Current Events in October 2017

Trek Tire is recalling 1,400 Dunlop GrandTrek PT3A tires, size 275/50R21, manufactured between December 1, 2016, and December 7, 2016.

The recalled tires lack the complete DOT identification marking prefix for radial tires and light vehicles.

As such, they fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."

The lack of complete DOT identification markings can lead to inappropriate use of the tires, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealer Tire LLC will notify owners and the noncompliant tires will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2017.

Owners may contact Trek Tire at 1-207-200-6967.

A recent University of Maryland study found that nearly 50 percent of all U.S. medical care is handled by hospital emergency departments. However, ER visits come at a heavy price for consumers.

Another study conducted by members of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine finds that certain emergency departments across the country marked up prices by as much as 12.6 times what Medicare covered in 2013. The researchers say these markups hit uninsured and out-of-network patients the hardest.

“Excess charges, or ‘markups,’ on medical services can impose a significant financial burden on uninsured and out-of-network patients,” the researchers said. “Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy and contribute to some patients electing to avoid necessary care.”

Higher prices for same services

The Johns Hopkins researchers arrived at their conclusions by comparing prices physicians charged with what Medicare would cover if emergency room physicians performed the same services. They then analyzed the markups for emergency department services and compared them to costs for internal medicine services.

The results showed that emergency medicine physicians charged Medicare Part B fee-for-service beneficiaries $4 billion for services in 2013, with $898 million being covered by Medicare. This amounted to 340% in excess charges. In contrast, overall markup by internal medicine physicians came in at 110% in excess charges.

“In this national study of hospital pricing practices in 2013, we found wide variation in excess charges for ED services relative to what Medicare would have paid,” the researchers said. “Moreover, ED services were generally priced higher than those in the internal medicine department for the same services within a given hospital.”

Especially harmful to certain groups

The researchers said that the greatest markups tended to exist in for-profit hospitals or in areas that served larger populations of uninsured patients.

Those findings are even more distressing given results from the University of Maryland study, which found that certain groups – such as African Americans and those without insurance – were the most likely to use emergency department services as their first line of medical care. 

Past findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also show that older adults (aged 65 years or older) are more likely to use emergency department services in this way.

Health care reform needed

The researchers say it is vital that lawmakers reconsider healthcare policies to avoid gouging consumers with unnecessary costs.

“Including emergency care within health reform and population health efforts would prove valuable to supporting the health of the nation,” the University of Maryland researchers said. “Now, more than ever, protecting uninsured and out-of-network patients from highly variable hospital pricing should be a policy priority,” added the Johns Hopkins researchers.

Both studies [1,2] have been published in the International Journal of Health Services and JAMA Internal Medicine, respectively.

Buying a home can be a stressful, nerve-wracking experience under the best of circumstances. If you’re nearing closing on a new home, don’t let that stress make you vulnerable a dangerous new scam.

There have been numerous incidents across the country in recent months in which a hacker impersonates a real estate agent and steals the buyer's money intended for down payment and closing costs.

The hacker targets a real estate office's network, typically one that handles high price sales in which the buyer is putting down tens of thousands of dollars.

Once inside the network, the hacker finds out what properties are coming up for closing and obtains the email addresses of the buyers.

Change in bank routing number

Just before the closing date, the hacker (using the real estate agent's email address) contacts the buyers to inform them there is a new routing number for the deposit of their funds.

The new routing number is for an offshore bank, and if the victim wires the money, there is no way to get it back.

Jessica Edgerton, associate counsel for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says anyone who scans the headlines knows cybercrime is a global problem that is growing daily.

“What we might not be aware of at this time is that it is not just government agencies and banks that are the target,” Edgerton said.

Close call in San Diego

CNBC reports a San Diego homebuyer nearly lost $100,000 to this scam when he received one of these fake emails. The only thing that saved him was his credit union said it couldn't make the switch in time.

When the would-be victim called his agent to tell her he couldn't change the routing number in time for the scheduled closing, he learned there was no change in the routing number.

Therein lies the only way to avoid this scam: you can't trust the contents of an email without verifying it.

Among Edgerton's security advice is to confirm with your Realtor or title company any changes to the closing procedures. Don't rely on phone numbers in what could be a fake email -- look up the number yourself.

Exercise good cyber security

Another wise practice to protect yourself is to refrain from transmitting personal information on an unsecured Wi-Fi network. For instance, don't correspond with your real estate agent about a nearing closing using the coffee shop's Wi-Fi.

“Beyond setting your computer on fire and burying it in your backyard, perfect security does not exist,” Edgerton said. “But don’t freak out. What you can do is be proactive, be educated and use the tools and resources at your disposal to protect yourself."

While older generations prefer to keep their salary information private, a sizable percentage of millennials (33 percent) have no problem discussing how much they earn with their co-workers.

That’s a key finding from a new survey commissioned by TheCashlorette.com, a personal finance website geared toward millennial women. The same study found 63 percent of Americans 18 to 36 years old share salary information with their immediate family.

By comparison, a mere 8 percent of baby boomers said they disclose their pay with colleagues. Higher earners are more likely to share their salaries with friends and family, while millennials who earn $30,000 or less are most likely to discuss their salaries with coworkers, according to the survey.

Most likely to share with colleagues

Overall, 64 percent of Americans tell their spouse or significant other how much money they make, and 51 percent share the information with their immediate family members. Around 36 percent choose to tell friends, and 20 percent let their coworkers know what they earn.

However, millennials are by far the most likely group to share details of  their salary with co-workers, and report author Sarah Berger says that might be a good thing.

“We’re definitely seeing more transparency when it comes to salaries. And, it’s likely for the better,” she said. “Knowing what your friends and colleagues make in a similar field is empowering. [It helps you] gauge when it might be time to move on or request a raise.”

Combating wage inequality

Research shows millennials value transparency, and it’s no secret that the group has an affinity for sharing the details of their daily life on social media. Experts argue that applying the same level of transparency to a topic once considered taboo could be a step toward closing the wage gap.

Sharing salary information with colleagues could help expose pay discrimination based on gender and race and help ensure all workers are paid based on their abilities and experience.

However, for those who would prefer not to talk to co-workers about how much they make, there are alternatives. Several online resources are available to help consumers determine if they are getting a fair wage, including Comparably, Payscale, and Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth.

Home prices have surged in Silicon Valley, Denver, and Dallas in recent years, but they aren't the "hottest" real estate markets in America.

According to real estate marketplace realtor.com, home sales occur at the fastest pace in suburbs where millennials find a combination of affordable prices and desirable amenities. The site has just released its list of "2017's Hottest ZIP Codes in America."

Watauga, Texas, (76148) tops the list for the second year in a row. The neighborhood is in Tarrant County, in suburban Ft. Worth. Its residents are mostly young, it has a strong economy and schools that have been rated among the best in the state.

Part of the Dallas Metroplex, it is surrounded by great restaurants and cultural attractions such as the Kimbell Art Museum and Fort Worth Zoo.

Easy proximity to a resurgent major city

Livonia, Mich. (48154) is second. It's a suburb just west of Detroit that offers suburban living with easy proximity to a resurgent major city. Another attractive feature is its location near the headquarters of Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich. and Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Mich.

Third on the list, Kentwood, Mich. (49548), is a suburb of Grand Rapids. It offers a booming economy, a major public art competition and a vibrant food and microbrewery scene.

Boston may be prohibitively expensive for a millennial first-time buyer but nearby Medford, Mass. (02155) definitely is not. It shows up as the fourth hottest ZIP Code because buyers value its recreation and dining options, as well as its easy access to Boston.

Located just outside Denver, Littleton, Colo. (80123) is realtor.com's fifth-hottest Zip Code. Its attractions include great shopping options, a historic downtown area and plenty of affordable housing options, including condos and single-family homes.

The list also includes Castro Valley, Calif. (94546), Colorado Springs, Colo. (80922), Overland Park, Kan. (66210), Mira Mesa, Calif. (92126), and Hilliard, Ohio (43026).

Homes sell in an average of 21 days

Realtor.com compiled its list after analyzing 32,000 ZIP codes, based on average time properties spent on the market and frequently viewed properties or areas on their site. It said homes in the 10 hottest markets spend an average of 21 days on the market before going under contract, 50 days faster than the country as a whole.

Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com, says the list is proof that millennials are becoming a major force in the housing market.

"Increasingly, the hottest housing markets are the ones that appeal to millennial preferences, and right now the standouts are relatively affordable suburbs with local 'it' factors such as hiking trails, great restaurants, and nightlife," she said.

And that's not about to change anytime soon. With the biggest group of millennials just now entering their prime home-buying years, Hale expects these often overlooked suburbs to remain in demand over the next several years.

Only a couple of decades ago, renters were typically people in their 20s who lived in dingy apartments in poorly maintained old buildings until they saved enough to buy a place.

Well, as Bob Dylan noted back in the 60s, the times, they are a changin'.

Today's renters are a different breed who want a place offering a convenient, quality lifestyle, a comfortable living space, a place to exercise, and a place to socialize -- all in one package.

A report from RentCafé points to data from the Census Bureau, which shows that there have been numerous changes to renting since 2009 -- around the time when the housing meltdown had more people looking at renting rather than owning.

Seniors take command

According to the government, the biggest change in the renting population came from seniors aged 55 and over.

The percentage of oldsters renting between 2009 and 2015 rose by 2.5 million, or 28 percent. By comparison, the number of renters aged 35-54 increased by 1.95 million, while renters aged 34 or younger went up by just 0.5 million..

