Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2023-02-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – While women make up approximately half of the U.S. workforce, they are underrepresented in the technology sector, making up 28% of the industry. These numbers are even lower for women of color seeking opportunities in the field, with 3% of computing-related jobs being filled by African American women, 6% by Asian women and 2% by Hispanic women.

Over the course of February and March, Black History Month and Women’s History Month respectively, conversations often focus on empowering diverse voices to ensure they are represented in society. While these conversations raise awareness, they may not result in action and shifting the narrative surrounding diverse hiring practices. Diversity becomes a guide for program development to ensure diverse and female students feel supported in their pursuit of tech-related jobs, helping to address the gender gap in the industry.

To address the gender and diversity disparities, women must have access to resources and learning opportunities that give them the skill sets and confidence to pursue tech careers. Higher education institutions can play a significant role in bridging the gap. Creating greater awareness of job opportunities in the tech industry, potential career paths and sharing how to attain the necessary skills provides emerging talent with a clear trajectory for a future career in tech.

Higher education institutions can design inclusive programming.

In higher education, diversity is often thought of as the physical makeup of the student body. But diversity also extends beyond demographic data to how students learn — taking into consideration the tools they need to succeed. These tools can come in the form of academic success teams or programming rooted in uplifting diverse students to help them achieve their academic and professional goals.

Higher education institutions are tasked with providing the most current and industry-relevant education to students to augment a work-ready pool of talent. To be successful in this mission for all students, institutions can use adaptive programs to close the opportunity gap for female and diverse students. An example of a curriculum informed by student need is DeVry University’s Women + Tech Scholars Program, which was established to increase female representation in the tech field by providing women with tools, support and resources such as: access to mentors, early access to industry-related internships and job opportunities and industry association memberships.

Providing more women with a seat at the table helps to advance the tech industry.

Despite increased efforts to diversify a traditionally homogenous workforce, nearly 70% of tech companies report a lack of diverse representation in their workforce. In 2020, Google reported that 5.5% of new hires during that year were Black. Creating a more diverse tech workforce can lead to greater opportunities for collaboration because new perspectives are brought to the forefront that were previously unrepresented — driving innovation, creativity and productivity.

“Considering the current workforce and the growing need for tech talent, the share of diverse and female tech employees remains at alarmingly low levels,” said Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media. “Programs like DeVry University’s Women + Tech Scholars Program help create greater awareness of tech careers and give women of all backgrounds the tools they need to persist in this academic path and obtain the skills they need to pursue tech-enabled careers.”

Diversity of thought enhances problem-solving exercises because teams are mitigating the potential of finding themselves in an echo chamber of a singular thought derived from similar opinions. Studies suggest that companies that prioritize gender or racial and ethnic diversity are more likely to see financial returns that are above national industry averages.

Higher education institutions have an opportunity to create supportive networks and communities.

Seeing someone from a similar background succeeding in a career path builds awareness. Higher education institutions that create opportunities for women to network and build connections with leaders they can identify with increase the chance of success in these highly sought-after, influential industries.

“Access to education alone is not enough. Students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, need support, opportunities and resources throughout their education journey,” added Veronica Calderón, DeVry University’s chief inclusion, belonging and equity officer.

Carving out unique, defined spaces in which diverse and female communities can feel a sense of belonging helps increase overall academic performance, persistence and academic success, which can translate into professional success post-graduation.

As diversity in tech remains a topic of critical importance, comprehensive and agile programming that focuses on female learners allows women, particularly women from diverse backgrounds, to break down barriers that have persisted in the tech industry for decades.

2023-02-02T08:03:00

(BPT) – In an increasingly complex world, successful businesses need to see the big picture in order to excel and grow. Understanding and optimizing the revenue lifecycle can help you see beyond the day-to-day or quarter-to-quarter needs and goals of your business.

What is the revenue lifecycle?

Revenue is your organization’s fuel. Seeing revenue as a lifecycle means maximizing your customer relationships, as well as their lifetime value. It also means recognizing the many personas that comprise the lifecycle stages — sales, product, legal, operations, finance and customer service — and that everyone aligns and supports the model of revenue as a lifecycle.

Complexities arise from the ever-changing nature of the revenue operations landscape, which impacts an organization’s path to revenue predictability. When your business has multiple products and revenue types, the path to operationalizing these too frequently is through a patchwork of siloed manual processes, systems and teams. As a result, creating seamless customer and employee experiences becomes even more challenging.

Organizations often operate without consolidated pricing and discounting. There may be no history of products and services customers had through one division or another, and there’s also complexity around contracting. Many have legacy contracts with preexisting governing terms and conditions — and if they’re added to the company through a merger or acquisition, there could be multiple contracts with one customer. Many organizations must also navigate the intricacies of regulatory compliance and risk management, creating even more complexity.

