JULY 2017
Don't judge
everyday by the harvest You Reap, But by the Seeds You Plant.— Robert L. Stevenson
Now Open: 2017 National Call Small Town America's 100 Most Influential People GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017 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
Guest Contributor Samuel Williams, III, M.D. Primary Care Physician and Geriatrician
5 From Baltimore to Louisville: Taking Care of Nursing Home Eligible Elders, Our Responsibility 6 Four Simple Ways to Stay Productive And Conquer Your Todo List 9 Health and Wellness Benefits of Volunteering 10 National Call for Small Town America's 100 Most Influential People 12 Five Essential Soft Skills for a Job Interview
13 Five Tips to Find the Financial Advisor to Match Your Retirement Goals 14 Six Tips for Decoding College Financial Aid Award Letters 16 Five Steps to Creating Happiness in Your Workplace 20 All that is Glitz and Glamour for the Girls 21 Before You Cruise, Embark on a Fun-Finding Mission in Your Port City
Contact Us Rural Leader Magazine, LLC 400 West Peachtree Street Suite #4-529 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 info@ruralleadermagazine.com 1-866-293-1162
Join Today! Visit GSAACC.org 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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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@ RuralLeaderMagazine.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,
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Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017 3 @RuralLeaderMag
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From Baltimore to Louisville: Taking Care of Nursing Home Eligible Elders, Our Responsibility By Dr. Samuel K. Williams, III, M.D.
I trained at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center under the tutelage of some great geriatricians (physicians for older adults) and with amazing colleagues at the community health center where I worked for two years, Total Health Care, Inc. My training at Hopkins was very broad based and covered every imaginable aspect of geriatric medicine and gerontology, including geriatric psychiatry and sub-specialty rotations. Perhaps the most interesting part of my training experience was the Elder House Call rotation, which exposed me to the highly varied circumstances that elders face when they are homebound — essentially unable to realistically make trips to their doctor for reasons secondary to physical or mental disability among others. I made those house calls on foot, with minimal supplies and encountered patients in their "natural environment." I encountered Chihuahuas, exotic birds, luxurious spaces, indigent spaces and even pistols. However, the patients truly benefited from the expert care that we were able to provide to them right in the comfort of their own homes. I really gained a valuable understanding of the situations that impacted older adults' health care when they were unable to leave their home and how to utilize a global perspective in making appropriate health care decisions for such home-bound elders. Truly, if every patient was taken care of in his or her home by their physician then the care that would be provided for them would be drastically different from the care that is provided in an office. Perhaps the phenomenon termed "white coat hypertension," where a patient's blood pressure rises because of the stress of the doctor's visit, would no longer exist. Indeed, home blood pressure monitoring provides a more accurate assessment of a patient's blood pressure than in-office measurement. This type of assessment, in and of itself, could reduce inappropriate prescribing of antihypertensive medications. As I explored the health care needs of older adults in the inner city, while working at Total Health Care (THC) I was able to interface with the community to provide much needed care to many elderly people. Total health care is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides care to individuals who
lack insurance or are underinsured, and to others who choose to receive care there. Institutions like THC, including rural health clinics do a tremendous job taking care of patients who need health care the most, but the resources are limited and the patient population is unlimited, so to speak. In the area of home visits, funding is lacking. The physicians at FQHCs have to carry a huge responsibility and take care of large numbers of patients, and they may go unrecognized for their efforts. In some cases, physician turnover may be high, but in others, physicians, for the love of their fellow man, remain in these institutions for longer periods of time. It is important to train physicians to return to their communities and to remain in them providing much needed care. Even though I've moved from the "big city" to a small, rural community in Georgia, where I'm practicing "country medicine," my educational/practice experiences in Baltimore have expanded my perspective of providing care to vulnerable elders. For example, I’m now working at Jefferson Hospital in Louisville, Georgia. In this rural setting there is still a need to provide care for patients who, for reasons of disability, are unable to make it to their doctor’s office. Elders that are unable to make it to their physician for medical reasons are considered “nursing home eligible.” This means that these patients could live in a nursing home if they, or their community, had the resources to provide nursing home care for them. One approach to providing care for nursing home eligible elders, which involves providing some care for the patients in their home environment (and also transporting them to their clinic appointments) is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE, from their website, “. . . is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility.” I worked in a PACE Program in Boston, MA and in Baltimore, Maryland (as a trainee). In the PACE program elders were picked up from their home in a van and transported to clinic. Continued on page 11 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017 5
Four Simple Ways to Stay Productive And Conquer Your To-do List
Did you know that in an average week, 75 percent of Americans skip doing something for themselves because they didn’t adequately plan or allow enough time for it? Does looking at your to-do list feel so daunting that it discourages you from making any progress at all? You’re not alone. A new Post-it Brand productivity study found that more than 1 in 4 Americans feel completing everything in their weekly to-do list is harder than running a marathon. Juggling multiple tasks at one time, along with a never-ending to-do list, is a common challenge for everyone - even those at the top of their game. Two professionals in the culinary and fitness industries share some of their tips to help you take control of your to-do list and increase your productivity. The ‘write’ way You’re 42 percent more likely to get something done if you write it down, according to research from the Dominican University of California. Creating a to-do list is an efficient way to visualize and prioritize your tasks, both short-term and long-term. Celebrity chef Russell Jackson is always looking for ways to be more productive and stay inspired. “Writing 6 RuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017
items down helps me feel that I’ve taken the first step in conquering the task,” he says. “I like to think of lists as a roadmap to help me visualize what I need to achieve.” Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 4 inches x 6 inches, are a perfect tool for jotting down tasks, goals and to-dos, and when paired with flags and tabs, it’s easy to keep important information at your fingertips, stay organized and take your to-do list wherever you go! Break it down Too often people attempt to improve their productivity by tackling large projects in a single session. The results may be disappointing and, in many cases, the project is left unfinished. Instead of getting bogged down in the entire scope of a project, take time to break down to-dos into digestible actions, and goals into specific, manageable categories and tasks. This allows you to focus on handling each of these smaller objectives so you can transition some goals from to-do to done. Toss your tech “Technology isn’t always the answer to checking things off your to-do list,” says Jackson, adding that even a tech lover such as himself needs a tactile
method to spark creativity. Without a screen limiting you to seeing only the small tasks at hand, take advantage of a large surface and use Easel Pads to move big ideas around so you can see everything you are trying to accomplish. Seeing how fluid tasks can be can relieve some stress. Clear your mind If you find your current strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Go for a walk or clear your head by taking 15 minutes to do something you enjoy. For world-renowned fitness artist and celebrity trainer Nicole Winhoffer, even a 10-minute jog can help bring fresh ideas. She uses Post-it List Notes to write down her post-workout inspirational thoughts. “When you come back to your task after that quick sweat session, write down the first things that come to mind - those can spark ideas that you might never have thought of.” Post-it Brand created a quiz to help you learn more about your list-making style and to find solutions and tools to help you be productive, tackle your todo lists and achieve your goals. Visit www.post-it.
