Vol. 39 No. 181
Dedicated to the Performance & Advancement for the Real Estate Manager
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018, 6:00pm at Terrace 54 located at 1717 Broadway.
April 2018
– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
Battle for NY Hockey Supremacy
! ! ! ! Thursday, April 5th at The Barclay Center. ! Puck! drops at 7:00pm.
For information on tickets, call Francis McLoughlin at (646) 525-5272. 10. Extra Curricular: applications/resumes!
Looks
great
on
employment
9. Networking: You will have the opportunity to meet and network with the BEST of the BEST in their field at our regular meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month. 8. Promote Awareness: The CLUB helps promote education and awareness about the NYC residential real estate market. 7. Life Insurance: Being a Regular Member of the CLUB affords you a personal life insurance policy in the amount of $125,000.00
6. Philanthropic: The CLUB participates and raises money for a number of local and national charities giving back to the community and those most in need. 5. Brotherhood: Being a member automatically gives you a feeling of closeness to other members. You share something that other people are not a part of and really can’t relate to.
4. Enrichment: Being part of a professionally ran Club or Organization is an en- riching experience. You owe it to yourself to at least try them out.
VISIT US ON THE WEB!
WWW.MRMCLUB.COM
3. Exposure: The CLUB will expose you to real life every day experiences you and your peers regularly share and have in common . 2. Growth: Members in Clubs/Organizations are encouraging and supportive of your personal growth. We all have a vested interest in each other.
1. Social: They are a BEST way to meet great people and have a lot of fun! With numerous events happening throughout the year; separate from our monthly meetings, it is impossible to not have some FUN!
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
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PRESIDENT: JOE CERVINI 917-588-4922 jcervini@mac.com
MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. ORGANIZED 1980 P.O. Box 1144 New York, NY 10021
VICE-PRESIDENT: BEN FLORES 917-860-5811 benjieflores3@gmail.com TREASURER: PATRICK MCENANEY 917-699-5231
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE
McEnaney.patrick@gmail.com
on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 at Terrace 54 located at 1717 Broadway, 5th Floor.
FIN.SECRETARY: STEVE MALA 212-861-2073 Steve.Mala@yahoo.com
Meeting starts at 6:00pm.
Dress attire for this event is professional attire, suit & tie.
Entry Fee: Memebers $40.00 Guests $60.00
SECRETARY:
(includes open bar and delicious gourmet food)
STEVE KUKAJ (917) 339-7166 kukaj01@gmail.com TRUSTEES:
Laslo Karsai
John Szabo
Joe Vela
CLUB NEWSLETTER
Louis Parrilla Publisher 917-750-4117 resmgr524@gmail.com
Dean Berishaj
Peter Guzman Business Manager 917-837-1390 pgu3911250@aol.com
Ben Flores Editor 917-860-5811 benjieflores3@gmail.com
Any Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club,Inc., or its members. The Manhattan Resident Managers Club Inc. reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to accept or decline requests or submissions for advertising or other copy in its Newsletter or in any Club publication.
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
Joe Cervini President
Manhattan Resident Managers Club, Inc.
Welcome to the April Newsletter!
First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for their support and all the well wishes I received at our last meeting. I consider it an honor and privilege to hold the prestigious office of President of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club. Reflecting back on all the great accomplishments of our Past Presidents, it will be both an honor and challenge to follow in the footsteps of these men; but I pledge to do my very best to fill those big shoes. On behalf of the newly elected Dais and Trustees, we would like to offer our profound world of thanks to our Past-President, Mr. Anton Markola, for all his hard work, support, and dedication to this CLUB. His contributions are immeasurable.
I would like to congratulate & welcome the newly elected Dais for the CLUB; Mr. Ben Flores as our Vice-President; Mr. Patrick McEnaney as our Treasurer; Mr. Steve Mala will serve as our Financial Secretary and finally, Mr. Sevdet “Steve” Kukaj will occupy the office of Secretary. I look forward to working with these gentlemen, as well as our newly elected Trustees, Mr. Jose Vela and Mr. Dean Berisha, as we continue to bring this CLUB to new heights of esteem and success.
