Almost sixty percent of U.S. mothers and fathers assist grownup children

A recent study finds that 59 percent of United States parents are still sometimes supporting their non-student adult children. The research suggests the economic downturn is preventing them from moving away from home. Some of them are turning into so-called “boomerang kids,” by leaving home and returning again.

Strain higher for this generation

President and CEO of NEFE is Ted Beck. He said, “Parents are continuing their involvement longer than we expected. The general sentiment is that financial pressures are higher for this generation.”

This was something mothers and fathers and young adults surveyed agreed with. Sixty-five percent of the adult kids said their generation faces tougher fiscal strain than their parents did. And 32 percent of their parents agreed that they had it easier than their children do. About 43 percent of the adults said they were “legitimately concerned” about their children’s finances. Another 37 percent said they didn’t want their kids to struggle in the same way they had to.

All of the little pieces

Housing makes up most of parental assist. This is fifty percent of the support given. About 48 percent of parental financial pay for went towards living expenditures. About 41 percent of parental aid goes to transportation.

About 42 percent of those kids who still live at home say they cook and clean to help contribute. About 75 percent said they helped financially.

What else is there?

The economy is the only reason for this trend, says psychologist Vivian Diller. She wrote “Face It” and is well known for the book. “In the last 20 to 30 years, the family structure has become more child-centered,” she says. “Boomer parents were very willing to make sacrifices for their kids, giving them the sense that it would continue until they were on their feet. Now parents are supporting kids’ lifestyles.”

But, she warns, continued fiscal pay for could have negative consequences. “Because they have been protected, some children don’t learn reasonable ways to manage money, and they run into trouble.”

How parents sacrifice

About 30 percent of mothers and fathers that had adult children move home gave up privacy to do so. Even worse are the parents that took on debt for their children to move in. This involves about 26 percent of responders. Retirement was postponed by another 7 percent.

“If parents are going to financially support their adult children, they should first have a serious talk about their kids’ expectations so that everyone protects their financial futures,” Ted Beck says. “We all want to ensure the best for our children. But if you are taking on extra debt or delaying retirement to help your adult child, you could be making a mistake and putting your own financial future in jeopardy.”

Citations

ABC

abcnews.go.com/Business/60-parents-provide-financial-support-adult-children/story?id=13648780

NEFE

nefe.org/NEFENews/PressRoom/PressRelease/ParentsFinanciallySupportingAdultChildren/tabid/1015/Default.aspx

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/27/us-economy-parents-idUSTRE74Q4Y420110527

Consumers in need of charge card help, concentrate

In 2009, Obama signed the Credit Card Act into legislation. Part of the legislation is that credit card issuers and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling must work together to provide free credit counseling to delinquent customers. In spite of this, credit-constrained customers simply are not using the resources, per NFCC states.

Getting charge card counseling for free unlikely now

NFCC spokeswoman Gail Cunningham reports that banks and NFCC have access to nonprofit help that only 150,000 United States consumers having debt issues have really used. Credit card statements have the contact number on it and it is toll-free. As charge card debt still weighs heavily on the average, recession-weary American, the lack of initiative is troubling.

“I certainly think one of the reasons for the low response rate from consumers could be attributed to a lack of prominence,” said Cunningham. “Perhaps the number is buried somewhere.”

Within the recesses of public prejudice may be where that number is buried. Several consumers think that the toll-free Credit Card Act number is just a “service” that the charge card company has put together so they can get even more money from them. Cunningham states that the number has not even been put on some statements. This is now illegal though.

2010 when charge card debt went down

United States customer charge card debt decreased an average of $7,404 per person, an 8 percent increase, from January to Dec., according to a Credit Karma report. As much as an 11 percent improvement was shown in eight states including Connecticut, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nevada, California and Colorado. There was a 31 percent improvement shown from 2009 to 2010 in Wisconsin making is the biggest in charge card debt change.

There was at least a 6 percent increase in charge card debt though in states such as New Mexico, Delaware, Iowa, LA, Missouri and Nebraska. Mississippi was the biggest loser in the Credit Karma Survey, with 8 percent growth.

Want help with charge card debt?

If you need information on non-profits, go to nfcc.org which is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling site. If you just make minimum monthly payments, you will still have a balance on your credit card debt. You are able to find out what this balance is at the Federal Reserve’s website. The Personal Financial Calculator is accessible at the Android Market if you would like to put it on your phone. Go to Personal Money Network’s “Loan Overdraft Calculator” connected below if you would like to compare APRs on personal financing and other financial goods.

