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WHAT CASH |
Treasury bills are generally regarded as one of the safest investments available because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest.
There is an active secondary market in Treasury bills, so if you need access to your money instantly, you should have little difficulty in selling them. As with any investment traded in a secondary market prior to maturity, there is the opportunity for capital loss or capital gain, depending on the direction of interest rates. An added advantage of Treasury bills is that they are free from local and state taxes. Another relatively safe investment instrument is the traditional certificate of deposit (CD) that you may purchase from your local bank. Federally insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured institution in interest and principal, CDs offer you a fixed interest rate for depositing your money for a specific period of time. If you withdraw your money before that period is up, you may be subject to interest rate penalties. CDs may also be purchased through most brokerage firms. The brokerage firm will shop the market and find the most attractive rate for you, even if it is out of state. This is something you might find difficult to do on your own. CDs purchased this way are called Brokered CDs. CDs are most suitable for purchasing and holding to maturity. However, you may find it necessary to dispose of CDs prior to maturity. An important distinction between Brokered CDs and Bank CDs is the different means for early redemption. With a Bank CD, should you redeem your CD early, you will typically be assessed an early withdrawal penalty. Brokered CDs trade in the secondary market which provides you with the opportunity to sell your CD at prevailing market prices, which may be worth more or less than the original amount you invested. Brokered CDs are more complex and carry more risks than CDs offered directly by banks. Brokered CDs may not be suitable for all investors. Before you purchase a Brokered CD, make sure you fully understand all of its terms and carefully read its disclosure materials provided by your financial professional. The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2019 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.
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STAY SAFE WITH VIRTUAL
VA MEDICAL VISITS |
President Donald Trump calls it a war, and he might be right. The fight against this coronavirus has taken nearly all the country's resources, as well as personal sacrifice. The Department of Veterans Affairs is on top of things, administering thousands of tests to veterans to prevent the transmission of the virus.
The VA wants you to limit your exposure, especially when it involves going to a medical setting. If you've never used the telemedicine feature of VA care, become familiar with it now to make sure you're set up should you need it. Now, with the virus everywhere, you can make a telehealth appointment and talk to a medical provider electronically, without having to appear at the facility.
To have a video appointment, you'll need either a computer, a tablet or a smartphone, as well as the VA Video Connect App. (See mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.) Scroll down to the yellow bar to test your device to be sure it's compatible with the app. If you need tech help, call them at 866-651-3180 or 703-234-4483 on Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
To sign up on MyHealtheVet, go online to www.myhealth.va.gov and follow the instructions. Click on Register and enter your information. You can make appointments, refill prescriptions, send secure messages to your care team and download or view your medical records.
You know what the virus symptoms are -- we've all heard them a thousand times on television -- but if you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath, call your medical provider. Don't just show up. Call to warn them you're coming because they might have a special entrance for you to use, with staff in protective gear to greet you. Following their instructions will protect not only the staff but other veterans.
And no, it's not a joke: Wash your hands multiple times per day. The coronavirus enemy is sneaky and vicious.
The VA wants you to limit your exposure, especially when it involves going to a medical setting. If you've never used the telemedicine feature of VA care, become familiar with it now to make sure you're set up should you need it. Now, with the virus everywhere, you can make a telehealth appointment and talk to a medical provider electronically, without having to appear at the facility.
To have a video appointment, you'll need either a computer, a tablet or a smartphone, as well as the VA Video Connect App. (See mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.) Scroll down to the yellow bar to test your device to be sure it's compatible with the app. If you need tech help, call them at 866-651-3180 or 703-234-4483 on Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
To sign up on MyHealtheVet, go online to www.myhealth.va.gov and follow the instructions. Click on Register and enter your information. You can make appointments, refill prescriptions, send secure messages to your care team and download or view your medical records.
You know what the virus symptoms are -- we've all heard them a thousand times on television -- but if you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath, call your medical provider. Don't just show up. Call to warn them you're coming because they might have a special entrance for you to use, with staff in protective gear to greet you. Following their instructions will protect not only the staff but other veterans.
And no, it's not a joke: Wash your hands multiple times per day. The coronavirus enemy is sneaky and vicious.
(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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WORKING FROM HOME
WITH PETS AROUND |
DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I've been working from home for the past two weeks, and my dog and cat, "Mutt" and "Shelley," won't leave me alone! I tried putting them into the bedroom during conference calls, but they yowl and meow nonstop. What can I do? -- Brad in Boston
DEAR BRAD: Ah, the joys of working from home: like your cat walking across the keyboard.
It's clear that your pets are overjoyed to see you at home all day. They're thinking, "Yes! Dad's here! He didn't leave for hours and hours today! We can play with him all day!" And then they pester you for attention nonstop, right? And when you shut them in the bedroom, they're not happy. "Dad's in there! In the other room! Come let us out so we can play with you!"
Like millions of people, your work routine has changed for at least several weeks. That means your pets' routines have changed, too, and you need to establish new ones.
First thing in the morning, give Shelley and Mutt lots of attention. Take Mutt out for a walk and play/training session where you reinforce basic commands and let him burn off energy. Indoors, grab a cat toy and play with Shelley for a bit. If you have a scheduled conference call, take Mutt out again for a few minutes or play with him indoors beforehand. This may calm him enough that he can remain in the room.
Take frequent five-minute breaks and give attention to your pets each time. Use this remote working as an opportunity to train your pets and spend more time with them. They can provide plenty of stress relief, too -- something we all need right about now.
DEAR BRAD: Ah, the joys of working from home: like your cat walking across the keyboard.
It's clear that your pets are overjoyed to see you at home all day. They're thinking, "Yes! Dad's here! He didn't leave for hours and hours today! We can play with him all day!" And then they pester you for attention nonstop, right? And when you shut them in the bedroom, they're not happy. "Dad's in there! In the other room! Come let us out so we can play with you!"
Like millions of people, your work routine has changed for at least several weeks. That means your pets' routines have changed, too, and you need to establish new ones.
First thing in the morning, give Shelley and Mutt lots of attention. Take Mutt out for a walk and play/training session where you reinforce basic commands and let him burn off energy. Indoors, grab a cat toy and play with Shelley for a bit. If you have a scheduled conference call, take Mutt out again for a few minutes or play with him indoors beforehand. This may calm him enough that he can remain in the room.
Take frequent five-minute breaks and give attention to your pets each time. Use this remote working as an opportunity to train your pets and spend more time with them. They can provide plenty of stress relief, too -- something we all need right about now.
Send your tips, questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.