com/quiz to take the short quiz and find solutions tailored for you to boost your productivity. Survey details: The Post-it Brand Productivity Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www. wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,021 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between March 30 and April 5, 2017, using an email invitation and an online survey.—BPT
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Health and Wellness Benefits of Volunteering
In the business world, we hear a lot about the bottom line and quarterly reports. For those in the nonprofit sector, it’s often a matter of reaching fundraising goals and achieving their mission statement. No matter what kind of organization you work for, there are big-picture goals, but of course there are more. Increasingly, companies are realizing that part of this big picture is giving their employees the opportunity to volunteer for worthy causes, even paying them to do so. These efforts can lead to some serious collective gains. For example, according to The Health of America - Community Investment Report, employees from the 36 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies volunteered more than 400,000 hours and donated over $11 million in 2016 alone. Individual efforts really do add up. Whatever program your employer has in place, here are some of the enormous personal benefits that come with volunteering. Productivity. Many would like to volunteer but just don’t have the time. Who doesn’t want to take a little time off and get away from their busy lifestyle and just relax? In a way, volunteering can help you do just that. According to a study in the Harvard Business Review, helping or giving your time to others can make you feel like you have more time, and in turn, make you a more productive worker. Health. Many studies have found that people who regularly volunteer tend to lead healthier lives and
have a reduced risk of heart disease. The jury is still out as to why exactly this is, but giving back to others seems to reduce stress, build confidence and increase a person’s sense of satisfaction. These psychological factors play an enormous role in our physical health. While they help create connections and build community, volunteers also get a huge amount of personal benefits from their work. Better health, a sense of satisfaction and joy that comes with helping others are only a few of the reasons why more people are deciding to give their time to others. Community. In our digital age when everyone is engrossed in their smartphones and seem to be locked in their own world, connecting with others - whether it’s those in need or other volunteers - is more important than ever. This is what happened when BCBS companies spearheaded efforts to improve health care access for the uninsured and under-insured. Volunteers helped at mobile clinics and food banks and with educational programs, making invaluable contributions and connections in their communities. Family. When their employer gives them the opportunity to take a day or two off to volunteer, many people bring their family along. The reason is simple: coming together to do something for others is an incredible bonding experience and can really strengthen relationships.—BPT
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Citizens of small towns and cities across the nation are truly unsung heroes. The level of involvement, commitment, and intense effort to improve their communities sometimes go unnoticed. They serve in various capacities throughout our nation: some are doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, bankers, ministers, business owners, and the like. The full scope of their individual contributions may never be fully realized by those who do not understand the small town dynamic. They are everyday people doing extraordinary things. Collectively, these exemplary individuals represent the heart and soul of small communities; and so, Rural Leader Magazine aims to recognize Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential Citizens. We need your help to find these deserving individuals.
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Here's a hint of who we're looking for: 1. Nominee must reside within the United States and live or work within a small town or city with a population of 80,000 or less; 2. Nominee must be at least 18; 3. An Individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an individual, group, or organization; 4. Must have made a significant contribution to their community. 5. A completed nomination form must be submitted between July and August 30 online or by submitting supporting documents via email to editor@ruralleadermagazine.com The 100 nominees selected will be featured in the December issue of Rural Leader Magazine as Small Town America’s Most Influential.—
From Baltimore to Louisville, Continued from pg. 5 Housed within the PACE facility were physical ther apy/occupational therapy, social worker, activities room, psychiatric services, and primary care clinic. PACE participants were able to see their physician if needed for emergency medical issues—and their doctor was not far away. The PACE clinic that I worked in in Boston, MA even housed a dementia unit for patients with dementing illnesses. I distinctly remember that in this particular dementia unit there were 2-3 patients with dementia sitting quietly at a table listening to comforting music. The patients at the PACE program generally seemed to be quite content with the care that they received. As a trainee, I benefited from being able to interact with patients in a comfortable setting. Similar to Baltimore, a focused and dedicated geriatric medicine program would be highly valuable in Jefferson County, Georgia. In addition, bringing the PACE model of care to Georgia would potentially expand and improve services to elderly patients
who need the most loving attention—those that are disabled, yet would prefer to remain in their home instead of going to a nursing home. Until then, clinics should start/continue to adopt practice models and also design their clinics to cater to the needs of the elderly and the handicapped to truly extend quality health care to all those who need it, whether in rural or urban settings. — About the Author Samuel Williams, III, M.D. is a primary care physician and geriatrician at Jefferson Hospital in Louisville, Georgia.
