APRIL 2021
COVER STORY
New Study Fuels Hyperlocal Efforts Supporting Black Women-owned Businesses, pg. 16 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2021 1
Contents
4 Four Tips for Helping Kids Get More Healthy Sleep Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
About Us
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader
Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—
7 Agricultural Legacies: 4 tips for Succession Planning 9 Three Major Benefits of the Extra Help program 11 Want a better career? STEM Online Programs Can Help You Get There 13 Aging in the Research Triangle: Keeping Your Brain Healthy 14 New reasons to say yes to a Virginia Beach getaway in 2021
COVER STORY 16 New Study Fuels Hyperlocal Efforts Supporting Black Women-owned Businesses 18 Eleven Easy Ways to Stay Entertained Without Leaving Your House 20 Top Five Paycheck-stretching hacks for 2021 23 New survey: Americans Cut Prescription Costs by Ordering from Canada
Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com
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Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag
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Four Tips for Helping Kids Get More Healthy Sleep Ever wonder if your kids get enough sleep? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 25% of kids 5 and younger suffer from sleep problems. And it’s even worse for older kids: The CDC reports that over half (57%) of middle schoolers and nearly 3 out of 4 (72%) high schoolers are sleep deprived. Unfortunately, the pandemic has worsened the problem. The NIH reports an overall epidemic of sleeplessness due to anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19, showing high rates of clinically significant insomnia (20%), acute stress (15.8%), anxiety (18.5%) and depression (24.5%). Even minor sleep deficits can have major impacts on kids’ ability to learn, and their overall health and immunity. For National Sleep Awareness Month, it’s worth taking a good look at your family’s sleep habits to make positive changes. Getting enough sleep can be tough for everyone, especially at times of the year when clocks change due to Daylight Saving Time. Before you spring ahead, know just how many zz’s your kids need to keep them healthy, happy and ready to learn. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following amount of sleep per night: * Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours * Ages 6-13: 9-11 hours * Teenagers: 8-10 hours Here are tips to help your kids improve the quality and quantity of their sleep each night. The good news is, these tips are just as effective for parents. 1. Take control of the tech. Did you know the blue light emitted by phones’ electronic screens disrupts sleep patterns by slowing down the body’s ability to produce melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy? There’s also the issue of feeling compelled to check devices in the middle of the night. A study by Common Sense Media found that: * 1 in 3 teens (36%) wakes up to check their mobile device at least once a night. * Kids say they’re waking up due to receiving notifications (54%) or to check social media (51%). * A majority of kids (70%) check their mobile device within 30 minutes of falling asleep at night. * 29% of teen smartphone owners say they’ve been woken up at night by a call, text or notification. Your kids (and you) will get better sleep if you shut down devices before bed, and keep them out of bedrooms. One option is to create a charging station in a common room where everyone plugs in at night
to help enforce this rule. Technology can also be part of the sleep solution. For example, Circle Parental Controls’ Bedtime feature allows you to set digital lights out times for each member of the family, saving you unnecessary nag time. Circle’s Bedtime feature turns off internet access at a set time every night, and turns it back on in the morning. “We know that bedtime can be a challenging time for parents; enforcing rules that keep kids healthy, and pleasant to be around the next day, is hard when the adults themselves are exhausted,” said Anne Bryan, CEO of Circle. “Circle makes it easier to keep the rules by turning off the online distractions.” Learn more at meetcircle.com. 2. Create a routine. Kids of all ages benefit from a predictable bedtime routine. For younger kids, a simple bath and story time combo may help them relax and prep for sleep, helping to reduce sleep problems and foster healthy sleep habits. For older kids and teens, discuss what a relaxing pre-bed routine looks like for them. Finishing homework and shutting down devices at least an hour before lights out can help kids relax and be ready to rest. The Bedtime feature from Circle can work wonders here. 3. Set the scene. Getting enough sleep comes from practicing healthy sleep hygiene. For example, it’s easier - and more restful - to sleep in a cool, dark, quiet room. Set the thermostat a little lower (65 degrees is optimal), block bright lights from outside, and if needed, consider a white noise machine to help reduce intermittent noises in your kids’ rooms. Maintaining rules that limit screen time, shutting down devices and keeping them out of bedrooms will also reduce distractions that can keep kids awake. 4. Be consistent. While this may seem obvious, it can be hard to put into practice, especially on weekends or school vacations. But the more everyone sticks to regular bedtimes and wake times, the more likely their bodies will adapt. When approaching a change in routine like Daylight Saving Time, plan ahead by gradually moving bed and wake times, 15 minutes per day, to the new schedule - keeping the total amount of sleep time about the same. Discover more ways to help kids sleep better - and manage their screen time - at Meetcircle.com/marchsleep.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2021 5
