Monthly Archives: February 2022

Why ‘And Just Like That…’s Attempt to Diversify Didn’t Change Anything – ELLE.com

Posted: February 11, 2022 at 6:09 am

When HBO announced a Sex and the City revival, I was on the fence. Despite the networks multiple attempts at recreating the iconic 90s show in various forms (Im looking at you, Girls), there had yet to be a rom-com series that lived up to the original. And thats partly because SATC is one-of-a-kind.

Adapted from Candace Bushnells 1997 book of the same name, SATC introduced something relatively unseen in mainstream media: a group of unmarried women in their mid-30s who had sexand lots of it. Though the idea of SATC doesnt seem that groundbreaking by todays standards, in 1998, it was a provocative premise. Still, the series aired for six seasons and got two movie adaptations. It doesnt matter it has lived far past its prime; it remains one of those iconic shows, with an avid fan base rivaled only by The Sopranos (which aired around the same time during HBOs heyday).

So, despite my concerns, I (along with thousands of others) tuned in every Thursday to see what our favorite, now middle-aged white women were doing in 2021.

Did I expect And Just Like That to be as good as the original? Of course not, especially with Samantha Jones missing in action (shes sort of replaced by realtor Seema Patel, but well get to that later). But the revival was more than a disastrous train wreck. It was wokeness and diversity messily packaged into three rich white womens lives.

The SATC reboot desperately needed diverse characters and inclusive storylines. New and old fans alike agreed that there were plenty of problematic moments in the show, from Carries refusal to date a bisexual man because she believes bisexuality doesnt exist to the blatant sexualization of Black men. (That one time when Samantha dated Chivon, a Black music executive and made sexual comments about his penis, labeling it a big Black cock, still irks me to this day.) And dont get me started on Dr. Robert Leeds.

So, I understand that AJLT wanted to right the wrongs by making Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte progressive and liberal, even though theyre all wealthy, cis, white women. Making Miranda leave her white-shoe law firm to get a degree in human rights or making prudish Carrie on a sex-positive podcast didnt feel realistic. But the shows attempts at inclusion werent just far from groundbreaking; worse, they repackaged some of the shows past problematic moments into modern-day microaggressions.

HBO

The fact is, theres nothing woke about AJLT. Although its great to see people of color and other non cis, white, disabled characters, these new characters wouldve gone further if they werent one-dimensional. Take Mirandas Black professor, Nya Wallace, for example. Even though her storyline includes important conversations about fertility struggles, the character still somehow feels pushed to the side. We dont know much about her degree, her husband, and her life outside not wanting to start a family. She simply serves to be Mirandas anti-racist co-signer, even though Miranda made racist comments during their first meeting.

Take, as another example, Charlottes mom friend, Lisa Todd Wexley, aka LTW (also dubbed the Black Charlotte by Anthony). Whats off-putting about their relationship is Charlottes painfully overt attempts to impress her, even go as far to googling Black culture in an effort to wow Lisa. Charlotte even pressured her Black neighbor to attend her dinner party just so Lisa and her husband wouldnt be the only Black guests in attendance. Maybe Charlottes intentions were good, and she wanted to make Lisa feel more comfortable. But this need to become friends doesnt feel genuine. People-pleasing may be a classic Charlotte trait, but thats not an excuse for her to treat the Black women around her this way. If Lisa were anyone else but a distinguished name in the New York social scene, would Charlotte still go to these lengths? I think we know the answer.

HBO

We also cant talk about diverse characters without talking about Samanthas pseudo-replacement, Seema. The similarities between Samantha and Seema are so identical: unmarried? Check. Unfiltered about her dating life? Check. Confident and self-assured enough to give Carrie a run for her money? Check. And while its exciting to see a South Asian woman in a role like this, Seemas storyline has its own issues, especially in the Diwali episode. The arranged marriage plot, while a custom still practiced today, felt stereotypical, and the writers failed to double-check before calling a lehenga a sari. Seema, like Lisa and Nya, falls into the POC best friend trope, only serving to propel their white friends storylines forward.

Perhaps the most jarring aspect of the reboot is Che Diaz. Unlike other fans, Im not so up-in-arms by Miranda and Ches love affair (Steve does deserves better, though). I was excited to see Che and their introduction as an unapologetically non-binary person of color who loves sex and doesnt subscribe to traditional rules of dating (the kind of representation we desperately needed in the original series). And yet, Ches main purpose is to trigger Mirandas sexual evolution. Though we see more of Che than other POC characters, their interactions with the cast (aside from our grey-haired girl boss) are rare. They simply come around to help Mirandas disastrous love life, become her new partner, and, most likely, vanish by the season finale. What a fairytale ending.

