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August 2021
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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168TH Edition
Let Us Reintroduce Ourselves...
After More Than 22 Years, d-mars.com Still Inspires, Informs & Educates, While Continuing to Grow & Expand ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS
Keith “MR.D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. 10-11
INSIDE
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Houston Vegan Beauty Brand Becomes the First Texas-Based African American Owned Cosmetics Line Sold by the Mega Retailer, ULTA
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d-mars.com Shines the Community Spotlight on HOODIES4HEALING Founder, RoseMary Tucker
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Mostyn Law Welcomes Texas Southern University Law Students to Internship Program
2 | August 2021
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
August 2021 | 3
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:
HMSDC
d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community, publishing positive content and success stories promoting the advancement of our African American businesses and civic and community leaders. August is National Black Business Month, and d-mars.com will continue to recognize Black-owned businesses in Houston and the surrounding areas and across the country. After more than 20 years in business, the d-mars.com brand continues to inspire, inform, and educate through its trending content, signature events, and serving clients with outstanding services. But though d-mars.com is a well-known and regarded staple in our community, this publishing company continues to grow and expand, also reintroducing itself to the community. And d-mars.com finds it the perfect time for a reintroduction as this is National Black Business Month. With 22 years in publishing and seeing how the latest injustices have inspired Black entrepreneurs and professionals to elevate, the time is now for not
Port of Houston
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
“You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.” — Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. (August 15, 1935 – March 1, 2021) was an American business executive and civil rights activist who worked for various civil rights movement organizations before becoming a close advisor to President Bill Clinton.
METRO
City of Houston
04 BUSINESS 04 New Tools Can Help Small Businesses Thrive While Working Remotely
CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd
06 COMMUNITY 06 Mostyn Law Welcomes Texas Southern University Law Students to Internship Program 08 Houston Vegan Beauty Brand Becomes the First Texas-Based 08 TruSo, A Black-Owned Social Networking App Set to Launc 22 TSU Partners With the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture To Support University Museums and Archives 23 d-mars.com Shines the Community Spotlight on HOODIES4HEALING
ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marla Lewis Stacy M. Brown d-mars.com
HISD
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
only d-mars.com to advance, but all Black business owners and professionals to grow and expand. This is vital for the community as a whole to be prosperous. As political movements like Black Lives Matter continue to keep momentum across the country, it’s important to remember that injustice goes far beyond the justice system. The financial system has also historically discriminated against and oppressed Black business owners. As many community leaders encourage people to support Black-owned businesses as a way to create positive change in this country, d-mars.com is doing its part through publishing and marketing, illuminating how much hope there is in the Black business community and among Black professionals. Reading this month’s cover story on MR. D-MARS and d-mars.com will hopefully encourage you to serve with excellence, grow, and expand. When you grow, it results in others growing and advancing. Being a leader in your respective arena will not only benefit your brand, but Black businesses and the community as a whole. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars. com, progressing our publication’s efforts to highlight the communities in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we succeed in making positive things happen.
10 EDUCATION & CAREER 20 What To Expect When You Return to the Office 22 Helping Service Members and Spouses Land Post-Military Careers 24 Camp Spark: Utilizing Advanced Technology to Advance 5th Ward Students in STEM Education 10-11 COVER STORY 10-11 d-mars.com Reintroduces Itself for National Black Business Month 13-20 HELTH & WELNESS 14 ‘Three Pandemics’ Of Racial Inequity in Health Care, Economics and Public Safety Requires Innovation, Deliberation 15 Black Men Seeking Mental Health 16 Kids and the COVID Vaccine: What Should a Parent Know? 18 Even as Pandemic Eases, Black and Latinx AduLTS FACE GREATEST FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FROM CHRONIC LACK OF AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE 18 WHY IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO MAKE A LONG-TERM CARE PLAN
HUB
VBE
DBE
OUR SERVICES ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION • Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Weekley Report • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing
24 FINANCE 24 HOW TO HAVE AN AFFORDABLE AND EASY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON 26 ASK A LAWYER: DO I STILL OWE MY LANDLORD FOR COVID-19 BACK RENT? 28 THE RIGHT ADVISOR CAN BOOST YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH 28 REAL ESTATE 28 How To A Remote Meeting 30 Let the Professionals Handle Real Estate Math
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4 | August 2021 BUSINESS
New Tools Can Help Small Businesses Thrive While Working Remotely By d-mars.com News Provider
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t’s been a challenging year for businesses of all sizes, with many companies having to quickly transition from centralized to decentralized work environments. Business leaders say that without the right tools, the new normal can put a strain on communication, collaboration and teamwork, significantly reducing productivity. “Leading effectively from afar is a real challenge,” says Amir Moussavian, the CEO of Eturi Corp. “The ability to tune into the hum and buzz of my team collaborating has always been essential.” Recognizing a missing piece of the puzzle, Moussavian and his team at Eturi, which develops cross-platform solutions for mobile devices, introduced a new app called Motiv, a mobile dashboard that delivers important productivity metrics to CEOs, managers and leaders. The tool’s reporting focuses on providing conference call activity and email summaries and integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, with many additional integrations and features slated for future release.
“As all business owners know, it’s difficult to support collaboration or make informed decisions for the future of your company without up-to-date insights into what your team is doing,” says Moussavian. “That’s why we wanted to create a dashboard that essentially functions as a virtual corner office vantage point.”
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Moussavian stresses that although a decentralized office can be challenging, the flexibility it offers employees can boost their morale and ultimately make for a happier workforce. Indeed, research shows many employees hope to continue working from home in the future. He says that tapping into these benefits while leveraging tools that facilitate remote work will be a key to success for companies as they move forward. Easily adopted by small- and medium-sized businesses, which have been underserved by existing productivity solutions, Motiv is available free for a limited time through the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. To learn more, visit motivapp.com. While many teams have not met in-person in quite some time, one thing is certain, collaboration is still as important as ever. New tools and the right mindset can help businesses modernize and thrive. Source: StatePoint
August 2021 | 5
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6 | August 2021 COMMUNITY
Mostyn Law
Welcomes Texas Southern University Law Students to Internship Program By d-mars.com News Provider
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wo students from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University have accepted invitations from Mostyn Law to join the firm’s paid internship program. Kendria Holmes and Mya Lloyd, both second-year law students, assumed their clerkship duties with the firm in July. “We need the best and brightest minds on our team at Mostyn Law,” observes Amber Mostyn, co-founder of Houston-based Mostyn Law. “That’s why we are always looking for promising law students to join our team. Many of our lawyers who have been here for over 10 years started with us as law students. We are excited to have Kendria and Mya on the team and we hope to give them some hands-on legal experience and help them realize their full potential as young lawyers.” Mya Ashlan Lloyd completed her undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she played active roles in LSU Ambassadors, LSU NAACP and LSU Student Government. As a student at Thurgood Marshall
Mya Ashlan Lloyd Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Kendria Holmes Thurgood Marshall School of Law
School of Law, she serves as the Secretary for the Sports & Entertainment Law Society and a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. The native Texan, originally from Dallas, enjoys spending time with Boston, her Doberman Pinscher, watching football and reading literary criticism. Native Houstonian Kendria Holmes developed her passion for justice and equality for underprivileged communities at an early age. Following her graduation from Texas State University in San Marcos, with a Bachelor
of Arts in Philosophy, Ms. Holmes worked as a mental health associate for The San Marcos Treatment Center, mentoring that facility’s resident juveniles from a variety of backgrounds. Currently ranked in the top 25% of her law school class, Ms. Holmes enjoys dancing, playing her violin and tutoring students within her community. Mostyn Law’s recruitment efforts on the campus of Texas Southern University are the latest in a series of successful engagements with the university and its radio properties, KTSU-FM and The Vibe. During February’s winter weather emergency, which devastated Houston homes and restricted the public’s access to supplies, Mostyn Law distributed bottled water to over 500 families during a drive staged in the radio stations’ parking lot. On other occasions, Amber Mostyn has provided expert commentary on legal matters as a guest on the KTSU-FM airwaves. As a donor, an underwriter and an employer, Mostyn Law salutes and supports the mission of Texas Southern University and welcomes the growth of its relationship with this legendary Historically Black College and University.
