FEBRUARY 2021
COVER STORY
Most Americans Say They’re Optimistic About a Brighter Financial Future in 2021, pg. 9 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | FEBRUARY 2021 1
Contents 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
6 More People are Concerned about their Financial Future: Four Steps to Protect Yours 7 Dairy Farmers Work to Care for the Environment
About Us
8 Digital Tools Can Help Kids Build Safe Money Habits
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.—
COVER STORY 9 Study: Most Americans Say They’re Optimistic About a Brighter Financial Future in 2021
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader
10 Tips to Help Make the Most of Your Health Plan in 2021 13 Stroke awareness: It’s always an emergency 14 Six Ways to Improve the Time You Spend at Home 15 Three Tips to Landing a PPP Loan that Works for Your Business 17 Pandemic Meal Preparation: How Parents are Coping with Kids at Home
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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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
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More People are Concerned about their Financial Future: Four Steps to Protect Yours Finances are consistently a top concern for many Americans, with “saving money” a top-10 most common New Year’s resolution. This year, Americans are more concerned than ever before due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. USE Credit Union reported that more than 75% of non-transactional calls received since the start of the pandemic were from members concerned about their financial future, citing economic hardship as the primary reason for concern. The economy and job market remain in a state of constant flux, which is causing many families to worry about their ability to pay an unexpected bill, continue to pay off student loans, mortgages or credit card debt, or save money for the future. “Saving money is more than just putting spare change into a coffee can, or simply ordering takeout less often,” said Jeff Schroeder, vice president and chief product officer at Mercury Insurance. “Sure, those things can add up over time, but people may find that their greatest savings can come from taking a look at the necessary expenses they pay for every month, such as insurance.” Schroeder recommends these four tips to help protect your finances in the coming year: 1) Check your auto insurance coverages. There’s no reason to pay for more coverage than you need, but being underinsured can leave you exposed. “The cost of repairs after a collision has grown in recent years, as a result of more crossovers and SUVs on the road, and more technologically advanced vehicles,” said Schroeder. “Beyond paying for more expensive repairs if your insurance doesn’t cover it, if you’re underinsured, you may also be responsible for paying out of pocket for medical bills, which could potentially devastate savings for a down payment on a house, your child’s college tuition or a future vacation. It’s vitally important to make sure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen events.” 2) Know what your homeowners insurance cov-
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ers. First and foremost, be sure to read your policy so you’re clear about what it does and doesn’t cover. It’s a good idea to check in with your insurance agent each year to ensure you have adequate coverage, especially if you’ve made renovations, own collectible or valuable items, or live in an area that’s prone to flooding or earthquakes, as standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover these situations. Also, maintain a home inventory to make sure to have an accurate record of your belongings and property. 3) Be aware of potential gaps in coverage. A standard homeowners insurance policy often doesn’t cover mechanical failures to your home’s appliances, HVAC or other essential systems, nor does it cover a break to service lines on your property that supply your home with electricity, gas or sewer functions. In either of these scenarios, this means you would be responsible for writing a big check to a repair company or having to purchase a pricy replacement. However, adding home systems protection and service line protection endorsements can help provide coverage for costly repairs and replacements, saving money and your peace of mind. Pennies spent now can save you thousands of dollars later. 4) Regularly shop for the best coverage and price. Insurance prices can vary significantly from company to company, so it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to see if you’re getting a good deal. Shop around at least once a year - making sure to look for the exact same coverage limits - to see if you can find a more affordable rate. “Often, regional insurers like Mercury Insurance are more attuned to their policyholders’ needs and can offer better rates,” Schroeder added. The most effective way to make sure your finances are minimally impacted by insurance costs this year is to speak to an independent insurance agent. They can help make sure you have the proper amount and type of coverage to keep yourself, your family and property protected.—