Citations

Android Market

market.android.com/details?id=com.adworkz.pms.mobile.tools.calculators_2001.com

Bankrate

bankrate.com/financing/credit-cards/nfcc-credit-card-help-unused/

Federal Reserve

federalreserve.gov/creditcardcalculator/

Personal Money Store

tools.personalmoneystore.com/free-payday-loan-calculator/

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

nfcc.org/

Obama signed the Credit Card Act. Are you using its programs?

youtube.com/watch?v=OVFj2p8JeKo

A monthly service for Call of Duty is all anyone needs

The “Call of Duty” has sounded once more for online multiplayer FPS followers, but does that mean they’ll pay much more for the “Elite” game? “Call of Duty: Elite” is ramping up for summer consumer beta testing. It is believed that “Elite” will expense interested gamers $7.99 or less per month, starting in late 2011.

Activision eager to shake their ‘CoD: Elite’ moneymaker

Considering the massive popularity of the monthly subscription model for massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like “World of Warcraft,” it should come as no surprise that video game business Activision has decided to optimize the monetization model for the online multi-player FPS, one of probably the most popular PC and console gaming genres. Activision’s VP of Digital Business, Jamie Berger, explains that the “Call of Duty” universe will lock in players just like most modern video games.

“In an always-on world, the competition for our players’ time has exploded,” he told Wired. “Online interactivity and community is critical for us to face that world. It’s what sets apart games with growing audiences from really great games struggling to find an audience.”

The fact that ‘Black Ops’ will go ‘Elite’ makes Americans happy

Activision has already confirmed that “Call of Duty: Elite” will work with the game “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” which in February became the best-selling video game in U.S. history, according to NPD research. Over 30 million individuals play one of the “Call of Duty” games online each year, spending over 170 hours each year doling out hot video lead.

Activision points out that “Elite” won’t cost followers $60. “Call of Duty” supporters will not have to make a trip to the store. Players are able to continue the “call of Duty” saga online in several chapters with “Call of Duty: Elite” which is not actually a game at all. It should prove to be an intoxicating community for FPS online multi-player fans, while serving as a “Holy Grail” for Activision, suggests analyst Bill Harris of the blog Dubious Quality.

The way to use ‘Call of Duty: Elite’

More than just player-versus-player will happen with “CoD: Elite,” according to GamePro. The “Elite” game will have many categories. They will break down like this:

Career: Play map details and analysis of your play and weapons choice will take place here. You might be good at FPS but do not know much about ‘Elite’ and just how it works. Try a different status in the future.

Connect: ”Call of Duty” supporters can socialize here. Chat, join groups, share highlight reels and simply go crazy.

Compete: The way eHarmony match makes was copied for FPS matchmaking. Expect major firepower, not major halitosis.

Improve: Pump up your “Call of Duty” game with loads of tips.

Citations

Call of Duty: Elite

callofduty.com/elite

Dubious Quality

dubiousquality.blogspot.com/

GamePro

gamepro.com/article/previews/219778/call-of-duty-elite-full-details/

Wired

wired.com/gamelife/2011/05/call-of-duty-elite/

‘Call of Duty: Elite’ Legend of Karl trailer (Note: Contains video game violence)

youtube.com/watch?v=s3Ixz7pHXdg

Tips on how to stay away from popular contractor frauds

Employing a home remodeling contractor should be a deal grounded by a firm foundation of confidence. Come to the table prepared with these strategies for avoiding the more common contractor scams.

Four personal references should be listed

It can be worth it to ask a contractor for just one more reference when they show up with three just to make sure everything is okay. A fourth reference should be from somebody who had an issue with the work. They will have called the contractor back to fix the problem. Finding out how a contractor really works is very easily done this way.

Sometimes you need a backup

Typically, contractors are honest with you. It is still better to be safe than sorry. Some people live alone. Give the contractor the impression that there will be someone else there by having somebody else with you in the conference. After the friend leaves, check the doors and windows are locked.

Look the contractor up with the Better Business Bureau

Going to the Better Business Bureau in your area to have a look at a contractor is always a good idea and makes sense. Not everyone does this though. Check them out with BBBs in surrounding states, particularly if you seek home remodeling following a natural disaster.

