Woman Newspapers, Cumberland County, March/April 2015

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY EDITION MARCH & APRIL 2015

IN THIS ISSUE:

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUNDS

DEB BAER BECKER:

Money Matters

Negotiate a Higher Salary

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Woman Loves: KEEP IT SECRET, KEEP IT SAFE



Publisher’s Note Photo: In The Moment Photography by Hollis.

Springtime is my favorite time of year. The days are longer. The daffodils are beginning to bloom. I have more energy to get things done! Time to clean the yard and get rid of all the winter debris and dead growth. It feels soooo good when things are tidy. Bring on the warm weather! Setting a budget and spring cleaning have a lot in common. No, really they do! It’s one of those tasks that we put off as long as possible, but then it feels so good when it’s done. This issue of Woman is blossoming with tips to make your springtime budgeting that much better. I suspect the change in nature has an affect on everyone. Spring brings richness and rashness everywhere. There is no rose without thorns. Spring, too, has some vices. March and April can bring sun-drenched 70° days followed by 30° and snow. I know I should expect it living in central PA, but every year at the same time, I get a major case of spring fever. After the gloomy, dark days of winter, most of us are ready for the longer, brighter, warmer days of spring. So, how do we curb our spring fever while we patiently wait for the warmer temperatures to finally arrive? You may decide it’s time to start saving money for that trip this summer, or simply to organize your boots and sweaters. Whatever you plan to do, it is time to take action and make it happen. You will be amazed at how good it feels to have a plan. So, kick off those socks and shoes, paint those toes, and get thee some sandals! Hallelujah!

LOUISE SUKLE Editor & Publisher

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Louise Sukle lsukle@womannewspapers.com

CONTRIBUTORS Kathryn Baxter kathrynbaxter@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Julianna Sukle julianna@juliannasukle.com

Kathryn Baxter is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Kathryn-Baxter

SALES MANAGER Dave Brown daveb@pressandjournal.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Dauphin County: Tina Rinehart (717) 421-3247 tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com Cumberland County: Maggie Gellers (717) 756-1719 maggieg@pressandjournal.com SALES ASSISTANT Sara Egan saraegan@pressandjournal.com

Brenda Tadych sumthin2say@hotmail.com Brenda Tadych is a lifelong resident of Dauphin County, currently residing in Middletown. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Brenda-Tadych

Lisa Houserman houserman46@gmail.com

Deb Baer Becker dbbecker2@yahoo.com Deb advocates for women’s breast health, and writes about her experience surviving breast cancer. She’s writing a book about her years as a young airman with the USAF Thunderbirds. She holds an MFA in Writing from Pacific University, and is the proud mother of two adult-sized children and two rescued dogs. She lives in Houston, Texas, but dreams of her native Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and cut-away fields. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/ Deb-Baer-Becker

Lisa Houserman writes a weekly column, Lisa’s Rants and Raves, for the Community News in western Crawford County, PA. Find her online at womannewspapers.com/Lisa-Houserman

Woman Newspapers are free bimonthly publications of Press And Journal Publications. All rights reserved. For submission requirements, e-mail info@womannewspapers.com. No part of the newspapers may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at womannewspapers.com | (717) 944-4628 | 20 South Union Street, Middletown, PA 17057 MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 3


hank god for automatic bill payment. Without it, I’d still be missing utility payments. I now have a retirement plan. And I don’t have to confront the shame of balancing numbers inaccurately (being honest here.) All the things one has to do to stay in a safe financial space, I’m doing. I just try to have them done automatically. So, I thank the universe for the technology that makes automatic bill payment possible. There are plenty of people who don’t need automatic bill payment. Plenty of people who type out their account balances into Quickbooks and keep track of their accomplishments and debts penny by penny. That’s not how I work. For most of my life, I actively ignored my finances. How does this happen? How do so many of us develop such painful relationships with money? I think a lot of this is learned behavior. When you go to a doctor, they ask for your family health history: Any cancer? Heart disease? But when you are taking out a mortgage, taking out student loans, choosing your retirement plan, going on a shopping spree... no one asks, “What is your family financial history?” Growing up, I didn’t know whether my parents had a mortgage on our house or owned it outright. I didn’t know if they were financing the family cars or not. I didn’t know if either of my parents paid for their educations with loans, or whether our holidays and birthdays were a burden or a manageable treat. I grew up thinking that if we couldn’t afford something, we just needed to get in the car and drive to the bank, where we could get more money. Because we lived comfortably, my brother and I never questioned much. My mom, a self-described work-a-holic, worked her entire life. I look back and wonder: Was it as much about her business as it was about knowing that as long as she was working, she was in control of something? When I was in graduate school and accruing my own first debt of any significance, I was aware my mother was having financial problems but I didn’t fully understand the extent. There had been a good deal of ups and downs over the previous few years and by the time she no longer had her business, a nonprofit that she had operated out of our family home, I learned she was also preparing to file for personal bankruptcy. Because she no longer had an income and although she wanted to move somewhere smaller, her house wasn’t selling and she wasn’t able to pay the mortgage. The bank foreclosed on her house. At just shy of 60, my single mother was searching the country for job options and housing. Turns out, there was also a lot more to it. I knew my grandfather had left an indelible impression on my mom, but I didn’t grow up understanding the history. What I really didn’t understand when I was very small was that my mother came from money. I didn’t learn until later that her father was a Lithuanian Jew who had escaped the violence in Europe to build a business and a life in Paris, then was run out of Paris and rebuilt himself in Spain, then left Spain for safety and opportunity in the United States. Three times he was exiled, and three times he rebuilt. Hard work. Perseverance. Loyalty. Success. Pride. The lessons he learned and the ones he wanted to teach his daughter, along with weighty expectations and oppressive emotional tethering, was about so much more than money. Some lessons are far more intangible. 4

Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015

My mother learned about hard work and rebuilding herself from her father. She also learned to tie personal value and dignity with financial success. It hasn’t been easy for my mom over the past decade. There were more employment hurdles, more housing struggles. She will never be in as strong a financial position as she was 15 years ago, let alone in the life she grew up in. Most of all, I’ve seen her truly struggle emotionally over it all, most likely harboring feelings that she disappointed her father (who in reality didn’t live to witness her financial strife). I know that adjusting her standard of living is not something she does easily, happily, or without a strong feeling of failure. And there it is. The messiness of personal financial history intertwined with family history: The pride and comfort found in financial order. The panic and shame of a forgotten bill. The guilt of inherited money and the grief at its loss. The depression and anxiety of bankruptcy and foreclosure. I didn’t write this column to embarrass my mom by airing her laundry. On the contrary, I am proud of her. Together, we learned a lot about how to build budgets, how to be honest about debt and how to plan for the future. I have been given a gift. Because of my mother’s hardships, she is unintentionally teaching me how to watch out for myself. How to adapt to a current situation, and modify my standard of living accordingly. How to shed light on all things financial in my personal, collaborative relationships so that my wife and I are always on the same page, building and not sabotaging our plans. And, of course, how to set up automatic bill payment wherever possible.