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Five Essential Soft Skills for a Job Interview Picture this: After months of networking and polishing your resume, you managed to make the necessary connections, get in front of the right people and land an interview. You deserve to be here. After all, you have an impressive background, great experience, fantastic references and are confident you can exceed the requirements of the job. The interview is really just a formality. For many, the hardest part of the job hunt is simply getting an interview. However, many top candidates get passed over and are surprised when they are not offered a job. The reason for this is they often spend a lot of time practicing how to answer questions and explaining their qualifications, but forget about the soft skills. A successful interview is about making the right impression, and these five soft skills are essential to making the impression that leads to a job offer. 1. A memorable appearance. We all know you need to dress your best before going into an interview, but you should go the extra mile to ensure the person you meet with remembers you. In addition to looking clean, tidy and professional, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and will make others notice. 2. Be ready to floss on the go. If someone notices something in your teeth, a piece of spinach or fleck of cereal, they won’t be able to see anything else. Before any interview, be sure to have a pack of Plackers 12 RuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017
Flossers with you. Made with strong floss that can quickly remove any gunk stuck in your teeth, these convenient one-handed flossers also double as a toothpick. Don’t leave home without them! 3. Exude confidence. Beyond just making you look good, the big reason behind dressing well and double checking that your teeth are clean and free of gunk is because this will give you confidence. Hiring managers can tell the difference between someone who is confident and someone who is not. Needless to say, they’re more impressed by confidence! So even if you’re nervous, dress up, keep clean, give a firm handshake and-if you have to-fake it until you make it! 4. Keep it positive. How you answer questions is often just as important as the answers you give. Always frame what you say in a positive note. In describing difficult managers or poor work conditions at other companies, frame it as a challenge you were happy to take on, an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, remember to smile! 5. Eat well. You might be nervous and lose your appetite, but be sure you eat well the night before and the morning of the interview. Whole grains and foods loaded with fatty acids, such as salmon, eggs and kale, can help you feel great and relaxed for the interview. Just remember to have a few Plackers Flossers on hand so that energizing meal doesn’t become an unsightly mess in your mouth!—BPT
Five Tips to Find the Financial Advisor to Match Your Retirement Goals The idea of retirement may start out as a distant dream. You have hopes and plans for that special time that seems so far away. Sooner or later that time will be here and hopefully you’ll be ready. However, recent research shows many people are not prepared to enjoy a financially stable retirement. A study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute states: * Only 18 percent of people are very confident they will have the savings they need for a comfortable retirement; * One-third of people aren’t confident they will be able to cover basic living expenses in retirement; * 45 percent of Americans aren’t confident they will be able to cover their medical expenses once they’re retired; * 3 in 10 workers report that preparing for retirement causes them to feel mentally or emotionally stressed. Securing your retirement through financial planning “Many people recognize the value of saving for a comfortable retirement. They just don’t know how to manage their money effectively to maximize their savings and realize their dreams,” says Geoffrey
Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. “To create an actionable strategy for saving, consumers should look for financial planners who are fiduciaries for help. These professionals are entrusted to manage assets or wealth while putting the client’s best interests first at all times.” Financial planners provide support and advice on a wide array of financial topics, including budgeting, estate planning, investments, education funding, insurance and risk management, healthcare planning, and, of course, retirement planning and senior issues. Financial planners who are members of NAPFA are all fee-only and compensated solely through fees from their clients, rather than by transaction-based commissions. Most commissions-based advisors are salespeople rather than comprehensive financial planners. All NAPFA members also sign a fiduciary oath, meaning they must disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients prior to and throughout the advisory engagement. Working with a fee-only fiduciary means you can be sure the advice you receive from your financial planner is in your best interest, not their best interest. Continued on page 16 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017 13
Six Tips for Decoding College Financial Aid Award Letters Cut through the chaos with expert tips for understanding college financial aid letters
