NEW YORK - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

All parents and hopeful parents out there know how expensive it is to raise a child. However, it seems to be getting more costly every year. As inflation increases, basic needs are beginning to be out of reach for many of the population, including just the medical cost of delivering a baby in America. Younger generations like Gen Z and Millenials are having babies later and later, if at all, mainly due to the outrageous costs. From education, to housing, to food and clothing to everything in between, the cost of raising a child in America has become astronomical compared to even 30 years ago. Here is a breakdown of what it looks like to have a child in America today. 

What the numbers look like

Birth

Giving birth will cost you thousands of dollars. It might cost around 5,000 for a standard delivery that goes as planned or $14,000 or more for a c-section or if there are complications. You will likely need $60,000 or more to cover adoption fees if you go the adoption route. The cheapest state in the country to give birth is Nebraska, which averages $8,805. Many new parents do not consider the cost of actually giving birth when budgeting for a child. 

Housing

Housing is another thing that only gets more expensive, and it doesn't matter whether you rent or purchase. Many people prefer houses to raise children as they afford much more space than an apartment, but it does not come cheap. 

Food

The cost of food for children has skyrocketed in the past few decades. It might start small when they are young, but it will continue to grow as they do. You need to budget a few hundred dollars every month on food costs to ensure they are getting a balanced diet. 

Education

Where you live, a public school might not provide your child with the education you want them to receive. If this is the case, you need to budget for a private school, which can be as much as college tuition in some cases. In the least expensive states in the U.S., private schools still cost around $4,000 for tuition, while the most expensive ones cost almost $28,000. This is just for tuition, so you will need to add costs for supplies and technology, after-school activities, tutoring, and other programs or clubs they want to attend. 

Then, if they decide to go to a four-year college, those tuition rates can range from $18,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on the school. 

Care

Children need a lot of care, especially when they are babies. You can expect to spend at least $50 a month on clothes alone during their first year. Medical bills can cost thousands out of pocket just for routine examinations and vaccinations. When you need to go back to work, nannies or daycares can be as much as your mortgage, especially in places like Washington, D.C., Oregon, or California. 

What this means for families

Raising a child significantly affects the parent's mental health, careers, and debt. 40% of parents say that childcare costs have caused tensions in their relationship. Make sure you look up the prices of things like daycare before getting pregnant, if possible, to avoid these conflicts in the future. More than half of parents have gone into debt to buy nonessential items or experiences for their children, mainly because they want their kids to have a better life than they did. Finding the balance between financial health and giving your child what you couldn't have is not simple. 

Nearly three in four working parents have had their work impacted by childcare plans falling through at the last minute. Always have a backup plan in the works when it comes to childcare. Children also influence their parents' career choices, as parents need to make more money to cover childcare costs or have a flexible work schedule. Raising a child reaches into all areas of life, far beyond just providing them with a loving home. 

Bottom Line

Raising a family is not an easy task emotionally, physically, or financially, so it is essential to consider what you are signing up for before having children. However, most people with children would not change a thing and find ways to cut back on costs to ensure their kids have a happy and healthy life. If you struggle to pay back debt or get your finances under control, make your free MyCredello account today. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


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Original Source: Credello: The U.S. is at an All-Time High for the Medical Cost of Childbirth

Professional fundraiser to run online Competition geared toward bakers on behalf of DTCare

PHOENIX - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

The search is officially underway for this year's favorite baker. Colossal Management, LLC is thrilled to announce that it will run the 2022 Greatest Baker Competition on behalf of DTCare, a U.S. 501(c)(3) charity.  

The Greatest Baker is an online, public voting Competition hosted by celebrity bakers Alice Fervonia and Sophie Faldo, both finalists from past seasons of the Great British Bake Off. These culinary experts will offer helpful tips throughout the Competition. The Greatest Baker winner will take home the title, $10,000, and a two-page feature in Bake from Scratch Magazine. 

Greatest Baker will be operated as part of a fundraising campaign on behalf of DTCare. Donations from votes cast during the Competition will go directly to DTCare, which will then grant the donations, minus Competition fees and costs, to Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer nationwide and fund cutting-edge childhood cancer research.

