The Vocella Graphic - February 8, 2024 by Vocella, Inc.

Vol. 1 Issue 15

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Price: FREE

A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

Beautiful things come together

one stitch at a time. ECRWSS Postal Customer

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

In this issue About Us

ocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment. We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area. Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates. So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.

Publishing & Sales Team

From the Designer:

This Issue

Dear Valued Readers, What a weird and wild time we live in when a common daily activity is “doom scrolling.” If you’re not sure what that is, you may be doing it without even realizing it. Doom scrolling is continuing to scroll (on social media, on your phone, etc) through news stories that are saddening or depressing, without switching gears to find better content. Unfortunately, our brains seem wired to keep looking for bad news once we get started. We also live in a day and age where anyone can get themselves a YouTube channel or TikTok account and start making content they call news — whether it’s based on evidence and facts or not, and with whatever bias or spin they want. Our brains also seek bias confirmation — and the algorithms of these sites further entrench us in it — showing us content with which we already agree more and more with each click, like and share. I’ve found it incredibly helpful to purposely seek out news sources that are opposite of my own bias. By doing so, I see an opposite opinion and give it enough thought to decide if I’m being led to believe something a certain way, or if what they say might resonate. I also seek out the most neutral news sources I can. One helpful tool for that is from the media bias chart from AdFontesMedia.com. Not only does it chart how far from center a news source is (from left to right), it also shows how factual a media source is. The closer to the top center, the more unbiased, factual information you’re getting. Being informed with accurate, unbiased information can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, it is up to you to make sure that’s what you’re getting. But, in the words of LeVar Burton, “You don’t have to take my word for it.” I hope you find out for yourself. Happy scrolling,

Karolyn Moltzan

General Manager/Lead Design

Socials Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper

Web Visit us online at www.vocellagraphic.com and www.communityshopper.com

McKenna Layne

Design/Social Media

Maddie Davis

Managing Editor/Sales Manager

Erica Kingston

Editorial/Copy Editor

NEWS & UPDATES — Brew Your Business — ND Pension overhaul

OIL & AG 05 — Pipeline ordinance questions LIFESTYLE 06 — Bedroom retreats — Romantic films for Valentine’s HEALTH & WELLNESS — Wellness Wednesday: Digestive Health — Stress in Women

Kary Moltzan FINCANCE

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

PROFILES — Empty Bobbin

Office Hours Office hours are by appt. only. Reach us by phone or email: Monday - Thursday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon

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— Builiding a nest egg

THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Classifieds 03 Job listings 03 - 04 To Do About Town 05 Community Calendars 06 Puzzles 07 Realty 08

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Profiles

Coming together one stitch at a time TEXTILE ARTISTS FIND COMMUNITY AT THE EMPTY BOBBIN

There are a lot of people out there that quilt and sew, it’s exciting. -LACEY DIXON, EMPTY BOBBIN CO-OWNER

BY ERICA KINGSTON ekingmediawriter@gmail.com

n any given Friday, the muted, mechanical whirring of sewing machines can be heard from the upstairs of 214 Main Street in Williston. Strewn among thread pieces and fabric scraps, seamstresses of varying abilities and interests have found a home for their hobby at The Empty Bobbin. For almost two years, owners Lacey Dixon and Taryn Sundby have welcomed quilters and textile creatives to a local hub of hands-on education, product and community through The Empty Bobbin’s fabrics, notions, classes and sewing studio which has recently moved to a new location. After getting their first business of Fresh Palate up and running, sisters-in-law and co-owners Dixon and Sundby had started planning their next venture borne out of a mutual enjoyment of fabric. Both had dabbled in the art here and there, but after sewing a table runner as a project at their church, they decided it was time to pull out the old planning notebooks and revisit the idea they’d had years back of opening a fabric store. “I don’t know why we’ve always liked fabric,” Dixon said. “I think the colors and the smells. We just enjoyed fabric stores even when we didn’t really have a use for them.” What started as a few bolts of fabric in the small back area behind Fresh Palate’s original location on Main Street, soon spread to reopening the adjoining door between them and the old Hallmark store for more