Dairy Farmers Work to Care for the Environment A gallon of milk. Cream for your coffee. A pat of butter. Whether you’re enjoying a yogurt on the go in the morning or family night at home with a cheese and veggie pizza, dairy has been an enjoyable and nutritious part of daily life for generations. Throughout that time, America’s dairy farm families have provided an essential service to nourish their communities, during good times or bad. Did you know those same dairy farmers are also taking care of the planet? America’s 34,000 dairy farm families are directly connected to the land and have a long history of care for the environment and responsible dairy production. Since 2007, the dairy industry worked together to reduce the carbon footprint of each gallon of milk by 19%, using 30% less water and 21% less land, as seen in the Journal of Animal Science (2017). Now, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers and dairy companies, set aggressive, industry-wide sustainability targets for 2050: * Become carbon neutral or better; * Optimize water use while maximizing recycling; * Improve water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients. Recognizing the challenges facing the planet, farmers across the U.S. are adopting conservation practices, caring for their cows, recycling water and even generating clean energy to help make dairy an environmental solution. One such farmer, Dirk Young of Twin Birch Dairy in Skaneateles, New York, maximizes his opera-
tion’s resources with a combination of climate-smart practices. He uses an anaerobic digester to make cow bedding and crop fertilizer out of cow manure, and he also partners with an environmental group to ensure the water quality of New York’s Finger Lakes meets the highest standards for his community. As a result, the water quality surrounding his dairy farm has improved downstream and upstream. For Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, healthy cows and a healthy planet go hand in hand at Watertown, Wisconsin’s Rosy-Lane Holsteins dairy. They improved their production so cows can produce more milk per pound of feed, and the farm has not used antibiotics on its milking herd in over seven years. Oregon’s largest dairy farm, Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, has little to no waste, thanks to its closed-loop system. Highlights from the dairy’s system: mint harvest byproducts are included in the cows’ feed; manure is used as fertilizer; and its anaerobic digester produces renewable natural gas. On the farm, it powers natural gas vehicles, which reduce fuel emissions by 80% compared to diesel fuel. U.S. dairy farmers recognize the challenges facing the planet require more than just individual action. That’s why the U.S. dairy community is building on a long-standing history of environmental stewardship and collaborating on ways to accelerate the pace of continuous improvement to become an environmental solution, laying the roadmap to responsibly feed families for generations to come.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | FEBRUARY 2021 7
Digital Tools Can Help Kids Build Safe Money Habits The earlier kids start learning basic financial skills, the better their financial health in the long run, according to research. When it comes to teaching kids about money, caregivers are asking for help. In fact, 32% of parents are uncomfortable speaking about finances with their own children and 46% are looking for additional resources to help encourage good financial habits, according to a Chase survey of parents across the U.S., with children aged 8-14. Traditionally, kids learn about money from shopping with adults and having related conversations. While discussions are an important part of learning about finances, online shopping has changed how kids experience spending. “Families are juggling so many more responsibilities today than ever before, so it’s understandably more complicated to find opportunities to teach financial wellness to children or to find hands-on purchasing moments to talk about the value of money,” said Anastasia Morgan-Gans, an executive focused on family financial health at Chase. Fortunately, new tools are helping meet the changing needs of parents and their children. For example, the free Chase First Banking account is designed to help families develop healthy financial habits by putting parents in control and giving kids and teens the freedom to learn how to earn, spend and save money. Through the Chase Mobile app, parents can assign chores and provide allowance, set amounts and locations of where kids can spend money using a debit card, and help children reach savings goals. Kids 8
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interact with the app on their end, too, checking off assigned chores when completed and seeing when their allowance is paid. They can also see how much they can spend and where, as well as their savings goals. This type of digital tool makes financial literacy discussions easier and brings family money management into the digital age, engaging kids in meaningful ways. In addition to adopting useful tools, it’s important to have ongoing conversations about finances. Morgan-Gans suggests starting with some rules for a family ‘contract’ when it comes to having access to an account: * I will spend responsibly and discuss what are acceptable purchases with my parent * I will make a savings goal, discuss it with my parent, and work toward it * I will not use my debit card on websites or at stores my parent does not approve of * I will always keep my card in a safe place and discuss the best place to keep it with my parent * I will not share my PIN number or account number with anyone * I will not post pictures of my card or app on social media or share them with my friends * I will never go to an ATM alone and will only use ATMs inside a bank “These tools can help guide parents, so they have the confidence to teach kids about bank accounts and spending - it’s like an account with training wheels,” says Morgan-Gans.—
COVER STORY
Study: Most Americans Say They’re Optimistic About a Brighter Financial Future in 2021 As we enter 2021, here’s one more essential item to put on your list in addition to canned goods and masks: a financial checkup. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2021 New Year Financial Resolutions Study, more than two-thirds of Americans experienced financial setbacks in 2020, often from the loss of a job or household income or another emergency expense. Even those lucky enough to maintain their income still may have had to tap savings to help others, as nearly one in five attribute their financial setback to providing “unexpected financial assistance to family members or friends.” Despite this, many Americans remain optimistic and determined to make their money work harder in the New Year, with 72% confident they’ll be in a better
