Image description: U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kassandra Alvarez, left, stands by to bring on mooring lines before the USS Tortuga gets under way in the East China Sea.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda S. Kitchner
Image description: Wish you had some help with holiday clean up? Meet HERB, a robotic butler great at cleaning.
Image description: Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!
Photo of the National Christmas Tree from the Department of Interior.
Winter means snow and more sledding. Here are some tips to be safe and have fun while sledding.
Image description: NORAD has been tracking Santa’s Christmas Eve journey since 1955 when they were the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD). Next Wednesday , you and your children can follow the magic of this special night on NORAD’s Santa Tracking website and see how close the man in the red suit is to your hometown.
Not near a computer? No problem! NORAD also keeps track of Santa on Twitter , so you can follow along on your smartphone. As the excitement for the big day builds, take a look at NORAD’s trailer video , showing Santa and his reindeer making their way through the night sky.
For some people, it’s not Christmas without a real Christmas tree. Cutting it down. The wonderful smell. And even cleaning up needles at the end of the season.
If you do choose a natural Christmas tree for as your holiday’s centerpiece, make sure you’re doing so safely .
Cut the base at a 45 degree angle and store in water.
Place tree away from sources of heat.
Use only non-flammable decorations.
Use lighting that has been evaluated by a recognized laboratory.
Inspect lights for frayed wires or other defects before putting them on the tree.
Do not leave lights on unattended.
Keep tree stand filled with water at all times.
Once the tree dries out, discard it promptly.
For more ways to have a safe holiday season, check out these 10 tips from USA.gov .
Support our troops this holiday season! There are LOTS of different ways to show appreciation. Here are some ideas: http://go.usa.gov/sHSY
Photo of sailors returning home from the U.S. Navy.
From CFPB and FDIC
The financial world of today isn’t the same world you grew up in. New services and choices are being offered all the time. For your children to navigate the new financial world they’ll face, they need to know when to seek out information and how to evaluate it.
Let your kids safely practice making financial decisions
Your children need practice making money choices, and they could use your guidance. At this age they may be earning some money of their own. Now, as you make benefits choices for next year, think about including your teenager in your decision-making process.
You can help your teenager think about how to use information to make a good decision. If you have benefits fact sheets or Web sites from your employer, sit with your teenager and go through them. Talk through the questions your child has, and ask a few questions of your own:
You don’t have to do anything you wouldn’t do normally, when you make your benefits choices. Just by showing your teens how you approach enrollment, you’re helping them practice the decision-making process before their own paychecks are at stake.
Ever thought about starting your own business? If you have, there are free resources that can help you get started. You’ll find everything from financing options to learning how to legally establish your business.
Since people have lots of questions about getting started, the Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched a new online course for young entrepreneurs that introduces the basics of creating and financing a successful business . While this free course is designed for young entrepreneurs, it is suitable for anyone interested in opening their own small business. The course is also available in Spanish .
Financing and counseling
SBA not only helps you start your business with free online tools and courses but also has agreements with financial institutions to help facilitate loans to small businesses through small business development centers or SBDCs, that offer help in all aspects of business planning.
After deciding to start a business and taking courses to familiarize yourself with the basics, you could then find assistance in your area and sit down with a loan expert that will help you prepare a business plan for a bank loan.
If you have questions about these online learning tools or the courses offered, you can also get in touch with the SBA directly by emailing learning@sba.gov .
Are you fighting a debt collector? Have you been at the end of a fraud or scam? Veterans and servicemembers, there are tools to help you recognize scams specifically targeted at you , resources and free help available to resolve these issues. Join Marietta, the editor in chief of the Consumer Action Handbook, and Holly Petraeus, a guest expert from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for a live Google Hangout where they will answer your most pressing questions about scams, fraud, debt collection and other consumer issues you might be facing. You’ll also learn about free help that’s available if you’ve been ripped off. Submit your questions in advance here on Google+, on Twitter using #AskMarietta or through email at AskMarietta@gsa.gov, then tune in on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. ET to see if your question is answered during the live event.