Even if your organization manages to integrate its products and services with its pricing models and contracting standards, management and fulfillment of those products and services become even more complicated in the backend. Many areas tend to be locked in different enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, billing systems or order management systems, making it difficult to see what products or services a customer has at any given time.

The ability to lay the groundwork so an organization can easily sell new products and services with new contract terms and conditions over the customer lifecycle is essential.

“Every company is dealing with its unique complexities. Increasing complexity requires process unification and standardization. Our company is laser-focused on helping customers crush their revenue lifecycle complexities to increase revenue certainty,” explains Randy Littleson, chief marketing officer, Conga. “Today we can deliver the breadth of capabilities modern-day companies need to effectively manage their revenue lifecycle.”

How specific tools can streamline processes throughout the revenue lifecycle

A global leader in scalable revenue lifecycle management solutions, Conga provides products and services to help businesses increase revenue certainty, using AI-powered capabilities to deliver faster, smarter experiences for customers and employees alike.

Revenue lifecycle management is unifying and automating all revenue generating processes to maximize customer lifetime value. To improve your company’s revenue lifecycle, you first need to automate processes to remove manual steps that slow the path to revenue — and that can introduce the potential for human error.

Propose and quote: Throughout the revenue lifecycle, configure, price and quote (CPQ) solutions allow companies to sell more easily and effectively by configuring pricing, managing discounting, ensuring that proposed configurations actually work and can be delivered to customers and by streamlining the quoting and proposal processes, using tools like automated document generation.

Next, you need to unify currently disparate adjacent processes. To achieve this, contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions unify, automate and standardize revenue lifecycle processes across all teams to create one fully visible revenue lifecycle — not several, fragmented ones.

Negotiate and execute: CLM solutions help achieve efficiency and gain strategic insights. CLM manages the entire contract lifecycle for you — negotiating, redlining, approvals, storing of agreements and more — to empower sales to get deals done faster, while ensuring that legal can manage compliance and risk. Your contract center infrastructure (CCI) lets you manage all contracts with AI-driven insights to manage risk and obligations while uncovering new opportunities. Using eSignature solutions is also essential to managing each function of the lifecycle, allowing documents to be generated with data from anywhere and signed easily, so you can seal the deal.

Manage and fulfill: Without sacrificing your customer’s experience during the billing process, you can free your sales teams to focus on customers. Make it easier to up-sell or cross-sell services to your loyal, happy customers using an automated billing system.

Renew and expand: Business viability means acquiring new customers and — more importantly — retaining them. For example, using an automated process for executing renewals will lead to higher renewal rates and delighted customers. Seeing the entire revenue lifecycle, you’ll know which accounts are coming up for renewal and your customers’ propensity to buy.

“Businesses cannot afford to be slowed by cumbersome manual processes,” says Grant Peterson, chief product officer, Conga. “The level of automation we provide gives a business revenue predictability. Conga crushes complexity in an increasingly complex world, simplifying your path to revenue.”

Making sure the revenue lifecycle of your business runs with optimal efficiency benefits your company, your teams — and the experience of your clients and business partners. Learn more at Conga.com.

2023-02-01T07:03:00

(BPT) – As we move into 2023, many students will choose which college they’ll attend in the fall. For parents, there are plenty of questions and concerns about the college process, especially when it comes to cost, scholarships and financial aid.

College Ave Student Loans recently completed a survey to get some insights into parents’ stress, concerns and priorities for affording their child’s college education. Read on to see six surprising findings from this study to help parents set their students up for future success.

1. College costs are higher than parents expected

Three-quarters of parents said college costs are more difficult to cover than in previous years and 71% found the actual cost of college surprisingly high. Also, parents often felt that college tuition, fees and room and board were more than they initially expected. Perhaps this is why one-third of parents said their child attended a school outside their original budget. Starting conversations with parents whose children are currently in college can help set expectations about affordability.

2. Fill out the FAFSA and unlock free aid

While 9 in 10 parents did fill out the FAFSA this year, a majority (61%) found the form confusing to complete. To help cut through the confusion, have all your documentation ready, and talk to other parents who have recently completed theirs.

It’s free to apply for the FAFSA. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth filling it out. Your family may qualify for merit aid (money that does not need to be paid back), and at a minimum, federal student loans, which offer unique benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans, over private student loans.

3. How families find scholarships

There are several ways students and their parents can apply for scholarships, but they may not know about all their options. According to the survey, 30% of students received scholarships and grants as part of their school’s financial aid package.

Families have also found and received scholarships through the help of a college counselor or the financial aid office, an online scholarship search, a high school counselor, community or local organizations, friends and work. While these methods were used to a lesser extent, they do provide more ways to pay for college.