Taxes, taxes and more taxes by jan l. brown, attorney at law

Tax season is upon us so with a nod to the April 15th deadline, this article provides general information on some of the taxes we pay during our lifetime and upon our death. Federal Income Tax. Federal income tax is paid on income with tax rates beginning at 10% for persons making under $17,850 and increasing to 39.6% for persons making $450,000+. The tax is based on the net amount of income after deductions and credits are taken. With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the healthcare law), people with higher incomes have an additional tax: individuals with AGIs of $200,000+ and married couples with AGIs of $250,000+, pay an additional 3.8% tax. There are certain types of income that are exempted from this new tax, such as retirement plan incomes (pensions, IRAs), or active business income. Capital Gains Tax. This is a tax on the gain (profit) someone makes on certain investments, i.e., stocks and real estate. The capital gain tax rate is different for short-term investments (12 months or shorter) and long-term investments (1 yr. +) with the rates

encouraging long-term investments. For long-term investments most people pay at the 15% tax rate. For people whose income is $400,000+ a year, the rate is 20%. For a primary residence, there is an exemption of $250,000 for single persons and $500,000 for married persons. The purchase price and improvement costs (which is called the cost basis) of the residence is added to the exemption amount when determining the tax. Federal Estate Tax. This tax, also known as the “death tax”, is paid based on the size of a person’s assets at the time of their death. This tax only applies to estates with assets of $5,430,000 or more. The $5,430,000 is a per person exclusion so married couples have a $10,860,000 exclusion. The maximum tax rate for assets above the exclusion is 40%. Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax. The PA inheritance tax is levied against estates of person(s) who are residents of Pennsylvania. The tax amount is based upon the assets in the estate. The rate of tax differs based on the beneficiaries’ relationship category, beginning with a 0% tax rate for spouses and charities, a 4.5% tax rate for children, grandchildren and parents, a 12% tax rate for siblings, and a 15% tax rate for all other beneficiaries. The inheritance tax rates were reduced slightly in 2000 and there has been a call to further reduce this tax, however, with the current economic situation in PA, a reduction does not appear to

east shore, west shore, everywhere you want to be! Maggie Gellers

be imminent. There are other taxes which are analyzed when an estate plan and legal documents, such as a Last Will and Testament, are prepared. Having attorneys who are well versed in tax law and estate planning is important to help keep taxes at the minimum for the individual, the estate and families. Jan L. Brown and Associates is a law firm founded in 1993 to help families. The firm has over 43 years of combined experience and practices exclusively in

The Law Office for Older Persons Their Families

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Jan L. Brown & Associates

CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADVERTISING REP

Attorneys-at-Law

maggieg@pressandjournal.com

717-756-1719 Attorney Jan L. Brown

Practice Exclusively In: •E state Planning & Probate: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts

Tina Rinehart DAUPHIN COUNTY ADVERTISING REP tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com

717-421-3247

the areas of estate planning, probate and elder law. Estate planning includes Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Living Wills, Trusts, Tax Planning , Special Needs Trusts and Guardianships. Elder law addresses the legal issues of seniors, their families and those who care for them including obtaining benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits and protecting assets from nursing home care costs. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice as every client and situation is different and requires specific review and analysis. If you would like an appointment, please call (717) 541- 5550.

Attorney Jacqueline Kelly

•E lder Law: Protecting Assets From Nursing Home Costs, Qualifying for Benefits, Incapacity Planning

845 Sir Thomas Court, Harrisburg 17109

(717) 541-5550 www.janbrownlaw.com

Attorney Christa Aplin

Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 5


HERE ARE A FEW WAYS YOU CAN CONDUCT YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING AND BANKING BUSINESS MORE SECURELY: • Create unique pin numbers for your debit cards, as well as complex usernames and passwords for accounts with your banks and online retailers. Never share this information with anyone, and be sure to log out of your accounts when your transactions are completed. Conduct personal business on your home computer or personal device as opposed to public WiFi, and always use a secure Internet connection. • Manage privacy settings on your mobile devices and apps. Review the privacy disclosures for retailers or websites to ensure you are comfortable with how they will use your personal information. Set your mobile devices and PCs to lock when they are not being used, to help prevent someone from getting access to your personal data. • Before responding to any request for personal, financial or account information, make sure you know who is asking and why they need it. Be extra careful if a request is made with an urgent or threatening tone, or an offer that sounds too good to be true. Criminals use these tricks to get personal information to access your accounts or commit identity theft. • Monitor accounts and spending activity frequently. Take advantage of banking features, such as alerts that trigger when you have a low balance or unusual spending activity. Most banks provide mobile banking apps that allow you to keep tabs on your account activity on-the-go. In addition to their convenience, mobile apps are an excellent resource to spot unusual transactions in a timely manner. • Before providing your debit or credit information while shopping online, ensure your computer protection software and operating system are up to date. Some banks offer customers free or discounted anti-virus protection. Most people understand the importance of protecting their computers, but it’s important to protect your smartphones too. Look for “https” in the Web address field of your browser to ensure a website is secure. Check that the site is verified by TRUSTe or a similar data security service. • Check your credit reports periodically. Getting a free credit report is easy. Consider putting a fraud alert on your credit report before any new accounts can be opened.

Source: StatePoint

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


Smart financial moves for women submitted by chris dixon, aams edward jones financial advisor

On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s economic, political and social achievements. Yet women everywhere still face challenges - and here in the United States, one of their biggest challenges may be to gain the resources they need to enjoy a comfortable retirement. So, if you’re a woman, what steps should you take to make progress toward this goal? Your first move should be to recognize some of the potential barriers to attaining your financial freedom. First of all, a “wage gap” between women and men still exists: The median earnings of full-time female workers are 77% of the median earnings of full-time male workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, women drop out of the workforce for an average of 12 years to care for young children or aging parents, according to the Older Women’s League, a research and advocacy group - and this time away from the workforce results in women receiving lower pensions or accumulating much less money in their employer-sponsored retirement plans. To give yourself the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, consider these suggestions:

Boost your retirement plan contributions. Each year, put in as much as you can afford to your traditional or Roth IRA. A traditional IRA grows on a tax-deferred basis, while a Roth IRA can grow tax free provided you meet certain conditions. Also, take advantage of your employer-sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b). At the very least, contribute as much to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. And every year, if your salary increases, try to boost your contributions to your retirement plan. Consider growth investments. Some evidence suggests that women may be more conservative investors than men - in other words, women may tend to take fewer risks and pursue “safer” investments. But to help build the resources you will need for a comfortable retirement, consider growth-oriented vehicles in your IRA, 401(k) and other investment accounts. Talk to your spouse about Social Security. If your spouse starts collecting Social Security at 62 (the earliest age of eligibility), the monthly benefits will be reduced, perhaps by as much as 25%. This reduction could affect you if you ever become a widow, because once you reach your own “full” retirement age (which will likely be 66 or 67), you may qualify for survivor

benefits of 100% of what your deceased spouse had been receiving - and if that amount was reduced, that’s what you’ll get. Talk to your spouse about this issue well before it’s time to receive Social Security. (You may also want to talk to a financial advisor for help in coordinating survivor benefits with your own Social Security retirement benefits.) Evaluate your need for life insurance benefits. Once their children are grown, some couples drop their life insurance. Yet, the death benefit from a life insurance policy can go a long way toward helping ensure your financial

security. Again, talk to your spouse about whether to maintain life insurance, and for how much. International Women’s Day is a great occasion for commemorating women’s accomplishments. And by making the right moves, you can eventually celebrate your own achievement of attaining the financial security you deserve. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

If You’re Leaving Your Employer, Do You Know Your 401(k) Options? At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k), including leaving the money in your former employer’s plan, moving it to your new employer’s plan, rolling it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or cashing out the account subject to tax consequences. We can help you review your options so that you can select the one that’s best for you. If you decide to roll it over to an Edward Jones IRA, we can help.

To learn more, call or visit your financial advisor today.

Christopher B Dixon, AAMS®

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor .

29 S Union St Suite 110 Middletown, PA 17057 717-944-1206 IRT-1948D-A-AD

MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 7


So, even if a nickel isn’t worth a dime anymore, when it comes to protecting your cash there’s nothing wrong with a bit of extra protection.

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Kitty’s Clever Cover-up Need quick concealment? Hide your important papers or cash in an envelope taped to the bottom of your cat’s litter box.

