Sunday, January 3, 2010

Check out Both short-, long-term steps can improve credit score

Click here: Both short-, long-term steps can improve credit score | The Columbus Dispatch

Both short-, long-term steps can improve credit score

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:37 AM

By Candace Choi

Associated Press

Hurting and helping

The repercussions that certain actions can have on your credit score vary depending on credit history. Higher scores can fall more for the same action, because a lower score already reflects riskier behavior. How particular actions can affect scores, under two scenarios:

For someone with a 680 score, 8-year credit history:

• Maxing out credit card: 10-30 points

• 30-day delinquency: 60-80

• Settling credit debt: 45-65

• Foreclosure: 85-105

• Bankruptcy: 130-150

For someone with a 780 score, 15-year credit history:

• Maxing out a credit card: 25-45

• 30-day delinquency: 90-110

• Settling credit debt: 105-125

• Foreclosure: 140-160

• Bankruptcy: 220-240

Source: FICO

NEW YORK -- As you prepare to shape up your finances in 2010, you're likely to find that improving your credit score is among the more complicated tasks.

Banks use credit scores to help decide whether to extend loans, and if so, at what price. A lower score probably will mean higher interest rates for credit cards and loans.

A score below 620 is considered poor; 620-659 is fair; 660-749 is good; and 750-850 is excellent. It costs $15.95 to get your score at MyFico.com.

Here are ways to raise your number:

What you can do right now

One of the fastest ways to improve your score is to pay down your balances. Paying off all balances could push someone in the 650-range into the 700-range, said Craig Watts, a spokesman for FICO, which formulates the most widely used credit scores.

This is because the portion of your credit line that you're using -- your so-called credit utilization -- is a big component of your score, accounting for about 30 percent.

If you buy the standard FICO score package at MyFico.com, you can access a simulator that tells just how much certain actions will lift or lower your score.

In the case of paying down your balances, note that it provides a one-time benefit. You don't get extra points for keeping your credit use at a low level.

Also keep in mind that your report could reflect high utilization even if you pay your bills on time. This could happen if your lender reports your balance to the credit bureau before you pay your bill. To avoid this scenario, pay off charges as soon as you can -- don't wait for due dates.

Another way to have a short-term impact on your score is to make payments on time. If you've been chronically late, paying all your bills on time for just one month could boost your score by as much as 20 points.

Digging in for the long haul

Once you pay down debt, improving your score becomes a game of long-term vigilance.

"One week's good behavior isn't indicative of future risk," Watts said. "To improve a poor score is a long-term project."

The key is keeping your report free of any negative marks, which can take years to recover from. For someone with a score of 680, for example, a foreclosure can zap as many as 105 points, while a bankruptcy can shave off 150 points. One late payment of 30 days or more can drop your score 80 points.

Just how steeply your score falls depends on factors such as how much you owe and how late you are. But repeat offenses aren't as damaging as the initial infraction, because your riskiness is already reflected by a lower score. So a second or third late payment shouldn't hammer you as much as the first.

Check out The Year in Review: Shares rebounded for area retailers, not banks

The year in review

Ups and downs

Shares rebounded for area retailers, not banks

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:30 AM

By Steve Wartenberg

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Kyle Robertson | Dispatch

Big Lots' stock doubled in price in 2009, as investors favored discounters thriving among value-conscious shoppers.

Rogelio V. Solis | Associated Press

The price of stock in Limited Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, rebounded in 2009.

The past year brought good news for many central Ohio-based public companies, with many benefiting from a rebound in the stock market.

In fact, some local companies' shares stand above their values on New Year's Eve 2007, when the recession had just come home to roost.

For local companies -- and the market -- the past year featured two distinct trends, with March 9 the dividing point.

"That day was the bottom," said Matt McCormack, a portfolio manager and banking analyst with Cincinnati investment adviser Bahl & Gaynor.

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped to 6,440 at one point on that day; that was less than half its level at the end of 2007 and well below the 2008 closing of 8,776.

