(NewsUSA) - Current members of our nation's military, as well as veterans, can take advantage of their VA benefits when buying a home, but it is important for potential homebuyers to understand the terms of these loans.

Freedom Mortgage, the premier VA lender in the United States, offers tips and advice for service members and veterans to ensure a successful homebuying experience.

1. Have some cash on hand. Although a VA loan requires no down payment, sellers may not cover closing costs in today's competitive real estate market, so it is best to budget for some funds when you schedule your closing.

Closing costs can range from 3% to 5% of the home price. This includes the VA funding fee, which can be as high as 3.6% of the loan amount, although the VA funding fee is waived for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans.

2. Have proof of income. Proof of income is required for a VA loan, so active service members will need to have a job lined up after discharge.

Also, obtain a loan pre-approval letter (rather than a pre-qualification letter), which will show that your credit and income have been professionally reviewed and that you are a qualified buyer.

3. Have options. Shop around and compare a VA loan to other loan options to see which is a better deal for you. Most importantly, don't overextend yourself and buy a more expensive home than you can currently afford.

If the rate is relatively low and you are comfortable making the monthly payments, you have a good deal.

4. Have good credit. Visit annualcreditreport.com, a legitimate website used by the three major consumer credit reporting agencies and get a free credit report.

The median credit score is a little above 700 and if your score is lower, you may pay a higher interest rate or higher costs. Some additional tips include:

• Veterans who are current homeowners should take the opportunity now to refinance to a lower rate; check out VA IRRRL streamline refinances for veterans.
  For more information on buying a home or improving your credit score, click here.
• Disabled veterans have additional benefits from a VA loan, as they are exempt from the VA funding fee.
• Current homeowners considering cash-out loans can consider a conventional loan. VA loans have a funding fee of up to 3.6%, but that may be a better deal than the high interest rates of other loans.
• Last, don't forget to request a Loan Estimate, or "LE," from lenders when shopping around for the best mortgage. The LE will outline all relevant program details and costs that you can expect at closing.

Note: these are general information, each loan is unique and customized to the borrower. Call 833-687-1212 to speak with an experienced Freedom Mortgage loan officer who can answer questions and provide more information based on your needs.

(NewsUSA) - If you've ever struggled to find a ride to a doctor's appointment, or gone without healthy food in your home, or been isolated from family and friends for a long time -- you're not alone. Humana recognizes these situations are barriers to good health -- especially as we age -- and provides benefits in its Medicare Advantage plans to meet the needs of the whole person.

In this Medicare annual enrollment period, which starts October 15 and ends December 7, it's important to consider what you need in life to keep you healthy. For example:

• Healthy Foods Card. Food insecurity results in higher rates of chronic conditions, leading to increased medical costs and a reduced sense of well-being. Humana has identified areas in need and created a Healthy Foods Card benefit for some Medicare Advantage plans in several states. The benefit, for some qualifying members with Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, can be used to purchase healthy groceries from various national retailers and comes in the form of a wallet card loaded with a cash benefit each month, depending on need and plan.
• Transportation Benefits. For older adults, transportation can be a major factor in maintaining independence while keeping social connections. Several Humana health plans cover non-emergency medical transportation to help you get to doctor's appointments. If transportation has been a problem for you, inquire with your health plan or an insurance agent about transportation benefits in your area.
• Silver Sneakers. Regular physical activity can help aging adults live independently, minimize fall and fracture risks, reduce anxiety and depression, and control arthritic pain. The Silver Sneakers health and fitness program is designed for individuals with Medicare and is included at no additional cost for most Humana Medicare Advantage members. Members have access to 15,000 participating U.S. fitness locations with cardio equipment, pools, and free weights as well as fitness classes and social events. The program also includes yoga, walking groups and on-demand video classes.
• Far From Alone. The health effects of low social connection, which the pandemic has amplified, can be as dangerous as obesity or smoking. Humana provides many resources to keep aging adults connected to family and friends, and the opportunity to create new relationships. FarFromAlone.com provides a toll-free friendship line, mental health resources, and many more resources in members' local communities. Humana Neighborhood Centers are also available in many areas and offer cooking classes, trivia, and walking groups to help stay connected.

