Debt is a buzzword for politicians, a burden for students, a necessity for most homeowners and a reality for 70 percent of Americans.
But despite this fact, 30 percent of those in debt have no plan to pay it off, according to a recent survey conducted by Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ: FITB).
Fifth Third commissioned the national survey to examine the financial beliefs and behaviors of American adults. The results provided a snapshot of our nation’s financial literacy, with 82 percent of respondents citing financial independence as a goal in their lives. The survey also revealed how the three largest generations in America differ in their understanding and management of savings, budgeting, retirement planning and credit.
“At Fifth Third, we were curious to discover how knowledgeable Americans are about their personal finances,” said Jada Grandy, senior vice president and Community Reinvestment Act strategies director, Fifth Third Bank. “The results of this survey give insight into financial literacy in America, as well as the needs of customers at different key stages of their lives. This knowledge arms Fifth Third with the tools to support our customers at every step on their journey to financial independence.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7723851-fifth-third-bank-life/
Summertime means vacation time – but, with unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating gas prices and increasing costs, Americans nationwide are concerned about getting away. Our national travel expert has some great trips on how to survive summer travel – he/she will cover everything from how to get the best deals to planning a vacation suitable for the whole family.
Some of the unique and useful tips Amy can offer are:
• Travel trends: Travelling to destinations during their peak seasons can drive prices up. Visiting during off-peak times can help save money and you’ll have easier access to activities than at busier times of the year.
• Get organized: Planning a fun and successful trip means, setting a budget, researching, and booking early! Shop around to find transportation and accommodations that suit your needs and your budget.
• Get Your Ride Ready: If you’re hitting the open road, make sure any maintenance you need to have done on your vehicle is taken care of including checking your vital fluids, tires, and headlights and break lights.
• First Aid Kit: Make a little room in your luggage for a travel first aid kit. It won’t cost much, and it won’t take up much space but it can certainly come in handy.
Extended Stay America (ESA), the largest company-owned/operated hotel chain with kitchens in every room, announces the release of “Away From Home Cooking” 3rd edition – an on-the-go digital cookbook available to guests and cooks looking for quick and delicious recipes. With Americans making more than 405 million long-distance trips per year, and reportedly gaining 2-3 pounds on average after a two week period, Extended Stay America focused their latest edition on resources and recipes that supported healthy eating habits while away from home.
To bring this to life, ESA collaborated with partners, Food Network™ Host, Sunny Anderson and the American Cancer Society® to share some of their favorite recipes for eating better when traveling. The cookbook features 58 easy-to-prepare recipes as well as tips and tricks, perfect for families’ on-the-go or travelers seeking delicious home-cooked meals.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7737251-extended-stay-america-away-from-home-cooking/
Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ: FITB) today announced a first-ever, company-wide initiative to deliver its Empower U financial literacy courses throughout its 10-state footprint. The Empower U initiative brings Fifth Third together with more than 60 local nonprofit organizations in outreach to nearly 3,000 individuals in the communities it serves.
According to a recent study commissioned by Fifth Third, more than 40 percent of Americans feel they could benefit from professional advice about their day-to-day finances. Empower U, one of the Bank’s signature L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved through Financial Empowerment®) programs, is designed to do just that.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7723853-fifth-third-bank-empower-u-initiative/
The statistics on food waste are alarming. Nearly all Americans are guilty of tossing edible food both before and after it hits their plates. The good news is, it’s easy to make small changes that can save a family of four up to $1,500 a year in food bills.
That’s the message being delivered on Stop Food Waste Day by foodservice leader Compass Group, food manufacturer Unilever, and Top Chef personality, Tom Colicchio.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8077751-compass-group-unilever-stop-food-waste-day/
“Want to enjoy life,” “like to learn things,” “look for adventures and like to take risks” – these traits tell the story of how Americans perceive entrepreneurs, as revealed in the 2015 Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report (AGER).
It’s an optimism that permeates the research again this year, with 86 percent of Americans expressing positive attitudes toward entrepreneurship, up a remarkable 24 percent from 2014 and a resounding 11 percent more than the 2015 global average (75 percent). Echoed by their strong desire for “independence from an employer” and “self-fulfillment, possibility to realize own ideas,” at 75 percent and 72 percent respectively, this positivity is indicative of the country’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit.
