"The School Bell: Medicare Turns 50"

 

Did you know that Medicare, our country's health insurance program for people age 65 and older celebrated its 50th birthday this week? That means it's time for "The School Bell" - a special edition of SAVED BY THE BELL where we reflect on an event in history and share the tips you need to know. The date is July 30, 1965. Today's lesson is on Medicare. Get ready students, it’s time for class. "The School Bell" is ringing!

THE HISTORY LESSON
The Birth of Medicare

 

THE ROAD TO MEDICARE:

1916: Congress held its first hearings on government health insurance in 1916. Health coverage discussions became part of the deliberations over the Social Security program, but President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided it was a better strategy to pass the old-age pension provisions first. 

1939: Senator Robert Wagner introduced national healthcare legislation and held hearings, but the outbreak of World War II caused his bill to be shelved.



PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN

1945: After World War II, President Harry S. Truman sent to Congress the first comprehensive federal health insurance proposal. The proposal provided for physician and hospital insurance for working-aged Americans and their families. The bill went nowhere.

1947 & 1949: Legislators didn't act on Truman's 1945 health insurance proposal. Truman asked again in 1947 and 1949. Bills were introduced, but died in Congress.

1961: A task force convened by President John F. Kennedy recommends creating a national health insurance program specifically for those over 65. 

KENNEDY'S MEDICARE SPEECH

1962: In May 1962, President Kennedy gives a televised speech about the need for Medicare. The plan was sponsored by New Mexico senator Clinton Anderson. Although polls showed widespread public support for Medicare, the Anderson bill lost by two votes in the Senate. 

1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson continued the effort to enact Medicare. In 1964, the House and Senate passed alternate versions of the bill, but a conference committee failed to resolve those differences.

1965: Legislation creating Medicare as well as Medicaid (health services for certain low-income people and others) passes both houses of Congress. 

JOHNSON SIGNS MEDICARE MEASURE 

July 30, 1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a measure creating Medicare, which began operating the following year. The program, providing hospital and medical insurance for Americans age 65 or older, was signed into law as an amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935. At the bill signing ceremony, former President Truman was enrolled as Medicare's first beneficiary. 

MEDICARE CARD (MALE)

1966: When Medicare services actually begin on July 1, more than 19 million Americans age 65 and older enroll in the program.

1966: Former President Truman and his wife Bess received Medicare cards number one and two. President Johnson wanted to recognize Truman, who was the first president to propose national health insurance. 

1972: President Nixon extends eligibility for the program to Americans under 65 with certain disabilities and people of all ages with permanent kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant.

1997: Private insurance plans — originally called Medicare+Choice or Part C, later renamed Medicare Advantage — begin, giving beneficiaries the option of choosing a HMO-style Medicare plan instead of the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program.

2003: President George W. Bush signed into law the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), which added outpatient prescription drug benefits to Medicare.

2006: On January 1, Medicare Part D goes into effect and enrolled beneficiaries begin receiving subsidized prescription drug coverage. 

 OBAMA SIGNS HEALTH CARE LAW        

2010: The health care law (officially the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) signed by President Barack Obama on March 23 mandates that Medicare beneficiaries receive certain preventive care services and health screenings, such as mammograms, free of charge and reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of Part D enrollees.  

2015 and beyond: About 55 million retirees and disabled people get Medicare. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission predicts the Medicare population will increase to over 80 million beneficiaries by 2030 as the baby-boom generation ages into Medicare. 

(Sources: Senate.gov, History.com, AARP.org, TrumanLibrary.org)

 

 

THE MONEY LESSON

Getting the Most Out of Medicare



ABC:

Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 and older. People who are disabled or have permanent kidney failure can get Medicare at any age. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn't cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Even though Social Security's full retirement age is no longer 65, you can sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday, even if you are covered by other health insurance.  Apply at Social Security's website: www.socialsecurity.gov. If you don't sign up at 65 and decide to enroll later, you may have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty. You may also have a gap in medical insurance coverage.  There are exceptions, but it's best to play it safe.

