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URAL L EADER JANUARY 2018
M AG A Z I N E
The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. — Blake Lively
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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 Practical Ways to Promote STEM Learning
14 Beyond the Diploma: Helping Teens Forge Their Futures
7 A Comedian’s Take on How to Live a Full Life
17 Women in Agriculture are Challenging Stereotypes
8 Find Your Influence Style This Year
18 Growing Need for Ag Expertise: Not all High-paid Careers are on the Farm
9 Helpful Ways to Actively Assist your Community 11 Three Steps to Help Freelancers and Gig Economy Eorkers Avoid a Tax Blunder 13 Shortage of Truck Diesel Technicians and Truck Drivers is Countrywide
19 FICO Score: Why it Matters And What You Can Do to Change It 21 Science-based Suggestions for Self-Confidence 24 Buying Life Insurance can be Complicated. But It Doesn’t Need to Be
Contact Us Rural Leader Magazine, LLC 400 West Peachtree Street Suite #4-529 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 info@ruralleadermagazine.com 1-877-281-6505 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@ruralleadermagazine.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
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 3 @RuralLeaderMag
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Remember the Dream And the Dreamer.
MLK Day JAN. 15.
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Practical Ways to Promote STEM Learning Demand for workers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers continues to explode. Data from the U.S. Department of Education predicts that growth opportunities in these fields will increase 14 percent by 2020. One way to nurture kids’ long-term potential is to make learning STEM subjects fun, hands-on and interactive. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to shake things up in the classroom or planning activities to share with the family at home, consider these creative approaches to increasing students’ interest in STEM topics. Take a field trip: When learning occurs outside the confines of a classroom, it can create unexpected sparks of interest. Build classroom field trips or family outings around destinations that offer unique ways to highlight STEM subjects. For example, setting up a tour of a local baseball stadium may be a chance to get up close and personal with the game and the field, but it’s also a way to discuss the math behind baseball. Similarly, a visit to an indoor skydiving facility is more than just exposure to an extreme sport; it’s an opportunity to learn about terminal velocity and gravity. Additional options include an outdoor nature lesson, manufacturing facility, planetarium or local farm. Introduce robotics: Between self-driving cars, drones that can aid in rescue efforts and robots that assist as a “butler” for day-to-day tasks, the future of robotics is here now. Researchers at Brandeis University found that students involved in robotics are two times more likely to take more challenging math and science courses and two times more likely to pursue STEM careers. One option to increase students’ interest in robot-
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ics is the TI-Innovator Rover, a robotic car that introduces middle school and high school students to the basics of coding and programming. Students without any coding or robotics experience can learn to write basic programs on their TI graphing calculators that make Rover do things like draw, dance or even crash. Learn more about the first calculator-controlled robotic car at education.ti.com/rover. Career show and tell: Seek out speakers or mentors who have real-world STEM careers, ranging from more traditional STEM fields like scientists or engineers to more unexpected jobs that use STEM principles every day, such as a fashion designer or an ice cream flavor scientist. Encourage kids to get handson with these careers by having guests both show and tell how they use math and science every day. For example, students can measure and cut materials to make a circle skirt, an unexpected lesson in geometry. Or they can scoop up a physics lesson on states of matter as milk transforms into ice cream. Cook up some fun: When it comes to bucking tradition, the kitchen may not be the first place you think of to drive home the benefits of STEM learning. However, the kitchen is a perfect place to explore the chemistry of combining ingredients and hone math skills such as dividing fractions when splitting a recipe. Solve real-world problems: Give students an opportunity to think through a real problem and come up with a solution. For example, challenge them to solve how they would create low-cost options for filtering water in countries without clean water. Through trial and error, students can learn that failure is OK and sometimes leads to a better solution.—
A Comedian’s Take on How to Live a Full Life
When you hear the words ‘walking dead,’ you may think of AMC’s hit zombie show “The Walking Dead,” but you don’t have to lack a pulse or crave human flesh to go throughout your life like a zombie. The debilitating effects of depression assault 15 million Americans these days. By 2020, it’s estimated that depression will become the second most common health problem in the world. But depression isn’t the only issue preventing adults from feeling content each day – perhaps it’s a stagnant job, poor health, a loss of faith or countless other factors. Author, comedian and keynote speaker Ken Davis was a member of the walking dead for years before he realized he was living an unfulfilled life — mentally, physically and spiritually. “This idea of living fully alive is not some thrill-seeking quest. It doesn’t require leaping from an airplane or riding bicycles at breakneck speeds or jumping a log cabin on skis,” says Davis. “I’ve done all that. What I longed for was to experience that sense of adventure in my everyday life. Shouldn’t we feel some of the excitement that comes from jumping off a fifty-foot cliff when we jump out of bed?” Ideally, yes. But as adults get caught up in the stressors of daily life — work, commuting, bills — it’s easy to lose sight of the many components that inter-