When viewers of color ask for inclusivity, we want genuine and honest representationnot side characters who are the punchline of every joke.

With the exception of Che, the newcomers on AJLT are kept in their own lanes. They dont interact with each other; theyre each main characters respective diversity girlfriend. They may each be dealing with their own issuesSeema is navigating unmarried life in her 50s, LTW argues with her husbandbut none of their decisions or actions drive the plot. They exist in their own scenes and then we move on.

I never expected for And Just Like That... to be this anti-racist and anti-oppression show. It is a series about rich middle-aged white women, after all. But this repackaged brand of political correctness is nothing but a 2021 version of I dont see color. And, honestly, its traumatic to viewers of color. These problematic moments are not just things we can cringe through and nervously laugh off (though many of us do); they have a harmful message too.

When viewers of color ask for inclusivity, we want genuine and honest representationnot side characters who are subject to microaggressions for laughs and lack the same dimension as their white peers, whose storylines arent solely driven by their identity. Were still living in a time where marginalized people are waiting to see more well-rounded representation in mainstream Hollywood beyond trauma porn, token casting, and supporting roles. AJLT doesnt do anything to change that. Its not a win for diversity when the show casts four new leads of color who only prop up the white main characters. As Black women, whose communities stories have been suppressed for generations, seeing the show use this stereotype informs me (and plenty of others) that nothing has changed in the 24 years since Sex and the City first premiered.

Craig BlankenhornHBO

I dont expect for the characters on And Just Like That... to have a perfect understanding of gender and race. And lets face it, the show wouldve faced criticism whether it included women of color or not. But the execution of the leading trio trying to be more aware and socially conscious, well, its just bullshit. Id rather see Miranda take Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion classes at her corporate law firm; Charlotte befriend only white moms rather than be propped up by the Black mom friends around her; and Carrie be as oblivious and self-centered as she was in the original. At least then I would recognize the three women on the screen in front of me, and see the shows limitations for what they are.

SATC was groundbreaking for a reason. A show that boldly featured 30-something financially independent women seeking love on their own terms will always be one of its kind. I like seeing Miranda, Charlotte, and Carrie again, but sometimes, our old favorites are incompatible with the world as it exists todayand best left in the past.

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Richard Pryor’s Daughter Rain Says He’d Be Shocked by Racism Today: ‘How the Hell Have We Gone Backwards?’ – Yahoo Entertainment

Posted: at 6:09 am

Richard Pryor and Daughter Rain

Courtesy Rain Pryor

Richard Pryor is widely regarded as a stand-up icon, someone who helped put Black comedians on the Hollywood map. But his daughter Rain Pryor says if her late father were alive today, he wouldn't find much humor in America's current racial division.

The 52-year-old actress discussed the legacy of her dad, who died in 2005 of a heart attack at age 65, with PEOPLE for the 2022 Black History Month issue.

"I think he felt he was part of a movement forward, and he would be scratching his head on how the hell have we gone backwards," she says. "I think that's how he would look at it, like, 'We were making strides. Things were changing. We could say what we needed to say and move on.' He would have definitely felt that we have gone in the opposite direction."

Richard, whose comedy heroes included Bill Cosby, Buster Keaton, Danny Kaye and Lenny Bruce, influenced several generations of Black comedians, from Eddie Murphy to Dave Chappelle to Kevin Hart. After breaking out as a club performer in the '60s, he transitioned to TV and film in the early '70s, writing for shows like Sanford and Son and later co-writing the 1974 Mel Brooksdirected hit Blazing Saddles.

While honing his writing chops, he landed roles in front of the camera. Despite his success as an actor in movies like 1976's Silver Streak, 1978's California Suite and 1980's Stir Crazy (the latter of which was directed by the late Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier), and his memorable turn as the title character in the 1978 cult classic The Wiz, Rain says her father never considered himself to be much of a star.

RELATED: Richard Pryor's Widow Jennifer Lee Calls His 1980 Fire Incident a Suicide Attempt: 'He Warned Me'

Rain Pryor

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"I think he was satisfied with his standing [in Hollywood], but he never quite understood how he got there," she reveals, adding: "My father was very humble about who he was and what he meant to other people. It always shocked him if someone recognized him. All those years, he just felt so honored about that."