The Competition is sponsored by three companies that are giants in the baking space: Silpat, the maker of a range of non-stick mats and molds that allow bakers to make any kind of pastry or savory dish; Bob's Red Mill, a 100% employee-owned company that makes more than 200 products, including whole grains, stone-ground flours, oats, baking mixes, snacks, and more; and Twinkle Baking Decor, run by a team of passionate bakers who produce a wide selection of gluten-free and nut-free products ranging from sprinkles to frosting. 

Anyone interested in registering or learning more about the Competition or prize can visit greatestbaker.com. Public voting opens on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. 

Contact Information:
Aubrey Ballard
PR Manager, Colossal
[email protected]


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Original Source: Calling All Bakers: Voting Opens Soon for Greatest Baker Competition, Run by Colossal

Petition to Congress Gaining Momentum, But Signatures Still Needed

ATLANTA - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

The following is an open letter from We The Patriots USA, Inc.:

Just hours ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to add the COVID-19 shot to the CDC's childhood immunization schedule. According to We The Patriots USA Vice-President and Co-founder Attorney Brian Festa, the implications of this are staggering. "The shot will now be shielded from civil tort liability under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, which eliminated recovery through the courts and established the so-called 'vaccine court', allowing only limited recovery under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program," Festa explained. "This means that you cannot file a product liability lawsuit against a vaccine manufacturer if your child suffers injury or death from a shot."

Festa added that another consequence of today's vote is that this shot is likely to be added to the list of "immunizations" required for school attendance in many states. Many state legislatures have adopted the practice of mandating that students in school receive every vaccine on the CDC's childhood schedule. This especially affects states like California, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Mississippi, and West Virginia, where no personal belief or religious exemption to school vaccination mandates exists. 

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?  

1. SIGN THE PETITION TO MAKE DISCRIMINATION BASED ON VACCINATION STATUS ILLEGAL, AND ASK EVERYONE TO DO THE SAME.  

If We The Patriots USA's petition to Congress is successful in its end goal of amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make vaccination status discrimination illegal, no school would ever be able to deny a child an education simply because that child has not received one or more shots. No employer would ever be able to fire someone for refusing a shot. No airline, restaurant, hospital, or any other business could refuse service to someone because they did not receive a shot. Please sign the petition today.

2. DONATE TO WE THE PATRIOTS USA SO THEY CAN EXPAND THEIR LEGAL EFFORTS AND FIGHT BACK IN COURT

As noted above, it's nearly inevitable that some states will pass legislation to add this shot to the list of shots required for school attendance. This is likely to include not just students in Grades K-12, but college and university students as well. We The Patriots USA will need to file legal challenges in response to any such legislation. While the CDC maintains that the COVID shots are safe and effective, data has recently emerged showing evidence of adverse effects in young people especially, such as myocarditis. Please consider a donation in support of We The Patriots USA today, so they are ready to fight back at a moment's notice. Litigation is slow business, so they want to be able to file lawsuits immediately after these laws are passed.

For press inquiries contact [email protected].

Contact Information:
Brian Festa
Vice-President
[email protected]


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Original Source: In Wake of COVID Shot Being Added to CDC's Childhood Immunization Schedule, We The Patriots USA Seeks to Make Vaccination Status Discrimination Illegal

NEW YORK - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

iQuanti: The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked financial havoc on many Americans, and several households continue to struggle today. Even though it's been over a year since the third round of federal stimulus checks went out back in March 2021, several people are still wondering: Will there ever be a fourth stimulus check coming? Read on to find out.

Is a fourth stimulus check coming?

The short answer is that no, a fourth stimulus check is not coming. Looking back at the last three stimulus payments, there were several major bills passed at the time:

• CARES Act
• Coronavirus Relief Act
• American Rescue Plan

Those bills are what approved the funding necessary for those stimulus checks, and unfortunately, there are no proposals for such bills at this time.

What are some other fast cash alternatives?

With the federal government not sending you any financial relief, where can someone find money relatively quickly? Here are five potential options:

1. Personal loans

Personal loans are when a lender gives you a specific amount of money, and you agree to pay them back in monthly installments, usually with a fixed rate of interest. They can be secured (meaning you'll put up collateral such as your home or car) or unsecured (meaning no collateral is offered). 