If you want to help your incoming first-year students search for scholarships, you can use online tools like Scholarships.com. College Ave also has several resources to help with the college selection process, including a college application checklist, instructions on how to apply for FAFSA and a monthly $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes.

4. Perceptions of financial aid award letters

When financial aid letters arrive in spring, many parents found the letters easy to compare. However, 74% of parents who received letters found that the expected family contribution to their children’s education was higher than expected.

It’s likely that because of this higher-than-expected contribution that families have to seek multiple ways to finance their student’s education, from income and savings to scholarships and student loans.

5. Preparing students with financial life skills

Before heading off to college, you should make sure they have the necessary life skills to live independently. According to the survey, parents confirmed that their students had accomplished several skills before college, such as cleaning, preparing meals and working a job. The most common was opening a checking and/or savings account (85%).

However, it seems that many students could practice other important financial skills. For example, only 48% had paid a bill, 26% had balanced a budget and 24% understood investments. For parents of soon-to-be college students, it’s critical that you help your children brush up on their financial skills before they start their classes in the fall.

6. Advice from parents to parents

Parents who have already sent their kids off to college have valuable insight into the process. They recommend parents of incoming freshmen encourage their children to apply for more scholarships, fill out a FAFSA application, and be prepared for unexpected college costs.

Make a plan to set up your student for success

Even after a combination of savings, scholarships, grants and financial aid, students and their parents may find that they can’t cover the full cost of tuition. To bridge the gap, you may need to consider student loans.

Using tools like the College Ave student loan calculator, you can estimate your future monthly payment and an easy-to-understand breakdown of the loan amount, repayment terms and interest rates.

If you already have children in college and took out student loans, see how much you can save by refinancing a student loan using their student loan refinance calculator. To learn more about private student loans and other college finance tools, visit CollegeAve.com.

2023-01-31T11:01:00

(BPT) – Home and auto owners are aware of the financial responsibilities associated with each, but those looking to save money understand it goes beyond only reducing mortgage or auto payments. Regular preventative maintenance will keep your property in good condition while helping you save money in the long run.

“People often think about maintenance when something needs to be repaired, but the truth is that taking care of your property before it breaks might save you even more money,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims at Mercury Insurance. “Policyholders who take care of necessary tasks in order to maintain their personal property may help prevent major problems from happening later on.”

There are routine measures you can take now that might help keep certain costs down when it comes to owning a home or vehicle.

Auto

One of the easiest ways to save money on auto expenses is to keep driving your vehicle for as long as possible. Most cars are built to last and the average age of a vehicle on the road today is at an all-time high of 12.3 years old. Keeping up with recommended maintenance such as regular tune-ups and repairs can save you from needing costly ones in the future, ultimately saving you more money.

Proper tire inflation. According to the Department of Energy, drivers can improve their fuel mileage up to 3% just by keeping their tires inflated to the proper pressure. The right amount of air contributes to increased gas mileage, a safer ride, and reduced tire wear. The appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker inside the driver side door or within your car owner’s manual.

Check your wheel alignment. Do not ignore the signs of a potential wheel alignment problem such as a vibrating steering wheel or a slight pull to one side when driving. Bad alignment can cost you by lowering your gas mileage or putting wear and tear on your tires which may necessitate replacing them sooner than normal.

Keep a maintenance log. Maintaining records of your vehicle’s service history can protect its value. If you decide to sell or trade in your car, you can demonstrate its reliability and dependability with documentation. A well-maintained vehicle with proof of service may be worth even more money.

Home

Check your home’s insulation. Opening up that first energy bill is often a surprise for new homeowners. Beyond trying to install energy-efficient appliances or lighting, new homeowners should check the adequacy of their insulation. Single-family homes, especially those built before 1960, may need an insulation refresh.

“Insulation is what helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Well-insulated homes provide year-round comfort while reducing heating and air-conditioning bills.”

Upgrade to smart home technology. A home equipped with a smart home system that monitors fire, water, and theft may qualify for a homeowners insurance discount.

“Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install smart-home devices because the technology is able to catch common problems early and can help prevent expensive claims,” said Lee. “By using devices that monitor your home’s safety and help with preventative maintenance, you may be able to save money on your insurance premiums over time.”

Increase your deductible. A deductible is the amount you would have to pay out-of-pocket for damages before your insurance would kick in if you make a claim. If your budget allows you to pay a higher deductible in the event of loss or damage, your insurance premium will most likely go down.

Bundle your insurance. Bundling your auto coverage with homeowners insurance will qualify you for a multi-policy discount and save you money on your premium. It will also help streamline the process should you need to make a claim on both your home and auto at the same time. Contact your insurance agent to review bundling policies and rates.

2023-01-30T09:31:00

(BPT) –

Industry reports predict that by 2030, more than 50% of cars on the road will be electric. That’s good news for air quality and clean energy. But how will America’s transportation infrastructure evolve to support these electrified vehicles? It’s not just about setting up charging stations.

Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification works to pilot infrastructure projects that can support this electrified future, and they say we’ll see major shifts in our parking structures, and in the integration of different modes of transportation within communities and roadways.

Parking structures will become part of the clean energy grid.

Have you ever noticed an EV charging station inside a parking garage? It’s becoming increasingly common, and that has mobility experts like Kathryn Snorrason, managing director at the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, thinking about deeper electrification and reverse charging.

“Since cars are stationary 95% of the time, it makes sense to consider how EVs might contribute to the electric grid while idle, especially if parked near hospitals and schools during a power outage,” says Snorrason. “As grid technology evolves, so will parking structures, creating the opportunity for cars to not only put power into the grid, but maybe even turn into a revenue source.”

Already in Michigan, the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) is testing parking-related mobility, logistics and EV charging capabilities in real-world scenarios to make the energy grid more resilient and reliable for everyone. At the DSPL, mobility innovators are creating the potential for parking structures to have detachable cord EV charging abilities, run proactive diagnostics on cars, and gather insights to improve venue operations and visitor experiences.

Infrastructure will become more human- and experience-centric.

Our communities are becoming increasingly multimodal and automated, meaning there are several ways to get from point A to point B that no longer hinge on car ownership and fueling up at traditional gas stations. Now instead of owning a car as a sole mode of transit, people have the options to walk, rent an e-bike or e-scooter, hire a ride-share service, get an on-demand rental, take a bus, train or light-rail, or any combination of these.

Multimodal transportation offers greater flexibility for people, but presents new safety challenges, too. These vehicles, and the places which we operate them, must account for this expanded range of mobility.

In 1920, Michigan introduced the first three-color four-way traffic signal to make driving safer. By the 1930s, this infrastructure innovation had gained widespread adoption and saved countless lives.

Today, the state of Michigan, in partnership with Cavnue, is designing the infrastructure innovations of the future with a first-of-its-kind connected and automated corridor. This work will ultimately enhance safety and improve infrastructure for all, just like the three-color traffic signal did for early car owners and passengers a century ago.

Simultaneously, Electreon is working with Michigan to build the first-ever stretch of roadway in the U.S. that will wirelessly charge EVs while they’re driving. This technology has the potential to eliminate charging stops entirely for EV drivers, which will make the road trip experience that much more seamless.

When it’s all said and done, automated, on-demand and electric transportation are no longer a glimpse of the future, but real options emerging across the country now. America’s transportation infrastructure must keep pace with these changes, and you’re likely to start seeing them in your own community.

2023-01-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Technology is a big part of our day-to-day lives — and the persistent rollout of new devices continues to enhance the way we travel. From top camera features and excellent sound quality to the convenience of wireless charging, there are several devices that can make your time on the road more about enjoyment and less about stress. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a tech-savvy, tourist loved one, these are some of the top devices to put on your list.

1. Smart suitcase

Solve several travel woes with the convenience of a smart suitcase. Not only does it make your belongings easy to transport, but it can also help make sure your devices stay charged. The Un-carrier On from T-Mobile has a sleek design, lots of storage and wireless charging capabilities.

2. OnePlus Nord N300 5G smartphone

The OnePlus Nord N300 5G smartphone features a large 6.56-inch HD+ display with lightning speed. It’s perfect for streaming the latest shows and keeping you entertained while you’re out and about. This smartphone is exclusively available at T-Mobile and is packed with a 16-megapixel front camera, a dual rear camera system and a long-lasting battery for all-day usage and fast-charging capabilities.

3. Kids smartwatch

Keep kids safe while traveling with the benefits of a smartwatch — but with extra protection for young ones. The SyncUP Kids Watch was designed with security in mind and is compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA). Kids can conveniently talk and text with approved contacts while their parents have access to real-time location tracking through the watch.

4. Comfort headphones

Headphones or earbuds are an absolute travel essential, especially for keeping kids entertained. The JBuddies Studio Pro over-ear headphones are perfect for kids 8 and older. They feature a volume limiter, 35-plus hours playtime when charged, a plush pillow-soft headband, and faux-leather, cloud-foam cushions for ultimate comfort.

5. On-the-go speaker

A portable Bluetooth speaker allows you to take your tunes anywhere — from hotel rooms to the beach and beyond. The JBL Go 3 from T-Mobile features bold styling and rich professional sound. Plus, it’s waterproof and dust-proof so you can keep listening rain or shine, and with its integrated loop, you can carry it anywhere.

6. Portable wireless charger

Giving your phone a boost of power while you’re out and about has never been easier. Packing a portable charger in your carry-on is a game-changer when all the outlets at the airport are in use.

The Snap Plus Juice Pack Mini clips right onto the back of your phone for a perfect full charge. This charger works with most iPhone 12 series and later smartphones.

7. Durable phone case and screen protector

Let’s face it, most people are pretty tough on their phones and devices, especially while traveling. Protect those precious items with GoTo phone cases and screen protectors. These cases have a slim design with added texture for a better grip while you’re navigating a new area.

Travel can be stressful, but the right devices can make your expedition easier. Do your research and take advantage of seasonal deals to cut the hassle of planning your upcoming trips.

2023-01-18T07:31:01

(BPT) – Life is full of surprises, and unfortunately, they are not always good ones. While you can never fully prepare for the unexpected, you can take steps to safeguard your family against the financial impact from these negative events. As you make resolutions for the new year, it’s the perfect time to make a financial safety plan for you and your loved ones.

“Nobody likes to think about what might happen in the case you are ill, hurt, or even pass away, but it’s important to make sure your family won’t have the additional strain of financial worries during such a difficult time,” said Joshua Police, executive vice president of Distribution and Business Development, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Here are steps you can take to be better prepared for an unexpected event.

Create an emergency fund

Experts recommend saving enough to cover three to six months of expenses in case of job loss, illness or other unexpected event. One way to start saving is setting up automatic deposits of a small amount from each paycheck into a separate account. That way you won’t have to think about it, and your savings will accumulate over time.

Plan for potential critical illness

When a family member receives a serious medical diagnosis, protecting your family with a financial safety net can provide peace of mind during such a difficult time. Boston Mutual’s Critical Illness insurance, also known as Specified Disease insurance, protects you and your family should you receive a major medical diagnosis. Your insurance pays a lump sum benefit for a range of medical diagnoses such as heart attacks, cancer, diabetes and stroke, as well as many other health conditions. You select the amount of insurance you need and can afford. The cost does not increase as you get older, and there are also coverage options available for your spouse and children under age 26.

Be ready when accidents happen

Accident insurance provides financial protection for the unexpected, helping to protect you and your family when an injury occurs. While many health insurance plans will cover most major medical expenses, you can still be left with out-of-pocket expenses such as copayments, deductibles and other costs related to an accident. Boston Mutual’s Group Accident Coverage or Employee Accident Option Plus Coverage can pay you cash when an accident happens, complementing your medical coverage by paying for covered medical services. When you file a claim, cash is paid directly to you, giving you easy access to the funds you need. Coverage is portable, so if you change jobs or retire, you don’t lose your policy — you can take your coverage with you at the same rate. In addition, you can also choose accident coverage for your spouse and children under age 26.

With Boston Mutual’s accident insurance, benefits are paid directly to you when you have a covered accident that causes a trip to urgent care or the emergency room, stitches, broken bones, hospitalization, physical therapy and much more.

Make sure you have life insurance

Getting life insurance to help protect your family is crucial for your peace of mind. For example, Boston Mutual’s Whole Life insurance is permanent life insurance, lasting for the lifetime of the insured, provides protection against financial loss caused by the death of the person insured. Usually it’s a lump sum payment, sometimes known as a death benefit, which is paid directly to a beneficiary. Unlike term life insurance, whole life insurance can build cash value for your family’s future — which may be available for you to withdraw or borrow against in case of an emergency.

With Boston Mutual’s Whole Life insurance, the protection is affordable and flexible. You choose the amount of insurance that makes sense for you, and that you can afford. There are coverage options available for you, your spouse, children and grandchildren. If you are single with no dependents, the flexibility of the whole life plan allows you to expand coverage to meet future responsibilities. If you change jobs or retire, you can take your coverage with you at the same rate. Your monthly cost and benefits are guaranteed for the life of your policy, and the cost does not go up as you get older. Your beneficiaries receive the policy’s death benefits amount, minus any outstanding loans.

Thinking about potential scenarios that may cause a visit to the hospital for you or a family member may be scary, but by setting up simple insurance coverage options, you and your family can have peace of mind if something does happen. By taking a few steps now, you can help set up your family for future protection.

To learn more about how to protect your loved ones’ financial future, visit BostonMutual.com or contact your benefits coordinator or HR department. For information on benefits available outside workplace offerings or if workplace benefits currently aren’t an option, visit BostonMutual.com/LearnMore.

Policy Series:
WPS-ACC 07/15
END-95(ESO)(20/21)
WS-CI 4/12

335-5033 1/23

2023-01-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re a college grad, young professional or in mid-career, chances are you’ve already faced challenges that seemed overwhelming. Throughout your career, you’ll continue to face opportunities to choose one path or another, but without clear, meaningful goals — and the gumption to pursue them — you may find your path veering from the life you really want.

This is one of the key messages of the debut book by Sharon Price John, “Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love,” which illustrates core principles that helped her succeed — from climbing a daunting tree in childhood to leading some of world’s best-known brands, offering personal lessons and insights in an approachable manner and understandable format. As president and chief executive officer of the beloved publicly traded company Build-A-Bear Workshop for nearly a decade, John successfully led the 25-year-old organization through the “retail apocalypse” and global pandemic to emerge as a reimagined corporation that delivered the most profitable year in its history in 2021, followed by the recently announced expectation to repeat that feat for the company’s 2022 fiscal year.

Beyond offering candid stories that educate and inspire, she guides readers through her framework for using their own personal stories to enact meaningful change in their lives. In addition to each chapter’s “Story,” a related “Question from the Heart” and personal exploratory exercise helps provide actionable guidelines to creating a life you love, with an invitation for readers to challenge their own mindset through the lens of each experience shared.

Your own stories reveal your values and goals

Originally hailing from a small town in Tennessee, John learned early that she had a natural sense of determination to achieve what she wanted in life, although her perseverance was challenged by life circumstances, including overcoming obstacles like having zero connections in New York’s advertising world when pursuing her first job in the Big Apple. She shares her stories together with concrete exercises to help you focus on your life goals, determine the core values important to you — plus techniques to help you overcome hurdles, like those inner voices that may discourage you from taking the next steps in your career.

“The goal is for this book to be as much a journey for you as it was for me,” John explains. “This is an opportunity for you to think about what matters in your life while hopefully revealing an appreciation and understanding that your personal stories and the meaning you have woven around them not only impact your journey, but can be predictive of it.”

Reflective exercises John guides readers through include:

• Brainstorming goals for the next five years.
• Listing wishes for lifelong experiences.
• Identifying values that are most important to you.
• Rejecting the negative voices in your head.
• Understanding how perfectionism can block achievement.
• Redefining failures.
• Listening to your own instincts.
• Imagining your goals being met — and taking specific actions to get there.

Harnessing your gumption to achieve what you want

“If you’re unfamiliar with the term, the word ‘gumption’ is a little different from determination. Gumption is a mix of drive, passion and creativity — not just sheer will,” adds John. “This is where the concept of being dedicated to your goals becomes important. The power to create a life you love is within you.”

In “Stories and Heart,” John shares that beyond identifying the specific life goals most important to you, the next crucial step is learning to harness your dedication, faith and gumption to take concrete actions in pursuit of those goals — even when you’re unsure of the outcome. Taking positive action toward those goals, even in small steps, provides the fuel necessary to achieve them.

“When we identify what it is we really want, our ability to have conviction in achieving those goals increases. It is pretty incredible the things we can achieve when we understand the power of directing our efforts toward a specific desire or outcome,” John explains. “Real momentum in life starts when you clarify and begin taking steps, with conviction, toward something desirable.”

To learn more about John, her journey and her tips for setting your own meaningful life goals, visit StoriesAndHeart.com or check out her podcast at ForbesBooksAudio.com/shows/stories-heart. You can order her book, available now, at Amazon.com.

2023-01-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Big economic changes can, and should, prompt big changes in individuals’ personal financial habits. That can look different from household to household but changing economic conditions doesn’t mean depriving yourself of what makes life enjoyable — much less healthy — especially at the retirement stage of life.

With the help of AARP Member Benefits, retirees can save on the everyday essentials — such as buying prescriptions, traveling to important life events, and staying connected with friends and family — so they can relax and enjoy this period of their lives while still having savings to continue enjoying their retirement well into the future.

Here are three ways you can tweak your retirement spending and save on what matters most:

1. Make Savvy Savings Choices on Essential Health and Wellness Products

Focusing on your health and well-being, including mental and physical health, is a necessity for anyone 50+, but the right savings options are available to keep costs low. Stay up to date on medical appointments, including eye exams, to evaluate any vision loss or early signs of disease. If correction is needed, members and their families can access exclusive discounts from AARP^® Vision Discounts Provided by EyeMed at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide, as well as online. Members save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

If you’re an AARP member, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum Rx^® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on all FDA-approved medications. The program is open to anyone, but AARP members have access to additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

You can look to Walgreens when stocking up on your everyday beauty care essentials and vitamins. When members link their AARP membership and myWalgreens^® account, they can earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens-branded health and wellness products. AARP members also receive 7% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded beauty and personal care products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on all other qualifying beauty and personal care products.