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Agricultural Legacies: 4 tips for Succession Planning Kory Hagen, who runs a 1,000-acre corn farm in Iowa, had to take over the family business in his early 20s when his father suffered a stroke. Unexpected tragedies, like Hagen’s, can be challenging but proper planning can ease the burden of passing down a business from one generation to the next. Luckily for Hagen, he’d worked the fields with his father for years. When it was his time to take over, he learned to run his farm efficiently and sustainably with a five-man team. He found ways to modernize the operation, focusing on no-till farming, which benefits the environment. Today he makes most of the decisions, but also relies on a small team of advisers, including a banker and an accountant Hagen has known since eighth grade. “It was hard going from farming with my dad to being on my own,” Hagen says. “But I’ll always farm, no matter what. It’s very peaceful; and once it’s in your blood, it’s there for life.” Farmer Glenn Heard has experienced both sides of farm succession. He gradually took over his father’s farm in Georgia - a 16,000-acre operation growing cotton, peanuts, sweet corn and carrots - and now plans to pass it to his son. “We did it differently than most farm families,” Heard says. “I started my own farm as a separate operation and shared equipment with my father. My operation got bigger after I acquired land from outside farms and from my father as he transitioned out of the business. By 1995, I was able to take over his farm completely.” Heard hired dependable farm managers to oversee operations and is now grooming his son to take over in a similar way, getting him started on his own farm and sharing equipment. For growers like Heard and Hagen, it’s a common dream to pass on farms to family. Farmers can succeed with careful planning that includes their next farm leaders. Parties must navigate local and state tax structures, transfer fixed capital assets and land, create retirement strategies and have difficult conversations with partners and family members. “A farm is more than just an enterprise - it’s a way of life,” explains Lynn Sandlin, business intelligence manager for Syngenta. “Elder farmers think of it not just as a business, but a legacy they’re leaving for their children, grandchildren and so on.” Sandlin urges anyone pursuing farm succession to
consider everything required by the complex process. To succeed, it’s crucial to plan methodically and understand every necessary decision. Retired professor of agricultural economics and Texas A&M University Danny Klinefelter, Ph.D., offers four steps to follow. 1. Develop estate and succession plans. * Start planning as soon as possible, so everyone involved knows where the assets are going. * Children interested in the family business should consider enrolling in a management development program at a land grant university. * Create a family business council of interested parties to discuss goals and plans. 2. Outsource your trust Don’t feel obligated to entrust your business solely to family, especially if they lack knowledge in crucial areas. Instead: * Enlist a team of agriculture-focused attorneys, tax accountants or consultants who specialize in family-owned businesses. * Form an advisory board or even a formal board of directors. * A peer adviser group of top managers can also offer outside counsel that may help you and your successors. 3. Evaluate your successors * Conduct regular performance evaluations within your team to set expectations, track improvement and assess everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. * When one or more successors emerge, give them every opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions. 4. Test your team. Once you have successors identified, assign group tasks to gauge personality styles and management capabilities. Especially for operations with multiple successors, this will help them work together efficiently and build on one another’s strengths. Have open discussions about self-improvement or expanding the team with the right expertise, from forward-looking CEOs to accountants and marketing experts. To learn about agricultural development, today’s challenges in farming and more, visit www.syngentathrive.com.—
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Three Major Benefits of the Extra Help program Maintaining your quality of life can become more challenging as you age. In addition to routine living expenses, your medical bills may begin to pile up, consuming more and more of your limited income. This can be worrisome for Medicare beneficiaries, who remain the only insured population without a cap on out-of-pocket spending. Older adults are more likely to require medications for multiple conditions, which means multiple co-pays. And these extra bills can create a significant burden. The good news is that you may qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program, which could help lower your medication costs by 85% or more. What is the Extra Help program? Run by the Social Security Administration, the Extra Help program - also known as the Low-Income Subsidy program helps qualified Medicare beneficiaries afford the costs related to their prescription drugs, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays. There is a full and a partial coverage version of the plan available, depending on your income level and assets, but both versions have huge potential for savings. For example, if a medication would normally cost $12,000 a year out of pocket, through the Extra Help partial program, your payment could be reduced to about $1,900. With full Extra Help, you would pay $0. Most people who qualify for the full program are automatically enrolled, because they are already enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, or another support program. But many people are eligible for the partial program and don’t realize it, missing out on big savings. An individual might be eligible for the program if they have an annual income under $20,000 and less than $15,000 in assets, but there are some exceptions, and the limits are higher for couples. Want to check your eligibility? Start with this free, interactive quiz.
How does this program cover the costs? The Extra Help program can help save money, but there is a lot more to it than that. Here are a few other benefits it can provide: It pays for Part-D premiums: Most Medicare recipients have to pay a monthly fee as part of their premium. These premiums can be expensive depending on the prescription. Fortunately, the Extra Help program pays a portion of this premium. However, how much the program pays for can vary, as different states have different amounts they’re willing to set aside. It gives qualified patients a special enrollment period: Most Medicare recipients can only enroll in prescription drug coverage during open enrollment between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. But with the Extra Help program, participants have a Special Open Enrollment period that runs through the first nine months of the year. It eliminates late enrollment penalties: If you’ve enrolled late for Part-D Medicare benefits before, you’ve probably paid a penalty fee. The fee is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium, which was $32.74 in 2020. But for those who are part of the Extra Help program, these fees usually get eliminated. There is a path to affordable treatment. With all the valuable benefits the Extra Help program can provide, qualifying requires getting your financial documents in order and filling out an application. This can seem overwhelming at first, but the PAN Foundation’s education hub can help. It includes videos that explain the process, an eligibility checker and an interactive check list to get you ready to apply. And if you get approved, the benefits can help you save a lot of money over the years.—
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Want a better career? STEM Online Programs Can Help You Get There As the job market increasingly calls for STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering and math), more online programs are emerging that can help students study for such careers. While some educational institutions are struggling to figure out how to effectively teach science-based classes and labs in times of social distancing, a select few have created programs that allow for even lab work to be completed primarily at home. That’s a win-win for employers and employees alike. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers related to STEM will display the highest rate of growth - 10.9% between 2016 and 2026 - to produce a million new jobs. Not only are those jobs available in a variety of fields, ranging from engineering and social sciences to medical fields and technology, but 75% of the top-20 highest-paying careers in the U.S. are in STEM fields. In 2020, of course, COVID-19 spurred an even greater need for skilled employees with expertise in health and technology. Consider these suggestions when exploring how such a job trajectory may fit with your goals, regardless of your age, career background or level of social isolation. Research online learning opportunities. In recognition of the need to train and educate more STEM workers, institutions such as Arizona State University offer courses of study that can be completed online. You can secure additional certifications, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in a STEM field while seldom (if ever) having to leave your home for your coursework. How is that possible? ASU Online allows students to complete most lab work remotely by delivering high-grade tools and equipment directly to their homes and offering innovative virtual reality
lab simulations. ASU now offers more than 85 STEM programs online tailored toward real-life, in-demand careers; including 21 new programs released in fall 2020, such as Astronomical and Planetary Sciences - the only online program of its kind worldwide. Bring all your skills to the table. You may have studied for or worked in non-STEM-related jobs in the past. That knowledge, group of skills, and range of experiences are a benefit, as you can apply many of them to a new role in a STEM field. It’s true that past projects or accomplishments that have a quantitative or scientific focus could be particularly helpful as you move forward, but most STEM roles also need people with different assets such as emotional intelligence, acumen in diversity/inclusion, interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking skills. Don’t rule out a career change just because you started in a different field or direction; instead, stack your credentials and start thinking of yourself as a “master learner” capable of pivoting within your career path as needed. Create an action plan. Evaluate your background and skills, and determine what you need to add to your resume to achieve your target STEM job. You may be surprised to discover you have fewer gaps than you think, and a STEM position may be well within your reach with additional training, certification or a degree. If you need help forming a plan or exploring different options, ASU offers its online students a full range of support services. Learn more about the 85 STEM degrees available online through ASU at asuonline.asu.edu.—