 

 

Medicare has four parts. Let's first discuss Parts A & B:

 

THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT:

1) Hospital insurance (Part A) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care. You usually don't pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. 


The other three parts of Medicare require premium payments:

 

2) Medical Insurance (Part B) helps pay for services from doctors and other healthcare providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and some preventative services. The standard monthly premium for Medical Insurance (Part B) is $104.90 per month. However, some people with higher incomes pay higher premiums. 

The government automatically enrolls individuals who already get Social Security retirement or disability benefits in Parts A & B. If you receive your Part A and Part B benefits directly from the government, you get original Medicare.


SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP
While Medicare will help you with your healthcare when you get older, it will not cover everything. Just like you put money aside for retirement, you should start putting money aside to cover healthcare or long-term care needs when you stop working. If you are not healthy, it's even more important to start saving money early. Worried about keeping track of all the premiums you will have to pay? Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay. The free service automatically deducts premium payments from your savings or checking account each month. You can also get help from your state with paying Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, if you meet certain conditions.


Now let's discuss Parts C & D:
 

 

I WANNA KNOW:

3) Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) give coverage through private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health services through a single provider under Part C. What you pay in a Medicare Advantage Plan depends on a number of factors including: whether the plan charges a monthly premium, the plan's yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs and if you have Medicaid or get help from your state.

 

4) Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) helps play for the cost of prescription drugs. These are run by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. Deductibles vary between Medicare drug plans. However, Medicare.gov says no Medicare drug plan may have a deductible of more than $320 in 2015. In 2016, it shoots up to $360.


SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:
Each year you have a chance to make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D.) The enrollment period is October 15 to December 7. Not sure about which plans to choose? Medicare has a plan finder at www.medicare.gov. Punch in your zip code to get more information on the plans being offered.
 

A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS:   

If you have original Medicare, you may need a Medigap policy. Medigap is sold by private companies and helps pay some of the healthcare costs that original Medicare doesn't cover - like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan.  If you receive your benefits from a Medicare Advantage organization or other company approved by Medicare, you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.  If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might have to a pay a monthly premium, because of the extra benefits it offers.

 

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

It's important to know about the restrictions of Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plans. In order to buy a Medigap policy, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap policies typically don't cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private duty nursing. Medigap policies can't work with Medicare Advantage Plans. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can apply for a Medigap policy, but make sure you can leave the Medicare Advantage Plan before your Medigap policy begins.

 

 

 

  THIS IS HOW WE DO IT:

A portion of the payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers cover most Medicare expenses. Monthly premiums, usually deducted from Social Security checks, also cover a portion of the cost.

 

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Unfortunately, you can't decide how much the government takes out of your check in payroll taxes, or how often. The Medicare payroll tax is 2.9%. It applies to only earned income, which includes wages you are paid by an employer, plus tips. You are responsible for 1.45% of the tax and it is deducted automatically from your check. Your employer pays the other 1.45%. High income earners are taxed an additional 0.9% in Medicare earnings above certain amounts. For example, if you are married filing jointly, the threshold is $250,000. If you are single, the threshold is $200,000.

IS THIS THE END?

Medicare programs are financed through two funds: the Hospital Insurance trust fund and the Supplementary Medical Insurance trust fund. The trustees of the two Medicare trust funds issue a formal status report each year. The Medicare Trustees projects that the trust fund that finances Medicare's Hospital Insurance coverage will remain solvent until 2030. This doesn't mean Medicare will cease to exist by 2030, just that the program won't be fully funded by the time we reach that milestone. The projection says at that time, annual payroll taxes would still fund Medicare, but only 86% of the program's costs. Why is this happening? One reason is that we are living longer. The number of Medicare beneficiaries continues to grow as the retiree population increases. At the same time, fewer workers are paying into the system because of lower fertility rates.

