(NewsUSA) - Many employers are finding ways to reward their loyal and productive employees with salary increases. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can offer guidance and strategies for how to maximize your salary increase. Think of this windfall not as an excuse for frivolous spending, but as an opportunity to line up your money with what matters most to you, says Karl Frank, CFP.®

"With a little planning, a salary increase can become an opportunity to make a long-term impact in your quality of life," Frank says.

Some smart uses for the new funds coming in include:

1. Retirement security. If you have not started saving for retirement, a salary increase is the perfect opportunity. If you have already started saving for your golden years, directing more of your salary into your retirement accounts moves you further ahead.

2. Long-term goals. Do you have an event on the horizon, such as a wedding, home purchase or dream vacation? Create an investment account and divert some of your pay increase into it.

3. Debt elimination. A salary increase can be the ideal way to pay down or pay off lingering debt, whether from student loans, mortgages, car purchases, or overused credit cards.

4. Emergency fund. Whether or not you already have an emergency fund, you can use your pay raise to add to it. "Usually, six months to two years of your living expenses are reasonable amounts of money to keep in safe, very low- or zero-interest, accounts at a bank," Frank says.

5. Career development. Setting aside the money from a salary increase to invest in your career can pay off with even greater financial benefits and higher pay. Consider opportunities for certification or an advanced degree in your field that might take you to the next level. Seeking a career change? Setting aside money from a salary increase can help bridge the gap if you decide to switch to a different field, start your own business or take time off.

6. Fun! Spending a salary increase carelessly can be easy, but if you create a budget and mindfully dedicate some of your salary increase to activities you value and enjoy, whether that's gym memberships, sports events, concerts or travel, you can improve your quality of life now and in the future.

To learn more about ways to maximize your salary increase to reach your financial goals, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

(NewsUSA) - Vacations are back, but not just any vacations. As the pandemic wanes and travel restrictions relax, travelers with pent-up enthusiasm are ready to get back on the road in a big way.

Travelers of all ages are looking for unique experiences and personalized details that make a trip truly memorable.

Many people who used to make their own arrangements are rediscovering the value of a professional travel planner.

Expert planners can handle the important details, from identifying unique destinations to navigating the variety and shifting safety and testing protocols of post-pandemic travel.

"Consider us your matchmakers; the connection between the trip you've been dreaming about and the vacation we create that makes those dreams a reality," says Brianna Glenn, owner and travel designer for Milk + Honey Travels, a boutique travel service that designs custom vacations.

Travelers don't need the added stress of trying to navigate the details that elevate a vacation from a good time to a truly unforgettable experience, she adds.

Now is the perfect time to plan a summer or fall getaway, and a professional travel advisor can help. Some of the benefits of a customized, bespoke travel service include:

- Personalized planning. The best trips start with a look at what you really want. After years of being stuck at home, travelers have their wish lists ready, and a professional advisor can help make those dreams a reality.

Whether your dream is a beach getaway, an African safari, an all-inclusive resort or a family-friendly European adventure, a professional advisor can make sure that everything is in place, and that you know what to expect for safety protocols, local transportation and special events or excursions.

- Expert backup. Upscale travelers want peace of mind as they plan the complex and exotic trips that they have dreamed about while stuck at home. The more complex the trip, the more important it is to have a knowledgeable advocate in your corner if something goes wrong or if safety regulations should suddenly change.

Professional travel advisors can help with purchasing travel insurance and with negotiating refunds if reservations, flights, cruises or other travel-related activities are canceled.

"Ultimately, we save you hours of time and energy so you can focus on the things that matter most to you," Glenn says. "You get the trip of your dreams with none of the leg-work. All you have to do is pack your bags."

Visit milkandhoneytravels.com to learn how professional travel advisors can help make your post-pandemic getaway seamless and stress-free.

(NewsUSA) - When travelers to North Texas hang their hat in Plano, they enjoy prime access to all of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's cultural, sporting and entertainment offerings. But this dynamic city is also a destination in its own right, one that blends cosmopolitan flair with vintage charm for the perfect weekend getaway.

Here are the makings of a memorable weekend in Plano.

Stay. For extra pampering, consider the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West, known for its "cowboy meets Samurai" décor and rooftop pool and cabanas.

Looking for something truly over-the-top? Take over Southfork Ranch, home of the TV series "Dallas," for the night. The package includes a private tour of the mansion and a steak dinner fit for J.R. Ewing. (If opting for one of Plano's many other hotels, visitors can still enjoy a Southfork trail ride by day.)

Sip and Savor. With more than 1,000 eateries, Plano has more restaurants per capita than New York or San Francisco and an incredibly diverse dining scene.

Legacy Hall, a European-style food hall located at Legacy West just steps from the Renaissance, lets visitors sample a mouthwatering variety, all under one roof, often with a side of live music.

Along the brick-lined streets of Plano's charming, historic Downtown Arts District, you'll find everything from Japanese robata at Ebesu and pub fare at The Fillmore to artisan pizza at Urban Crust and tacos at its sister restaurant, Urban Rio.