Through March 9, "you were dealing with the mindset of 2008," McCormack said.

That mindset was one of gloom and doom in the face of a near collapse of the nation's financial system, and rising unemployment and foreclosure rates. There was even talk that the recession could morph into a depression.

"But after this day, you saw the rally begin," McCormack said.

This slow, steady rally continued, and the Dow closed the year at 10,428, up 59.3 percent from the low point on March 9 and 18.8 percent for the year.

The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The stock market recovery, however, is far from complete: The Dow ended 2007 at 13,264.

That said, many central Ohio companies had plenty to cheer about in 2009.

A retail rally

The local retail sector did especially well, as most of the central Ohio companies in that line of business enjoyed big bounces in 2009.

"Historically, this is usually one of the first sectors to recover" after a recession, said Richard Jaffe, a retail analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Co.

Shoe retailer DSW, which has been expanding and recently announced a partnership with the Miss America organization, showed a gain in the year of 108 percent. Retail Ventures, which owns a majority stake in DSW, did even better, soaring 156 percent.

Big Lots ended the year at $28.98, a gain of 100 percent; the price is almost double the stock's 2007 close of $15.99.

"The off-price industry, including Big Lots, did very well," Jaffe said. "The consumer in 2009 demonstrated a remarkable propensity for value and spent a lot more time seeking value."

Value and low prices are what Big Lots does best, said Tim Johnson, vice president of strategic planning and investor relations.

"We believe value and saving money never go out of style, even more so in light of the recent economic backdrop -- and we don't see that changing anytime soon," he said.

Johnson also believes that when the economy does recover, Big Lots has positioned itself to continue to do well. Now that real-estate prices have dropped, he said, the company is ready to add about 20 stores; it has about 1,350.

And when consumers are ready to buy more big-ticket items, Big Lots is an option.

"People who want to make a dollar go further come here," he said. "They look at some of the more-expensive items and say it's a great deal, but I don't need it now. But when they're ready for it -- they know where to find it."

Away from the "value" end of the retail spectrum, shares of the more-upscale Abercrombie & Fitch and Limited Brands also rebounded. Both suffered substantial stock-price declines in 2008 as consumers turned to lower-cost alternatives.

But both did well in 2009.

Abercrombie shares were up 51 percent to $34.85, but still far below their 2007 closing price of $79.97.

The Limited was up 92 percent to $19.24, which was just above its 2007 closing price of $18.93.

"The reason they began to bounce back was that, at some point, they began to understand consumers still wanted their brands, but also wanted value," said Janet Kloppenburg, a specialty retail analyst with JJK Research.

"They didn't have to be dirt cheap, but they began to play with price, to offer discounts."

Despite the stock gains of 2009, the retail sector is not out of the woods and is dependent on continued improvement in the economy.

The industry did well in 2009, Jaffe said, because companies cut employees, inventories and other costs. But that leaves little that could be cut this year.

"We're still facing continued economic pressure," he said. "Consumers have shown a propensity to be frugal and have spent the past 12 months being frugal and reducing their debt."

They re-emerged in the holiday season but could go back into hibernation.

"Consumers may pull back a little, and I have a cautious outlook for the spring," Jaffe said.

Struggles in banking

Central Ohio financial institutions didn't do as well as their retail counterparts.

"You had a situation where the tone was so bad, where many banks were trading below $5, cut out their dividends and had no earnings," McCormack said.

Stock in Columbus-based Huntington Bancshares reached a low of exactly $1 on Feb. 20 as it wrote off millions of dollars in bad mortgage loans and began a campaign to raise capital.

The measures seemed to work, as Huntington stock began to gain ground and has stabilized between $3.50 and $4.

Huntington stock ended the year down 52 percent at $3.65, well below its 2007 closing price of $14.76.

The same scenario played out for Ohio's two other large regional banks: Fifth Third and KeyCorp.

