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Ifyou'veeverstopped by the store to pick up milk and walked out with a week's worth of snacks to go with it, you know the power of temptation. Experts say the typ- ical adult is exposed to 3,500 commercial ads in any given day. These hid- den persuaders are de- signed to manipulate our behaviors. With consumer debt at an all-time high, it would appear that as a na- tion we've been losing a lot of battles with temptation. But it is possible to learn how to face down temptation — and win. Identify the weakness. 'Fess up. What are your ar- eas of temptation? Clothes, shoes, collectibles? Movies, food, gadgets? Electronics, crafts, plants? Stop flirting with dan- ger. If you're ever going to win over temptation, you must stop cozying up to the very thing that causes you to stumble. If you are easily tempted by clothes, don't spend hours cruis- ing the mall. In fact, don't even go there unless you have a specific need and a reasonable plan. Don't open mail-order catalogs. Take them to the garbage and push them way down to the bottom to head off a middle-of-the- night retrieval. Develop a diversion. Temptation is usually fu- eled by emotion, rarely by reason. It comes and goes depending on our moods and thoughts, and can come quite unexpectedly. When it whispers in your ear, divert your attention to something equally en- joyable but less injurious to your financial health. For me it's ironing. You might be more drawn to a book or crossword puzzle. Or a nap. Identify true needs. Here's the difference be- tween a need and a temp- tation: Needs are never re- alized while standing in the aisle of a store, while flipping through the pages of a catalog, surfing eBay or watching the Home Shopping Network. Those sudden desires are temp- tations. You, not retail- ers or advertisers, should set your own agenda. And if you don't have a need, don't go shopping. You'll only set yourself up for a fall. Assess the true cost. When you spend compul- sively, you're doing more than giving into tempta- tion. If paying with credit that you cannot repay fully in the month you make the purchase, you're build- ing debt. That $30 item is going to cost you more like $60 or $75 by the time you finally pay for it de- pending on your interest rate. If you pay with cash, you're also giving up the opportunity to put that money to work for you for the rest of your life. The money you spend plus the foregone interest earnings represents the real cost of spending — the opportu- nity cost. Seek accountability. It takes a great deal of cour- age and character to be ac- countable to another per- son for your actions and behaviors, but it's one of the best ways to win over temptation. Make a pact with your spouse or other friend. Set an amount over which you will not spend without first discussing. Set boundaries, and then ask for help to stay within them. Winning over tempta- tion is as rewarding as it is hard work. It takes com- mitment, tenacity and, for some, a great steam iron. You can email Mary at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com. EVERYDAYCHEAPSKATE How to win over temptation By Jennifer Cooper Social Security manager in Redding Achieving financial inde- pendence is key to enjoying a satisfying retirement. So- cial Security has many tools to help you plan for your fu- ture. Prepare for a secure, comfortable retirement by visiting www.socialsecu- rity.gov/myaccount. Once there, open a secure my So- cial Security account and assess your financial needs. You'll get immediate access to your personal Social Se- curity Statement, your earnings record, and an es- timate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70. You can also ensure your earnings are correct, since your future benefits are based on your earnings record. Choosing when to retire is an important decision. At our Retirement Estima- tor, which you can find at www.socialsecurity.gov/es- timator, you can get an es- timate of your future ben- efit amount. You can use "what if" scenarios to see how your benefit amounts will change with different retirement dates and future earnings estimates. Also, visit www.myra. gov to check out myRA, a new retirement savings op- tion from the Department of the Treasury for the mil- lions of Americans who face barriers to saving for retire- ment. myRA is a simple, se- cure, and affordable way to help you take control of your future. Once you are ready to re- tire, apply at www.socialse- curity.gov/retire. Our online retirement application is the easiest and fastest way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. It can take you as little as 15 min- utes to complete. There are no forms to sign, and usu- ally no documentation is required. Additionally, you can apply online from the convenience of your home. Learn more about Social Security retirement bene- fits by reading our publica- tion at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs. With all of these re- sources in place, you too can prepare to reap the joys of a financially secure retirement. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov. SOCIAL SECURITY Find security with a solid retirement plan Mary Hunt FILEPHOTO Whiskeytown Lake Whiskeytown offers a variety of free, fam- ily friendly activities throughout the summer. From kayaking to stargaz- ing, there is something for everyone. Programs began June 13 and run through La- bor Day weekend. Reser- vations are required for the park kayak programs and can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 242-3462. While programs are free, visi- tors must display a valid entrance pass on all vehi- cles in the park. For the most current program information visit www. nps.gov/whis, or call the park visitor center at 246-1225. Kayak Program Daily tours at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. except Fri- day evening. Hop on a tan- dem kayak with a friend and explore the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the natural and cul- tural values of the park. Children must be at least six years old. Reservations are up to two weeks in ad- vance, call 242-3462. Special Access Kayak Program Friday evenings during July and August. This pro- gram has been developed for individuals with spe- cial needs so they can en- joy a kayaking adventure. Visitors who have limited mobility, disabilities, de- velopmental issues, or re- strictions due to age or ill- ness are encouraged to give kayaking a try. Vis- itors with special needs are paired with an expe- rienced kayak volunteer. Call 242-3421 for more in- formation. Junior Ranger Saturdays at 10 a.m. Children along with their parents can learn about preserving and protecting park resources while mak- ing new friends during a special one-hour activity that explores the wonders of Whiskeytown. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphi- theater. Ask the ranger about earning your Whis- keytown Junior Ranger badge and patch. Junior Firefighter Saturdays at 11 a.m. Join Whiskeytown NPS fire- fighters to learn how they manage fire to promote forest health and protect lives and property. Chil- dren will learn about the important role that fire plays in the ecosystems of our national parks dur- ing this hands-on activity. Children who complete the program will earn a Junior Firefighter Badge. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphi- theater. Walk In Time Wednesdays and Sat- urdays at 1 p.m. Discover how pioneers/prospectors Charles Camden and Levi Tower reshaped the land- scape to create a home for their families and an "oasis" for many travelers during and after the Cal- ifornia Gold Rush. Visit the historic orchard and find apple trees over 150 years old that still bear fruit! After a tour of the Camden house, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the area, then try your hand at finding gold the old-fashioned way—with a gold pan in the creek! Meet the ranger at the Tower House Historic Dis- trict parking lot bulletin board. Evening Astronomy Program Friday evenings at 9 p.m. During August and September, start time is at 8:30 p.m. Spend the eve- ning with a Sky Ranger and discover the stories of how ancient cultures used the sky to navigate and mark important seasonal changes. Learn about the challenges we face today as urban light pollution threatens the dark night sky and find out what you can do to help. After a 20 minute presentation, the Shasta Astronomy Club will share their powerful telescopes to assist visitors with their celestial gazing. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater for the first half of the program and the second half at the Oak Bottom Beach parking lot. Contact Ranger Matt Switzer for more informa- tion about park astronomy programs at 242-3454 Free Movie Night Under the Starlight Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. started June 13 through Labor Day week- end at Oak Bottom Amphi- theater. Presented by the Oak Bottom Marina, fam- ily friendly movies are of- fered to anyone who would like to join. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Bring a cozy pil- low and sit under the stars while enjoying a movie next to the lake. For ques- tions, call 359-2675. Star Party Saturday 8-11 p.m. June 20, July 11, Aug. 8 and 15 and Sept. 5. For up to date information, call 246- 1225 or visit www.shasta- astronomyclub.com. Expe- rience the splendor of the dark night sky. Because of its unique position nestled within mountain ranges, Whiskeytown is a great place to explore the heav- ens. The night constella- tions often elude urban dwellers, but at Whiskey- town, visitors are able to see deep into space aided by powerful telescopes provided by the passion- ate and knowledgeable Shasta Astronomy Club. Take Paige Bar Road and meet at the Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail parking lot. Perseid Meteor Shower Special Event Friday evening Aug. 14. Brandy Creek park- ing lot B, start time is af- ter sunset. Whiskeytown, in partnership with the Shasta Astronomy club, will be holding a special star party for the Perseid Meteor Shower. These very knowledgeable and passionate amateur as- tronomers will be provid- ing powerful telescopes to view what is considered to be the most brilliant me- teor shower of the year. The lights will be turned off to minimize light pol- lution and the beach will remain open for the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring red light flashlights, lounge chairs, food, drinks and extra clothing for the nighttime star party. Meet at Brandy Creek Beach Lot B. Remembering Whiskey- town- A Historical Cem- etery Tour of Whiskey- town's Pioneers and Past Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Visit Whiskeytown's his- toric gravestones and learn about some of the individuals and families who settled here during the Gold Rush through the time of the Central Valley Project and Whis- keytown Lake. Along the way, learn about the ico- nography/ symbolism of headstones and its signif- icance in telling a larger story. Following the tour, visitors will be encour- aged to share their stories about this intriguing and unique cemetery as well as historic cemeteries in general and their preser- vation. Meet at the Whis- keytown Cemetery. Summer full of activities slated WHISKEYTOWN Better Business Bureau Every now and then our office gets wind of unscru- pulous scam artists tak- ing advantage of area res- idents who are simply try- ing to adopt an animal. It usually goes like this: You find just what you're looking for at an extremely reasonable price, usually on Craigslist or some on- line classified. You go back and forth through email, or text message, and get to know the breeder a lit- tle bit. They promise to ship the animal straight to your doorstep — at a price. You wire the money, or maybe you send a few pre-paid debit cards. Next thing you know, the breeder's phone has been disconnected and they're not returning your emails. You may be out of your money, but surely you can't let scams like these deter you from adopting. You just have to take a few ex- tra steps before doing it online. Remember: 1. Not all guys are bad guys. You can still buy pets online, but do your home- work. 2. Never wire money to someone you don't know. 3. Don't fall for threats or reassurances. Verify ev- erything you receive, es- pecially if you are deal- ing with an independent owner. 4. Be sure to get all re- quired information. The Pet Breeder Warranty Act requires breeders with three or more lit- ters, or 20 or more dogs, to provide specific infor- mation including licens- ing, date of birth and vet history. 5. Before adopting, look over the Humane Society's tips for finding a responsi- ble dog breeder. 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