All of us at the Manhattan Resident Managers Club would like to congratulate the winner and recipient of the William Key Award and our 2018 Vendor of the Year, Mr. Wilfredo Montano of Montano Wood Care Corp. We sincerely thank him for his continued support and contribution to the CLUB throughout the years. Also, I have been doubly honored this year to also have been selected as the 2018 Resident Manager of the Year. Thank you again!
SAVE THE DATE for these upcoming events. Our Annual Sunset BBQ will again be held at the Battery Gardens Restaurant on Tuesday, June 12th. Our Golf outing this year will be held at the end of summer on Monday, September 24th. Our Twilight/Sunset Dinner Cruise around lower Manhattan is set for Thursday, October 4th. And the 2018 Three Hands Grand Ball is set for Saturday, November 3rd at Gotham Hall. Please note the only acceptable dress code for our monthly meetings is professional business attire (JACKET and TIE). NO exceptions! If you are not dressed accordingly, you will not be allowed to attend our meeting. In conjunction with a CLUB-wide email, we will post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the CLUB’s website if the dress code changes for a particular event.
Please remember to support our Associate Members as they are the ones that help keep this CLUB thriving. Most of our Associate Members take an ad in our monthly Newsletter, so when you’re in need of a contractor or vendor, please refer to the Newsletter for their products and services. Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day to everyone and we wish you all a safe and healthy Passover and Easter Holiday.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on WEDNESDAY, April 4th for our next monthly CLUB meeting at Terrace 54 located at 1717 Broadway, 5th floor. We moved this CLUB meeting to Wednesday night, so we can all enjoy a great tradition, the annual Islander/Ranger Battle for NY Hockey Supremacy game on Thursday, April 5th. Please contact PastPresident, Francis Mcloughlin at (646) 525-5272 for tickets and information. Best regards,
Joe
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As you celeate Et may you rememb God's pfect love f all mankind, and may that love fill you with hope & joy f the days to come. Happy Birthday to Associate Member Jason Fell. Our sincere condolences and prayers for the Berger Family of Magic Carpet on the passing of their matriarch and long-time Associate Member Judy Berger. May She Rest in Peace! On Valentine's Day, February 14th, our Associate Member Irwin Sandler of NUWAY Scientific Compactor, lost his grandson Alex Schachter. Along with fourteen other children and two brave school teachers, Alex was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. We send the entire Sandler/Schachter family our heartfelt condolences and love during this time of great sorrow.
April 1 Easter Sunday
April 7 National Beer Day
April 10 National Siblings Day
April 17 Tax Day
Volunteer Recognition Day
April 20
April 22 Earth Day
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April 13 Friday the 13th
April 27 Babe Ruth Day
HOW TO PRAISE
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EMPLOYEES
Incorporating praise into a person's management style is not difficult, and a little bit of effort can result in a significant return through the employee's productivity. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, it is crucial that this praise is concise, specific to the person and desired action, and repeated often. It should also occur as soon after the desired work as possible so that the person ties the two together immediately. Remember, however, that every employee is different and some will respond positively to public praise while others will prefer it in private. Inc. Magazine has a few best practices on how to get praising done right for high-performing employees, and they explain that while checking in with employees periodically to provide praise is important, it is also essential that the ap-
preciation is genuine. If it feels like a box is being checked off on a to-do list then nobody will gain any benefit. Sometimes, it can take a little searching to find praiseworthy behavior and managers that have a habit of only looking for poor performance to correct will need to readjust their vision. Once habits of praise are beginning to form, there is a real opportunity to create a culture around recognition in the company. Encouraging each department manager to find ways to praise their crew sets up an incentive to help them find ways to increase performance. Positive recognition will often build upon itself and it could be that bad employees turn into good ones while good ones turn into great. Almost as important as knowing how to praise someone in business for their performance is understanding how to re-
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ceive praise from another discreetly and humbly as well. Rather than rushing into a sense of entitlement and superiority, take a step back to think about what the recognition means. Yes, it is acknowledging excellent performance, but it can also lead to a lack of innovation if a person lets it go to their head.
