Urban Views Weekly February 18, 2015 by Urban Views Weekly

Feb. 18, 2015

Scholar of the Week - Christopher Staten

Black Churches

Unite To Empower

Black Businesses

The Deal

By Jason Alderman

Starting Roth IRAs for Your Grandkids

THURSDAY Mid-Town Richmond 11

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February 26, 2015 6pm-8pm

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Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

Many grandparents go above and beyond to offer financial help to adult children and grandchildren. If you’re seeking to contribute to your grandkids’ financial future, one option might involve opening a custodial Roth IRA (http:// www.irs.gov/ RetirementPlans/RothIRAs) on your grandchild’s behalf as soon as he or she starts reporting earned income.

use tax-free Roth IRA proceeds to fund education expenses not covered by savings or a down payment on a first home. Roth IRAs may also be a useful and collaborative savings tool for important expenses young adults have, such as continuing education or a down payment on a first home.

While grandparents often find 529 college savings plans advantageous for their personal estate planning as well as supporting their grandchild’s educational future, custodial Roth IRAs (http://www.irs.gov/RetirementPlans/Roth-IRAs) may allow for more flexibility depending on the child’s future needs. For example, a young adult may

Letter To The Editor

Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars. That means the account holder doesn’t get a tax break at the time of initial or successive deposits, but the money grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free – a benefit for a grandchild who may need a substantial sum in the years to come. Learn more about Roth IRAs by watching this Khan Academy video. continues on page 5

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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Scholar of the Week

Christopher Staten

of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 4.03

College of Interest: University of Richmond Major Community Service: Children’s Miracle Network, Newbridge Baptist Church Strong Interests: Music, technology and football Favorite Activities: Playing video games with friends

By Janeal Downs

Every Sunday in football season, Christopher Staten cheers for his favorite team, the Arizona Cardinals, as an avid football fan. He has been into football for about four years. “My grandfather, he was a Redskins fan and I really got into it after he passed away,” Christopher said about the sport. “I just really enjoy it.” Knowledgeable of every rule of the sport, Christopher knows what is supposed to be going on at all times in a game even if a referee messes up a call. His favorite player on the Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald, is a role model for Christopher because of all his work in the community by donating to local schools and charities. As an achieving high school senior at Richmond Community High School, with a 4.03 GPA, of the Christopher hopes to be able to give back to his community in the future as well.

is spending time with his friends playing video games. “Ever since I was four years old, I have been playing video games, which is what has got me into the growth of other technologies as well,” he said. To see the advancement of technology is one thing that attracts him to the area. In order to further his education, he plans to attend college to pursue a degree in computer science. His number one choice is University of Richmond. When he participated in University of Richmond’s Math Science Investigators program, he was able to see the campus, which was very appealing to him. Randolph Macon in Ashland, Virginia is his second choice. “My chemistry teacher went there and she said that it was a really ™ good school and my principal Week recommended it to me too,” he said about Randolph Macon.

Scholar0

Christopher said he tries his hardest at everything he does and always puts forth a great effort. His family has been very supportive of him, and he said his mother especially is one person who is the most influential in his life. “I really want to come back and make a difference in my community,” Christopher said. “I really haven’t had anybody besides my family to help me in my community so I just really want to come back and give to them.” Other than an interest in football, as a drummer, Christopher has an interest in music and also a great appreciation for technology. One of his favorite activities

With plans to further his education and make a difference in his community, Christopher already participates in community outside of school. Besides assisting with the service at Newbridge Baptist Church, he has also participated in events with the Children’s Miracle Network. With the Children’s Miracle Network, Christopher assisted and participated with cookouts that were used to raise money for children with cancer. “I’ve always liked to help out with events,” Christopher said. “If I can help with the betterment of something else, I always want to do that.”

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1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Things done in GOD’s name…. POTUS is On POINT!

