THE DANGERS OF HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE

THE DANGERS OF HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE

Reducing the hazardous waste in America's landfills starts at home. Millions of households are producing billions of pounds of solid waste. Products used every day in our homes leach hazardous chemicals after entering landfills. There are a number of simple steps that average consumer can take to limit the damage that many of these toxic materials are doing to the environment.

The garbage situation has become a big concern in cities all around the country and not only is this a political issue, but it is also a problem that has caught the attention of the general population. We all realize there is a growing problem but nobody likes to admit that their garbage is contributing to the problem.

Many municipalities have already started a recycling program to deal with the growing mountains of paper, plastic, glass, etc. Although it takes a bit of effort on the part of the public to sort and separate their garbage, people are now beginning to realize that the future of our environment is at stake.

One household product that is causing a problem these days is throwaway batteries. Each year, Americans throw away 84.000 tons of alkaline batteries. These AA, C and D cells that power electronic toys and games, portable audio equipment and a wide range of other gadgets comprise 20% of the household hazardous materials present around the country in America's landfills.

When a battery in one of the products we use fails, we simply run out and buy a replacement. The dead battery ends up in the garbage and no one thinks about where it goes and what happens to it after the garbage is picked up.

Sealed inside these alkaline cells are harmful materials which are not encountered by consumers during normal use. However, when the batteries enter a landfill, the casings can be crushed, or can easily degrade, which causes mercury and other toxins to leach into the environment.

The problem of batteries in landfills is one of the easiest to solve. Using rechargeable power can significantly reduce the number of batteries which end up in landfills. Rechargeable batteries can be used again and again, up to 1,000 times. One rechargeable cell can replace up to 300 throwaway batteries, keeping the landfill free not only from the batteries themselves, but also from the paper and plastic materials that are used to package them.

There are a number of manufacturers in the country today who deal in rechargeable products and some of them have a number of programs already in place to ensure that rechargeable batteries never enter a landfill at all. For example, one of the largest manufacturers of rechargeable products is now offering a lifetime replacement guarantee on all round cells. If the product ever fails to accept or hold a charge, the company will promptly replace it and recycle the used cell.

If you have an environmental agency in your area, you might like to work on this issue with them, or perhaps they already have a program set up to dispose of used batteries. As a concerned citizen, your suggestions and input will be invaluable to them as they attempt to come up with some solutions.

ALCOHOL AND SOCIETY TODAY

ALCOHOL AND SOCIETY TODAY

There has been a lot of discussion in the last few years about the continuing problem of alcohol and the effect it has on society. Should we treat alcohol as if it were an illicit drug?

Some of the promoters of harsh restrictions on the sale and marketing of certain alcoholic beverages (restrictions such as advertising bans and higher taxes) have justified their proposals with the erroneous assertion that alcohol is no different than illegal drugs. There have even been stories in some of the media attempting to equate alcohol with the use and/or abuse of illegal substances such as marijuana, crack, cocaine and heroin.

We will first mention as a matter of information that alcoholic beverages have been a part of western civilization for more than 25 centuries. Now we know there will always be people among us who drink. America has already tried prohibition and learned conclusively that it does not work. The simple fact is that many Americans like to drink and the vast majority of those who do, drink responsibly, thus, the public policy challenge we face today is not to stigmatize all drinking as bad but to maximize the probability that those who choose to drink will do so in a responsible manner.

It's a fact that excessive drinking can seriously damage one's health. Those who claim that "alcohol is a drug" want that word to carry a particular, threatening connotation. In reality, however, "drug" is an ethically, legally and physiologically neutral term that encompasses a wide spectrum of substances.

According to a well-known medical textbook of pharmacology, a drug is any chemical agency that affects living processes. A drug can be as menacing as cocaine, as benign as sucrose or as helpful as vitamin C. In a societal sense, some drugs relieve pain and assist in the healing process. Others are safely and legally enjoyed by millions of people very day, even though overuse can result in undesirable side effects. And Some drugs are so terribly addictive that simply experimenting with them carries substantial risk.

Recent studies show that excess alcohol consumption can lead to a number of serious health problems, and of course there is the problem of addiction which must be taken into consideration. Who among us hasn't been exposed to a friend or relative with a severe drinking problem. Many of societies' problems today such as spouse abuse, child abuse and dysfunctional family relationships can be traced to drinking problems.

Alcohol may lead to liver problems, a variety of cancers as well as forms of osteoporosis and depression, and studies are showing, too, that women are more susceptible to the ill effects of alcohol than are men. From this information, it is safe to conclude that anything which has this type of effect on one's general health, is going to affect the entire system. And research has shown that alcohol depletes the body of it's necessary vitamins and minerals.