Be sure to educate yourself about plan options safely by using digital resources, including educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. Beneficiaries can also visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you'll be able to confidently select a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific healthcare needs. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Humana is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

(NewsUSA) - Every day, data and analytics touch our lives in ways that we can't begin to imagine. As an example, it can be seen when you log on to a video call, pay for your train ticket, or order your cappuccino using your phone. Or view spending trends on your bank account using an app or website. Data analytics are also at work in ways you don't see -- ways that make your life easier, safer, more convenient, and more fun -- especially when it comes to getting where you want to go. Indeed, data analytics reduce your travel time, manage traffic congestion, and create safer and more accessible ways to use public transit.

When you're waiting to catch the bus or jump on the commuter train to get to work in the morning, your phone app may tell you whether your ride is on schedule -- and exactly how many minutes until the next bus or train arrives at your stop. When you visit a new city, do you use apps to figure out how to get to your hotel or from one landmark to the next? Data analytics and smart apps make all this possible. Similarly, when winter weather hits and roads need to be cleared, data and analytics can help cities send extra drivers to harder hit areas needing to be cleared using real-time data and also let you know when your street will be plowed.

Smart technology helps improve many aspects of your daily life. Check out these examples of the hidden technology from EastBanc Technologies that helps make your life just a bit easier.

TRANSITiQ: People want to have a clear view of all available travel options and predicted travel time, and cities want to increase accessibility and use of public transit. With TRANSITiQ and the power of data, users can see stations, routes, service alerts, and even enable location-based push notifications. Notably, TRANSITiQ technology enables accurate predictions of arrival times to stops along transit routes. And by integrating Bluetooth Beacons, cities can help visually impaired riders to safely navigate the transportation system. TRANSITiQ also gathers crucial business intelligence for municipalities, including performance reports and other relevant statistics.

CABiQ: Trying to hail a cab during rush hour, or after that night out, can be frustrating. But with phone apps and other new smart tools at their disposal, operators and drivers can pinpoint hotspots and easily determine where and when to place their cars -- thus optimizing services and helping passengers find their rides quicker. These tools leverage CABiQ technology to analyze historical and near-real-time data about vehicle locations and ride demand, enabling them to map underserved areas as well as popular destinations and pickup points. CABiQ not only benefits cab drivers and their customers; it also provides crucial information to cities to help them with regulation of local taxi services: A central feature of CABiQ is the ability to gather timely and accurate information about every trip and report it to the municipality for analysis and enforcement.

SNOWiQ: Today's unpredictable, and often extreme, winter weather demands a rapid response from busy cities whose residents expect roads to be plowed quickly and efficiently. Simply put, cities need to minimize the impact of inclement weather on daily commutes and doings by getting snowplows and other machinery on the road as quickly as possible. We've seen how Uber and Lyft have changed ride sharing. SNOWiQ makes it possible for cities to also be responsive to peak times and high-demand areas and use additional contractors to shore up their snow-clearing fleets. With SNOWiQ, cities can optimize snow removal to reduce truck idling time and save money -- and residents will know which routes have been cleared, which ones are next on the schedule, and when it's safe to travel again.

INSPECTiQ: Meeting the inspection and permit-issuance demands of a major city can be a challenge for local authorities but INSPECTiQ technology makes the task just a bit more manageable. The technology enables municipalities to streamline how they manage inspections of housing and construction projects by providing a convenient way to dispatch and track inspectors. Armed with tablets running GPS-enabled INSPECTiQ-based apps, inspectors carry out their duties and report their findings, while administrators have easy access to real-time tracking of progress and inspector location so they can maximize productivity and minimize response time for urgent inspections.

Like SNOWiQ, INSPECTiQ adds flexibility to municipal forces and boosts the gig economy. Local governments can train citizen inspectors and, when demand peaks, use the technology to scale their municipal forces and optimize service delivery by bringing in additional contractors on behalf of the government.