Join Marietta, the editor in chief of the Consumer Action Handbook and special guest Holly Petraeus, who leads the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs TODAY at 1PM ET to learn the essentials of recognizing and preventing scams against servicemembers and veterans. No registration needed! Watch live here: http://bit.ly/1yF8vQq #AskMarietta
From CFPB and FDIC
Kids learn from you, whether you’re teaching them or not
Children absorb habits and information from their parents and primary caregivers. If you’re like most parents, you believe in helping your kids learn about money. But it can be a difficult subject to talk about, so be on the lookout for opportunities to build a good financial foundation.
Money skills don’t always mean dollars and cents
You probably wouldn’t think of including your young child in complicated decisions like benefits open enrollment. (And of course it won’t work to try explaining the details of copayments or flexible spending accounts!) But there are parts of your decision-making process you can share, and these can help build the basic attitudes that even young children need for a solid financial future.
Here are a few key concepts that young kids can start to understand and use in their own lives:
You don’t have to do anything new or different. But you can share a money experience with your child. You could do the same for paying bills or checking your bank statements—routine tasks you do on a regular basis. Over time, these help your child form good money management habits and attitudes.
Image description: The holidays may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s also when accidental fires are most likely. Your decorations, candles, and electrical usage all put you at risk to cause a fire.
Use this advice from FEMA to decorate and celebrate safely this holiday season. When the holidays come to an end, you still need to take proper precautions. Home heating techniques can also be hazardous all winter long.
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Are you going to the National Christmas Tree Lighting this year?
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there was some doubt that the #NationalChristmasTree ceremony would take place at all.
The 1941 Christmas Tree had been planned to be the first-ever ceremony inside the White House grounds. By November, two oriental spruce trees (to be used in alternate years) had been transplanted from the White house tennis courts to either side of the South Lawn Fountain. All was in place for a “homey celebration,” as suggested by President Roosevelt at the 1940 ceremony.
But in the aftermath of December 7, 1941—despite the concerns of the Secret Service—the President sided with custom, tradition, and his promise. An estimated 20,000 people passed through the military inspection on Christmas Eve afternoon, with many checking their last-minute holiday purchases outside the East Gate.
All went well.
As seen in the photograph, President Roosevelt addressed the crowds from the White House South Portico on December 24, 1941. Churchill, who also spoke, can be seen on the right.
The historical 1941 tree, although out of the holiday spotlight, stills glows occasionally throughout the year. For nestled in its branches is a red light that, when lit, provides a directional landmark for the Presidential helicopter Marine One.
Image of FDR from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum; Photograph of a large crowd assembled on the South Lawn of the White House for the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree., 12/24/1945; Address of the Prime Minister upon the occasion of the lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree at the White House, 12/24/1941.
As temperatures begin to drop and winter gets closer, many people chose to heat their homes using wood burning stoves, space-heaters, and fireplaces. While these are all may help save money on heating costs, they also pose greater risk for residential fires .
Here are some tips to safely heat your home this winter:
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually (PDF), especially if it hasn’t been used in a long time.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene, or propane) can produce deadly fumes.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks or embers from jumping out.
Avoid using electrical space heater in bathrooms or other areas where it can come in contact with water.
Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke detector. Check it on a monthly basis.
Are you fighting a debt collector? Have you been at the end of a fraud or scam?
Veterans and servicemembers, there are tools to help you recognize scams specifically targeted at you and free help available to resolve these issues.
Join Marietta, the editor in chief of the Consumer Action Handbook, and special guest Holly Petraeus, who leads the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs, for a live Google Hangout where they will answer your most pressing questions about scams, fraud, debt collection and other consumer issues you might be facing. You’ll also learn about free help that’s available if you’ve been ripped off.
Submit your questions in advance on Twitter using #AskMarietta or through email at AskMarietta@gsa.gov , then tune in on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. ET to see if your question is answered during the live event.
Image description: A red ribbon hangs from the White House to honor World Aids Day yesterday.
"We’re closer than we’ve ever been to achieving the extraordinary: An AIDS-free generation." —President Obama on World AIDS Day
Since more and more people are shopping online, that means those people also have to wait for those packages to be delivered. The US Postal Service expects to deliver between 450 - 470 packages this season, and to better handle this high volume, USPS announced that they will be delivering packages seven days a week starting on Nov. 17th through Christmas Day. This service will be available in major cities and other high-demand areas.
