Process for Making Ethical Decisions

There are six steps to ethical Decision making.
1. Define the Problem
A. Describe why a decision is needed and identifying the most desired
outcome.
B. How one defines a problems drives how you define the cause and where we
search for the solution.
C. How you define the problem determines where you look for the solution.
2. Identify Alternatives
A. Don't limit yourself to what is obvious or what has worked in the past.
B. Be open to new ides and better alternatives.
C. You are better off identifying as many alternatives as possible.
D. Five alternatives is a good threshold to use.
E. Prevents limiting your choices to opposing views.
3. Evaluate the Alternative
A. Look for the positive and negative outcomes of each alternative.
B. Ensure you differentiate between what you know and what you believe.
C. Determine what results each alternative could yield and how probable it is
that those results will occur.
D. The more the evaluation is fact based, the more confident he/she can be
That the expected outcome will occur.
4. Make the Decision
A. This is the next natural step whn acting alone.
B. When acting as a team this is when a proposal is made to the team.
1. Include complete difinition of the problem.
2. Clear list of the alternatives that were considered.
3. A clear justification for the proposed solution.
5. Implement the Decision
A. The action of implementing the solution is the first real tangible step in
changing the situation.
B. A decision only counts when it is implemented.
6. Evaluate the Decision
A. Every decision is intended to fix a problem.
B. Need to determine if the problem was fixed.
C. Did your resolution fix the problem.
D. Did your resolution create any new problems?

Challenge for all working Americans

I would like to challenge all working Americans to a year of better health, productivity and support of our fellow Americans. It was by working together that our Nation became great and has stayed great. If we continue to work together on all aspects of our lives-health, work, family, politics--what ever your life is---we will continue to be a great nation!

Who's up for the challenge?

Don't forget about filing your taxes - easily!

This is the time of the year when many people have forgotten about filing their taxes in the early part of the year. It is always a good idea to get it done before the 'crazy' part of the season (ie. April) and the IRS, for once, is making it easier and easier to file your taxes. Last year was the first year I used the online method to file. E-file, which is the IRS' gives plenty of information on how to file electronically and how to pay/receive any money that your owe/are owed. The following link will take you to all of the information you need on the E-filing system.

http://www.irs.gov/efile/index.html

If you have to do it, you might as well do it the easy way!

How to Be a Healthy and Productive Employee

Money is always a factor in everyone's life. We must work and make money in order to survive. Instead of working to live, many Americans have it the other way around and live to work. Taking time off for yourself is so important to live a fullfilling life. I recommend that every working person take at least 2 weeks of vacation a year and certainly a personal day here and there to do something not related to your job. Personally, this makes me a better employee. Also, taking a short break in the middle of a work day is very important. I recommend going outside for a walk to get some fresh air and exercise. This energizes me to be productive for the second half of my day.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Did you know that some of the pharmaceutical companies (such as Pfizer© and Novartis©) have assistance programs for people who cannot afford their medications and don’t have any type of insurance? You can get much needed medication for a discounted rate or even free with qualification.

Are you working a job that doesn’t offer insurance, but you need a prescription that you can’t afford? You can search for the website of the pharmaceutical company, then go to it and look for Patient Assistance Programs. Some companies have several types of PAPs. I checked out two sites and found that you fill out an application and have your doctor fill in some things on the application, send it in with proof of income, such as copies of your W-4’s, and the original prescription. If approved they will send the medicine to your doctor’s office, and they can call you to come pick it up!

Online Banking

I just learned the joys and convenience of online banking. It's great. You have to check it out if you haven't already. My son first told me about this banking method, which is easy to use and offers good interest rates for this day and time. I even read recently that online banking accounts offer better rates than most banks and credit unions. As far as I can see they are right. If you have access to a computer try it out.

Healthcare savings accounts

With all the different terminology, I am confused on the difference between a Healthcare Savings Account, a Medical Savings Account, and a Healthcare Reserve Account. Are there differences?