Make sure the permit is right

Contractor’s license, operating permits and bonds (surety, performance, and workers’ comp) must be verified before hiring any contractor. Verifying the contractor can be done through the secretary of state’s office. Do this in the state where the permit came from. It may be a good idea to talk to local authorities also. Make sure there have not been any legal troubles with the contractor.

Make sure you talk to an insurance agent in the property remodeling business to discover out what you would like for a contractor bond, says Phae Howard. Howard is from the National Center for the Prevention of Property Improvement Fraud currently.

Insurance troubles

Make sure you know how your contractor’s insurance is working before you hire a contractor. Stolen equipment is a fact of life, and you want your contractor to be prepared.

Some contractors want your information for insurance. They say they’ll do the work and make calls for you. Do not do it. Cullins warns the scam can hurt. Never give individual insurance information or proceeds to any contractor.

All supplies have to be bought by the contractor doing the work

Hitting you up piecemeal for supplies (or supply money) at regular intervals is a sign that your contractor is unprofessional. Sometimes you will have to purchase. Do not give the contractor money directly then. Buy what is needed on your own at the store while conference them and deliver them when needed.

Hire an inspector

Make sure an inspector comes to check the project being done. Do this after the permits have been pulled by the contractor. You can use the inspector after the project also. This can be a safe thing to do.

Have the right contract signed

Unless you are sure about the details, including every little thing in the project, do not sign the contract with a contractor. Have an attorney review the contract before you sign it if anything is unclear.

Information from

Bankrate

bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/10-ways-to-avoid-contractor-scams.aspx?ic_id=tsThumb2

BBB

bbb.org/

NCPHIF

ncphif.org/

Beware A/C scams

youtube.com/watch?v=87qYI6NUQ9o

Woman detained with dismembered human body in trash can

A woman was detained Sunday while moving a 30 gallon trash can down a residential California road. The trash can had human parts of the body in it. She was already booked on suspicion of murder. Police say she remains not cooperating.

Discovered in broad daylight

Carmen Montenegro, 51, of San Bernardino, Calif., was found moving the wheeled container at about 2:30 in the afternoon. The law enforcement got tips from residents around there. They either smelt or saw the trash and its content.

Ontario Police Detective Jeff Crittendon told reporters that “Officers stopped her leaving the location and in the trash can we found human remains.”

Possible single victim found

Even though the cause of death was not yet determined, the law enforcement think the parts all belong to one man. According to Crittendon, “I can’t comment on the condition of the body because I am not sure of the exact extent of the injuries. I do know that it was dismembered. It appears to be a homicide.” Evidently they “had evidence on her that seemed to be consistent that she was involved with disposal of the body.” This is what Crittendon also said.

Huge hole in the lawn was found

The detective also said that they believe Montenegro disinterred the remains from her previous residence. The arrest was close to her home. It was only about 200 yards away. The property was searched by police. They found a hole that was dug.

Suspect lived in house on and off

Local residents report the home was owned by either Montenegro’s cousin or her mother, and that Montenegro herself had lived in the home on and off for the past 15 years.

Continuing investigation

Police are still working to determine the victim’s identity. The investigators may have found body fluids in the home Monday while they were checking out the property.

Right now she is in Montenegro is in Rancho Cucamonga, California. She has not been cooperative with the investigation.

Information from

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43223519/ns/us_news-weird_news/

NY Daily News

nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/05/31/2011-05-31_california_woman_spotted_pushing_trashcan_of_human_body_parts_down_the_street_ar.html

Huffington Post

weirdnews.aol.com/2011/05/31/carmen-montenegro-dismemb_n_869203.html#s284153&title=Dumb_Crime_Masterminds

Guerena didn't shoot bullets at SWAT team that killed him

Jose Guerena, a 26 year old Marine, has been shot and killed by SWAT officers who did not discover any criminal products or items in his home. Guerena did not fire on police officers, and was a veteran of 2 tours. Several people are up in arms over the incident. The validity of the search and the shooting are being debated.v

Several shots by the SWAT officers

SWAT officers went from the Pima County Sheriff’s office to Jose Guerena’s home with a search warrant on May 5. CNN states the officers found him with an AR-15 rifle and fired at him. There has been some debate on how many times he was shot as ABC reported he was shot 60 times. CNN states he was shot 22 times though. Not one shot was fired by Guerena. In fact, his rifle’s safety was still on when it happened. Vanessa Guerena, his wife, called paramedics, but the police prevented them from entering the house until after he had died.