Last week an avowed atheist, who is a white American, gunned Just a few weeks ago, President Obama spoke at the annual down three innocent young Muslim Americans: Shaddy Barakat, prayer breakfast in Washington, DC. He addressed his audience 23; his new wife, Yusor Mohammad, 21; and her sister, Razan concerning the atrocities committed in the name of religious Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, execution style in their North zealotry and fanaticism, including the historic legacy of slavery Carolina, Chapel Hill apartment. This, when the growing worldand its justification enveloped in the cloak of Christianity and wide anxiety towards Islam; the continuous media coverage of religious beliefs. “Lest we get on our high horse,” said the President ISIS; and the recent brutal murders of hostages from England, as he made a correlation between the horrendous atrocities and Japan, Jordan and America make the climate ripe for a growing violence committed by people of faith to protect the status quo anti-Muslim, Islamaphobic culture in America. To add to the in direct opposition to the teachings of a loving Christ. The tragedy, the Chapel Hill Police Department’s rush to immediately members of ISIS wrap themselves in religious dogma that they discount the community concerns that this was in fact a hate claim as the teachings of Islam when the true followers of the faith crime was clearly bias and prejudicial. The police seized upon do not recognize ISIS as a part of the faith to which they belong. what they believed to be the “more likely” motive that these three The brutality and irreverence for life exhibited by ISIS completely young people were shot in the back of the head over a parking goes against the Quran and all that Allah teaches. And, yet, there Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. dispute? That scenario is not only unbelievably removed from are those within the U.S. Congress and American citizenry who reality; it is completely offensive and trivializes the murders, want to ally the terrorism, brutality, and violent extremism of Founder and Artistic Director turning them into a travesty. It is an outrageous affront to the ISIS with Islam and the entire Muslim community. They want The Conciliation Project and family and friends of these young people, and it insults the to compare and contrast Islam, the culture, and the people Associate Professor intelligence of an entire community of people. HATE was the with extremism, and the culture and religious legacy steeped in Virginia Commonwealth University motivation for these murders. HATE was the word used when Christianity with American exceptionalism. That, on its face, is DrT@Margins2theCenter.com Yusor Mohammad, who proudly wore clothing that honored her problematic, given how Christianity has been used by zealots and www.theconciliationproject.org faith, a hijab, told her father that this man, Craig Stephen Hicks, extremists throughout history, including the American legacy of the man who executed them, actually hated them. She said, Hicks chattel slavery where enslaved Africans and their descendants harassed and intimidated both she and her sister continuously since they moved were terrorized by religious extremism. Those who have been hated simply because into the apartment complex after her December marriage to Shaddy Barakat. The of who they are, what they believe, or because of the color of their skin KNOW what first person to speak of these murders as an “argument over a parking space” was the is a HATE crime, #Call the FBI. Hatred was the only motivation for this crime and murderer himself. The victims’ side of the story will not be told until a prosecutor in parking had nothing to do with it. a court of law represents them. Up Next Week: Jackie Robinson Little League & the price of Gentrification

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll President Barack Obama made the case for Congress to formally authorize the use of military force in the war against ISIS. He made it clear that the Authorization for the Use of Military Force does not call for deployment of ground troops in Iraq or Syria. Some Republicans have insisted American ground troops will eventually be necessary.

What’s Your Take? Should the U.S. put combat boots on the ground in the war against ISIS? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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From Pros & Cons page 2

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Here’s an example of how much an initial $2,000 deposit in a Roth custodial IRA can grow. For an account opened at the time the child is 16, the $2,000 opening deposit – without any more money added to the account – could be worth roughly $55,000 at the time the child reaches age 65 assuming a 7 percent expected rate of return. What if the child needs to make a tax-free withdrawal sooner, such as at age 35, for example? Based on the same earnings calculation as above, he or she would receive a less impressive sum of roughly $7,200. Of course, it remains a potential solution if there is a severe need for cash. In 2015, the annual contribution limit for all IRAs is $5,500. It is possible, though not that easy, for a minor to open a Roth IRA on his or her own, which is why it’s good for grandparents – or any qualifying friend or relative – to shop for custodial accounts with low fees and www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

low investment minimums to start. This is compounded annually. As you evaluate a decision to open a custodial Roth IRA, check with the broker and the account administrator on any institutional or state rules on custodial accounts and what information you’ll need to open one. Depending on those rules, there’s a chance that grandparents may not be able to open the custodial account directly and you will have to work through their parents or legal guardian to get started. Also, consider the following: Make sure you’re financially secure. The MetLife study notes that many grandparents tend to overextend their financial support when it comes to family members in need. Seek advice from financial, tax and estate professionals on how much you can reasonably afford to give and the best means to do so. Coordinate with your grandchild’s parents or guardian. It

is important for family members to remain open about all money issues, particularly in relation to minors. Discuss what provisions the parents have made for the child and whether your idea complements financial strategies already in place. If not, keep talking and discuss other ways you can help. Consider your grandchild’s potential handling of the account. When your grandchildren reach legal age or meet other key requirements of the account, they can take control of the money. Will they be ready? If not, evaluate other investment vehicles that better meet your objectives. Bottom line: Setting up a custodial Roth IRA may be a good way for grandparents and grandchildren to work on retirement or other financial goals. Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney. Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