The Boardwalk at Granite Park is another fun "restaurant row" with everything from burgers to English high tea.

Shop, See and Do. With four major walkable retail districts, Plano is a shopper's dream.

At Legacy West, Teslas are on offer alongside home furnishings, décor and more.

The nearby Shops at Legacy are the place to stroll outdoors, shop popular brands, catch an indie film or indulge in a spa treatment.

The upscale Shops at Willow Bend offer a well-rounded mix of stores anchored by Neiman-Marcus. They also house a special attraction for families -- one of only five Crayola Experiences in the nation.

The streets of quaint downtown Plano brim with charming art galleries and independent boutiques like Lyla's and La Foofaraw, and shoppers can also take in colorful murals, a farmer's market and outdoor concerts.

For more ideas for Plano lodging, dining and activities, check out visitplano.com.

(NewsUSA) - After nearly two years of living with COVID-19, many of us, especially older adults and caregivers, could benefit from checking up on our health and lifestyle habits -- and could use help with finding connections to local resources that can help. Older adults, caregivers and families can find local services that can address changes that may have gone unnoticed or untreated during the height of the pandemic by using the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Wondering what changes to look for in yourself or the older adults you know? Here are just some of the changes that older adults may have experienced during the pandemic that may need to be addressed.

• Physical Condition: If you notice that you or an older loved one is walking more slowly or having more difficulty seeing, hearing or reading, it may be time to seek medical advice.
• Changes Needed in the Home: Take a look at your home or the home of an older loved one, and consider whether you or the person you are concerned about need to make simple repairs or modifications such as installing grab bars in the shower or lights in a dark hallway.
• In-Home Support: Are you or the older adults in your life finding it harder to keep up with daily tasks? As a result of the pandemic, many of us have developed a need for in-home support with activities like housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care.
• Social Connection: A lack of in-person interaction, especially for older adults, can lead to loneliness and a loss of social connection. Whether it is volunteering or a pen pal program, there are many engagement opportunities that can provide social connection.
• Safety and Security: If you suspect that you or an older loved one have been taken advantage of by a scam, contact the Eldercare Locator to find local resources that can help address the situation.

By providing information about local transportation, meal services, home modification and repair services and so much more, the Eldercare Locator helps ensure that older adults, caregivers and families are connected to tools that can help them age well and live independently. Many of these services are provided by local Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs, which serve nearly every community in the country. Finding local resources is just one call or click away.

Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1 (800)-677-1116 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET Monday through Friday, or through its website, eldercare.acl.gov, 24 hours a day.

(NewsUSA) - Millions of Americans whose federal student loan payments were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic will see this monthly expense resume this spring. Around the same time, the first student loan payments will come due for the graduating class of 2022.

If you are among either of these groups, you may be wondering how to prepare yourself financially. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can help you plan ahead and make sure you don't fall behind in your student loan payments.

Here are four benefits of working with a CFP® professional to manage your student loans:

1. Get and stay organized. When you have a student loan, it's important to know the name of your loan servicer, loan terms, estimated payment amounts, and payment schedule. If you plan to use auto-debit to make your payments, you need to provide your loan servicer with the correct account number. A CFP® professional can help you get this information in order and keep track of payment details.

2. Ensure you have sufficient cash flow to cover loan payments. A CFP® professional will help you incorporate student loan payments into your monthly budget. This means not only adding your payment amount to your fixed monthly expenses, but also identifying opportunities to save money elsewhere. That may involve cutting back on discretionary spending, consolidating other loans or refinancing high-interest debt.

3. Choose your best repayment strategy. There are multiple repayment options available to federal loan borrowers. Some allow you to double the length of your repayment term; others base monthly payment amounts on your discretionary income. Students with private loans may have different repayment options to consider, and private loan repayment plans may vary by lender. A CFP® professional can help you evaluate all of your repayment options and determine which one is best for your financial situation.

4. Avoid the consequences of default. Missed payments can lead to a lower credit score, garnished wages and tax refunds and a possible loss of access to future student aid. But your chances of default will be lower if you take the time to prepare your finances with the help of a CFP® professional.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to learn more about preparing for your student loan payments as well as how to find a CFP® professional near you.

College is expensive, and managing student loan debt can feel overwhelming. A CFP® professional can help you figure out a plan for timely repayment while balancing your other financial goals.

(NewsUSA)

"Going 15 Rounds with Jerry Izenberg"
by Ed Odeven

Prominent sports journalist Robert Lipsyte says Jerry Izenberg is "the last wise man standing in a chaotic sports world, and this delicious trove of great stories is a welcome celebration of his work and times."

Jerry Izenberg's career as a newspaper reporter and columnist spans generations. He has written about championship teams and Olympic greats, baseball and football superstars, and boxing legends, including his friendship with Muhammad Ali. Along the way, he became one of the best American sports columnists.

This book highlights Izenberg's career and some of his favorite stories regarding the sports icons of his times. A must-read about one of the great storytellers for anyone with a love of sports, sports media and the world around us. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qnSsdM.

