According to U.S. Census Bureau research projections (www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p25-1143.pdf), the United States will have a minority majority population by 2045 as Black, Latino and Asian-American communities grow. These traditionally underrepresented populations are not only growing in size, but they are also building greater wealth.

Purchasing power among people of color has increased exponentially since 2019. The annual buying power of Black consumers was estimated by Nielsen to be $1.3 trillion in 2019 -- a roughly 48 percent increase over 2010. Latino purchasing power grew by nearly 70 percent over the same period, according to the University of Georgia, reaching approximately $1.7 trillion in 2019. Additionally, the wealthiest fifth of Blacks -- more than three million households -- has an average wealth of $395,000, while the wealthiest fifth of Latinos households have more than $400,000 in average wealth.

The U.S. Census Bureau data indicates a large population that could benefit from financial planning advice as families generate more wealth. Research published by the Journal of Financial Planning found that Black and Latino households are less likely than white families to work with a financial planner, and an even smaller percentage of those households choose to receive comprehensive financial planning advice.

Financial advisors and their firms have an opportunity to reach these underserved groups and diversify their client base while providing a valuable and empowering service. One way to do so, according to the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, is to ensure that the financial planning workforce reflects the diversity of wealth-building communities. It currently does not: Only about 4 percent of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals self-report as Black or Latino, whereas nearly 32 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Black or Latino.

The Center is leading a collaborative, profession-wide effort to implement sustainable diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that can address this systemic challenge and foster greater diversity among financial planners.

Visit CFP.net/The-Center-for-Financial-Planning to learn more about the Center's diversity-focused initiatives and get involved.

Diversifying the financial planner workforce is a prudent strategy for financial firms seeking to diversify their client base.

"Financial Planner Use Among Black and Hispanic Households," by Kenneth J. White Jr, Ph.D., and Stuart J. Heckman, Ph.D., CFP®, Journal of Financial Planning, September 2016, pp 40-49 http://bit.ly/2NU627O

If you're able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about putting American hardwoods to work in your home.

1. FRESH & MINIMAL

Photograph: Rebecca McAlpin

In a Philadelphia house, designer Mel McDaniel uses three beech desktops, purchased at a local big-box store, to turn an alcove into a simple but effective workspace for two people. Vintage chairs, painted white, and a pair of residential table lamps complete the homey yet professional look. 

2. OFFICE IN A CLOSET

Photograph: Alan Tansey

For many homeowners, finding sufficient space for a dedicated office is a problem. One solution, even in a small apartment, is to transform a closet with hardwood built-ins. Michael K Chen Architecture shows how it’s done with this admirably compact yet surprisingly roomy example in a New York loft.

3. WORKING UNDER STAIRS

Photograph: Paul Barnaby

If you live in a multistory house, you may have a dark space under the stairs that could be made to look and function better. In Los Angeles, Hamilton Architects transform one such triangle into a bright home office with a built-in hardwood desk and a strategically placed window. 

4. THE ATTIC OFFICE

Photograph: Eric Roth

As Hutker Architects and designer Kathleen Walsh demonstrate in this farmhouse on Martha’s Vineyard, the height-challenged space under the eaves in an attic can be the ideal spot for a substantial work surface. Dormer windows bathe the custom oak-and-steel desking with daylight while also providing a view.  

5. THE FULLY FITTED OFFICE

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Photograph: Jessica Glynn Photography @jessglynnphoto

If you’re able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about putting American hardwoods to work in your home. 

 "How To Be A Badass Vigilante: Book One"
by Michael Anderle 

When given power, what would you be willing to sacrifice for the greater good?

Fed up with playing the normal game, ex-cum laude, ex-soccer star, ex-popular and mostly broke Kera MacDonagh changed her life when she read "How to be a Badass Witch" (http://amzn.to/3qfAzLz) and shockingly, the spells worked.

She barely made it out of the first few weeks of on-the-job training before her powers got her in trouble. Hunted as a magical vigilante, the Kims sacrificed to keep her safe.

Kera hunts criminals in the darkness of LA, but will she be able to hide the signature of her powers, too? Will magic be enough to help her come out on top? Purchase at http://amzn.to/2XscEMv.

