Tag Archives: consumer panels

Healthcare Reform and YOU

bigstockphoto_health_care_reform_green_road__5632944Hey gang… that whole healthcare magilla is right around the corner – October 1, to be precise. If you’re like me, you have a lot of questions. And you might not know where to turn for answers. So I did some digging for all of the FAQ pages I could find…

Government Resources:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMMS)

Department of Labor

Medicaid and CHIP

Veterans Administration

 

Private Resources:

Kaiser Family Foundation

eHealthInsurance.com

H&R Block

American Public Health Association

Christian Science Monitor

Delta Dental

 

As it relates to various conditions:

Parkinson’s Disease

Mental Illness

Clinical Cancer Trials

Disabilities

Pre-existing Conditions

 

By State:

Alaska…Alabama…Arizona…Arkansas…California… Colorado…Connecticut… Delaware… Florida… Georgia… Hawaii… Idaho… Illinois… Indiana… Iowa…Kansas… Kentucky… Louisiana… Maine… Maryland… Massachusetts… Michigan… Minnesota… Mississippi… Montana… Nebraska… Nevada… New Hampshire… New Jersey… New Mexico… New York… North Carolina…North Dakota…Ohio… Oklahoma…Oregon… Pennsylvania…Rhode Island… South Carolina… South Dakota…Tennessee…Texas…Utah…Vermont … Virginia…Washington… West Virginia…Wisconsin … Wyoming

Have YOU found any good resources of information? Please share at the MindField Online Facebook page! And have a great weekend!

Free is Always Better!

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Free+Samples+4.1Here’s a fun one for Friday. Free Samples. They used to be a big deal; manufacturers and retailers used to advertise them all of the time. Now, in the internet age, the Savers Club age, you don’t hear as much about them. But Free Samples are very much alive!

Sample.net has put out a fun infographic that tells you what the popular samples are, who has them and how to get them, as well as a little bit of the logic behind them. Here are some highlights, then I will give you the link.

Why samples?

Well, they are a fast and efficient way to get your attention. Even better, for the companies, they get all kinds of info about your wants and interests, what you like and don’t like. That’s marketing gold to them!

Who has them?

Most of the biggies you would expect, such as WalMart, Target, P&G, Gillette, etc.

Like what?

Cosmetics, bath, home, pet supplies and more!

OK, enough yak-yak. Where’s the link!?!

Fine! Here ye be. Enjoy!

Have any good sample secrets? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook Page! And have a great weekend!

Too Much Debt?

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debt
It’s a TRAP! – Admiral Ackbar

Here’s a recap of a classic blog post from money guru and radio personality Dave Ramsey. He takes a look at folks who always seem to stay in debt. Whether they have money, or not much, they always have too many bills – and they don’t seem to do anything about it.

But what keeps people from getting out of debt? Why would someone want to stay in chains instead of living in freedom? Sadly, there are all sorts of reasons people choose MasterCard over being free from debt.  Dave Ramsey Blog

He lists a few reasons. Briefly…

  • Keeping up appearances. You’re trying to keep up with the Joneses, but they are probably as underwater as you are!
  • Fear of change. Sometimes, it’s the devil you know, right?
  • Stuff – Gotta Have It! Some folks need stuff to feel good about themselves, and can’t imagine not having it.
  • Unwilling to Sacrifice. He points to eating out all the time and having the full-blown cable TV package.
  • They don’t know how. I mean, there’s no way to get out from under this mountain, right? There is almost always a way, you just have to figure it out.
  • Laziness. ‘nuff said.

Anyway, this is not an ad for Dave Ramsey, but he does have some ideas at his blog, take ‘em or leave ‘em. What do you think? Do you recognize any of these behaviors in your family or friends? How do they cope? Have you ever been in debt and worked your way out? Tell us about it at the MindField Online Facebook page!

Tweeting Too Much?

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twitter-bird-white-on-bluePersonal information, that is. The answer is probably Yes, according to Consumer Affairs.com:

Social media users compromise their privacy all the time. They post pictures while they are on vacation, for example, advertising the fact they aren’t at home. They reveal other personal information that ought to be private. ConsumerAffairs.com

One big reason is geo-tracking. You have GPS turned on, and your tweet goes out there with really accurate location info for all to see. Other times, it’s the info you carelessly blab in your tweets.

