ADVANTAGE
DID YOU KNOW To be wealthy in the US requires $2.27 million? That is the average based on what 1,000 adults said when they were surveyed as to what their net worth would have to be for them to consider themselves wealthy. More than half of Americans report being stressed out? About 55% of US adults polled said that they had experienced a lot of stress during the prior days, compared with a worldwide average of 35%. That puts the US at the same stress level as Greece, which had been the most stressed nation studied since 2012. A downward head tilt signals dominance? Tilting the head down makes eyebrows look lower and more V-shaped– and that creates the impression of aggression, intimidation and dominance. The effect is present even when someone's facial expression is neutral, without muscle movement. Carbon dioxide in the air is at the highest level since a time before modern humans existed? The gas is now measured at 415 parts per million. Even small amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can raise global temperatures. Retirement confidence is at its highest? The strong US economy and continued good stock market performance and driving Americans optimism about retirement. According to a survey that began in 1990, 82% of retirees polled said that they were optimistic about their ability to live comfortably in retirement versus 75% who said that a year earlier. Seven jobs skills now in high demand: Cloud computing— ability to create and use cloud-based applications through expertise in programming, database management and other areas. Artificial intelligence—expertise in big data, data visualization and multiple programming languages. Analytical reasoning—strength in budgeting, finance, operations, logistics and actuarial science. People management— leadership capacity, ability to communicate with a diverse workforce. UX design—ability to improve the user experience of a website, app or digital product through software coding, visual design and communication. Mobile app development—skill in appropriate computer programming and coding. Video production—skill using editing programs. The 10 companies with the happiest employees, based on comments posted at job-review website Glassdoor: Brain & Company, management consultants…Zoom Video Communications…In-N-Out Burger…Procore Technologies, provider of cloud-based constructionmanagement software…Boston Consulting Group… LinkedIn…Facebook…Google…Luluemon, maker of athletic apparel…Southwest Airlines. How to get your credit card's annual fee waived: Start by calling and asking—that is all it takes for some cards at some issuers. If a polite request does not work, explain
why you are asking for a fee waiver—emphasize what a good customer you are, how long you use it and so on. If that still does not work, inquire about a specific-use arrangement: Some issuers will waive the fee if you spend a designated amount on the card within a specified time. Helpful: If you are unsure whether to keep your card because of it's annual fee, explain this to the representative— you might get a fee waiver under customer-retention plans. Buy your modem-router—do not rent it. It may seem easier to have your Internet service company provide a unit, but the cost typically is $10 to $15 a month. Buying one generally costs $100 to $200, so you will make back the rental cost in one to two years. Be sure to buy one that is on your Internet firm's approved list—usually found on its website. After setting up your own unit, be sure to return the rented one.
Teen drivers with ADHD have higher crash risk. In the first month during which a teenager with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is driving, he/she has a 62% higher risk for a crash than other teens have. Over a four-year period, the risk remains 3 7% higher for teens with ADHD. Also: About 36% of teens with ADHD get traffic tickets in their first year of driving-compared with 25% of new drivers without ADHD.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Andrew Zamora Lubbock, TX (806) 543-2775
President-Elect: Jeff Blansit Austin, TX (214) 912-1729
Vice President: Ryan Darby Tucson, AZ (806) 535-7275
Treasurer: Don Witt Dallas, TX (214) 358-2575
Past President: Tyler Furney Harker Heights, TX (254) 258-6786
Vendor Vice President: Bob Kopko Uniontown, OH (800) 336-6338
John Agnew Fort Collins, CO (970) 485-0287
DIRECTORS Steve Holcomb Edmond, OK (405) 844-9992
Mel Ulrich Weatherford, TX (940) 456-1082
Robert Andre Tamarac, FL (800) 327-8723
Pat Kirwan Imlay City, MI (248) 701-3977
Eric Warden Southlake, TX (817) 329-8777
Ronnie Corbin Plano, TX (479) 651-7239
Bobby Story Durant, OK (580) 775-1855
Shane Weiss Alice, TX (361) 664-8101
Executive Director: Chuck Space • 4600 Spicewood Springs Rd., Ste. 103 • Austin, Texas, 78759 • (512) 343-9023
www.swcarwash.org THE ADVANTAGE is the official publication of the Southwest Car Wash Association. It is published four times each calendar year by SCWA, 4600 Spicewood Springs Rd., #103, Austin, Texas 78759. The officers, directors and members of the Southwest Car Wash Association, as well as The Advantage editors, in accepting advertising for this publication, make no independent investigation concerning the services or products advertised and neither endorse nor recommend or make any claims as to the accuracy and therefore assume no liability thereof. The opinions expressed in the articles are not necessarily the opinions of SCWA and its publisher and therefore makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for accuracy or completeness of the information herein. (512) 343-9023.
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