act to form a meaningful, healthy life. “The very nature of the words ‘fully alive’ implies completeness,” Davis says. “We are physical, social, mental and spiritual beings. To ignore any aspect of our humanity is to be only partially alive. I’m not interested in partial life any more than I’m interested in partial plates or premature death.” Davis shared his epiphany and desire to reinvigorate life in his newest book, “Fully Alive: A Journey That Will Change Your Life.” Here’s a snapshot of the advice Davis offers to his readers: • Kick guilt to the curb, and experience real freedom. • Be active for an hour a day, and find ways to push your body to its limit several times in that hour. • Develop spirituality in your life, whether through prayer, meditation, reading, connecting with nature or attending a religious service. • Focus on positive behaviors and goals, not problems and fears. Basically, Davis’ philosophy can be summed up in the newest acronym flying through Twitter, YOLO: you only live once. See what else Davis can teach you at www.fullyalivebook.com.—
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Find Your Influence Style This Year
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The ability to influence those around you is a key leadership skill. To influence effectively, you must be adept at getting your opinions and ideas heard, recognized and considered by others. Use the new year as an opportunity to try a new approach to achieve different results when trying to influence those in either the dining room or the boardroom. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Steven Stein, CEO of Multi-Health Systems, influence styles can range from reliance on position and power to education, encouragement and collaboration. Most people rely on pushing or advocating for a position, which can create a tension between parties, Stein said. It immediately draws a line in the sand between the two sides and leaves people feeling unheard and disrespected. Last year, you may have found yourself using these influence techniques: Rationalizing, which is a fact-based approach, is using logical reasoning to convince others of your point of view. When used correctly, rationalizing moves discussion to a less emotional space. It works best when the people involved haven’t already made up their minds about a certain topic. Some people react negatively to this influence style, assuming you value your data more than their feelings. Asserting involves enforcing your dominance through your position or experience to explain why people should believe you. You ask people to comply 8 RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018
rather than agree with you. Others can perceive this as aggressive, self-serving and competitive. If they don’t respect your position, your assertion will fall flat. The turn of a new year might be the time to change up your tactics. To change someone’s mind, you may want to try pulling people toward you and your point of view. If you’re starting on opposite sides of disagreement, find a way to unite the two groups by using these techniques: Bridging entails building communities based on common, mutual interests. Establish trust by listening to what others have to say. Show you’re listening and then try to find something you agree upon. Finding somewhere small to start where you can agree might help you build toward a resolution. Inspiring entails advocating for your position by encouraging others with a sense of shared purpose and exciting possibilities. Famous leaders, like Steve Jobs, are remembered for rallying their employees with passionate words and empowering people to share the same feelings. This year, if you end up arguing with a relative about politics or a colleague about an aspect of your business, take a step back. After exhausting yourselves with facts and figures, try finding common ground. Learn more about techniques for influencing others at mhs.com.—BPT
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Helpful Ways to Actively Assist your Community Social responsibility comes in all shapes and sizes, but ultimately it comes down to one common purpose: making the world a better place. From volunteering at local shelters and community centers to feeding those in need at your local food bank, there are countless ways to give back within your community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25 percent of people in the U.S. volunteered in 2015. However, studies on health and volunteering show that people who volunteer report feeling emotionally, mentally and physically better. If that’s not incentive enough, lending support to organizations in your community can often bring immediate and tangible results that give you a connection and sense of community. There are some programs that even enable people to make a difference by matching them with volunteer or funding opportunities. One example is the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. “It’s exciting to see communities strengthened by their residents,” said Angela Allen, program manager for the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, which focuses on supporting local nonprofits in rural communities with the help of local farmers.
“The good news is there are several simple and easy ways people can get involved in their communities and make a difference.” Volunteering. Nonprofit organizations rely on the support of loyal donors and volunteers to deliver on their missions to improve the communities they serve. Time and talent are among the most valuable gifts you can give a deserving cause. One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is the chance to put your energy and abilities to use for a cause you care about, whether it’s feeding the hungry, rescuing animals or some other cause that is close to your heart. Giving blood. There is an ongoing need to replenish communities’ blood supplies, whether for medical uses or in the aftermath of a tragedy. Giving blood is fast, relatively painless and can save lives. Donating. Money doesn’t make the world go ‘round, or so the saying goes. However, it can make a difference when it comes to bettering the community. Nonprofit and community organizations rely on monetary contributions not only to fulfill their existing program needs, but also to expand those services to impact more people. Rather than a single, one-time gift, consider setting up an ongoing donation so your impact continues over time. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 9
Applying for funding opportunities. Another way to help your community thrive is by exploring avenues to create new funding opportunities for nonprofits. For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program provides farmers an opportunity to help a nonprofit of their choice. Eligible farmers can enroll in the program until Nov. 1 at GrowCommunities.com for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization. Since 2010, the program has given more than $26 million to nonprofits, including food banks, emergency response organizations, youth agriculture programs and more.
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Paying it forward. Not every step you take in support of your community has to be a large one. In fact, the ripple effect of a series of smaller deeds can have a truly momentous impact. You can set the feel-good wheels in motion in your own community by simply thinking about a time when someone generously gave their own resources to benefit you and paying forward that kindness with a matching endeavor. You might let a frenzied mom go ahead of you in line at the grocery store or pay for a meal for the elderly couple behind you at the drive-thru. —
Three Steps to Help Freelancers and Gig Economy Eorkers Avoid a Tax Blunder More and more people are earning extra cash by freelancing in the sharing economy. That may mean writing on the side, playing music on the weekends, driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft or selling handmade jewelry on Etsy. No matter how the money flows in, gig economy earners must be aware of the related tax obligations and potential pitfalls. “While it’s easier now than ever to earn extra cash, it’s important for freelancers and independent contractors to get smart about their tax responsibilities,” said Mark Jaeger, director of Tax Development for TaxAct, a leading provider of affordable do-it-yourself tax software. “Gig economy earners must remember they are responsible for paying federal and state income tax on any income earned. And, they’re also subject to self-employment tax, to cover Social Security and Medicare taxes.” If you’re one of the 55 million Americans who chooses to freelance, it can be difficult to correctly calculate and report to the IRS how much tax you owe. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Enrolled Agents found that, “independent contractors participating in the gig economy were cited as among those most at risk of failing to accurately report all of their income.” Taxpayers who miscalculate taxes owed are likely
to get a form called a CP2000 from the IRS. According to the agency, that form means, “the income and/ or payment information the IRS has on file doesn’t match the information on your tax return.” That could result in issues with your tax bill. Jaeger said the best way for gig economy workers to avoid a tax misstep is to be diligent and plan ahead now. He provided the following tips to help freelancers get on track so they’re ready to tackle taxes headon this tax season. 1. Get organized. Whether you work full time and earn a little extra cash from a side hustle or you’re a full-time contractor, meticulous record-keeping is a must. One option is to keep track of all business expenses and related receipts in one large folder. Jaeger recommends taking that one step further by categorizing receipts into specific folders - for example, one folder for mileage and maintenance records, a second for rent or dues if you lease a workspace, and a third for office equipment and business-related equipment. Once a quarter, as you determine what you’ll owe for quarterly tax payments, make note of which of those receipts are deductible. 2. Keep track of your income. When you’re freelancing, you’re your own accounting department. Not only are you responsible for generating invoices GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 11
and collecting payment, you must also keep track of all income earned and accurately report it to the IRS. That can get complicated when multiple income streams are at play. For example, gig economy workers who make money freelancing for multiple clients while also moonlighting as an Uber or Lyft driver should track all income and expenses separately. That means keeping accurate records of any money paid directly by clients and keeping track of income reported on documents such as Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-K. These forms are issued when self-employment income exceeds $600 (1099-MISC) and when a contractor is paid through credit- and debit-card payment processors (1099-K). Come tax time, fill out a Schedule C for every company or client who has paid you to report all of the income you earned. 3. Make estimated tax payments. The IRS requires independent contractors to file and pay taxes on a quarterly basis, even if you anticipate getting a refund at the end of the tax year. Use a tax calculator 12 RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018
to help determine whether you should make estimated tax payments. You can also use Worksheet 2.1 in IRS Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, to figure out whether you must pay estimated tax. Whatever method you choose, make sure you calculate adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions and credits. As a rule of thumb, if you will owe at least $1,000 in taxes, you should plan to pay estimated taxes during the current tax year. Jaeger added, “If you owe estimated quarterly payments but don’t pay them in full, you could face an underpayment penalty by the IRS.” Earning extra money from your freelance work or side gig may not make you feel like you’re self-employed, but in the eyes of the IRS, you are. By planning ahead, getting organized and doing your own taxes with an affordable online option such as TaxAct, you can avoid tax missteps and stay focused on what matters most: earning income on your own terms!—
Shortage of Truck Diesel Technicians and Truck Drivers is Countrywide
As the transportation industry continues to grow and baby boomers continue to retire, the need for trained diesel mechanics and truck drivers has never been greater. Job openings span the U.S., and many sit open while businesses feel the stress of a massive talent shortage. For people seeking job security in a hands-on field, this could be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for. Whether you prefer the beauty of the open road or the puzzle of diagnosing complex mechanical equipment, each day offers a satisfying challenge, with the income potential to match. Diesel technicians. Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 12 percent by 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The experts at Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics say the growth demand is much higher in many parts of the country. Truck drivers. “Nearly 70 percent of all the freight tonnage moved in the U.S. goes on trucks,” notes the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) website www.trucking.org. “Without the industry and our truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill. To move 9.2 billion tons of freight annually requires nearly 3 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and over 3 million truck drivers.” The trucking industry has a massive shortage of drivers that continues to grow as qualified drivers age
and retire. The ATA estimates the current shortage at roughly 25,000. Industry insiders fear that number will grow in the coming years. Trained drivers ready to hit the road are in high demand. Employers highly value drivers with clean motor vehicle records who place an emphasis on safety. Correcting transportation employment misconceptions. There are many misconceptions about being a truck driver and diesel mechanic. For example, being a truck driver doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the road for weeks on end. There are many opportunities if you prefer to stay close to home. About 80 percent of Penske Logistics’ 4,500 truck drivers return home every evening thanks to flexible shifts and delivery schedules. Another common misconception is that being a diesel engine technician means turning wrenches all day. In reality, due to the electronic complexity of today’s diesel vehicles, mechanics must be able to troubleshoot computer systems and problem-solve electronic malfunctions. This aligns well with the mindset of the next generation of technicians who grew up with smartphones and social networks. How to enter these in-demand fields. Post-secondary training in diesel engine repair or commercial truck driving will put you in high demand. Technical colleges from coast to coast offer quality degree programs. Remember, just because a student graduates from a particular school doesn’t mean he or she GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 13
needs to remain in that area. Industry opportunities abound across the U.S. What are some of the ways to become a truck driver? Community colleges and truck driver schools offer the needed training. For military veterans who operated heavy-duty vehicles in the armed forces, there is a path to convert that experience into a commercial driver’s license (CDL). “We have a major need for entry-level technicians
and truck drivers,” says Ron Schwartz, director of staffing services at Penske’s Reading, Pennsylvania, headquarters. “We can take entry-level technicians and give them the tools they need to continue advancing with Penske. The drivers that we hire need at least two years of related driving experience.” To learn more about diesel mechanic and truck driving opportunities across North America, visit Penske’s website.—BPT
Beyond the Diploma: Helping Teens Forge Their Futures What’s the key to optimism? From a career standpoint, it’s having a vision where you see yourself climbing and thriving, and you know there will be a place in the world for your skills and knowledge. Unfortunately, there are many teens and young people who have a much bleaker vision of their futures. Ask them where they see themselves in five years, and they may shrug, draw a blank or get that tight feeling in their stomachs. They worry about living their lives adrift or being left behind. It’s more prevalent than you may think. Approximately 5 million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 - or one out of seven - are not enrolled in school and are unemployed, according to the Social Science Research Council’s Measure of America 14 RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018
report. Within this problem, though, is an opportunity for these youth. The U.S. has a record 6 million job openings, even as 6.8 million Americans are looking for employment. Two groups have come together to help young people pursue these in-demand jobs by providing resources to prepare them for college and their careers. Through a $3 million partnership, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Hartford will help develop the next generation’s workforce by creating 30 college and career centers in the next three years. The centers will be built in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, reaching 70,000 teens per year. Continued on page 21
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Caption 1: Brenda Wolgamott (left) and her daughter, Marin, enjoy time together on their ranch in Lockwood, California.
Women in Agriculture are Challenging Stereotypes About a third of the nation’s farmers are women, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And most of these women are working family farms, since 99 percent of all American farms are family-owned and operated. Just under 1 million women farmers contribute $12.9 billion to the nation’s economy and are responsible for farming more than 301 million acres. More women are seeking careers in agriculture, and they’re breaking stereotypes about what their roles can be. Many women in the agriculture industry are farmers who grow crops and raise animals, while others are helping advance agriculture by fulfilling non-traditional roles: Seed sales representative. Megan Moll grew up working on her family’s farm in central Michigan. Today, as a sales representative for Syngenta, she supports a network of independent seed advisers who sell the company’s corn hybrids and soybean varieties. She started with the company as an intern. “If you want to go after it, go after it,” Moll advises women who may be considering a career in agriculture. “Don’t let anything stop you.” Grape growers and winemakers. In 1999, Brenda Wolgamott and her husband, Duane, entered the wine-growing business; and in 2002, they created their own label - Marin’s Vineyard - named for their daughter, Marin Wolgamott. At age 14, Marin began delving into the science of winemaking, learning how to test grapes for sugar and pH levels in a lab, so she could provide the service to neighbors who would otherwise have to send their grapes to far-off labs for testing. Today, she is the winemaker for the vineyard. Marin’s experience and career path demonstrate “there are different avenues to get in,” she says. “Whether you want to do chemistry or love to get your hands dirty in the cellar, everyone’s job in the winery is always appreciated.”
TV host and photographer. Born and raised in rural Iowa, Marj Guyler-Alaniz graduated from Grand View University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, photography and journalism, and immediately went to work in agriculture for a crop insurance company. Inspired to draw attention to the roles of women in agriculture, she founded FarmHer, an online social community for women farmers. She now hosts the award-winning television show “FarmHer on RFD-TV.” “I think showing women who are successfully farming or ranching plants a seed in the younger generation,” Guyler-Alaniz says. “Younger girls who are interested in getting into agriculture or carrying on a family tradition can see for themselves that they can do it.” Agrobacterium researcher. At a time when few women went to college, let alone pursued a higher degree in a scientific field, Mary-Dell Chilton, Ph.D., had the curiosity and drive to bring about major change. When one of her students turned in a paper suggesting bacteria that caused a common plant disease could actually transfer a portion of its DNA to the afflicted plant, Chilton thought his theory was wrong. In the spirit of the scientific method, she tested it and instead found her student’s theory to be true. Her research laid the groundwork for transforming how scientists conduct plant genetic research. Her work in plant biotechnology has significantly affected the global agriculture industry. “I give young people today the same advice I’ve given throughout my career,” Chilton says. “Pursue what you love and what fascinates you, and the rest will follow.” To learn more about women in agriculture and farm news, visit SyngentaThrive.com.—
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Caption 1: 2015 Syngenta Scholarship Graduate Winner Mitch Roth pursuing a Ph.D. in Genetics at Michigan State University.
Growing Need for Ag Expertise: Not all High-paid Careers are on the Farm As the farming industry faces growing consolidation in the U.S., one might get the impression fewer jobs are now available in agriculture. In fact, just the opposite is true. Today, one in three people worldwide - more than a billion employees - work in an ag-related industry. Industry growth and digital innovation combined with retirements are driving significant demand for college grads and other professionals, including those without experience in typical ag-related subjects, and many feature excellent salaries. The USDA and Purdue University predict 57,900 jobs requiring ag skills will become available each year between now and 2020 while only 35,000 grads in food, ag, renewable resources or environment studies will look to fill those jobs each year. Further, the average starting salary in the U.S. for those graduating with bachelor’s degrees in agriculture or natural resources was a healthy $54,364 as of winter 2017, a 12 percent increase from 2016. “People are starting to discover (agriculture) is 18 RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018
a pretty good industry to be in,” Iowa State College Career Services Director Mike Gaul recently told CNBC. “They realize this sector isn’t our traditional what-we-joke ‘cows, plows and sows’ industry anymore. It’s incredibly diverse.” The expectation is that grads with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and/or the environment will fill 61 percent of all ag-related openings, while employers must seek grads in other majors to fill the 39 percent gap. Notably, women already make up more than half of the higher-ed grads in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and environmental studies. High school grads considering degrees in agriculture might consider one of these highest-paying ag occupations: 1. C-suite executives: The CEOs, COOs and CFOs at ag startups or established corporations routinely earn $200,000-plus for overseeing company growth and profitability. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is generally needed in addition to a background in
leadership and at least five years’ industry experience. M2. Ag lawyers: Because ag is so highly regulated, such professionals may handle issues related to water, land use, pesticides, seeds, the environment, labor/ HR, immigration, commerce, intellectual property, mergers/acquisitions, etc. Salaries average out at $160,000. Required: a bachelor’s degree followed by a J.D. and completed state bar exam. 3. Ag sales managers: Those skilled in overseeing sales teams are earning an average $125,000-plus annually. Most hold bachelor’s degrees in agronomy, crop science, soil science, biology, agricultural business or a related field. 4. Ag scientists: Salaries average out at $120,000. A bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient, with in-demand specialties including bioinformatics, animal genetics or the regulatory environment (managing and strategizing a product through the regulatory process). 5. Ag engineers: Among specialties in demand are
environmental, ethanol and mechanical engineers, with average salaries running upwards of $80,000 for those holding bachelor’s degrees. Bottom line: The next generation of ag specialists will be crucial to helping solve the world’s most pressing issues. Agricultural company Syngenta is supporting that cause by bestowing multiple college scholarships to ag students each year, and of course hiring many grads in various majors. “This is an exciting time in agriculture because we have new tools to develop better seeds and crop protection products, as well as digital solutions to help farmers be more productive,” says Ian Jepson, head of trait research and developmental biology at Syngenta. “We encourage students to think about the wide range of challenging and rewarding careers in companies like ours to help develop and deliver what farmers need to feed the world.”—
FICO Score: Why it Matters And What You Can Do to Change It For anyone who has tried to borrow money to purchase a car, buy a home or open a revolving line of credit, you may be familiar with the term FICO Score. The vast majority of lenders use this scoring model, which essentially determines a person’s creditworthiness. “The FICO Score may seem like a big, daunting mystery, especially since your score can have a huge impact on your ability to borrow money at a competitive rate,” said Jim Johnston, of Colorado-based
Bellco Credit Union. “The truth is, however, you do have power over your credit score, and there are things you can do to improve it over time.” First, it’s important to understand what makes up your total FICO score. (FICO was named for the data analytics company Fair Isaac Co., which created the first credit-scoring system.) In general, a credit score breaks down as follows: * 35 percent is your payment history - Do you pay bills on time? GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 19
* 30 percent is the amounts you owe (on loans, credit cards, etc.) - Owing money on different credit accounts is not necessarily bad, especially if you’re paying your bills on time every month. FICO takes into account how many of your accounts have balances, if you’re using your entire credit line, and how much of any installment loan (like a car loan) you still owe. * 15 percent is the length of your credit history - In general, having a long credit history is good, but even if you’re young and barely have any credit history (such as having credit cards and a new car loan), you can still have a high FICO score. * 10 percent is your credit mix - What is your mix of credit, meaning credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, mortgage loans, etc.? A good mix of credit, especially with a history of on-time payments, is helpful to your score. * 10 percent is any new credit - If you’ve opened numerous credit accounts in a short period of time, this can have a negative impact on your credit score. Although closing a credit account still shows up on your credit history, it has no impact on your score. Repairing your credit takes time, so it’s important to be patient. Below are three immediate things you can do. 1. Check your credit report - The first thing you should do is get a free copy of your credit report and