Anyway, the article tells of a grad student in California who has studied people’s tweets and is able to map out their activities, online and real-world. He says they are usually pretty shocked what he knows about them! He has developed a site, geosocialfootprint.com, to help educate folks on privacy issues.

Now, this isn’t a indictment of Twitter. This is about personal responsibility. If you don’t like sharing all of this information, you can take steps to change it. So, what do you think? Is this a big deal, or just paranoia? Do you care if people know this stuff about you? What about your kids? Give us your thoughts over at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!

Remember When?

In this Mental Well Being Moment, Reader’s Digest cites a number of studies that suggest reminiscing about past good times can be healthy for you.

Nostalgia has been shown to counteract loneliness, boredom, and anxiety,” John Tierney wrote in a recent New York Times article. “It makes people more generous to strangers and tolerant of outsiders. Couples feel closer and look happier when they’re sharing nostalgic memories.  Reader’sDigest.com

Some Suggestions?

  • Take Time to Make Time: Almost 80% of us spontaneously reminisce one a week. But why wait? 20 minutes a day might do a world of good, says Psychology Today.
  • Just remember, don’t write: One study says that Thinkers are happier than Writers. I know when I write them down, I am always trying to make them clever and perfect and more awesome. Takes the fun out.
  • Sounds and Smells can Lead the Way: Ever have a song come on and immediately remember the first time you ever heard it? Again, why wait for it to happen? Also, smells. I must have said this before, but the smell of freshly cut grass always takes me back to the first day of kindergarten – though that’s not necessarily a nice memory!
  • Don’t Compare the Present to the Past: Yeah, especially if you are thinking about the economy!
  • Think back with others: Others that share the memories, I guess. Chatting on Facebook with your high school friends about all the various kinds of trouble you got into can be fun. Just remember, your kids are watching!
  • Have Memorable Experiences Now: As Kate Gosselin used to shriek so charmingly, “WE’RE MAKING MEMORIES!” So do that. I mean, make memories…don’t shriek.

So, is this a healthy habit? Have you tried it? What do you think? Let us know at the MindField Online Facebook page!

Social Media Done Right

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Listen-Up-Consumers-Social-Media-Matters-More-Than-You-Might-ThinkYou may be hearing from friends and family about “social media fatigue.” It’s a vague term, but I think it has a few causes. First, the technology; it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest platform. It used to be just MySpace and Twitter, now there are a million of them. Second, human nature. I don’t know why, but people seem to bare their deepest selves, from the sugary-sweet (I know a girl who posts “I love my husband!!!” EVERY SINGLE DAY) …to the inane (“hit LIKE and we can end poverty!”) Finally, corporate intrusion: about half of my Facebook news feed these days consists of advertisements!

It’s enough to make you want to log off permanently. But wait…

Consumers say they’re tired of receiving useless information through the latest and greatest social network and wary of giving up their personal data. But here’s one good reason you shouldn’t delete your social media accounts just yet: Companies are paying close attention to what you say. Closer than you can imagine. Mint.com consumer Blog

Because it’s SO public and SO immediate, companies are doing everything they can to keep up with social media. A complaint that used to sit for days in the email IN box is addressed tout-suite (that means NOW) on a Facebook page.

So, who is doing social media right? Here’s a partial list, courtesy of OnlineMBAPage.com:

  1. Google
  2. Starbucks
  3. Coke
  4. Disney
  5. Intel
  6. Nike
  7. Lowe’s
  8. H-P
  9. Ford
  10. Target

…and 40 more!

So, do you visit a lot of corporate social media sites? Which ones? Who do YOU think does it well? Let us know at the MindField Online Facebook page! And have a great weekend!

Wireless Savings!

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Mobile phone and dollar bank notesMy first mobile phone plan (they didn’t call it wireless then) was 15 minutes a month for $8. I kept the phone in the glove box in case of emergency. I mean, who was there to call in 1993?

It’s been a long road from there to today’s “$79 a month 200 meg unlimited text 450 anytime minute nights 4G mocha caramel latte weekend rollover” plans. One thing that hasn’t changed is that the carriers never stop trying to sell you 10% better service for 20% more money!