2. Hit the Open Road at a Low Cost with Gas Discounts

One of the most enjoyable parts of retirement is being able to hit the road for those once-in-a-lifetime vacations or to visit friends and family. With that said, it’s in the best interest of your retirement savings to do this without breaking the bank. If you’re driving, there are ways to save on the high cost of gas prices that many aren’t aware of — through your AARP membership. Members can link their AARP membership with their Exxon Mobil Rewards+^TM account to earn extra points on fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and you’ll earn 2x the points on fuel on member days. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases. And when you become an Exxon Mobil Rewards+ member, you receive a 500-point welcome bonus — that’s a five-dollar value — after your first fill-up. If you’re going to fill up anyway, why not save while you’re at it?

3. Connect with Loved Ones at Your Leisure by Keeping Cell Phone Costs Low

Having more time to connect with family and friends is one of the great pleasures of retirement. You can find so much joy in catching up with your child, grandchild, or close friends via a daily or weekly phone call. Paying for a phone service is a necessary expense, but there are hacks to saving on this monthly cost. AARP members can save 5% on monthly service and usage charges and 30% on accessories with Consumer Cellular. Talk, text, and data plans start at $20 per month per line, require no contract, and include free activation and an extended risk-free guarantee. In addition, AARP members can get unlimited talk, text and data for two lines for just $55/month. Make sure you enter or mention your AARP membership number or card at Target stores to access these savings and enjoy your conversations stress free.

Retirees can easily adjust their plans to ensure they don’t miss out on the moments that matter most, such as spending time with loved ones or taking an unforgettable vacation. The discounts and savings from AARP member benefits can help you enjoy the special moments in life during retirement without compromising on the flexibility and security you deserve. Check out aarp.org/save to view more benefits and savings available to AARP members.

Neither AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer. AARP and its affiliates are not insurance producers, agents or brokers, and do not sell or service insurance products. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2023-01-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – By Sahar Osman-Sypher, Senior Director of the American Chemistry Council’s Formaldehyde Panel

Access to a proven “building-block” chemical that consumers extensively rely on and powers some of the largest sectors of the economy is under threat due to scientifically unjustified over-regulation. The building block is formaldehyde, which is a naturally occurring substance made simply of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

Due to its usefulness, formaldehyde is already one of the most well-studied, well-understood compounds in commerce. Federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and agencies across the world, all agree that formaldehyde is safe for use in a variety of applications.

Maintaining access to this vital chemistry is critical for agriculture, building and construction, automobile manufacturing and healthcare sectors, as well as the nation’s manufacturing capability, economic viability, health, safety and continuity of essential products and services. Unfortunately, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pursuing a rushed formaldehyde assessment and biased scientific review process that could upend economic progress and threaten public health.

What is formaldehyde?

All life forms — bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans — naturally produce formaldehyde as part of normal metabolic functions. The human body produces approximately 1.5 ounces of formaldehyde per day as part of cell metabolism. It is naturally present in the environment and found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and beverages.

Formaldehyde does not accumulate in humans or the environment, plants or animals. Studies show that formaldehyde is quickly broken down by natural metabolic processes in the body, converted to carbon dioxide and exhaled. In the environment, formaldehyde is rapidly broken down in the air by moisture and sunlight or by bacteria in soil or water.

While formaldehyde is best known for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties critical for agriculture, formaldehyde-based chemistry is also used for a wide range of products in the building and construction, healthcare, and automotive sectors. Due to its usefulness, formaldehyde is one of the most well-studied, well-understood compounds in commerce.

How does formaldehyde benefit key industries and society?

Formaldehyde is an essential chemical building block for products that improve everyday life, but little if any formaldehyde generally remains in the final products consumers use. Here are just some of its applications.

Agriculture: Formaldehyde helps families access safe and less expensive food products. It also helps protect livestock against diseases capable of causing catastrophic economic losses for farming operations nationwide. Federal agencies oversee the safe use of formaldehyde in agriculture applications.

• Veterinarians depend on formaldehyde products to disinfect and sterilize their facilities as well as for laboratory preservation.
• Pork farmers use formaldehyde to reduce virus infectivity and to protect against Salmonella. Research suggests formaldehyde could be used for effective risk mitigation against African Swine Fever, one of the most dangerous pig diseases.
• Crop producers utilize formaldehyde-based products to increase crop yields, helping to optimize agricultural production worldwide while reducing runoff, nutrient pollution, and species loss.
• Poultry producers rely on formaldehyde to protect against bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella, E. coli and staph.
• Egg producers use formaldehyde to help protect hatching eggs against bacteria like Salmonella which can cause poor chick quality and growth, costing farmers millions of dollars.
• Animal feed can become contaminated with bacteria capable of causing diseases. Formaldehyde-based feed additives fight bacteria, improving healthy end-products for consumers and safe operations for animals and farm workers.
• Aquaculture relies on formaldehyde to help control fungi in egg hatcheries and to treat deadly infections like Columnaris disease, which impacts many fish varieties. As a water additive, formaldehyde helps kill parasites that impact finfish and shrimp.