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make sure there are no errors. If you find an error, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureau. 2. Get organized - Don’t make any more late payments on your credit cards. The best way to do this is to get organized. Set up auto payments through your bank or credit union, or set reminders to make payments before they are due. 3. Pay down your debt - While this is no easy task, it will make a difference. Use your credit report to make a list of all your credit cards and the balances you owe. Pick the credit cards with the highest interest rates, and tackle those balances first. Most importantly, don’t add to your debt by continuing to use your credit cards. Keep in mind, your FICO Score does not take into account your annual income, length of employment, or if you may be receiving other sources of financial support such as alimony or child support. However, these are things that your bank or credit union can take into consideration when you’re borrowing money, so it’s not all about the FICO Score. Finally, knowledge is power. Understand what your FICO Score is, how a good or bad score can impact your life, and if a low FICO Score is holding you back from being able to buy your first home or car. There’s no better time than now to begin to make positive changes to improve your score.—
Science-based Suggestions for Self-Confidence
A recent study shows your perception of your own image has a profound effect on how you present yourself to the rest of the world. Those findings could be empowering since even small changes to your self-care routine can significantly boost your self-confidence. The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found those who believe in their own attractiveness view themselves as having higher social status. “The finding that your assessment of yourself shapes your view of yourself and others puts power into your hands,” the authors note. MConsider how these science-based suggestions may help you put your best foot forward when dealing with everything life throws your way. * Get moving. Regardless of your fitness goals, the fact is you’re likely to feel better physically, emotionally and mentally after you exercise. Research also shows it can improve your self-esteem. * Ramp up your smile. Scientists say our brains are zapped with an instant mood boost when we smile, and that boost is reinforced when others smile back. Further, whiter teeth can have a direct effect on our social and professional interactions, and they’re now easy to achieve through consumer brands like Rembrandt’s 1 Week Whitening Kit that can achieve professional-level results at home within a week. * Let your body language communicate self-respect. Keeping your shoulders pulled back and your body straight and tall communicates confidence to
your brain, studies show. Research found the most empowering stance is one in which your arms are held slightly away from your torso, your body is open and your head is up. * Optimize color in your clothing. The right shade may light up your entire face and have a surprising impact on your mood. “Choosing the color of your office, your clothes or your desktop should not be taken lightly - colors do affect our moods and productivity,” states a recent article on Scienceofpeople. com. “When given the choice, picking a color that will work with you and not against you can only help.” * Wear scent strategically. Because our brains link certain smells to positive experiences, research suggests we may be able to ramp up our confidence with scents that remind us of happy times. That’s why aromatherapy can help alleviate anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, and improve quality of life for those with chronic health issues, confirms the Mayo Clinic. Bottom line: When you’re taking care of yourself and projecting your best self, you’re far more likely to project the confidence you need to deal effectively with life. “Confidence can make or break a lot of things,” advises Lecia Bushak on Medicaldaily.com. “In our extrovert-centric society, confidence can get you a job, a girlfriend, and the courage to say no to people or situations that are toxic to you. Confidence is knowing yourself and taking care of yourself, too.”— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018 21
Beyond the Diploma, Cont'd from page 13 “This partnership is part of The Hartford’s commitment to help build successful communities through targeted philanthropic investment and employee volunteerism,” said Diane Cantello, vice president of corporate sustainability at The Hartford. “We are proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to give teens access to relevant and inspiring resources as they plan their futures.” With career preparation in mind, it’s never too early for any teen to start thinking about how to achieve workforce success. Here are some tips from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Hartford to help young people find traction. Set short-term and long-term goals. From passing next Friday’s test to graduating high school and pursuing a college degree, focus on setting and achieving individual goals that ladder up to your vision of success. Take time to think about the progression of steps that need to take place between now and where you hope to see yourself in the future. At the same time, don’t get overwhelmed. After all, each journey begins with a single step. And each step can shape your future in ways that are both large and small. Learn how to look for a job - and how to stand out. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, or starting to put together your resume, learn about what hiring managers are looking for. Spend time revising your application and resume, and ask trusted adults to help you fine-tune it. It’s also worthwhile to put your video camera to use to practice job interviews. Do some research on common interview questions and then film yourself as you answer. Learning to respond to these questions with confidence and poise will help you stand out above the crowd. It’s never too early to network. Perhaps you’ve