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MANAGING UP
is just as important as
MANAGING DOWN
While managers are primarily responsible for managing their employees, it is clear that the relationship they have with their own boss is often an indicator of their overall success and happiness. According to the Harvard Business Review, in fact, studies show that employee engagement is tightly correlated with the overall effectiveness of their direct supervisor and improving this metric leads to increased customer satisfaction, revenue, and even happier employees. While not every boss is a shining example of management, deploying a strategy of 'managing up' will allow an employee to make the best of any relationship to improve their situation. Forbes Magazine explains two main principles behind managing up: communicating correctly and learning their agenda. To communicate clearly with a boss, it is crucial to determine their communication style and how they prefer to interact with others. Introverted and extroverted leaders, for example, will approach these things very differently from one another. An introverted leader will generally prefer reading material ahead of time and planning in advance for meetings or statements while an extrovert will likely respond off-the-cuff and enjoy talking through an issue rather than analyzing it on their own. Knowing the boss's agenda is incredibly important because it can allow an employee to help them meet their goals or solve a problem. The agenda can be discussed formally during a planning session or more informally as the two are getting to know one another. This behavior shows a boss that not only are you interested in taking care of your own business and the company, but also satisfying their needs. In addition to establishing this initial foundation, Business News Daily suggests a few best practices to keep things moving in the right direction such as providing regular feedback and updates to ensure the boss knows things are running smoothly. Similarly, bring leadership behaviors to the forefront by utilizing the team to deliver solutions to problems and add value to the business rather than just highlighting issues for the boss to worry about fixing on their own.
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Avoiding high payment fees in a small business Only 11 percent of shoppers used cash during 2016, according to creditcards.com. For small businesses, this means lots of credit card processing fees are coming out of each sale and that can be expensive. According to small business financing blog Nav, there are three ways for a credit card processor to charge fees: flat, interchange plus, and tiered pricing. Flat fee providers, such as PayPal or Square, use one rate for every transaction no matter the price or volume. Interchange plus models use a flat percentage fee along with a small charge for each sale, such as 30 cents. Tiered pricing applies three different rates depending on what type of card is used; such as debit, credit, or rewards, and is more expensive when manually keyed in. It is easy to see that a per-transaction charge of even 30 cents could be devastating to a business that sells a high volume of cheap items, such as a dollar store. In these situations, it is entirely acceptable to list a minimum purchase amount for credit processing to make the sting of a per-transaction charge less painful. As such, The Simple Dollar recommends that small business owners do their research and shop around for the best rates that their business can command. Those currently using or considering a tiered pricing structure, for instance, have reduced the complexity of their accounting and found savings by switching to a flat rate service. While an online search can be helpful, reaching out to other local businesses can be a great resource to see what works for those in a similar situation. When it comes to equipment, purchasing a credit card terminal can save money over the long run compared to renting it each month so don't be lured by the promise of savings from the credit card company. Additionally, many of the newer options such as Square provide a free scanner that can be used with any smartphone or tablet to act as a digital register; both in a store or on the go.
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BIGGEST 2018 TAX changes for the MIDDLE CLASS
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NEw TAx lAwS
imPACT ThE wAy PEoPlE giVE To ChARiTy
According to the Wall Street Journal, the near doubling of the standard deduction in the recently passed tax bill changed the way many people are handling their charitable contributions. Under the former tax law, these donations would be applied to a filer's itemized deductions and could, therefore, be used to lower the amount of taxable income for an earner. Under the new plan, the number of people itemizing their deductions is estimated to drop by more than half, from 26 percent down to 11 percent of households. These changes created the need for many to increase their contributions for the 2017 tax year to benefit and much of this money flowed into what are known as charitable funds. Unlike a direct gift, these funds hold the money and allow the donor to choose which charities the money goes to throughout the year. A trend could evolve in which taxpayers are alternating between taking the standard deduction one year and making a lump sum payment to charity during the next year to reach the itemized deduction threshold.
The 2018 tax reform stands to make a significant impact on all Americans and provides relief to so many middle-class families, according to The Motley Fool. Helpful changes to the tax bracket structure, standard deduction amount, and parent-friendly credits will all likely add money to the bottom line while simplifying tax filing at the same time. While the original plan for the tax reforms included a reduced number of tax brackets, the original seven remain, albeit with different marginal tax rates and income thresholds. Ultimately, these rates have fallen for all but the lowest income earners and income thresholds rose for the majority of people filing as single, married, or head of household. Notably, the marriage penalty, so-called because it was possible for a married couple with dual incomes to be taxed more than two single filers living together, has been all but eliminated. As an example, two individual earners making $90,000 each per year would each pay 25 percent in taxes, or 28 percent if
they got married, under the old tax rules. In 2018, they would pay 24 percent no matter how they filed, highlighting the lower overall rates. The 'doubling' of the standard deduction has been a heavily promoted feature of the new tax bill and while it is technically correct, the math doesn't end up the same now that the personal exemption has been eliminated. A single filer in 2017 would receive a $6,500 standard deduction along with a $4,150 personal exemption which totals $10,650 - not far off from the new $12,000 standard deduction. In any event, these changes are a net positive for most households and it is estimated that up to 90 percent of all taxpayers will now use the standard deduction over itemized deductions which will simplify tax returns greatly. Tax breaks for parents, even high-income earners that aren't eligible for the earned income tax credit, will be getting a boost through the Child Tax Credit. Starting in 2018, the credit will double to $2,000 per child and the refundable portion for each child will increase to $1,400. Also, the phase-out threshold for the credit nearly quadruples from $110,000 to $400,000 for a married couple. Other perks such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit are staying in place and a change to the popular 529 college savings plan means that parents can pay for K-12 students' private school tuition or tutoring with the tax-free funds.
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FiNDiNg VAluE iN uNhEARD oF iNSuRANCE ComPANiES
A recent poll of the top 10 insurance companies in 2018 includes a couple of nationallyknown brands and many that the average American probably hasn't heard of, according to CNN Money. Using more than 39,300 car insurance reviews, research firm Clearsurance analyzed each company's performance with customer service and the policy holder's likelihood to renew their policy and recommend it to others. While popular carrier USAA claimed the second overall spot, regional company New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co. claimed the top pick. While most consumers are entirely focused on the price when shopping for insurance, they fail to recognize the value of the company's service reputation and ability to actually pay claims. Smaller companies are often able to be more nimble and efficient during their claims handling process which can lead to a higher overall satisfaction even if their prices aren't necessarily rock bottom.
mANy DANgERS oF A highwAy woRk zoNE
Highway work zones are annoying, but motorists should never leave the traffic lane to avoid delays. Even if the way appears clear, driving into a work zone is incredibly dangerous for workers. A highway work zone or any work zone in a public area has a number of associated risks, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Injuries and fatalities result from three causes: 1 Passing traffic. 2 Construction vehicles working inside the work zone. 3 Construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zone. Construction laborers on foot are most at risk from all three causes. In the period between 1992 and 1998, construction laborers represented the highest percentage of fatalities at 42 percent. They were equally as likely to be struck by a passing car as they were to be struck by a construction vehicle, according to NIOSH.