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Aging in the Research Triangle: Keeping Your Brain Healthy With people being more active and healthier than ever at any age, today’s retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about having the time for growth, discovery and expanding horizons. For retirees, or those looking ahead to retirement, one place to find all of the above is in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. No, it’s not a mathematics term. With some of the best weather on the planet, gorgeous scenery and a concentration of cultural, educational and entertainment resources, the Research Triangle is one of North Carolina’s crown jewels. It’s also one of the top places in the United States to enjoy an active, healthy, mentally stimulating retirement. Defined by the three major universities as well as the three highly livable cities within its borders, North Carolina’s Research Triangle has long been a magnet for scientific, academic and corporate leaders who are attracted by the inquisitive culture and concentration of resources here. Where you retire matters. Retiring in a community that is bountiful in cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities isn’t just nice to have. It’s a must for keeping your brain healthy. Everyone has “senior moments” from time to time. But declining brain health, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are not a normal part of aging. They are not a foregone conclusion. According to the Mayo Clinic, your habits before and during retirement can significantly lower your risk of developing these conditions. The Mayo Clinic’s recommendations for staving off declining brain health include: * Exercising regularly * Staying mentally active * Eating a healthy diet * Getting plenty of sleep * Remaining socially involved One retirement community in the Research Triangle that takes those recommendations to heart is Searstone Retirement Community, founded in 2013. Its residents frequently cite the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside as well as the cosmopolitan comforts and cultural treasures of its cities and towns to explain why they came and chose to stay in what is now the state’s second-largest population center. Resident Jewel Tolan can attest to that. Jewel and her husband David were drawn to the Research Triangle initially because it was located near their son and daughter-in-law in Cary, North Carolina. When they looked deeper into Searstone, they found it ticked many more boxes for the active, mentally
satisfying lifestyle they envisioned for their golden years. “We wanted a community surrounded by conveniences. We didn’t want to drive 30 minutes to shop,” she explains. “We wanted to be near urban areas and were thrilled to find a community that was a block away from everything.” Other benefits of retiring in the Research Triangle: Proximity to medical care. This is an important factor as you age, and Duke and UNC health systems are nearby, offering residents an endless number of specialists and excellent care. “We are right in the center of a medical oasis,” Jewel says. Proximity to the airport. Retirement does not mean the end of travel. Just the opposite. Searstone is 20-minute drive from an international airport, making it easy to zip away for a long weekend when the travel bug bites. Cultural and educational opportunities. The Research Triangle is known for its cornucopia of culture. The universities are nearby, and the symphony is a short drive away in Raleigh. Pre-pandemic, Searstone organized outings to the museums, the arboretum and more. Now, the calendar is packed with virtual events until the pandemic subsides. Lecturers and authors hold events, virtually and in person, for residents. Some of those speakers include the residents themselves. “We have some really accomplished residents that speak to us about all different topics,” Jewel notes. Fitness. Numerous studies have shown that staying active keeps you mentally sharp throughout your life. Whether it’s a stroll around the grounds, using the state-of-the-art fitness facility, swimming or even Zumba classes, keeping active is easy. Socialization. Jewel says she has no lack of social life. “There is a great community here. I’ve made some great friends, through book club and the women’s discussion group on Tuesday mornings. If you are a people person, it’s really great to have this opportunity. There is always more to learn.” Today’s retirement is not your grandparents’ retirement. It’s an active, healthy, intellectually stimulating opportunity for growth and expanding your horizons. North Carolina’s Research Triangle is one of the best places in the United States to do just that. To learn more about retiring in the Research Triangle, visit https://searstone.com or call 919-8992431.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2021 13
New reasons to say yes to a Virginia Beach getaway in 2021
Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is where you’ll find warm, inviting waters and a cool, laid-back feel. Home to three distinct beaches, you’re bound to bump into your vibe at one of them. With a delectable seafood-centric culinary scene, rich history and a variety of arts and entertainment, the destination is the perfect getaway whether you’re with the family, looking for a quick escape or flying solo. For some inspiration on vacation planning, here are five new reasons to visit Virginia Beach in 2021. Captivating family-friendly activities and attractions. This summer, after a $25 million renovation, the South Building at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will re-open with several new exhibits, perfect for educational and immersive visits.