The report indicates that roughly 39 percent more renters over 55 live in the suburbs than they did in 2009, with 21 percent more living in cities. While owning a home and raising a family in the suburbs once defined the baby boom generation, it now finds itself in a big empty house with high property taxes.

“Lowering living expenses, looking for a different lifestyle, less house-related work, and overall less responsibility can be achieved by downsizing, so a lot of retirees opt to rent,” said Simona Solomie, a real estate broker with Remax Masters of Morton Grove, Ill.

A surge in highly-educated renters

A check of education levels shows those holding a bachelor degree or higher account for the largest share of new renters added between 2009 and 2015. Consumers in this group increased by 26 percent in the suburbs and by 20 percent in cities.

Consumers with some college education or equivalent make up the second highest increase in renters, with 19 percent and 12 percent increases in suburban and urban areas, respectively. Those who only earned a high school diploma or less accounted for the smallest increase.

Phoenix and Denver attracted the highest-educated renters, while the number of least-educated renters decreased in several metro areas -- including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, and St. Louis.

Families head for the burbs

Renting households with no children -- which includes either couples or single householders with no children present in the household -- accounted for the biggest renting increase by family type, with 33 percent more living the suburbs and 16 percent more living cities.

Suburban Tampa, Fla. saw renting family households with no children increasing the most (74 percent). The increases were much lower in urban areas, with the most significant increase in urban Seattle, Wash., where the number of families with no kids is up by 36 percent.

The report showed that renter families with children also favored the suburbs over city-living, with growth of 29 percent in the former compared to 8 percent in the latter. Suburban Washington, D.C. was the most popular area for these families, with an increase of 83 percent.

“From my experience,” said Solomie, “renting in the suburbs is preferred because – one: renting in the suburbs is less expensive than renting in the city, and two: the suburban lifestyle has changed so much in the past ten, fifteen years for a lot of suburbs, it has become vibrant and full of life with close-by shopping, restaurants, entertainment, fine parks, and transportation.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that from 2002 to 2012, per person personal health care spending for the 65 and older population was $18,988, over five times higher than spending per child ($3,552) and approximately three times the spending per working-age person ($6,632).

The elderly only make up approximately 14 percent of the population but represent more than one third of the nation’s healthcare costs; one of the factors behind this disparity may be that families tend to resort to costly medical interventions to extend older family members’ lives as they age.

According to American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine chief medical officer Dr. Joseph Rotella, this figure may be influenced by families not having a thoughtful conversation about what the patient wants.

“The public and the people we care for want to have a say in their care. Many families have had the experience of a loved one who was on life support, where the family has to make painful decisions,” he said.

The best way to avoid this worst-case scenario? Tackle the difficult conversation of your loved one’s end-of-life wishes well in advance. “The only thing that can make it easier is if they know what the patient would have wanted,” Rotella said.

Starting a conversation

While there is no easy way to broach the subject of a loved one’s end of life care, including a physician in these conversations can be very helpful. Hospice or palliative care doctors and nurses can provide valuable insight into what patients and their families can expect under various scenarios, which can help your loved one make informed decisions about their wishes.

A doctor’s care planning visit can cost around $85 for a 16-30 minute session, but physicians have been able to bill Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule since 2016 to cover the cost.

Creating a document

While having a discussion between you, your loved one, and a healthcare professional is arguably the most important step for advance care planning, all of that conversation must also be recorded in a legal document called an advance healthcare directive to be helpful.

Consumers will want to focus specifically on drafting one type of advance healthcare directive called a living will, which dictates what a patient wants in terms of medical care if they are no longer able to speak for themselves in the future. This can address scenarios such as the use of dialysis or breathing machines, resuscitation orders, or organ and tissue donations if the patient passes away.

Another type of advance directive called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions is also important because it authorizes a surrogate to speak on the patient’s behalf if they are unable to speak for themselves.

You can learn more about advance healthcare directives by visiting this government site here.

Not just for the old or infirm

While advance care planning is especially important for older individuals or those with a chronic disease, experts say these decisions aren’t reserved just for the old or infirm.

"Ideally, advance care planning is a process that you revisit throughout your life, continually evaluating what's important to you and what your priorities are," said professor Benjamin Levi of Penn State Hershey. "As soon as someone becomes an adult, they should start thinking about these things.”

For more information on advance care planning, you visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) page here.

Most pet parents know that they shouldn’t feed their pets chocolate, but the number of pet food poisoning cases always tends to spike at the end of October due to excessive amounts of Halloween candy in the home.

While chocolate is a delicious treat for people, ingesting even small amounts can be fatal to pets. So if your four-legged friend is notorious for sniffing out where candy is stashed, it’s important to know how much chocolate warrants an emergency visit to the vet.

Symptoms vary

Chocolate is very dangerous to pets because it contains a substance called theobromine. While trace amounts of it may merely cause your pet to have tummy troubles, larger amounts can cause serious discomfort, or even be lethal.

