Financial Tips to Help You Through the Government Shutdown

Financial Tips to Help You Through the Government Shutdown Financial Tips to Help You Through the Government Shutdown Financial Tips to Help You Through the Government ShutdownIf youre a government worker whos been furloughed and is currently living no-paycheck-to-no-paycheck, tapping your savings is a better option than racking up high-interest debt.As you’re reading this, the longest United States Government shutdown in history will have either recently ended or still be ongoing with no end in sight.That means wide-ranging implications across all of the “non-essential government services, but it also means that many, many individuals and their families are dealing with some very difficult financial situations. Furloughed workers have been hit the hardest.Those most directly and immediately affected by the shutdown are all of the government workers who aren’t getting paid. According to a recent report from the New York Times, the average furloughed federal worker has so far missed over $5,000 in salary.“More than 800,000 government workers have not received pay since the shutdown began on D ecember 22, which could create an especially dire situation for those living paycheck-to-paycheck,” explained Leslie H. Tayne Esq. (@LeslieHTayneEsq), Founder and Head Attorney at  Tayne Law Group  (@taynelawgroup).“Tightening the household budget is an essential first step. If this is not enough, furloughed employees may wish to seek other employment or apply for unemployment. However, government regulations and conflict of interest policies can restrict where these employees apply for work.Additionally, she added, unemployment benefits can take a week or more to go into effect, and employees will be required to return any benefits received once the government returns to full operations and back pay is issued.Those families impacted are now worried about bills from the holidays, paying rent or mortgages, day care expenses, debts they may already have had and depleting their savings to stay alive during this time. The stress of not knowing and also the restrictions of having to still go to work with no money for gas and bills is overwhelming many.”So what can they do?Have a rainy day fund? Well, its raining right now.Since banks and utility companies don’t seem to have shut down with the government in solidarity, workers may have to tap into their savingsâ€"if they have themâ€"to pay their bills.“If dipping into savings becomes necessary, consider drawing from personal savings first,” advised Tayne. “Taking from your 401(k) should be your last resort since you might be required to pay it back, which would add to your financial drain, or you might suffer a tax consequence or penalty for taking the funds early.Government employees can apply for a ‘financial hardship’ withdrawal from their 401(k) accounts. However, this should be considered an absolute last resort, and will be granted only if the situation meets specific hardship qualifications. So many have limited savings accounts to use and may only be able to last a month if they are lucky.S pend less, and find out if you can pay less, too.  Tayne also recommended talking to your landlord or mortgage company, credit card companies, and other utilities to find out what programs they can offer to reduce your payments temporarily.Some banks and credit unions are offering loans with low interest rates to government workers suffering financial hardship, she said, adding that workers should resort to using their credit cards with caution and limit their spending to absolute necessities. Consider any purchases you intended to make to be put off until you’re back to work if possible.You should also consider an open and frank discussion with age-appropriate household members to discuss purchases and spending during this time, she added. Families affected should work to avoid racking up too much debt during these times, as it will have an even more profound negative impact in the long run.”Stay vigilant and build your emergency fund.We’d love to tell you that there won’t be another shutdown. Or at least, not one anytime soon. But we can’t tell you that. Because there might be! (And lets not forget that another shutdown requires this one to end first.)In the case of a future shutdown, it’s important to be prepared for that possibility.“Having a solid emergency fund will be key to surviving a shutdown,” Tayne told us. “In general, you should always be working to pump up your emergency savings. However, if there is speculation that a shutdown is imminent, consider padding your emergency fund even more.“While living paycheck-to-paycheck can mean saving is nearly impossible, she added, doing so to the best of your ability can help prepare you should a shutdown put you in a dire financial situation or if a financial crisis occurs during the shutdown.Already working on a fairly tight budget? You may also consider finding a side job or taking more hours on when this government shutdown is over to bolster your savings, advised Tayne.Dont worry t hough, this dark cloud does come with one possible silver lining:If you prepare for a shutdown and one doesn’t happen, or it is short-lived, you will certainly not regret having more money in your emergency savings, she offered.Waiting on your federal tax refund? It could be awhile.While the government workers are being hit the hardest, they aren’t the only ones who might not be getting the checks they need to get by.“One of the most prominent ramifications of the government shutdown is the effect on the IRS,” explained Tayne. “As a result of disruptions in the IRS, tax refunds may be delayed. Many families rely on their tax refunds to be able to pay down debts.In order to prepare for the delay in receiving refunds, families should carefully monitor their spending in the meantime, she said. If possible, avoid adding to your debt while you wait for the refund if you were going to use that refund to pay down your debt. The more you charge on a credit card, the more interest you’ll rack up over time, meaning your refund will have less of an impact when you finally receive it.One way to account for current shortfalls is to try and fast track your (eventual) return:If you were using that money for other purchases, you might want to consider getting your taxes prepared and submitted sooner, ahead of the April 15th deadline. Note that this does not affect your state taxes or any refunds you might receive through the state.You might also delay purchases and financial commitments that you were relying on until the money actually arrives in order to not put yourself in a compromising financial position where you could end up with more debt and a limited ability or inability to repay, she continued. Revisiting your intended use of the funds and what other sources you have would be a good exercise at this time.If a delayed refund is putting you in a real financial bind, you can always ask for some leeway:You may even consider a call to your creditors to let th em know your situation and see if they offer options for lowered interest rates or extension of programs you are already involved in that are helping to keep your debt down, said Tayne.Hopefully, this advice will help you if the shutdown is still going on or to prepare for the next one. If there’s a next one. Hopefully, there won’t be!To learn more about financial best practices, check out  these related posts and articles from OppLoans:From Budget to Baller: 6 Tips to Grow Your Money8 Good Habits to Get Your Financesâ€"and Your Lifeâ€"on TrackThe Broke Person’s Guide to Credit Cards8 Ways To Save Money Today, Tomorrow and Every Day AfterHow are you getting through the shutdown?  Let us know! You can find us  on  Facebook  and  Twitter.ContributorsLeslie H. Tayne, Esq.  (@LeslieHTayneEsq) has nearly 20 years’ experience in the practice area of consumer and business financial debt-related services. Leslie is the founder and head attorney at  Tayne Law Group  (@taynelawgroup), which specializes in debt relief.

