Study finds few have enough savings to get through emergencies

More than a quarter of Americans have little or no savings to help them survive an emergency that leads to a three-month loss of income, according to a new report on the health of Americans' finances.

And that's only if they can sell their homes or cars to get fast cash.

The number jumps to 44 percent when researchers exclude assets like homes, businesses and cars that could be sold to raise cash, according to the Washington-based nonprofit Corporation for Enterprise Development, which got an assist from Ohio Policy Matters.

In other words, lots of us are asset poor, even if our incomes may look OK on paper.

www.cleveland.com/consumeraffairs/index.ssf/2012/01/study_finds_few_have_enough_sa.html

Niles special needs dance class a hit

Kelsey Wolff put her hands in the air and stretched them way up high toward the ceiling, smiling wide as she did it. Beside her, another dancer laughed and raised her hands, too.

It was just another night in the Niles-Buchanan YMCA’s special needs dance class.

YMCA dance director Maycie Boyle said the class is a great way for special needs kids to get out and have fun.

“It is a great social network for them because they are meeting people just like themselves and finding friends outside of class,” Boyle said. “That is so important because, at home, they might not have someone they can relate to.”

Boyle helped start the class new this year at the request of a parent with a special needs child. She had no experience with special needs kids and didn’t know what to expect.

She found out really quick.

“I have to say this is my favorite class. I just love it,” Boyle said. “They are so much fun and so carefree. When my class is having fun, I am having fun.”

The class, which is for special needs kids 18 and older, takes place at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

www.nilesstar.com/2012/01/31/special-needs-dance-class-a-hit/