"No More Dodging Bullets"
by Amy Herrig

After overcoming a heroin addiction as a teenager, Amy Herrig faced a different addiction 20 years later: money. She and her father were thriving as small business owners in Dallas when a government lawsuit threatened to take everything -- their businesses, their money, and their freedom.

Accused of crimes she hadn't committed, Amy fought to stay out of prison, but that wasn't all. From one life-altering change after another, she gained a new perspective on herself and on what matters most in life. From an exhausting and demoralizing situation came a new outlook of gratitude, but also remorse and humility. Purchase at https://amzn.to/34kSUhJ.

"Red Souls"
by Susan F. Banks

Called "a creative and entertaining new novel ... artfully combines the best elements of science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, and magical realism into a suspenseful and imaginative story with a tasty dose of romance. The reader has access to a wonderful new world with ... strange phenomena and intriguing characters."

Willet, a young woman with abnormally sensitive hearing, is recruited by a 165-year-old Astral Master named Gem to help her drive Red Souls out of Los Angeles. Red Souls attack the minds and emotions of humans who succumb to violence, dread and despair.

Gem must form a Circle to fight the astral attacks. Willet, her sister and the men they love create a fighting force powerful enough to defeat an ancient evil. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qG3Hvv.

"The F Place"
by Sonal Trivedi and Christine Strobush

Beneath the placid surface, there is a toxic culture at The F Place. The company is plagued by backstabbing leaders, drama, lies, scandal, and unhappy employees to the point that both the performance and the wellbeing of the people in the company are fractured. 

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

1. Don't wait. Find a way to exercise safely now. With many gyms closed or restricted due to COVID-19, a lot of people have either sidelined their exercise programs, or have transitioned to outdoor options like walking, jogging, or biking. If you're ready to fire up your exercise regimen without freezing outside, then join millions of other Americans by participating in free online workouts that will engage and inspire you to exercise. Growing numbers of participants nationwide claim that streaming workouts have been a "lifesaver." They provide a daily regimen, a sense of community and accomplishment, as well as real health improvement benefits.

2. Search for classes tailored to your goals, fitness level, and health status. There are countless numbers of streaming workouts available to meet most every need. Research shows that aerobics and resistance training are best to prevent heart disease or improve heart health. But it is important to do more than one or two types of exercise. Adding variety will benefit your fitness even more, according to Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT and Associate Vice President of Digital Fitness Solutions with American Specialty Health Fitness. "Exercises for flexibility and balance, such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, can improve your ability to do other types of exercise," says Bjornaraa. "In addition, they're fun and great for stress relief, and the mix of exercises can reduce risk of injury."

Ready to begin? First, make sure you know your heart risk factors so you can find an exercise program that's right for you. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or other health issues, make a pledge to call your doctor to discuss your heart health goals and what types and level of exercise might be safest for you.

3. Select online classes and instructors that motivate you. Data shows that 50 percent of sedentary people who start a new exercise program drop out after 6 months. An instructor who inspires and motivates you is key to your success. Top motivating factors include enthusiasm and encouragement, a "real" personality, and challenging exercises. Finding a class time that suits your schedule also increases your chances of sticking with a program. Explore options like those offered through the Silver&Fit® program, which premieres 54 free, public Facebook Live and YouTube exercise classes per week, catered to older adults. These half-hour classes include cardio, strength/bodyweight, yoga, dance, tai chi, mixed formats, and flexibility and balance, all available at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The classes premiere Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. You can even check out their roster of elite instructors on their website at www.SilverandFit.com.

"Anyone can participate in the free Silver&Fit senior exercise classes on Facebook and YouTube, and what better time than Heart Month to get started?" adds Dr. Bjornaraa.

Silver&Fit class participant Ethel George says, "Great workout! Thank you Silver&Fit for keeping us safe, healthy, and sane during these tough times."

To view the workouts, visit www.facebook.com/SilverandFit or www.youtube.com/SilverandFit.

Following on the heels of the February 13 premiere of "Death Saved My Life," starring Meagan Good, Lifetime launches an original movie each week for the next four weeks.