financial position in 2021. “Americans are clearly ready to leave 2020 behind and start 2021 off on the right foot, including when it comes to their finances,” said Stacey Watson, senior vice president with oversight for Life Event Planning at Fidelity Investments. “This year’s top financial resolutions are consistent with what we’ve seen in the past, however, what makes 2021 unique is how people will achieve them, given the financial pressures and major life events many continue to experience throughout the pandemic.” This year, 65% of Americans are considering a financial resolution for 2021, which is down marginally from last year (67%), but still quite strong given the headwinds experienced by so many families. Younger generations appear to be more committed to actively improving their finances in the new year, with 78% of all Gen Z and Millennial respondents considering a financial resolution compared to 59% of all Gen X and Boomers. “Younger generations are building up their careers, families and finances, so it makes sense they have important financial resolutions to make. Still, Gen-X-ers and Boomers, Continued on page 10 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | FEBRUARY 2021 9
Financial Future 2021, Continued from page 9 also experienced significant financial challenges in 2020 and may want to consider making some resolutions of their own to build a stronger financial future particularly when it comes to retirement readiness,” continued Watson. Making a resolution, and checking it twice. Resolutions are an important start, but the key is to keep good financial routines going strong well beyond January - and ultimately have them become lifelong habits. The study reveals the key to a successful resolution is the good feeling of making progress and setting clear and specific financial goals. Having someone to help keep you on track and hold you accountable also plays a role, as nearly one-in-five indicated this was a major reason they were able to stick to a financial resolution last year. In fact, more than three-quarters (77%) of people working with a financial professional were able to stick to their financial resolution in 2020, compared to just half (50%) of those who did not work with one. Putting 2020 in the rearview. To help build a better financial future, consider these three things you can do to move forward: * Begin with a budget * Of those who said they were in a ‘better’ financial situation this year compared to last, more than one in five attributed the success to budgeting better. With so many online tools to make tracking your spending and savings easier, including Fidelity’s Budget Checkup, there are simple ways to create and stick to a budget aligned with a ‘50-15-5’ guideline. * Replenish that rainy-day fund
* More than 8 in 10 Americans say they’ll build up their emergency savings in 2021, an important money move considering that many may have tapped into their stash of cash due to financial setbacks in 2020. * Find new sources of income * Nearly two-thirds say they plan to find new ways to make money in the new year, whether with a side hustle, selling items online or getting a part-time job. And with 30% of Americans planning to ‘declutter’ their homes in 2021, there’s a good opportunity to find more than just loose change in those cushions and closets. To get more tips for making and keeping your financial resolutions, visit Fidelity.com. This study presents the findings of a national online survey, consisting of 3,011 adults, 18 years of age and older. The generations are defined as: Baby Boomers (ages 56-74), Gen X (ages 40-55), millennials (ages24-39), and Gen Z (ages 18-23; although this generation has a wider range, we only surveyed adults for the purposes of this survey). Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was conducted October 14-21, 2020 by Engine Insights, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all adults meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study. Margin of error is +/- 1.79% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups will have larger error margins.— Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2021 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 961172.1.0
Tips to Help Make the Most of Your Health Plan in 2021 Last year was a difficult year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through our country, impacting families and communities nationwide. The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of health care. For many Americans, new health plan benefits began in January. If this is your situation, now is the perfect time to learn how to maximize this year’s health benefits, which may help improve your health - and possibly save money too. Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, provides the following tips to help you take charge of your health and get the most out of your plan in 2021: * Understand health insurance concepts. Review 10
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common health insurance terms like premium, deductible and copay. This may help you better understand your plan and how your costs are calculated. Insurance plans differ depending on the providers you see and how much you pay for services. Remember, in-network providers are contracted with your health insurer to provide services at a lower cost, so consider checking whether your current health care providers are in your network before making an appointment. Out-of-network providers may cost more and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for you. * Schedule preventive services. Be proactive by taking advantage of preventive services that are often covered by your insurance, like an annual physical, mental health screening or flu shot. Scheduling these