The next time you need to hail a cab or jump on a city bus or need a plow to clear your snow-blanketed street, rest assured that data analytics will help make it happen. Smart technology is already everywhere, making daily life just a little bit more enjoyable.

(NewsUSA) - Online technology has many potential benefits for children and teens, but recent news about online platforms contributing to physical and mental health issues highlight the importance of educating youth about smart internet use and good digital citizenship.

Some of the problems associated with excess internet use include: increased depression and anxiety, self-harm, cyberbullying, body image issues, and obesity.

Other effects include sleep and vision problems.

Finally, some parents report that their children and teens are becoming disconnected from real-world relationships with friends and family.

Managing online time and blocking access to inappropriate content can help address these problems without losing the benefits of internet access.

The OurPact app is a free tool for parents to help them not only protect their children online, but teach them how to be savvy internet users themselves.

Key features of the OurPact app include:

• Multitasking. The app is customizable with separate management preferences for different children, or harmonious control of multiple devices used by a single child.
• Rule-making. The App Rules section of OurPact lets parents know all the apps installed on their children's devices. Parents can block specific apps, or set different rules for different apps, educational vs. games or social media.
• Timing. The screen time allowance feature encourages personal responsibility by allowing children to budget screen time throughout the day on their own, or parents can set the budget.
• Blocking. Excessive texting can interfere with homework or mealtime; OurPact allows for limiting iMessaging and SMS using schedules, allowances, or manual blocks.
• Filtering. A web-filter feature gives parents peace of mind by keeping adult content off iOS child devices.
• Locating. The app can serve as a family locator that works for families of any size, and can serve to keep tabs on kids' whereabouts, coordinate pickups, or find lost devices. Parents also can set up geo fences around specific locations so they are alerted when a child reaches school, home, or Grandma's house.

In addition, OurPact allows parents visibility into their child's online activity via automated screenshots -- periodic, on-demand, or private gallery -- encrypted for maximum security.

OurPact is available via the App Store and Google Play. Visit ourpact.com to learn more and sign up.

(NewsUSA) - The electric car trend shows no signs of slowing down, and the next generation of electric cars are more than up to speed. Although widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) got off to a slower than expected start in the United States, more car shoppers are seeing the benefits of EVs and hybrids. Several improvements in the latest models have helped overcome some hurdles that might have made buyers hesitant to embrace EVs.

Some of the key features consumers want include:

- More power. Consumers want increased range and fast charging. The battery life of newer electric cars allows for several hundred miles on a single charge.

- More style. Car buyers don't want to sacrifice comfort and style, and manufacturers are rising to this challenge with roomy designs equal to those of conventional cars.

"Consumers are ready to switch to electric vehicles," according to Brian Moody, Executive Editor for Autotrader.

"Things they consider when thinking about buying an electric vehicle include reduced environmental guilt, less time refueling, and never having to change your oil again," he says.

One example of the latest in EV technology is the EV6, auto maker Kia's first entry into the battery-powered vehicle market. (Click here to view video).

The EV6 features an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger that enables the car to go from a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in less than 18 minutes, ready for up to 210 miles of range.

It's also designed with a distinctive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that enables use of the battery as a mobile power source for multiple applications, according to the company website. Other advances include both rear wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, as well as two battery sizes, 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh.

The latest battery technology meets consumers' need for speed with the 576 HP power to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The style factor is there, too. The EV6 channels the design of current crossover vehicles with a four-door sedan body and seating for five passengers. The EV6 is scheduled to debut in early 2022.

Visit kia.com for more information about the latest in electric vehicle technology.

(NewsUSA) - Deciding to select and partner with a financial planner to bring all the pieces of your financial life together is a big step for you and your future.

But before you meet with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ for the first time, you should familiarize yourself with the financial planning process, gather key information, have an idea about your goals and prepare a list of questions.

"You should also have an idea of what your CFP® professional is likely to discuss at the meeting," says Elaine King, CFP®.

This preparation is very important, but unfortunately, often forgotten by many new clients when meeting their financial planner for the first time.

"I have found that when some clients first meet me, they spend a lot of time over-explaining or justifying their prior financial decisions," says Charles Weeks, CFP® "In this case, don't worry. Your CFP® professional is not here to judge you -- only to help you!"