"The Boy Who Took Marilyn to the Prom"
by Henry Massie

In 1961, a year before her death, Marilyn Monroe's last psychiatrist invited her into his family in a desperate attempt to save her by giving her a family she never had. The doctor suggests that his son take the actress to his senior prom, an experience Marilyn had missed because she had never finished school. That night haunted the boy until 2007, when, as a psychiatrist himself, he takes on a patient who reminds him of Marilyn.

"Intrepid, vivid, thoughtful. It takes us inside the psychotherapy office, face to face with the dangers psychiatrists and their patients run of becoming slaves to their feelings for each other," says Bridget Connelly, prizewinning author of "Forgetting Ireland." Midwest Review calls it "a thought-provoking reflection on the dark side of glamour and the hidden recesses of the psyche." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3zE00w0.

"2022 Mystical Moon Journal"
by Merrill Black, LCSW and Leslie Lee

Just like the ocean tides ebb and flow by the power of the moon, so can we flow and transform emotionally, physically and spiritually, when tuned into the movements of the moon. This journal guides you through the new and full moons of 2022. Each month, the new and full moon energies are explored through ritual, visualization and reflective journal prompts.

Learn to: focus your intention to manifest your desires; strengthen your intuition through visualization, mudras and movement exercises; explore crystals, herbs and aromatherapy for each new and full moon; connect with your higher self with journal prompts, oracle cards and self-reflection; and flow with lunar energy to support emotional healing and expansion. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3tniTT4.

"Elite Productivity"
by BAB Group

Everyone wants to be productive, but boosting productivity doesn't happen by itself. This book offers 29 steps to reach your peak performance in life. The authors present basic concepts and put them together in easy steps to follow and track in a journal that they recommend readers keep.

The 29 steps can be on subjects as common as eating, sleeping, staying healthy, creating the right physical living and work environments, and keeping technology in its proper place. But the authors also offer discourses on tuning out distractions, learning how and when to say no, staying focused and not trying to achieve things all at once. Learn more at https://amzn.to/3rb1OtI.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Getting our COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests can help us get back to doing the things we love with the people we love. However, many people with disabilities may face difficulties in making vaccination appointments, getting accurate information and accessing local resources related to COVID-19. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), a first-of-its-kind national call center, can help.

DIAL connects people with disabilities and their families to local resources that can provide information and assistance in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests. Trained staff can assist callers with finding local vaccine sites and can connect them with local organizations. DIAL provides resources to answer questions, address concerns and help callers make informed choices about the available COVID-19 vaccines. DIAL also helps with the often-complicated process of securing accessible transportation to and from vaccination appointments.

People with disabilities can count on DIAL to help them stay healthy during the pandemic and continue to live at home and stay engaged in their communities. And for those who may need additional support, DIAL directs callers to local organizations that can help with other needs, such as accessible, affordable, safe housing, as well as food and mental health support.

DIAL is a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and is administered by USAging in partnership with a consortium of organizations serving people with disabilities.

Ready to connect with DIAL? Contact DIAL today at 888-677-1199 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday to speak to our trained staff in any language. DIAL is also reachable by email at [email protected].

For more information, visit https://acl.gov/DIAL.

(NewsUSA) - The state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218) on January 1, 2020, .

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward 

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher. 

(NewsUSA) - Stress levels are especially high these days, and many people are exploring alternative options to manage stress and improve their overall health.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. Although CBD is one of the active ingredients in marijuana, it does not have the psychotropic effects of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Therefore, CBD has been used in a variety of products as a safe option for pain relief and wellness without the risk associated with marijuana use.

Although CBD cannot be guaranteed to treat any particular ailment, symptom or health condition, many health benefits have been associated with the use of CBD products, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and better appetite.

CBD also has been used to help promote muscle recovery after physical activity.

"CBD/Hemp solutions have been used for centuries as common practice to make or subdue many kinds of ailments in a natural way by utilizing mother earth's plants and flowers to remedy numerous symptoms," according to Health and Wellness Botanicals, an American manufacturer of CBD products.

If you are considering CBD products, be sure that they are of high quality.

Health and Wellness Botanicals works directly with farmers who cultivate hemp at their Farm Bill-approved facilities.

The CBD from these farms undergoes multiple rounds of lab testing to ensure purity, potency and formulation accuracy. Health and Wellness Botanicals stands behind its products, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD in both topical and ingestible forms.

- Topicals: Health and Wellness Botanicals' topical CBD products are infused with essential oils for additional benefits in managing conditions including muscle soreness, arthritis pain and skin conditions. Options include creams, roll-ons, salves and gels, specialized for soothing, cooling and pain relief, and they are designed to be applied as often as needed to areas of discomfort.

- Ingestibles: Health and Wellness Botanicals' CBD ingestible tinctures are available in oil-soluble and water-soluble options, in a variety of strengths and flavors (from natural essential oil). Gummis and capsules are also options for a slower-absorbing, but longer-lasting effect.

CBD also is used to enhance the company's beauty product collection, including facial creams, lip balms and micro roll-ons.

Want to treat your pet? Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD pet treats and pet shampoo products.

Visit HWBCBD.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - On January 1, 2020, the state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218).

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher.