Category: Insurance

At last, incomes for the latest college diploma-holders has risen to the highest level in more than a decade. And unemployment rates are falling quickly, according to a report from the Federal Reserve of New York.

The image of recent grads working in coffee shops is fading. But the data show that their experience highlights a growing divide in the U.S. economy between those with college degrees and those without.

Of course, graduates need the money. Most of them have huge college-education loans to pay off.

Richard Deitz, a senior economist at the New York Fed, and his colleague Jaison Abel, have developed data which answers the question of whether a college degree is worth the cost anymore.

The unemployment rate for college graduates has fallen from more than 7 percent in 2010 to just 4.9 percent recently. That is compared with a 5.3 percent jobless rate recently for all workers.

Mid-lifers are loving motorcycles.

Most of them have wanted one for years, but kids, work, schedules got in the way.

Motorcycles are much more advanced than they were just 15 years ago. They include safety features found in cars, including anti-lock brakes, traction control to prevent skidding during acceleration, stability control to prevent skidding in turns.

Some bikes have infotainment systems that include navigation, music, bike-to-bike communication, and smartphone syncing.

Middle-aged and retired riders need a bike with firm suspension.

Harley Davidson recommends its Dyna Low Rider, which has great power, adjustable handlebars and seats, and a base price of $14,199. Used models are available and cost less.

Riding clubs abound for different types of motorcycles. When going for a group ride they enjoy like-minded people and often get together with them for other activities.

Another fun feature of bike riding: you’ll be riding and associating with people of all ages.

If it’s been a while since you rode a bike, or if it’s your first bike, take a motorcycle training class by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. In many states you have to take a written exam to get a motorcycle license.

Before you ride, buy a helmet that features a “DOT” sticker that meets the Department of Transportation standards.

Get boots that cover your ankles and that don’t have shoelaces that could get caught in motorcycle gears.

Wear a leather or Kevlar jacket, gloves designed for motorcycling and long pants, not shorts.

Almost everyone today shows some concern about what the inhabitants of Earth can do to keep the planet clean and livable.

Because each of us is only one person, there are no large-scale projects we can do, but if we all do something that may seem small, our combined efforts will help to keep our planet viable. A few things we can do:

Plant a tree. Over time, a single tree can improve the environment in a large area around it. So planting a tree makes a lot of sense today.

Learn about recycling. It’s all about disposing of waste materials in a productive way. It’s one of the best ideas for making the earth green forever.

The impact of a landfill can harm the Earth as it continues to grow, so take recycling seriously.

Develop a better cleaning strategy. Most people don’t have one. Your own cleaning plans might involve using natural products like vinegar for cleaning at home. Your home will be a nice place when it’s free of dust and odors.

Check froschusa.com for a wide selection of cleaning products that can be used in various ways. They use ingredients like lemon, lavender and baking soda.

Outdoors, chemicals can seep into the air and the ground, which could damage the environment.

For about 35 years, The Green Team at Gardener’s Supply (gardeners.com) has been a trusted resource for earth-friendly products. They help people garden in harmony with nature.

The Green Team has earth-friendly products that help people recycle waste into compost, build better soil, control pests organically, conserve water, protect biodiversity and grow their own food.

In spite of consumers’ affection for SUVs and pickups, the average fuel economy for new vehicles is still improving, according to the Environmental Protection agency.

Vehicles in the 2015 model year were expected to average 24.7 miles per gallon, and improvement of 24.3 mpg in 2014. Average fuel economy is at a record high, the EPA says.

The auto industry is taking advantage of incentives and trying to get ahead of stiffening fuel-economy requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, says Christopher Grundler, Director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.

Reductions in CO2 emissions, which are tied to how much fuel an engine burns, have outperformed the standard for the third consecutive year.

Some automakers are getting way ahead. Ford’s F150 pickup, the nation’s best-selling vehicle, meets the 2019 standard in 15 of its 32 different versions.

By learning about tax changes early in 2016, you’ll have more time to plan for them. Here are nine changes, according to the IRS and USAToday.

1. Income taxes for 2015 are due on April 18 because Friday, April 15 is the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C.

2. Penalties for not having qualified Affordable Care Act health insurance in 2016 are $695 per adult, 2.5 percent of income for children or a family maximum of $2,085.

3. Tax brackets rise by 0.4 percent, adjusted for inflation.

4. Standard deductions for heads of households rise, including single, married filing jointly, and married filing separately. The deduction rises by $50 to $9,300 in 2016.

5. Personal exemptions rise by $50 to $4,050 for this year.

6. Contribution limits for health savings accounts rise by $100 per family to $6,750, and an additional $1,000 for those 55 or older. Individual contribution limits remain the same at $3,350.

7. Earned Income Credit is rising. The maximum allowable Earned Income Credit for families with three or more children rises to $6,269, up by $27 in 2016. With two children, the maximum rises by $24. And one child families get $14 more than in 2015.

8. The exemption from alternative minimum tax rises for single taxpayers by $300 in 2016 to $53,900. Joint filers see a $500 boost to $83,800 this year.

9. The estate tax exemption rises to $5.45 million, up $20,000 for the estates of those who pass away in 2016.

Contributions to 401(k) plans, IRAs, and flexible spending arrangements are all staying the same as they were for 2015.

Super Bowl Sunday is an unofficial American holiday. Last year, about 114-million viewers tuned into the game on NBC. Over 118-million took in Katy Perry’s half-time performance, making it the most-watched broadcast in the history of U.S. television.

On February 7, 2016, even non-football fanatics will be among the 68,500 tickets holders in Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, home of the San Francisco 49ers. Hundreds will see the game from the stadium’s luxury suites, and millions will tune in on CBS’ broadcast with fans of all ages.

NBC is so confident of its enormous audience, the price for a 30-second ad has gone up 11 percent to $5 million. People often tune in to see the ads.

For the first time ever, the Bowl game is branded with the Arabic numeral 50, rather than Roman numerals. The franchise and every spectator is on the 50 yard line celebrating the fiftieth game. Pepsi, sponsor of the already anticipated halftime spectacular, says the On the Fifty theme will honor the past, recognize the present and look forward to the next 50 years.

Legendary players and coaches of winning games will join popular music artists to ensure a thrilling, star-studded event sure to make history of its own. The stage is the largest in the world. When Coldplay was confirmed as the headliner, Chris Martin, the Grammy award-wining British rock band’s lead singer, said the thought of performing on it made him nervous, but the privilege was the “greatest moment in our band’s life.” Bruno Mars and a host of other stars will join Coldplay on stage.

Stadium security will be strict and intensified.