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015

Secret Socket Stash This wall socket safe looks just like the rest of the plugs except this one can hide money, jewelry, or other small valuables that you don’t want a thief to find. amazon.com

Just Chillin’ Thieves will never dream of looking in this head of lettuce for valuables. It is a realistic looking Iceberg with a hidden compartment. bimbambanana.com

Dirty Secret Hit up a yard sale or flea market to find an older canister-style vacuum cleaner which could easily be converted into a storage compartment for hiding valuables.


“I don’t have to worryand When money about Mom love dwindles anymore.” by cara a. boyanowski, esq.

longer be much, if any, marital debt to divide, and possibly little or no marital assets. B., Client’s daughter Filing–forLisa bankruptcy after you file for divorce, creates an automatic stay on the equitable distribution phase of your divorce proceeding, preventing you from dividing your marital assets and debts by agreement with your spouse. It is also important to remember no matter when you file for bankruptcy, you will never be permitted to eliminate your obligation to pay alimony, maintenance and/or support to your spouse. Additionally, if you are filing under Chapter 13, the bankruptcy court will review any support obligations and settlement agreements before approving a repayment plan.

It is a well-known fact that money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce among many American couples, but what happens when your money issues are so great that they don’t just cause a breakdown in your marital relationship, but also compromise your present and future financial situations? At that point, you may need to explore not only divorce, but also bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding by which an individual can file legal documents to immediately cease the collection of debts from creditors and eventually eliminate the legal obligation to pay most or all of your outstanding debt. For individuals, there are two types of bankruptcy proceedings, namely, Chapter 7, which eliminates debt repayment, and Chapter 13, which establishes a three- to five-year Client Mary W. with her daughter Lisa B. repayment plan for satisfying outstanding debt. From a divorce perspective, filing for bankruptcy before you file for divorce may With a broad range of simplify your divorce action as there will no

services and a team of professionals who are committed to keeping With BAYADA Home Health Care… people of all ages safe at home, BAYADA provides:

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Do I have grounds for divorce? Should I leave the house? Do I qualify for support of any kind? What should I do about the bank accounts? 2080 Linglestown Rd. Suite 201, Harrisburg (717) 540-9170

Do I need a pre-nuptial agreement? What can I do to improve my chances of being awarded primary custody?

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Cara A. Boyanowski, Esq.

Am I entitled to alimony?

CBoyanowski@ssbc-law.com

Answers to these commonly asked questions differ, depending on the complexity of the case. We strive to help clients understand what actions to take, based on their particular situation. Serratelli, Schiffman & Brown P.C. has experience before all county courts throughout Central Pennsylvania in issues related to divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, child custody, child support and spousal support. We also assist clients with co-habitation and pre-marital agreements.

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MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 9


Lawyers and artists create a relationship

? r e y w a l Nee d a

by elizabeth simcox, executive director dauphin county bar association

Unusual as it may sound, bar associations are reaching out and entering the world of art. The legal community is helping upcoming artists with distinctive legal issues which can be difficult when they are often just starting out. The business model starts with a law school working in conjunction with its local bar association. This is not a new concept as bar associations and law schools have been working together in our area for many years. Bar associations are constantly changing and expanding. Working with the art community is a perfect example. The bar association, after looking at the issue presented and screening for financial eligibility, turns the case over to a law student to further investigate the case under the supervision of a law professor. Research then begins and knowledge is gained on both sides. When the case is ready, an experienced attorney steps in to assist the artist on a pro bono basis which means at no charge to the client. Questions arise such as, do I buy or rent a location to work and sell my craft in? Other issues might include basic sales, business, tax or

The Public Service Committee of the Dauphin County Bar Association operates a Lawyer Referral Service which assists individuals in identifying private attorneys appropriate to their needs who can then be retained for their professional advice and representation. Call the Bar Association headquarters at (717) 232-7536 (option 2) Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm to be referred to an experienced attorney.

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intellectual property law which can be defined as rules for securing and enforcing legal rights of inventions and designs and are questions that might need to be addressed. If I grow my craft do I incorporate? With this assistance, the artist may stay focused on what they do best; create. Lawyers will focus on what they do best; protect. For more information on this or other programs offered by The Dauphin County Bar Association please contact us at 717-232-7536.

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If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. This year, the IRS wants to remind all taxpayers that they should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).

• C heck the person’s qualifications. New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes. The IRS is also phasing in a new test requirement to make sure those who are not an enrolled agent, CPA, or attorney have met minimal competency requirements. Those subject to the test will become a Registered Tax Return Preparer once they pass it. • C heck the preparer’s history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents. • Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name. Under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited into a preparer’s bank account. • Ask if they offer electronic filing. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return. More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing in 1990. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. • Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise. • P rovide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to electronically file your return before you receive your Form W-2 using your last pay stub. This is against IRS e-file rules. • Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form. • Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it. • Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes his or her preparer tax identification number (PTIN). A paid preparer must sign the return and include his or her PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return. MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 11


5

Rules to Negotiate a Better Salary Between networking, polishing your resume, applying and interviewing, finding a job is time consuming. Once the offer comes in, all your hard work is done, right? Not necessarily. Now is the time for negotiating a process few people are comfortable with. Skipping it, however, can mean that you miss out on better benefits or a higher salary. You should always negotiate a higher salary. Hiring managers expect this, so they do not start by offering the highest salary in their range.

be polite

The first rule when it comes to negotiating is to always be polite. Say “Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am so excited to join your company.” Then move into the negotiation. Your requests should never sound like demands. If they do, you could negotiate your way right out of a job. Remember, the negotiation is a balancing act. You want a higher salary but you’re looking to work with the person on the other end of the negotiation, so be respectful and use good manners always.

know your worth

Make sure you’ve done your research. Know the average salaries for the position and for the market. That means what others with similar experience would make in the same city where you’ll be working. And this isn’t a time to be modest about your potential value to the company. Tell the company why you are worth more than you are being offered. Show them how you will contribute to the company’s profits and help their bottom line.

ask for the right amount

Ask for too little and you’ll sell yourself short, but if you ask for too much you’ll risk offending your future employer. You could ask for anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 above the company’s offer. After conveying your gratitude for the job offer, confidently state: “I’m hoping to negotiate a salary closer to $XX.” don’t forget other benefits

There are times that companies may not be able to budge on the dollar amount, but that doesn’t mean negotiations are done. This could be an opportunity to negotiate other benefits like paid time off. Ask the company whether they can be more flexible about vacation or PTO days. In addition to vacation days, other benefits that you could try to negotiate for include flex time for working from home and subsidized day-care costs. I’ve known people who negotiated for immediate vesting in the company’s 401(k).

be realistic

Keep in mind, people negotiating higher-level jobs will likely have more success negotiating. If you are just out of college and accepting an entry-level job, employers typically will not negotiate much, if at all. Young professionals can always ask, but they must be realistic about what they should ask for and about what an employer is likely to approve. Source: BPT 12

Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


A few months ago the Hubster emailed me an invitation to accompany him to a retirement seminar. That’s right, a full day of lectures about retirement income, Medicare, Social Security benefits, taxes on investments - if we’re lucky enough to have investments - and a boxed lunch. At the time, I couldn’t think of anything more boring and tedious, except possibly the Suze Orman show. Retirement. Ha! I’ll never retire. I’m FREELANCE. Employed by SELF. I’ll be writing columns until arthritis stiffens my hands into small hoofs. The Hubster will retire. Can you say golf ? Meanwhile, I’ll be hunched at my desk trying to read my computer’s screen through thick bifocals and milky cataracts. Later is the word I’d become accustomed to when we talked about retirement. But now that we’ve reached extreme middle age, later has been replaced by sooner. The thought of retirement is daunting. What will we do? The dogs and I are not accustomed to sharing the house during the day. Our current daytime routine is both comfortable and well rehearsed. Retirement will change everything. So that night after dinner, while we washed and put up our two plates, we talked about the seminar. “I know we have to think about retirement,” I said, “but must planning for it take a whole day?” I had deadlines. OK, I only had one deadline. “Let’s plan our golden years together,” Hubster said, and he looked at me with his Sinatra blue eyes. “OK,” I said, “But I’m only doing this to make you happy.” Those are the words I wish I could take back. The seminar day arrived, and we were in the car headed downtown. Gray clouds muddled the sky and countless cars clogged the freeway. We were late, thank you, Traffic. I’d read somewhere that the way you do any one thing in life is the way you do everything in life, and in this moment Hubster smiled at me, and gave my hand a little squeeze. Me? I sat stiff lipped in the passenger seat, a festering boil of impatience and negative anticipation and resentment. I could be doing so many other things right now, I thought.