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heard the saying that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” While it’s true that the economy isn’t exactly stable and technology is rapidly transforming the job market, the most valuable resource in a job search is people. Talk to teachers, guidance counselors, mentors and parents about your career interests; not only can they provide feedback on what fields they see as a potential fit, they can also connect you with people in those careers for a job shadow or informational interview. Volunteer. If you already know what you want to do, finding a volunteer opportunity is a great way to get hands-on experience. Or if you’re not sure yet, volunteering allows you to try out different things and discover what you find interesting. Take the opportunity to volunteer - on top of all the other benefits to yourself and others, community service stands out to employers, so be sure to include these experiences in your resume and talk about them during your interviews. Pursue your passions. Discovering what you’re passionate about is a lifelong pursuit that will evolve and change over time; however, you will spend a significant portion of your life working, so why not make it as enjoyable as possible? Think about the things you love most and areas where you excel, then consider potential career options that align with those interests and skills. And above all, don’t be afraid to fail. If you discover at some point that your chosen path isn’t the best fit after all, it’s disappointing, but don’t be discouraged. Learning these things now will only help you find the career path that’s right for you.—BPT
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Buying Life Insurance can be Complicated. But It Doesn’t Need to Be Getting insurance can be famously complex and time-consuming. Whether it’s life, health, automobile or home, it takes time to understand what coverage you need and how to get it. As a result, it’s easy to put off items that don’t feel truly urgent until it’s too late. Buying life insurance and helping to protect your family in the event of the unexpected is one of the most important purchases you can make. Doing this right requires a clear understanding of how much coverage you need, what a policy actually covers and how much you can reasonably afford. That’s a tall order for anyone. But life insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. Understanding the basics - and taking advantage of the tools out there that can help you find the right policy in just minutes - are all you need to help protect your family’s future. So, what do you need to know about life insurance to make an informed decision? Let’s answer your questions and clear up some myths first - and then explain your options. Isn’t life insurance for older people? I’m young and healthy. I don’t need it. The answer is a resounding 24 RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2018
no, and for obvious reasons: Even the young and healthy are at risk for the unexpected, from accidents to sudden illness. Life insurance can help you and your loved ones - whether that’s your children, parents or siblings - prepare for the unknown and make the right financial decisions. Laying the groundwork for that protection now, when you’re healthy and young, is an important step in building a sound financial future. The good news is that there are different types of insurance policies that can best serve you and your family’s needs. Whole life insurance, which is what we often think of when we’re considering a life insurance policy, offers coverage you can’t outlive, with the cash value of the policy growing over time. If you have big responsibilities right now and are still healthy, term life insurance, which can replace income and cover expenses in the unfortunate event of an early death, might be the better option. You can choose the timespan of the policy based on your family’s needs (for example, if you’re just starting your family, you may want to opt for a 20- to 30-year policy to make sure your children are covered until
they’re adults). In an ideal world, your family will never need the policy, but it’s a strong safety net that can help you feel more secure, regardless of what the future holds. But life insurance is expensive! Life insurance costs can be high, yes - but that’s not a given. Understanding the amount and type of coverage you need keeps costs down. Being underinsured can be distressing in an emergency; being over-insured can eat away at your financial planning. Opting for a term life policy can help you solve these challenges. Their premiums are typically lower, and allow you to only cover the most likely scenarios for your age demographic. This helps, but I’m still not sure which policy I need. And I’m too busy to keep searching. This is where products like TruStage(R) come into play. You don’t need to spend hours assessing your risk and sorting through the clutter yourself; you have access to an online application as well as licensed agents that can help take the guesswork out of the process. ruStage offers a simplified-issue term life insurance product that helps demystify the process for you through an online application process that takes about 10 minutes to complete.* After answering a
few health questions, their automated process delivers a decision in minutes, offering coverage amounts of $5,000 to $300,000 to provide protection for home mortgages, children’s education, income replacement and final expenses. It also provides coverage options based on your budget, rather than making you estimate the amount of coverage you need. In other words, in the time it takes you make a box of mac ‘n’ cheese, you could help protect your family. Where do I go to get started? Visit www.trustage. com to fill out the online form. Include if you’re a credit union member, but even if you aren’t, you could still be eligible to apply for coverage. Questions about TruStage? Call 1-855-309-2688.—BPT Source: TruStage.com Production WEB Policies Time reporting 2017. TruStage(R) insurance products are made available through TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC. Life insurance, annuities, & accidental death & dismemberment insurance are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. The insurance offered is not a deposit, and is not federally insured, sold or guaranteed by your credit union.
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