The February 20 premiere of "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice," starring Kim Delaney, has added significance as Lifetime's 400th original movie. The plot follows a mother's quest for the truth about her daughter who disappeared yields gruesome evidence of a possible serial killer who has never been identified.

"As the leading producer of original movies, it's truly exciting to hit 400 this February," says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president of scripted content for Lifetime and LMN.

"This milestone speaks to the incredible power and longevity of Lifetime Original Movies in the television landscape, and I am thrilled to unveil even more movies in 2021," she adds.

"Girl in the Basement" premieres on February 27 and stars Judd Nelson, Joely Fisher, and Stefanie Scott in the horrifying story of a teenage girl imprisoned by her father in the family basement, where she is subjected to years of rape and torture while her mother and sister believe she has run away.

The next two movies, "Circle of Deception," airing on March 6, and "A House on Fire," airing on March 13, are inspired by the work of popular true crime writer Ann Rule.

"Circle of Deception" stars Diane Neal as a former beauty queen caught in the intrigue when her best friend's husband turns up dead.

"A House on Fire" features Stephanie March as a doctor with a seemingly picture-perfect life who hides a rocky marriage and a toxic relationship with pills and alcohol.

All four films feature women in key production roles as part of Lifetime's Broader Focus initiative.

Actresses Elisabeth Rohm and Ashley Williams make their directorial debuts with "Girl in the Basement" and "Circle of Deception;" Shamim Sarif directs "A House on Fire," and Emmy-winning journalist Deborah Norville serves as an executive producer for "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice."

Each movie debut is followed by a short documentary with more context about the real-life stories that inspired each feature.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information.

"Mentoring helps candidates focus on time management, study strategy, staying motivated and more," according to the website of CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

The CFP Board Mentor Program aligns with the CFP® exam schedule and sets up short-term mentoring relationships to align with the March, July or November exams. The next mentoring cycle opens in April to prepare candidates for the July exam. Mentors and mentees connect at least three times during the period leading up to the exam.

CFP Board also provides online resources to support the mentor/mentee relationship, including sample practice exam questions, more information about the key knowledge topics to which exam questions are linked, and a guide to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that CFP® professionals need to know and implement in their careers.

Additional benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees include:

• Making it personal. A one-on-one relationship with a CFP Board mentor helps candidates identify their specific areas of strength, and what they need to focus on to ace the exam and prepare for a successful career.
• Sharing their wisdom. The financial planning profession is supportive and inclusive, and many established advisors choose to become mentors because they enjoy sharing their insights and offering encouragement to those ready to become a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professional.
• Connecting long-term. The CFP Board formal mentor program is designed to support students through the exam process, but some candidates for CFP® certification and their mentors continue to connect, and mentors can continue to provide career advice and networking opportunities.

The goal of the CFP Board Mentor Program is to "foster the next generation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals to succeed and advance the profession," CFP Board emphasizes.

For more information, visit cfp.net/get-certified/tools-and-resources/find-a-mentor for links to sign up to find a mentor or become a mentor, as well as more resources to help prepare for the CFP®exam.

Snibble offers YAs what they want -- snackable videos and the ability to discover, share, and comment on them with friends in real time. Surveys suggest that approximately 70 percent of Gen Z prefer engaging with many short videos versus committing to a longer video.

"We are a fusion between the best of a video platform and a social media platform," says Blair Currie, CEO of Snibble.

Generation Z (youth ages 16 to 24 years) have never known life without mobile internet. At this age, especially in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, young adults are seeking ways to connect with friends remotely, and short videos have become the social currency of this generation, Currie explains.

Snibble allows viewers to see, comment, recommend and share personalized content, and presents a reasonable amount of hyper-targeted advertising in a fair trade for their attention.

Snibble attracts top advertisers to a place that lets brands play when young viewers hang out, which improves returns on advertising investment.

To expand and showcase the Snibble platform and content, the company has partnered with NewsUSA TV, a division of the NewsUSA branded content agency. NewsUSA offers video content on Roku through a range of channels, including The Junior Network by NewsUSA TV. The Junior Network partnership with Snibble benefits both parties by expanding audience reach and access to content.