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Follow Us On
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APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE Organ donors save lives
Donate Life America has been partnering with other organizations since 2003 to celebrate National Donate Life Month during April each year. Once an impossible dream, organ and tissue transplants saved the lives of more than 33,600 people during 2016 creating a new reality for them and their families. Despite the many successes, more than 116,000 Americans are actively waiting for an organ transplant to save their lives and a new person is added to the list every 10 minutes on average. These chronic shortages cause over 8,000 people to lose their lives each
year because no donors are available. While more than 138 million people in the U.S. are registered as organ donors, about half the population can still register which would dramatically increase the number of available donations from the deceased. Including tissues such as corneas, skin, and organs, a single donor could potentially help more than 75 people. Fully 80 percent of all patients waiting for a transplant are in need of a kidney, and 12 percent are waiting on a liver. While giving a kidney represents a substantial sacrifice for a living donor, the National Kidney Foundation explains that most people who have chosen to donate a kidney experience little to no long-term problems and go on to live healthy lives. Meanwhile, the liver will regenerate itself over time if a portion is removed for a donation.
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
mANhATTAN RESiDENT mANAgER’S CluB, iNC. iS PRouD To hAVE SElECTED
JOSEPH CERVINI
Resident Manager of the Year 2018 With gratitude & appreciation for the years of dedication and service to the CLUB — 20 —
– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
mANhATTAN RESiDENT mANAgER’S CluB, iNC. iS PRouD To hAVE SElECTED
WILFREDO MONTANO of Montano Wood Care Corp.
Associate Member of the Year 2018 In recognition of many years of support & friendship you have show to the CLUB — 21 —
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Study: You can boost your thinking in just 10 minutes
Anyone can learn and understand more after just 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise. That is the finding of a University of Western Ontario study published in the January 2018 issue of Neuropsychologia. The effects of 10 minutes of exercise appear to be immediate. In the study, a group used an exercise bike for 10 minutes and was then tested on reaction time in completing a non-standard task. The exercisers had an immediate 14 percent gain in cognitive performance. Previous studies have shown that 20 minutes of exercise confers brain benefits, but this study shows that even people with physical and mental limitations can benefit from minor exercise. The implications are important for everyone. If you are taking a test or about to engage in any mental task, 10 minutes of exercise beforehand can give you an edge.
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NEW BLOOD TEST IDENTIFIES HEART ATTACK
A new blood test that became available in the U.S. in January 2017, can rule out heart attack in patients with symptoms and suggest whether a patient is likely to have a heart attack within 30 days.
The test is called high-sensitivity TnT -- or hs-TnT -- and it detects the presence of troponin T proteins in the blood. During a heart attack, troponin proteins spill out of dying cells. This new test is 1,000 times more sensitive at detecting the proteins than standard TnT tests. For emergency room physicians, the test has the benefit of taking the guess-work out of observing symptoms. A patient with the symptoms of a heart attack might have to spend a day in the hospital under observation. But with the hs-TnT test, patients can be released in a few hours instead of a day.
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Horoscopes
Aries 3/21 - 4/19: Take your bows, Aries. You’ve been center stage for quite a while. Now it's time to take your seat. By the end of the month, your leadership will be in demand again.
Taurus 4/20 - 5/20: Stand up straight and throw your shoulders back! Adopt a posture of strength to address the bumps in the road this month. But remember they are just bumps.
Gemini 5/21 - 6/20: This month give yourself the same tender loving care you give your kids or your cat. Take a break. Get a treat. Take your medicine.
Cancer 6/21 - 7/22: Adopt a sympathetic attitude this month as you work and play with others. Everyone has their struggles. Look beyond yours to get inspiration.
Leo 7/23 - 8/22: Make sure you are cultivating friends that actually care about your success. Some do; some don’t. Find the ones who do care for you and care for them back.
Virgo 8/23 - 9/22: Time to ask yourself what you want to accomplish in the next two years. You’ll have some forks in the road coming up. If you know where you are going, you’ll know which path to take. Libra 9/23 - 10/21: The second full moon of the month on the 30th brings a repeat of a task or situation you have come to think of as difficult. Start thinking of the situation as meaningful.
Scorpio 10/22 - 11/21: The New Moon on the 16th might be barely visible, but that’s the time to turn the lights on. Plan for something fun at mid-month. It will take you far.
Sagittarius 11/22 - 12/21: A personal dispute may seem threatening to your peace of mind. Consider honestly what you have done to contribute to the problem. You can only change yourself.
Capricorn 12/22 - 1/19: April opens with holiday, family and some fun. Let this carry you through the month as you consider how best to make every day more festive.
Aquarius 1/20 - 2/18: A little romance is in the air for April. It might be a connection with your loved one or it might be a feeling of awe at nature.
Pisces 2/19 - 3/20: You can, to some extent, choose your destination. As April dawns, start thinking of what you can do to be stronger and healthier so you can get where you want to go.
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www. montanowood.com — 26 —
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New breakthrough in type 1 diabetes treatment
Researchers have come up with a new procedure that creates a mini-pancreas, allowing type 1 diabetes patients to become insulin independent. The University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute researchers have injected insulin-producing islet cells into a fatty area of the stomach cavity. "In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas have been mistakenly destroyed by the immune system, requiring patients to manage their blood sugar levels through a daily regimen of insulin therapy," according to the University. "Islet transplantation has allowed many patients to live without the need for insulin injections after receiving a transplant of donor cells. Some patients who have received islet transplants at the DRI have been insulin independent for more than a decade." The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2017. Diabetes currently affects over 30 million people in the U.S. alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 80 million people fit the conditions required for 'prediabetes' and will likely develop the disease in the future.
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Chronic health issues affect maternal fatality rate
A rise in the fatality rate in pregnancy seems to be related to chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, experts say. The increase might also have occurred because women are having children later in life. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, from 2000 to 2014, maternal mortality rates in the U.S. rose 26.6 percent. Meanwhile, global maternal mortality rates fell by more than a third, according to the New York Times.
wake up well
Some people hate to wake up and get up. Some do it on automation. Some enjoy it. Why not enjoy? It's fairly easy to do. Sit up when you wake. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Notice your surroundings: the light, the temperature, colors, and how you feel. Sit up on the side of the bed and focus on three deep breaths. Your wake-up time isn't limited to the first moments in bed. Establish a short routine for the morning that includes some exercise to get your energy going.
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
Finances are a big focus for modern families
Challenges of returning to work after having a baby As if pregnancy, delivery, and the first few weeks with a newborn weren't enough, eventually maternity leave will end, leaving many challenges ahead on the road towards normalcy. According to Parents magazine, it is easy for guilt to creep in over the decision to return to work. Although it will never be easy, some things can help ease this painful transition. Consider starting childcare a week early to get yourself and the baby used to being separated from one another. Similarly, heading back to the office a few days early for half days can shorten the first few trips to the sitter to a more manageable size. Set the alarm early for the first week as well to help mitigate any delays that pop up in the new morning schedule. Once the routine is in order, it can be tempting to take on too much too soon and sacrifice sleep and time with the baby to return to pre-motherhood performance. Popular blog Happy You Happy Family recommends saying no to extra work or after-work activities. Practically, it would also make sense to think about the need to update work attire after going through nine months of pregnancy for fit as well as utility. For breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to have a plan for pumping throughout the day, and there should be dedicated times and places provided in which you can take care of this. If the daycare is nearby, you could even consider making a trip during a lunch break to avoid the necessity of pumping at all while snagging a few precious moments with your infant.
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The 2017 American Family Survey shows economics and personal finance is a more significant consideration than it has been in the past, according to Christianity Today. According to the data, focus on economic factors increased by 11 percentage points while cultural concerns fell by 17 percentage points at the same time. Specifically, 34 percent of Americans thought that the costs of raising a child were one of their most significant challenges and that number
jumped from only 26 percent in the previous year. A family's focus on social issues continues to break down differently depending on their personal beliefs and political affiliations. For example, three-quarters of Hillary Clinton supporters claimed financial concerns were the most important compared to just half of President Donald Trump's supporters and only 43 percent of the evangelical population. Conservatives aren't necessarily as concerned with economics as their focus on preserving and strengthening the family helps provide a strong foundation for economic success. According to the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for Family Studies, families with married parents have a strong association with better economic mobility, economic growth, with fewer children living in poverty, and higher income levels in general. This indicator is a stronger predictor of this success than racial, educational, or agerelated factors.