 

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP

If you are concerned about the dire outlook for Medicare, you are in good company. A study from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 54% of people fear that Medicare will not be able to provide the same level of benefits to future enrollees. So what needs to happen? Your vote counts - so put the pressure on Congress to act! Lawmakers need to address the financial challenges facing Medicare sooner rather than later. The Kaiser Family Foundation study found that 26% of people believe the Medicare program should be changed to instead guarantee each senior a fixed contribution to the cost of their health insurance. This is a system known as premium support that has been proposed to address Medicare's long-term financing challenges. Another solution is to boost the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. According to a report from the Congressional Budget Office, increasing the eligibility age by just two years would save $19.1 billion by 2023.

DON'T YOU WANT ME?

While Medicare provides a great benefit to many Americans, it is not perfect. Medicare insolvency isn't the only problem. Payments to health-care providers have lagged behind those made by private insurers. As a result, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission says nearly three in 10 seniors on Medicare struggle to find a primary-care doctor who will treat them. At the same time, Medicare spending is soaring. The Kaiser Family Foundation says Medicare cost $511 billion in 2014 and seven years from now it will double to more than $1 trillion. Medicare fraud is also a big concern. In June, the Department of Justice announced a nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force involving 243 individuals including 46 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. The individuals were charged for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings. The takedown was the largest in Strike Force history.

This article is just a basic overview of some the things you need to know about Medicare. To find out more, visit www.medicare.gov.

 



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"Saved by the Headlines - July 2015"

Whether you're buying food at the grocery store or clothes at the department store - we all have to deal with rising/falling prices. How do you manage the fluctuating cost of goods and services and save money at the same time? In this edition of Saved by the Headlines - SAVED BY THE BELL takes a look at some recent price increases/decreases in the news and how you can tackle them.

  

 

$AVED BY THE HEADLINES
 

COLLEGE SPENDING

When it comes to college spending, families are saying "what recession?" Undergraduate students and their parents spent an average of $24,164 on college in the 2014-2015 academic year, up 16% from a year prior. According to Sallie Mae’s “How America Pays for College” report, that's the biggest increase since 2009-2010. Families scaled back on cost cutting measures they implemented when the economy was in the doldrums. Sallie Mae says the shift suggests that parents and students are becoming more confident in the economy and employment prospects following graduation.

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

We all know college is expensive. Do you find the $24,164 figure daunting? Start saving for your child as soon as he/she is born.  Any small amount counts. Let's crunch some numbers. Put aside $4.00 each day from the day your child is born. Save the money until he/she turns 18 years old. If you stick to the plan (not counting interest), you will have more than $26,000 saved! Are you wondering how much money you will need to put away for your child's college fund? SavingForCollege.com has a helpful calculator. You will need to enter information including how much the college may cost, the percentage you plan to contribute, how often you want to contribute and how much you have already saved.

EGG PRICES
 

Egg prices have been climbing  – and you can put the blame on the widespread outbreak of Avian flu at some of the country’s biggest chicken farms. The Commerce Department reports the consumer price index – which reflects what Americans pay for everything from clothes to computers - rose in June. Food prices were also up 0.3% last month. The bulk of the June increase was due to an 18.3% increase in egg prices, the biggest jump since August 1973.  

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Check your local supermarket, warehouse club and farmers market for the best deals on eggs in your area. Are you a big consumer of eggs? When you find a deal, it might make sense to buy the eggs in bulk. I haven’t done this, but I’ve heard of people breaking eggs and saving the insides in freezer bags.  When you are ready to use them, unthaw the packages and get to cooking! 

 

 

COFFEE PRICES

Do you drink a cup of coffee to start your day? Prices are rising/falling depending on how you get your caffeine fix.

 

Starbucks: Prices for raw coffee are down almost 50% from a peak last year, so you would think Starbucks would be lowering prices, right? Not so fast. Starbucks raised prices on some of its beverages on July 7 to cover rising costs including wages and rent.   Starbucks says for most beverages that are increasing, prices will go up by 5 to 20 cents. Bagged coffee won’t be affected.