Interpersonal Communication Skills - 9471 Words

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS THAT ENHANCE ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT Mary Bambacas and Margaret Patrickson Abstract The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to investigate the interpersonal communication skills that human resource (HR) managers expect managers in supervisory positions possess. Second, to identify which of these skills HR managers expect managers use to engender subordinate commitment to the organisation. Third, the paper aims to investigate what interpersonal communication skills that enhance employee commitment to the organisation are most lacking in managers in supervisory positions. Keyword(s): Interpersonal communications; Interpersonal skills; Job satisfaction. Introduction Over the last three†¦show more content†¦Relationships between superiors and subordinates, horizontal and informal communication and the personal feedback dimension form the relational dimension. Each dimension considers a number of skills simulatneously. For example, the â€Å"relationship to superiors† dimension measures skills such as â€Å"openness of superiors to subordinates as well as superiors ability to listen† (Downs, 1994, p. 115). The personal feedback dimension considered â€Å"superiors† understanding of problems faced on the job and the clarity of criteria judging employees (Downs and Adrian, 2004). It would appear that literature on communication has investigated general aspects of interpersonal communication rather than communication skills. A good example is the study by Brunetto and Farr-Wharton (2004). Brunetto and Farr-Warren investigated supervisor communication, corporate communication, personal communication and the communication climate of employees from three Australian private and public organisations. Few articles have considered specific interpersonal communication variables (Guzley, 1992; Heffernan and Poole, 2005; Henttonen and Blomqvist, 2005; Penley and Hawkins, 1985). 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Role Of Women During World War II - 950 Words

Dana Tribandis William McGovern History 116 December 1 2015 The Role of Women in World War II In the early 19th century the role of women was typically categorized as doing chores around the house and raising children. Seldom were women seen with real jobs or in positions of full-time employment but as the United States developed so did the role of women. One of the largely contributing factors to the evolution of women’s role in society was the conditions of the US at war. World War II was a war that required more military and industrial manpower than any the United States had ever experienced before. A war that involved over fifty countries and one hundred million soldiers, the war was the most devastating in human history. The American war effort demanded increased production of war materials in addition to the millions of American men who were deployed across the world. The resulting work shortage led to a massive, wide-scale incorporation of American women in the workforce rectify the problem. More than six million women took jobs for the first time during World War II, and many, almost two million, worked in traditionally male domains manufacturing war items such as engines, artillery, and aircraft frames. Eventually, albeit not right away, military leaders began to realize the necessity of utilizing women in the armed services. While not drafted, branches of military created women’s corps to free men to fight in the actual combat. More than 275,000 American womenShow MoreRelatedRoles Of Women During World War II1338 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history women have been burdened to be nothing more than domestic individuals. Their roles were to fulfill their household duties as wives and mothers. Many restrictions applied to their womanhood and not being able to work was one of them. However, the roles of women changed during World War II. 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Why Case Studies Free Essays

A case study is a snapshot from a moment in time when businesses are facing key decisions PURPOSE: Case studies are meant to expose students to business scenarios and problems as well as help students develop the methodology to solve those problems How to Approach a Case Study? Read the prompt/given questions Read the case. Take preliminary notes What is the core problem? Write it out in 1-2 sentences Read through the case again. Find 3 alternatives and jot down pros/cons Solution impacts Things to Think: Long term vs. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Case Studies or any similar topic only for you Order Now . Short term Risk vs.. Reward Processes/procedures Target Consumer Financial Viability Brand Image Fixed vs.. Variable Costs Profit vs.. Revenue Format of the Case Report Paragraph 1: Intro/Problem Paragraph 2*: Alternative 1 with pros/cons Paragraph Alternative 2 with pros/cons Paragraph Alternative 3 with pros/cons Paragraph 5: Recommendation and why that solution is the best course of action * Can be combined together to save space * 3 Alternatives are recommended but not required 12 apt. Times New Roman, 1†³ Margins Formal Paper (no â€Å"I†, etc. ) Should be an â€Å"Executive Summary/’ (I. E. How to cite Why Case Studies, Papers