AME Church Leaders Cite Black Eco When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he and other protestors had won passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Therefore, his agenda had turned toward the next major issue - economic empowerment for Black people. Therefore, on April 3, 1968, planning a march on behalf of oppressed sanitation workers, Dr. King told preachers at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn., “It’s all right to talk about long white robes over yonder, in all of its symbolism. But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here!” “It’s all right to talk about streets flowing with milk and honey, but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can’t eat three square meals a day.”

in earnest. Invited to speak to a recent gathering of pastors and leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, National Bankers Association President Michael Grant cited the words of human rights champion Paul Robeson: ‘”We realize that our future lies chiefly in our own hands,’” Grant quoted. “’We know that neither institution nor friends can make a race stand unless it has strength in its own foundation; that races like individuals must stand or fall by their own merit; that to fully succeed they must practice the virtues of self-reliance, selfrespect, industry, perseverance, and economy.’”

Grant continued in his own words: “We played a major role in growing America from a small colonial outpost to the greatest industrial giant the world has Rev. Jonathan Weaver ever known. We don’t have to argue about our ability to grow wealth. We have made everyone else rich, some filthy rich. Isn’t it time that we finally make our efforts “It’s all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God’s productive for ourselves?” preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, Grant was keynote the new Los Angeles, “We played a major role in growing America speaker during a special the new Memphis, session on “Economic Tennessee. This is what from a small colonial outpost to the greatest Development through we have to do.” Black Church” during industrial giant the world has ever known. We the the A.M.E. Church’s The next day, Dr. King don’t have to argue about our ability to grow 2nd District Mid-year was assassinated. Plenary Session wealth. We have made everyone else rich, some Opening in Raleigh, N.C. late last Nearly 47 years later, filthy rich. Isn’t it time that we finally make our year. His speech preceded as America last month a panel discussion that efforts productive for ourselves?” celebrated the King also included Marie birthday holiday and Johns, former deputy is now celebrating Black History Month, a group, of church leaders, administrator at the Small Business Administration; Ron Busby, appears to be carrying out this Black economic empowerment goal president/CEO of the U. S. Black Chambers Inc.; and Rev. Jonathan 6

Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

National Bankers Association President Michael Grant, U.S. Black Rev. Jonathan Weaver discuss a new plan for eco Weaver, senior pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in Bowie, Md., and board member of the A.M.E. organization that deals with economic growth and development projects. Following the forum, Weaver says A.M.E. pastors, led by Bishop William P. DeVeaux, are now poised to carry out a specific plan that they hope will spread to other denominations and ultimately catch fire in other denominations and the Black community throughout 2015.

The starting plan for churches loca Second District Virginia, Marylan commit to the Black-owned bus

“Clearly where we are at this point is to actualize and implement what we discussed in Raleigh,” said Weaver in an interview. “The whole thrust was how Black churches can help to empower Black businesses.” The starting plan, in a nutshell, is for churches located in the A.M.E.

onomic Empowerment as 2015 Goal

By Hazel Trice Edney TriceEdneyWire.com

“And we certainly hope and pray that this will become a much than 2 percent have annual gross receipts of more than $1,000,000. larger Black faith effort, and we will reach out to the Baptist community, the Church of God in Christ, and the list goes on,” In terms of relative wealth, White America is 20 times richer than Weaver said. “If we’re able to affect a significant change in terms of Black America, according to a recent Pew Report. relationship with Black businesses, can you imagine if we’re able to boost their profit margin, and therefore, they are going to have to In the 1960’s, we had 60 Black-owned banks. Today, that number hire more people, and therefore, they will be reaching back to the has dwindled to only 30. What is insane about this tragic loss is this: faith community. More people will have jobs, they will have better The bank is the only institution in our community that can leverage jobs; therefore, or multiply dollars there will be 8, 9, or 10 times. “If we’re able to affect a significant change in terms of 7,That less frustration, means for economically, in our relationship with Black businesses, can you imagine if every $1,000,000 community.” of invested capital we’re able to boost their profit margin, and therefore, in these banks, So far, the they are going to have to hire more people, and they are able to congregations have loan out 7, 8, 9, therefore, they will be reaching back to the faith or $10 million been receptive to the idea, Weaver economic community. More people will have jobs, they will have for said. “Quite frankly, development, better jobs; therefore, there will be less frustration, business growth, I’ve not met any resistance thus far.” and job creation.

economically, in our community.”