Fifth Third stock ended 2007 at $25.13 and the following year at $8.26, then plummeted to $1.01 on Feb. 20. From there, the price began to rise and settle around $10 a share, ending the year at $9.75.

Park National stock fell 18 percent to $58.88. In 2008, the Newark-based bank's shares were up 11.2 percent.

Other companies

The biggest gainer in 2009 among central Ohio public companies was Commercial Vehicle Group. It was the biggest loser in 2008, dropping 93.6 percent to 93 cents.

The New Albany-based company makes vehicle accessories, mainly for heavy trucks, and was hit hard by the economic downturn.

Despite the tough economic environment, Commercial Vehicle stock ended 2009 at $5.99, up 544 percent for the year, but is still well below its 2007 closing price of $14.50.

State Auto Financial had the highest percentage gain of any local company in 2008, rising 14.3 percent to $30.06. But the Columbus-based insurance company struggled in 2009; its stock fell 38 percent to $18.50.

The area lost one publicly traded company in 2009.

Dress Barn bought Tween Brands for more than $300 million in November. Tween now operates as a subsidiary of Suffern, N.Y.-based Dress Barn.

swartenberg@dispatch.com

The past year featured two distinct stock-market trends, with March 9 the dividing point.

Check out Consumer 10 Report: Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts

Click here: Consumer 10 Report: Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts | The Columbus Dispatch

CONSUMER 10 REPORT

Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:39 AM

By Chuck Strickler

WBNS-10TV

With the holidays over, it's time to return.

Time to return to work.

Time to return to school.

And time to return the last of those Christmas gifts you didn't want or need.

Heading into the holiday season, 19 percent of Americans said they expected to return at least one gift, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.

Those trying to make good on their predictions might be finding the process more difficult than last year, when U.S. retailers took back an estimated $47 billion in unwanted Christmas gifts.

About 17 percent of retailers tightened their return policies this holiday season, the National Retail Federation recently reported. Most cited a desire to boost profits and/or curb fraud, the trade association said.

"Retailers are constantly trying to fine-tune return policies to create guidelines that honest customers can live with and dishonest people can't get around," said Joe LaRocca, a senior adviser to the federation.

Whether a given retailer's return policy is brand new or decades old, someone seeking to return a holiday gift should act quickly because the clock almost certainly is running.

Although a few retailers offer full refunds for up to six months or more, others have much tighter deadlines -- and many more caveats.

In some cases, the amount of time you have to return an item depends on the item itself. Several big-name chains, for example, stipulate that certain electronics -- things such as camcorders, computers and digital cameras -- must be returned within 14 or 15 days.

And if the item you're returning has been opened, some of those chains will offer only an exchange -- not a refund or store credit.

Other retailers charge a restocking fee, especially if the returned merchandise has been opened. Such fees typically range from 10 percent to 15 percent of the item's purchase price, although they can go as high as 25 percent.

"There is good news," said Tod Marks, senior editor for Consumer Reports and author of the magazine's "Tightwad Tod" blog. "Most big retailers will generally accept returns on merchandise purchased between November and Christmas through the end of January."

Consumer Reports reviewed the policies of a number of high-profile retailers and found that their return periods typically range from 30 days to 180 days. The list of retailers receiving high marks from the magazine included Bed, Bath & Beyond; Costco; Kmart; Kohl's; Lowe's; Nordstrom; and Sam's Club.

The magazine said some chains offer "exemplary policies year-round." Among them: Orvis, L.L. Bean, Lands' End and Zappos.

Zappos gives you a year to decide and asks only that the goods be returned in their original condition and packaging. The others say you can return anything, at any time, for any reason.

That might be something to remember next fall -- come the start of yet another holiday shopping season.

chuck.strickler@10tv.com

■ Watch "Consumer 10 Reports" on WBNS-10TV or visit the "Consumer 10" section of 10TV.com.