FROM LEFT, TAMMIE SAUBER, LINETTE ARNSTAD AND AUTUMN LEHMAN WORK ON PIECING THEIR QUILTS TOGETHER ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE THREE-PART QUILTING CLASS AT THE EMPTY BOBBIN. | PHOTO BY ERICA KINGSTON

space for sewing tables, cutting boards and a space to host classes. With the move to 214 Main Street in October of 2023, The Empty Bobbin found a new home. A walk through the ground level of Fresh Palate’s isles of natural remedies, organic groceries and coffee bar leads to a shift in product as walls of notions like needles, cutting boards, rotary cutters and patterns open to shelves of fabrics and sewing machines. Stocking cotton, flannel, minky and fleece material — a heavy focus on quilting — Dixon said with expansion will come more products for garment making, canvas for bags, varieties of textiles and more crafty items. Offered are sewing machine sales as well as a place to bring those needing repairs. From start to finish, textile enthusiasts can purchase what they need and then head upstairs to the newly renovated sewing studio to form their idea, cut fabric, do the sewing and even finish a quilt off on the giant long arm housed in the back. Open sews are every Friday for use of the studio, cutting and ironing tables and friendly advice, if needed. “Just come in, come hang out,” Dixon said. “Some people come even outsides of open sew and just sew because it’s their day off. They can bring a sewing machine or they can rent one of ours to use if they

want. There’s space to lay things out. There is a design wall to hang things, cutting boards that are fairly big. I’d prefer to come here than at home because I just do things on my table at home.” The Empty Bobbin hosts group classes as well as private parties. Dixon and Sundby help with teaching, but often bring in more specialized instructors for classes for garments, bags and hand applique. Classes vary from being geared towards kids and beginners on up. With everything provided in store, students can go from picking out fabric to taking home a finished product. “People like when they can go to a class and take something home with them,” Dixon said. “What’s great about the beginner classes is that’s what it is — you come and by the end you have something tangible to take home most of the time. And if not, they can come back and use our studio to finish and we are still there to guide them along if needed.” In the past week, a reversible casserole dish pot holder class and a three-part quilting class group have wrapped up their projects. Upcoming are classes on a kids zipper pouch, paper piecing and another evening quilting group. Classes can be found on

their website at theemptybobbinnd.com and often shared on their Facebook page. “We take what people request and then work that in,” Dixon said of the sewing classes. The Empty Bobbin has felt a lot of community support as quilters and sewers from surrounding areas come into the store, along with patrons who have been an unlikely surprise. “A lot of people coming in are young,” Dixon said. “People think that it’s older women, but we get guys buying fabric and a lot of young people. Our class right now has a high schooler. The ages are wide. We’ve had a husband and wife come in for a quilting class. It’s been a lot of fun.” Dixon and Sundby are often in the store from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week and welcome anyone to come in to ask questions or use the studio space or to simply call in to set up a time for a specific project or reserve a spot in a class. By bringing a niche business to Williston, Sundby said that it feels like a secret society — a demographic that previously had to outsource now has a home and a community inside the Empty Bobbin.

Empty Bobbin

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

News & Updates

Brew Your Business to feature Deja Brew, partnerships

National report issues cautionary tale after ND pension overhaul

PRESS RELEASE WILLISTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE

WILLISTON, N.D. — The February Brew Your Business meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14th, at 9 a.m. at Stevens Hall in the Teton Lounge on the Williston State College campus. The business community is invited to learn about starting and expanding a business in Williston from the owners of the coffee shop. Deja Brew got its start in May of 2018 when the mother-daughter team of Jody Cymbaluk and Addison Cymbaluk opened their first kiosk in the Elite Health and Fitness parking lot. Addison Cymbaluk, co-owner of Deja Brew, will be on hand to share her experience on opening and expanding a business in Williston. Deja Brew is currently building its second brick and mortar location with a grand opening scheduled in February. “We are hoping our new location is up and running within the next week to two weeks,” said Addison Cymbaluk. “The new location will benefit our employees and customers in so many positive ways - the list is endless. Our employees will be able to be much more effective and efficient with each order due to now having running water, electricity that allows us to have more than one appliance plugged in at once, a bigger work area, and much more. When our employees can be more effective and efficient it will make the customers visit quicker which

results in a very happy customer!” In addition to opening a new building, Deja Brew has announced a new collaboration with Dirty Dough in Williston. “My mom and I truly believe that collaboration with other local businesses is best for both businesses,” explained Cymbaluk. “We can’t do everything and offer everything therefore reaching out and collaborating with other businesses only makes us grow and that business grow as well.” To learn more about how Deja Brew handles its marketing and social media, hiring process, training, working with other businesses, and sponsorships, attend the Brew Your Business meeting on February 14th. There will even be Dirty Dough cookies to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Brew Your Business will begin at 8:30 a.m. with complimentary coffee and engagement. The program will start at 9 a.m. There will be a 20-minute interview with Cymbaluk followed by a 20-minute roundtable discussion with attendees and a 20-minute speed networking session. Bring your business cards to get connected with entrepreneurs in Williston. For more information visit the Brew Your Business website or Brew Your Business Williston Facebook page.

NORTH DAKOTA — Starting in 2025, North Dakota will close its public pension plan for new hires - who will instead be offered a 401k-style benefit. National researchers say these decisions are likely to create more problems. The Legislature last year approved switching to a “defined-contribution plan” for future public workers, amid concerns about the size of North Dakota’s pension system shortfall. The National Institute on Retirement Security is out with a new analysis of similar moves made by other states. The organization’s Executive Director and co-author of the report - Dan Doonan said there’s no guarantee of lasting improvements. “I think a lot of people think of this as like a fresh start, like, ‘Oh, what do we want to offer?’” said Doonan. “But the reality is the existing plan will be there for many decades and still have obligations to pay out current workers and retiree benefits.” The report says among the states analyzed, employer costs increased significantly after closing a pension plan.

Doonan pointed to Alaska, with higher turnover for those hired after its pension plans closed because they might feel undervalued. That state is now debating whether to switch back. Lawmakers supporting North Dakota’s move argued it was thoroughly vetted with long-term thinking. But Doonan and other skeptics said they worry North Dakota will go down the same path as other states in having to deal with unintended consequences. He encouraged states to be creative in addressing an underfunded pension system without making a controversial switch. “We see other places where the benefit designs are designed to share some risk with workers and retirees and that helps them keep costs stable but still offer that core benefit employees like,” said Doonan, “that makes it common so that when you walk into a school, the first teacher you meet might have twenty years [of ] experience.” Doonan added that states with higher employee turnover after a pension plan has closed are essentially paying to train public workers who might leave for another state. It’s unclear if North Dakota lawmakers will revisit the issue on a larger scale anytime soon. The next scheduled regular session is set for early 2025.

Kindergarten

Registration

Looking to register your kindergartener at Ray Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year? Do you know a friend, family member, or neighbor with a rising Kindergartener? Will they turn ﬁve years old before August 1, 2024? Kindergarten registration will be open on Wednesday, February 21 and Friday, February 23, 2024 in the Ray Public School ofﬁce. If possible, please bring your child’s immunization and birth records when registering. Contact Judy Knox with questions at 701-568-3301 judy.knox@rayschools.com. We are looking forward to welcoming our newest Ray Jays to school!

Ray Public School

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BOOK BY

Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

Jimmy Buffett

Directed by Renae Rike-Fee & Jim Ryen Sponsored by American State Bank & Trust Feb. 8 - 10 | 7:00 PM Feb. 11 | 2:00 PM Old Amory Theater 320 First Ave. E., Williston

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Oil & Ag

PSC sets Wednesday meeting to act on pipeline ordinance question

COURTESY OF FARMS

THE NORTH DAKOTA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IS CONVENING TO VOTE ON WHETHER STATE REGULATIONS SHOULD SUPERSEDE LOCAL ORDINANCES REGARDING PIPELINE ZONING ISSUES, FOLLOWING A REQUEST FROM SUMMIT CARBON SOLUTIONS AMIDST IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STATE'S ENERGY SECTOR. | ADOBE STOCK

BY JEFF BEACH NORTH DAKOTA MONITOR NORTH DAKOTA — The North Dakota Public Service Commission has a set meeting for Wednesday where it is expected to vote on when state rules preempt local ordinances on pipeline zoning issues. The PSC met in a work session on Jan. 26 to discuss the issue and commissioners indicated they would support an order giving state rules preemption over those set by counties and other local governments. Wednesday’s meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at the state Capitol and livestreamed from the PSC website, www. psc.nd.gov. A decision on the preemption issue was requested by Summit Carbon Solutions, which has asserted that ordinances passed by Burleigh and Emmons counties place unreasonable restrictions on where its planned carbon capture pipeline can run. Any decision will have implications

for North Dakota’s energy industry. A PSC hearing in December to hear arguments in the case was well attended by energy industry leaders. Iowa-based Summit is proposing to build a pipeline through five states to gather carbon emissions from ethanol plants. The CO2 would be piped to underground storage sites in Mercer and Oliver counties. The PSC denied Summit’s pipeline siting application last year but an appeal is pending before the PSC. Summit recently announced the addition of 17 ethanol plants owned by Poet, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to the carbon pipeline network. Jeff Beach’s original article for The North Dakota Monitor, “PSC sets Wednesday meeting to act on pipeline ordinance question” can be found at https://northdakotamonitor.com/ briefs/psc-sets-wednesday-meeting-to-act-onpipeline-ordinance-question/

WHY CHOOSE TRINITY CHRISTIAN? • Clear Statement of Faith • Open Enrollement • Low teacher/student ratio • Caring and qualiﬁed teachers • Preschool - 12th grades • K-5 After school program from 4:00 5:30pm • Daily Bible lessons and weekly chapel • K-12 Supervision from 7:45am 4:00pm • NWEA MAP testing in September and April to measure growth • Multi-student discount • Aﬀordable tuition

ENROLLEMENT

Feb. 7th: Current students Feb. 9th: Siblings Feb. 12th: Alumni Feb. 14th: Open

Thursday, February 8, 2024

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Lifestyle

Turn your bedroom into a relaxing retreat METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

edrooms are more than places to lay our heads at the end of the day. Bedrooms serve different functions, and not all are conducive to relaxation. People who use their bedrooms as a work space may find they're compromising their well-being by introducing activities into the bedroom. The Sleep Foundation says having an office in the bedroom blurs the lines between work and personal life, which can have serious effects on sleep. Rather, people should be looking to turn their bedrooms into relaxing retreats that offer a respite from the outside world.

and add extra plushness underfoot. · Invest in aromatherapy diffusers. Certain smells can create a relaxing mood. These may be sandalwood, lavender or jasmine. Utilizing their preferred scents, homeowners can employ reed diffusers in their bedrooms to enjoy the aromas of natural oils.

room. It should be subtle and warming. Dimmers enable homeowners to adjust lighting as needed.

· Used closed storage. Open shelves and visible closet interiors may not hide a mess. Exposure to clutter can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Store items that shouldn't be on display behind closed doors or drawers.

· Install an electric fireplace. There is something to be said for the relaxing effects of gazing into the flames of a fire. A crackling (faux-wood) fire is an added layer of indulgence in a bedroom.

· Bring in luxury linens. Homeowners should not skimp on comforters, sheets, duvet covers, and pillows for their beds. A cozy bed to dive right into can serve as the centerpiece of a bedroom retreat.

· Add an area rug. Even in rooms with carpeting, an area rug under the bed can further define the perimeter of the bed

Turning a bedroom into a relaxing space can help individuals sleep better and reduce anxiety.

PEOPLE SHOULD BE LOOKING TO TURN THEIR BEDROOMS INTO RELAXING RETREATS THAT OFFER A RESPITE FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

gray. This can help the room feel calming and welcoming.

· Remove blue-light emitting devices. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices emit blue light, which can compromise natural melatonin production in the body that contributes to sleep. Such devices should not be used at night in the bedroom.

· Declutter the room. A sense of calm can be achieved simply by removing excess clutter. There is some evidence that the brain is more calm near an empty dresser, desk or clothes hamper. Therefore, removing excessive items from the room is a first step to making a nice retreat.

· Use a neutral color palette. Neutral color palettes evoke a spa feeling. Walls can be painted white, beige or a light shade of

· Add soft lighting. Adjust the intensity and the color of the lighting in the bed-

Cozy up to these romantic films this Valentine’s Day METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

number of people feel that nothing beats a quiet evening in with the one you love on Valentine's Day. Watching a romantic film together can be a way to cap the night off. There are plenty of films that focus on Valentine's Day or have a larger romantic theme. Such movies are ideal for date nights and the ultimate date night: Valentine's Day. · "Valentine's Day" (2010): This aptly titled film takes place on - you guessed it - February 14th. It has a who's who cast of well-known actors like Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper. Various storylines intersect among the characters as Los Angeles residents work their way through the highs and lows of love on Valentine's Day.