Throughout his four-decade career, the father of seven who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and used a wheelchair later in life won five Grammys and an Emmy. In addition to being a major comedy draw in concert and onscreen, Richard also tackled roles in dramatic films, like the 1972 Billie Holiday biopic Lady Sings the Blues and 1986's autobiographical Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. Richard wrote and directed the latter movie, which was based on a 1980 real-life incident in which he set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine.

Looking back at his entertainment legacy, Rain sees her dad as someone who united people with laughter.

Richard Pryor and Daughter Rain

Courtesy Rain Pryor

"He would talk racial politics, and he did it in a way different from today's comedians," she says. "He did it in a way that brought everyone together. It was at a time, too, that people were comfortable laughing at themselves. There was no political correctness back then, so he could talk about politics and race in a way that we all came together."

For Rain, an actress with her own string of TV and stage credits, including the 1986 to 1991 sitcom Head of the Class, Richard Pryor led by showing the world how to triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.

"He had such a great vulnerability," she says. "People don't realize it was hard for him to memorize lines because my dad couldn't read very well because he was dyslexic and just wasn't a great reader. So to know what he overcame to do a lot of stuff is pretty amazing. To be from Peoria, Illinois, growing up in a brothel, and then sent to California with a few hundred dollars in your pocket and to become who he became is pretty amazing."

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What Is The FIRE Movement And How Can You Start Your FIRE Journey? – The Quint

Posted: at 6:08 am

When it comes to personal finance, we talk about saving taxes, growing wealth, investing, yada yada but the actual thought at the back of our collective minds, whether said or unsaid, is always - Whats the goal here? Some people get into personal finance to ensure stability, some do it to ensure a better future for their children, some do the same because they have a big expense planned which theyre working towards - the goals can be many.

Amidst all of these groups, theres one that bases their actions on a more existential idea - human beings werent meant to work for a living all their lives. And so, people in this group aim for Financial Independence, so that they can Retire Early. They call it the FIRE movement (also written as FI/RE or FI,RE).

The movement appeals to those who:

Want to quit work

Are generally against unchecked consumerism

Want financial independence

Want to move their retirement age forward

It would be an understatement to say that achieving the above is not exactly easy. But the people who champion this cause did lay out a framework on how one can go about their financial independence/early retirement goal.

This involves:

Saving as much of your income as possible (up to 70%)

Living extremely frugally

Paying off all kinds of debt (education, home loans, car loans, etc)

Not owning/using credit cards

Is there a magic FIRE number?

In a way, yes, but its not the same for everyone, because not everyone has the same expenses. So its not exactly a number, but more of a calculation. FIRE says you need to first figure out your average annual spending, and then go about trying to build your net worth that is 25 times that number. Once you reach that number, you withdraw a maximum of 4% of that every year.

But its not just that. You know how they say If you want to make god laugh, tell him about your plans? To counter some of that unpredictability FIRE also suggests you have 3-6 months worth of salary saved up in a separate pot.

Also, just because you have your savings in place, doesnt mean your money shouldnt grow. Having a diverse investment portfolio is crucial - because FIRE or no FIRE, the power of compounding is universal.

If you can achieve all of that, you can then say youve met your FIRE goal.

Some FAQs about FIRE -

Q. Is FIRE for everyone? Or can only a select few afford to live that life?

A. It is true that there are some factors that make it easier for some people to start their FIRE journey sooner than others. For example, FIRE is an easier road for those with great education, because that leads to getting high-paying jobs relatively earlier in ones career. While someone who has to spend a few years grinding/hustling/struggling early on, for lower pay, will ideally have to wait a few years to start their FIRE journey. But that doesnt mean its impossible.

Q. When can one start their FIRE journey?

A. Ideally, the sooner the better. If you start earning at say 22, and youve already marked out some FIRE goals, youre in a better place than someone whos in their 30s. Having said that, know that FIRE has flexible goalposts - meaning, you can adjust your retirement age goal, from say 40 to 50, and allow yourself some leeway.

Q. Which is more important for FIRE - high income or high saving rate?

A. While a high income obviously helps, at the end of the day FIRE is way more a variable of your saving rate. A person who earns 1.5L a month but spends 1L, will have a tougher time achieving their FIRE goal than someone who earns 1L but spends only 35-40K.

Q. Why no credit cards?

A. Because of the monster named intuitive spending. When you have a credit card, you often end up spending money you dont have because your brain tells you you can earn the money in the future and make up for it. Thats kind of counterproductive to the FIRE journey.