Whether you’re a high school senior or an adult looking to change careers, a college degree can be the key to a bright future. As acceptance letters arrive in the mail, another important document is not far behind: financial aid letters. “College is a major investment, and many people require financial assistance to pay for it,” says Harlan Cohen, New York Times best-selling author and creator of the Naked Financial Minute. “It’s vital to understand financial aid so you can make informed choices and avoid surprises in the future.” The average cost of tuition and fees for the 20162017 school year is $33,480 at private colleges, $9,650 for state residents at public colleges, and $24,930 for out-of-state residents attending public universities, according to the College Board. In order to find out what aid you qualify for, you should start by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your information is processed, and you’ve applied to the colleges of your choice, you’ll receive financial aid award letters in the mail with the results from each school where you were accepted. Not all financial aid letters are the same, so de14 RuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017
ciphering and comparing them can be confusing. To help get you started, the experts at College Ave Student Loans share tips and tricks for how to easily understand your financial aid letter. Look carefully at symbols and terms: College award letters may use different wording and abbreviations. For instance, rather than spelling out the word “loan” you could see “L” or “LN”. You might also see “net price” and “net cost.” Look carefully at how each school calculates these amounts. Some schools will subtract loan amounts from these figures. Just remember that loans need to be paid back, usually with interest; loans can help you spread the cost of college over time, but they don’t eliminate the expense. Know the difference between gift aid and loans: Gift aid is money that is awarded to qualifying students that isn’t expected to be paid back. Gift aid includes things like scholarships, grants, and housing or tuition waivers. Not all applicants will qualify for gift aid, but most will be eligible for federal loans. As a general rule, you should expect that you’ll need to pay loans back, usually with interest. Be aware of the impact of outside scholarships: If a
student is awarded a private scholarship, the financial aid letter may list its effect on the amount of money offered by the school or in federal aid because the student’s financial need has already been partially covered. This could impact gift aid, loan amounts, or both. Keep an eye out for work-study offers: If you indicated an interest during the FAFSA application, your financial aid letter may list approval for a work-study job that provides money toward your studies and fits with your class schedule. The money you earn is typically applied directly to your school expenses. Understand your expected family contribution (EFC): Depending on your personal circumstances, there may be a line item for expected family contribution. This is the amount of money your family is expected to contribute toward your college education based on their tax and savings information. This will impact your overall award package. Think about additional costs: Your financial aid letter may not include all of the costs associated with going to school. Think beyond tuition and make sure you have an idea of what you’ll be spending on housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, additional fees, and other living expenses. If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn’t enough (including the amount offered in federal
loans), families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Look for competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options that match your budget. College Ave Student Loans also offers a calculator that showcases how much families can save with various loan options at www.collegeavestudentloans. com. Finally, if you’re still unclear about the terms and conditions of any college award letter, it’s important to reach out to the school to ask for clarification or discuss your options. You don’t want to leave any money on the table.—BPT
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5 Steps to Creating Happiness in Your Workplace Each workday, the average American spends 8.8 hours at work or on work-related activities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s even more time than people spend sleeping. And because we spend so much time at work, it’s in your and your employer’s best interest to make workplaces the happiest environment it can be. Workplace comfort and happiness is highly impactful in retention and recruitment, as well as an individual’s productivity, satisfaction and ultimately, a company’s or business’s ROI. It’s not just free snacks, pizza or bagel Fridays, big windows or colorful conference rooms and ping pong tables. In fact, there’s a science behind what drives happiness in the workplace and what can be done to achieve it, through light, furniture, ergonomics and movement. To ensure both employers and employees can create and maintain an ideal workplace environment, Dr. Mike O’Neill, lead global researcher of workplace strategy and market analytics at Haworth, a leading furniture company based in Holland, MI, shares five tips to improve the happiness of your work environment: * Bring order to the chaos. If you have an important meeting coming up or you’re under a lot of stress, cleaning your workspace can help. A clean workspace allows you to arrive and immediately get to your most important task without wasting time. Plugging devices in to charge, color coding your files, even fill16 RuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017