Check out New Year’s Goals for Social Networkers

Click here: New Year’s Goals for Social Networkers Focus More on Money than Diet and Exercise

December 28, 2009 11:10 AM Eastern Time

New Year’s Goals for Social Networkers Focus More on Money than Diet and Exercise

WESTERVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Twitter users are 49% more interested in becoming involved in their community than the average American, according to a December 2009 consumer survey by Ad-ology Research. Twitter users are also more likely to want to start a business, get a new pet, take up a new hobby, and become more spiritual in the next year.

“Marketers cannot make the mistake of using the exact same message across all social networks”

Other social network users have different ambitions, with MySpace users most likely to want to stop smoking, get married, and change their appearance in 2010. The professional types on LinkedIn want to learn a new career skill, and spend more time with family.

Looking at goals by gender, a surprising 28% of men said they want to improve their appearance in the coming year. Both sexes, however, have much more interest now in saving money than in traditional resolutions like losing weight.

“Marketers cannot make the mistake of using the exact same message across all social networks,” said C. Lee Smith, president/CEO of Ad-ology Research. “Speaking to the aspirations of your current and potential customers can increase the chances of success in social media. Looking at users’ personal goals for the next 12 months emphasizes the differences between the major social networks beyond simple demographics,” Smith said.

Other key findings from the study:

21% of the Silent Generation (born 1925-1942) want to volunteer for a cause or charity, another 17% want to become more involved in their community.
16% of Millennials (born 1982-1993) say they want to stop smoking.
Women are more likely to want to eat healthier and live greener in the next twelve months.

The Advertising+Media Perceptions Study (AMPS) was conducted in December 2009 by Ad-ology Research to analyze changing consumer interests and attitudes. AMPS data will be included in Ad-ology’s Industry Insights Reports in 2010 - providing strategic advertising and marketing strategies for more than 400 business categories. Industry Insights Reports are available on Ad-ology.com for $195 USD each.

ABOUT AD-OLOGY RESEARCH

Ad-ology Research analyzes key marketing and advertising trends in over 440 industries and what motivates end-customers. The company’s research is used by over 2,000 advertising agencies, media properties, local governments, and product marketing departments across the United States. Ad-ology Research is a division of Sales Development Services (SDS), Inc. - a Westerville, Ohio firm founded in 1989.

METHODOLOGY

Ad-ology Research surveyed an online panel of 2,111 adults in a manner that is 98% representative of the population of the United States from December 11-12, 2009. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 2.13 percentage points.

EDITOR'S NOTE: See chart attached for breakdown of all consumer goals by social network. The Ad-ology trade name should be hyphenated in all printed references.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6127206&lang=en

Contacts

Ad-ology Research
Michelle O’Brien, 614-794-0500 ext. 100
pressrelations@ad-ology.net

Permalink: http://www.businesswire.com/news/dispatch/20091228005072/en/Year%E2%80%99s-Goals-Social-Networkers-Focus-Money-Diet

Check out Still looking for job? Improve your odds

Click here: Still looking for job? Improve your odds | The Columbus Dispatch

Still looking for job? Improve your odds

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:22 AM

By Darrell Smith

SACRAMENTO (CALIF.) BEE

For job-seekers and employers alike, 2009 was a rough year. As the year came to a close, here's some advice from career experts for those continuing their job searches:

Helen Scully, Scully Career Associates Inc., Roseville, Calif.:

Focus on your assets, not your liabilities. Identify your personal and professional (strengths): a home, good references and your health. These will help you conduct an effective job search or make the right decisions about your current position.

Develop a strategic plan (for job hunting). Write it down and stick to it. If you do not know how to develop a plan, seek professional help so you don't become underemployed or veer off-track.

Many workers are stuck in unfulfilling jobs. Take a comprehensive assessment test to align your job with your strengths and interests.

Keep your network strong, or build one. Whether you are in a job or unemployed, your contacts improve your ability to leverage your career in a positive direction.

