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How 20-somethings have an advantage over their parents
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New research shows that millennials save more than their parents did when they were younger. And youngsters put more into their 401ks. - photo by Herb Scribner
All the millennials who have a 401(k) now have a leg up on their parents, according to the Retirement Savings & Spending study that found millennials have better financial habits than baby boomers.

The study found even though baby boomers save more for retirement overall they invest 9 percent of their annual salary into a savings account, while millennials contribute 8 percent millennials pay more into their 401(k) than their parents, Inc reported.

And millennials give almost double the amount to their 401(k) than their parents do. This is part of the reason 72 percent of millennials are better off financially than their parents were when they were younger.

This comes despite the common perception that millennials dont save for retirement. Recent studies show millennials can be considered the most money-conscious generation, according to Forbes Maggie McGrath.

When (Millennials) have the means to do the right thing, it appears that they often do, Anne Coveney, a senior manager at T. Rowe Price, told Forbes. They are exhibiting financial discipline in managing their spending and are defying stereotypes that this generation is prone to spend-thrift, short-sighted thinking.

The study, which surveyed more than 3,000 adults who contributed to 401(k) plans, said millennials have more access to programs and apps that can help them plan their finances, too.

"Their circumstances are probably a big part of what's driving their behaviors," Coveney told Inc. "They know to save. It may be because they've had the benefit of reading a lot on the Internet, and getting information from their employers. They also do use (financial) advice.

Millennials are big savers because of the environment they have been raised in, Forbes reported. Emily Pachuta, a head investor for UBS, told al.com in 2014 that millennials grew up in an era where saving was necessary.

They have a Depression-era mindset largely because they experienced market volatility and job security issues very early in their careers, or watched their parents experience them, and it has had a significant impact on their attitudes and behaviors, Pachuta told al.com.

This should help millennials as they start their families. Weve reported previously that some millennials, especially millennial women, are putting off marriage and having a family until their partners are financially secure. Saving for the future, though, will help millennials find some financial security.

Financial troubles are the biggest concerns for both old and new couples. And, according to a 2008 study from North Carolina State University, married couples who have financial harmony stay together longer because they have less money-related stresses to worry about in their marriage.

The study, which looked at 161 couples over a two-year period, found money management skills also make it easier for couples to work together in the relationship.

Financial harmony is critical for validation, freedom, power, respect, security and happiness, the study said. Couples must realize the great importance that money has in their relationships and learn to define guidelines for money management."
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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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