“Probably won’t live long enough to retire anyway,” I grumbled, staring at the red tail lights of what seemed like a million cars in front of ours. “You’re going to live a long time,” Hubster said. “We’re going to enjoy a great life together.” He’s my positive charge. The sunshine Yang to my moody Yin. “It’s just money,” I said, like I don’t need it, never touch the stuff, as if our money doesn’t matter. If Suze Orman had heard me say “it’s just money” she would have - for sure - bitch-slapped me upside the head. The undeniable truth here is that I spend our money, quite a lot of it, and I could use a dose of Suze Orman-style advice. I’m not a money person, and I don’t have that ticker-tape brain, but what I knew deep down is that our financial life is a part of our together life, and I needed to work harder to understand it. Let’s face it, when retirement starts, the paycheck stops, and we’ll all have to choose more carefully between our needs and our wants. We’ll have to set retirement goals, determine our needs, and track our money’s progress. There were about 30 of us in the seminar - and the presenter was actually entertaining! I was energized, learning new concepts and essential information that helped me begin to understand the process and gain confidence in my own ability to make money decisions. Maybe I can be more help in the management of our funds after all. Maybe I can help my mom, become an advocate for her should she ever need my help. Social Security benefits and Medicare are essential to seniors, but the processes can be complicated. And just like anything else, the more you know, the more decision-making power you possess. Just then I felt like I might cry. I realized I’d been such a jerk about not wanting to attend something so important - Hubster spent more than 30 years building this nest for us, and I didn’t want to spend eight hours learning about it? As the presenter dimmed the lights and started the presentation titled, “Planning for Your Third Act,” I grabbed Hubster’s hand, gave it a squeeze. He turned to me and smiled. MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 13


empowering

reasons why

women CAn

be

better inveSTORS

There’s no reason a woman should shy away from investing in her future, There are several factors that should encourage women when they think about their finances and investing for retirement, including: As of 2009, women controlled as much as 70 percent of household purchases and $20 trillion in consumer spending worldwide. In a market dictated by supply and demand, women are the demand. Women may be less likely than men to be overconfident investors. They may also be naturally more risk averse and more likely to hold investments for the long haul, which many financial professionals and academics see as incredibly valuable when investing for long-term goals like retirement. Pair that with the fact that working women are estimated to drive an increase in earned income globally from $12.5 trillion in 2013 to $18.5 trillion by 2018, and it appears that a shift may be taking place. Whether married or single, women can and should view retirement planning and investing as well within their abilities. Here is some advice to help women who still may not feel quite confident: If you’re planning as a couple, your investing personalities will almost certainly be different. You can, however, try to complement each other. Both spouses should attend meetings with a financial planner or registered investment advisor and allow an approach to evolve from both of your differences. One spouse may pick up on a nuance the other misses. One may be the voice of reason when the other is tempted to rush into a decision without fully researching it. Use technology you’ve already embraced. Mobile apps and push notifications can help you keep a close eye on your career, your family and your calendar, so use them to keep a close eye on your investments as well. Your time is valuable. Make technology work for you and create easy routines that help you stay on top of the market. Women are often able to look at the landscape of products they need for themselves, their families or their homes, and then search for the best possible product for the best value. So they shouldn’t find it a stretch to apply those same principles to investing decisions. Shifting your lens to look not only at the products you buy, but also at the companies that produce them can help open your eyes to potential investing opportunities. Of course, just because you’ve found a brand or product you like is no guarantee that you have found a winning stock.

Despite the earning power of today’s women, many still shy away from investing and long-term planning. One of the reasons may be a lack of confidence. A 2014 report by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that half of women say they are not confident about the ability to retire comfortably.

Source: BPT. Provided by: TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation, brokerage services provided by TD Ameritrade, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


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I first came across the term “The Gray Tsunami” when I was doing some research for one of my graduate school papers. I was struck by the power of those three words. “The Silver Tsunami” is an analogous term used to describe the inevitability of the rapidly growing population of individuals age 65 and over. The time will come when there will be more elders in our population than younger individuals. There will be less people in the workforce, and more people requiring care, than ever before. In 2011, Baby Boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) began turning 65 years old. Population statistics show that by 2030 there will be more people over the age of 65, than under the age of 5. The Silver Tsunami is a worldwide reality. Economies around the world will be affected by the disparity in the numbers of people under and over the age of 65 respectively. Are we as a society ready to cope with the medical, social and financial effects of The Silver Tsunami? There are biologists who specialize in aging research. Unfortunately, funding for this aging research has seen a decline in recent years. One of the reasons this

Help for pregnant women in need by christopher meehan, director of development, catholic charities

“I’m pregnant.” For some women, this news is overwhelming. For whatever reason, the thought of having a child is devastating. These mothersto-be could be facing a variety of issues including abuse, homelessness, physical and/or mental illness, financial concerns, and the like. Fortunately, there is help available for pregnant women who are struggling with making important decisions for themselves and their babies. Many social services agencies offer counseling, case work, parent education, and other tools that assist women both during their pregnancy and after their baby is born. Pantry items such as food, diapers, clothing, toiletries, and other staples are also provided in order to get these mothers and their children the necessities they need. Assistance such as this, before and after a child is born, enables women to become more

confident and self-sufficient in meeting their future needs of themselves and their child. Should the decision be made to place the baby for adoption, a great deal of help is also available through various agencies to assist both the mother and the child in what is usually a difficult and oftentimes painful decision. The ultimate goal is to provide the right guidance and assistance in order to do what is best for women and their children. Pregnancy is a joyous, exciting time. There is nothing better than being able to bring life into the world. However, being pregnant may also seem frightening and stressful. But remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is pregnant and unsure about what to do next, supportive and skilled organizations are there to get you the help you need. For more information, contact a social services provider today. Catholic Charities offers help, hope and support to thousands of individuals and families, providing social services to people of all faiths. Our mission is rooted in our commitment to support families and children in need, regardless of faith. Please contact us at 717-657-4804.

aging research is important is that it focuses on how to best treat chronic diseases that increase with age. The Silver Tsunami is coming. We need to be prepared at the local, national and international levels. I was raised by my mother and my maternal grandfather. I spent every summer with my maternal great-grandparents. Growing up with family members of different generations was truly a gift. Today, I have the honor and privilege of working every day with individuals over the age of 65. We live in an intergenerational society. Spend time with someone of a different generation than yourself. The rewards are priceless. As a society, let’s greet The Silver Tsunami with education, research, grace and dignity for all. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please call me at 717-944-3351 ext. 4142.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg, PA

PROVIDING

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717-657-4804 WWW.CCHBG.ORG MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 15


How can Colon Cancer Awareness Month make a difference? by john mclaughlin, d.o., f.a.c.g., f.a.c. p.