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Source: Doug Harris/Noisemaker Communications
August 2021 | 7
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8 | August 2021 COMMUNITY
Houston Vegan Beauty Brand Becomes the First Texas-Based
COMMUNITY
Photo Source: NNPA
Backed by celebrities (left to right) Kareem Grimes, Miki Barber, Sway Calloway, and Terrell Owens, the Black-owned social networking app, TruSo, is poised to debut.
TruSo, A BlackOwned Social African American Owned Cosmetics Networking App Line Sold by the Mega Retailer, ULTA Set to Launch By d-mars.com News Provider
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ouston native and owner, Kim Roxie, is proud to announce that LAMIK products will now be available on ULTA.com, which is the largest beauty specialty retailer in the country. The official launch date was August 1, 2021. “I have worked really hard over the last decade to establish LAMIK as an empowerment brand as opposed to a makeup brand,” said Roxie. “I’m always blown away by who the makeup is touching and who knows about it. A brand isn’t just a brand anymore, it’s a movement and I’m so honored and extremely humbled and excited to be able to share the LAMIK movement on such a huge platform.” At 21, Roxie opened LAMIK as a brick-and-mortar makeup shop in Houston, Texas, to give women of color all-natural paraben-free makeup options for their day-to-day makeup routine. Roxie successfully ran the store for 14 years and was the youngest African American woman to have her products carried in the major department store, Macy's. In 2018, Roxie pivoted her business and launched LAMIK 2.0, an e-commerce beauty tech-enabled company. While transitioning into a permanent online platform, Roxie participated in and won the Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition, which led to her partnership with ULTA. “When it comes to pitch competitions, it really comes down to your fanbase going online and voting for you. The city of Houston really showed up for me and without them none of this would be possible,” said Roxie. “This is a win for not just me, but for every other black-owned business in the city, because it tells major retailers that we have buying power.”
To date, LAMIK, which is an acronym for Love And Makeup In Kindness, has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Martha Stewart.com and was recently featured on CNBC for being named among Jay-Z’s “top black-owned business to know.” For more about LAMIK, please visit lamikbeauty.com. Source: Alex Green/AG Media
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior
A
new app could end the so-called “Black Twitter” experience and allow African Americans their own social media platform. Backed by celebrities Sway Calloway, Kareem Grimes, Terrell Owens, and Miki Barber, the Black-owned social networking app, TruSo, is poised to debut. “I believe in the power of community – especially cultural communities,” Matthew Newman, the founder and CEO of TruSo noted in a news release. “As it relates to the Black community, the entire world has witnessed what we can accomplish when we join together behind a cause – we create a phenomenon.” Newman continued:
“Now, we are introducing a social community that is built and funded by Blacks for Blacks and has monetization built-in so that everyone wins. Those who use the app should also benefit financially. That’s what we’ve built.” TruSo reportedly is designed to “empower and advance personal and career aspirations.” It includes a content calendar that engages prominent individuals within several categories: Arts & Culture, Business & Marketing, and more. Calloway said his partnership with the app was a strategic one and one that he felt others would use very well. “I got involved with TruSo because this technology is truly disruptive in the social networking space,” he said. Grimes said Newman “has a clear vision and go-tomarket strategy. I’ve worked with him on other projects, so I’m well-aware of his business acumen, and I welcomed the opportunity to get involved.” Upon launch, TruSo will be available for both Apple and Android users. The app is free. Sign up at JoinTruSo.com. Source: NNPA Photo Caption: Kim Roxie, founder and owner of LAMIK
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August 2021 | 9
B AY O U C I T Y A R T F E S T I VA L D O W N T O W N
OCT 9-10 2021
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10 | August 2021
After More Th
Inspires, In
While Continui By d-mars.com News Provider
A
fter more than 22 years in business, the d-mars. com brand continues to inspire, inform, and educate through its trending content, signature events, and serving clients with outstanding services. But though d-mars.com is a well-known and regarded staple in our community, this media company continues to grow and expand, also reintroducing itself to the community. And d-mars.com finds it the perfect time for a reintroduction as this is National Black Business Month. “With 22 years in publishing and seeing how the latest injustices have inspired Black entrepreneurs and professionals to elevate, the time is now for not only d-mars.com to advance, but all Black business owners and professionals to grow and expand. This is vital for the community as a whole to be prosperous,” said president and CEO, Keith Davis aka “MR. D-MARS.” Holding a background in business, publishing, and accounting and having a gift to connect people with opportunities and lucrative partnerships, MR. D-MARS (short for Discount Membership and Referral Services) was born. As founder and leader of d-mars.com and Subcontractors USA (under Vaskey Media Group), MR. D-MARS is able to make a difference in the community. As a native of 5th Ward Houston, he grew up in an at-risk area, but vowed to do something positive with his life and for the Black community, helping others see their way to a more positive outcome. That promise is what fuels him every day, using the d-mars.com platform to combat the negative stereotype of Black people, shining the spotlight on our
After 22 years in publishing and marketing and seeing how the latest injustices have inspired Black business owners and professionals to knock down glass ceilings, National Black Business Month is especially important to me. This is the perfect time for d-mars.com to reintroduce itself to the community, while continuing to grow and expand. In fact, that’s my charge to all Black business owners and professionals...grow and expand. Let’s all step it up in our respective areas, as that’s how the community as a whole will prosper.” —President and CEO of d-mars.com, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.
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August 2021 | 11
han 22 Years, Still
nforms & Educates,
uing To Grow & Expand success stories as opposed to the tragedies. This spirit established the core values of d-mars.com – to inspire, inform, and educate. MR. D-MARS understands that economic inequality is a prevalent issue in our nation. Small businesses do not receive the same tax breaks and government bailouts that massive corporations do, but inequality isn’t predicated solely on the size of the business. And Black-owned businesses are at a clear disadvantage when compared to their white-owned counterparts. In addition to the normal responsibilities and challenges of running a business, Black entrepreneurs must also navigate a considerable funding gap between white- and Black-owned businesses. As political movements like Black Lives Matter continue to keep momentum across the country, it’s important to remember that injustice goes far beyond the justice system. The financial system has also historically discriminated against and oppressed Black business owners. As many community leaders encourage people to support Blackowned businesses as a way to create positive change in this country, MR. D-MARS is doing his part through publishing and marketing, illuminating how much hope there is in the Black business community and among Black professionals. “What I have learned through running this company is that whether you are a Black entrepreneur or professional, it’s about being a leader and serving with excellence, whatever the position. And that mindset in career will trickle throughout all of the other areas (mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional) of one’s life,” MR. D-MARS said.