Richard N. Bolles, What Color Is Your Parachute? author:

Someone once told me, "I've never done anything I've ever enjoyed. How can I find out what my passion is?" Resolve to pay greater attention when you're enjoying yourself (in work settings), and remember what skills you were using at the time. A lot of shifts can happen in your job skills when you notice what you're best at. We tend to be a nation of complainers but don't tend to notice when we're enjoying ourselves.

Jess Bushey, Ultimate Staffing, Sacramento:

Take another look at the companies and positions where you last applied, the companies that interested you or where you may have been a runner-up.

The candidate who landed the job might not have been a good fit, or budgetary concerns could have prevented the company from hiring the person. Instead of repeating a

lengthy recruiting process, the company might tap its pool of finalists. It could be a good time to reintroduce yourself.

Look at your resume with a fresh and critical set of eyes. What skills, talents and achievements did you leave out? What have you learned? Give your resume a face-lift.

Keep a positive outlook. Employers and job-seekers alike are looking to turn the page on 2009.

Check out Ohio's jobless rate rises slightly

Click here: Ohio's jobless rate rises slightly | The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio's jobless rate rises slightly

Saturday, December 19, 2009 3:08 AM

By Dan Gearino

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.6 percent in November, up just slightly from the figure of 10.5 percent a month earlier, the state said yesterday.

Nonfarm employment rose by 5,400 jobs, another tiny change.

Behind the overall numbers, manufacturing jobs dropped while service-oriented jobs grew.

"The Ohio unemployment rate is really similar to what we're seeing nationally, which is a leveling off of layoffs, without a pickup in the pace of hiring," said James Coons, principal at J.W. Coons Advisors, a Columbus investment firm.

The national rate was 10 percent in November, down from 10.2 percent a month earlier. Both the state and national figures have been adjusted to account for seasonal jobs.

Ohio was in the minority nationally with its rising rate. A total of 36 states and the District of Columbia reported a decrease in November, six states had no change and the remaining eight states posted an increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Michigan continues to have the highest rate in the nation, 14.7 percent. North Dakota continues to have the lowest rate, 4.5 percent.

Although Ohio had only a small change in nonfarm employment, 5,400 jobs, it was the second-largest gain in the country behind Texas, which gained 17,300.

Ohio's total employment now stands at 5.1 million, a decrease of more than 190,000 since a year ago.

dgearino@dispatch.com

Nonfarm employment rose by 5,400 jobs, the second-largest gain in the country.

Check out The Color of Money: 2010 may be year of 'consumer power'

Click here: The Color of Money: 2010 may be year of 'consumer power' | The Columbus Dispatch

The Color of Money

2010 may be year of 'consumer power'

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:29 AM

By Michelle Singletary

I'm happy to see 2009 end.

It was a tough year of unbelievably high unemployment and rising foreclosures and debt levels. It was hard to see so many people I care about lose so much.

But I'm excited about what 2010 will bring. Already things are turning around. We are not clear of the burdens of the recession, but we are getting closer.

I especially love that in 2010, consumers will see a lot of changes in how they are treated by their lenders. And I'm hoping that this year, people will have an easier time accessing their free credit reports.

I'd like to think of 2010 as the year of consumer power.

A roundup of some key rules changes that you need to keep an eye on in 2010:

• Credit cards. This is the biggie. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 established sweeping changes intended to help prevent crazy credit-card fees and hefty interest-rate increases. Consumers will have new disclosure and substantive limits on certain credit-card practices.

Regulations relating to interest-rate increases, over-the-limit transactions and the marketing of credit cards to college students become effective Feb. 22. For example, credit-card issuers will not be able to increase interest rates on existing balances unless a cardholder is at least 60 days late paying the bill. Credit-card issuers can't impose over-the-limit fees unless a consumer has given the company permission to accept transactions that go over his or her credit limit.

In other changes starting in February, if your credit-card due date falls on a weekend or holiday, issuers can't penalize you. The company has to accept the payment as being on time the next business day. Additionally, payments received by 5 p.m. must be credited the same day.