Below are some common financial mistakes that many clients make before they meet with a financial planner.

"If any of these sound familiar to you, you may want to address them before meeting with your CFP® professional the first time," Weeks adds.

- Insurance issues. Many people don't know what their insurance policies cover and don't cover. "At a minimum, you need to make sure you carry enough underlying liability insurance to protect your assets and income if you are involved in an accident or lawsuit," Weeks advises.

- Insufficient emergency funds. Weeks says he rarely sees clients with the recommended "emergency fund," three to six months' worth of nondiscretionary expenses. An emergency fund should be kept in a cash or cash equivalent, so it maintains its expected value and can be readily available when needed.

- Cash-hoarding concerns. Some cash is good, but hoarding too much cash can be detrimental. The main problem: Inflation will reduce the purchasing power of cash over time.

- Debt-management doubts. "Know the difference between good and bad debt," Weeks says. Good debt is debt we hold on appreciating assets such as a mortgage or a business loan. Bad debt is debt owed on depreciating assets, such as high-interest-rate consumer debts. Bad debts should be prioritized and paid as quickly as possible.

- Estate-planning procrastination. Your loved ones need a blueprint on dealing with the financial consequences of your passing. "By leaving family members unprepared, you leave them vulnerable to financial hardship on top of the emotional hardship they already bear," says Weeks.

If you are guilty of any of these financial pitfalls, explain them to your CFP® professional, and he or she will help you develop a sound financial plan.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information on how to find a CFP® professional, common financial missteps and how to make the most of that first meeting.

(NewsUSA) - After spending years working hard and saving up, retirement is that welcome reward of relaxation, travel, and new hobbies, or even a transition to something new such as consulting or a new business endeavor. While most people can say definitively that they would like to and plan to retire, the issue of when is often less clear.

The ideal age for retiring depends on several things -- occupation, health status, financial circumstance, and the state where you reside. While some pension plans allow you to start collecting early- retirement benefits as soon as age 55, generally, most people today are opting to retire later.

Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life decisions. For example, healthcare considerations for someone who retires at 65 versus 55 are quite different.

We'll highlight some points to consider as you gear up to slow down.

Coverage Shifts

Medicare eligibility begins for most individuals around age 65, so if your retirement coincides with that milestone birthday, it's a good idea to learn more about Medicare as well as Medicare-Related Options for those enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You can find details about enrolling in Medicare for the first time by visiting this informational site for AARP members.

For those not yet eligible for Medicare, and for other considerations not covered by Medicare such as vision, prescription drugs, and dental care, retirement might mean a shift from employer-sponsored insurance to individual insurance. If you had employer-sponsored insurance, your employer did the insurance research and provided you with coverage options. Now, as a retiree, you can select the coverage options that align with your health and financial needs.

Financial Considerations

By leading a healthy and active life, many people are living longer, which means that even if you retire later, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy. However, costs are also rising on everything from groceries to gas, making the prospect of living on a fixed income stressful. With a little advance planning, though, it doesn't have to be.

Prescription medication is common as you age and can be a regular expense. Nearly 90 percent of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription drug. The good news is that AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications. While anyone can enroll, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.

Maintaining a focus on your health now also means you may be able to avoid chronic health issues down the road, and you can consider coverage options that cover regular doctor's visits and exams.

Annual wellness visits, eye exams, and dental visits help you monitor and even potentially prevent more serious, and costly, health issues. Most eye conditions can be treated if found early, for example, so you may want to look for health coverage that includes vision benefits. Not only do these benefits include eye exams, but AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed also provide savings on prescription glasses.

Oral health can also deteriorate with age, and over time, teeth can become more brittle and susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise. And AARP members have access to affordable plan options specifically designed to meet their needs.

Resources

When it comes to healthcare, it's important to plan and research to make your retirement years enjoyable ones. Fortunately, there are many tools available to guide you in making decisions that work best for you. AARP members have access to resources that provide detailed information, discounts, and more to ease your healthcare search.