MR. D-MARS’ obedience to the calling has ultimately led to longevity, sustaining a
multimedia empire with an array of media services that include: • Marketing & Advertising • Social Media Consulting • Print & Design • Email & Social Media Marketing • Content Writing • Graphic Design • Web Design • Photography/Videography • Public Relations • Business Consulting
Some of the signature events hosted through d-mars.com and Subcontractors USA (subcusa. com) are: • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Awards • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala • Top 25 Prime Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Awards Luncheon
The journals and publications under Vaskey Media Group: • Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Weekley Report • Subcontractors USA Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory MR. D-MARS’ message to all Black business owners
and professionals, established and up-and-coming is, “Let’s make it our business to support other Black businesses.” It is known that we provide more chances to Black candidates. And during the pandemic, we’ve seen countless examples of our businesses coming together and patronizing other Black enterprises like never before. d-mars.com is reintroducing itself with the implementation of additional social media strategies and engagement, a speaker series, trainings, classes, a podcast, and pouring into the next generation of great Black leaders through intern/employment opportunities and mentorship. “When our company grows, it helps other Black businesses grow. Our elevation supports other Black business owners, professionals, and future leaders/students in achieving their short- and long-term goals as well. It is our responsibility to support each other, and we are here to serve the Black business world and the community as a whole.” To join our mailing list and for more information about the company, upcoming events, the latest articles, and services, please visit www.d-mars.com. And feel free to contact us at (713) 373-5577 or contact@d-mars.com. Also, please purchase MR. D-MARS book, Maximizing Your Own Treasure Chest at www.keithjdavissr.com.
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12 | August 2021
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d-mars.com
August 2021 | 13
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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL
BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE
August 2021
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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19th Edition
‘Three Pandemics’ Of Racial
Inequity in Health Care, Economics and Public Safety Requires Innovation, Deliberation 14
INSIDE
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15
Black Men Seeking Mental Health
16
Kids and the COVID Vaccine: What Should a Parent Know? Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Even as Pandemic Eases, Black and Latinx Adults Face Greatest Financial Challenges From Chronic Lack of Affordable Health Care
14 | August 2021 HEALTH
‘Three Pandemics’ Of Racial Inequity in Health Care,
Economics and Public Safety Requires Innovation, Deliberation By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior
T
he COVID-19 pandemic not only unmasked the stark racial inequities in the nation’s economic, health care and public safety status quo; it gave rise to a fierce resistance to that status quo and fueled demand for racial justice that grows more intense with each passing month. The National Urban League’s 2021 State of Black America report, “The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive,” charts a path forward as the nation emerges from these “three pandemics.” “The United States finds itself at a crossroads of racial reckoning,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “One path leads backward, toward the “old normal:” a return to the marginalization, discrimination, and segregation that left Black and Brown Americans exceptionally vulnerable to a deadly virus and economic desperation. “The other path leads toward a nation where police approach the communities they serve as allies and collaborators, and not hostile combatants; where every citizen has equal access to the ballot box, where fatal complications in pregnancy are just as rare for Black mothers as for as white mothers, where the value of a home is not determined by the race of its owner.” Analysis from research partners
Brookings Institution, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, and Center for Policing Equity not only reveal how structural and institutional racism magnified the devastation inflicted by COVID-19 infection and death, economic collapse and police violence, but also offer a glimpse of a more equitable future.
“The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive makes the case that dismantling structural racism – identifying and repairing the cracks in our national foundation – will result in more resilient
Amongthe thefindings: findings: Among Higher rates of unemployment, lower household incomes and net worth, and the crushing burden of housing costs left Black Americans uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19’s economic fallout; economic burdens like lack of high-speed internet access and a dearth of health-care facilities in Black neighborhoods contributed more to the vaccine racial gap than hesitancy; and over-policing of Black communities – particularly frequent stops of Black boys, is associated with more crime among those boys, not less. The report highlights innovative solutions for overcoming racial barriers, such as free and low-cost banking services that allow households to build wealth and a credit history, an approach to treating hypertension that focuses on social needs like housing and transportation, and virtual responses to some police calls.
and dynamic institutions that expand opportunity for everyone,” Morial said. “To quote a flippant sentiment frequently shared on social media, equal rights for others does not mean less rights for you. It’s not pie.” The report includes a focus on two major policy proposals the National Urban League developed in 2021 to address racial inequities in public safety and the economy. The 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust is a comprehensive framework for criminal justice advocacy that takes a holistic
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approach to public safety, the restoration of trust between communities and law enforcement, and a path forward for meaningful change. The Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion is a strategy for leveraging the tools of the information economy to create a more equitable and inclusive society. The 2021 report does not include an Equality Index, a calculation of the social and economic status of African Americans relative to whites. Since 2018, the Index is calculated every other year. The 2022 Equality Index is expected to reflect the upheaval of the pandemic. The report also includes a tribute to the late Vernon E. Jordan, who served as President of the National Urban League from 1971 to 1981, issuing the first State of Black America in 1976. Jordan passed away in March of this year. “This transitional moment in history would have been familiar to Jordan, who assumed leadership of the National Urban League at a time when the United States was adapting to the sweeping changes of the Civil Rights Era,” Morial said. “We were, as he put it, dealing with the rubble of the walls we tore down in the 1960s. Now we are dealing with the rubble of the walls torn down by COVID.” The full report is available at www.StateOfBlackAmerica.org. Source: NNPA
August 2021 | 15 HEALTH Specializes in cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers, whitening and coming soon Botox and lip llers. www.sdshouston.com
Black Men Seeking Mental Health Tami V. Allen, MS, LPC Contributing Writer
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Dr. Mikenah Joyy and Dr. Simone Ellis
Smile Design Studios, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 9303 Hwy 6, Suite 300 Missouri City TX 77459
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s July was Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect opportunity to continue to educate the public and our community, highlighting health and wellness topics of concern to minorities. This month I want to focus on Black men and counseling, addressing the stigmas attached and how to find the right counselor. Black men suffer in silence with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a host of other mental health challenges. This is primarily due to the fear of being vulnerable, which is counter to the projected roles of societal norms. Men are expected to conform to gender norms, such as fearlessness, toughness, and avoidance of pain. Men don’t want to be told “man-up,” “stop tripping,” or “just pray.” You do not want to be made to feel that counseling is only for people who are crazy, but instead you need a therapist who demonstrates positive and unbiased support and guidance and understanding of your feelings and cultural experiences.
It is also very helpful to work with a therapist who has first-hand knowledge of past and present social injustices. Therapists with a lack of understanding, empathy, and even experience of the issues impacting the lives of minorities may impair the therapeutic relationship. Distrust in the healthcare system that stems from biased and unequal access to mental health care is also of major concern. I also want to explain to you how the health insurance process works. In order for insurance to reimburse a provider (mental health or medical) on your behalf, there has to be an assigned diagnosis(es). This means that the provider has to report the diagnosis(es) in accordance with the DSM-V, which lists all mental health categories. When the clinician reports the diagnosis(es) to the insurance company for reimbursement, the information becomes a part of your permanent medical records. The insurance company owns your records and has the ability to report any requested information to any entity that you authorize access to, especially if required for a job or when changing insurance companies. The only way around this is through self-pay, where you pay out of pocket, which allows your mental health records to remain your property
theallencg@gmail.com www.allencounselinggroup.com
President, Lead Therapist and Mediator at Allen Counseling Group, PLLC. Licensed Professional Counselor approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors. Texas Certified Mediator - Parenting agreements and relationship dissolution.