"Social drinking" seems to be an accepted practice these days and the arguments both pro and con will always be with us. It is our hope that as you read and consider this information you will become more aware of the effect that alcohol has on society today.

SUCCESS ON THE JOB

SUCCESS ON THE JOB

INTRODUCTION

This book will prepare you for the difficult task of job hunting. Not only will it show you how to get a job but it will show you how to keep your job and get the most out of it. You will be able to use the most modern psychological measures in dealing with other people so that you are always ahead. Follow the instruction in this book and see yourself go to the top.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR JOB HUNTING

Know What You Want

You should be perfectly clear of what you want. Don't give yourself vague objectives such as "any job that pays." Make your objectives and goals very definite and specific. Your first step to getting a successful job is knowing precisely what you want. Ask yourself this question and write down the answer on a sheet of paper.

Expect The Best But Prepare For Adversity

Always expect success, but prepare for the bad things in life. Adversity happens to the best of us. Our challenge is to conquer adversity. Adversity is a great teacher; learn its lessons well. Remember, if you haven't been through bad times, you are far from success.

Be Positive

When you create a "win,win, win" attitude, you will start to win. When you start to think positively, everything around you will be positive. Whatever you expect to take place will take place. If you want things to be good, they will be good. You are the master of your destiny. Destiny DOES NOT rule you.

Be Confident

You must have confidence in yourself. If you are not confident in yourself, people will not be confident in you. People admire and respect confident people. You will even admire and respect yourself more. If you have doubts about yourself, other people will have doubts about you, also.

Action Is The Key

Do whatever you have to do to get where you want to. Commit yourself to action. Don't put off your plans, start today. The only way you will achieve success is if you act now. You must act now with full force if you want to achieve your dreams. Plan to act out your ideas today.

Visualize Your New Job

Look ahead and visualize the job you want. Tell yourself how much you want the job and what you are willing to do for it. Your dreams will become your reality if you let them. Know what your dreams are. Visualize success in your mind so well that it is almost real.

Be Persistent

Be persistent to do better. Anything worth doing is worth doing again and again and again. Don't let rejection stop you from reaching your goals. Keep trying and you will succeed. Nobody makes it the first time. Try over and over again and don't stop until you get what you want. There is no going back.

It's Going To Cost You

Nobody gets a free ride. If you want something, you must pay for it. It is going to be hard to get what you want, but it will be well worth it when you are successful. The best things in life are the hard things.

Other People Can help You

People will help you to get where you want to go. You will never make it alone easily. People can teach you and help you become a better person. Listen to other people--you will learn from them. If someone helps you, don't forget to reward him.

Demand A Lot

When you demand a lot, you get a lot. Your expectations of others and yourself will become a reality if you expect them to be real. What you expect to happen, will happen. If you push yourself hard, you will start to see results. demand and you will receive.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB

Look through the help and want ads of newspapers and professional and trade journals. Find out where government jobs are listed and then try out for a state, local or federal job. Check with your state employment center--it may be able to get you a lead. Most schools have job placement centers, check with them. The secretaries of civic organizations and the Chamber of Commerce may have some leads for you You may be able to get a job by going to a job fair. If you are a minority or need special assistance, you may be able to get help finding a job from special interest groups. Check at your public library for further information.

Where You Can get Job Leads

Trade conventions and organizations that relate to your field may be able to get you job leads. Ask relatives and friends if they can furnish you with any leads in your field. Place a job ad in newspapers or professional journals.

YOUR RESUME

A resume is helpful for any type of professional job you are trying out for. A good and effective resume will lead you to personal interviews.

Preparing Your Resume

You must write down a collection of all the information about yourself on a sheet of paper. After all of this information is organized, transfer it to a resume. Only use the training and experience that are relevant to the job which you are applying. Write down all the information that relates to your goal on your data sheet. When you are mentioning jobs that are unrelated to the job you are applying for, be brief. Tell your prospective employer anything and everything that's in your favor and will interest him. Arrange the information so it catches your prospective employer's attention.

To determine what you should put in the beginning of your resume, think of what your potential employer will feel is important. You can organize your experience by job or by function. Your resume should be detailed enough to give an employer all the important facts on you, but it should not be too long or an employer may not read it. Employers are busy people and they want the facts in a few words as possible. When writing out your resume, don't mention anything negative about yourself. If you have never had any work experience and the job calls for work experience,should you put "none" in that section of your resume? No. If you have never had nay previous work experience, don't even include work experience.

Make Your Resume Impressive

Your resume must be typed on a good typewriter. Remember, when a prospective employer looks at a resume he subconsciously relates the quality of your resume with the quality of your work. It is the only thing he sees of you. The most impressive resumes are not five-color jobs on 20-cent paper. If your resume is too flashy, your prospective employer may not be too impressed. Don't pass out carbon copies of your resume because they look cheap and they tell an employer that you gave the original to someone else. Research has shown that resumes printed on yellow paper with brown ink are the most effective. If you don't want to print your resumes, just photocopy them on fancy yellow paper to give them that quality touch.

THE INTERVIEW

What You Should Bring To The Job Interview

Organize and prepare all the papers you will need with you at your job interview. Your main document is your resume. If you don't have a resume, take instead your school records, Social Security card, work records, licenses, military records, dates of employment and names of your employers.

Your References

It is also important to create a list of references. Be prepared to give an employer the names and addresses of three people who are familiar with you and/or your work. You should ask your references for the use of their names in advance. If you think it appropriate, ask a professional friend or former employer to write you a letter of reference, and include it with your resume. If your work is the type of work you can show, take samples of what you have done in the past.

Know The Company And The Employer

Learn all you can about the company that is interviewing you. Go to the library or your Chamber of Commerce to find out all you can about it. Try to find out exactly what they do and what they have in store for you as far as jobs are concerned. Find out who you will be working for. The person you will be working for will be very influential in your life. Make sure you really want to work for this person. If your future boss doesn't tell you about himself at the interview, don't ask.

Know How Much You Should Earn

Know how much you should earn with your talents and skills. Make your estimate a little higher so the company benefits when they bid you down. Don't go too high or you won't get the job. Know approximately what the salary scale is for the job and be ready to negotiate the salary.

Know Yourself

It is important that you know yourself. Evaluate what you can offer this company, whether it is education, training or special skills. Always tell them what you can do, not what you can't do. Know exactly what type of job you are applying for and what type of job you want.

Know Your Interviewer

Prepare yourself for the questions for the questions the interviewer is going to ask you. You should rehearse answers to the most commonly asked questions. Have some one ask you these questions to practice your answers:

Why do you want to work here?

how long do you want to stay with this company?

Why did you leave your last job?

Tell me about yourself.

Why aren't you working now?

How long do you think you would stay in this present job without a

promotion?

Why should we hire you?

What is your greatest strength/weakness? What did you like/dislike

about your last job?

How much did you earn?

How much do you want to earn?

Why do you think you can do this job without experience?

Your Time

Make sure you are at least 10 minutes early for the scheduled appointment. Don't come too early or too late. Give yourself enough time to spend with the interviewer--don't arrange another appointment 15 minutes after the first appointment. Your time with the interviewer should be uninterrupted.

Your Appearance And Dress

Don't wear too casual or too formal clothing to the interview. Dress conservatively without flashy colors. Be well groomed and shave for your interview. Women should make sure thy look very neat. Hair should not be in the face, it should be up or tied back. Makeup should be subtle. The way you look is very important to your interviewer. If your appearance is bad for the interview, that is the impression an employer will have of your job performance. Neat appearance is always a must.

What To Do At The Interview

When you shake an employer's hand, shake it firm, solid grip. Don't shake his hand passively. Be businesslike but pleasant and friendly. Smile throughout the whole interview. Make sure your smile does not look fake. Good eye contact is very important. If you can't look into his eyes, look at the bridge of his nose. This will seem as if you are looking into his eyes. Sit straight up but toward the interviewer. This will make it seem as if you are very interested in what the interviewer has to say. Don't smoke or have poor posture during the interview. If you are under stress, try to act calm.

What To Say At The Interview

Let the employer take charge of the interview. Answer his questions briefly but completely. Don't ramble on about unimportant things and waste his time. Dogmatic statements should be avoided. Tell the employer exactly what you expect from your job and from him. Also tell him exactly what he can expect from you. Stress your qualifications in a positive, affirmative tone. When the employer tells you what type of person is wanted, use this information when telling the employer about your qualifications. It is very important to tell him what he wants to hear. When you tell people what they want to hear, they start to agree with you. Don't over do it and exaggerate with lies. Use your resume or records to support any claim you make about yourself. If you don't understand a question the interviewer asks you, repeat it back to him to see if you understand it. Try to see what the interviewer wants to find out about you. If you know what he wants to find out, make you answers fit his needs.