Dr. Jennifer Maniet, on-staff veterinarian at pet insurance company Petplan, says the severity of symptoms will vary depending on the type of chocolate your dog ingested, how much they ate, and their weight. Signs of chocolate ingestion (and possible toxicity) include vomiting, panting, diarrhea, agitation, increased thirst, and in severe cases, seizures.

Unfortunately, you could be looking at an expensive vet bill if symptoms are bad enough to warrant an emergency visit. Petplan estimates that the average cost of treating pet food poisoning is roughly $830.

Calculating chocolate toxicity

Maniet says that baking chocolate is the worst for dogs, with roughly 450 milligrams of theobromine per ounce. The second worst is dark chocolate at 160mg/oz, followed by milk chocolate at 64mg/oz and white chocolate at 1mg/oz.

To calculate your pet’s risk for chocolate-related health issues, follow these steps:

1. Multiply the ounces ingested by the milligrams of theobromine per ounce.

2. Divide that number by the weight of your dog.

3. If the number is close to (or more than) 20, then the toxicity is at dangerous levels.

“Even if a pet is not in the danger zone, the sugar and dairy will likely have GI effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity or lethargy,” says Maniet. “These issues can be serious all on their own, so it’s best to visit the vet when a furry friend gets into mischief.”

Avoiding costume-related mishaps

Unfortunately, Halloween treats aren’t the only dangerous products that pets can consume this time of year. Consumers will also have to keep pets from swallowing parts of costumes if they are being dressed up for the holiday.

Foreign body ingestions are consistently in the top 10 claims submitted to Petplan each year and cost an average of $1,872 to treat. Costumes with frills and other features that could be easily chewed off can put pets at risk, says Maniet.

To keep costumed pets safe, she advises that pet parents ensure that pets can see and move freely and that any costume is free of frills that can be chewed off and swallowed. Additionally, be aware that elaborate costumes in warm climates can cause a pet to overheat or dehydrate.

“And remember: if a dog feels too constricted in his costume, ditch the threads and take him trick or treating in his one-of-a-kind, no-assembly-required dog suit,” she added.

Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2015, approximately 2,300 teen ages 16 to 19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes.

Fatal car accidents claim more teen lives than injuries, disease, or violence.

Experts attribute teens’ heightened risk of involvement in a crash to their overconfidence, inexperience, and an increased likelihood to speed, make mistakes, and get distracted -- especially if their friends are in the car.

The NHTSA is raising awareness during National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 15-21), and encouraging parents to talk with their teen drivers about what is and isn’t safe driving behavior.

Risky behaviors

Distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, alcohol use, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving with passengers are among the risky driving behaviors teens are more likely than older drivers to engage in behind the wheel.

Surveys show teens whose parents set firm rules for driving tend to engage in less risky driving behaviors and be involved in fewer crashes

Reducing crash risk

Here are a few topics to talk about while going over safe driving habits with teens:

• Don’t drink and drive. Despite not being legally allowed to buy alcohol, almost one out of five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking, according to 2015 data from the NHTSA. Remind your teen that driving under the influence of any substance– including illicit prescription or even over the counter drugs–could have deadly consequences and is strictly enforced.

• Always wear a seatbelt. The simple act of buckling up before embarking on a drive could save your teen’s life or help prevent injuries.

• Avoid distractions. Distraction was a key factor in 58 percent of crashes involving drivers ages 16 to 19, according to an analysis of video footage of 1,691 moderate-to-severe crashes 6 seconds before they occurred. Ask your teen not to text while they’re driving and to limit other distractions, such as eating, fiddling with controls, or talking to passengers.

• Pull over if you’re drowsy. Drowsiness can impair your ability to drive just like alcohol. If your teen suddenly feels drowsy, tell them they should immediately slow down and pull off the road into a safe parking space. Alternatively, they could take a pit stop, use the bathroom, and get a soda or coffee to wake up.

• Stick to the speed limit. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers, according to AAA. Inexperienced drivers, in particular, should make sure they heed the speed limits, especially in construction work zones.

• Maintain a safe distance. Following too closely accounts for a large number of the crashes caused by teens. In wet weather, double or triple the space you normally leave between you and the car in front of you. More space is needed to stop on slick roads.

Cities often compete to make various "top 50 lists," but there probably aren’t many that want to make an appearance on Orkin's Top 50 "Rattiest" Cities in America.

The national pest control company ranks metro areas each year by the number of rodent treatments the company performed from September 15, 2016 through September 15, 2017, including both residential and commercial locations.

Not surprisingly, the list is dominated by America's largest cities. Chicago holds the top spot for a third straight year, followed by New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco-Oakland, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, Seattle-Tacoma, and Dallas-Ft. Worth.

Plenty of smaller cities also make an appearance further down on the list. Hartford-New Haven, Conn., takes the 16th spot; Portland, Ore., comes in at 17th; Richmond, Va., ranked 25th on the list; and Grand Rapids, Mich., slid into 34th place.

Here is the entire list, including the change in ranking from 2016:

1. Chicago

2. New York

3. Los Angeles (+1)

4. San Francisco – Oakland (+1)

5. Washington, DC (-2)

6. Philadelphia (+1)

7. Detroit (+2)

8. Baltimore (-2)

9. Seattle – Tacoma

10. Dallas – Ft. Worth (+4)

11. Denver (-1)    

12. Minneapolis – St. Paul (-4)

13. Cleveland – Akron (+2)

14. Atlanta (+2)

15. Boston (-3)

16. Hartford – New Haven (+1)

17. Portland, OR (+3)

18. Miami – Ft. Lauderdale (-5)     

19. Indianapolis     

20. Houston (+1)     

21. Milwaukee (+2)     

22. Pittsburgh (-4)     

23. New Orleans (+15)     

24. Cincinnati (+10)     

25. Richmond – Petersburg     

26. Sacramento – Stockton (+6)     

27. Kansas City (+3)     

28. Charlotte (-1)

29. Norfolk – Portsmouth – Newport     News (-5)     

30. Buffalo (-1)     

31. Columbus, OH (+6)     

32. St. Louis (-4)     

33. Raleigh – Durham (-11)     

34. Grand Rapids – Kalamazoo (-1)     

35. San Diego (+12)     

36. Albany – Schenectady (-10)     

37. San Antonio

38. Tampa – St. Petersburg (-7)     

39. Rochester, NY (-4)         

40. Nashville (-1)

41. Champaign – Springfield –     Decatur     

42. Greenville – Spartanburg (-2)     

43. Memphis

44. Phoenix (+1)     

45. Syracuse     

46. West Palm Beach (-10)     

47. Orlando – Daytona Beach (-1)     

48. Madison (+1)     

49. Flint – Saginaw (-8)     

50. Green Bay – Appleton (-6)     

Rodent invasions increase in autumn

Autumn is prime time for rodents. The National Pest Management Association estimates more than 20 million rodents invade homes each year during this time; just like humans, they want to get out of the cold.

“Rats and mice begin looking for warmer, more insulated places to get through the winter, and these too often happen to be our homes or businesses,” said John Kane, entomologist and technical director of Orkin’s Midwest Region.

Unfortunately, rodents are fond of chewing on wood and wires, and if they get into your walls they can increase the risk of fire. Kane explains how these pests can use almost Houdini-like skills to fit into tight spaces.

“Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, while mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime,” Kane said. “Even if they can’t find an opening, they can often chew their way in.”

How to keep rodents out

To keep rats out of your house, start by looking for signs of their presence. Tell-tale signs include droppings, burrows, and rub marks along walls and baseboards.

Check around your house, both inside and out, for possible entry points. Installing weather strips around and under doors can help keep rodents out.

Ensure that you also store food in tightly sealed containers made of either plastic or metal. Rodents have a keen sense of smell and if they get a whiff of food, they can easily tear or chew through cardboard containers.

A report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shows student loans -- and especially those backed by the government -- remain a major source of consumer complaints to the agency.

The report documents a surprising increase in complaints about federal student loans, generally regarded as more consumer-friendly than those from banks and other private lenders.

Federal loan complaints rising

According to the Department of Education, federal student loans include many benefits not typically offered with private loans, such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans. In contrast, private loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans.

The annual Student Loan Ombudsman Report found that over the last year, the CFPB received nearly 23,000 complaints involving all types of student loans. More than half were complaints about federal loans.

Whitney Barkley-Denney, a policy counsel and student loan specialist with the Center for Responsible Lending, says the increase in federal student loan complaints is disturbing.

"When 56 percent of consumers filing complaints are frustrated by an inability to access options such as income-driven repayment (IDR), these new findings help to explain why so many borrowers are in default," she said.

Many of the complaints focused on loan servicing and debt collection policies. Barkley-Denney draws a comparison to the foreclosure crisis, when she says many homeowners unnecessarily found themselves in foreclosure.

"There are now borrowers who are unnecessarily defaulting on student loans when alternatives exist to protect their payment affordability and their credit ratings," she said. "These unnecessary defaults, in many cases, contribute to the debt collection complaints involving student loans.

Optimistic results

Despite the increase in federal student loan complaints, the CFPB report strikes a more optimistic tone when it discusses results. The agency said it was able to produce more than $750 million in relief for borrowers and improved loan servicing for millions more.

The CFPB says it was able to provide automatic interest rate reductions for eligible military personnel and eliminate "surprise defaults" from the majority of new private student loans. But the agency said the large number of complaints from student loan borrowers shows widespread student loan servicing problems persist.