Generally speaking, unsecured loans will have a faster approval process than secured loans. But the amount that can be borrowed may be smaller and a higher interest rate may apply.

2. HELOCs

A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, is when you turn the equity in your home into a line of credit. What's great about these loans is that you don't have to pay the principal back for 5 to 10 years and only have to cover the interest. Once approved, you can also use the credit line as much or as little as you want without any additional restrictions.

3. Title loans

Similar to a home equity loan, a title loan is a specific type of arrangement where a vehicle owner can get fast cash for putting up their vehicle as collateral. Title loans are sometimes desirable for people with lower credit ratings because the lenders will often have less stringent requirements. The amount you can borrow may range from 25 to 50% of your car's appraised value. 

4. Credit card cash advances

In addition to making purchases, nearly every major credit card will allow its holders to withdraw money from it (like an ATM). In reality, when this is done, you're entering into a short-term loan with the credit card issuer. 

Since you already have the card, cash can be withdrawn immediately and there are no credit checks. However, be aware that the interest rate that you'll owe will be high and charges can build up quickly.

5. Cash advances

Cash advances are short-term, small dollar loans that can tide you over until your next payday. With these loans, you'll typically repay the amount you owe in two to four weeks, when you receive your paycheck. Cash advances can be a great option if you just need a few hundred dollars to cover essential or emergency expenses.

The bottom line

If you're in need of financial relief, the federal government is unfortunately not going to come to the rescue with a fourth stimulus check. Instead, consider other alternatives for getting fast cash like personal loans, HELOCs, and title loans.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125

Carolina Darbelles
Senior Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


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Original Source: Is a Fourth Stimulus Check Coming and What Are Some Fast Cash Alternatives?

NEW YORK - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Credello: In the U.S., the bottom 90% of households saw their debt balloon this year. With so many trying to make ends meet and researching debt consolidation vs. debt relief to get back on track, we need to understand what's going on with this financial crisis to better equip ourselves and prevent a financial crisis from turning into a full-blown recession.

The reasons why debt is getting out of control

The reason for this new debt balloon for the bottom 90% of households is complex but boils down to three primary drivers: economic conditions, spending habits, and borrowing.

Economic conditions play a significant role in how quickly debt accumulates. When the economy is weak, people are less likely to find jobs, or businesses cannot borrow money, which can lead to decreased consumer spending and increased borrowing costs. This can cause debt levels to increase for those who already have high levels of debt.

Another factor that affects debt levels is spending habits. When families have to stretch their budgets due to a tough economy, they may choose to cut back on unnecessary expenses like luxury items or entertainment. This can cause people with high-interest debts (such as credit cards) to experience larger increases in their balances.

Finally, borrowing also plays a role in how quickly debt rises. People are more likely to take on more debt when they believe it is a good investment. When the stock market is doing well, people may borrow money to buy stocks and then see their assets decrease in value, which can cause them to default on their loans. On the other hand, when the stock market crashes, people may be forced to sell their stocks at a loss, which could lead to them defaulting on their loans.

What you can do to protect yourself from a debt crisis

If you're struggling with high levels of debt, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from a full-blown financial crisis.

First, make sure you're using all of your available resources efficiently by consolidating your debts into one manageable payment. Not only will this make your payments more manageable, but it will also help you save money on interest rates.

Second, be mindful of your spending habits. If you're finding it hard to stick to a budget, consider setting up a debt relief plan with a professional financial planner. This type of plan will help you keep track of your spending and reach your financial goals.

And finally, if you struggle to pay your debts on time, speak with a credit counseling agency. They can help you learn how to manage your finances and improve your credit score so that you're less likely to experience high borrowing costs in the future.

The bottom line

The bottom 90% of U.S. households are seeing their debts get worse, not better, in 2023. This is a serious problem for many families and will likely have lasting negative effects on their financial stability. If you're among this group of households, it's essential to take steps to protect yourself from a debt crisis.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125

Carolina d'Arbelles-Valle
[email protected]
+1 305 849 8443


Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Credello: Why Did Debt Balloon for the Bottom 90% of Households in the U.S. This Year?