What Not To Say And Do At The Interview

Talk about previous jobs if they are in your favor. Don't say anything bad or criticize previous employers or fellow workers. If you say anything bad about anyone, your future employer can expect trouble from you. Don't say anything negative about yourself. Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or domestic unless you are specifically asked. If the interviewer questions you at a quick pace with confusing questions,he is doing this to put you under stress. Stay in control and answer calmly. Don't be overly impatient when an employer asks you a question. Wait for him to finish the question and then answer it completely and in a relaxed manner. You don't want an employer to think you are desperate for the job. Don't take anyone with you to the interview--this makes you seem insecure.

At The End Of The Interview

If the employer does not offer you the job at the end of the interview, ask him when you will hear from him or when you can call to find out his decision. If you are asked to come back, write down the time and place you are to attend. After the interview thank the employer for spending his time with you. Ask him if he knows of any other company that may need a person with your qualifications. A good practice is to also thank the employer by mail with a "thank you" letter. Many applicants don't do this, so this may give you an edge on the job.

If You Are Hired At The Interview

Make sure that you understand what your duties will be. A good understanding of what your employer expects from you and what you expect from your job will prevent conflicts in the future. Make sure that you are very clear on both of them. You should also find out what advancement opportunities are open for you. Tell the employer what salary you want, but only bring up money when the employer brings up your salary.

If, at the end of the interview, you are not offered the job, tell the interviewer that you really want the job. Follow up with a thank you letter to the interviewer. Tell the interviewer again in the note that you really want the job. If you forgot to mention something in the interview that you thought was important, don't hesitate to mention it in the letter. If the company hasn't contacted you in a week or two,call. If somebody else is hired for the job ask the interviewer if he has any other openings in his company or if he can give you any leads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THAT RAISE

Make The First Move

Don't wait for someone else to tell you what to do. Upper management admires an individual who takes initiative. Develop your individual talents. Educate yourself with new skills and knowledge. Show them that you are a real "go getter."

Make Quick Decisions

Teach yourself to make quick, intelligent decisions. Being indecisive will hurt you. Anyone can make good, quick decisions--it is just a matter of training yourself. Intuitive instincts must be developed.

Seek More Responsibility

Take on the tougher assignments. Actively seek more difficult work with added responsibility. Take on all the responsibility you can handle. Try to take the added responsibilities in addition to your assigned work, The greater your responsibilities, the more you are an asset to management.

Increase Your Interests

The more you know, the more valuable you are to the company you work for. Go to night classes or just read books that will give you that added education. Increase your interest in things that will help your company. Specializing in as many things as you can will help you move up in a company.

Take The Risk

Nothing comes easily. Moving up in a company is going to be hard but rewarding. If you expect to move up, you must take chances. It is the little risks in life that give us the most advancement. If you don't stick your neck out, your chances of moving up are slim.

Know Your Company

Find out everything you can about the company you work for. Understand and know your company. Study and learn the jobs of your fellow workers. Understand what they do and why they do it. Always try to increase your knowledge.

Know Your Boss

Find out what type of qualities your boss and upper management are looking for in employees. Try to develop those qualities.

Be Good At Your Job

Management always admires people who are efficient at their jobs. Keep the highest possible level of production and quality every day. Be so good at your job that you can do it without close supervision. Don't fool around on the job, regardless of what other employees do.

Know Your Goal

You Should know exactly what position you want. Be the person they want if you want that position. Make sure you can do all that is required.

Devote Yourself To Your Company

You should have a strong sense of loyalty and devotion toward your company. Show the company that you care about its well being. Don't disagree with company policies. Even if you disagree with them, obey them. The best that you can do is to agree with the policies and tell management diplomatically how you feel about them.

Be Reliable

Being reliable is very important. A company wants to fell secure with your contribution to the company. Don't be late or absent from work without a very good reason.

Make Sure Your Accomplishments Are Seen

There is nothing wrong with letting others know what you have accomplished, as long as long as you don't brag. If the opportunity arises for recognition, take it. Make sure others know what you have done. A good suggestion is to jot down your accomplishments in a dairy. When you asks for raise, refer to your dairy. Keep all your recommendations and awards in a file.

Be A Problem-Solver

Look for problems in your company. Devise practical and intelligent solutions to these problems. Bring the problem to the attention of your boss only after you have solved it and have all the details of the solution.

After-Work Activities

If overtime work is needed, don't ever decline or avoid it. Volunteer for committees, and then work hard for them so they meet their objectives.

Voice Your Opinion

When you speak up, make sure that your opinion is well thought out. Don't whine to your boss. Talk things out with him. Tell him what you have to say and then listen to him. Speak to your boss loudly, clearly and specifically. Don't voice a vague opinion--tell him in specific terms exactly what is bothering you.