appointments with your primary care doctor may help prevent health problems before they arise. * Check your behavioral health coverage. Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral health care programs that can range from treatment for substance use, eating disorders, anxiety and stress, with a goal of helping to improve your overall well-being. For example, an on-demand emotional support mobile app called Sanvello® is available to help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression. * Take advantage of telehealth visits. A popular health care choice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been telehealth or virtual visits, which enable people to connect 24/7 with a health care provider via a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. They may be an easier, more affordable way to talk to a doctor about common health issues. Log in to your health plan’s member portal to check availability. * Explore your options for wellness programs. Many health plans now offer discounts and other incentives for working out, walking, signing up for an online health coaching program, lowering your cholesterol, or avoiding nicotine. Incentive-based wellness programs are designed to reward people for making healthier choices. Check with your insurer or employer to see what programs are available to you. * Review your prescription coverage. Check to see
what’s covered under your prescription drug plan by logging into your health plan’s member portal or by calling the phone number on your ID card. Your plan will show medication costs and coverage and help you locate a network pharmacy. It also helps to ask about generic medication options. In many cases, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, and they may save you money. * Apply for a child medical grant. Some charitable organizations, such as the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF), provide child medical grants to middle- and low-income families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child) and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible. Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded more than 25,000 grants valued at over $54 million to children and their families across the United States. Families can read eligibility criteria and complete an online application at www.uhccf.org. Becoming familiar with your new health plan - especially at the start of a new year - is one way to help you be proactive when it comes to your health. For more health and wellness information, visit UHC. com.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | FEBRUARY 2021 11
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Stroke awareness: It’s always an emergency The sudden onset of stroke symptoms can happen to anyone at any time, making education about the signs and symptoms of a “brain attack” the first line of defense to stroke prevention. “I’m a fanatical fan of football, so you can imagine how excited I was to enter the stadium to see my favorite team play; but I lost my balance and fell. I’m lucky the people near me jumped into action and called 911,” recalled stroke survivor William Martin. “They are the real heroes in my medical emergency story; they knew the signs of a stroke.” Stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide. Today, only 10% of stroke survivors make a full recovery and 25% recover with minor impairments. Forty percent of survivors experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care. Strokes are common and deadly but the good news is almost all strokes can be prevented. What is stroke. A stroke happens when the blood vessels carrying nutrients to the brain either form a clot or rupture, causing a sudden blockage in the arteries leading to the brain. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die. How to prevent stroke. Generally, there are three treatment stages for stroke: prevention, therapy immediately after stroke, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Engaging in active prevention is the most effective treatment. What can you do to prevent stroke? 1. Monitor your blood pressure 2. Control your cholesterol 3. Keep your blood sugar down 4. Keep active 5. Eat healthy 6. Lose weight if necessary 7. Do not smoke
8. Talk to your physician about aspirin and other medications. In the event of stroke: Act F.A.S.T. “Every minute from the time the stroke occurs to when you receive treatment makes a difference,” said neurointerventional radiologist at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Jared Halpin, M.D. “Many types of stroke are now treatable with emergency medical interventions to either quickly dissolve or remove the blood clot or stop the bleeding that is causing symptoms.” Seek treatment, F.A.S.T. Follow the acronym below to check for signs of stroke: FACE Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided? ARM Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? SPEECH: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. TIME to Call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately. “My doctor restored the blood flow in my brain by threading a tube through an artery in my leg and used a medical device called Solitaireâ„¢ X to remove the clot. I was surprised I didn’t need brain surgery,” said Mr. Martin. “The best part - I watched the final quarter of the game on TV while in the hospital recovery room.” Eighty million people have survived stroke worldwide. For more information on stroke prevention tips and treatment options please visit the World Stroke Organization at www.world-stroke.org.—