So here's the interesting thing if you're on the fence about the FIRE movement. Just because they say there's a goal doesn't mean not meeting the goal is failure. Even if you get close to your goal without actually hitting the desired number, it's still a win, because at the end of the day, money saved is money earned, right?

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How a 41-year-old single mother of 2 retired on $850,000 in Tennessee: ‘I’ve always been a master of my money’ – CNBC

Posted: at 6:08 am

When Lakisha Simmons retired in May 2021, it wasn't just the end of her professorial career, it was also the first time she had stopped working since she was 14.

The 41-year-old mother of two says she always considered having a job to be a matter of financial security. Watching family members work with their hands doing "cleaning jobs, janitorial jobs, nanny jobs" instilled in her a strong work ethic, she says.

"There was no job below my family. They taught me that you do what you have to do to take care of your family," Simmons tells CNBC Make It. "But I also knew that I wanted better and they wanted better for me, too."

I knew that I wanted better and [my family] wanted better for me, too.

For the past decade, Simmons has worked in academia, most recently as an associate professor at Nashville's Belmont University. In 2020, she earned $150,000 between her salary and side hustles. But last spring, Simmons retired after accumulating $850,000 in investments.

Though her journey toward FIRE which stands for "financial independence, retire early" had been in the works since she decided in 2017 that she wanted to retire by 45, Simmons had a hard time allowing herself to step away from her work.

"I was really nervous about quitting my full-time job," she says. "I had so much anxiety around it because all I've known is how to work."

But now several months into her retirement, Simmons isn't looking back.

Simmons went through a divorce in 2017 a process that she called "devastating" but which also made her reevaluate her finances and decide to retire early.

"When I learned about FIRE, it completely changed my perspective," she says. "I was exposed to this idea that [if you] save and invest more than the status quo then you can have all the time in the world to enjoy and pursue your passions because you don't have to work for someone else."

In order to save up enough to be able to retire early, Simmons' first move was to find ways to cut down her expenses. She quickly realized that "the elephant in the room" was the $2,400 monthly mortgage on her five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, so she decided to sell the home and move into a two-bedroom apartment with her kids.

"[The house] was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, but it sucked me dry monetarily," she says. "As a single mom in that huge house, I just felt swallowed."

[The house] was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, but it sucked me dry monetarily. As a single mom ... I just felt swallowed and it wasn't sustainable

Simmons also switched to a prepaid cell phone plan, got rid of cable and started making more meals at home.

Though at first she had a hard time finding places to cut her spending, it became easier over time, she says. "I always tell people, even if you cut something out of your budget, it's not as if you can't ever put it back," she says. "If you realize that you really miss something, then add it back for sure."

During her first year of saving, Simmons managed to put $100,000 into her investment accounts. From there, she saw her money grow quickly.

"It wasn't just doubling, it was almost tripling every year. I couldn't believe it," she says. "That made me inspired to keep investing more."

Simmons keeps more than 50% of her investment portfolio in an S&P 500 index fund, around 25% of her money in a total stock market index, and the rest in a mix of bonds and "some individual stocks in companies like Apple and Amazon," she says.

Lakisha Simmons retired at 41 with $850,000 in investments.

Sam Mirpoorian

Simmons says that she never felt "deprived" of anything she really wanted. In fact, she made sure to always set aside money to travel with her children "because that's what I value."

Though her original plan was to retire when she had saved up $1 million, Simmons decided to leave her job at the end of the 2021 spring semester in part because she was burnt out by teaching remotely while also homeschooling her own children and because she felt the money she had saved up was enough.

"My investments have grown even though I haven't contributed anything since I left my job May 31, 2021" she says. "Now I have around $910,000."

Even though she doesn't need to report to work every day, Simmons likes to keep herself busy. She starts her mornings around 6:30 a.m. to get her children ready for school before heading off to the gym.

Simmons also makes time to enjoy her new lifestyle.

"I do make time to go to lunch with girlfriends," she says. "I like to do other hobbies like painting. I like to try new recipes and books."

She then takes time to work on her side hustles, which include a financial coaching service and an Etsy shop. Combined, her side hustles bring in between $1,000 and $3,000 in revenue depending on the month.

She says that teaching people about finances helps her scratch the same itch that being a professor did.