Ask For A Raise

When you feel you are ready for a raise and you have fulfilled all the requirements I have pointed out, ask for one.

HOW TO GET A RAISE

Know Company Policies

Understand your company's policy on salaries and raises. You may have to be with the company a specified length of time to get a raise. Find out how long and act at the right time. If you are getting the maximum salary for your position, you may ask for a promotion or a re-classification. Do everything you can after studying the company policy book.

Know The Decision-Maker

You have to convince the person who has the authority to give raises that you deserve one. If that person is above your boss, prepare to convince your boss and his superiors that you deserve a raise.

Do You Deserve A Raise?

You must find out if you deserve a raise. Only after you are sure you deserve one will others be sure you do. Rate yourself. Try to look at yourself through your boss's and your fellow workers' eyes. Do they think you deserve a raise?

How To Justify A Raise

Tell them about your accomplishments that helped the company. Show them how much you saved the company through your actions. Get to know what your skills are worth for another company in the same area. Present your company with that information. Present it to them in a very non-agressive manner. tell the company what you will be able to do for them in the future. Tell them how you will benefit the company with your new raise. tell them how your value has increased since you have been with the company. Don't mention anything about your personal needs for the money.

Be Able To Handle Rejection

If you are rejected for a raise, be able to cope with it. Deal with the rejection before you ask your boss for a raise so you will know how to handle the situation. Remember, expect the best prepare for the worst.

Know What You Want

Before you speak to your boss know exactly how much more money you expect, both in terms of dollars and percentage. If you know your boss will negotiate with you, ask for more than you actually want. In this way you will get what you want or more.

When Should You Ask For A Raise?

Make an appointment with your boss. Don't ask him for a raise as he is passing in the hallway. Don't ask to see your boss on busy Mondays or Fridays.

Be Prepared For Criticism

You may be criticized for not performing "up to par" now. Don't let this criticism upset you, let it help you. You can learn from this criticism by asking for more feedback from your boss. Ask your boss how you can improve yourself. Ask him for suggestions. Always be willing to negotiate with your boss. He may only give you a bonus instead of a raise. Take it and ask for a raise later.

Handling Your Boss's feedback

Get an immediate answer from your boss if he has the power to give you the raise. If he can't give the answer to you now, ask him when he can. If he tells you he can't give you a raise ask him why.

Ask him what he would require from you before you got a raise, his suggestions, what needs improvement, etc. Do what he tells you to do for a raise and, when you have satisfied his needs, ask him again. If you plan to quit if you don't get a raise, don't threaten your boss. You want your boss's good reference later if and when you do quit.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF COMPROMISE

In many cases all you will be able to get by being persistent is a compromise. Compromises are good. They get you one step[ further that you were in the first place. If for some reason, such as self-respect, you can't accept a compromise, then don't. Give whatever you can offer. If you do this you may not get any type of settlement in your favor. Here are steps that will show you how to compromise so that you get the best of the bargain:

Tell The Person Exactly What You Want

Tell the person exactly what you want in terms he will understand: "I want more..."

Persist

You must get past the other's person's excuses and alibis. You must be persistent until you fell you have hit the other person's bottom line. You may find that the other person is trying to manipulate you. Be persistent until that person has stopped all his manipulation.

If You Are Unsure

If you don't know what they want, then don't make a decision. You must think the situation over before you make a compromise. If you need more time, tell the other person that you need more time. Make sure that you can live with the compromise you have made before you make it.

HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISM

Some criticism you get is in poor taste. We must know how to deal with criticism such as: "You look terrible today" or, "You left this in my way, you idiot." Make sure this kind of criticism useless, follow these steps.

Agree With The Facts

Agree with the facts the other person presents. For example, in response to "You look terrible today," say, "I haven't been feeling too well lately"; in response to "You left this in my way you idiot," say, "Yes, I did leave it in your way." Answer only what was actually said, not what was implied.

How To Answer

Stay calm and collected during the whole conservation. Don't lose your temper. The only way a person will make you feel degraded is if you degrade yourself. You don't want to waste your time which this type of person, so don't defend yourself or attack him.

If You Made A Mistake

If you made a mistake, accept that fact. Don't accept the quilt for the mistake. If you were in error, then apologize. If you apologize, don't make a big thing out of it. Don't tell them how dreadfully sorry you are, etc. Just give them a plain "I'm sorry."

HOW TO DEAL WITH IMPORTANT CRITICISM

When you get important criticism, you want to know how to get the best out of it. Useful criticism is one of the best ways to make yourself into a better person. Follow these steps to get the most out of useful criticism.