The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Science Essay Example

The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Science Essay Nuclear energy is a powerful source of energy compared to other conventional fuels. All crude oil based fuels derive their energy from oxidation, which is a change in the energy levels of electrons outside the nucleus. However,  nuclear energy  derives power from changes in the nuclear energy levels of the atomic nucleus! Tremendous energy lies locked up inside a radioactive nucleus and nuclear fission is a way of tapping this energy. Nuclear power plants derive energy from controlled nuclear fission reactions. This article discusses the pros and cons of using nuclear energy. Every powerful source of energy discovered by man, comes at a price. Nuclear energy comes with its share of risks and hazards. This article discusses nuclear energy pros and cons. It explore both sides of nuclear energy, that is its upside and downside. The pros and cons of nuclear energy use, need to be put in front of our policy makers in the government. Read on, to know and understand the price we must pay for nuclear energy to work and the benefits it offers over conventional energy resources. Nuclear Energy: Pros Here are some advantages of using nuclear energy over other conventional energy sources. Phenomenal Energy Output Among the pros and cons of nuclear energy, this is the most important pro point. The energy produced in nuclear fission of fissionable material like Uranium-235, is 10 million times the energy obtained by burning same mass of coal! There are many  uses of nuclear energy. The heat derived can be driven to power multitude of applications. If you are interested in knowing how such a phemomenal energy output is made possible, read, How does a Nuclear Power Plant Work? Low Emission Levels Nuclear fission leads to almost zero green house gas emission. So compared to conventional energy sources, nuclear fission is very clean! Reliable Energy Source Nuclear energy is a comparatively reliable energy resource, unaffected by strikes and shortages around the world, as very little is required at a time and its well distributed around the world. Nuclear Energy: Cons We will write a custom essay sample on The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Science specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Science specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Science specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Here are some points which illuminate the downside of nuclear energy  use. Nuclear Meltdowns and Disasters A nuclear meltdown occurs when there is an acute shortage of coolant water in the nuclear reactor. This can lead to disastrous consequences, causing a reactor equipment meltdown, exposing the world to high dosages of radioactivity. The Chernobyl disaster which killed thousands, remains a blot on the history of nuclear energy. For more information on this, read Nuclear Power Plant Disasters. There is a risk of such a disaster occurring and destroying everything in its wake. The designing and maintenance of nuclear reactors is crucial in avoiding such disasters. Radioactive Exposure The danger of radioactive exposure during mining and extraction of uranium like radioactive ores, looms in developing countries. The radioactive rubble and debris left after mining, if not properly disposed, can lead to several diseases like cancer and mutation. For more information on radioactive exposure hazards, read effects of nuclear radiation. Radioactive Waste Disposal Problems The safe disposal of radioactive waste is a major problem. Fission of a material like Uranium leaves by products, which are themselves radioactive and highly harmful to the environment. Radioactivity cannot be turned off and therefore there is no way but to bury radioactive waste, without leading to extra complications arising out of it. A Catalyst for Nuclear Weapons Proliferation Often, nuclear breeder reactor programs are smoke screen for the development of  nuclear weapons. There is no guarantee that fissionable nuclear fuel supplied to a country will not be used to produce weapons of mass destruction like atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs! If this technology falls in the wrong hands, like fundamentalist and terrorist groups, can spell disaster for the world. So there is a considerable risk in promoting the use of technology, which makes nuclear energy possible. This compilation of pros and cons about nuclear energy will give you an idea about the measure of risk involved in nuclear energy production. I have tried to be as unbiased as possible, while discussing nuclear energy pros and cons here. There are risks involved as one can see. For more information read, Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power. What I personally think is that nuclear energy should be an energy option, but shouldnt be the only one we are relying on for the future. After all, it is not a renewable energy resource and like crude oil, uranium like radioactive fuel sources will be exhausted one day. So nuclear energy is not a permanent solution to the energy problem but a temporary and inevitable one at best. The long term solution lies in developing technology based on renewable energy sources like  wind energy, tidal energy and  solar energy. Hope the discussion of nuclear energy pros and cons here has put things in perspective for you.

Juvenile Drug Courts essays

Juvenile Drug Courts essays Drug Courts came about as a result of a backlogged court system and a steady, rapidly increasing prison population. Drug courts are a form of diversion that helps the offender through rehabilitation and the community through an increased sense of protection, which serves the best interest of everyone. Drug Courts are community based intermediate sanctions that incorporate treatment principles into the Criminal Justice System and divert drug offenders from traditional punishments of probation and prison. The objective of drug courts programs is to treat the underlying problems of addiction among drug offenders and eliminate participants future drug use and crime (Cresswell, Deschenes, 2001, 259). Drug courts came about as a result of the 1980s war on drugs where all levels of government came together to crack down on an epidemic of crack-cocaine use that had society believing that drugs were the main problem of the criminal justice system (Burdon, Roll, Prendergast, the number of adults arrested for drug-related violations increased 273% between 1980 and 1995, in the same period, the percentage of prisoners in the custody of state correctional authorities for drug offenses increased from 6.4% to 22.7% (Burdon et al. 2001). With this rate of increase in drug offenses going through the courts system, something had to be done to manage the large number of cases that were only related to drugs. In the beginning, drug courts were only used to alleviate the overcrowding in the court system and paid no attention to treating the offender or their drug problem. In 1989, Janet Reno and Timothy Murray began a drug court program in Dade County, Florida that became a prototype for the nation (Listwan, Sch...