By July, if your interest rate was increased because you were 60 days late on a credit-card payment, your issuer will have to revert back to the original rate if you've had six months of on-time payments.

If you want more information on the provisions that will go into effect, go to www.consumer-action.org. In the search field, type in "New credit card provisions."

• Credit reports. Every person is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer-reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. By Feb. 22, the Federal Trade Commission has to come up with changes to the rule governing this access to prevent deceptive marketing of credit reports.

It would be great if the FTC could prevent the marketing of any products by the credit bureaus before, during and even after the process of getting a free credit report.

• Overdraft protection. By next summer, financial institutions will be prohibited from charging customers overdraft fees on ATM and debit-card transactions unless consumers have given their informed consent to be assessed such charges. Institutions have a mandatory compliance date of July 1.

As part of the rule change, account holders will be sent a notice telling them that if they want overdraft protection for ATM and one-time debit-card transactions, they have to opt in.

Michelle Singletary writes for the Washington Post Writers Group.

Check out Unemployed Learn To Deal Cards At Casino School

Click here: Unemployed Learn To Deal Cards At Casino School | NBC4i.com

Unemployed Learn To Deal Cards At Casino School

Associated Press
Published: January 3, 2010

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FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—A school for aspiring casino dealers is luring laid-off Ohio residents across the border to Michigan seeking a fresh start in gambling. But they plan to return, ready to compete for jobs.

ABC School of Bartending and Casino College in southeastern Michigan teaches students how to count poker chips, deal cards and manage a game of blackjack, among other skills. Instructor Lee Chau says many students from Ohio are hoping his classes will give them an edge over other applicants for jobs at casinos to be built in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

“Come on now, twenty at a time,“ Chau coached Rose Leitaert, a 57-year-old laid-off restaurant worker from Michigan, as she tried to pick up a stack of chips during a recent class. “They aren’t going to let you work unless you can hold them all at once.“

Chau, who teaches blackjack, roulette and craps, said he has trained nearly 200 Ohio residents in the past two years. Most are unemployed workers from Ohio and Michigan vying for one of the estimated 7,500 full-time jobs created by Ohio’s planned new casinos.

In November, after months of acrimonious debate, Ohio voters approved a state constitutional amendment that allows casinos across the state.

During nearly 300 hours of training for a “dealer” certification, students learn how to properly count chips, manage a game and deal blackjack and basic poker games.

The program costs about $1,000.

The certification is not required to work in a casino, but graduates of the course say it gives them a leg up on other applicants. The college plans to open locations in Cleveland and Columbus next spring. Chen, a former Atlantic City card dealer, said he fields dozens of calls weekly from Ohioans who want to sign up for the course. “I think this shows the community and residents of Ohio are anxious for the jobs Issue 3 will bring and they are preparing themselves,“ said Jennifer Kulczycki, a spokeswoman for Quicken Loans, owned by Cleveland Cavaliers owner and casino backer Dan Gilbert.

John Pifer, who directs the Sacramento, Calif.-based Casino College, which has operations in more than 20 U.S. cities, said the casino jobs appeal to people who are down on their luck. “This is a very low-stress job, and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to do it,“ Pifer said. “It is something an average guy can go do and make $50,000 to $60,000 a year. Gaming survives all economies.“

Adam Smith, 24, enrolled in the course after campaigning for Issue 3. “The more games you know, the better the chance you can end up in the casino,“ said Smith, who is from the Dayton area. “They say these jobs are for Ohio, and I am going to do what I can to be one of the first people to get one.“

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .

Check out More workers cash out 401(k)s |

Click here: More workers cash out 401(k)s | The Columbus Dispatch

More workers cash out 401(k)s

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:29 AM

By Len Boselovic

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Early returns indicate the recession has caused more people to take withdrawals from their retirement plans for reasons other than rolling them over to other plans or because they've retired.