“As borrowers continue to fall through the cracks of our broken student loan system, the Bureau’s work to date offers a roadmap for consumer-driven reforms,” said CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman Seth Frotman.

More work needed for a better market

Frotman says giving borrowers the power to bring these problems to the attention of government regulators is a positive, but says regulators have a lot more work to do to produce a student loan market that works better for consumers.

The CFPB keeps track of how much money has been loaned to students to attend college and puts the current balance at more than $1.4 trillion. It says about 44 million consumers now owe money on their student loans, in some cases reducing their spending power.

The CFPB report shows more than eight million student loan borrowers are currently in default and more than 1.2 million borrowers defaulted on their student loans last year.

Polaris Industries of Medina, Minn., is recalling about 6,300 Polaris ACE 325 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).

The exhaust header pipe can crack and release hot exhaust gases into the engine compartment, posing fire and burn hazards.

The company has received six reports of cracked exhaust pipes, including two reports of seat damage due to melting. No fires or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves all model year 2014 through 2016 Polaris ACE 325 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).  

The recalled ROVs have a single seat and were sold in white, green and red.

For model year 2014 and 2015 ATVs, “Polaris” is printed on the front grill and “Ace” is printed on the rear panel.

For model year 2016 ATVs, “Polaris” is printed on the front grill and “Polaris Ace” is printed on the rear panel.

The VIN is printed on the right front frame of the vehicles.

The ROVs, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from December 2014, through July 2017, for about $7,500.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact Polaris to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Consumers may contact Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. 

As the threat of data breaches looms large and dominates headlines, a researcher and tech blogger has uncovered yet another major blind spot in the way individuals and businesses use the internet: WPA2 Wi-Fi encryption.

Mathy Vanhoef, a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven in Belgium, first caught on to this problem in February, publishing a blog post about how machines using Windows 10 can still connect to the internet when locked.

Now, he says the flaw in WPA2's protocols is a more serious problem and could be used to steal data on any targeted network–be it that of a corporate office, a local coffee shop or even an individual in their home.

Any WPA2 system is vulnerable

The problem is not limited to PCs running Windows 10. Vanhoef says if the network is using WPA2 encryption, it could be vulnerable to a breach using key reinstallation attacks, or KRACKS.

"The attack works against all modern protected Wi-Fi networks," Vanhoef writes. "Depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to inject and manipulate data. For example, an attacker might be able to inject ransomware or other malware into websites."

This means that victims of a KRACK hack stand to lose not only sensitive information, but also equipment functionality itself. Replacing network equipment won't defend against this vulnerability, as Vanhoef says the problem is in the encryption itself.

Hacker would have to be close by

One key limitation is that KRACK hackers would have to be within range of their target network (and whatever devices are on it) to successfully infiltrate it. While this makes the attack a lot riskier, it’s little comfort considering how widespread WPA2 encryption is used.

According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, the issue can be resolved through software updates, and the software industry has already started providing patches to improve WPA2 encryption.

"There is no evidence that the vulnerability has been exploited maliciously, and Wi-Fi Alliance has taken immediate steps to ensure users can continue to count on Wi-Fi to deliver strong security protections," the group said in a security update.

The group said it now requires testing for the vulnerability within its global certification lab network and has produced a tool members can use to detect the vulnerability.

If you have a Wi-Fi network, the Alliance says you should be sure you have installed the latest updates from the company that made your network equipment.

Consumers who have waited until late in the year to buy a car are in luck. For the rest of October, new car shoppers have some attractive deals to consider.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has found a number of lease deals with the monthly payment below $200 and purchase deals where the price is not only discounted, manufacturers are offering generous cash back to qualified buyers.

This is not that unusual at this time of year. Dealers, after all, are trying to clear out their 2017 models before the 2018 vehicles begin arriving in big numbers.

"With the selldown season in full effect, those shopping for deals can see considerable savings on 2017 models before the year's end," said Jason Allan, managing editor for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "October's list of vehicles includes some of the best-selling vehicles of 2017, along with several cars from our 10 Most Awarded Brands."

Ford Focus

The overall best October deal on KBB's list is the Ford Focus, which can be purchased for under $19,000 in most markets. But it's even cheaper than it sounds because Ford is offering up to $4,500 cash back.

If you prefer leasing a car, KBB suggests the 2017 Nissan Rogue. This SUV costs around $23,000 but can be leased for 36 months at $199 a month with $2,709 down.

The 2017 Acura ILX has a price tag of around $25,000 but can also be leased for $199 a month for 36 months with $2,499 down.

This month, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai also have attractive lease offerings. The 2017 Honda Accord has a purchase price of less than $22,000 but a lease payment of $189 a month for 36 months, with $1,999 down.