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From interactive play areas to two new touch pools, a gallery with live jellyfish from around the world and an all-new Vet Center wing giving a behindthe-scenes glance at water quality, conservation and veterinary care, a trip to the aquarium will make learning fun. And, Apex Entertainment, a multi-level entertainment complex, the first of its kind in Virginia Beach, lets kids, and kids at heart, blow off a little steam with mini golf, bumper cars, bowling, indoor go karting, laser tag, ropes courses and more. Check in, and check out Virginia Beach’s newest property. The new Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites is Virginia Beach’s only beachfront hotel on the Chesapeake Bay. Situated on its own private beach with 295 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, an outdoor pool and lounge, kayak and bike
rentals plus a 24-7 ultra-modern fitness center, guests will also enjoy sampling a local delicacy, oysters, and coastal cuisine at the signature restaurant, Tin Cup Kitchen + Oyster Bar, from an expansive outdoor patio with views of the Bay. Explore the nation’s early history and diverse waterways. Virginia’s most visited state park, First Landing State Park, holds a special place in our nation’s history. English settlers landed here in 1607 and established the first elective government. These hallowed grounds are also home to 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, dunes and more. For a private tour of Virginia Beach’s biodiverse waterways with a seafood feast finale, Moore to See Photo Expeditions River Crab Feast is not to be missed. Soak up the beauty of North Landing River before landing at a secluded dock surrounded by nature for the freshest locally caught and steamed blue crabs, indulging in a feast unlike any other. Sip, shuck, repeat. Virginia Beach’s craft beer scene is exploding with an eclectic mix of flavorful suds. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or a seasonal sipper, the Virginia Beach Beer Trail is a new downloadable guide to local breweries and taprooms passionately pouring ale for all. New on the scene:
beloved local brewery Three Notch’d Brewing Company, where beer lovers can imbibe fruity sours and hoppy flagship brews, is opening a new flagship this spring in Town Center. And, to truly dine like a local, pair your ale with the irresistible Lynnhaven oysters. Coveted by English Aristocracy, once you experience these little rays of sunshine, you’ll realize a best-kept secret about Virginia Beach: it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. Keep the fitspo on the go. Whether you’re aiming to close those rings, or you’ve got a daily step count to meet, with more than 200 miles of trails, Virginia Beach has myriad fun activities that will keep you on track. The city is a haven for bikers, and you can experience it from two wheels via a new offering of three distinct self-guided trails: Bike, Brew and Arts Trail; Bike, Brew and History Trail; or the Family Fun Trail. Each has a downloadable map that allows riders to see the city at their own pace. For a fun full-body workout, learn how to ride the waves in the birthplace of East Coast surfing. After engaging muscles you didn’t know you had, a more leisure activity will be best. Take a stroll through ViBe Creative District where the walls come alive with colorful murals and quaint shops burst with creativity. Before you know it, you’ll crush that step count.—
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COVER STORY
New Study Fuels Hyperlocal Efforts Supporting Black Women-owned Businesses Minority-owned businesses are the cornerstone of their communities, and over one-third of Blackowned businesses in the U.S. are headed by women - the highest share of any ethnic group. Yet according to Visa’s new Black Women-Owned Business Report 2021, nearly three quarters (71%) of Black women-owned businesses estimate they can’t survive another year under current pandemic conditions. In the wake of the pandemic, small and medium-sized businesses nationwide have taken a major hit, with minority businesses suffering the most devastating blows. While more than half (54%) of businesses surveyed for Visa’s new report stated their business was positively impacted following the Black Lives Matter movement in Summer 2020, more than three quarters (78%) of businesses who saw benefits have said those increases have ceased. The successes of Black-owned business are hard fought, as the Federal Reserve reports Black-owned businesses are less likely to be approved for bank loans, with an approval rate of only 46.5% (compared to 75.3% for white-owned businesses). Visa’s study supports this data, finding nearly one third (31%) of Black women-owned businesses stated raising capital and funding to stay afloat was one of their biggest challenges since the pandemic hit the U.S. While women-owned businesses have been histor16 RuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2021
ically underfunded, new resources and support are emerging, including a newly formed Visa program focused on supporting Black women-owned businesses at a hyperlocal level. Addressing the needs of local entrepreneurs in cities with the highest concentration of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. and building on support provided to women-owned small businesses through “She’s Next, Empowered by Visa” - the company brings resources and expertise to provide entrepreneurs with tailored solutions in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. In addition, Visa has announced it will: * Commit $1,000,000 and extend its grant and mentorship program to the six U.S. cities. Call for applications have opened and can be found at: https:// ifundwomen.com/visa. * Host its first She’s Next virtual conference of the year, “She’s Next 2021” on March 25, in partnership with The Female Quotient, to celebrate the Black community and women entrepreneurs. Interested small business owners can register at https://thefemalequotient.equalitylounge.com/shesnext2021empoweredbyvisa. * Launch spotlight marketing campaigns to encourage consumers to shop at Black women-owned small businesses.