"I've always been a master of my money and figuring out my goals and doing the research to make those goals happen," she says. "But just recently I started helping others because I realized what good is it if I'm getting ahead financially and building wealth but my own family and friends aren't able to build wealth too?"

Update: This story has been updated to reflect Simmons' 2020 combined earnings from a salaried job and side hustles.

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Don't miss: This 42-year-old saved $660,000 and moved to Mexico after losing her 6-figure job

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How the Immokalee Foundation Makes Learning Efficient and Productive – coastalbreezenews.com

Posted: at 6:08 am

A tour of almost completed houses allowed us to observe the progress high school students have achieved under the supervision of construction experts.

In my last article, I shared the amazing commitment and dedication that The Immokalee Foundation has devoted to the education and success of Immokalee students, from early learners to high school students with support for postsecondary education.

To briefly review, from 1991 the Immokalee Foundation has made a commitment to assist low-income, at-risk, academically qualified students by providing early learning to postsecondary educational opportunities. In partnership with Take Stock in Children, the lives of more than 12,000 students have improved through their efforts. Their commitment and involvement with 1,400 students per year at various school levels speaks volumes for their dedication to changing the lives of Immokalees youth.

With the support of donors, mentors, volunteers and the community, The Immokalee Foundation provides students with the resources, training and confidence to follow pathways to success to meaningful careers and financial independence, according to one of the Immokalee Foundation brochures. To witness the program elements is truly inspiring.

How do they accomplish these goals? Parents are involved early in the process so they can learn about the professional opportunities that their children can experience. This is especially important to the continuity and understanding of the families so they can support their children every step of the way.

Starting in middle school, students can take surveys to identify and refine their interests and focus on a career. They have the opportunity to change their minds after what they discover.

Here are some more opportunities for students that I didnt include in Part One:

The HEST Program (Heavy Equipment Service Technician) is a specialized curriculum consisting of nine courses totaling 1,800 hours over two years. This program is supported by some of the heavy equipment industries biggest names, which provide shop training, classroom instruction and software instruction as part of the program. The graduates of the rigorous HEST training are prepared to join the HEST workforce without having to participate in a formal dealer apprentice program. And this is really fortuitous; because of their training and experience, the HEST program graduates also receive seniority within the companies they join. What a bonus for their hard work and they have the ability to progress in their field.

The Collier County Sheriffs Office partners with The Immokalee Foundation on a Public Safety Career Program to train students as 911 dispatchers. The impetus for this partnership came from the sheriffs office which wanted to develop public interest in dispatching as a career, while increasing opportunities for partnerships in the Immokalee community.

The extensive training involves learning how to operate the communication equipment; location mapping skills and the procedures and policies for taking, screening and dispatching calls. Understanding the legality of privacy laws is important as is the Florida public records law, how to testify in court cases involving 911 calls and stress management. The extent of the course is the need to complete 232 hours of training which is a prerequisite to taking the exam for state certification as a public safety telecommunicator in Florida. This makes me wishful of support like this when I was in K through12 schooling. Frankly, I didnt even know these were possibilities, and maybe they werent back in the Stone Age!

I dont know about you, but its comforting to me to understand the extent of the training that goes into these certifications, and the competency that our students can achieve by participating. The truly inspiring aspect of these trainings is that students, thanks to the Immokalee Foundation and Take Stock in Children, are given the opportunity to learn about possibilities, identify their interests and have the mentoring and support they need to be successful in their chosen field.

These opportunities for employment are not dead ends! There is support for the students when engaging in middle school/high school training to continue their education to the college level if they want to pursue more expertise.

The Middle School Career Exploration enables students to explore a broad range of careers. The six-week rotation focuses on each of the four career pathways including career panels, group mentoring, field trips and a four-week summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy, workshops, career interest and aptitude assessments.

High school curriculum is robust and each student will graduate with an industry recognized certification. Mentoring is key. Students also receive foundational skills training in professional effectiveness in financial literacy, CRP certification and intense career programming tailored for each of the four career pathways and more.

As students postsecondary endeavors continue, theres an emphasis on the goal of career success. Financial independence is achieved via financial planning. Advocates also assist with scholarships and work with Foundation partners to provide guidance to connect Foundation partners with students; possibilities include internships, job opportunities and professional introductions that help make career dreams become real.

This is one of the most positive and effective endeavors that Ive witnessed since entering the Collier County School District as a teacher. The Immokalee Foundation and Take Stock in Children, along with countless volunteers, have demonstrated the ability to reach those students who need support to make their dreams a reality. My sincere appreciation and respect to all involved with this endeavor.