Colon cancer is a killer, and March is the month to bring renewed discussion about this important problem. It is estimated that 96,800 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2013, with approximately 50,000 deaths from this disease that same year. It is the third most prominent cancer affecting men and women in our country. What causes this disease is still unclear, but there is a definite genetic factor associated with this cancer. Risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer and colon polyps, definitely can identify patients that have an increased chance of developing these tumors. Women who have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer are also at increased risk for developing colon cancer and should be watched closely. African-Americans have seen a rise in the disease as well. Symptoms, such as rectal bleeding or a change of bowel habits, can be important signs of early cancer. These symptoms require a thorough investigation. Colon and rectal cancers arise from small polyps or tumors. They begin as benign growths on the intestinal wall, but as they continue to enlarge, they can develop

into cancer ultimately spreading to other organs. For this reason, it is important to find and remove small polyps or tumors so the development into cancer can be prevented. The best procedure available today to remove these small tumors is a colonoscopy. While sedated, a patient is examined by an expert, trained in endoscopy, to identify irregularities on the bowel wall. The test is simple, pain-free and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Small tumors are removed thereby preventing progression to cancer. If cancer is detected in its early stages during a colonoscopy, prompt surgical removal can lead to cures in many patients. Screening colonoscopies should begin at age 50 for the average person. If risk factors exist, the examinations should begin at age 40. In the past, testing the stool for blood using hemoccult cards have been recommended as a test for colon cancer. However, many false positives and false negatives have made this test inaccurate. The gold standard remains a thorough colonoscopy exam. Thanks to patient awareness and the vigilance of the medical community, colon cancer deaths have been significantly reduced during the past decade. The colonoscopy examination, as a tool for screening the general population and as a method of continued surveillance of high risk individuals, will continue to reduce the devastating effects of this killer.

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


It’s been a while since I penned my thoughts in this space. I had computer problems and couldn’t submit any kind of column, but things have returned to normal - or as normal as it gets in this home. During my downtime, I had time to ponder a couple of questions. I’m wondering why couples who have made a reasoned choice not to become parents go on to treat household pets like offspring. Now, before you think I’m insensitive, I’m referring to those who insist on dressing their dog-child in all sorts of strange, nondog-like costumes. The unfortunate smaller breeds can often be found ensconced in a large purse or, heaven forbid, in an actual baby buggy, donning baby attire or some such nonsense. I just don’t get this whole craze. I know it’s none of my concern whether Mr. and Mrs. Jones decide to become “dog parents.” Personally, I simply don’t have the energy to walk a dog and dress him, too. Allow me to touch on another subject in which questions are generally taboo, and that is religion. Why is it acceptable to question people about all sorts of subjects like their political views, favorite football team, philosophical outlook, etc., but NOT religious beliefs? Why can’t I simply ask a person why he or she holds a particular position in terms of a higher power? This is very puzzling to me. I’ve posed such a question to many close friends. With some, I’ve had respectful conversations. I have to tip my hat to my mother. She always tries her best to answer all of my inquiries pertaining to her faith. And actually, my boss is very patient under my emphatic are able to readily enlighten others? interrogation and does his best to clarify Why are some religious people so his religious beliefs. terrified of a simple question? It’s However, there are some for whom as if they’re afraid their faith will any kind of inquiry concerning their be stripped away if they are caught beliefs leads them to flee to avoid my analyzing it. supposed “faith shaking” question. So, that’s my questions for the day. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to I actually have to dash now. I must assume people of any faith should be purchase an outfit for the Jones’s new prepared to share why they believe four-legged arrival. Along the way, what they believe. Shouldn’t we all be perhaps I’ll corner an unsuspecting comfortable enough in our beliefs that we pastor. Wish me well...or not.

MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 17


MY SUCCESS STORY by Susan Bosco

Road to recovery Many things change when you lose your job, your home, and your marriage – all within the same six months. When those losses occurred, I was 55 years old, and I knew I had proven skills and a good work ethic. Eventually I discovered I’d need to make some intentional, big changes if I was ever to recover my self-esteem, joy, financial stability, and hope for my future. Before working 10 years in manufacturing, I had worked nine years for a nonprofit agency helping others get employment. I figured I would not have much difficulty finding a new job. I figured wrong! Not only had the job market changed significantly, but how an applicant approaches a potential employer involved skills totally unknown to me. Having only recently gotten a cell phone, there was so much more to learn about today’s job search methods. I felt like a dinosaur. I quickly decided I needed to learn the computer and Internet skills that have grown so essential for most jobs I could hope to find now, and even learn how to go about finding such jobs. It was hard but rewarding, going to classes at HACC and the PA CareerLink office, and I focused on getting as much out of those classes as I could. After dedicated effort toward achieving an associate’s degree in Administrative Office Management, I had a 3.9 grade point average and a glimmer of hope.

I also knew I had to upgrade out of the T-shirts and jeans that I wore as a financiallychallenged student and when I performed assembly work for 10 years before I was laid off. My CareerLink case manager suggested I contact Dress for Success South Central PA. I will never forget how enthusiastic the personal shopper was when finding just the right accessory to just the right suit to create a confident, professional interview look for me. At first, I felt very uncomfortable having her fuss over and totally focus on me. It was so awkward for me to be the center of attention and the object of such kind, respectful regard. How could I be worthy of all this kindness? Suddenly, I started crying when I realized how damaged my self-esteem had become and how healing accepting help can be. Participating in the Going Places Network program helped me with fine-tuning my resume and I practiced mock interviews with volunteers. I felt ready to tackle today’s job search jungle. Within three months, I was hired full time by a local nonprofit. I had also laid a foundation for future advancement by pursuing testing and job announcements with the PA State Civil Service. Today, I am serving with the Department of Human Services as a Medical Assistance Program Technician. It’s a far cry from the dust of the factory. In June of 2013 I was eligible to participate in the Professional Women’s Group. I hope to be involved as an ambassador and I look forward to the possibility of helping to mentor others.

WHO

is in control of financial decisions?

In 80% of all households, it’s a woman. 18

Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015

Throughout my journey, the Dress for Success South Central PA staff, volunteers, and fellow travelers have supported and encouraged me. The care and empowerment we share are unique to this group and challenges me to take on new opportunities to excel…and to give back. Susan was recently selected to be the South Central PA delegate at Dress for Success World Wide’s Professional Women’s Group 2015 Success Summit.

MY SUCCESS STORY is a regular feature sponsored by

AND

The mission of Dress for Success South Central PA is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS South Central PA locations: Harrisburg 717-232-1333 York 717-764-3330 Lebanon 717-270-5337 southcentralpa@dressforsuccess.org before

To learn more about upcoming events visit our website: www.dressforsuccess.org/southcentralpa

Susan is ready for her new career.

We help you market directly to the decision-makers.

Dauphin County: TINA RINEHART (717) 421-3247 tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com Cumberland County: MAGGIE GELLERS (717) 756-1719 maggieg@pressandjournal.com


Other options for weight management by dr. angelique mckinney-bourne

When I see people in my office for weight management it is usually after they have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through diet and exercise, or have tried programs such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers and successfully lost weight but regained it. Some people have heard about HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin - the “pregnancy” hormone) online or from friends that have tried it and want to use it for to lose weight. Although HCG is associated with pregnancy, it can be safely used by both men and women although it is not FDA approved for weight loss. Many people are using HCG combined with light exercise and a low calorie or modified calorie diet to lose up to 1 lb a day. This should be done under physician supervision after a complete physical exam. Other new prescription medicines are also available to help with weight loss for people who are having problems losing despite all efforts with exercise and a healthy diet regimen. These medications can be taken if you have

a BMI (body mass index) greater than 30, or a BMI greater than 27 with two conditions present simultaneously such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia or hypertension. Sometimes difficulties with weight loss can be caused by a hormone imbalance so a complete evaluation and bloodwork is recommended prior to deciding what the best option is for you. Dr. Angelique McKinney-Bourne has been practicing in Central Pennsylvania since 2000 and founded CD East Family Health & Wellness in 2010 to establish a continuity of care only a one-on-one patient solo practitioner & staff can provide. For more information regarding the HCG Diet contact us at 717-695-3704.