* Partner with Black Girl Ventures to work with local organizations that can more easily reach small businesses and help with point-of-sale and other technology upgrades. “Black Girl Ventures is proud to partner with Visa on not only financially assisting these entrepreneurs, but also on providing a megaphone to each community’s most pressing needs,” said Shelly Bell, founder, Black Girl Ventures. “While the Black Lives Matter
movement elevated consumer support of these businesses, the movement must continue to lift up these neighborhoods financially and spiritually.” Are you a female business owner of color, or do you know someone who is? Visit IFundWomen.com/ Visa to apply for a grant to fund your business, or to learn more about how Visa is supporting women entrepreneurs around the world, visit their She’s Next page.—
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11 Easy Ways to Stay Entertained Without Leaving Your House Cold weather paired with stay-at-home orders means families across the country have been spending more time at home. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together and make memories in the process. No matter what your household size or the variety of ages that live in your home, there is plenty to do without leaving the house. Try interactive games: When you’re not sure what to play, ask Alexa. The smart device is your gateway to countless great games like Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Deal or No Deal, Escape the Room and classics like Pac-Man, The Floor is Lava, Clue, Twister, Simon Says and Mads Libs if you’re feeling nostalgic. Plan a family game night, stock up on favorite snacks and have some fun. It’s a challenge to try something new you’ve never played before and you might be surprised to see who wins! Backwards day: Sometimes the opposite can be more fun, so plan a backwards day and do everything in reverse. Young children really enjoy doing activities like wearing sweatshirts backward or eating breakfast for dinner. You can even create a custom routine for backwards day with Alexa - the sillier the better when it comes to backwards day, so don’t worry if things get a little goofy. Have a dance party: Play some tunes and show off your best moves with a family dance party for smiles all around. You can even have a multi-room dance party when you play music across multiple Alexa 18
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Devices. Simply use the app to create a Multi-Room Music group and ask to play your favorite music. Music sharing: Want to share a song with your family and friends to let them know you’re thinking about them? Alexa can help with that! Sharing music with your loved ones is as easy as saying “Alexa, share this song with Claire.” The person you’ve sent the song to can listen on their Echo device and send back a reaction. What better way to discover new music. Look at family photographs: Get a little sentimental by spending some time looking at images of your family over the years. While some of this can easily be accessed on your phone, don’t limit yourself. Dust off old photo albums and have fun trying to guess who is who and sharing memories with younger generations. If you have an Echo Show, you can say “Alexa, show my photos” to view your photos. Try new recipes: Extra time at home means extra time for trying new foods and recipes. Whether it’s cookbooks in your home or asking Alexa to show you a new recipe on your Echo Show, have everyone pick out a few they want to try and then plan a day each week to cook them together. Another idea is to choose theme weeks and cook to match your theme. Stream video content: With Echo Show, you can plan a family movie night and stream your favorite movie or TV show from providers like Prime Video, Hulu, NBC and others. Amazon also recently introduced Netflix on Echo Show so you can browse
the full Netflix catalog as well as pause, resume and stream movies or TV shows using just your voice. To get started, customers can say, “Alexa, open Netflix” and log into their account. Cheer for favorite sports: Plan a game day and do favorite tailgate activities at home, including favorite food, that lucky outfit and fun decor. Remember, follow your team on the Alexa app and simply say “Alexa, give me my sports update” for the latest scores, upcoming games and more. You can also watch NBA video highlights from your favorite team on your Echo Show device. Find your next great read: From making dinner to making time for yourself, Alexa can help you find your next read when you’re looking to unwind.