However, there are savings to be had, according to financial guru Dave Ramsey. Here are some tips from his newsletter:

  • Use Wi-Fi: For email, surfing and texting. I do this every chance I get, it’s free vs. 3G or 4G
  • Skip the insurance: Dave logic – if you can’t afford to replace your phone, you can’t afford the phone to begin with.
  • Negotiate: If you have the patience, fine. I find the phone store too depressing to stretch out the experience by haggling.
  • No contracts: I have done this twice, and it truly is the way to go. If you know somebody who is ditching their iPhone4 for a 5…buy the 4 from him. Used phone = no contract!
  • Read the menu: That is, your phone bill. If you see something that costs money and you never use, get rid of it!

There are more tips at the newsletter (and many other kinds of financial common sense) so check it out.

How about you? Are you happy with your wireless bills? Have any other savings tips? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page. And have a great weekend!

Sales Tax Summer Savings!

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taxfreeWe talked previously about gearing up for the grind of back to school sales. But some folks in certain states – and ones nearby – will catch a break in the form of the annual sales tax holiday.

Forty-five states, the District of Columbia, and Guam impose sales taxes on the sale or lease of many goods. Of those forty-five states, just under half offer some sort of break on sales tax for school supplies, energy efficient appliances and hurricane preparedness. Most offer their holidays at the end of July or the beginning of August in order to attract back to school shoppers.  Yahoo Finance

So, where and when are the savings? Check it out:

  • THIS WEEKEND (7/26): Mississippi
  • Weekend of August 2: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
  • Weekend of August 9: Georgia, Texas
  • Aug 11-17 (Sunday-Saturday): Maryland
  • Aug 18- 24 (Sunday-Saturday): Connecticut

MUCH more detail at the original article!

When I first moved to SC from Ohio, many moons ago, was the first time I had heard of the tax holiday. (Note that Ohio is not on the list!) I have heard of big savings over the years, though. So, if you live in one of these states – or next door to one – saddle up for summer savings!

Have you done the tax holiday for back to school? Have any tales of big savings? Leave a comment at the MindField Online Facebook page. And have a great weekend!

The Ways We Save

Unfortunately, that penny was dropped from the roof of the Empire State Building
Unfortunately, that penny was dropped from the roof of the Empire State Building

Unless money truly is no object in your family, then you have cut back like the rest of us in the past 5 years. The things we do or buy and places we go are a little more modest.

It’s no surprise that in a thriving economy, consumers don’t watch their spending and budget as closely. They splurge on…getting their hair done frequently…vacations and redecorating their home. When the economy took a turn for the worst, consumers cut back on those extra expenses and became determined to save on daily expenses such as grocery shopping and gas. The JaneDough.com

So, how are we doing it?

  • Postponing (indefinitely!) that dream vacation, that elective surgical procedures (get used to the crow’s feet!) And, the oddest item: not getting divorced. (Staying together because it’s cheaper…yay?)
  • Investing in energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, security systems and… get ready… pregnancy prevention products. (No comment – read the article.)

And last but not least:

  • Thievery. Ask my wife the commercial property manager about the relentless Copper Wars. On second thought, don’t get her started. Other popular items include feminine hygiene, toilet paper and dogs. (Again, read the piece.)

Of course, your mileage may vary. In our house, it’s not a matter of cutting OUT certain things; we seem to do the same NUMBER of things, but each thing is scaled back. Except for thieving. Don’t touch my thieving! Anyway…how are you getting by? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page!

Organic Food Skeptics

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usda_organic_mediumBefore we begin, I am just starting a conversation here…

A recent poll found that, by and large, consumers were skeptical about the benefits of organic food and not eager to pay more for it.  In fact, the survey found that 59% of consumers believe labeling a food as “organic” is simply an excuse to charge more for it. Consumer Affairs

Now, that may be true or not. There are a LOT of health conscious consumers out there, and a lot of well-meaning vendors trying to serve them. But, even if organic food DOES provide greater health benefits than, well, whatever you call non-organic foods, this article suggests that the whole system is very much under-regulated and under-policed. “Where the food comes from” seems to be the biggest question.

 “It’s one thing to go out and find a farmer and buy directly but if you go to Whole Foods and buy something that’s certified organic, it could be from Turkey. You don’t know if it’s safe. How do you know that the farmer didn’t use Round-Up, that he didn’t cheat, that there weren’t human feces in his fields? (Editor’s note: that’s gross.)  Consumer Affairs

So, a bunch of people think that the organic thing is a waste of money and effort. A bunch of other people completely swear by organic. What do YOU think? Let us know at the MindField Online Facebook page. And have a great weekend!