In his speech, Grant reminded the audience that a legacy of Black economic development was at the core of the founding of the A.M.E. Church.

k Chambers Inc. President Ron Busby, and A.M.E. board member onomic development through the Black Church. Second District - North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and D.C. - to commit to the support of two Black-owned businesses. They are Thomas Morehead, president of a BMW dealership in Sterling, Va. and Donnell Thompson, co-founder/ of RWDT Foods, Inc., a chain in a nutshell, is co-owner of restaurants based in N. Snellville, Ga.

n, ated in the A.M.E. - North Carolina, nd and D.C. - to support of two sinesses.

AME church members buying from those two businesses will cause the churches to benefit from those sales; then identify other businesses in and around the states and “replicate this process”, Weaver described. After tracking the sales, initiated by the churches, the hope is that other church districts will get involved and that the movement will spread to other businesses and other churches.

“I agree with that great A.M.E. historiographer, Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, who said that the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church - founded by Bishop Richard Allen - reflects the black liberationist narrative of African American history,” Grant said. “Nearly eight decades before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Allen, a free man, was already promoting Black economic development. So it is fitting that we come to his church today with an urgent message: The time for Americans of African descent to take our place at the round table of economic opportunity is now. With each passing day, the price of not having a well-thought-out economic agenda for Black America continues to extract a toll and degrade our position in this country and throughout the diaspora.” Grant, who last year received the U. S. Department of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his Black business advocacy, ticked off statistics that undergird the need for an economic movement to support Black-owned businesses and Black-owned banks:

Grant said African Americans lost significant ground in business ownership after integration, largely because African Americans were no longer forced to support each other. “As long as we were forced to trade with each other and barter with each other, our businesses (small as they were) thrived. But in our minds, we were never quite good enough. We had internalized the lie about our lack of inherent worth,” he said. “When the doors of integration gave us the long-awaited pass to wine and dine with our former oppressors, we enthusiastically abandoned our own in search of an elusive White acceptance. We believed then - and many of us still do - that association would bring on assimilation.” Dr. King concluded on April 3, 1968, the eve of his assassination: “We’ve got to stay together and maintain unity. You know, whenever Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery in Egypt, he had a favorite, favorite formula for doing it. What was that? He kept the slaves fighting among themselves. But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh’s court, and he cannot hold the slaves in slavery. When the slaves get together, that’s the beginning of getting out of slavery. Now let us maintain unity.”

There are currently 1.9 million Black-owned businesses in America, but only about one in 20 have more than one employee and less www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Professional development pays dividends We were reviewing a proposal for a client this week and noticed in the funder’s guidelines a request for information about the organization’s ongoing training and professional development activities, and the budget for these. Needless to say there was silence in the room. Having worked with organizations for a long time, we know that nonprofits are often overwhelmed by the information funders want to see in a proposal. We could feel their pain, and almost read their minds, “What??##@@?!??” And yet we thought it was an important question: funders want to know the extent to which an organization invests in its people, and builds the capacity to address community needs in an ever-changing environment. People are at the core of the nonprofit sector, and investments in people are a sign of organizational health. Exposing employees and volunteers to best practices encourages each to grow to their highest level. Don’t let training and professional development be seen as a “cost” by those who seek to keep budgets lean. There’s a flip side: the people you serve, your board members and local stakeholders will all eventually know whether you care about your employees and volunteers or if you don’t. It shows in your strategies, services, and technology. Are you “just getting by” or is your organization thriving. It’s expensive to “save” on training and professional development. The nonprofit “revolving door” is often attributed to employees not feeling valued, not having the tools to be successful, and not having access to training and best practices. But where does the money come from? It