NEW YORK - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Credello: Dealing with debt can be a stressful process. There are many ways to manage your debt, but many people opt for debt settlement as their preferred method. But is debt settlement really as good as it seems? Here's what you need to know.

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement is a process in which a debtor and creditor negotiate paying off money owed. Debt settlements typically involve either reducing the total amount owed and/or creating a payment plan that satisfies enough of the debt that the matter is considered settled and will not be sent to collections. 

Why would I choose debt settlement?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to settle their debt. Debt settlement may be the best option for people who are struggling financially or who have difficulty meeting their monthly payments. It may also be an option for people who do not want to deal with creditors directly.

What are the risks of debt settlement?

Debt settlements seem great, but they may be too good to be true as some inherent risks come with using them.

The most common risk is that no agreement can be reached, and the debt remains unresolved. If you and your debtor cannot come to an agreement, the debt may be declared in default, which can lead to further legal action, higher interest rates, and more penalties.

Another risk is that you may not receive the total amount you were promised in a debt settlement. Often this isn't due to any bad actions by your or the bank; it's simply a matter of one hand not knowing what the other is doing.

Finally, debt settlement can be risky if you don't have the financial resources to cover the payments. If you can't make the required payments, your debt may become delinquent, and you may face additional penalties.

Despite these risks, debt settlement can be a viable option for people who are struggling financially or who do not want to deal with creditors directly. However, it is crucial to understand the risks before choosing this route.

How can I avoid these risks?

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of getting into a debt settlement and having to pay back more than you received.

First, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing it. Ensure everything you and the debt representative spoke about is in writing, and don't sign any contract until you're satisfied.

Second, discuss your options with an attorney who can help guide you through the process and protect your interests.

Third, be sure to have enough money saved up so you can meet the monthly payments if a debt settlement agreement is reached. This isn't always easy, but it's essential to protect your finances in case of an adverse outcome.

What other options are there to get rid of my debt?

There are a variety of options available to people who want to get rid of their debt but don't want to deal with a debt settlement.

One option is to try debt consolidation. This involves combining several smaller loans into one larger loan you can repay over time. This can reduce your monthly payments and give you more time to pay back the debt.

Another option is utilizing debt repayment strategies like the Avalanche or Snowball Methods. This involves making small, manageable monthly payments towards your debt until it's completely paid off.

Another option is bankruptcy. This is a last resort and can be expensive, but it can eliminate your debt entirely and give you a fresh start.

The bottom line

Debt settlement is an effective way to deal with your debts. However, it comes with some risks and requires careful planning. By understanding these risks and taking steps to reduce them, you can make the process more manageable and have a better chance of getting your finances 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125

Carolina d'Arbelles-Valle
[email protected]
+1 305 849 8443


Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Credello: The Biggest Risks You Face With Debt Settlement

MIAMI - October 20, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

A team of five explorers will soon embark on a daring and dangerous trek that has not been completed in 125 years. The 2022 Willoughby Expedition team will attempt to retrace an 1897 canoe journey across the Florida Everglades that was first completed by explorer and scientist Hugh de Laussat Willoughby. Willoughby's charts aided in creating the first accurate maps of the region, his water sampling provided the baseline water chemistry for the Everglades, and his book is primary reading for all Everglades scholars.

To gauge humanity's impact on the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in North America and a UNESCO Wetland Area of Global Importance, the 2022 Willoughby Expedition team will sample and test for the same water constituents that Willoughby did more than a century ago. They will also look for water pollutants that Willoughby couldn't have foreseen, including microplastics, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, Environmental DNA (eDNA), and antibiotic-resistant genes, all of which are potentially adversely affecting plant and animal species globally. To help conserve wildlife, the team will also document the abundance and location of apple snails, which are the sole food source of the federally endangered Snail Kite, a bird of prey.

Starting at the mouth of the Harney River in the Gulf of Mexico on Oct. 27, and ending in downtown Miami in early November, the coast-to-coast expedition will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of Everglades National Park. It will traverse the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico, the brackish water of inland rivers, pristine freshwater sawgrass, canals in suburban Miami, and ultimately, through a maze of skyscrapers to Biscayne Bay.