A new kind of medical practice.

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MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 19


BEFORE&AFTER WOMAN brings you the latest amazing makeover by Sass Salon & Day Spa: Terri Muzzy, Carlisle

Terri before

Terri after

Terri started her makeover with a Salt Therapy Session to clear out allergens and bring her to a balanced, relaxed state. Angela massaged, exfoliated, hydrated, and polished Terri’s nails to absolute perfection. Next, Danielle sculpted Terri’s brown hair into a cute, cropped bob and covered her regrowth with a rich brown, adding caramel highlights for a fun, playful look. Johnna’s final touches in Terri’s makeover was accomplished with an airbrush makeup application for soft, lightweight foundation coverage. Pale mauve eye shadow and expertly applied dark accents gave Terri a little more dramatic impact when wearing her eyeglasses. The final touch was adding deep mauve lip color and Terri’s transformation was complete!

Want to be considered for our next makeover? Email Desiree at desiree@sass123.com 4931 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg 717-612-0344

Monday to Friday 9 am - 8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm www.sassspaandsalon.com

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015

FREE

Salt Therapy Session

WITH ANY SERVICE Expires 4/30/15


"Best" claim based on Net Promoter scores from 2013 via Listen360.com is required by the legal department.

Tips for a better massage experience

The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template. Double click on it, select your offer by clicking on it, click "Apply" at the bottom and then click "OK" to close the inspector. To remove the address for in-studio use, just drag the contact information boxes off the template onto the gray area.

Hydrate – Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. The blue line around the ad is the bleed line. The default bleed is set to .125 Remember to Breathe – Relaxing long breaths When you make a commitment to routine If your ad has a different or no bleed, change orjust remove your abdomen doesn’t help youthe relaxbleed as massage therapy, you’re committing to a bleed, from follows: lifestyle focused on overall health and wellness. mentally during your session, but it also helps your muscles relax. The following tips will enhance your massage Feedback – Your massage should experience.1) Double click the red "DocumentProvide Settings" link at the top of the page. be tailored to your specific needs so tell your Set a Goal – Identifying what you want to yourtrim massage get from your massagethe before your session 2) When inspector box openstherapist set thethroughout bleed and to 0.whether If the ad has a he/she is focusing on your tight areas with the can make different a big difference in having a satisfying bleed amount, type it into the bleed box. right amount of pressure. experience. Find Your Comfort Zone – Whether you Experience Counts – If you haven’t found 3) therapist Click "Ok" close prefer a heated table or dim lights, everything your favorite yet, doand research by the window. about your massage should be focused on reading reviews and calling the local studios to making you can feel good andlayouts. comfortable. These adstoare anneeds. approval loop so we check Please allow 24 find the best therapist meetonyour Have and a Buffer Zone – Schedule extra time on Frida Speak Up – Communicating withyour your ad for proof hours after finishing approval. Ads submitted massage relax and recuperate therapist before yourproofed session about you by after will be and how returned endyour of day thetofollowing Monday. before heading back into the hustle and bustle feel, your medical history and what you expect life. from the session will help to keep your session Special instructions forofstudios with a license#: focused. Running 4 Rachel is a charity established in memory Arrive Early – Plan to arrive 15 minutes of Rachel Guss to help the fight against duodenal before your scheduled appointment to give you The stand-alone license field is for use by North cancer. This year’s race is April 26th, 2015 at 9:00 time to prepare your mind and body for the a.m. on City Island. In the month of April, Elements Carolina studios. NC studios should remove the session. Massage Harrisburg will donate $10 from each masauto-fill license# behind studio name. other Leave Your Electronics Behind – Clear your sagethe performed on every Monday in AprilAll to Running Rachel. More information on thethe charitystand-alone and the mind by leaving your phone and electronic studios with a license#4 should remove race can be found at: www.runningforrachel.myevent. devices in your car or at home so you can license# field. com/3/events.htm literally unplug during your session.

submitted by elements massage

Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. New clients only. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limited time offer."Best" claim based on Net Promoter scores from 2013 via Listen360.com.

The best massage every time Harrisburg 717.746.6277 5072 Jonestown Road Colonial Commons Shopping Center elementsmassage.com/harrisburg

Stress – don’t let it rule your life by christianne rupp

studio name

- license#

No matter what age you are, we women phone are always busy. If starting out in your career, street address you’re spending website time outside the workplace networking, and you’re probably doing volunteer work to enhance your connections. Of course, you want to visit family and friends and have a private life as well. Add a spouse and children to the mix, and there’s even more on your “to do” list. You think, “When they’re grown, I’ll have more time.” I’m here to say, “No, you won’t.” We seem to fill the time in again without even realizing it. I found myself thinking: How did that happen? I was supposed to have more free time, and I still have alligators nipping at my elbows to get things done. What is the effect of our hectic schedules? Stress. It’s on the rise for women and can lead to health issues such as headaches, ulcers, cancer, sexual dysfunction, stroke, and heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. What other effects does stress have? Hair loss, poor digestion, acne, eating disorders, insomnia, depression, irregular periods, mood swings, and more. Is your head nodding now, realizing (or confirming) that you’ve been

under a lot of stress? Then try listening to relaxing music, taking a walk, getting a massage, making an appointment for therapy, eating healthier, or spending quality time with the ones you love. Family and friends are very important to our overall state of mind. A girls’ day out is a great way to spend your day for women of all ages!

MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 21


AMERICANS & MONEY 2015 SNAPSHOT SURVEY

Financial management is a big part of life for the average American. From unexpected setbacks to future goals, this snapshot covers the main money issues.

METHODOLOGY: This DMA level data was conducted in the top 10 U.S. markets; 212 in the NYC Metro area, NY; 213 in Los Angeles, CA; 210 in Chicago, IL; 209 in Philadelphia, PA; 206 in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; 209 in San Francisco, CA; 211 in Boston, MA; 207 in Washington, D.C.; 211 in Atlanta, GA; and 210 in Houston, TX. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for repondents’ propensity to be online. Source: National Endowment for Financial Education (Family Features)

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


Tips to save money in the grocery aisles by craig w. armstrong

In today’s economy, it’s important to save money wherever you can. One good place to start is at the grocery store. Here are a few ideas to help you spend less when shopping for food. Before you go grocery shopping, take an inventory of what you have and what you need. Don’t assume you need spaghetti sauce when you already have two jars in the pantry. Make a list. Many people would never think about grocery shopping without a list, but for some, it’s a free-for-all. Not planning out your shopping trip can lead to impulse buys and overspending. Creating a list will create focus and keep you on task. It’s an old adage, but it’s true. Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry. Again, hunger can lead to impulse buys. You don’t need to eat a full dinner before shopping. Just make sure that those chocolate chip cookies aren’t more tempting than they should be. When you are almost finished shopping, take a look at your cart and make sure you really need everything that is in there. If you find items that weren’t on your list, ditch them. When people think of saving on groceries, they naturally think of coupons. Coupons are great, and as you may have seen, some people have figured out a way to get $1,000 worth of groceries for $1! The trick to using coupons is to pay attention to what you are getting. Read the fine print. Make sure the savings don’t apply only to a specific size or number of items. With those 10-for-$10 promotions, for example, do the math and make you truly are getting a great deal. You can also save when shopping for certain items. You can buy produce in season when it is cheaper and look for larger cuts of meats that you can turn into several different products. You can have the butcher remove the bone for soap, grind some up for hamburger and so on. It’s cheaper than buying cuts separately. Being thrifty is something most people have to do in today’s economy. Following these simple suggestions and researching others might help you save in the grocery aisles.

