For families who have a dependent with special needs, financial planning often takes a back seat to the necessities of daily life; but it also bears an increased importance.
“April’s Autism Awareness Month offers a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of planning for families who are caring for a dependent child, sibling or spouse with special needs,” said Ruthann Driscoll, JD, CLU, CFP®, director of advanced planning at Northwestern Mutual. “Crafting a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of the dependent with special needs — for today and for tomorrow — and balancing that with the needs of the rest of the family is essential to achieving lifelong financial security.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7422151-northwestern-mutual-autism-awareness/
Finding time to eat well doesn’t mean you have to resort to eating out or going through the drive through during this busy fall season. New data analysis, supported in part by by Nestlé USA, indicates that people who reported dining on frozen meals ate fewer calories per day and consumed less saturated fat than those who reported eating fast food meals, also known as quick service restaurant (QSR) meals.1 The findings also showed that those who reported eating frozen meals consumed more essential nutrients than those who reported opting for fast food meals.
The findings are based on a new analysis of data from the 2003-2010 What We Eat In America (WWEIA) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To view the Multimedia News Release, go http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7349551-nestle-usa-frozen-meal-eaters-consume-fewer-calories-per-day/
Everyday Health, Inc. (NYSE: EVDY), today announced the launch of the What to Expect Pregnancy Clock Apple Watch™ app. Everyday Health, Inc. is a leading digital health and wellness company that operates the digital assets of What to Expect, Heidi Murkoff’s world-renowned pregnancy and parenting brand.
Designed specifically for the Apple Watch, the What to Expect Pregnancy Clock delivers a pregnancy countdown (to the second) – with weekly updates and visual growth milestones to track progress, actionable tips and notifications synchronized to the baby’s growth and development, and other relevant pregnancy information on demand. All of this gives expectant parents-to-be convenient, personalized, and discreet access to essential information about their baby’s development.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7221451-pregnancy-clock-apple-watch-app/
Your current level of success is the product of every choice you’ve ever made. I’ve provided a practical guide designed to help you make the choices that lead most directly to greater success and happiness. A series of real-life scenarios illustrate the practical application of the principles behind these choices. Find out more at http://bit.ly/1LaTw7a #LifesEssentialPrimer Self-Help/Non-Fiction
Unlocking the Social Potential in Autism, by Dr. Karina Poirier, is an in-depth guide to understanding autism. It empowers parents to teach their children valuable skills essential for developing friendships and achieving academic success. www.socialcognitionpublications.com
Video production by Castelane.
Blood is an essential component for life, but many people do not think about it until the need is critical. Each year 234 million major operations are performed worldwide, many involving blood transfusions or treatments resulting in a continuous need for donations.
That’s why Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo are partnering to bring even more attention to this important cause. Regarded as one of the top soccer players in the world, Ronaldo will serve as the first global ambassador for the BE THE 1™ movement – developed to inspire young people around the world to regularly donate blood.
“We can all make a difference by donating blood. Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for Real Madrid and Captain for Portugal National Football. “That’s why I am enthusiastic to be partnering with Abbott to bring awareness to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7668251-abbott-cristiano-ronaldo-donate-blood/
Danell Leyva, Cuban-American gymnast and U.S. Olympic medalist starts the year off strong with his new role as a milk life Somos Fuertes campaign advocate, setting the example for Latinos everywhere to include nutrient rich milk in their diet. As part of the program, Danell touts the benefits of drinking milk, with its 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in every 8 ounce glass, to help make the best of every day. Furthermore he shares how his love of milk, gymnastics and family have contributed to his continued growth and success as an athlete one glass at a time.
The newest face of the milk life Lo Que Nos Hace Fuertes campaign, Danell Leyva joins the campaign to help educate Hispanics on the importance of including milk as a part of a balanced diet. Proper nutrition, including milk’s high-quality protein, is a key component to his success, be it competing for Team USA at the London Olympic Games or in training or teaching the art of gymnastics to others. As part of his role as a Somos Fuertes advocate, Danell is also shining light on the importance of starting the day off with milk’s protein and other nutrients.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7723751-milkpep-somos-fuertes-danell-leyva/
It’s no surprise that being a new mom can be challenging. Your time and energy are put towards hectic schedules, escalating costs of raising an infant and making sure you’re caring for your little one properly. Maintaining healthy habits for both mommy and baby is essential once your little one has arrived as well. Dr. Peterson shares her health tips for both pregnant mommies and newborn babies.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/82267241-tips-for-new-moms-babies/
When Amway™ asked for help in raising awareness about global childhood malnutrition through its Nutrilite™ Power of 5 Campaign, more than 260,000 people across the globe raised their hand to do just that. And they broke a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title in the process.