is clear to us that so many organizations – especially those that are grassroots or emerging – often have a difficult time securing funds for operations, let alone professional development. But it must be done. And done with accountability and an eye to being fiscally savvy. Training doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few suggestions. First, invest in webinars. High quality webinars provide opportunities for team members, volunteers and board members to learn together. They reduce travel costs and travel time. For fundraising training, consider www.fundraising123.org/training. Second, determine how the information will be shared prior to investing in online or in-person professional development. How will employees share what they have learned with others? How will a manager or executive know the information was of value, or is being put to use? Decide these things in advance and refine to ensure relevancy. Remember this: your volunteer leadership can assess whether or not your institution invests in its people. They know because many are also working with other nonprofits, and can make comparisons. When they realize you don’t have the right people in position to do the nonprofit’s work, their attention will drift to other organizations where attention is paid to grooming and growing personnel. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

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Community

Don Quixote with Richmond Symphony - Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage Richmond Ballet welcomed guest artists from the National Ballet of China, principal dancers Wang Ye and Ma Xiaodong, with a special rehearsal of Don Quixote on February 11 at the Ballet’s downtown studios. Ms. Wang and Mr. Ma gave a sneak preview of their leading roles, ahead of their Richmond debut when Don Quixote opens at the Carpenter Theatre on February 20. Ms. Wang’s and Mr. Ma’s guest artist appearance serves as an important step in the Ballet’s yearlong Road to China cultural exchange program. “We are thrilled to welcome both Wang Ye and Ma Xiaodong to Richmond as they work with us to prepare for our production of Don Quixote” said Richmond Ballet Artistic Director, Stoner Winslett. “At the heart of our Road to China program lies the belief that a shared appreciation of art, and particularly of dance, can connect and indeed help form closer and

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more compassionate global communities. The presence of these artists from the National Ballet of China here in Richmond shows that this spirit of mutual respect and cultural exchange is very much alive.” Well-versed in the roles of Kitri, Don Quixote’s feisty leading lady, and Basilio, her penniless yet well-intentioned suitor, Ms. Wang and Mr. Ma have settled into Richmond Ballet’s own production quickly, though both have performed the work previously in China. Their stay in Richmond will also mark a return visit to the United States for both Ms. Wang and Mr. Ma, who have toured extensively with China’s leading ballet company. Friday, February 20, 7:00 pm Saturday, February 21, 7:00 pm Sunday, February 22, 2:00 pm Tickets start at $20.00. Tickets available at eTIX. com, by calling 1.800.514.3849, or through the Richmond Ballet Box Office at 407 E. Canal Street.

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Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce ACC OUNTING • Harris Tax and Business Services, LLC • Kirby & Associates, CPA • Nedra L. Blizzard, CPA, PLLC ADVERTISING • Crossplatform Design • Four Deep Multimedia, LLC • NBC12 – WWBT • OPT4TEXT • Radio One, Inc. – Richmond • Urban Views Weekly • WUPV CW Richmond – Bounce TV ART & DESIGN • Black Cat Design ARTS & ENTERT AINMENT • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts • American Civil War Center • James Management Group, LLC • KG Productions, LLC • Micah White Enterprises, LLC ATTORNEY • The Law of Alex Taylor • McEachin & Gee Law Firm AUTO BODY P AINT & REPA IRS • Moore’s Auto Body and Paint Shop AUTO SA LES • Auto Discounters • Haley Buick GMC • West Broad Honda BANKING & FIN ANCE • REMN • State Farm Agency Recruiting BE AUTY PRODU CTS • Essence Cosmetology & Barbering Academy • Mary Kay, Inc. • Soul Purpose BOOKKEE PING • BookKeeping Express • Kirby & Associates, CPA • Taylor-Made Business Services, LLC BUSINESS CONSULTING & PL ANS • A.W. Smith Small Business Solutions • Information Management Solutions, LLC • Spectrum Solutions • U.S. Small business Administration & Retirement Consultants, LLC • CLE ANING SER VICES • D & S Enterprise Cleaning Service • Jo-Lyn Services, Inc. • TKO Cleaning Services CLOTHING • D & W Fashions COMMUNICATIONS • Anthony Wright • Comcast Cable