Ask For Feedback

Find out exactly what others object to about you. If someone tells you "You are bad," that's not good enough. Find out exactly why that person thinks that way. Be very persisent--find out why the other person feels the way he does. Vague criticism is worthless to you.

Guess At Reason

If a person refuses to give you reasons for criticizing you, keep guessing at your faults until you get the right one. This may be the only way to find out what displeases the other person.

Don't Be Defensive

If you act defensively, you may not be able to benefit from useful criticism. Don't be sarcastic or intimidate the other person. You want to learn how to become a better person from the criticism.

Ask the person how you can change your objectionable behavior; be open to reasonable suggestions.

HOW TO GET YOUR CO-WORKERS AND YOUR SUPERIORS TO LIKE YOU

Good relations with your co-workers and your superiors will not only help you but will make work more enjoyable. Every employee wants to be liked by other employees. If you treat people the way they want to be treated, they will like you. Some of us don't know if what we do is objectionable to others. I am going to give you a list of things that attract other people to you and things they find objectionable. When you move up in the company, you will need all the support you can get.

Praise People

Everybody enjoys being praised. People look for approval of themselves in others. But you should praise people only when they deserve it. If you praise people when they don't deserve it, or if you praise too much, you lose your credibility. Don't exaggerate your praise. Make the praise as warm and sincere as you can.

Don't Put People Down

Putting down a person can be very damaging to you and the other person's relationship wit you. People don't want to feel degraded by being called stupid, crazy, weird, etc. Don't put down anyone even if they are not present. If you do, the word will get back to them and you will look bad. Always talk positively about people. Even if you don't like them, still speak highly of them--you will be amazed at what this does. If you must say something bad, don't say anything at all.

Don't Be Concerned With Your Interests ONly

There is nothing wrong with caring and looking out for yourself. Just don't make it noticeable to other people. You will be resented by other people if you seem selfish. Make sure others know you look out for them as well yourself.

Share The Credit

When others have helped you accomplish something, share the credit with them. Even if their contribution was not as great as yours, still share the credit with them. You will be surprised

Don't Ask Others To Do For You What You Won't Do For Them

If you are unwilling to go out of your way for people, don't expect them to go out of their way for you. Set the first example--if you help them, they will help you.

Always Show Appreciation

Everyone wants approval and recognition for what they have done. If someone helps you in any way, tell him how much you appreciate his actions. If you don't, he may not help you again. This is what you should tell people when you show your appreciation: "I really appreciate the way you..."; "Thank you very much for..."; "You are very good at...": "I really want to tell you how much I appreciated..."; "You were very nice to..." Don't show too much approval and recognition or it will lose its credibility.

Don't "Show Up" Others

When you "show up" others you do it at their expense. "Showing up" people in front of others takes away their self-respect. If you are better than others, they will know it--you don't have to degrade them.

Treat Small Things With Importance

Some things that seem small to you mean a great deal to others. Don't ignore small problems; help people solve them. Treating small problems with importance shows other people you care.

Care About People

Everybody is concerned about themselves and it is important for them to have someone to care for them. They are touched when you care about them. Helping people cope with life makes people feel that you care about them.

Don't Criticize A Person In Front Of Others

If you criticise someone in front of others, he will always resent you. It is one of the most degrading things you can do. If you criticize someone, criticize him constructively and privately.

Give People Your Undivided Attention

All people want to fell important. To make a person feel important you must give him your undivided attention when communicating with him. Get rid of all interruptions. Make sure you have good eye contact and that you are not playing with objects.

Be Courteous, Tactful, Polite and Diplomatic

Everyone appreciates people who are courteous,tactful, polite and diplomatic. The best way to learn these qualities is from others. Study someone you would like to be like and learn how he conducts himself.

Be Confident

If you don't have confidence in yourself, others will not have confidence in you, either. People admire and respect confident people. If you show others doubt, they will treat you with doubt. Be sure of yourself and play down your insecurities.

Conclusion

Getting a job can be very easy if you look for it the right way. Knowing exactly what you want and then going after it will always get you what you want. Be positive, determined and persistent so that you will benefit, be rewarded and prosper.

STAYING INDEPENDENT

STAYING INDEPENDENT

Planning for financial

independence in later life

TAKING STOCK

As retirement approaches, it is important for every household to assess its financial identity (assess its finances). Waiting too long might mean missing one or more opportunities to preserve maximum financial independence in the future. To help get you started, can you say "Yes" to the following statements?

YES NO

We talk regularly and frankly about finances and agree on our goals and the lifestyle we will prefer as we get older.

We know our sources of income after retirement how much to expect from each, and when.

We save according to plan and are shifting from growth-producing to safe income-producing investments.