Because the 2022 Willoughby Expedition will be a scientific research milestone for the Florida Everglades, The Explorers Club has awarded the team one of its flags. It is an immense honor for the 2022 Willoughby Expedition team to carry it on their journey. Flags from The Explorers Club represent an impressive history of courage and accomplishment. Today, there are 222 numbered flags from The Explorers Club, each with its own history. One of them was personally flown by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong on humanity's first moon landing mission in 1969, and another was carried to the summit of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund P. Hillary in 1953. 

Historically, the Florida Everglades stretched from the north near modern-day Orlando to the south at Florida Bay. Willoughby completed his studies of the Everglades before large-scale drainage and reclamation programs began in the late 19th century. Today, the size of the Everglades has been reduced to approximately one-third of its original size to make way for the modern cities of South Florida and their millions of residents.

The 2022 Willoughby Expedition will bring awareness to the major scientific and conservation goals of its more than 50 partners, including Florida Power & Light Company, University of Florida, National Park Service, Everglades National Park, South Florida Water Management District, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach International Boat Show, and Cox Science Center and Aquarium.

"This expedition is primarily focused on applying modern scientific investigations to one of the planet's most important watersheds. However, we also hope to inspire future generations of scientists and explorers, and all citizens to be better stewards of our shared environment," said Dr. Tracie Baker, lead scientist on the Willoughby Expedition team and an associate professor at the University of Florida. "My work focuses on multidisciplinary research that seeks to bridge and improve human, animal, and environmental health. The Willoughby Expedition will provide critical primary research into that work."

The Florida Everglades is one of the world's best-known and most visited watersheds, serving as the "environmental kidneys" of Florida by filtering and cleaning water from all over the central and southern parts of the state. Its water quality directly impacts more than 12 million people and thousands of plant and animal species.

To increase educational programming around the human impact on the Everglades, the 2022 Willoughby Expedition is also partnering with school districts and cultural institutions in South Florida. Live feeds from the Everglades will be shared with schools and science museums, allowing students, educators, and museumgoers to interact directly with the expedition team. 

"Public education and the live broadcasts are some of the most exciting and important aspects of the expedition," said Harvey E. Oyer III, the 2022 Willoughby Expedition's co-leader, who is also an author, archaeologist, fifth-generation Floridian, and former U.S. Marine Corps captain. "We want to share our passion for the natural world by giving the public an inside look at our work, and igniting their passion to preserve the natural world." 

The Willoughby Expedition team includes:

• Harvey E. Oyer III, co-leader - Oyer is a former U.S. Marine Corps captain, member of the Explorers Club, and holds a master's degree in archeology from Cambridge University. He is also the author of a bestselling children's book about the Everglades that is part of the 4th-grade curriculum in Florida. 
• Christophe Vandaele, co-leader - A native of Belgium, Vandaele is a graduate of the Belgium Royal Military Academy and the Special Warfare Officer Training School at Marche-les-Dames. He served multiple tours in Africa and has participated in scientific expeditions in the Andes Mountains, the jungles of Guatemala, and the North Pole.
• Tracie Baker, DVM, Ph.D., lead scientist - Dr. Baker is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida. She is an expert on environmental contaminants, with studies that seek to bridge human, animal, and environmental health. She is a former NCAA Academic All-American swimmer and has completed four IRONMAN races and more than 20 marathons.
• Carlos "Charlie" Arazoza, navigator - Arazoza is a Cuban-American attorney and CPA in Miami. A vastly experienced Everglades paddler, he has led many trips through the Everglades, served as chairman of the South Florida National Parks Trust, and also founded the South Florida Bush Paddlers Association.
• Flex Maslan, photographer and documentarian - A native of the Czech Republic, Maslan has almost 30 years of experience as a paddling guide, leading trips through most of South Florida's waterways. Maslan is also a professional photographer whose work has been published in nature and watersports books and magazines.

Support team members include three other scientists, a chemist, a pilot, and a filmmaker.

To learn more about the team, the course, the science, and the man who inspired it all, visit willoughbyexpedition.org. 

Contact Information:
Chelsea Casagrande
Director of Public Relations
[email protected]
(561) 844-1778, ext. 120


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Original Source: Explorers to Make Historic Trek in the Florida Everglades to Research Human Impact