Arrest not needed

The law enforcement obtained a warrant for entering the Guerenas’ house on the suspicion that Guerena had been part of a narcotic smuggling and robbery ring. He is alleged to have taken part in a series of home invasions, using assault weapons and wearing paramilitary style clothing. Guns, body armor and a “piece of law enforcement-style clothing” were found in the home, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Mike Storie, the lawyer for the SWAT officers, according to KGUN Tucson, has been quoted as saying that Guerena had nothing in his home that would have been cause to arrest him. Clarence Dupnik is the Pima County Sheriff. He was upset that so many questions about legality have been asked by the press. As soon as the shooting was over, Dupnik said that officers were shot at by Guerena. Later he said Guerena really did not shoot at them.

No paramedics allowed in the house

Paramedics made it to the scene within two minutes of Jose Guerena’s shooting. Medical personnel weren’t able to get in to help Guerena. The police waited until after Guerena died for over an hour after they got there. The home also had a portrait of Jesus Malverde, considered a “patron saint” of narcotic runners. Just like American outlaws such as Billy the Kid and Jesse James, Malverde has become a hero of sorts even though he may have never really existed, reports Wikipedia. There was nothing illegal found in the house while there is still no guarantee that there were or were not drugs in the house. Guerena had two children, who were ages 6 and 4, and worked for the Asarco copper mine.

Information from

CNN

cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/27/arizona.marine.death/index.html?hpt=T2

Arizona Daily Star

azstarnet.com/news/local/article_47d3b9b2-8345-11e0-a48d-001cc4c03286.html

KGUN Tuscon

kgun9.com/story/14682200/guerena-family-attorney-responds-to-swat-lawyer

ABC

abcnews.go.com/US/tucson-swat-team-defends-shooting-iraq-marine-veteran/story?id=13640112

Defendant in Rutgers suicide trail pleads not guilty

Dharun Ravi, a nineteen-year old former student at Rutgers University, appeared in the courtroom today in New Brunswick N.J. There he pleaded not guilty to 15 charges. Ravi is accused of using a webcam to spy on his roomie, Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old violinist, in a same sex encounter. The incident allegedly led to Clementi’s suicide and sparked the nationwide awareness of gay bullying.

Chance of 10 years

When it comes to Tyler Clementi’s suicide, Dharun Ravi is being charged with 15 different related charges. While appearing in the courtroom, he didn’t say anything. Steve Altman is Ravi’s lawyer. He gave the pleas for all of the charges. Bias intimidation is the charge that is considered probably the most severe. Ravi acted out of Clementi’s sexual orientation, according to that charge. If convicted of just that charge, Ravi might end up in prison for 10 years. Other charges include invasion of privacy and evidence tampering.

How Clementi was ‘outed’ by his roommate

Authorities say that shortly after Ravi and Clementi became roommates, Ravi “outed” Clementi by posting the message “Found out my roommate is gay” on his Twitter account. The comment was connected to a gay chat room Clementi was supposedly in.

Webcam used to spy

Ravi tweeted over it on Sept. 19, 2010. He said, “Roommate asked for the room ill midnight. I went into Molly’s room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay.”

Clementi committed suicide on Sept. 22 by jumping off of the George Washington Bridge.

Covering up what occurred

Prosecutors in the case say that Ravi then erased Twitter and text messages in an attempt to cover up his alleged crimes.

Status conference to be held

On July 25, Judge Glenn Berman will have a status conference on the case. Ravi’s lawyers and the Middlesex County Prosecutors are expected to share evidence before that time.

Witness signed up for intervention program

Wei was also in the case and charged with invasion of privacy. She was a key witness. Earlier this month she was entered into a pretrial intervention program. She can have all charges dropped in three years as long as she meets all of the court’s requirements.

What his father wants

A statement was released right after the hearing from Clementi’s father. He said, “Our family is grateful for the active work of the prosecutor’s office in this case. We’re eager to see the criminal justice process move forward.”

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43135427/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Newser

newser.com/article/d9nd5i1g0/not-guilty-plea-entered-for-defendant-in-rutgers-webcam-case-linked-to-suicide.html

WABC

abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=8146113