Folgers/Dunkin Donuts: While Starbucks is raising prices, the company behind the Folgers and Dunkin Donuts brand names is lowering prices. J.M. Smucker has decreased the list price for the majority of its packaged coffee products sold in the United States an average of 6%.    

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Save some money by making your coffee at home instead of buying it at a coffee shop. If you don’t drink your coffee at home, buy a coffee mug and take the coffee with you wherever you go. Another way to save money is to buy coffee in bulk. Stock up and take advantage of discounts and sales at your local supermarket, warehouse club, etc.

JET BLUE BAGGAGE FEES

If you can’t beat them, join them! The days of flying JetBlue and checking in one bag for free are over. JetBlue says it will now charge up to $25 for checked luggage.  The fee only applies to new bookings - existing reservations will still get one free bag.

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Want to avoid paying JetBlue checked baggage fees? Get ready to pay more for your ticket. JetBlue has introduced a new fare class - Blue Plus. With Blue Plus, the checked baggage will be free. But while the bag is free, the ticket will be at least $15 more expensive. If you don't want to pay to check your bags, there is one option out there. Southwest Airlines is now the only major U.S. carrier not to charge a bag fee. In fact, you can fly two checked bags for free if you use Southwest.  

CHIPOTLE BEEF PRICES    

 

Do you eat at Chipotle? The Mexican restaurant chain raised menu prices this year, as steak and beef prices remain at historically high levels. The average increase was just about 4%, or about $0.30 per entree.

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Chipotle says the price increases took place in about 60% of its restaurants. So what about the rest of the company's locations? Chipotle said it held off on raising beef prices in 40% of its markets because of its pork problem. At the beginning of this year, Chipotle stopped serving pork at hundreds of its restaurants over concerns with how its supplier was raising the pigs. Because of the pork shortage, it has held beef prices steady in the restaurants that have not been resupplied with pork. The company says its intention is to raise beef prices in those markets once pork is back in supply. So what's a Chipotle fan to do? Have you tried sofritas? It's Chipotle's shredded tofu option. We're not talking about plain tofu. Chipotle's sofritas are seasoned with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos and a blend of Mexican spices. It has the same consistency as ground beef - if you close your eyes while eating it, you might be fooled. You will also save some money, as it costs less than Chipotle's beef options.




NEW CAR PRICES
 
If you want to buy a new car, it’s going to cost you more! Kelley Blue Book says the estimated average transaction price of new light vehicles in the U.S. was $33,340 in June 2015. That’s up $821 from a year ago and up $209 from May. 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

While that new car may have cost you $33,340, it depreciates in value as soon as you drive off the lot. Have you thought about buying a certified pre-owned vehicle? Purchasing a certified vehicle is often like buying a new one. They are sold at new car dealerships and are supposed to undergo rigorous testing before being resold. They typically have fewer miles and cosmetic problems. The car may also come with a warranty. The main drawback? Expect to pay more for a certified vehicle than a comparable non-certified model. Kelley Blue Book says if you buy a low-budget model - a certified vehicle could cost you a few hundred dollars more than a non-certified model. For a luxury car, it could be several thousand dollars more.




DIESEL FUEL PRICES

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) said on Wednesday, pump prices for diesel fuel were less expensive than regular gasoline in 21 states. Diesel usually costs 30 cents more than regular gas; because much of the diesel made in the U.S. is exported overseas and federal fuel taxes are higher on diesel than on gasoline.

 

SAVED BY THE BELL QUICK TIP:

Thinking of buying a car that uses diesel fuel? There are some benefits. The Department of Energy says diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and diesel vehicles can often go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts. The University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute also says the total cost of ownership (depreciation, fuel costs, repairs, maintenance, insurance, fees and taxes) is often much less for diesel vehicles compared to the owners of a comparable gasoline model.  Want to take advantage of the lower diesel prices? Check out GasBuddy.com. If you enter your zip code and select diesel fuel; you will find the lowest prices where you live. The Department of Energy (www.fueleconomy.gov) also has a list of external websites that track the lowest diesel prices in selected cities in every state.