Jory Westberry is an active educator and advocate for quality education. She presently serves on the Marco Island Historical Society Museum Board and the Collier County School Board and is running for re-election in 2022.

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Nitstone Finserv announces TCS as its technology partner – PR Newswire India

Posted: at 6:07 am

TCS will enable Nitstone Finserv to gain access to real-time data and customer insights, enhancing business simulations for improved revenue, costs, and optimized operations further increasing its digital and platform positioning through advanced digital capabilities.

The partnership will also provide the customersa seamless access to a suite of financial solutions that they're able to tap on their path to financial independence.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is one of the largestIT services company in the world bymarket capitalisation and operates in 149 locations across 46 countries.

Nitstone Finserv launched in 2018, provides quick financial solutions throughpersonal loans, gold loans, and consumer durable loansto customers through online platforms and branches. The business model is uniquely characterised by a data-powered segmentation strategy, efficient and effective operating workflows and a robust governance mechanism.

"Our partnership with TCS helps us to enhance the digital footprint for the strategic growth of our business through a well-tailored origination solution, mitigating key risk parameters as well as providing the best customer experience," said Mr. Govindankutty Edaden, Executive Director, Nitstone Finserv. "The TCS partnership will support the ambitious growth plans of Nitstone Finserv."

About Nitstone Finserv

Nitstone Finserv is a Bengaluru based Fintech- Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) with a radical approach to lending and meeting the financial requirements for personal loans, gold loans, and consumer durable loans, catering to various segments of customers including employed, self-employed professionals and others.

From unprecedented products and tools to faster service, we are all about helping our consumers get ahead, grow and find success.

To know more, visit-https://www.nitstone.com/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1744190/Nitstone.jpg

SOURCE Nitstone Finserv

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Bay Area Organizations Partner with Trading App Moomoo to Improve Financial Literacy for Teens – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 6:07 am

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Bay Area-based organizations dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among teens, Palo Alto Education Group and LaunchFIT, have partnered with trading app moomoo to launch #Investeen, a campaign aimed at improving financial literacy and equity investment knowledge in adolescents and high school students across the U.S.

The #Investeen campaign will feature a host of engaging educational programs, including livestreamed virtual classes and the 2022 Global Teen Investment Competition (GTIC). The GITC includes a paper trading competition hosted in a specially programmed environment in the moomoo app. The top-ranked regional teams will be invited to create an equity portfolio pitch to a judging panel comprised of investment professionals, finance media veterans and executives from investment firms.

"An adequate financial literacy education will benefit today's youth for a lifetime. This is especially important now, as young investors increasingly enter the financial markets on the heels of the meme stock craze and wider adoption of trading apps," said Carolyn Bao, Vice President at Moomoo Inc. "We have long-admired Palo Alto Education and LaunchFIT's dedication to financial literacy education and are thrilled to partner with them on this important campaign."

In conjunction with the #Investeen campaign, moomoo and Palo Alto Education today released polling data from its survey of 120 teenagers between the ages of 13-18 on their experiences and education surrounding financial literacy and investing.

Investing education from a trustworthy source is especially important at this stage of life, given an overwhelming majority (92%) of adolescents have interest in investing in the stock marketeven though more than seven in ten teens (71%) report that they are currently receiving limited education about investing, or none at all. When asked to rate their knowledge of investing in the stock market, most adolescents (69%) claimed to have some basic knowledge only while 13% of participants say they have absolutely no idea.

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When asked why they were interested in investing, financial independence was the most common response, with 82% of participants citing it as a motivator. The data also showed that teens are prioritizing future needs, such as paying for college (54%) and building up retirement savings (43%) over short-term luxuries, such as buying a car (25%).

The majority of adolescents say they turn to friends and family (76%) or financial websites (66%) for investment guidance and ideas. Although nearly half of teens (43%) learn about investing through online forums and social media, their trust in influencers' investing guidance is lowwith fewer than 13% of surveyed teens responding that they trust influencers for investment recommendations and ideas.

Notably, despite the buzz surrounding cryptocurrency, teens surveyed report that they prefer traditional assets like stocks (73%) and savings accounts (43%) over cryptocurrency (25%) and NFTs (12%).

"It's crucial for teens to begin learning about financial literacy now because they have the power of time on their side," said Joyce Lin, Co-founder of LaunchFIT, a nonprofit created by teens for teens. "The earlier they learn, the more compounding potential their money will have. Unfortunately, many schools do not go into depth on topics such as saving and investing, which is where FIT comes in. We hope to fill the knowledge gap left by schools."

Between now and February 14th, students can register for the GTIC paper trading competition on moomoo's website. Winners will be named and prizes will be awarded in April 2022.

About Palo Alto Education Group

Based in Silicon Valley, Palo Alto Education Group aims to ignite the passion and maximize the potential of each student in finance, investing and AI with social equity, in preparation for global competitiveness. http://www.thePaEdu.com

About LaunchFIT

LaunchFIT (Financial Intelligence for Teens) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization with the goal to empower teens through spreading financial knowledge, teaching the power of responsible decision making, and financial literacy. http://www.launchFIT.org

About Moomoo Inc.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Moomoo Inc. is a company that offers a commission-free* professional trading app. With advanced research tools, free in-depth market data, and one of the most active online communities, moomoo empowers individual investors to trade like a pro. In the United States, securities are offered by Futu Inc., a licensed broker dealer regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Futu Inc is also a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). For more information about moomoo, please visit the company's official website http://www.moomoo.com.

*Commission-free trading is available only to U.S. residents trading in the U.S. markets.

Cision

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SOURCE Palo Alto Education Group

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Bay Area Organizations Partner with Trading App Moomoo to Improve Financial Literacy for Teens - Yahoo Finance

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Hoosiers with Disabilities can Save More and Experience Lower Fees – am1050.com

Posted: at 6:07 am

Because of recent changes to existing law, Hoosiers with disabilities are now able to save even more under the states INvestABLE Indiana program.

Beginning January 1, 2022, the annual contribution limit for ABLE accounts increased from $15,000 to $16,000. This increase of over 6% will allow savers to deposit even more into their accounts and experience lower fees. The contribution limit is tied to the annual gift tax exclusion limit, which saw an increase this year.

ABLE plans have been making headlines across the country, too. The National ABLE Alliance, of which Indiana is a proud member, recently crossed a significant threshold, exceeding $250 million in program assets. That automatically reduced the Program Management Fee from 30 basis points (0.30%) to 28 basis points (0.28%), bringing further savings to the program and Hoosiers.

Im thrilled to announce that INvestABLE Indiana account owners can now not only contribute more annually toward their savings goals but also experience lower fees, said Amy Corbin, Executive Director of the ABLE Authority. The lowering of fees comes as a direct result of more individuals enrolling in ABLE and saving for their or their loved ones future. As INvestABLE Indiana continues to grow, it is heartening to see more individuals with disabilities achieving increased financial independence and economic empowerment.

INvestABLE Indiana offers seven investment options, including a checking account option with a debit card. Up to $16,000 per year can be saved in an account, with a maximum account balance of $450,000. For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they can save up to $100,000 in their INvestABLE Indiana account and not risk losing their monthly SSI benefit. Money can be withdrawn and spent on qualified expenses or INvestABLE Indiana account holders can choose to grow their finances and create long-term savings with tax-free earnings. Contributions and earnings in INvestABLE Indiana accounts are not subject to federal or state income tax if spent on qualified expenses. Contributions are made with post-tax dollars.

More information about INvestABLE Indiana, including how to open an account, can be found athttps://in.savewithable.com.

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3 Stocks That Could Give You a Solid Source of Passive Income – The Motley Fool Canada

Posted: at 6:07 am

Image source: Getty Images

Investing can help you achieve financial independence, which is the term given when investments can cover someones day-to-day living expenses. Granted, it wont happen overnight. When it truly comes down to it, financial independence requires a source of income greater than or equal to the income you would expect to get from a job. Therefore, its imperative that investors find stocks that can supply a solid source of income over many years. In this article, Ill discuss three stocks that could do just that.

When looking for stocks to hold, with the goal of generating passive income, investors should turn to the list of Canadian Dividend Aristocrats. This is a list of companies that have been able to increase dividend distributions for at least five consecutive years. Near the top of the list, investors can find Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS). At 47 years, it claims the second-longest active dividend-growth streak in Canada.

Fortis is able to do this because of intelligent capital allocation by its management team. Investors may notice that Fortiss payout ratio is much higher than some other Dividend Aristocrats. However, its management team has been able to navigate financial waters at such a high level, that even the Great Recession didnt stop it from raising its distribution. Fortis is a top TSX dividend stock that should be in your portfolio.