Toyota deals

Toyota has lease specials on the Corolla and Sienna. The Corolla has one of the lowest monthly payments of any manufacturer this month -- $159 for 36 months and $1,999 down. The Sienna minivan is $279 a month with $1,999 down.

Hyundai's Tucson goes for about $23,000 and can be leased for 36 months at $199 a month and $2,499 down. Certain restrictions may apply on all lease options, including mileage limits.

Hyundai also has an attractive purchase option this month on its midsize Sonata. The car can be purchased for around $21,000 with $4,100 cash back.

Jeep and Ford SUVs have even more cash back. The popular Jeep Cherokee sells for around $25,000 but qualified buyers can get up to $5,500 cash back. The Ford Expedition sells for around $45,000 this month but offers up to $7,500 cash back

Holiday gifts, travel, and celebrations can lead to major debt long after the holidays have passed, but taking steps to get your finances in order before the holidays can help ensure you -- and your credit card -- don’t start the New Year off on the wrong foot.

Being financially prepared to handle the holidays is a vital part of keeping post-holiday debt at bay. To get prepared, it’s important to have a holiday spending plan in place before you start shopping. Budgeting and planning can help you stay disciplined, even when the pressure to spend is everywhere.

Holiday spending strategies

Debt accumulated during the holidays can stick around, and continue to snowball, well into the New Year. A recent survey found shoppers added an average of $1,003 to their debt during the holidays. While this amount might seem manageable, it can quickly become a burden.

About half of those surveyed planned to chip away at their debt over more than four months or just make the minimum payments -- which could extend the debt to 10 years or more and tack on nearly $400 in interest.

To avoid being buried under a mountain of holiday debt, it’s important to make sure you don’t get carried away this holiday shopping season. Here are a few smart shopping and saving strategies.

• Figure out how much you can spend. Take into account your normal monthly expenses (like gas, utilities, groceries, and insurance), then factor in your flexible budget groups (like dining out and fun activities). See where you could stand to make a few small sacrifices (like cooking at home instead of eating out). This will give you more money to put toward gifts.

• Make your list. Create a master list of all the people you will need to buy gifts for this year. Next to each name, write down the specific amount you will spend on a gift. If the total tab comes to more than your budget can handle, rethink your list. Consider drawing names instead of buying for multiple families, doing a white elephant gift exchange, or only buying gifts for the kids.

• Save a little each week. Setting aside as little as $25 to $30 each week can help take the sting out of holiday shopping. At the end of just eight weeks, your small weekly savings will have grown to a few hundred dollars.

• Choose thoughtful gifts. Ahead of the holidays, shoppers are immersed in a veritable flood of ads for expensive gifts. However, spending top dollar on gifts for loved ones isn’t always necessary. Take some time to think about what gift would mean a lot to someone. Personal gifts tend to go over big and be less expensive than pricey, conventional gifts.

• Know that it’s okay to say "no." During the holidays, it can feel like there’s a new holiday gathering or gift exchange to participate in every week. But if it doesn’t fit into your budget, learn to say “no.” Don’t force yourself to use credit to buy a gift or new dress for an event.

• Use cash, not credit. In addition to only making purchases you planned for in your budget, make sure you can pay for them now. Commit to using only cash or a debit card to help prevent yourself from overspending. If you choose to use a card for the cash back or points benefits, be sure to pay it off every time you make a purchase.

Convincing kids to try new foods or eat more fruits and veggies can be a struggle, but a new study suggests there’s a way to get preschoolers to eat healthier -- and it doesn’t involve bargaining or pleading.

Simply making mealtimes a positive experience can prompt little ones to make healthier food choices, according to a study from the University of Illinois.

Researchers say a happier emotional climate during meals allows kids to become more receptive to the idea of trying healthy fare they may not have tried before.

Role of positive emotions

For the study, 74 parents of preschool-aged children answered two questionnaires about mealtimes over the course of two years. The researchers also conducted a home visit to observe the family’s mealtime behavior, looking closely at the positive and negative emotions expressed by both parents and their children.

Ultimately, it was discovered that a more pleasant mealtime atmosphere had a positive effect on what children ate. Children whose families expressed more positive emotions at mealtime ate about one serving more of healthy food (fruits, vegetables, and soy-protein products).

"Having more positive mealtimes, where people are enjoying themselves, where there's mutual warmth and engagement, makes it a little bit easier for children to approach healthy foods," said lead author Jaclyn Saltzman, a doctoral candidate in the department of human development and family studies at the University of Illinois.

Impact of negativity

On the other hand, the researchers found that negative emotions tended to put a damper on kids’ willingness to try new things.

"When you have a negative family mealtime, you don't want to sit there and try a new thing, enjoy a new texture, or cajole your child into trying something new. You just want to get through it," Saltzman explained.

But what if parents aren’t in the mood to put on a happy face at mealtime? There are still a few ways to generate positive emotions, say the study authors.