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LIFE CHANGING WAYS TO USE A TAX REFUND
Recent data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that the average individual tax refund in 2016 was about $3,050 and, depending on how the recipient chooses to spend the money, it could have a dramatic effect on their finances. Buying a new dining table is one thing -- and it might solve a family's needs -- but using a refund on a down payment for a car or boat puts the family in debt. Paying off high-interest debt is one of the most effective ways to use a refund because the benefits are two-fold: getting rid of a monthly payment and avoiding future interest payments. Eliminating a credit card with a $3,050 balance all at once will remove $76.25 from the budget each month while preventing $1,210 in interest charges when
making only the minimum payment, according to the Simple Dollar. If a high-interest debt isn't an issue, then the best longterm move is to put the money into an emergency fund in a high-interest savings account, a Roth IRA, or even a Health Savings Account. For those with access to an HSA through a high-deductible health care plan, they allow the contributions to reduce taxable income, pay for medical expenses such as doctor visits and medication, and act like a traditional retirement account after the age of 65 making it the most flexible option. Once savings are at target, using the rebate to invest is an excellent choice to let the money grow over time. Opening an account with a stock brokerage or peer-to-peer lending platform is the most logical choice, but don't discount the impact investing in oneself can make in the future. Going back to college, pursuing an advanced certification, or even starting a side business can lead to higher pay and higher fulfillment over time.
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
Shakespeare had a good run, but is it over?
Better meditation and prayer: Go with the flow
Meditation has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression and stress, but even the most dedicated practitioners make mistakes. The truth is there are no real mistakes in meditation, even though some things feel like it. If you sit down to meditate and fall asleep, don't worry. According to Light Watkins, author of Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying, falling asleep can show meditation is working. If you are falling asleep because you are meditating at the end of a busy day, try working in moments during your day: Breathing deeply when you walk through a door; Unplugging for a short, private walk; eating alone and becoming mindful of your food. Don't worry if you can't focus. No one can clear their mind of everything but you can get better over time, and the ability to focus will remain with you more throughout the day. Don't give up if you don't experience miracles. You won't instantly become a guru with total self-control and peace. But you might get more of those things over time. That's what it takes: time. Try to be consistent. Ten minutes of meditation every day is better than a marathon hour every once in a while. Style isn't important. You don't have to sit like Gandhi and burn candles. Sit down and relax in your own way. Don't look for the perfect time and setting. Your life doesn't have to be perfect. The place doesn't have to be ethereal. Just set your time and enjoy.
Born 454 years ago April 23, Shakespeare and his 38 plays and 154 sonnets are said to make up the foundation of English literature. He had a good run, but it appears to be over. Today, of the 52 highest ranked universities and liberal arts colleges, only four require English majors to take a class on the bard, according to a study by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. Instead, schools offer courses on vampires, cyborgs, popular film and television. Schools are increasing readings on race, class, gender and sexuality, according to ACTA. The four universities that required a course dedicated to Shakespeare were Harvard University, Wellesley College, the US Naval Academy and the University of California at Berkeley. 5@* +*( r 51 +*( =/
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
America's growing cybersecurity hub
Despite the fact that Silicon Valley gets most of the attention related to technology, New York City is positioning itself to become the center of cybersecurity in America, according to the Wall Street Journal. In recent months, the city has deployed a $30 million fund to entice new firms to plant their roots in the Big Apple as well as to allow students to attend the New York University Tandon School of Engineering's cybersecurity master's program at a total subsidized rate of $15,000. The investment has been working so far as several Israeli firms have opened offices and at least one, Bay Dynamics, has relocated their headquarters to the area to take advantage of the incentives. Planners behind the deals are banking on the fact that New York has many creative professionals that can team with the technical expertise of foreign and domestic companies to create incredible new products and services for the market.
We have enough money to make a down payment on a home right now, but if we wait, will mortgage interest go down?
