A Viewpoints Industry Fist Pump for Healthier Ways to Greet Someone

The standard way we know to greet someone is to shake their hand. But there are several reasons why this normal business and personal greeting is no longer the healthiest way to say “nice to meet you”. Viewpoints Industry examines other ways to in which to show respect and be friendly.

Unknown to many people, a simple fist pump with another person spreads far less germs (one-twentieth) than a handshake. A high-five spreads half as many germs as a handshake. Hand shakes are a very common greeting in all facets of business and in nearly every part of the world. But it is also a very efficient way to spread germs. Health experts recommend washing your hands or using a sanitizer on hands after shaking someone else’s in a hospital, urgent care center, health clinic or with a food worker. A more sanitary way to greet someone might be to offer a small bow, or a smile. In the U.S., younger professionals might view the fist pump as a cool way to say “job well done” or “nice to meet you”.  Viewpoints Industry also knows that handshakes will always be the norm, and with a little good hygiene, can be less of a germy way to introduce oneself. 

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Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips of What NOT to Say at a Job Interview

Viewpoints Industry knows:  we've all been there.  The job interview that seems to be percolating along just fine.  You feel a connection with the interviewer and you think you're saying all the right things.  But somehow it goes afowl and either ends badly, or you never hear from them again.  Was it something you said?  It very well may have been.  Most of us are familiar with the landmines to avoid in the primary job interview, such as salary, benefits, vacation or the interviewer's hideous comb-over.  But there may be other subjects waiting to strike if you happen to say something that is either unwise or too early.  An excellent example of this is:  "What does your company do?"  Theoretically, you were supposed to know the answer to that before you applied so that it doesn't appear too obvious that you were just after "a job, any job".  Walk into the interview having done thorough research into the company.  And here's a potential trap:  that goes for a telephone interiew as well, so if you're blindsided by a call from a recruiter who wants to conduct a phone interview on the spot and her first question is:  "What do you know about our company?", it will definitely be a sweat-inducing moment if you haven't done your homework early.

Viewpoints Industry has heard that there can be hidden traps in a job interview.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show can suggest other things you should not say during the first interview for a job.  One candidacy killer is:  "What is your drug testing policy?"  That makes it sound like you wouldn't pass that test if it were given now.  While it's fine to ask about opportunities for advancement, never suggest you want the interviewer's job.  Asking about overtime can be a double-edged sword.  It can sound like you probably won't get your work done in regular time and you might cost them a lot in overtime payments, or it might just sound like you're not willing to stay beyond the end-of-day bell.  And finally, the best way to show you're not really interested, not listening and not absorbing anything the interviewer says, is to ask questions that have already been answered.  Good luck, and watch what you say.

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Viewpoints Industry Asks: What Happens to Your Online Persona When You Pass On?

Viewpoints Industry realizes that after the passing of a loved one, there is much work to be done to finalize the deceased one's affairs and deal with any residual bank accounts, charge cards and other financial matters.  But what of other kinds of accounts, such as social media?  What happens to somebody's Facebook or other account after the subject of that account is no longer with us?  What of photos, blogs and comments that might be somewhat embarrassing?  The laws concerning these matters are not consistent from state to state.  This is typical of new media, as the lawmakers are only just encountering their first cases of this kind of dilemma, so they are striving to play catchup. 

Viewpoints Industry finds that the laws concerning online social media are not clear after death.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show cautions that this area of law is a tricky minefield.  There is an effort underway to cobble together a set of uniform laws that can stand in all states and that overrule some service providers' self-made "Terms of Service" rules.  Some of these terms and conditions are worded in such a way that it appears that any individual's content becomes property of the service provider, or at least that the provider has the right to use any content in perpetuity.  This has never sat well with many people, and when coming up against something like a Last Will and Testament, it will be interesting to see if they hold up.  

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Viewpoints Industry and the Value of Prepaid Debit Cards

There are different reasons as to why people use a prepaid debit card. Perhaps they wish to avoid using a standard bank or want to deposit a child’s allowance on a card. For some, this is a good option. Viewpoints Industry reviews the value of prepaid debit cards.

