dedicated to promoting public health, we must do our part to help patients get access to the treatments they require,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., in June.  

      “Getting safe and effective generic products to market in an efficient way, being risk-based in our own work and making sure our rules aren’t used to create obstacles to new competition can all help make sure that patients have access to more lower-cost options,” Gottlieb said. 

      Billions at stake

      Gottlieb's action is drawing praise from both ends of the political spectrum. 

      “In the past, the FDA said they were not going to look at those issues, but the new commissioner recognizes there is a role for FDA in dealing with high prices,” former Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said at a recent conference.

      Gottlieb has said he will expedite reviews until there are three approved generics for a given drug product. That policy shift is based on data whic indicates that consumers see significant price reductions when there are multiple FDA-approved generics available.

      “I am committed to continuing to pursue additional policy steps, under the FDA’s current authority, to help reduce the burden on patients who have a difficult time paying for the medicines they need,” Gottlieb said in his June statement.

      Prescription drug costs take 10 cents out of every dollar spent on U.S. health care, and the United States accounts for 33 percent of world spending on prescription drugs despite accounting for only 4 percent of the world’s population.

      “Prescription drugs are the most frequently accessed part of the health care system,” said Joel White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage. “You go to the pharmacy once a month; you don’t go to the hospital once a month.”

      Amidst all the political back-and-forth about drug prices, there's general agreement on one thing: generic drugs can save money. But until recently, the Fo...

      Credit cards with the most and fewest fees

      Card comparison site finds First Premier Bank card has the most with 12

      A report by card comparison site CreditCards.com has found the average credit card carries six potential fees, which can make a consumer's purchase a little more costly.

      The good news is there are fewer fees than there used to be. The credit card industry has gotten a lot more competitive and issuers have found reducing fees can make their products a lot more attractive to consumers.

      The study measured "potential" fees, meaning consumers may be able to avoid some or all of them. That makes selecting a card and reading the fine print increasingly important.

      A dozen potential fees

      The analysis found that the First Premier Bank credit card has the most fees at 12, while the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Promise Visa has the fewest potential fees -- just one.

      If you're late making a payment, you're very likely to be charged a late fee, regardless of the card you use. Most cards also charge a fee for taking a cash advance.

      Both are costly. Being late paying your bill can cost $37 or more while the typical fee for a cash advance is either $10 or 5% of the loan, whichever is greater.

      Balance transfer fees

      Again, a large majority of cards -- 85% -- charge a fee for transferring a balance. If you need to transfer a balance to a card with an introductory no-interest period, finding a card that doesn't charge that fee will save you about 3% of the transferred balance.

      About half the cards in the study charge a foreign transaction fee, usually 3% of the purchase. You don't have to travel outside the country to be charged this fee. If you make an online purchase from a foreign company, you'll pay the foreign transaction fee if your card charges it.

      "The good news is that all of these fees can be avoided with smart financial habits and the most common fees are among the easiest to dodge," said Matt Schulz, CreditCards.com's senior industry analyst. "I recommend setting up automatic payments, refraining from using credit cards at ATMs and shredding convenience checks."

      The most and the least

      According to the CreditCards.com study, the cards with the most potential fees are:

      • First Premier Bank credit card (12)
      • BankAmericard Secured card (11)
      • Blue Sky from American Express (10)
      • Hilton HHonors card from American Express (10)
      • Key Bank's Key2More Rewards (10)
      • Meijer MasterCard (10)
      • PNC Points Visa (10)

      Here are the cards with the fewest fees, according to CreditCards.com:

      • Pentagon Federal Credit Union Promise Visa (1)
      • Capital One Platinum (2)
      • Capital One Secured MasterCard (2)
      • Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business (2)
      • Journey Student Rewards from Capital One (2)
      • Sam's Club MasterCard (2)
      • SonyCard Visa from Capital One (2)
      • Spark Classic from Capital One (2)
      • Spark Miles Select by Capital One (2)

      Just like you would choose a rewards credit card based on the type of spending you do, consideration should also be given to the fees a card may charge, and how your use or spending behavior may affect them.

      A report by card comparison site CreditCards.com has found the average credit card carries six potential fees, which can make a consumer's purchase a littl...