“As your relationship coach, I will work with you to identify unhealthy communication patterns, recover from affairs, stop living like roomates, and revitalize your relationship.”
Specializing in Relationship and Self-Improvement counseling for an exclusive clientele of: - professionals - entrepreneurs - celebrities - athletes Desire Full Confidentiality while working through personal challenges. No worries about sitting in an office wondering who may “see you” because we offer Tele-Conferencing from the location of your convenience. speciali in working with couples, While I specialize I also work with individuals who want to improve their self-esteem and achieve their personal goals.
I have appointments available in the evenings and on Saturdays to fit your schedule.
So, how should men go about finding a therapist? The theoretical approach is very important when looking for a therapist. The first approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves changing negative, counter-productive messages playing in your mind to alternative, positive thoughts which will then affect the outcome of your behavior. The second approach is person-centered therapy, which allows you, the client, to control the direction of your therapy while the therapist helps to facilitate your journey to self-discovery. And if you should choose a male or female therapist, that is a personal preference. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
(as requested) and your therapist’s. My goal as a therapist is to work with individuals and couples to help bridge the gaps in your interpersonal development that subsequently affects your relationships. If you need support in this area or know someone who does, please visit www.AllenCounselingGroup.com. Feel free to reach out to me at Tami@ AllenCounselingGroup.com or (713) 597-4499. Source: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/ black-and-african-americancommunities-and-mental-health
16 | August 2021 HEALTH
Kids and the COVID Vaccine: What Should a Parent Know? By d-mars.com News Provider
T
he U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an Emergency Use Authorization allowing adolescents ages 12-15 to get the COVID vaccine - another giant leap forward in the fight against this coronavirus. Your 12-year-old is eligible for the COVID vaccine! Here's what a pediatric epidemiologist wants you to know. "We're elated to be able to protect more people from COVID-19 through vaccination. We understand that parents may have questions before signing their kids up for the vaccine and we're always happy to answer those questions and arm families with the information they need to feel comfortable. The biggest things I want parents to know are that this vaccine is safe, effective and our best shot at beating COVID-19," said Dr. Emily Godbout, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Dr. Godbout answers some of the most common questions parents have about the COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents.
Whichvaccine vaccineisisavailable availablefor for Which kids ages 12+? kids ages 12+? The FDA's most recent EUA is specifically for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 1215 years old. This is currently the only COVID vaccine authorized for people under 18.
Howdo dowe weknow knowit's it’ssafe? safe? How Before the FDA grants an EUA, vaccines go through a rigorous series of trials. Children's immune systems are different from adults' and they can even vary at different ages. Vaccines are fully tested on specific age groups for their unique stages of development. EUAs are granted for age groups only once the vaccines have proved to be safe and effective. Multiple federal partners are working together to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as possible. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly not because corners were cut, but because they were a top priority and, thankfully, research on a COVID-19 vaccine didn't have to start from scratch. Scientists have significant prior experience working with other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS.
Willthe theCOVID-19 COVID-19vaccine vaccineimpact Will impact fertility? fertility? There is no evidence that any COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility problems. In fact, many professional organizations support and encourage women who are interested in becoming pregnant to get a COVID-19 vaccine since it offers great protection.
IsIsthe theCOVID COVIDvaccine vaccinedose dosefor for adolescents adolescentsthe thesame sameasasfor for adults? adults? Yes. For the groups approved thus far, the same dose is given no matter the person's age or size. This is really because the vaccine impacts the immune system, rather than muscles, bones or fat, which are what influence a person's weight. As studies continue on younger children, we may find that smaller doses are recommended based on the needs and responses of their immune systems.
Areside sideeffects effectsthe thesame sameininkids Are kids and adults? and adults? The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trials showed that side effects observed in the 12-15 age group were generally consistent with those in the 16-25-year-olds. Mild side effects - such as arm pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, chills and fever - are a sign the body is building protection. While they can be annoying, they should go away in a couple days.
Howmuch muchdoes doesthe theCOVID COVID How vaccine cost? vaccine cost? There is no out-of-pocket cost for the COVID vaccine, no matter where you receive it. Vaccine administration fees are covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or the federal government for individuals without insurance.
Wherecan cankids kids1212and andup upget getthe Where the COVID vaccine? COVID vaccine? Many health care providers and pharmacies are providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your child's pediatrician or primary care provider for information about availability, or register with your state's health department to be notified when it's their turn for the vaccine.
Willthe theCOVID COVIDvaccine vaccinebe be Will requiredfor forschool schoolininthe thefall? fall? required This decision will be up to the individual school districts. For the upcoming school year, it will likely be encouraged rather than required for the authorized age groups. Some colleges and universities, on the other hand, have implemented a COVID vaccine requirement for the 2021-22 academic year. This is certainly something to watch closely as kids and teens prepare for the new school year. Keep up with the latest COVID vaccine information for kids and teens from Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU at chrichmond.org. Source: BPT
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August 2021 | 17
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18 | August 2021 HEALTH
HEALTH
Even as Pandemic Eases,
Why It’s Never Too Early To Make a Black and Latinx Adults Face Greatest Long-Term Care Plan
Financial Challenges From Chronic Lack of Affordable Health Care By d-mars.com News Provider
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ccording to results from a new Commonwealth Fund survey, Americans who have suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic are also the most likely saddled with medical bill problems and debt. The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that promotes a high-performing health care system that achieves better access and improved quality, noted that adults ages 19 to 64 contracted the virus, lost income, or lost their job-based health insurance coverage. Those individuals also reported higher rates of medical bills and debt problems than people not affected by the pandemic in those ways. Researchers found those who lost income experienced medical bill problems at the highest rates, especially those who also tested positive or became sick with COVID-19 or lost coverage. The report revealed that Black and Latinx adults “face the greatest financial challenges from chronic lack of affordable health care, even as the pandemic eases and more gain insurance coverage.” More than half (55 percent) of Black and nearly half (44 percent) of Latinx/ Hispanic adults said they had medical bill problems and debt, compared to one-third (32 percent) of white adults. Overall, one-third of U.S. adults said their income fell during the pandemic, but Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and low-income adults were particularly hard hit, the report continued. Forty-four percent of Black adults and 45 percent of Latinx/ Hispanic adults reported a loss of income. Insured and uninsured adults alike struggle to pay their medical bills, but those without coverage face more significant challenges. More than one-third of insured adults and half of uninsured adults said they had a medical bill problem or were paying off medical debt. One-third (34 percent) of working-age adults with employer coverage reported medical bills or debt problems, as did nearly half (46 percent) of adults with individual and marketplace coverage. Relatively few adults lost job-based health insurance coverage during the pandemic. However, many of those who did were left exposed to health care costs, researchers wrote. The survey, which took place between March 9 and June 8, revealed that just 6 percent of working-age adults lost job-based coverage — whether through their job or that of a spouse, partner, or parent — since the pandemic began. Of those individuals, 67 percent gained coverage elsewhere. Just over half (54 percent) of people who lost coverage through their job and did not get COBRA were without coverage for three months or less. About 30 percent did not gain insurance until four to 11 months later, and 16 percent were uninsured for longer than a year. An estimated 10 percent of working-age adults