 Prepaid debit cards are safer to carry than cash, easier to use and allow a person to use it online when they have no other option. There are no overdraft fees with a prepaid card and everyone is approved. However, some of the cards come with a lot of fees and some of the rather hefty. Take time to research everything about the card before purchasing one and depositing money on it.

The money loaded on prepaid cards tripled between 2008 and 2012 as reported by Mercator Advisory Group, and the total is expected to more than double by the end of next year. Only 32% of the people who bought and used a prepaid card last year actually spent time reviewing the fees for it, according to a 2014 Pew study.

Fortunately, CardHub.com offers a guide for the top prepaid cards and their fees so possible users can find the best option. Having used a prepaid card for several years, this writer can vouch for their usefulness. Viewpoints Industry encourages readers to do the homework on prepaid cards to determine their value for your use. Not all cards are equal. Some are better than others. Follow the CardHub link above to find the prepaid card with the best terms.

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Viewpoints Industry Shares How to Get Rid of Telemarketers

Remember the national Do Not Call list? The list most people entered their land line and cell phone numbers on to not be bothered by telemarketers?  We know it is hard to believe but telemarketers keep calling anyway. Viewpoints Industry shares tips on how to get rid of them.

A recent consumer report from ABC News led us to the website of a company called Privacy Star which lists all the phone numberstelemarketers are using now. The once well-known 800 and 866 numbers are gone and standard area codes are in. We also learned there are ways to get rid of telemarketing calls as well as making some money off of those who ignore the list. The key to the list which is linked above is to know that the numbers on the top of the list are used more frequently than those closer to the bottom. The list is updated hourly.

Viewpoints Industry finds one of the easiest ways to block telemarketing calls is to manually block the number on a smart phone or on a cell provider’s web site. This might prevent the call from coming through. If the phone number is new, register it on the do not call list. If calls still come in, it is possible to sue the telemarketer for $500 per call. One can also join a class action lawsuit or file one alone. Since telemarketers call more than once, the possibility of winning more than $500 is likely. Good luck.

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Viewpoints Industry and Borrowing from a 401(k) Plan

There are times when it is absolutely necessary to borrow from a 401(k) retirement plan. Viewpoints Industry shares the types of loans to take that won’t hurt you in the long run.

Keep in mind that some plans and some employers have set rules on taking a loan from a retirement plan. If you need to borrow money from the plan, it is best to know that you won’t lose your job soon and can pay it back within the timeline given. Payments are taken from your paycheck. That is something else to remember before taking money from a retirement plan. Always be sure to read all of the terms and conditions before signing on the line to borrow money from the plan.

If you find yourself out of work with a lot of credit card debt, consider borrowing from the plan to pay off the debt. But be sure there are enough funds in the plan to do this. If wanting the loan to buy a new car or home, traditional loans are better and the percentage rates are usually better.

The 401(k) loan is good for a short-term loan rather than a long-term loan. Viewpoints Industry suggests holding off from borrowing from a retirement plan if possible. The funds growing in the account will be needed when it is time to retire. With the economy still struggling to get on track and the job market looking iffy at best, save those funds for the future. Instead, go to a financial website like bankrate.com and see if there are any banks willing to compete to give you a better loan deal for your needs.

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Viewpoints Industry and What Happens to Your Online Life After You’re Gone?

Many of us know what will happen to our possessions, pets and mementos after we leave this life. There are wills and estate papers to sort that all out. But Viewpoints Industry asks what happens to your online life after you’re gone?

When an acquaintance was suddenly taken from this life not long ago, his Facebook and Twitter accounts stayed active. His many friends, colleagues and family members were grateful for that. It gave everyone a chance to pay homage and let his family know how much we all admired him and loved him. But the social media sites we all love to connect on have their own policies about what to do with the accounts when a user dies.

The Uniform Law Commission, (members are appointed by state governments to help standardize state laws), will soon endorse a plan that will give loved ones access to - but not control of - the deceased's digital accounts, unless specified otherwise in a will. It is therefore, a good idea to have written instructions in a will about who should have access to online accounts. Whoever is chosen can deactivate accounts or make other decisions about what to do with them.

Viewpoints Industry also reminds readers that most online accounts accessed by sharing the passwords. Perhaps this is a safer idea than attaching a sheet with log in credentials to a will, which can become public information. It’s up to you. Who do you want to access the files from your digital life when you expire?

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