For expected delivery of holiday mail and packages by Christmas, the Postal Service recommends keeping the following mailing and shipping deadlines in mind:
Dec. 2 – First-Class Mail International/Priority Mail International
Dec. 10 – Priority Mail Express International
Dec. 15 – Standard Post
Dec. 17 – Global Express Guaranteed
Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail/Priority Mail (domestic)
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From the Department of Interior:
Experience the heartbeat of a volcanic landscape at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Pictured here are the Halema’uma’u and Pu’u O’o craters glowing with the Milky Way above the national park. Photo courtesy of Nina McIntosh.
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From the Department of Interior:
Winter has arrived at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and it is gorgeous! Christina Adele Warburg took this photo last weekend at Mormon Row. Photographers from around the world visit this area of the park to capture this iconic barn with the Teton Range in the background.
Image description: Shopping online this holiday season to avoid in-store lines and traffic at the mall? Use the tips from this video to help find the best deals and avoid unnecessary hassles.
Image description: Happy Thanksgiving! Did you know wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 12 miles per hour? Check out 8 fun facts about these Thanksgiving birds.
By Katie Bryan, America Saves
Almost everything you see this holiday season will encourage you to spend money. You may feel pressured to buy the “best” gifts or top gift giving from previous years. In fact, according to the Consumer Federation of America, 1/3 of us planned on spending more during the holidays than we did in years past.
I’m here to tell you that you absolutely do not need to blow your budget this holiday season. Let’s make a commitment right here and now to be smart in our spending and keep to our spending and savings plan. Say it with me: “I will not break my budget this holiday season.”
OK, with that out of the way we can now focus on how to make that happen.
First, take a look at your financial situation and the goals you have:
Once you know how much you have to spend, use these tips and ideas to keep spending within your budget:
You don’t have to let this holiday season break the bank. Remember your personal savings goals and get creative with gift giving this year to reduce spending and save money.
Katie Bryan works for America Saves, managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA), which seeks to motivate, encourage, and support low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Learn more at americasaves.org .
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month — and with good reason. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cause of cancer among both men and women in the United States.
While not smoking will drastically cut your risk of getting lung cancer (90% of lung cancers are linked to smoking), there are additional things you can do to protect yourself.
Avoid second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is nearly as bad for you as being a smoker.
Get your home tested for radon . Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless and tasteless naturally occurring gas that comes from rocks and dirt that can get trapped in homes and buildings.
On November 20 President Obama addressed the nation to announce a series of executive actions on immigration. The initiatives announced will touch the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants, specifically:
Additionally, President Obama’s executive actions are expected to provide other benefits:
Sign up to receive email updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
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Calling all student filmmakers! Submit your video for the second-annual White House Student Film Festival by January 20th.
Today in 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, one of the most eloquent speeches in history. Listen: http://bit.ly/1ySIcq5
Image description: Today in 1831, President Garfield was born. He was president for only 200 days: http://go.usa.gov/GXcF
Video description: Most of the country is starting to feel the first signs of winter. With temperatures dropping, and forcing you to turn the heat on, you may want to check and see that you have enough insulation in your home — it’ll save you money on your heating costs.
This instructional video will show you step-by-step how to safely measure your insulation levels and help you decide whether or not you need more.
There are many more ways you can save money and energy in your home, here are some tips .
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Need health coverage? You can get covered starting November 15th. Check out plans and price options in your state.
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Find out how you can help families with low to moderate income file their tax returns.
Scams and frauds are abundant, and here is another one of which you should be aware.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning and created this video for the American people regarding phone scammers that will call you, claiming to be the IRS. They may say you owe money, or claim that you are due a refund, and trick you into sharing private information.
The scammers are elaborate— caller ID will show up as the IRS, they use fake names and IRS badge numbers. If you don’t answer, they will leave “urgent” call back requests.
The real IRS does NOT use email, text messages, or social media to discuss personal tax issues, and they would never do the following:
Call to demand immediate payment, or call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do:
If you know you owe taxes or think you might owe, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS workers can help you with a payment issue.
If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1.800.366.4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
If you’ve been targeted by this scam, also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.
Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our country!
Veterans Day will be celebrated tomorrow and sometimes we get asked what the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is. According to the Veterans Administration:
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