Creating a pleasant climate

"First of all, I wouldn't tell parents to just be more positive, to just slap a smile on your face, because in the face of a picky-eating preschooler or any other mealtime challenge, that's just not going to work," Saltzman said. "But there are several things parents can do."

Here are a few ways parents can improve the mealtime climate:

• Be clear about expectations. Make sure your kids know what is expected during meals by engaging in clear and direct communication about what is and isn’t appropriate mealtime behavior.

• Don’t force food introductions. While establishing healthy eating behaviors early on can pave the way for healthy eating habits later in life, Saltzman says parents shouldn’t force it. Encourage your kids to try new foods, but know that if they still don’t like it after several exposures it may be time to move on.

• Remind kids to use their words. Screaming doesn’t exactly lend itself to a positive mealtime atmosphere. Encourage your children to express themselves with words rather than screaming when they are upset.

• Stay calm. Breathing exercises, like mentally counting to 10, can help moms and dads keep their own emotions in check.

• Establish a routine. Parents should try to have meals in the same place and at the same time each day (when possible) to establish a routine.

• Get kids involved. Give children age-appropriate jobs, such as having an elementary-aged child set the table. The study also found that having kids participate in the meal planning and preparation process translated to more positive emotions during meals.

The study was published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

If you're planning a home renovation project using the services of professional remodelers and designers, it may take a while to get things started.

Houzz Inc., reports 78 percent of general contractors, remodelers, and design-build firms are reporting persistent labor shortages, translating to higher costs and longer project timelines for homeowners.

Fifty-six percent of renovation firms report increasing costs of subcontractors in in the June – September quarter, with 54 percent reporting increased project lengths because of these shortages.

Wait times now average five to eight weeks before companies can take on new projects. General contractors, remodelers, and design-build companies report the longest average backlog.

The hurricane effect

Within the first two weeks of landfall, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused 28 percent of renovation-related businesses in the Houston metropolitan area and 41 percent in Southwestern Florida to suspend business operations in these areas.

Among those suspending operations, 91 percent of those affected by Hurricane Harvey kept their doors closed for a week or longer; 65 percent of those affected by Hurricane Irma were similarly shut down.

The storms made existing labor shortages in the Houston and Miami areas even worse, and increased project backlogs by nearly two weeks, on average.

Renovation-related companies calculate the average total cost of repairs and renovations to homeowners to be $13,000 for the hardest Irma-stricken areas, and $111,000 for the hardest Harvey-stricken areas.

“Widespread skilled labor shortages leave little wiggle room for businesses to absorb sudden demand pressures such as recent hurricanes in the South or more localized damage from wildfires in the West, driving up wait times,” said Houzz Principal Economist Nino Sitchinava.

Industry confidence abounds

Still, folks in the home remodeling and design business are feeling pretty confident about the future.

Houzz says its third quarter Renovation Barometer reading of 62 shows bullishness is evident in all industry sectors Any reading above 50 indicates rising confidence; below that suggests erosion.

And, if that's not enough good news, expectations for all sectors are strong for the final three months of the year.

In the coming weeks, zombie fans of all ages will dress up to celebrate Halloween. However, many consumers may not know that October is also a designated awareness month for a medical condition often referred to as “Zombie Hands.”

Officially called Raynaud’s Phenomenon,  the condition affects approximately 15-30 million Americans and occurs when the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears, and other extremities spasm -- causing pain, numbness, throbbing, and tingling. The condition has been referred to as “Zombie Hands” because affected areas will often turn white, then blue and red.

The spasms are caused by exposure to cold, or when the extremities are stressed, and the majority of sufferers are women. While the symptoms might not seem dangerous, experts say they can indicate the presence of other serious complications.

“Only 10 percent of people with Raynaud’s seek treatment,” said Lynn Wunderman, founder and chair of the Raynaud’s Association. “They often dismiss the discomfort or pain by saying they have poor circulation or are allergic to the cold. But their symptoms could be a sign of an underlying serious condition such as scleroderma, lupus, and other possibly life-threatening diseases.”

Seek medical intervention

It’s important to note that consumers who have Raynaud’s may not necessarily be in immediate medical danger. The onset of symptoms can often occur months or years before the presence of more serious problems, which is why proactively seeking medical treatment can be vital.

Wunderman points out that the Raynaud’s Association usually sees its highest traffic during the colder months of the year because of the symptomatic reaction. However, the condition can be an ongoing concern regardless of the weather.

“Walking into an air-conditioned room can make your fingers or toes throb or sting. Holding a cold glass or putting your hand in the freezer can be very painful. And, of course, stress knows no seasons,” she said.

Although consumers with Raynaud’s can compensate for the condition to some extent by opting for warmer clothes, there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to treat symptoms. However, affected consumers should speak with their primary care physician to discuss the best available options for them.

You can learn more about Raynaud’s by visiting the Raynaud’s Association’s web page here.