Investment manager Vanguard reported the number of workers who borrowed money from their 401(k) plans in the first half of last year increased 6 percent. Non-hardship withdrawals, made by workers 59 1/2 and older while still on the job, rose 14 percent during the same period.

"We speculate that the increase in loans and non-hardship withdrawals is related to the general economic conditions," Vanguard said.

Hewitt Associates reported loan activity was up 10 percent and hardship withdrawals were up 20 percent as of late last year.

While it will take time to collect and analyze 2009 data, reports based on 2008 data indicate the recession at that stage hadn't caused participants to change their behavior dramatically.

A new Hewitt study found that 46 percent of Americans who left their jobs last year cashed out their 401(k) balances instead of rolling them over to IRAs or their new employers' retirement plans. The Lincolnshire, Ill., human- resources consultant said that compares with a cash-out rate of 45 percent in a similar 2005 study.

Younger workers and those with smaller balances in their retirement accounts were more likely to pocket their retirement savings despite the tax consequences. Hewitt's research showed 60 percent of workers between 20 and 29 cashed out their 401(k)s when they left their jobs, versus 43 percent of those ages 40 to 49 and 34 percent of those 50 to 59.

Check out Cold Temps For Workers And Pets

Click here: Cold Temps For Workers And Pets | NBC4i.com

Cold Temps For Workers And Pets

By Tanya Hutchins | Digital Journalist
Published: January 3, 2010

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COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Capital Area Humane Society says freezing cold weather can be deadly for animals left outdoors. If the animals are used to the outdoor temperatures and are acclimated to the cold weather, make sure your pets have shelter with straw, heated
water dishes, plenty of food and room to roam.

“What is fatal for animals in this type of weather is if they are chained to a tree or a fence with absolutely no shelter, they’ll die of exposure,“ says Kerry
Manion, Chief Humane Agent with the Capital Area Humane Society. Manion says if the dog is able to roam free, he can exercise and maintain body
heat.

Indoor dogs should be kept indoors, with only 10 minute breaks outside. He says you should check on your animals frequently to make sure they’re okay.

Manion kept himself warm today with a hat, gloves and boots. He also had the luxury of getting back into his warm vehicle, but pets left outdoors don’t have that option. If you suspect an animal cruelty case, call the Capital Area Humane Society at (614) 777-7387 ext. 250.

Jack Lambert, who works for OSU Facilities & Operations, was spreading salt today on sidewalks near the OSU Medical Center, one of two workers making sure side walks remained safe for pedestrians . He says one truck didn’t start and another one almost didn’t start when he arrived at work. He was bundled up with a hat, scarf and gloves to keep warm.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail .

Snowman Comics!!!

OSU!

ROSE BOWL

Friday, Jan. 1, 2010
Ohio State vs Oregon Ducks
Final Score: OSU 26, Oregon 17

Photo Gallery: Buckeyes Celebrate Rose Bowl Win

Click here: Photo Gallery: Buckeyes Celebrate Rose Bowl Win

Saturday, 02 January 2010 04:55 Steve Helwagen

After enduring a season of criticism and second-guessing, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor answered all his critics Saturday.

Pryor's MVP performance led Ohio State to a 26-17 win over Oregon, throwing for 266 yards on 23 of 37 passing with two touchdowns and one interception along with leading the team with 72 rushing yards. Pryor's command of the offense helped the Buckeyes to a whopping 41:37-18:23 advantage in time of possession.

The Buckeyes held the high-powered Oregon offense to just 260 total yards and limited quarterback Jeremiah Masoli to 81 yards on 9-of-20 passing. The Ohio State offense put up 419 total yards and got 101 yards receiving and a touchdown on eight catches by DeVier Posey.

With the win, Ohio State evened its all-time mark at the Rose Bowl at 7-7. The Buckeyes have also won their last two Rose Bowl appearances.

Here are photos of the victory and postgame celebration, shot by Terry Gilliam and Steve Helwagen.