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Not planning out your shopping trip can lead to impulse buys and overspending.

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MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 23


BATURIN & BATURIN ATTORNEYS AT LAW

A family of attorneys since 1917

Questionable beauty tip you got from Mom...

■ GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW ■F AMILY LAW Divorce Support Custody Adoptions

■C RIMINAL LAW

DUI Motor Vehicle Offenses Drug and other Criminal Offenses Juvenile Offenses

Madelaine N. Baturin, Esq.

■A DMINISTRATIVE LAW

License Suspensions and PennDOT Issues Unemployment Compensation Due Process Hearings

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Where to find a

WEST SHORE LOCATIONS • CAMP HILL: 2020 Salon, American Home Medical, A Special Touch, BodyLogic, Camp Hill Café, Center for Women’s Health, Central Pa. OB/GYN Inc., Christian Life Assembly Pastoral Care, Cornerstone Coffeehouse, CPRS Physical Therapy, Drexel Group, Face To Face Cosmetics, Family Development Services, Foos OB/GYN, PC, Franklyn Studio, Fredrickson Library, Gable Associates, Genevieve’s Beauty Salon, Giant Foods, Gold’s Gym, Hair Care Center, Hanger/Teufel, Hard Bean News & Coffee, The Healthy Grocer, Herd Chiropractic Clinic, Heritage Cardiology Associates, Highmark, Holy Spirit Hospital, Individual & Family Services, Kenneth & Co. Beauty Clinic, Kosmetique Salon, Mirage Hair Design, Momentum Business Solutions, Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Ida Page, Pennsylvania Bakery, Premier Vein Specialists, Prescriptions for Enlightening Paths, Stephen Rydesky Jr., DMD, Trindle Bowl, Urology Assoc. of Central PA, WatersEdge, Woods at Cedar Run, YMCA • ENOLA: CA Nails, The Goddard School, East Pennsboro Library, Summerdale Diner, Synchrony ChiroCare • LEMOYNE: Adult Medicine & Aesthetics, Baby Bug n Me, Conforti Physical Therapy, First Choice Rehabilitation, Gunn Mowery Insurance Group, Infinity Hair Salon, Internists of Central PA, Nail Touch, Paper Lion Gallery, Partners in Women’s Healthcare, Polished, Style Unlimited, Womb With A View • MECHANICSBURG: ABC Lanes West, Allstate Insurance, Art Depot, Autobody by Lucas, Beaudry Oral Surgery, Bethany Village, Bowmansdale Family Practice, Brewhouse Grille, Brothers Restaurant, Center for Independent Living of Central PA, Central PA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Colour Forte, Community Health Resource Library, Cost Cutters, Cumberland Valley OB/GYN, Delta Development, Enterprise Sales, Executive Offices at Rossmoyne, Farrell Plastic Surgery, First Choice Rehabilitation, Gettysburg Pike Animal Clinic, The Goddard School, Great Lengths, Hair Image, The Hair Loft, Healthy Inspirations, Hetrick Center, Hoover Rehabilitation Services, Huntington Learning Center, JC Penney Salon, Jones, Daly, Coldren & Assoc., Juice-N-Java Café, Kids Kutters, Madden Physical Therapy, Majors Select Collision Group, The Mane Difference, Meadwood Sr. Citizen Apts., Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, Mechanicsburg Public Library, Merry Maids, McCafferty Ford, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, Naturelle Nail, Oakwood Breast Cancer Center, Passiton, Quest Diagnostics, Ramada Inn, Rich Connor Associates, Sahara Tanning, Sass Hair Salon, Shepherdstown Family Practice, Sherry & Co. Family Hair, Stratis/Gainer Plastic Surgery, Studio 7 Nail Salon, Styles Boutique, Sue Witters Beauty Salon, Tressler Counseling & Ed. Services, Twin Ponds West, Vanessa’s, West Shore Surgery Center • NEW CUMBERLAND: A Heavenly Touch Beauty Spa, Bridge St. Coffee, New Cumberland Library • WORMLEYSBURG: Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd., Your Crowning Glory

“Don’t remove your facial hair. It’ll grow back thicker, like a man’s.” Whoa, whoa, whoa...bad beauty tips from good ol’ Mom? You bet. She may have been right about eating your veggies, but she missed the mark with this advice. Well, ladies, we’re here to tell you this is absolutely FALSE! Tweezing, waxing and shaving does not in fact alter the thickness of hair growth. Hallelujah!

EAST SHORE LOCATIONS • ELIZABETHTOWN: Now Wear This • HARRISBURG AREA: A Physical Therapist, AARP Sr. Employment, Affordable Dentures, All About Faces Community Dermatology, Arthritis Foundation, Associated Cardiologists, Auditor General’s Childcare Center, Bakare & Associates, Barbara Sullivan’s Classic Hair Design, Baturin & Baturin, Baughman Family Medicine, Beauty Bar, Belco Federal Credit Union, Blue Mountain Family Practice, Broad Street Market, Bronstein Jeffries Professional Associates, Café Fresco, Capital Region Sleep Disorder Center, Casual Cut, CAT, Central PA Oral Surgeons, Central PA Surgical Associates, Central Penn Fitness, Chartwood Dental Center, Colonial Park Animal Clinic, Colonial Park Diner, Cost Cutters, CPRS Physical Therapy, Crown Plaza Hotel, CVS, Dauphin County Department of Aging, Dr. Zuckerman, Dress For Success, East Shore Public Library, Exit Realty Capital Area, Felicita, First Choice Rehabilitation, First Impressions, Giant, HACC, Hair Biz, Harrisburg City Hall, Harrisburg Mall, Harrisburg Uro-Care, Harrisburg Visitors Center, Hildebrand Learning Center, Hilton Towers, Holiday Inn Express, Homeland Center, Innovations, Jan L. Brown & Associates, Jan’s Beauty Salon, Jewish Family Services, Karns, Kindred Place, Kline Pediatric Center, Kmart, La Piazza, Labor & Industry Building, Leber & Banducci Plastic Surgery, Mangia Qui, Manor at Oakridge, Mazzetti & Sullivan Counseling Services, Memorial Eye Institute, Mia Testarossa, New Passages, Noah’s Animal Hospital, Orbit Salon, PA Mentor Network, Party City, Pasquale’s Restaurant, Peachtree Restaurant & Lounge, PHEAA Building, Pheasant Hill Estates, Pinnacle Community Hospital, Premier Eye Care, Promenade Restaurant, PSECU Childcare Center, Quest Diagnostics, Rhoads & Simon LLP, Rite Aid, Sam’s Club, Silvers Dental Care, Social Security Administration, Sterling Life Insurance, Susquehanna Harley Davidson, Sutliff Chevrolet, Sweet Arrow Springs, The Goddard School, Tristan Associates, Watkin Freshman & Nipple Associates, Weber Vision Care, Weis Market, West Hanover Winery, What If Café, WomanCare Resource Center, Women First, YMCA • HERSHEY: Cocoa Urology Associates, Dafno’s Italian Grille, Edward M. Mimnaugh Veterinarian, Emerald Springs Spa, Heritage Cleaners, Hershey Dental Associates, Hershey Endoscopy, Hershey Grille, Penn State Hershey Med Center, Hershey Ortho & Spine Rehab, Karns, Leo Frittelli Salon & Day Spa, Hershey Public Library, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Mohler Senior Center, Nestico Druby & Hildebrand, Tristan Associates, What If Café • HIGHSPIRE: Days Inn, Chubb’s Market, Highspire School Apts., Highspire Senior Center • HUMMELSTOWN: Gold’s Gym, Hilton Garden Inn, Soda Jerk, Woodward & Assoc. • MIDDLETOWN: Hairacy, Hardee’s, The Hetrick Center, Karns, Loretta’s Beauty Salon, McDonald’s, Middletown Area School District, Middletown Home, Middletown Library, Middletown Pharmacy, Penn State Harrisburg, Press And Journal Publications, Sharp Shopper, • STEELTON: Daniel Kambic MD, Dauphin County Housing Authority, Steelton Pharmacy

THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LISTING - FOR HELP IN FINDING A LOCATION NEAR YOU,CALL SARA AT 717-944-4628

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015


umor has it not all men are romantic, heroic cowboys ready to ride us off into the sunset. I know. I was surprised too. I hope you’ve lassoed yourself a righteous and attentive one who rigs your saddle. If you’re thinking ‘…mmm, not so much,’ then grab onto your reins and follow my lead. I’m here to tell you that this is your rodeo and there are some buckeroos you’d best keep out of your corral. The Tag Along – Does he insist on tagging along when you’re out with friends, but then looks at his watch and taps his foot way before you are ready to leave? (Do you really want him joining you every time?) Buck him off and remind him that he’s not your BFF; he’s your man. There’s a lot to be said about that Absence-Makes-theHeart-Grow-Fonder thing. The Wavering Wallet – Let’s talk money. While I hope it’s not central to your relationship, it can’t be ignored. Are you both working but it seems you’re the only one paying for groceries and putting gas in the car? Does he act like a rodeo clown over-tipping the waiter? Does he ruin a vacation by complaining about how much everything costs? You best rustle that skinflint on out of there. The Ho-hum - Does he give you that bored, world-weary attitude, withholding even the teeniest of compliments? Does he strive never to be impressed? Every occasion is “not bad,” but never “great!” His avoidance of showing pleasure will get old fast and you should never have to beg for a little admiration.

The Hot Air Balloon – Has he already been there, done it, ate it, seen it, driven it? Is his every accomplishment worthy of attention? Is he always right and doesn’t hesitate to point out – with authority – when everyone else is wrong? What you first thought was charisma may just be an over-inflated ego. First of all, he probably hasn’t done, eaten, seen or driven EVERYTHING. He may know someone who did (or maybe he’s Googled it so many times he thinks it’s his own real experience.) He’s the cowboy who’s never been on a horse, a legend in his own mind. There isn’t room for two in there. The Omen – Are his good deeds done only to soften you up for an impending disappointment? Does he finally change that light bulb in the closet right before he springs the news he’s going away for the weekend? Do you have the best day ever with him, only to be heartbroken when he tells you he won’t be going to that party with you? You may welcome his deeds, but let me tell you that the road to hell can be paved with good intentions. Don’t let him be the only one singing ‘yippie ki-yay.’ Here’s the good news: If the old mule ain’t what he used to be, it may be time for him to leave the ranch. No matter how wonderful your cowboy is in his own mind, his words, actions and deeds reveal his true character. Chances are this ain’t your first rodeo and you’ve probably hit a barrel or two going around a corner. You may have even fallen off your horse now and then. But as the saying goes, “Just ’cause trouble comes visiting doesn’t mean you have to offer it a place to sit down.”

MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 25


House sit, stay or swap The offbeat, budget-smart frontier of dog sitting exchanges By Tresa Erickson You’re going on vacation in a couple of months, but unlike some people, you can’t take your dog with you. They can barely handle short trips to the vet, much less a 10hour trip to the beach. If you are lucky, you have a friend or relative willing to look after your dog. If not, you may have to look into hiring a pet sitter or boarding your dog. Either way, you’ll have to shell out some bucks, which could leave you with far less to spend on your vacation. Ugh. If only there were another option. Lucky for you, there is - a dog sitting exchange. Dog sitting exchanges are the latest in pet sitting services, and remarkably, they are free! That’s right. You don’t pay the person who looks after your dog a dime. Instead, you return the favor by looking after their dog or a dog of another group member sometime. Essentially, members of a dog sitting exchange barter services. No money is ever exchanged. Dog sitting exchanges are springing up in areas across the country. To become part of a dog sitting exchange, you must be a responsible dog owner and follow some basic rules. Generally, your dog must be in good health and well behaved. Your home must be clean inside and out. You must have all of your dog’s supplies in good order and their vaccinations up to date. You must also be willing to put in the time. You can’t just sign up as a member of a dog sitting exchange, get someone to watch your dog while you are on vacation and forever be busy when someone calls on you to watch their dog. Eventually, the members of the exchange will catch on and ask you to leave the group. To find out more about dog sitting exchanges and whether there is one near you, ask around. Check with dog clubs and organizations. Check with vets and groomers. Check with dog parks and pet stores. Where there are dog owners there may be a dog sitting exchange. If not, feel free to start one. Bring together your own group of dog owners, start a website and set up a schedule. Not a dog owner? No problem. Consider starting a sitting exchange for whatever type of pet you own.

Here are three websites to help you find a loving dog sitter in your neighborhood or near your vacation destination: Rover.com DogVacay.com HoliDog.com

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Woman Newspapers MARCH & APRIL 2015

Why worry about your pets during business or vacation trips? You can build your network to find good friends like you who love their pets and can sit your pets in your area when you are away. In exchange when you are in town you can do the same for them.


One last time

Rock-the-frock photo shoots provide brides and grooms with the opportunity to get gussied up one last time and blow off some steam.

by tresa erickson

You spent hours searching for it and less than a day wearing it. It is your wedding dress, and chances are you will never wear it again - unless you want to rock the frock. Rock the frock is a different kind of photo shoot, in which the bride dons her wedding dress once more in unique environments. Developed at the turn of the century, rock-the-frock photo shoots can last anywhere from an hour to several hours and take place in a variety of environments from a country meadow to city streets. Brides, and grooms if they wish, may be photographed frolicking under a waterfall, jumping in mud puddles or reading a paper on the city bus. Rock-the-frock photo shoots can get wild and crazy and very messy, hence, the alternative name, “trash the dress.” While some brides may choose to rip up their wedding dress, set it on fire or drag it through the mud, trashing the dress is not essential for a good photo shoot. Rock-the-frock photo shoots are more about providing brides and grooms with the opportunity to get gussied up one last time and blow off some steam after their big day. It is a celebration of the dress that took some time to find. There are no real requirements for a rock-the-frock photo shoot other than the bride and groom dress up and be daring. You never know what the photographer will have in mind, or the bride and groom, for that matter. It’s all about the couple dressing up and showing off their silly side for a few hours in places they wouldn’t normally go in their wedding attire. Most rock-the-frock photo sessions turn out great because the big day is over and the pressure is off. With the wedding behind them, the bride and groom are free to have a little fun, whether sitting on the curb sharing a dripping ice cream cone or feeding the chickens in a barn. Rock-the-frock photos can make for really great mementos of the days following the wedding or even the days leading up to it. While you might not want to get your dress dirty if you’re about to get married, you might want to blow off some steam. Let the photographer know of your situation and opt for some less messy fun!

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Take out and catering available

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Kid’s menu

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Check our website for March 17th specials

Enjoy your favorite drinks and menu items outside!

SUNDAYS:

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2050 State Road, Camp Hill (next to Fager’s Heating & Plumbing)

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MARCH & APRIL 2015 Woman Newspapers 27



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