We know where our health insurance will come from after retirement and what it will cover.

We have reviewed our life insurance and considered options such as converting to cash or investments.

We each have our own credit history.

We each have a current will or living trust.

We know where we plan to live in retirement.

We have anticipated the tax consequences of our retirement plans and of passing assets on to our heirs.

Our children or other responsible relations know where our important documents are and whom to contact if there are questions.

We have executed legal documents, such as a living will or power of attorney, specifying our instructions in case of death or incapacitating illness.

THE KEY IS PLANNING

"If only I'd known then what I know now ...."

Looking to the future is key to financial planning at any age, but especially in the decade or so before retirement. For many households, retirement is a time to fulfill dreams and delayed ambitions. It also can be a time of anxiety if you postpone thinking realistically about the ways your financial identity will change--income, savings, investments, credit, insurance, job benefits, and perhaps living arrangements. Meeting the challenge of financial management will help remove uncertainty and increase your available options. Both partners need to be involved in retirement planning and may wish to discuss their plans with adult children.

Many people neglect planning. Some prefer to leave financial decisions to the other partner, while others simply find it too difficult to talk about money. Whatever the reason, if you have not yet begun planning, you may want to seek pre-retirement planning advice from a professional or a community service organization.

LOOKING AHEAD

The decade before retirement is a good time to take inventory of assets and obligations and make financial choices aimed at maximizing future resources. These years are typically a peak earning period and they offer the chance to reduce major debts, such as a home mortgage, and increase savings and income-producing investments. Households faring the combined expenses of educating children and caring for aging parents may find saving difficult during pre-retirement years. In these cases, making a realistic financial appraisal is more useful. These are questions you might ask yourselves:

What are our sources of retirement income and how much will each provide-monthly or in a lump sum?

Social Security

Pensions, IRAs, Keoghs

Savings and investments

Sale of assets

Home equity

Find out all the options for receiving your pension benefits and whether they are insured. Find out if pension benefits will be reduced if you receive Social Security. Read carefully and consider the consequences of signing any documents relating to a reduction in spousal pension benefits. One of you may need this income if the other dies.

When estimating how much income can be expected from these and other sources, remember to take inflation, taxes, and market fluctuations into account. Depending on your anticipated income potential, you may decide to postpone retirement a few years, or plan to work part-time.

Is our health insurance adequate for retirement?

The cost of serious or long-term illness is a major burden for many older Americans because Medicare does not cover all health care costs. If you consider buying "medigap" insurance to supplement Medicare, shop carefully for a policy that supplements rather than duplicates Medicare coverage. Long-term health insurance for nursing home or home health care is new. Examine all the terms of any such policy before you buy.

MANAGING WHAT YOU OWN AND WHAT YOU OWE

Professionals say that retirement income should be 60-80 percent of current income to maintain the same Standard of Living. If your financial picture does not correspond to this guideline, you might prepare a budget and a cash flow statement based on income and expenses during the preceding 6 to 12 months in order to identify gaps in income and find ways to cut spending.

On the expense side:

List current expenses such as housing, food, health care, transportation costs, and other financial obligations.

Include a contribution to savings. Experts recommend a reserve fund to cover 6 months of basic expenses.

Itemize personal expenses for such things as clothing, travel, entertainment, and hobbies.

Develop habits such as price shopping, menu planning, coupon dipping, and monitoring your use of credit to guard against overspending.

On the income side:

Think through contingency plans in case expenses begin to outpace income or one partner becomes seriously ill.

Remember that credit histories in your individual names can be invaluable in retirement, or in the event of widowhood or divorce. Credit can be essential to meet unexpected or emergency expenses.

Federal regulations prohibit age and gender discrimination in the granting of credit. Lenders must treat all income alike, whether from employment, retirement benefits, or other reliable sources. Still, it may be easier to get a national credit or charge card in your own name while you are employed. If you have never been employed, you can still build a credit history by becoming an "authorized user" on your spouse's account.

Consider selling assets or converting life insurance into cash as another possible way to meet expenses.

Investigate Home Equity Conversion (HEC) as an option if you own or nearly own your home and need money. There are several kinds of home equity conversion loan plans, including Deferred Payment Loans and Reverse Mortgages, where you borrow against home equity and receive monthly or periodic cash payments.

Unlike home equity loans or lines of credit, reverse mortgages involve no monthly repayments as long as you live in your home or until a predetermined date. These plans do involve costs for application fees, closing costs, and interest, and they may affect eligibility for public benefits programs such as Medicaid. Generally, you can decide how to spend the money. Reverse mortgage plans are not all the same, so it is important to read the loan documents carefully. Check with a trained HEC counselor, other financial advisor, or an attorney before deciding whether home equity conversion is appropriate.