 

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"Relationships & Finances"

 

 "No one is perfect. The key to a successful relationship is finding someone who can deal with your imperfections and still love you." LB

 

 I'm sure you've heard the saying: "Money is the root of all evil." Whether you're married or in a relationship - money is also the root of most problems for couples. Did you know that money is the leading cause for divorce and one of the biggest issues couples fight about? Ask yourself these questions: how often do you argue about money with your partner? Are you a big spender or are you frugal? How does that compare to your mate? SAVED BY THE BELL has tips to help you get in sync with your better half. Always remember: communication is the key!!!

 

 

I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:
What do you look for in a mate? Looks? A sense of humor? A 2013 analysis from Psychology Today found that men generally place more importance on beauty; while women value social status and access to financial resources. Whether you're a man or a woman - if financial acumen is not at the top of your list, it needs to be!

YESTERDAY:

Find out as many details as you can about your partner's money history. Did he/she grow up modestly or in a rich family? This information is important because his/her background will likely impact how he/she deals with money today.

THE WATCHER:

Observe your partner's financial habits before things get serious. Is he/she more of a spender or a saver? Does he/she pay bills on time? Is he/she always short on cash? Are you always paying for things because he/she doesn't have money? If those financial red flags pop up early in the relationship, don't ignore them!

ANOTHER DAY OLDER AND DEEPER IN DEBT:

Nobody likes to talk about debt, but it's important to discuss it with your mate. How much and what kind of debt does your partner have? Keep in mind - not all debt is bad. Mortgage or student loan debt is one thing. But what about the $5,000 credit card debt he/she amassed adding unnecessary upgrades to his/her car? On average, Americans are swimming in thousands of dollars in debt. The Federal Reserve says the average mortgage debt is $156,333; student loan debt is $32,953 and U.S. household credit card debt is $15,706.

COME AND TALK TO ME:

Talk about money often with your partner. There's no need to tell him/her about the cup of coffee you bought yesterday. However, big purchases or large cash withdrawals should always be discussed with your mate. Each person should be aware of how much money is coming in and going out of the household. Can you believe this is not the case for a lot of couples? The Fidelity Investments 2015 Couples Retirement Survey found that while 72% of couples believe that they communicate well when it comes to financial matters, 43% said they couldn't correctly identify how much their partner makes.

WHERE WE ARE:

Take stock of your current financial situation as a couple. Look at your income, expenses, credit scores, credit cards, debt, loans, etc... Take a look at it all!  Information on all accounts should always be easily available to all parties. Before you tackle the future together, you need to understand where you both stand financially. We don't want any money surprises on the horizon!

 

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT:

How will you and your partner handle money together? How will you determine your budget? Who will pay the bills? Will you have separate accounts? The truth is - there isn't a right or wrong answer. Some couples have separate accounts and agree on who will pay what bills. Other couples join their accounts together. When you're married, it makes sense to join accounts together. But if you aren't married, combining accounts can get complicated if you were to break up. Whatever choice is made, make sure you are both comfortable with the decision.

COME TOGETHER:

In a perfect world, you and your partner will agree on everything. But we know nothing is perfect.  Are you both bad with money? If so, you may run into problems as a couple. If you are both big spenders with no regard for saving; you could end up in a deep financial hole. Are you polar opposites when it comes to money?  Unless your partner is spending money to the detriment of your finances, try to meet him/her in the middle.  According to a 2013 study from a researcher at Kansas State University, arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce. The study says it takes longer to recover from money arguments than any other kind of argument. The disagreements are also more intense. Nevertheless, don't avoid bringing up money because you are worried about a possible argument. It will only hurt your relationship in the long run.