ing or cleaning your water bottle the night before can help. The more organized your workstation, the more organized you’ll be to start your day. For employers, ensure your employees have streamlined and legible space. Workstations tailored to individual and group tasks help to promote legibility in the workplace, with clear indications of space designed to promote certain activities. * Adjust your workspace to fit you. Whether it’s a height-adjustable work surface, an ergonomic chair or even a wrist base for your keyboard, simple comforts can have a monumental impact on your productivity. Take the time to adjust your workspace and posture to fit your needs instead of “making do” month after month. And don’t be afraid to ask your employer for solutions to help. The tools you need may already exist, you simply need to raise the question. For employers, be cognizant of employee needs in seating and the functionality of their space. Not all employees or tasks require the same template. Consider seating options that promote ergonomic health, desks and stands that compliment required privacy or sharing, and structure that encourages movement and healthy habits. * Let in the light. Everyone values the corner office or space closest to the window - and that’s not coincidence, as natural light is proven to provide renewed energy and vitamin intake. If your workstation leaves you lacking some sunlight, take a little time each day
to find some natural light. A quick 15-minute trip to the office atrium or even a simple walk outside can leave you feeling rejuvenated. Make a quick coffee run or take your computer outside to catch up on emails - you won’t regret it. As an employer, it can be challenging to ensure daylight options depending on real estate availability. If there is minimal natural light in the office, consider expanding to incorporate outdoor workstations, or simply encourage remote work or brief breaks to increase sunlight exposure. * Master your technology. We all recognize and understand the frustrations faulty technology can bring. And while you may have little input regarding the types of printers or computers your office uses or in who the conference call provider is, improving your technical knowledge will lower your frustration and your anxiety. Take any training sessions offered by your IT department and/or watch available videos to learn how to use any given technology more efficiently. Run that system upgrade you’ve been putting off - provided you have IT approval. Your machine will run more smoothly and so will you. For employers, it’s critical to understand the day-today technologies that impact employee productivity and happiness, for both individual and group tasks. Ensure costs have been allocated to optimize technology and training in areas that are most impactful, and cut costs in areas of least impact (or perhaps frivolous add-ons that can be eliminated). Ensure employees understand training and troubleshooting that is available to them. * Stand up for storage. Adding storage solutions to your workspace is about more than simply clear-
ing the clutter; it’s about taking ownership of the area where you spend so much time. A natural place to put your personal belongings or hang your coat makes your workspace feel more like home. As an employer, it’s important to empower employees with the control over their workspaces. Oftentimes, organizational tools and tactics can provide this - from designated compartments, shelving, cabinets and drawers. Customizable organization and storage can be critical to feeling control over the workspace and happiness in the workplace. Until the day you retire, your workplace will be an integral part of your life, so as a reminder, make it the happiest it can be. For more whitepapers, case studies, infographics and shareable ideas on improving workplace happiness for yourself and your co-workers, visit www.atworkhappiness.com.
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Retirement Goals, Continued from page 11 To find the right financial planner for you and your needs, follow these tips from NAPFA: * Finalize your own initial strategy. Before looking for a financial planner, think about the goals you want to attain: What are you saving for? Are you trying to prepare for retirement, save for a new home or put a child through college? Maybe you’re saving for all the above. Once you understand your goals, it will be easier to find a planner who can help you reach them. * Select several advisors. Don’t narrow your focus when looking for the right financial planner. Instead, consult websites like NAPFA.org. Use the NAPFA Find an Advisor search platform to locate a financial planner who can help you get where you’re going. Word of mouth is fine for some pursuits, but your financial goals are specific to your life, and probably differ greatly from those of your friends. Once you have a “short list” of possible planners, then you are ready to move on to the next step. * Do your homework. When it comes to vetting a financial planner, a little research goes a long way. Once you’ve collected the names of a couple of planners that appeal to you, learn a little more about them. Visit their company websites or review their LinkedIn profiles to learn more about the company and the planner. You can also search the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission site or BrokerCheck by FINRA to learn more about the planner’s disci-
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plinary history. It’s important to review an advisor’s disciplinary records, their practice focus and their credentials - such as whether or not they are a Certified Financial Planner(TM) (CFP(R)) professional. This work can help you ask the right questions when setting up your first in-person meeting. * Meet them face-to-face. If you like everything you’ve found so far, then it’s time to meet your potential financial planner. Set up a face-to-face meeting and bring questions of your own or use a Financial Planner Diagnostic tool. Pay attention not only to the answers your potential planner gives, but also to your comfort level during the conversation. Your financial planner will have a large role in your future success so it’s important that you feel comfortable with the relationship. M* Review your results initially and annually. Once you’ve finished your interviews, take the time to review all the information you’ve gathered and pick the financial planner that best fits your needs. After that, plan to review the performance of your finances every year. Your relationship with your planner is ongoing and a successful partnership is one in which you feel comfortable, your savings grow and you’re left excited and confident about what’s in store for your financial future. To learn more about how you can find the right financial planner for you, visit NAPFA.org.—BPT
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Photo by David Clinkscale
All that is Glitz and Glamour for the Girls
Meet Fashion Designer Diane Linston Creator of Styles of Imagination
According to Fashion Designer Diane Linston, fashions should always be high-key, up beat and fashionably fun. Sequins fashions is still a hot trend for the 2017 fall season and Linston has her finger on the pulse of glitz and glamour with style creations that transcend from business casual to red carpet glamour. If you still think that sequins are only good for a night out, then Diane Linston, creative director of Style of Imagination Inc. has a wardrobe solution that is lifestyle changing. The Styles of Imagination collection is carried by fifteen retail boutiques throughout the United States; and the brand offers two collections for the style conscious shopper. The NGU Collection offers finer fabrics, detailing and embellishments; while the DYL Collection is moderately priced. The NGU collection means (Never Give Up), and is all about being positive, high spirited with perseverance. “I have faced very traumatic and discouraging times in my life and I praise glory to God for keeping me positive in order to persevere. By never giving up on my dream to launch my fashion line, I now create fashion designs that are uplifting and sophisticated 20 RuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2017
for the everyday woman. For me being creative is healing. I believe being positive and never giving up on our dreams is how every woman should live her life ...Positive and glamorous!” explains Linston. It’s time for girls to try something new; namely sequins as daywear! Rock a sequins or rhinestone top that is moderately price, and easily match it with a basic or classic bottom piece without over spending. The NGU collection also includes denim suites and separates that are stylish and sophisticated for women ages twenty-five through sixty years of age. A sophisticated woman who wears NGU never gives up. And neither will those flirtatious guys.— For more information, contact: Styles of Imagination Inc. Diane Linston 3500 Payne Ave. Unit# 1C Cleveland, OH 44114 216-410-8555 Styles44137@Yahoo.com www.stylesofimagination.com
Fashion Key A. Two-piece denium suit. Cape top and a flared ankle pant with side pockets. B. Two-piece jacket and pant set with blue jean patch print on denim fabric. C. Sexy, black sheer, v-neck romper with metalic embelished print throughout. D. Brown/Beige sequin, snakeskin print jumpsuite with widelegs. E. Sheer jacket with gold sequins embellishments throughout. Black reptile textured leggins. F. A two piece, red jumpsuit. One pleated bolero jacket embellished with silver rhinestones. A sleeveless asymmetrical maxi dress with tassel fringes that have sequin embellishments. G. A two piece red suit with an open front jacket and one hooped closure at the top. The pleated jacket is decorated with silver rhinestones along the forearm of the sleeves and the jacket bottom. The red maxi skirt has rhinestones lightly decorated along the sides stating just above the knee and a rear slit for sex appeal. H. Red, short sleeve maxi dress with rhinestone decorated, embossed cross-strips. I. Colorful, sheer pull-over shawl with white leggings. J. Sexy sheer jumpsuit with metalic sequin embelishments throut the blazer and shorts set. K. Feminine sleeveless top with button down front and gold sequins embellishments throughout. Urban black leggings with Faux leather applied to the pant.
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