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) announced its initial dividend at a rate of 3% per year in 1833. Since then, the company has never missed a dividend payment. That means Bank of Nova Scotia has managed to pay a dividend for 189 years. Today, its dividend offers investors a of 4.28%, making it a very attractive stock to hold. Investors may not that the company is only listed as having a dividend-growth streak of 11 years. This is because Bank of Nova Scotia was unable to continue growing its distribution through the Great Recession.

Bank of Nova Scotia is a member of the Big Five. This is a group of five banks which dominate the Canadian banking industry. What differentiates Bank of Nova Scotia from its peers is its international diversification. With 2,000 branches and offices across 50 countries, it is known as Canadas most international bank. With that level of diversification, Bank of Nova Scotia should have protection against a massive slowdown in its business if one region were to experience a period of economic uncertainty.

Investors should also take note of how fast a company is able to raise its dividend. A failure to beat the rate of inflation will result in a loss in buying power over time. Personally, I aim to hold companies that raise dividends at a compound growth rate of 5% or greater. That would even keep a stocks dividend growing at a faster rate than inflation has over the past year and a half. goeasy (TSX:GSY) is a stock whose dividend has grown at a very fast rate over the past seven years.

Since 2014, goeasys dividend has grown 776%! That represents a compound annual growth rate of 34%. Although goeasys forward dividend yield is quite low (1.74%), so is its payout ratio. This means that the company could be able to continue growing its distribution without issue in the coming years.

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3 Stocks That Could Give You a Solid Source of Passive Income - The Motley Fool Canada

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National Debt Relief Draws Attention to the Health Impacts of Debt Announcing New Research and Launch of Financial Wellness Board – PRNewswire

Posted: at 6:07 am

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --National Debt Relief has announced "The Hidden Cost of Debt," a multi-pronged initiative to drive awareness for debt's mental and physical health implications, with the release of new data and launch of a dedicated Financial Wellness Board.

"National Debt Relief has helped hundreds of thousands of clients resolve unsecured debt and achieve financial independence over the past decade - so people get their lives back," said Natalia Brown, National Debt Relief's Chief Client Operations Officer. "We hear about the impact of debt from our clients everyday - how it is an isolating problem that also affects self-esteem, relationships, to their physical and mental wellbeing. As a result, we launched 'The Hidden Cost of Debt' to help destigmatize debt and empower people to take back control of their finances."

National Debt Relief issued a national survey among 2,000 Americans that uncovered staggering data on the "Hidden Cost of Debt" and how debt impacts a person'sphysical and mental health, along with their personal relationships. Key findings included:

To proactively drive the conversation about debt relief and inspire people to take control of their financial journey, the debt relief company has partnered with three thought leaders in the personal finance and wellness space to launch the National Debt Relief Financial Wellness Board.

The Financial Wellness Board's purpose will be to add an authentic, human voice to the debt narrative and provide people with the resources and support to take control of their finances by tackling their debt and getting back to living.

Each board partner was selected based on their experience with debt and finances. This includes two leading financial experts who have overcome personal debt and now use their social media platforms to advocate for financial empowerment, and a clinical psychologist to support with understanding debt from a mental health and wellness perspective.

National Debt Relief's Financial Wellness Board members include:

Marc Russell, BetterWallet

Dasha Kennedy, The Broke Black Girl

Dr. Regine Muradian, PsyD.

These new initiatives reinforce National Debt Relief's efforts to taking a whole human approach to debt relief by getting people out of debt and back to living.

For more information about National Debt Relief, please visit: http://www.nationaldebtrelief.com.

About National Debt Relief:National Debt Relief (NDR), a BBB A Accredited business that helps consumers get out of debt and is committed to empowering people on their financial journey, bringing them back to living their lives and away from focusing on debt. NDR offers a successful alternative to bankruptcy, credit counseling or taking on new loans. As a top-rated debt relief company in the U.S., NDR is proud to have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people on their journey to become debt-free. NDR wants to make sure clients succeed and have the best chance to regain control of their finances. Founded in 2009, NDR is values-centric; built on integrity, growth and connection. For more information, please visit: http://www.nationaldebtrelief.com.

Survey MethodologyThis online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults was commissioned by National Debt Relief and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between December 13 and December 15. All participants are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team, who are members of the MRS and have corporate membership to ESOMAR and AAPOR.

SOURCE National Debt Relief

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National Debt Relief Draws Attention to the Health Impacts of Debt Announcing New Research and Launch of Financial Wellness Board - PRNewswire

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