The past few years with historic low interest rates have changed home buyers' sense of what a normal interest rate is! Today, the still-low interest rate on a 30year fixed-rate mortgage is very attractive at less than 5 percent on conforming loans. It's hard to believe, but in 1981 the interest rate on the same deal would be more than 18 percent -- unthinkable in today's market. The average cost of a home in those days was $82,500, according to the Census Bureau. If a person took
out a mortgage then, with an interest rate of 18.45 percent, the monthly payment, with 20 percent down, would have been $1,019. That's the equivalent of $2,500 today, adjusting for inflation, according to Yahoo Finance. Imagine in that scenario that 82 percent of your payments would have gone to interest. Today's market, even with a slight rise in interest rates, is still a great deal. The average cost of a home has risen to $322,700, but only about 43 percent of those total payments would now go to interest. A huge difference. But will interest rates go down in the next few years? Unlikely. At less than 5 percent, interest rates are very low. A few years from now, you could reduce the amount of your mortgage by $10,000 or even $20,000 but the monthly house payment would be the same or more. That could happen because interest rates will undoubtedly rise over the next few years. In the meantime, the price you pay for renting a home or apartment will also rise. The monthly payment on a home you buy this year, however, will remain the same, assuming you opt for a fixed-rate mortgage.
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. ~ Thomas Jefferson
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. ~ Thomas Jefferson
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. ~ Thomas Jefferson
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ~ Thomas Jefferson
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY” Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far. ~ Thomas Jefferson
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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~ Thomas Jefferson
– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”
The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government. ~ Thomas Jefferson
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
A
All good things must come to an end!
ANTON MARKOLA Past-President 2016-2018
s my 2-year term comes to a close, it is with deep emotions and extreme gratitude that I thank you all for the wonderful opportunity to serve as the President of the Manhattan Resident Manager’s Club. Being a long-time member of the CLUB and as an active participant for the majority of those years, I have seen how this organization has grown and matured over time. For the past 2 years, I sincerely thank you for your support and trust you bestowed upon me. A special thanks to all our Regular & Associate Members for all your support and contributions. I would also like to thank my entire Dais & Trustees for their tireless commitment to me and this extraordinary CLUB. Their “can’t stop now till we get the job done” attitude is what makes this CLUB the success it is today. Without your help and support, I would not have been able to make the past two years as successful and memorable as they were. Thank you! It is the selfless contributions of the CLUB members that make this CLUB the BEST of the best. I believe it is very important to reflect and thank all those that take time from their busy work schedules, in addition to the time spent away from their families, for their valuable contributions they’ve made for the growth and success of this CLUB. It is the hard work of so many that result in the success of the CLUB and a President’s tenure. Without your assistance, dedication and hard work, the past two yours would not have been possible. Therefore, a special thank you goes to all your family members for their sacrifices as well. I am very proud of the work the Manhattan Resident Manager’s Club has done over the years in bettering the community; and in particular for our membership. Our CLUB is currently in a great position and on a forward looking path. Onward & Upward! I am also very excited about the new leadership that is taking over as I step down. It is with extreme confidence that I pass the baton on to the new CLUB President, Mr. Joseph Cervini. With the assistance of his new Dais & Trustees, he will do a wonderful job for the CLUB in this next term. I look forward to working with our new President and his team in any capacity he sees fit; as I will continue to help and contribute as much as I can, for the benefit & betterment of all the CLUB’s members, who I consider a part of my family. In conclusion, as initially stated, all good things must come to an end; as does my tenure as your President of the Manhattan Resident Manager’s Club. Lastly, from the bottom of my heart, I want to express my deepest gratitude and say thank you to the entire MRMC family. It has been a wonderful & memorable 2 years as your President. Now, as your Past-President, I look forward to seeing you at all our future meetings and events as I keep my promise to the new leadership to ensure that our CLUB achieves great success in the foreseeable future. Very truly yours,
Anton
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– MANHATTAN RESIDENT MANAGER’S CLUB, INC. –
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