CONSTRUCTION • Commonwealth Construction Company of VA, Inc. • Davis Brothers Construction Company • Dwight Snead Construction Company • Jireh Construction, Inc. • Moseley & Sons Home Improvement and Repair • Prestige Construction Group, Inc. • Pryor Hauling, Inc. • RMT Construction & Development Group • United Unlimited Construction, Inc. • Urban Development Corporation CONSULTING • 4Core Technology Group, Inc. • An Elegant Event • GTT Enterprises, Inc • Green-Leaf Solutions LLC • Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, LLC • Parris Gainer Consulting Services • S. H. Leverett Educational Consulting, LLC • Transformation Consulting, LLC • Urban Development Corporation DOCTORS • Dominion Medical Associates EDUCATION • The Building Bridges Academy • Breath of Fresh Air - CPR & Healthcare Training Center • Central Michigan University • Child Shield, U.S.A. • Junior Achievement of Central Virginia • Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, LLC • Powhatan Fair Association • Premiere Care Givers & Medical Career Educators • S. H. Leverett Educational Consulting, LLC • Sustainable Facility Solutions ELE CTRONI CS • AudioTech, Inc. • Richmond Alert Security, LLC • Ropho Sales ENTERT AINER • Laydsing Productions • Mr. G’s Entertainment Co., LLC EVENT PL ANNER • An Elegant Event • Balloons and Things • James Management Group, LLC • Jeremiah Enterprises • Majestic Milestones FAMILY T HERAP IST • Boomer3 Solutions, LLC • Parris Gainer Consulting Services • The Wellness Group Youth Family Services FASHION DESIGN • Fashion Design Center

FINANCIAL and Retirement Consultants, LLC • • Commercial Investment Group • Fiscal Fitness Tax & Financial Services, Inc. • JB Bryan Financial Group, Inc. • Mequell Green Insurance AgencyNationwide Insurance • Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial • Monarch Mortgage • New York Life • Northwestern Mutual • Northwestern Mutual Financial Network • OnPoint Financial Retirement • PayProTech • Worth Unlimited FOOD • Premium Shipping • Tropical Safari • Virginia Heritage Foods, Inc. GOVERNMENT AL AGENCY • County Economic Development • City of Richmond GYM & FITNESS • Bodies & Beyond Gym and Fitness • Whispering Pine Martial Arts HAIR • Craigland Hair Affair • Marsha Edwards HEALTH • Anthem BCBS/Caremore • Daily Grace, LLC • Sharon Taha • River City Comprehensive Counseling Services • Inspiring Beauty, LLC • Organo Gold Independent Distributor • Youngevity 90ForLife HOME HEALTH C ARE • A Plus Home Health Care • Old Dominion Home Health Services, Inc. HOME IMPROVEMENT • D&K Painting, LLC • Pat’s World Staging & Re-Design, LLC • United Unlimited Construction, Inc. HUMAN SER VICES • CCHASM • Prom Bring It, Inc. INSUR ANCE • • Anthem BCBS/Caremore • Associated Insurance Systems Services, Inc. • & Retirement Consultants, LLC • JB Bryan Financial Group, Inc. • Mequell Green Insurance AgencyNationwide Insurance • Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial

• Northwestern Mutual Financial Network • Perry Insurance Agency, Inc. • Retirement & Insurance Financial Services • State Farm Agency Recruiting LA NDS CAP ING • C & J Lawn Maintenance • GTT Enterprises, Inc. LEGAL SER VICES • DiBartolo Court Reporting of Alex Taylor • The Law • Legal Shield • Taylor’s Paralegal Services LIFE - CO AC HING COUNSELING MENTORING • Inspiring Beauty, LLC MARKETING & MONEY • Genesis Athletic Funding, Inc. • OPT4TEXT • Radio One, Inc. – Richmond • SendOutCards • U.S. Small Business Administration MEDICA L C ARE • Dominion Medical Associates • Premiere Care Givers & Medical Career Educators • A Plus Home Health Care • Boomer3 Solutions, LLC • Gallery of Weave & Wigs MER CHANT SER VICES • PayProTech • Versatile Merchant Solutions MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELO PMENT County Economic • Development • City of Richmond MOVERS • Quality Moving Services OFFICE PRODU CTS & SUPPLIES • Ropho Sales PAINTING • D&K Painting, LLC • Sustainable Facility Solutions PEST CONTROL • Integrity Pest Solutions • Ross Termite Inspections PHARMAC Y • Appomattox Drugs PHOTOGR AP HY • Harrington’s Photography PRINTING • Forrest White Printing and Graphic Design

Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

REAL EST ATE • Amiralyn Properties • Angela McNeal, Realtor • ERA Woody Hogg & Associates • Monarch Mortgage • Pat’s World Staging & Re-Design, LLC • Practical Real Estate Services • REMN • River City Realty & Investments, LLC • RMT Construction & Development Group REST AURANT • American Tap Room RET AIL • Better Menswear of Richmond • D & W Fashions • HPDS Sports, LLC • Midlothian Jewelry Exchange and Repair • Shay’s Shoe Haven SECURITY SYSTEMS • Richmond Alert Security, LLC SP ORTS T EAM • Richmond Raiders TA X PRE PA RER • Fiscal Fitness Tax & Financial Services, Inc. • Harris Tax And Business Services, LLC • Taylor-Made Business Services, LLC T RANSPORT ATION/C AR RENT AL • Exquisite Rentals • Total Praise Transport WEBSITE DESIGN & COM PUTER REPA IR • 4Core Technology Group, Inc. WEBSITE DESIGN & COM PUTER REPA IR • Four Deep Multimedia, LLC WELLNESS • Bodies & Beyond Gym and Fitness • Organo Gold Independent Distributor • River City Comprehensive Counseling Services • Soul Purpose YOUTH & F AMILY SER VICES Family Services, Inc. • • Junior Achievement of Central Virginia • Powhatan Fair Association • Prom Bring It, Inc. • Sistahood of Richmond • The Wellness Group Youth Family Services

PROFESSION AL SER VICES • Anthony Wright • Crossplatform Design

Do Busin ess with ou r Ch a mb e r Me m b e rs ! 10

• Daily Grace, LLC • Sharon Taha • Gallery of Weave & Wigs • Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. • Green-Leaf Solutions, LLC • Information Management Solutions, LLC • Virginia Heritage Foods, Inc.

| w w w. C VA A C C .o r g www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

How to Guide

Selecting the Right Bank

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Your money is important, and how your finances are handled will either make your life much easier, or cause untold amounts of frustration and aggravation. Choose the right bank and give your finances a much needed boost.

Other banks charge fees each time an overdraft occurs. Sometimes, banks provide no coverage. Be sure to research overdraft policies before making a final decision.

Not all banks are the same, and not all of them offer the same kind of returns and programs for your financial need. Choosing a bank just because of its location could mean you are missing out on some important benefits. While convenience is important, it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be your only factor. Consider these aspects when selecting a bank.

These days, it is important to consider a bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stability. Before you entrust your money to an institution, check its history and financial condition.

Interest Rates and Fees Charged Like many other businesses, banks want to be competitive. Interest rates are one way they entice new customers. It is not uncommon for the savings account interest rates to vary widely, but the majority of institutions make adjustments according to changes in the federal funds rate. You might think interest rates are inconsequential. But when substantial deposit amounts are involved, the difference can be significant. Banks are also famous for charging fees for particular transactions. For example, a checking account may only allow a certain number of checks to be written each month before a fee is assessed. Sometimes, a minimum balance is required to keep the account active. There are also banks that offer free checking and other options. Make sure, however, that the free checking is really free. There may be www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Institutional Stability

stipulations such as being required to keep a minimum balance in the account at all times. Look at a fee schedule to determine if it is acceptable to you.

Personal Convenience Banks with multiple locations in convenient areas are important. If you travel frequently, check if your local or regional institution is a member of a national network. Also, ask about their online banking policies. Is their website easy to navigate and secure? Online banking can be a great way to pay bills and transfer money between accounts.

Overdraft Safeguards Everyone makes mistakes. Accidental overdrafts happen occasionally. Each financial institution has a different policy about these matters. Some banks might offer overdraft coverage in the form of a highinterest credit line.

Typically, banks invest deposited funds under a fractional reserve banking system. Any bank with a strong balance sheet should be able to weather any turbulence caused by market corrections. The majority of banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for up to $250,000 per depositor. This value can vary depending on the type and number of accounts held by a customer. Provided you understand and act within these safeguards, your money will likely be safe in a bank. That is not to say that failures are impossible. A solid bank will limit exposure to toxic assets that put its balance sheet at risk.

Services You Need Most banks offer a variety of services. Whether you need to get a loan or open a checking account, choose a bank that fulfills your needs with the fewest fees. It should offer the maximum conveniences possible. Careful and vigilant shoppers will have positive experiences by making an effort to choose a trustworthy commercial bank.

Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | February 18, 2015