“The attitude toward entrepreneurship is not only remarkably high but significantly increased from last year when fewer than two-thirds of respondents reported a positive attitude,” notes Dr. David B. Audretsch, professor and director of the Institute for Development Strategies at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. “What’s more, the secondary importance of financial compensation contradicts the most prevalent stereotypes and myths about why people choose entrepreneurship.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7402451-amway-ager-spirit-index/
More than ever, Americans are looking for small steps that lead them to healthier, longer lives. They’re avoiding the office vending machine, they’re walking that extra mile, and they’re getting to the doctor’s office for their regular checkups. Now, a life insurance company wants to recognize people for these healthy habits. John Hancock, in partnership with Vitality, is offering a whole new kind of life insurance product that rewards consumers for living healthy, while protecting their loved ones. The company has teamed up with Chris O’Donnell, star of the hit drama NCIS: Los Angeles, to help consumers recognize they are in control of their physical, emotional, and financial health, and – even with a busy schedule – can take small steps to truly improve their quality of life, now.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7491151-john-hancock-5-more-now/
More than half of Americans under the age of 40 surveyed in a recent poll (58.4%) would choose a day without food over a night without sleep. But they might want to hang onto their hamburgers. It seems they aren’t getting enough shut eye, anyway. This is interesting food for thought that led the Sleep Inn® hotel brand to dig deeper into the state of American sleep. The findings were eye-opening. And now the brand that prides itself on better dreams and relaxing rest is asking Americans around the country to take a stand for more sleep and join the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement.
“We are launching the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement because the Sleep Inn hotel brand recognizes the vital importance of a good night’s rest - for health, happiness and even, perhaps, the American economy. The word ‘Sleep’ is not only in the name of our Sleep Inn hotels, it’s in our brand DNA,” said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. “We wanted to learn more about how and when Americans are sleeping. Our survey not only reveals interesting trends about sleep styles and preferences, but also just how much people would be willing to give up or trade for more quality rest.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7267151-sleep-inn-movement/
The maker of Shell ROTELLA® engine oil is leading the effort to have the U.S. White House formally recognize the pickup truck as the “Official Vehicle of the United States.” To pay homage to the substantial role pickup trucks play in shaping our nation and working their way into all parts of our society, Shell is honoring the vehicle by leading a national Shell ROTELLA® campaign, entitled “Pickup Pride” which may forever change the way Americans view the pickup truck.
“The campaign celebrates the achievements of hard-working Americans and highlights the pickup truck, which for almost a century, continues to support those who have given their blood, sweat, and tears to help build our country,” said Megan Pino, Global Brand Manager for Shell ROTELLA® engine oil. “The pickup truck exemplifies America’s resilience and the work it takes to continue to build our communities and support our farms, both which deserve to be recognized.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8157351-shell-rotella-pickup-truck-official-us-vehicle/
Today Enroll America partnered with the Ad Council to launch “Take Care, People,” a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign that will raise awareness, educate, and motivate uninsured Americans to get health insurance for themselves and their families under the Affordable Care Act, or ACA.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65436-enroll-america-ad-council-encourage-uninsured-sign-up-affordable-care-act
According to a National Safety Council poll released today, one in four Americans personally knows someone who has overdosed or died from an opioid overdose, knows someone who has become addicted to opioids, or has become addicted themselves. In response to the survey results – and a recommendation from the President’s Commission for Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis – the National Safety Council is launching a provocative nationwide public education campaign that literally puts a face on the opioid epidemic. Stericycle is the Council’s exclusive disposal partner on the campaign.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8207151-national-safety-council-stop-everyday-killers-opioids/
All natural disasters, including the recent hurricanes, are a reminder how swiftly emergencies and disasters can happen. To address the fact that less than 50 percent of households have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their families, FEMA and the Ad Council are working to inform and encourage all Americans to plan ahead for disasters. FEMA and the Ad Council are announcing the release of new public service announcements (PSAs) as part of the Ready Campaign to conclude National Preparedness Month. The PSAs, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” encourage families to take time to talk about their emergency plans – what to do, where to go for an evacuation or shelter-in-place, and how to get in contact in the event that you are separated in a disaster or emergency.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. It’s important to be aware of your local hazards,” said FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness Katie Fox. “The first step to preparing for a disaster doesn’t cost anything – talk to your family and make a plan for evacuation, shelter and communication. Discuss what you will need. You can also take training or a CPR course to help yourself and others.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8170051-ad-council-fema-ready-gov-national-preparedness-month-disaster-plan/