· "Kate & Leopold" (2001): While romcom fans are used to seeing Meg Ryan teamed up with Tom Hanks, in this tale she's paired with Hugh Jackman. Jackman is a duke from 1876 who inadvertently finds himself traveling through time to modern-day New York City, where he meets a plucky advertising executive. The two clash before they discover feelings for each other. · "The Princess Bride" (1987): This movie has withstood the test of time. It has a little bit of everything: swordfights, revenge, a giant, and, of course, a heartwarming love story at its core. · "The Wedding Singer" (1998): Despite coming out in the 1990s, this film brings on all the campy 1980's nostalgia, including a hit soundtrack of favorite songs from that decade. Although not everyone is a fan of Adam Sandler's comedic antics, this movie is less slapstick and more heartfelt.

It's one of a few where Sandler has paired with Drew Barrymore in the lead roles. Check out "50 First Dates" if you want a fun Sandler-Barrymore double feature. · "Love, Simon" (2018): In this movie, Simon, a high school student, hasn't yet come out to his friends and family, but has been exploring a budding romance with an anonymous boy online. The big reveal of that boy's identity is a moment of anticipation. · "Pride and Prejudice" (2005): Jane Austen's classic novel has undergone many interpretations on the silver screen. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as Elizabeth and Darcy is a fan favorite. With its beautiful tableaus and enchanting soundtrack, viewers can't help but root for this unlikely couple. · "Always Be My Maybe" (2019): This

Netflix original movie has Ali Wong and Randall Park playing former childhood best friends with some unfinished business. When they are reunited as adults on different paths, will they find a connection? Keanu Reeves has a guest cameo. · "Chocolat" (2000): A mysterious French woman and her young daughter open a chocolate shop in a remote place where villagers are afraid of change. Her confections seemingly have magical powers to fix the ills of people, if only the shopkeeper can lure the stubborn to give them a taste. Johnny Depp stars as a love interest. · "Notting Hill" (1999): If Meg Ryan is the queen of rom-coms, Hugh Grant may be the king. In this movie, an unassuming British book shop owner gets cast into the limelight when a famous American actress played by Julia Roberts hides in the stacks and eventually becomes more than just a customer.

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Health & Wellness

Wellness Wednesday Digestive Health

elcome back to “Wellness Wednesday” with NDSU Extension. I am Katelyn Jespersen, the family and community wellness extension agent for Williams County. Let’s continue our journey through the seven topics from our new Nourish program. So far, we have learned about taking care of our sleep, brain and heart health. Today we’ll add our fourth topic to the list, so let’s dive into digestive health. Did you know that 30-40% of adults suffer from frequent digestive problems and that annually over 50 million visits are made to health-care facilities for digestive issues? Suffering from heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, pain and bloating does not have to be the norm; in fact, these are signs that our digestive system is not functioning properly. But what could be causing the problems?

These could be the causes of digestive distress: - Overeating and stress causes indigestion, nausea, constipation, heartburn and diarrhea. - Lack of physical activity, as exercise helps move through the digestive tract. - Poor diet — a lack of fluids and fiber, excess caffeine and alcohol or a high fat and protein diet. - Eating habits of rushing, eating too fast and not eating regularly. - Age — as we age, we become more sensitive and susceptible to digestive problems. These can help improve digestive health: - Eat more fiber with whole-grains, vegetables and seeds. Nine out of ten people don’t eat enough fiber. - Drink more water to help absorb fiber. - Help your gut’s “good bacteria” by eating a well-balanced diet and consider taking pro/prebiotics.

- Eat regularly. Try to eat small frequent meals every 3-4 hours. Smaller is easier to digest. - Manage stress by taking time to relax, get sleep or exercise. - Limit caffeine, alcohol and smoking as these can cause ulcers, dehydration and heartburn. - Talk to your doctor and tell them your symptoms and discuss your options for change. To learn more about digestive health and what you can do about it, check out NDSU Extension’s Nourish program. It is available online and can be done at your own pace and on your own time or contact me if you would like to set up an in-person class for a group of people. Join me next week as I highlight bone and joint health as the next topic from the Nourish program! Until then, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

