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.

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.

CAF Raises Funds for Medical Research Through Annual Care Walk

A construction manager at PCI Industries, Corp., Robert Persico co-founded Persico Contracting and Trucking, Inc., and oversaw the company for nearly three decades. Robert Persico gives back to the community by contributing to charity projects, including the restoration of the Dykman Bridge and the construction of a parking lot and ramps at Yonkers school. Previously, he was named Man of the Year by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF).

A nonprofit organization, the CAF is committed to serving people who suffer from different types of thalassemia, a form of a fatal, genetic blood disease. To accomplish its mission of finding and advancing treatment for the disease, the CAF raises funds through various programs, including the Annual Care Walk.

The Annual Care Walk brings together members of the thalassemia community and supporters across the United States to participate and contribute to medical research to fight the disease. Interested participants can register and join an existing team, or create their own team to walk at one of the 20 locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee.

Visit https://www.thalassemia.org/ to learn more about the Care Walk.