Simply ask, “Alexa, what should I read next?” and get suggestions for your next read based on personalized, top-selling or trending books from over 20 million Audible, Kindle or print titles. Catch up on your favorite podcasts: Looking for a new podcast to listen to or want to catch up on your favorites? Alexa has you covered! Just ask Alexa to play the podcast of your choice or if you need inspiration on what podcast to listen to just say “Alexa, recommend a podcast” and sit back and relax.—
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Top 5 paycheck-stretching hacks for 2021 Feel like your paycheck is gone before your next payday? You’re not alone. A 2020 survey, “Getting Paid in America,” revealed that 2 out of 3 Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Not only is this stressful and frustrating, it can cause you to have fewer choices for managing your money and be more expensive for you in the long run. Nearly 12 percent of U.S. households use expensive methods like money orders, check cashers and bill pay services to access the money they earn, which can lead to a downward spiral of further expense and debt.[1] And for those who borrow money to hold them over, it may take about five months to pay off loans, costing an average of $520 in additional financing charges.[2] The good news? There are hacks that can help you stretch your dollar further, from one paycheck to the next. 1. Go digital. If you’re not getting what you need from your current bank or are looking to bank for the first time, you should know that digital banking 20
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these days is a safe, accessible and affordable option. GO2bank is an example of a fully digital bank that can help you get control of your finances right from your mobile phone. It offers all kinds of convenient tools to help you save money, so you won’t have to rely on check-cashing services or payday lenders which charge high fees or interest rates that take a big bite out of your hard-earned paycheck. To download the app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Android App Store, or go to www.GO2bank. com. 2. Direct deposit = quick access to pay. Did you know you can actually access your paycheck a day or two early? When you’ve got bills due or need groceries before your paycheck hits your bank, youneed your money quicker. Options like payday loans can end up costing you hundreds in fees and even cashing your paycheck can delay your payday even further. With direct deposit of your paycheck to GO2bank, you don’t have to wait too long, as you can access
your paychecks up to two days early or government benefits up to four days early.[3] And should you need cash quick, you’ll also have access to thousands of fee-free ATMs to withdraw from.[4] 3. Plan ahead to avoid fees First, get a clear picture of where your money is going each month - and when. On a calendar, map out what bills are due when, when subscriptions like Netflix will charge you, and when you’ll be paid. If one part of the month contains most of the due dates, call your creditor to ask if you can move the due date, easing the strain on that pay period. If you can get bills paid on time, that means fewer late fees and a better credit score in your future. GO2bank also offers overdraft protection (up to $200).[5] To get started, just set up your eligible payroll/benefits direct deposits and opt in for overdraft protection - GO2bank will automatically cover purchase transactions that exceed your available balance. 4. Build savings little by little . Since there’s no way to be ready for every unexpected bill or expense, you’ll have more peace of mind if you start building an emergency fund right away. Setting aside even a small amount each pay period will add up over time. You’ll thank yourself when an emergency doesn’t plunge you into debt. To make your savings go farther, GO2bank offers a high-yield savings rate at 10X the national average[6] and cash back rewards up to 7 percent when you buy e-gift cards from popular retailers in the app you may already be shopping at.[7] 5. Start safely building and improving credit. Having a higher credit score makes it easier and less expensive to borrow money when you need to - such as for a car loan or home mortgage. Building better credit takes time, but there are ways to do so today that will open the door to better options tomorrow. GO2bank makes this option available to you regardless of credit history with its Secured Credit Card with no credit check or annual fee.[8] Taking these steps may help you get to your next payday with a lot less stress. A little planning and the right tools can go a long way in helping you improve your financial well-being for the future.—
[1] How America Banks: Household Use of Banking and Financial Services (2020, October 19) [2] Payday Lending in America: Who Borrows, Where They Borrow, and Why (2012, July) [3] Direct deposit early availability depends on timing of payor’s payment instructions and fraud prevention restrictions may apply. As such, the availability or timing of early direct deposit may vary from pay period to pay period. The name and Social Security number on file with your employer or benefits provider must match your GO2bank account exactly or we will decline your deposit. [4] Fee-free ATM access applies to in-network ATMs only. For out-of-network ATMS and bank teller withdrawals, a $3.00 fee will apply, plus any additional fee charged by the ATM operator in addition to our fees. [5] A $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Opt in required. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid the fee. We require immediate payment of each overdraft and overdraft fee. Overdrafts are paid at our discretion and we do not guarantee that we will authorize and pay any transaction. Learn more about Overdraft Protection (PDF). [6] Interest paid quarterly on the average daily balance of savings during the quarter up to a $5,000 balance and if the account is in good standing. 1% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of January 2021. APY may change before or after you open an account. See Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) for terms and conditions. The average national savings account interest rate of 0.05% is determined by the FDIC as of 10/23/20. National rates are calculated based on a simple average of rates paid (uses annual percentage yield) by all insured depository institutions and branches for which data are available. Savings account rates are based on the $2,500 product tier of insured depository institutions for which data is available. Visit https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/ resources/rates/ to learn more. [7] Active GO2bank account required to receive an eGift Card. eGift Card merchants subject to change. See Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) for details. [8] Available only to existing GO2bank accountholders with direct deposits totaling at least $100 in the past 30 days. Eligibility criteria applies. Other fees apply.
