Avoiding Money Mistakes While Traveling Internationally

As the owner of a construction business in Mount Vernon, Robert Persico has worked with notable organizations in the New York City and State municipalities. Outside of managing his company PCI Industries, Corp., Robert Persico enjoys traveling.

Traveling provides many with a nice respite from the daily grind, but without proper planning, hassles can take away from the complete fun of the trip, especially money hassles.

The common problems many people face while on the trip relate to finding comparable financial institutions and dealing with exchange rates. While preparing for international travel, prospective travelers should research the host country to make sure credit/debit cards can be used at their institutions. Moreover, opt for using ATMs in the host country over exchanging money before leaving the US because (even with the fees) travelers might lose money. One way to reduce the ATM transaction fees is to use a travel rewards card that incurs no transaction fees. Finally, travelers should always carry a back-up card in case of problems.

Exchange rates can also be troublesome. First and foremost, research the exchange rate before leaving the country. Avoid losing value on money by opting for getting cash from the ATM and avoiding exchange centers, which usually charge a fee and might not provide full market value on the currency.

Before leaving US soil, travelers should consider checking in with their bank regarding travel plans. Banks are known to freeze accounts as a part of the fraud alert policies, especially if the cardholder is far from their year-round residence. Having to call the bank to lift the hold in the middle of a great adventure is not only inconvenient, but it is also a major hassle.

Finally, not all establishments will take credit/debit cards. For this reason, even credit/debit is more convenient, carrying a little cash is a safe way to avoid having to run to the ATM at the last minute. Plus, local cafes, parks, and stores do not always accept credit/debit cards.

About the NYS Troopers PBA’s Signal 30 Benefit Fund

An accomplished professional and entrepreneur in the construction industry, Robert Persico possesses over 35 years of experience in leading companies. An active member of the community, Robert Persico is a benefactor of several organizations such as the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Yonkers Police and Fire Departments, and New York State Troopers PBA.

NYS Troopers PBA is an association dedicated to serving its approximately 5,900 members who are retired and active NYS Police professionals, from the rank of trooper through major. Ever since its incorporation in 1944, the NYS Troopers PBA has been actively advocating for its members, seeking benefits, fair wages, and fighting for their rights regarding work conditions and more.

The NYS Troopers PBA created the Signal 30 Benefit Fund in 2005, to support its members and their families with an extensive scholarship program to benefit their children and support in extraordinary circumstances such as illness, injury, loss, or death.

A federally-registered charitable organization, Signal 30 receives donations from community members, directors, and trustees. The money raised by this benefit fund goes entirely towards their mission of assisting the troopers and their families.

Four Types of Alpha Thalassemia Disorders

An accomplished professional, Robert Persico has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. In 1995, Robert Persico received the “Man of the Year” award from the Cooney’s Anemia Foundation (CAF).

CAF is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting people who suffer from thalassemia, as well as their friends and family. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the proteins present on the hemoglobin, called alfa and beta. The two most common types of thalassemia disorders are alpha thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. The first can be subdivided into conditions that vary according to their effect on the body. Some examples of alpha thalassemia are:

1. Silent carrier state – This state is when the lack of alpha protein is small, so the hemoglobin functions normally, causing no further health problems.

2. Hemoglobin constant spring – A mutation of the alpha protein causes this condition, and people with this variation usually experience no related health issues.

3. Alpha thalassemia trait – Also known as Mild alpha thalassemia, this condition is experienced when there is a greater lack of alpha protein, which may cause mild anemia and smaller blood cells.

4. Hemoglobin H disease – The lack of protein can cause serious health problems like bone deformities and severe anemia.

Bicycling on New York’s Yorktown Bike Path

Biking Photo by Jonny Kennaugh on Unsplash

A self-made visionary with 35 years of experience in entrepreneurship and management, business executive Robert Persico serves PCI Industries Corporation as manager. Robert Persico is also involved in charitable causes and was commended for his support of the North County Trailway, a bicycle path that goes through the town of Yorktown, New York.

The North County Trailway, located in Westchester County, New York, is 22.1 miles long. It begins at Eastview, in the town of Mount Pleasant, and ends at Baldwin Place, in the town of Somers on the border of Putnam County. About 5.5 miles of the Trailway crosses the town of Yorktown. The Trailway is a paved path for pedestrians and bicycles. It is constructed along the right-of-way lands of New York Central Railroad’s Putnam Division.

The “Old Put,” as the railway was known, was popular with commuters as well as those transporting cargo between 1881 and 1958. It serviced the people of Bronx and Putnam counties. Once serving 23 stations in Westchester County, portions of the Old Put were re-claimed and became part of the Trailway.