KATELYN JESPERSEN WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT

8 things women should know about stress Learning the facts about stress can help women care for their mental well-being. METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

tress can be paradoxical. A certain amount of stress can motivate people to get things done. But having too much can cause a person to resist doing anything at all. The Cleveland Clinic says stress is the body’s response to daily events that occur in life. When stress becomes chronic, it can be negative and destructive, making it hard to adapt and cope. Chronic stress is a concern for many women. The Office on Women’s Health says women are more likely than men to report symptoms of stress, including headaches and upset stomach. They’re also more likely to have mental health conditions that are exacerbated by stress, including anxiety and depression. Learning the facts about stress can help women care for their mental well-being. Here are eight things to know. 1. Stress can manifest in emotional, cognitive or physical symptoms. Notable physical symptoms include muscle tension and headaches as well as fatigue and low energy. Emotional symptoms may include increased worry, mood swings or irritability. 2. Stress can lead to unhealthy habits. Women have higher risk of overeating due to stress, and may become inactive or smoke to cope with stress, says the American Heart Association.

3. Common causes of long-term stress include poverty and financial worries. Women in poverty who care for children or other family members may develop more severe stress, says the Office of Assistant Secretary for Health. 4. Women respond to stress differently. Healthline indicates women have a higher percentage of perception of stress than men, and also are more apt to realize they must manage it. Seventy percent of women have tried to reduce stress over the past five years. 5. Research reported on by the American Psychological Association says women are more likely to internalize stress, leading more readily to both physical and mental disorders. Men tend to be better at disassociating from stress. 6. Women are more likely to cancel plans due to stress than men, despite realizing they could use more social support. 7. Stress can disrupt hormonal balance in women, leading to menstrual irregularities. 8. Stress can trigger increased pain sensitivity, making women more prone to tension headaches and migraine attacks.

Stress can take its toll on anyone, including women. Recognizing help is needed, setting measurable targets and being realistic about managing stress can help women feel better.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Finance

Tips to build a nest egg in a time marked by a high cost of living

THESE TIPS CAN HELP ANYONE GROW THEIR SAVINGS DESPITE THE HIGH COST OF LIVING

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

rise in the cost of living has presented challenges to millions of households across the globe. As the cost of everything from food to natural gas to fuel for vehicles has risen, many people have struggled to find ways to save money, especially for their long-term goals like retirement. The term "nest egg" has long been associated with longterm financial goals like retirement savings or college tuition. But what are individuals to do if short-term costs get in the way of their long-term goals? There's no magic formula for building a nest egg, but these tips can help anyone grow their savings despite the high cost of living. · Identify a specific, achievable goal. Simply resolving to save "more" without attaching a figure that defines what "more" is can make it hard to build a substantial nest egg. Examine your finances, including what's coming in each month (i.e., take-home wages) and what has to go out each month (i.e, housing and automotive costs, etc.). Document these expenses and then identify an achievable goal to build your nest egg. If necessary, trim some fat related to monthly expenses that are not necessities so you can redirect funds to your nest egg. Cancel streaming services

In 2024, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is $1,907, which comes out to $22,884 per year. -Source: investopedia.com or cut back on dining out so those funds can be redirected to building a nest egg. · Take advantage of pre-tax opportunities to save. Pre-tax opportunities to build a nest include retirement vehicles like a 401(k). With these plans, money is deducted from a paycheck before taxes, thus lowering workers' immediate tax burdens (taxes are paid when funds are withdrawn) and enabling them to save more now. Some employers even match contributions up to a predetermined percentage, so enrolling in plans that offer employer match contributions can be an especially effective way to build a nest egg. · Begin living on a budget, and stick to it. The idea of living on a budget may seem simple, but it's less common

than some may recognize. A 2023 survey from the online financial resource NerdWallet found that 83 percent of the more than 2,000 adults 18 and over who participated acknowledged they overspend. Perhaps more telling is that 84 percent of respondents indicate they have a monthly budget but exceed it anyway. Individuals who want to build a sizable nest egg are urged to work with a financial advisor to devise a monthly budget and then stick to it. · Save for emergencies. A lack of emergency funds can quickly jeopardize a nest egg. Without a somewhat sizable savings account, individuals could be forced to borrow from their retirement accounts in emergency situations. That strategy hurts in more ways than one, as it both reduces the amount in the nest egg and also affects how much the nest egg can grow, as gains are greater when balances are higher. The NerdWallet survey found that 48 percent of respondents want to prioritize emergency savings, and that strategy can be vital to building a nest egg. A sizable nest egg can help anyone live comfortably in retirement, and various strategies can help people grow their nest egg even as the cost of living remains high.