Housing Affordability: Unworkable regulations for formaldehyde products could result in significant increases in the costs of building new homes and multi-family housing. Formaldehyde-based resins are used to manufacture composite and engineered wood products for cabinetry, countertops, moldings, furniture, shelving, stair systems, flooring, wall sheathing, support beams and trusses, furnishings and structures. Glues using formaldehyde as a building block are exceptional bonding agents, delivering high-quality, economic performance. Wood products rely on formaldehyde-based resins for a wide range of panel and board products, enabling sustainable use of forestry resources and minimizing waste. For example, composite wood panels are typically made from recovered wood waste that might otherwise be burned or disposed of in landfills. In addition, these formaldehyde resins facilitate the storage of large amounts of carbon in long-lived wood product, making them climate change mitigating rock stars (wood is 50% carbon).

Automobile/aerospace applications: Formaldehyde technology helps make vehicles lighter and more energy efficient. Formaldehyde-based resins are used to make interior molded components and under-the-hood components that withstand high temperatures. These resins are used in producing highly durable exterior primers, clear coat paints, tire-cord adhesives, brake pads and fuel system components. Formaldehyde is also used for door and window insulation for modern airplanes.

Healthcare: Formaldehyde has a long history of safe use in manufacturing vaccines, anti-infective drugs and hard-gel capsules. It is used in vaccines to inactivate viruses such as Influenza so they don’t cause disease. Formaldehyde-based thermoplastics are also used in inhalers and EpiPens.

Current regulation of formaldehyde

Because it is so widely used, formaldehyde is an extensively regulated material, with government regulations setting standards to protect human health and the environment by providing a clear threshold for safe exposure. These requirements help allow for safe production, storage, handling and use of this important chemistry. Formaldehyde manufacturers and users take this responsibility seriously, working with regulatory authorities and providing information on the safe use of formaldehyde and products made from it.

The threat from potential new regulations

Unfortunately, the use of formaldehyde is under threat by flawed analysis found in a 2022 draft assessment by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program. IRIS, a program that has never been authorized by Congress, was initially created to support EPA’s mission by identifying and characterizing human health effects that may result from exposure to chemicals. However, the IRIS program has a troubling history of being out of step with the best available science and methods, lacking transparency and being unresponsive to peer review and stakeholder recommendations. Members of the scientific community, including the National Academy of Sciences, have called attention to the IRIS program’s failure to use modern scientific approaches to draw conclusions regarding human health risk.

IRIS assessments are known to generate overly conservative values that have not fully evaluated the best available science, and have even proposed and finalized toxicity values below levels naturally produced by the human body or that are naturally occurring. Since IRIS assessments do not undergo a “reality check” to ensure their values make sense, they can lead to unnecessary public alarm and inaccurate risk management decisions. The 2022 draft IRIS assessment sets an exposure limit for formaldehyde that is actually below its natural background levels or levels that can be detected using the latest monitoring technology.

EPA is out of step with the scientific community and international regulatory bodies that have evaluated formaldehyde recently. While not considering the full body of scientific evidence, the 2022 draft IRIS assessment sets an “acceptable exposure limit” significantly lower (up to 4,000 times) than that set by the European Union, which incorporated studies published over the last 30 years in their recent assessment. If EPA uses the draft IRIS assessment to set new formaldehyde regulations employing such low exposure limits, the negative impact on vital industry sectors, plus the health and safety of critical food products, will send ripple effects across the U.S. economy.

Impacts of unnecessary over-regulation

Products based on formaldehyde technologies supported roughly 1 million jobs and over a half a trillion dollars in sales in 2021 alone. Overly restrictive regulation of formaldehyde that provides no additional public health benefit would not only jeopardize those jobs, but would also harm supply chains, affecting consumers, producers and workers in the construction, housing, wood products, agriculture, chemical, transportation, consumer products and energy industries.

Scientifically unjustified over-regulation of formaldehyde would also cost the U.S. food system billions of dollars. Formaldehyde helps protect against substantial disease-induced economic losses across animal agriculture. Even using formaldehyde, the cost due to disease already totals billions of dollars each year. Without formaldehyde’s critical applications, significantly greater losses could catastrophically damage U.S. farmers’ livelihoods and the broader domestic economy. For example, if the U.S. saw outbreaks of African Swine Fever similar to those seen recently in China, it could decimate the U.S. pork industry — resulting in nearly $50 billion in losses to American farmers. Such an outbreak would create shortages, dramatically raising prices for consumers and straining the U.S. food system.

If you’re concerned about the potential impact of restricting access to this vital material, learn more and find out how to engage at www.Americanchemistry.com/formaldehyde.