You've worked hard to achieve retirement, so why not enjoy it by taking the necessary steps to ensure continued good health and proper coverage? Start putting your plan in place by visiting this informational site today. 

(NewsUSA) - Choosing a Medicare plan is a big decision for eligible individuals, including those who are 65 or older or are living with a disability, because the plan you select during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period is the plan you'll have for the coming year, with a few exceptions.

Eligible individuals should take time to research plans and compare available benefits during the enrollment period -- which runs from October 15 to December 7 -- as there are key factors to consider based on your health needs, such as pharmacy coverage offered through a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

For some people, stopping at a local pharmacy is a convenient option to pick up their prescriptions. However, there may be other ways to get prescriptions if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription-drug coverage or a PDP that includes access to prescription drug home delivery pharmacies in the plan's network. The advantages of home delivery via mail can include the comfort of knowing you'll never run out of your prescriptions, and the convenience of having your medications mail-delivered to your doorstep.

Whether you choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage, such as Humana Medicare Advantage plans, or a PDP, check to see whether the plan includes prescription-drug home delivery pharmacies in the network and consider the following tips to help you get the most from home delivery pharmacies:

• Go Online or Download the Mobile App: By utilizing your pharmacy's app or website to manage your prescriptions, you may be able to submit requests for new prescriptions and medication transfers, establish delivery times for eligible medication orders, track your medications and deliveries, and have a live chat with a pharmacy specialist --all from the convenience of your home.
• Get a 90-Day Supply: Many medications will allow for a 90-day supply, resulting in fewer refills and may result in cost savings for you.
• Sign-up for Auto Refills: Spend less time worrying about running out of your medications: the auto refill option, if a pharmacy offers it, will automatically deliver your next order right to your door! If auto refill is not for you, be sure to set your communication preference for refills and you may be able to receive a reminder notification.
• Compare the Costs: Many plans, such as Humana, have a "switch and save" option for some medications, which provides suggestions for generic options at lower costs.
• Build a Personalized Medication List: Seeing multiple doctors usually means having several medications. Use your plan's app or website to maintain a single, complete list of all your prescriptions to avoid adverse reactions.

For more information about prescription drug home delivery pharmacies, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or go to Medicare.gov. To learn about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or call 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Additional Information:

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Scott Greenwell, PharmD., is President of Humana Pharmacy Solutions, where he oversees the health plan's pharmacy solutions. He is based in Louisville, KY.

(NewsUSA) - Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life choices. When it comes to healthcare, it's important to plan ahead, whether you're retiring now or in ten years. Fortunately, there are many resources available to you regarding your decisions on benefits. For additional information visit AARP.org/benefits-discounts/healthcare and learn more about your healthcare options.

(NewsUSA) -Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

In fact, having AFib makes you up to five times more likely to have a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

Most strokes caused by AFib could be prevented with effective treatment, but only about half of AFib patients receive proper therapy.

Approximately 5.2 million people in the United States experience AFib, and that number is expected to more than double in the next ten years, according to the American Heart Association.

Although anyone can develop AFib at any age, the risk is greatest for individuals older than 50 years, those with a family history of AFib, smokers and those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.

Although AFib is less prevalent in Black and Latino individuals compared with white individuals, Black and Latino people living with AFib have a higher risk of AFib-related death when they also have conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, according to the American Stroke Association.

The best-known symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat, but not all individuals with AFib experience this, and many people with AFib report no symptoms prior to diagnosis.

"Because of this, it's important that people at risk for AFib continuously speak to their doctors about any unusual sensations involving their heartbeat," says Mark Estes, M.D., FACC, FHRS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Other symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, faintness, sweating and chest pressure.

Up to 84% of strokes caused by AFib are preventable if patients receive early, effective treatment. That means it is important to talk to your doctor if you are at increased risk for AFib. The American Stroke Association offers a downloadable symptom tracker that can serve as an important tool for conversations with your doctor about how to stay healthy.

To learn ways to manage AFib, the American Stroke Association has created an online portal, MyAFibExperience.org, where individuals with AFib can share their stories and learn from the experiences of others.