LEGAL MATTERS

You can use several legal tools to maintain control over your affairs in later years. These will enable you to decide, while healthy and alert, what you want done in the event of death or disability. Be sure to discuss any arrangements with your survivors to save them from facing difficult decisions and to give them peace of mind, knowing they are complying with your wishes.

Wills--If you do not have a current will, the state, not you, will decide how your assets are divided. Such legal documents as Living or Revocable Trusts offer ways to avoid probate.

Trusts--This device lets you decide who would be responsible for your financial affairs if you became unable to manage them yourself.

Powers of Attorney and Living Wills--Powers of attorney typically assign responsibility for financial matters to another person. Some apply to health care decisions as well. You can use a Power of Attorney or a Living Will to state in advance your wishes in case of an incapacitating or life-threatening illness. Doing so is essential if you want your family to know the circumstances in which you wish to decline life-support measures.

RELOCATING OR STAYING PUT

Where to live after retirement is a major decision. Perhaps you plan to relocate to a more favorable climate or to be near family. Research the consequences of such a move in terms of the basic cost of living, access to health care, and state and federal tax obligations.

If you are considering the advantages and disadvantages of selling your home, whether or not you plan to relocate, these are some questions to ask:

Can we afford monthly payments for mortgage, taxes, utilities, and maintenance?

Will one or both of us be able and willing to take care of the house?

Is the house a suitable place to live as we grow older and less agile?

Will we need to draw on our home equity as a source of income or credit, or would we have more options if we sold the home and invested the proceeds?

In addition to owning a home or renting an apartment, a number of other housing options may be available in your community, many of which offer savings on housing expenses. These are some alternatives to consider:

House-sharing for help with chores or added retirement income;

Group living in a private home or one sponsored by a social services agency;

Accessory apartments, or mobile or manufactured homes, including ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity) housing which, if zoning laws permit, can be installed on the property of an adult child or other relative;

Condominiums or cooperatives which have the advantages of home ownership without the burden of maintenance;

Retirement communities which may offer companionship, recreation, and sometimes medical and housekeeping services.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

An important part of financial planning is anticipating how to handle bad times. Prudent planning includes learning about public and private benefits programs. In most communities, governmental and private agencies offer services to help care for older persons, such as low-cost medical clinics, home health care, housing options, adult day care, and chore services.

The local Social Security Administration office has information about entitlement programs such as Medicaid, disability insurance, food stamps, and Supplemental Security Income. Ask about your state's Medicaid "divestment" rules which permit transfers of some assets to other people if done a specified length of time before applying for Medicaid (usually at least three years). Divestment is a precaution some take to avoid "spousal impoverishment" when all the family's assets are spent before a sick family member can be eligible for Medicaid assistance.

When arranging family matters, it will ease your survivors' emotional burden if you let them know your preference for funeral or memorial arrangements. You can handle these matters yourself by planning through a non-profit cooperative memorial society or by prepaying at the funeral home of your choice. If you decide to pre-pay, be sure you or your survivors can cancel the contract should you move or change your mind. Planning ahead and using comparative shopping skills can save thousands of dollars in funeral expenses.

PLANNING TO STAY INDEPENDENT

It's never too early to start retirement planning, and never too late to make adjustments in your financial situation. Whether wealthy or not--and it is probably more important for those who are not--investigating your options and making practical choices now can allow you to stay in charge and meet future financial goals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information and brochures...

Consumer Information Catalog

Pueblo, CO 81009

Cooperative Extension Office--local office is listed under State, Federal or County Government in the phone directory

American Association of Retired Persons Consumer Affairs, Program Department

1909 K Street,

N.W. Washington,

DC 20049

(202) 728-4355

Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference 6th and Pennsylvania Ave.,

N.W. Washington,

DC 20580

(202) 326-2222

National Foundation for Consumer Credit

8701 Georgia Avenue,

Suite 507 Silver Spring,

MD 20910

(301) 589-5600

American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI)

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue,

N.W. Washington,

DC 20004-2599

(202) 624-2455

Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA)

1025 Connecticut Ave.,

N.W. Washington,

DC 20036-3998

(202) 223-7780

Continental Association of Funeral

and Memorial Societies, Inc.

7910 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda,

MD 20814 (301) 913-0030

This is one of a series of brochures about building and maintaining a financial identity--both as an individual and as a partner in a two-income household. The series is about selecting and using financial services and service providers. It covers credit, investments, financial services, job benefits, and financial planning.