I DON'T WANNA FIGHT: 

A 2013 study from American Consumer Credit Counseling found that money is the leading cause of stress in all relationships. If you fight with your partner, always remember to fight fair! No matter who makes more money, both parties should have equal say with how the money is spent. This is a partnership! If you are the bread winner, don't use that to exert control in the relationship.


DO YOU BELIEVE?
We all have money goals: such as saving for a house, a car or retirement. If you have personal goals, don't keep them a secret! Talk to you partner about your dreams and encourage him/her to speak to you as well. You need to be fully transparent about your goals, as it will likely impact you as a couple.

HAVE A NICE REST OF YOUR LIFE:

Hopefully you will be able to achieve financial harmony with your mate. Unfortunately if you're married, the numbers are not on your side. The divorce rate in the U.S. is estimated around 50%. Divorce.com lists financial problems as the number one reason marriages fail. For the most part, it is the lack of open communication about money problems that jeopardizes a marriage more than the financial problems alone. Follow the advice from SAVED BY THE BELL and make sure this doesn't happen to you. Good luck!



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"Savings By The Bell - July 2015"

 It's time to save some money! Get ready for the July edition of "Savings by the Bell" - a special installment of SAVED BY THE BELL where we take a look at five ways you can save some cash. Let us know if the tips work for you!

SAVINGS BY THE BELL

THRIFT SHOP:
Have you ever shopped at a thrift store? You may be able to find some hidden treasures for a bargain! A 2014 survey conducted by Savers found that 47% of Americans shop in thrift stores and 52% say they do it because it feels like a treasure hunt. Sure, some items leave a lot to be desired. However, some people donate good merchandise because they don't have enough space for them or they don't fit anymore. If it's your first time shopping at a thrift store, here's some advice: your standard rule should be to closely inspect any item you buy and check for damages. Make sure you thoroughly wash any clothing you buy. You don't know where the merchandise has been!

I NEED A DOLLAR:

Discounts can be found at the dollar store, if you know what to buy. Food storage containers are something we all use and need, right? Why pay $3.00 for a name-brand food container at the grocery store, when you can buy the same one for a $1? The dollar store is also a great place to buy name-brand cleaning supplies for less. Are you having a party? A helium balloon can cost you more than $3.00, if you don't buy it at the dollar store. Other party supplies such as gift bags, wrapping paper and ribbons will also cost you less. I love bubble bath, but have found out that this purchase can be a crap shoot at a dollar store. Some brands bubble up nicely, others not so much.


I DON'T WANNA MISS A THING:
Have you been watching all of the drama in Greece this week and its impact on global markets? Events like this may have you wondering if you should redistribute the money in your 401-k every time the market dips or rises significantly. The smart answer is no. Periodically rebalancing your 401-k is a wise thing to do, but reacting off of the news of the day is not the best way to handle your investment.  It is impossible to predict the market's ups and downs. If you're a smart investor, your portfolio contains a mix of stocks and bonds. This allows you to participate when stock prices are climbing and gives you some protection when they dive. If you move your money every time the markets go up and down, not only will you end up losing out on money when the market normalizes; you will also end up driving yourself crazy.  

DRIVE:

A majority of us are hitting the open road this summer. A study by GasBuddy found that 73% of people will be traveling between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with 83% planning to take at least two trips.  If you're traveling across different states, you probably will need to fill your gas tank several times. How do you find the best deals? Download the GasBuddy app on your phone. The app shows real-time prices at all gas stations across the country so you can find the cheapest station to fill up when you are driving.

COOL:
We all want to stay cool in the summer, but how can you keep comfortable and save money? The Department of Energy says heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Air conditioners use about 5% of all of the electricity produced in the U.S., costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year in energy costs.  Do you have a programmable thermostat? You can save money on your cooling bill by simply lowering your thermostat temperature when you are asleep or away from home. Set the thermostat to return to your desired temperature right before you get home. The Department of Energy says it could save you up to 10% in cooling costs a year.

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