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Six Ways to Improve the Time You Spend at Home After spending so much time at home in 2020, you might be running out of ideas to keep yourself entertained. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, you’re not alone. Many people are looking for new ways to improve the time they spend at home. Follow these tips to revamp your space and enhance the time you spend at home. 1. De-clutter to cultivate calm. Make your home your happy place away from the hectic world. Target the hot spots for mess and get organized to regain peace of mind. Do a bedroom makeover to create a space more conducive to sleeping. Whatever you decide, your body and mind will thank you. 2. Binge a new podcast. Though they’ve been around for years, podcasts continue to grow in popularity. While you’re spending time at home, they can make you feel like you’re part of a fascinating conversation. Search for a subject or topic you’ve always wanted to learn about and dive in. And if you’re looking for a device with the latest technology to help you stay informed, check out LG’s newest smartphones -Wing, Velvet or K92. 3. Watch something out of your comfort zone. Sure, you could turn on another season of your favorite show, but why not try something completely different? Choose a topic you don’t know enough about and turn on a documentary. Or choose a show or film from a genre you don’t typically follow and see what all the hype is about. To help you stick with your new favorite, LG’s OLED TVs deliver the pin14
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nacle of picture quality and offer access to the most popular streaming sites so you’ll have a vast library of content to explore. 4. Up your work-from-home game. If you’re working from home, you might be getting tired of sitting at the kitchen table or lounging on the couch. Make your work setup official by finding a designated office space within your home. Customize your space to help with productivity - like swapping your small laptop screen with an LG UltraFine Monitor for easier multitasking and an unencumbered view. 5. Increase your cleaning efficiency. Since you’re spending more time at home, you’re likely spending more time doing mundane chores. Get your cleaning done better and faster by boosting your laundry room setup. With a style-forward design that takes up half the space of a typical washer and dryer, the LG WashTower gives you the freedom to reinvent your laundry space. You’ll have room for more storage, a pet wash station, or even a new desk set-up for work or hobbies. 6. Do nothing. When you’ve run out of activities, work and chores, there’s nothing wrong with just letting yourself be. Many people don’t take enough time to decompress and recharge. Take advantage of some downtime to de-stress and relax. Small and simple actions can help make the time you spend at home more enjoyable. Follow these tips to get the most out of your downtime.—
Three Tips to Landing a PPP Loan that Works for Your Business COVID-19 has sparked unprecedented impact across industries and has changed the way almost every business operates. And while many of these businesses have probably sought funding in the past whether business loans for expansion, venture capital to launch or otherwise - the concept of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that so many businesses raced to apply for, and have since relied on - just to survive - is a first. But in a matter of months the term “PPP” has not only become familiar to most, search data indicates the acronym has officially outpaced “SBA” (Small Business Administration), also known as the government agency that manages PPP. In 2020, the SBA worked with private lenders to distribute a historic nine million loans worth $750 billion. And this week, they’ve opened the initial phase of a new $284 billion round of funding, which is intended to prioritize underserved borrowers who meet certain qualifications prior to opening up the PPP to all applicants next week.
These loans are providing a critical lifeline to businesses impacted by COVID-19 and are intended to help keep workers employed and safe, while also keeping businesses afloat. However, each round of funding is finite, making the process of obtaining a loan potentially competitive. “For many of the 30+ million small businesses across the U.S., the ability to source and secure PPP funding will determine whether or not their organizations will continue to exist,” explains Anthony Noto, CEO at SoFi, a one-stop-shop digital personal finance company. “And while many assume their options are limited to the local bank they’ve always used, traditional banks are certainly not their only option. In many cases, they’re not the best option either - especially when it comes to PPP. Product comparison sites like Lantern by SoFi are free of cost to the borrower and offer added value by equipping business owners with the insights they need to make an informed decision, enabling choice and competition in the marketplace.” Continued on page 16
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Three Tips to Landing a PPE Loan, Continued from apge 13 If your business is in need of a PPP loan, remember that evaluating a few options is a smart way to make an important decision. After all, choice isn’t a “luxury” reserved for some organizations; it’s a best practice for any business. And as you pursue next steps, consider these tips to help ensure you’re well-positioned to have your loan approved, and to assist in choosing the lender that makes the most sense for you and your business: Lean on lender networks to enable choice and competition. There’s no need to fill out multiple applications; instead, opt for one standard form to save time and help protect you and your privacy. An objective product comparison site can do the legwork of researching possible lenders and recommend options that have the capacity to provide you with timely support based on your circumstances. Look for sites that offer transparency, foster trust in the form of real lender reviews and explain the rationale for the selection you’re presented with. Have your paperwork ready. Although the SBA provides a standardized form that’s intended to help streamline the application process, many banks will still incorporate their own processes. Expect to provide the following: * 2019 tax returns (also include 2018 if you have available)