As a global leader in nutrition research, development and innovation, Amway paired its expertise from Nutrilite™, the world’s number one selling vitamins and dietary supplements brand*, with its passion for helping people live better lives. Amway™ last year launched the Nutrilite™ Power of 5 Campaign to expand the distribution of the Nutrilite™ Little Bits™ supplement. At the time, the micronutrient powder with 15 essential vitamins and minerals for children was being distributed in two countries through established programs run by Non-Governmental Organizations. It has since expanded to nine countries and there are plans for more.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7214653-amway-guinness-world-record/
Water has played an important role in the Stella Artois brewing heritage for more than 600 years, and is an essential ingredient in the Stella Artois that is brewed today. Yet 663 million people lack access to clean water – a global crisis that disproportionately affects women, who spend millions of hours a day collecting it. Stella Artois has again partnered with Water.org to drive awareness of the global water crisis, and calls on consumers to help leave a legacy as the generation that ends this crisis, once and for all.
The “Buy a Lady a Drink” campaign was first launched in 2015 to utilize Stella Artois’ global footprint to help positively impact this important issue. Last year the campaign focused on women’s long journeys for clean water. This year, the campaign showcases the positive impact that access to clean water can have, while inspiring consumers to leave a positive mark on the world.
“I’ve seen how the lives of women and their families can change when they get access to clean water,” said Water.org Co-Founder Matt Damon. “Access to water is access to education, access to work, access to the kind of future we want for all humankind. Thanks to our partnership with Stella Artois, this year’s ‘Buy a Lady a Drink’ campaign helps us tell this story – and gives consumers the chance to help us change it.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7733451-stella-artois-partners-with-water-org/
https://youtu.be/Y6rIs220PXc More businesses are taking their products and services online than ever before. Consumers, for the most part, are feeling safer about completing online transactions – especially with businesses they trust.
But some entrepreneurs in the e-commerce world have never started their own business. Many are unfamiliar with how to run an e-commerce store. There’s no doubt that this is an exciting time to explore the e-commerce marketplace – especially for people who are testing it out while keeping their full-time jobs.
Having said that, business owners new to the online world should understand from the get-go that the e-commerce industry is one of the most lucrative targets for cyber criminals. News of the recent eBay hack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with online businesses. But big businesses aren’t the only ones getting hacked. More than 20 WordPress sites are hacked every minute of every day.
But there are a few basic things you can do to help prevent losing control of your website and your customer’s private information.
Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform
More than two third of all active e-commerce sites are using either Magento or WordPress’ WooCommerce. Why? Mainly because of their sophisticated security features. There are other factors as well, but what makes them stand apart is the extensive security. PrestaShop can be yet another choice with a proven security framework.
Keep your software up-to-date and, it should go without saying, keep your passwords unique and secure. Educate your clients, as well as your workforce, about your information security practices. Let them know how you are protecting customers’ credit card information and what they should do from their end to keep the financial information secure.
Implement SSL Certificates
SSLs (secure socket layers) are the de facto standard when it comes to securing online transactions. An SSL certificate authenticates the identity of users and encrypts data while at store and transit. Implementing SSL is essential for E-commerce websites to establish secure connectivity between the end-user systems and your website.
For tech-savvy buyers, the padlock icon with HTTPS in the address bar is an essential prerequisite for providing their personal details and credit card information. If the consumers believe that a vendor is doing everything possible to secure their transactions, they are more likely to do business with them.
Scan Your Site for Security Vulnerabilities
Although SSLs protect your transactions, they don’t protect your website. No matter which platform you decide to use, ensure that your server maintains PCI compliance requirements by running PCI scans on your server to validate whether you are compliant or not. Companies like Trust Guard not only scan your site for more than 75,000 known vulnerabilities, giving you detailed reports about its safety, but they also provide users with trust seals.
These small, digital images, when placed on your home page and checkout page, have been proved to drastically increase sales and conversion rates. They show potential buyers through accompanying certificates that you are serious about their privacy and security. It gives them the peace of mind they need to make the buying decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just are getting started, you should understand that keeping your site safe is your most important endeavor. Hackers can (and do) cause economic, legal and reputational damage every day. Keep your site safe and protected by following these three simple website security tips for your online business.
QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