Snibble's content comes only from top providers, including Daily Fix, Omnia News (BBC), Brut, Cheddar, Huffpo, USAToday, Glamour, GQ, and People are Awesome.

The Junior Network by NewsUSA TV helps leverage this content to Gen Z not only online but also through Roku and Amazon Fire, as well as iphone and mobile apps. The content also is available in completed Linear HLS Stream format for syndication.

In addition, NewsUSA TV offers content in Business Briefs, Health News, Entertainment News, and Travel News on its Roku channel.

Visit snibblecorp.com for more details about Snibble and NewsUSA.com/media-widget for details about NewsUSA TV.

(NewsUSA) - Here's a TERRIBLE MAT!  You probably HATE IT!

In 2016, women made up 47 percent of the American labor force, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce, according to a survey conducted by The Manufacturing Institute, APICS and Deloitte.

"Many women don't realize the possibilities for personal and professional satisfaction and a stable career in the manufacturing industry," says Julie Davis, Association of Equipment Manufacturing director of workforce development. "Women who need to reposition their post COVID-19 careers should step forward into manufacturing."

Reasons for women to consider a career in manufacturing include:

- Financial: Wages for women in manufacturing tend to exceed those paid in traditional female-filled positions.

- Educational: Money is available from many businesses for retraining women for manufacturing jobs. Given the job losses many women have experienced in industries hurt by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such as the restaurant, hospitality, and other service industries, the manufacturing industry offers an opportunity to learn new skills and embark on a new and sustainable career path.

- Practical. Many manufacturing jobs that used to demand more in terms of size and strength no longer apply; the adoption of technology means new, high-tech jobs that level the playing field for male and female employees.

- Inclusive. The manufacturing industry is committed to diversity and inclusion. For example, safety equipment is now available in women's sizes to reflect the changing demographics of the industry and desire to reach out to women about the benefits of manufacturing careers. Apprenticeship programs are available across the United States to help women enter the manufacturing industry and to provide solidarity and support with other women professionals in the field.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization dedicated to supporting North America's manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment, offers four tips for women who want to explore careers in manufacturing:

- Look locally. Investigate which manufacturing facilities are located in your area, and check out their job listings and training opportunities.

- Look nationally. Get support for your job search by connecting with the National Center for Women's Equity in Apprenticeship and Employment.

- Look for help. A local job center may have leads on jobs and training, and also may be able to provide child care, housing, or other support for women while they participate in training programs.

- Look online. AEM offers an online toolkit at www.aem.org/workforce-solutions#toolkit for more information about the potential for success in a manufacturing career.

TheraBreath, the world's leading dentist-founded oral health care brand, feels the same way. With their brand-new product, TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray, they are doing their part to provide a quick and easy way for everyone-young and old -- to keep their immune systems working at their best.

TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray is especially powerful because it helps boost your immunity in several ways. It contains extracts from acerola (a form of cherry) and also elderberry. Both of these fruits have strong antioxidant properties and are often used in immunity-boosting products. Elderberry in particular has a long history of use in health and healing going back to ancient Greek times.

"Our TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray Supplement is an easy and tasty way to get the benefits of a multi-vitamin supplement and boost your immune system against the cold, the flu, and other airborne infections," says CEO and founder, Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist with an additional degree in bacteriology.

The spray also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper. This combination of infection-fighters lines up to help muster your body's best natural defenses against illness. The spray contains no artificial colors or dyes, and it is certified vegan and gluten-free, as well as NSF certified, with a cherry lemonade flavor that appeals to all ages.

Use TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray as needed throughout the day. The small bottle is easy to tuck into a purse, pocket, or backpack, so it is easy to stay healthy on the go as you resume activities.

Everyone has come to appreciate just how important it is to have a healthy immune system, not only in the winter months, but all year round, whether you are going to work, going to school, or just going to the grocery store. Airborne infections are always with us, but keeping a science-based, immune-strengthening product in your personal health toolkit can help keep you and your family safe and well.

Visit TheraBreath.com for more information about TheraBreath Immunity Support Oral Spray and other products in the TheraBreath family of oral health care. All TheraBreath products come with a money-back guarantee.