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* Payroll reports that clearly explain the rationale for your requested loan amount * Legal company formation documents or organization legal structure/setup, ownership, etc. * Documentation that explains how COVID-19 has negatively impacted your business. If you’re not sure how to go about demonstrating this, review online tips for more in-depth guidance on how to get your finances together before applying for your PPP loan. Follow up after you’ve submitted your application This is your business’ livelihood - don’t be shy. Email, call and ask for information from your lender. You should be getting feedback and information in a timely manner. Keep in mind: Once your application goes through and the funds are allocated by the SBA, your lender has 10 business days to get your loan documents and fund your PPP loan. Of course, finding a PPP lender that works for you is the most important first step. If you’re unsure which one makes sense for you and your business or even if you simply want to see what options are out there, visit lanterncredit.com. —
Pandemic Meal Preparation: How Parents are Coping with Kids at Home
In March, parents across the country had life flipped upside down. All of a sudden, they had to figure out how to work from home, guide their kids through e-learning, prepare more meals and manage the other regular duties of parenting. Little did these parents know that all those stressors would return in the fall. Three-fourths of America’s school children were engaged in some form of e-learning in late September, leaving the burden of food preparation on parents for almost every meal. According to a new Castle Wood Reserve consumer survey, seven in ten K-12 students get breakfast at home, while 66% get lunch from home and 74% get snacks at home. Because of the demand to cook and eat at home more frequently, about one-third of parents said meal preparation is more difficult this school year than it was last year. Parents also cited food availability and the challenge of planning meals as top reasons that meal preparation is more difficult. The coming months are not going to be any easier on parents. With COVID-19 case counts rising across the country, even more school districts are transitioning to full-time virtual learning. Parents are seeking convenient, delicious solutions that save them time in the kitchen. Cargill’s Castle Wood Reserve brand is working to
satisfy kids on each end of the K-12 spectrum. Cargill chefs have developed an array of quick and easy recipes with time-saving tips. Parents can make roast beef cheeseburger sliders, Monte Cristo rollups or ranch chicken club rollups for their younger kids and offer waffle toasted ham and cheese or a pizza melt to their older kids, who can handle a simple five- or ten-minute meal prep on their own. Deli meats can also be used to vary your snack routine. Simple snack recipes, like pretzel bites with ham or melon and ham skewers, can be a fun snack time change of pace for kids and help keep them satiated. Consumers can find a variety of deli meats and premium snack kits at their local retail stores that can make any meal convenient and provide the protein to keep kids full and energized throughout the day. In the survey, for most dayparts, parents cited protein as the most important nutrient that they seek for their kids. According to the USDA Dietary Reference, the recommended daily allowance of protein is 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight as part of a balanced diet. So, someone who weighs 120 pounds needs about 43 grams of protein each day. Why is it important to achieve an adequate intake of daily protein? Continued on page 18 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | FEBRUARY 2021 17
at home for e-learning, parents can assemble bento boxes or pre-packaged meals, leave them in the refrigerator and allow their kids to grab them once they are hungry. Protein helps repair cells, boosts energy and keeps Smart shoppers will also plan meals before getting us satiated longer, so kids are not constantly asking for another snack. Protein also serves a vital function groceries and stick to the outside perimeter of the as building blocks for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin store to purchase fresh ingredients, including vegand blood. etables, fruit and lean meats. Creating a shopping With health and convenience in mind, parents are game plan leads to healthier meals, while saving time making the most drastic changes to their lunches and and money. This approach will eliminate extra trips snacks. Three-fourths of parents in the survey report- to grab takeout or fast food, while diversifying your ed that lunches in their household had been impact- cooking routine at home to keep everyone in the ed by returning to school, and 68% said that snacking family excited for mealtime.— had been affected. Planning these meals ahead of time can be a lifesaver for time-crunched parents. Consumers should map out daily meal choices based on activities and school schedules for the week. When students are Pandemic Meal Preparation, Continued from page 17
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