Break from the Grind July 28, 2020

TUESDAY TRIVIA: How Much Water Does It Take to Make a Hamburger?

The World Wildlife Fund says 1.1 billion people lack access to water, 2.7 billion experience water scarcity at least one month a year, and by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may be facing water shortages.

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Many people do not realize how much water it takes to get the food they commonly eat.

For example, how much water does it take to make a hamburger?

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According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a quarter-pound hamburger takes about 460 gallons to produce. It says, “Estimates vary a lot due to different conditions of raising cows. The number also varies depending on how far back in the production chain you go. It takes a lot of water to grow grain, forage, and roughage to feed a cow. Water is also needed for drinking supplies as well as for servicing the cow. Per kilogram of product, animal products generally have a larger water footprint than crop products.”

According to the USGS, one pound of bread takes 193 gallons of water to produce, and chicken takes 500 gallons per pound.

You can try your guess at how much water it takes to grow/produce items at https://water.usgs.gov/edu/activity-watercontent.html.
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Products July 27, 2020

Transamerica Expands Benefits Offering With Health Savings, Spending Accounts

The offerings include an HSA, HRA and FSA.

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Transamerica has expanded its workplace benefits solutions by offering a health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement account (HRA), health flexible savings account (FSA), limited purpose FSA, dependent care FSA and qualified transportation account (QTA).

The Transamerica HSA, powered by WEX, offers significant tax savings for employees to pay for eligible medical expenses or to invest and save for health expenses in retirement. Employees can access their accounts via Transamerica’s website, along with their retirement accounts. This is meant to emphasize the impact a long-term investment HSA strategy can have on one’s retirement readiness.

“People are concerned about saving for retirement and how medical costs may consume those savings,” says Kent Callahan, CEO of workplace solutions at Transamerica. “Health savings accounts are particularly advantageous because workers can save for medical costs in retirement with pre-tax dollars today. Using health savings accounts today and saving unused funds to pay for medical costs and Medicare premiums in retirement is a strategy Transamerica aims to emphasize. We think the strategy will resonate with people seeking to build their retirement nest egg and help ease their concerns about the future.”

Josh Rundle, head of product development, workplace solutions, at Transamerica, adds: “We are pleased to offer a solution that embodies Transamerica’s Wealth + Health brand. We continue to seek opportunities to help participants improve their retirement outlook.”

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