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New survey: Americans Cut Prescription Costs by Ordering from Canada Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing. For anyone who needs regular prescriptions to manage serious chronic health conditions, the soaring cost of their medications creates a real burden. Studies show that one in four adults skip medications primarily due to cost, which leads to bigger problems both for their health outcomes and for increasing medical costs as they suffer complications due to missed medications. But a new survey shows that a growing number of Americans are finding a workable solution: importing prescription medications from Canada. In the survey, conducted by the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI), over 93% of the respondents cited the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. as the primary reason they ordered prescriptions from licensed online Canadian pharmacies. How much are they saving? According to the survey, Americans ordering their prescription drugs from certified online Canadian pharmacies are saving an average of $228 per month - or $2,736 per year. Here’s the breakdown of savings per month: * Over 57% saved $100 or more * 15% saved over $200 * 19% saved over $300 For that last group, the average monthly savings was $755 each month, up from $648 in 2019. Recent price comparisons show that online Canadian pharmacies consistently offer Americans savings of 50-90% on brand-name prescription medications compared to leading U.S. pharmacies as well as GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy. The real impact. The effect of these savings is not just about the cost. Craig Barnes of Oregon has been ordering prescription drugs from Canada for about two years. “I have a heart condition that requires medication to regulate my heart rate,” said Barnes. The U.S. list price of 60 tabs (a 30-day supply) is approximately $500.00. On GoodRx, the price is a bit lower - about $460.00. Even with his insurance, his out-of-pocket monthly cost in the U.S. would be about $236.00. Buying from an online Canadian pharmacy, Barnes saves $2,328 a year, getting the medication he needs for only $42.00 per month. “If I had to buy the medication in the U.S., I would have to stop treatment or split doses,” said Barnes.
And for most people managing a health condition like Barnes, that can result in a much poorer health outcome, leading to complications that could even be life-threatening. In the CPPI survey, 62% of the Americans who import their prescriptions said they were referred by a trusted medical professional, friend or family member, and 80% of the survey respondents knew how to identify “rogue” pharmacies and felt savvy about their ability to find a trustworthy online pharmacy. The upshot? A whopping 99% of those who currently import their prescriptions from Canada would recommend doing so to family and friends. It’s definitely a continuing trend - last year saw an increase from 8.1% to 13.3% of Americans who reported ordering prescription drugs from online Canadian pharmacies for the first time. Eighty-seven percent said they had been ordering from online Canadian pharmacies for a year or longer. Until prescription medications become more affordable in the U.S., it’s a trend that is likely to continue to grow. How to find a safe pharmacy online. The pandemic has underscored the importance of everyone having access to safe, reliable and affordable medications. For those with multiple underlying conditions, this is even more crucial now. The Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) recommends searching for licensed Canadian pharmacies on certified websites. CPPI is a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization that fights for Americans’ access to safe, affordable prescription medications from Canada for personal use. On their website, PersonalImportation.org, you can find advice and tips, plus a link to the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) website, CIPA.com, for a list of licensed pharmacies. “All Americans deserve access to affordable prescription medications. The savings that American patients report finding from online Canadian pharmacies is significant and available to Americans right now,” says Jack Pfeiffer, executive director of the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation. “There is even a bill in Congress, the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, which could make these savings even easier for Americans to come by.”— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2021 23
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