Terri and the Turkey Thanksgiving Day Play

Terri and the Turkey Thanksgiving Day Play The author grants permission for anyone to use this short play for educational and/or amateur purposes. Terri and the Turkey By Wade Bradford Stage Right: The humble home of Grandpa and Grandpa. Stage Left: The animal pen. Narrator: Thanksgiving. A time of joy and celebration. Of food, relaxation, and family. A day beloved by everyone. Everyone that is except†¦ Tom Turkey! (A Turkey named Tom walks on stage left, flapping his wings.) Tom: Gobble, gobble! On stage right, Grandma and Grandpa enter. Tom listens to them as they speak. GRANDMA: I mashed the potatoes, I crammed the cranberries, I yammed the yams, and now it’s time for you to do what you always do on Thanksgiving Day. GRANDPA: Watch football? GRANDMA: No! It’s time to prepare the turkey. TOM: Prepare? That doesn’t sound so bad. GRANDMA: Prepare? That’s such hard work! I have to pluck the feathers. TOM: Ow! GRANDPA: And pull out the innards. TOM: Eek! GRANDPA: And toss him in the oven. TOM: Oh my! GRANDMA: But don’t forget. First, you must chop off his head. TOM: (Grabs his neck, fearful.) And all this time I thought I was going to be the guest of honor. (PIG enters.) I’ve got to get out of here! These people are going to eat me! PIG: Oink, oink. Welcome to my world, buddy. GRANDPA: Well, I guess I better get busy. A happy couple, Mom and Dad, enter. MOM and DAD: Hi Grandpa! MOM: Happy Thanksgiving. DAD: Is there anything we can do to help? GRANDPA: I’m glad you asked that. Go out back and chop off the turkey’s head. DAD: Oh. I was hoping you would have me set the table. GRANDPA: Too bad. Get chopping! MOM: Be brave dear. DAD: But honey, you know the sight of blood makes me queasy. MOM: I’m needed in the kitchen. DAD: Well, sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do (A son and a daughter (Terri) enter.) DAD: Make his kids do the work. SON: Hey Dad, is dinner ready yet? DAD: Son, this is a very special Thanksgiving because I’m giving you a very special responsibility. I need you to chop off the turkey’s head. SON: Gross! DAD: And while you’re at it, pluck the feathers, take out the innards, and give it to Grandma to put in the oven. SON: But – but – but†¦ DAD: Have fun, son. The son turns to Terri, who has been engrossed in a book. SON: Terri! Hey bookworm! Did you hear what Dad just said to me? TERRI: No, I was too busy reading my history book. SON: You mean you didn’t hear a single word Dad said? TERRI: No. What did he say? SON: He wants you to kill the turkey. He pushes her toward the animal pen, then exits. Note: All of the other human characters have cleared the stage too. TERRI: Well, I guess if we want a turkey dinner, someone has to do it. Optional: She picks up a prop ax – make sure its something safe. TERRI: (Approaching Tom) Sorry, Mr. Turkey. The time has come. TOM: I – I – I feel faint! The turkey starts to sway back and forth. He falls to the ground. TERRI: Oh no! I think he’s having a heart attack! GRANDMA: (Entering.) Who’s having a heart attack? TERRI: (Checking the turkey’s pulse.) He doesn’t have a pulse. GRANDPA: (Entering.) I don’t have a pulse? TERRI: Not you, Grandpa. The turkey! DAD and MOM enter. DAD: Terri, what are you doing? TERRI: CPR. I learned it in health class. MOM: She’s such a good student. SON: (Entering.) What the heck is going on? TERRI: I think it’s working. Live, Mr. Turkey! Live!!! (Optional: If you want to get really silly with this skit, the actress can pretend to use a defibrillator.) TOM: (Coming back to life.) Gobble gobble! MOM: You did it honey! DAD: You saved his life. TERRI: Yep. Now I guess I better cut off his head. GRANDMA: Now wait, child. It just doesn’t seem right. TERRI: You know, according to my history book, presidents such as Harry Truman and John Kennedy have spared the lives of their turkeys. And since 1989, the White House has been granting a presidential pardon to each live turkey that is presented to the president. Maybe this year we could do the same kind of thing. GRANDMA: I think that’s a lovely idea. After all, one of the many things we should be thankful for is simply how many families have been able to have wonderful Thanksgiving dinners all because of this noble bird. Besides we have many other delicious foods we can eat. Yams, cranberries, freshly made bread, and mashed potatoes. GRANDPA: That’s right, Grandma. Now, who’s up for some pork chops? PIG: (Feeling faint.) I gotta get out of here! The End