were uninsured during the first half of 2021 — a smaller share than 2020 estimates from federal and private surveys. The survey findings suggest that more people have gained insurance than lost it since the pandemic began. Federal efforts to help people maintain their Medicaid coverage, combined with state and federal efforts to encourage people to enroll in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces and Medicaid, have increased enrollment in both. The researchers determined that medical debt leaves people with lingering financial problems. Thirty-five percent said they had used up most or all their savings to pay their bills. Forty-three percent had received a lower credit rating because of their medical debt. More than one-quarter (27 percent) were unable to pay for basic necessities such as food, heat, or rent. The authors noted several policy options they said could alleviate medical bills and debt problems and provide relief, including making the temporary American Rescue Pla n ma rketplace subsidies permanent. That could reduce the number of uninsured by 4.2 million in 2022, the researchers said. They also suggested providing Medicaideligible adults in the 13 states that have not yet expanded their program a federal insurance option to cover an estimated 2.3 million uninsured. Reigning in deductibles and out-of-pocket costs in marketplace plans with new subsidies and rules also should help, they said. More individuals with unaffordable or skimpy employer plans should be allowed to enroll in marketplace plans, the Commonwealth Fund researchers stated. “Although the survey indicates improvement in insurance coverage during the pandemic, it also shows that health insurance in America is not protective enough,” stated Dr. Sara R. Collins, the lead author and Commonwealth Fund Vice President for Health Care Coverage, Access, and Tracking. “The persistent coverage inadequacy and vulnerability among U.S. working-age adults is compromising their ability to get the care they need and leaving many with medical debt at a moment when they should be recovering after months of financial insecurity.” Dr. David Blumenthal, the president of the Commonwealth Fund, remarked that people struggled with inadequate health coverage and mounting debt before the pandemic. “Now, the administration and Congress have an opportunity to ensure not only that all U.S. residents have health insurance but that the coverage is affordable and comprehensive,” Dr. Blumenthal declared. Source: NNPA
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mericans are living longer than ever before, and with continually rising health care costs, the need for a long-term care solution becomes more of a “when” than an “if” situation, according to financial experts, who warn that Americans are largely waiting too long to plan and prepare. “Many people wait until they’re in their 50s or 60s before beginning long-term care planning, but with costs rising, it’s important to start planning when you’re younger and healthy,” says Heather Deichler, senior vice president, MoneyGuard product management, Lincoln Financial.
Toget getprepped, prepped,consider considerthese thesetips tipsfrom from To Lincoln Financial: Lincoln Financial: • Plan early: Only about 7.5 million people in the U.S. have policies that pay long-term care benefits, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, but more than half of Americans turning 65 are projected to need some type of long-term care in the future. This disparity could be due to the fact that many underestimate long-term care costs and expect to rely on savings or Medicare and Medicaid to cover them. Those in the know -financial planners -- see medical/healthcare costs and long-term care expenses as bigger risks to retirees’ savings than spending too much, inflation or the economy. Indeed, a majority of consumers in a recent survey conducted by Versta Research on behalf of Lincoln Financial guess that a private room in a nursing home costs less than half the realistic estimate. Others may simply feel their good health exempts them from the need to plan at all. But living a healthy lifestyle could mean you’ll live longer and face health-related risks associated with aging. Being realistic about the possibility your future could involve long-term care and the true costs associated with it can help you plan accordingly and motivate you to get started early. • Get on the same page as your family: Having a longterm care conversation with loved ones can help you feel confident about your future and help avoid conflict among family members. Share your expectations for daily living, such as how and where you want to receive care. This is a good time to identify who will be responsible for your financial and medical affairs should you become unable to manage them. • Consult a financial professional: A financial professional can help you get a handle on your financial future and make you aware of all your options, including those that evolve with your needs. They may point you to solutions that can help cover qualified long-term care expenses. Some solutions can offer more options and flexibility with a guaranteed level of protection and the possibility for investment growth. For example, in addition to obtaining care in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you could have the flexibility to receive care at home, including from family members. Comprehensive long-term care planning with family members and a financial professional now can help ensure everyone is prepared for the emotional and financial decisions that may need to be made in the years ahead.
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Source: StatePoint
August 2021 | 19
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20 | August 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER
What To Expect
When You Return to the Office By d-mars.com News Provider
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s life returns to normal, many companies and organizations are heading back to the office using a hybrid model or are beginning to talk about doing so. Under these plans, employees split their time between working in-person and working from anywhere, and if your employer has announced this will be happening soon, you may be feeling apprehensive about the transition.
Hereare areaafew fewthings things to to expect: expect: Here • Flexible workspaces: With fewer employees coming to work in-person at any given time, your company may reduce the size of the physical office as a cost-saving measure. Whereas you may have previously been assigned a personal workstation, you may now find your company “hot-desking,” in which workstations are shared and used by different employees at different times. • New tech tools: Employees can expect to see new tech tools enter the picture, according to experts.
“Tools that provide business leaders with insights, not oversight, and build out on the tools your company already uses, are going to smooth out communication, collaboration and workflow issues during the transition,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing at Eturi, the maker of Motiv, an app for small- and mid-sized businesses. In the case of Motiv, a mobile dashboard that delivers important productivity metrics to CEOs, managers and leaders, the tech integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Because team leaders are provided with information like conference call activity and email summaries, they are able to more effectively manage their hybrid workforce. Available through the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, you can learn more by visiting motivapp.com. • Watercooler talk: Some people will return to the office ready to pick up right where they left off, scheduling lunches, coffees and happy hours with their colleagues, whom they consider friends. For others, the in-person socialization that was once a staple of office life may take longer to adjust to. Know that everyone will have their own feelings about returning to the office and try to be empathetic to others,
wherever they stand on the issue. • Additional change: As your employer learns what is and isn’t working with the new hybrid model, they may make additional adjustments in the weeks and months ahead. Whether it’s introducing a new rule that all staff members be in the office every Monday, or the addition of a weekly team meeting every Wednesday morning, being prepared for such potential
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changes can help you avoid being thrown off guard down the line. After over a year of working from home, the prospect of returning to the office can be exciting, nerve-wracking or both. Knowing how and why things may look different from pre-pandemic office life can help you prepare for the new, new normal. Source: StatePoint
August 2021 | 21
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22 | August 2021 COMMUNITY
TSU Partners With the Smithsonian’s National Museum
of African American History and Culture To Support University Museums and Archives By d-mars.com News Provider
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Universities that will begin at NMAAHC and then travel to the consortium members and other venues around the world.
Founded in 2000, the University Museum is home exas Southern University is one of five to thousands of African and African American art Historically Black Colleges and Universities pieces. The vision of Texas Southern University's first (HBCUs) to partner with the Smithsonian's President, Dr. Raphael O'Hara Lanier, and renowned National Museum of African American History artist John Biggers, the museum features artwork and Culture (NMAAHC) to support University muthat celebrates the African diaspora's art and culture. seums and archives. The five-year project will enhance It also hosts unique events, competitions, exhiTSU's ability to care for and share archives that bitions, and educational tell the story of African programming to support Americans and their essenthe arts in Houston and tial role in American culture surrounding areas. and history. It also includes For the University Museum, Dr. Needha Boutteinternships, training and a participation in the Smithsonian Queen, dean of the traveling exhibition of artiCollege of Liberal Arts facts from the Universities' HBCU consortium offers unique and Behavioral Sciences, collection. opportunities to expand our base of said this paradigm-shift“ Te x a s S out her n support with other institutions and ing partnership between University is proud to partner with The Smithsonian’s offers most importantly unparalleled t he Sm it h son ia n's Nat iona l Mu seu m Nationa l Museum of opportunities for our students of African American African American History History and Culture and and Culture (NMAAHC). to enter the museum field with selected HBCUs affords We look forward to sharenriching and hands-on experiences phenomenal opportuniing our faculty expertise and University Museum with museum professionals,” said Dr. ties for growth and professional development of resources to support the Alvia Wardlaw, director and curator TSU students. critical need of visually of the University Museum. "Through internships telling the story of African that directly engage stuAmericans and their many dents in intentionally deoutstanding contributions. signed learning opportunities, TSU is strategically We are also grateful for the exposure and access this poised to contribute to a unique pipeline of future partnership will afford our students. TSU looks formuseum professionals trained to support and preserve ward to collaborating with all of the selected HBCUs those collections that reflect and tell the stories of and The Smithsonian to create a unique experience!” African Americans' history and contributions to this said Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, president of Texas country," said Boutte-Queen. “Art majors and stuSouthern University. Led by the NMAAHC's strategic partnership of- dents enrolled in our newly created Museum Studies fice, the partnership features internships, fellowship minor will be afforded opportunities never before programs and professional training for underrepre- available at this magnitude." sented groups to establish a pipeline of museum and For more information, please visit tsu.edu. archive specialists in the next generation; assistance in digitizing HBCU collections and creating a digital Source: Texas Southern University archive in an easily accessible format for academic scholars and the general public; development of a traveling exhibition on the most compelling collections from the partner
EDUCATION & CAREER
Helping Service Members and Spouses Land PostMilitary Careers By d-mars.com News Provider
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avigating the job market is tricky for any job seeker. For transitioning U.S. service members and military spouses, finding one’s professional footing can be even more challenging. From frequent relocations and childcare considerations to bias on the part of potential employers, transitioning service members and military spouses face many hurdles that can adversely impact their civilian careers. According to U.S. Government sources including the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 200,000-plus service members transition from the military to civilian life each year. Currently, 650,000-plus military spouses are in a state of transition. To improve their career prospects, advocates stress the importance of mentorship. “Military life teaches discipline, strong work ethic, teamwork, communication skills and adaptability – all of which are highly valued by employers,” says Christopher Plamp, senior vice president of operations, programs and entertainment at the United Service Organizations (USO). “This employment shortfall is not a reflection of a lack of talent, skill or drive. It’s largely a matter of connecting the military community with civilian job opportunities.” As part of its mission to strengthen America’s military service members, the nonprofit USO recently partnered with Veterati, a digital mentorship platform for the military community, to launch the USO Mentorship offering. In a rapidly changing world where 80% of new jobs come from a personal connection, this resource is networking transitioning service members and military spouses with volunteer mentors in their industry of interest. These mentors are successful professionals who provide critical career guidance on interviewing skills, career paths, personal branding and building a professional network. Within its Pathfinder Transition Program, the USO also supports professional development in the military community, in addition to this mentorship offering. USO Transition Specialists help create individualized plans focusing on employment, education, financial readiness and increased access to relevant veterans’ benefits in their communities. The USO also hosts career-focused webinars and live workshops on topics such as mastering LinkedIn, building a federal resume and pursuing higher education. To learn more about military spouses, the military-civilian transition or how to volunteer as a Veterati mentor, visit uso.org/mentorship. The military community faces numerous obstacles in fulfilling their career goals in the civilian workforce. However, new mentorship resources can help close the employment opportunity gap. Source: StatePoint
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August 2021 | 23 COMMUNITY
d-mars.com Shines the Community Spotlight on
HOODIES4HEALING By d-mars.com News Provider
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isplaying her unwavering faith in God, partnered with her incredible sense of style and fashion has been the key to RoseMary Tucker’s success as a Black, female entrepreneur. Tucker is the founder and owner of Blessties USA, a Christian apparel and accessories boutique in Cypress, Texas. In 2019, Tucker founded HOODIES4HEALING, a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to selling hoodies and other Christian apparel to help others.
HOODIES4HEALING was spawned from her daughter, Dyanna, who developed a cyst in her brain that needed immediate surgery. Tucker raised over $60k by selling hoodies and afterwards made a promise to God that after her daughter’s successful surgery, she would spend her time continuously helping others in need. From the HOODIES4HEALING foundation she has built a brand that is selfless in service, paying it forward incessantly. Recently, Tucker hosted the “Back to School Community Block Party” event, providing free backpacks, school supplies, and other pertinent items to children of families in need. The event provided free vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and Law on Wheels was there to offer free legal advice. In addition, there was a DJ, food trucks, and vendors. A highlight of the day (next to giving to the community) was Tucker being presented with a proclamation from the City of Houston naming August 7th “Rosemary Tucker Day.” Tucker lives by the motto, “Let’s heal together.” HOODIES4HEALING continues to bring the community together, one event at a time, providing compassion, healing, and hope. As this is National Black Business Month, Tucker is a great reminder that yes, while we aspire to have success through our businesses, it is also about using our business success to serve the communities where we live and work. We salute you RoseMary Tucker! Keep up the great work through HOODIES4HEALING! For more on HOODIES4HEALING, please visit hoodies4healing.com. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
24 | August 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER
Camp Spark: Utilizing Advanced Technology to Advance 5th Ward Students in STEM Education By d-mars.com News Provider
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TEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is vital for our students, as we are living in an ever-changing world. Supporting our youth in STEM is Camp Spark, a program preparing students to bring knowledge and skills to problem solving, discern intelligence, and evaluate evidence to make decisions with acumen.
itsfirst firstyear, year,Camp Camp Spark will InInits Spark will be be implemented in the Houston Independent implemented in the Houston Independent SchoolDistrict District(HISD) (HISD) following School atat thethe following campuses: campuses:
D-MARS: When was Camp Spark founded? CAMP SPARK: This is the first year of the program, and we are excited about this partnership with HISD to provide scholars in the 5th Ward area this STEMbased learning experience. D-MARS: Talk about how you will track the success of the program. CAMP SPARK: We have a data tracking & assessment specialist on staff who will provide synopsis and overviews based on assessments and other data. This will support us in growth, elevating the educational experience for our scholars participating.
• Fleming Middle School • Key Middle School • Kashmere High School Camp Spark is supporting HISD in meeting the growing demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, building students' skills, content knowledge, and literacy in STEM fields. Camp Spark is essential, and there are high expectations for the program in HISD. Playing a key role, leading the students or “scholars” in this experience are Ashley Williams and Dr. Richard Johnson. The presentation will not only focus on providing a general overview of the program, but also allow the students to engage in various STEM-based activities.
Q&AWith WithCamp CampSpark: Spark: Q&A D-MARS: Tell us more about Ashley Williams and Dr. Richard Johnson and their respective roles in Camp Spark. CAMP SPARK: We have a competent and passionate team behind Camp Spark. Team Leader Ashley Williams is under the leadership of Mr. Turner, a 6th grade assistant principal and Principal Erica Carter of Key Middle School. Mrs. Williams is currently the 6th grade science instructor who leads our robotic enrichment classes as well. The role of Dr. Richard Johnson is to establish procured funds for schools located in low-economic areas that are in need of mentoring and tutoring services.
D-MARS: What are the long-term and short-term goals of Camp Spark? CAMP SPARK: The long-term goals are to close achievement gaps and improve the STEM-based learning strategies to prepare 7th and 8th graders. D-MARS: How did you determine these schools (Fleming, Key, and Kashmere) to present this program to? CAMP SPARK: The campuses were chosen based on the feeder pattern and locations within the 5th Ward community. D-MARS: How does Camp Spark determine and concentrate on scholars' learning needs, helping them excel in STEM education? CAMP SPARK: Camp Spark concentrates on
individualized plans for scholars based on previous data and robotic/coding activities within the classroom setting.
D-MARS: How does Camp Spark help elevate scholars in other areas of their lives, supporting their personal development as well? CAMP SPARK: College and career preparation opportunities are available on/off campus, along with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities within the classroom settings. STEM education is sometimes a challenging subject to teach. CAMP SPARK: What is Camp Spark’s approach to teaching, providing an engaging, but educational experience for scholars? As we have a great skillset as educators, we understand that this educational experience being effective is about approaching the scholar as a whole. What will also support the success of Camp Spark is hosting this on a Verizon campus, and all classrooms are equipped with Clevertouch boards. Also, our advanced technology allows scholars to engage in cross-curricular throughout the day. Can you provide a sample agenda of the events and activities? CAMP SPARK: • 1:00 pm-1:15 pm - Logicept Introduction • 1:15 pm-1:30 pm - Robotic Introduction • 1:30 pm-1:40 pm - Pseudocoding Demonstration • 1:40 pm-2:00 pm - Aviation Introduction • 2:00 pm-2:15 pm - Drone Demonstration Camp Spark is a partner helping to ensure that our students in the 5th Ward community have access to a quality learning environment for an educational and engaging STEM experience. Mrs. Williams and Dr. Johnson are presenting a truncated experience for the final day of Camp Spark, slated for August 12, 2021. For more information, please visit www.houstonisd.org. Source: www.ed.gov
FINANCE
How To Have an Affordable and Easy Back-to-School Season stock up. Digital coupons offer additional ways to save on everyday low prices. Through September 6, 2021, special offers this year include a 30% off teacher appreciation coupon, which is available for qualifying customers and can be used up to four times, as well as a one-time $2 off $10 qualifying school supply purchases.
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s your family gets ready for a new academic year, you may be wondering how to spend less on backto-school season essentials. The team at Dollar General is sharing some tips and savings opportunities to easily and affordably help get everyone prepared.
FurtherSavings Savings Further
CheckSchool SchoolSupplies Supplies Check Consider checking school supplies off your list in the weeks ahead to help avoid any last-minute stress. Whether starting fresh or filling in the gaps from the previous school year’s supply, you can find binders, folders, pens, pencils, paper, crayons, scissors and other items at affordable
prices at more than 17,000 Dollar General stores across the country. With convenient locations and buy-online-pickup-in-store options through the DG smartphone app, it can be easy to make a quick trip and
Switching to private brands can allow you to shop the items you need at lower prices, helping you save money to go toward the items you want. From snack items for the lunch box to essential school supplies, private brands can be found in a wide variety of categories and often come with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. During your next shopping trip, consider ways to switch to private brands and save.
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QuickWeekday WeekdayMeals Meals Quick The new school year also brings the start of nightly homework and extracurricular activities, which can make juggling schedules feel like a balancing act. When it comes to meal planning, be prepared to make nutritious, tasty and simple meals. The DG Easy Meals site is a good place for inspiration. Its “Better for You” recipes created in partnership with a nutritionist showcase healthier breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas. Preparing your family for a new routine can be both exciting and stressful. However, with a few tips and tricks, your family can save time and money on essentials this back-to-school season. Source: StatePoint
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26 | August 2021 FINANCE
ASK A LAWYER:
Do I Still Owe My Landlord for COVID-19 Back Rent? By d-mars.com News Provider
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s life begins to return to normal, those who suffered financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic will need to address them, including renters. Lawyers at JustAnswer, the leading online provider of expert advice, recently answered some common tenant questions. Question: We currently owe past rent because COVID-19 affected our income. We didn't receive any stimulus money yet. We were just approved for a new apartment and plan to move. In our building we were protected under the eviction moratorium. The manager said anything we haven't paid would go to collections. If this isn't paid before we move out, would this affect our new apartment when we sign the new lease? –Jesse R. Lawyer: You are responsible for the past due rent once the moratorium ends. What will happen is the current landlord will file for eviction against you, even if you have vacated the property. An eviction is not just removal of a tenant, but also the lawsuit a landlord files to obtain a monetary judgment
against a former tenant for unpaid rent. If you do not pay your unpaid rent, a monetary judgment will be issued against you. At that point, it will be up to your new landlord as to whether this affects honoring your new lease. It should not, unless there is a provision in the contract you signed that allows the new landlord to cancel the contract. The new apartment will not be notified. They will only find out if you tell them or if they run a background check. If you have already moved in then you will not have to move out. This could only happen if the landlord wants to cancel before you move in. In addition to the unpaid rent, you could also be ordered to pay the court filing fees and attorney’s fees. It usually comes to a couple hundred more.
your landlord is only allowed to increase your rent once that period is up. On the other hand, if you have a month-to-month lease, your landlord is allowed to increase it every month, given that they provide you ample notice (usually 30 days). If you are wondering how much a landlord can increase your rent, you might not like this answer. In many states, there is no maximum amount. This means that, unless you are in a rent-controlled city or building, your landlord can raise the rent by as much as
Question: Must I pay an unreasonable rent increase? –Cindy H. Lawyer: In short, yes, it is within your landlord’s right to legally raise your rent. However, there are a few stipulations surrounding rent increases, and they can vary by state. Unless otherwise stated in your lease agreement, your landlord cannot raise your rent before your lease is up. So, if you have signed a year-long lease,
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they want per year or month, depending on your lease duration. Check your local laws to see if there is a set amount or maximum. Most states require your landlord to serve you the rent increase notice in writing. If it is given verbally, look up your specific state’s law to see if that is the legal way to do it. The rent increase must not be done in a discriminatory or retaliatory manner. For example, if you have complained about habitability conditions to an outside organization, your landlord cannot retaliate by raising your rent. Need affordable advice on a legal problem with your home? Chat live with a tenant lawyer at Just Answer. JustAnswer has over 12,000 experts available to answer questions 24/7. Visit justanswer.com to get started. As eviction moratoriums begin to lift nationwide, protect yourself by understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Affordable legal resources can help. Source: StatePoint
August 2021 | 27
Let’s
END ELDER ABUSE
With more than half a million people over the age of 65 in Harris County, the District Attorney’s Office urges you to report those who hurt our elders.
Report abuse or suspected abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400
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28 | August 2021 FINANCE
REAL ESTATE
THE RIGHT ADVISOR CAN BOOST YOUR
FINANCIAL HEALTH search," says Brown.
By d-mars.com News Provider
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any people have reexamined their finances since the pandemic. While some are itching to dine out and travel again, others are looking to invest in their future. According to a recent survey, Americans' top financial goals include boosting their savings, planning for retirement and paying off debt. To reach these and other goals, people often look for an advisor to help manage their money. However, there are many different types of financial professionals to choose from, so it's important to know what makes the right financial professional stand out.
"Americans often share more with their financial advisors than they do their doctors," says Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). "So, it's important they have someone they can trust and who will always put their best interests first." Qualitiestotolook lookfor forininaafinancial financialadvisor advisor Qualities Selecting an advisor is one of the most important life decisions you'll make. When looking for the right qualities, you want your advisor to be: 1. A Fee-Only financial advisor When selecting a financial advisor, it's important to understand how they are compensated. Fee-Only, fiduciary financial advisors are paid directly by their clients for advice. The advisor does not receive commissions or remuneration from third parties, meaning they're not going to sell you financial products that can rack up expensive fees and make you lose money. Instead, their compensation is based on an hourly rate, a percent of assets under management, a flat fee or a retainer. Commissionbased financial professionals, on the other hand, may recommend investments with higher fees, riskier features and lower returns because they earn more money for the advisor, even if those investments are not the best choice for their clients. Because of the conflicts of interest inherent in these transactions, these advisors may have difficulty putting their client's interest above their own. "Before you select a financial advisor, always ask them how they're compensated to help you understand the nature of the relationship. If they give you anything other than a straight answer, you should continue your
2. A fiduciary "Fiduciary" is one of the key attributes you should look for when searching for an advisor. Financial advisors held to a fiduciary standard are required to act within your best interest, meaning they must: * Disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients before and during the advisory engagement * Adopt a code of ethics * Explain their fee structure While finding an advisor that adheres to a fiduciary standard is important, some use the term loosely, which can make it hard to decipher who is a legitimate fiduciary. NAPFA has a tool that can help you research and find Fee-Only, fiduciary advisors that are a good fit for you. "As consumers of financial services, we all owe it to ourselves to remain diligent - to understand our options and the standards our financial professionals are held to," says Brown. 3. Confident and proactive Managing your finances can be stressful and time-consuming. That's why having an experienced advisor is important. You can use educational background - such as an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in financial planning - or financial services designations including the Certified Financial Planner™ certification - to gauge expertise. In addition, you want someone who has a broad view of your assets and takes the time to learn about your goals and your worries. You also want to feel good about the recommendations your advisor gives you and know they will work hard to keep your goals on track. 4. Holistic in their approach When you work with a financial advisor, you want to ensure the person is looking at areas beyond your investments. Unlike a broker who is focused on selling specific products and investments, a holistic financial advisor will help you review your retirement, taxes, estate planning, education funding, insurance needs and overall budgeting. A Fee-Only, fiduciary financial advisor can provide practical guidance and planning around your long-term financial goals and factor them into developing your overall financial plan. Finding the right financial advisor for you Choosing to work with a financial advisor can be one of the best life decisions you make. Knowing what qualities make a transparent, reliable and objective advisor will allow you to find a professional who can help you achieve your financial goals. For more information on selecting the right advisor for you, visit www.napfa.org/ financial-planning/consumer-resources.
How To RUN a Remote Meeting By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
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ith many offices continuing to function remotely or hybrid style, video conferencing will remain a mainstay of the American workforce for the foreseeable future.
Here’show howto toensure ensureyour yourmeetings meetingsstay stay Here’s professionaland andproductive: productive: professional Be Mindful of Limitations Miscommunication can occur during an in-person meeting, however, there is a larger margin for error in a video call. Be mindful of the limitations of remote meetings and encourage participants to address who they are speaking to by name to avoid confusion. Consider assigning a moderator to help prevent interruptions, as well as someone to take minutes. This can ensure key takeaways are understood by all, particularly if tasks are assigned during the call. Embrace its Benefits While video calls do have their limitations, they also have a number of key benefits too. Features like screensharing make it easy to share presentations, data and analysis. Meetings can be also recorded for future reference or shared with colleagues who were unable to attend. And, while the mute/unmute button should never be abused, having this feature does give moderators the ability to make it clear who has the floor at any given time so that meetings stay structured. Employ New Tech The right technology can help ensure your staff is not overwhelmed with calls and video conferences. For example, Motiv, a mobile dashboard powered by Eturi that tracks productivity metrics for team leaders, now has a new Google Meets feature offering deeper insights specifically into meetings and calls. Is the time allocated for reoccuring meetings being used effectively or can it be optimized? Are the right team members using ad hoc meetings to brainstorm and collaborate? Who is meeting with who, when? Using this feature, CEOs, managers and team leaders can have these questions answered so they can make informed decisions. To learn more, visit motivapp.com. Your team may be decentralized, but collaboration is just as important as ever. With the right habits and tools, you can run more effective meetings, and work productively together from afar.
Source: BPT
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August 2021 | 29
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30 | August 2021 REAL ESTATE
Let the Professionals Handle Real Estate Math By Marla Lewis President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association
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hether you’re buying or selling a home, you’re going to be confronted and perhaps overwhelmed by numbers: interest rates, days on market, loan terms and many more. They’re all significant in the transaction. But what do they really mean? This column is not the place for in-depth analysis of real estate math. That would be a tall order. I hope to convey two things: the importance of understanding what the numbers mean and that there is help available to decipher it all.
15-oror30-year 30-yearloan? loan? AA15Many buyers can shorten their financial obligation by choosing a 15-year mortgage instead of the 30-year variety. The payments on 15-year mortgages are certainly larger, but not, as it may seem, twice as large. If you can handle the bigger monthly expense, you’ll build equity faster because a greater portion of each payment goes toward principal rather than interest. Additionally, the lower rate and shorter term lessen the overall interest due. With a longer loan term, you have a higher interest rate and build equity more slowly, but you get the benefit of lower monthly payments and, perhaps, increased buying power. You also still have the option to shorten your loan by making additional payments when possible.
Time is money When negotiations between a buyer and seller stall, each party should think about what the difference in the offers actually means. To a seller, it means more money at the time of sale, of course. But there could be more to consider. Has the house been on the market a long time? If you decide to stick to your guns on a number, do a little math to be sure it makes financial sense. Should the home linger on the market another two or three months, the cost of keeping the house may be close to or even surpass the amount you’re holding out for. Your move may be delayed and you could end up paying two mortgages, two utility bills, two landscaping bills and so on. As a buyer, plug the numbers in to see the difference on your monthly payment. It may be that the extra money each month pushes the home beyond your budget, or it could just be a few dollars per month – an amount you may decide isn’t worth it to lose the home.
Real Real estate estate is is local local Don’t be confused by national real estate numbers that have little to do with our market. Also keep in mind that in most cases real estate investments hold
their value quite well, appreciating consistently over the long term. Think about it this way: If you bought a home four years ago, and its value increased $80,000 over the first three years but dropped $12,000 in the fourth, are you down $12,000 or up $68,000? Unless you bought in the third year and are selling in the fourth, that $12,000 drop is not as bad as it sounds.
Tothe therescue rescue To There’s more to real estate math than this column could possibly explain. We did not cover buy-down points, fixed-rate vs. ARM loans, tax implications, credit scores, loan ratios and many other concepts. The intricacies of a transaction this large, along with your specific situation, call for extensive knowledge about numbers in the real estate world. The Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) offers the free ABC’s of Homebuying class monthly that gives you the opportunity to ask one on one question about real estate math an all aspects of the real estate transaction I encourage you to make the smart choice and hire a realtor. Realtors work with these figures and concepts regularly and can help you navigate the financial waters and make sense of the numbers. Additionally, realtors are bound by a strict code of ethics, which means that they are obligated to act in your best interest. For more information on buying and selling real estate, or to find a realtor, I encourage you to visit HAR.com. And please visit www.hbreahouston.org to find out more about the HBREA.
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