(NewsUSA) - New parents have so much to think about that financial planning may not be at the top of the list. However, once sleep deprivation wears off, new parents will be thankful if they have completed some financial planning in advance.

"Smart financial planning not only protects families against unexpected bumps in the road, but also teaches children good financial habits," says Brad Ledwith, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Three key financial considerations for new parents or parents-to-be include:

Life Insurance Plans. When you become a parent, it's time to be proactive about life insurance. If you don't have a policy, get one to ensure that your family is provided for in the event of your death.

Remember that both parents need policies, even if only one parent is employed. "Term life insurance is generally a good option for new parents because of its affordability and provision for income loss in the event of one parent's death," Ledwith explains.

Education Savings Accounts. With the cost of tuition rising annually, it is never too early to think about college savings options. Consider setting up a 529 plan, which allows parents, grandparents and others to deposit money into an account that grows tax-free.

The proceeds must be used for education purposes. The details vary by state, so be sure to check the rules of your state. Go-to sites for more information on 529 plans are Savingforcollege.com, American Funds and College America.

Custodial Accounts. Custodial accounts are a great way to keep monetary gifts to children in a safe place with no restrictions on future use. Funds in a custodial account can be used toward cars, housing, vacations or any other expense.

Custodial accounts also serve as educational opportunities. As children learn how to save, delay gratification and work toward a goal, a custodial account gives them an opportunity to learn about fiscal responsibility. When your child is older, you can teach him or her how to buy stocks with some of the money in a custodial account.

"Eventually, the child will wind up with the means to finance something that will serve him or her for years to come, such as a car or their first apartment. It's a fantastic lesson about how money can work for you," says Ledwith.

Key financial decisions for your family happen at all life stages -- whether it's budgeting to help afford everyday expenses when you have children, seeking tax breaks to help you save for college or planning to financially protect your family if anything happens to you. Working with a CFP® professional can help you adapt your finances to meet the needs of your growing family. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more financial tips and savings information.

(NewsUSA)

"The Armageddon Secret"
by Robert Earl Burnham

"The Armageddon Secret"takes the German A-bomb project and a real-life, elite anti-Nazi conspiracy and tills them as rich soil for speculation with the harrowing tale of Alex Drake, an American foreign correspondent in Berlin on the cusp of World War II. It's a tale in which scientific facts and historical figures and events combine with plausible fiction to create a vivid and convincing espionage thriller.

Against the well-realized historical backdrop of Nazi military secrets, Hitler assassination attempts, gruesome beatings, brutal murders, time bombs and underground tunnels, Burnham creates a satisfying, action-packed concoction that will keep you hooked until the last page. Whether you are a WWII buff or not, the book has its own believable version of history to reveal. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cghi7P.

"Head Shot"
by Otho Eskin

Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Daniel Silva, here's the most elusive assassin in the world versus D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn. Zorn is assigned to protect the visiting prime minister of Montenegro, the beautiful Nina Voychek. Political enemies are planning her assassination, but now it's apparent that he, too, is a target. He pulls out all stops to hunt whoever is targeting him and prevent an international tragedy.

Decoded messages, Supermax prisoner interviews, mafia lawyers and an ancient Black Mountain curse swirl among the icons of D.C. as Marko and his young partne, Lucy face down what may be multiple assassins. Or are they facing one assassin, the deadliest and most elusive on the international stage? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rGWkEe.

"Shelter from The Storm"
by Dorothy K. Fletcher

Elementary school teacher Sarah Palmer had a secret, one that even she found hard to face. But only after her teacher friends witnessed one of her debilitating panic attacks did she ever consider confronting it. "Shelter from the Storm" is her journey toward salvation and renewal.

It is a sensitive story about how two young girls -- one black, one white -- try to overcome the status quo in a time when Jim Crow laws prevailed. It is also a story that considers how two people can live through the same event and experience very different outcomes; some become stronger while others are swept away like cottages in a hurricane. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3FE3lxR.

"Floating Underwater"
by Tracy Shawn

Part psychological fiction and part mystical fiction with a dash of magical realism, "Floating Underwater" follows a woman's astonishing journey through the extraordinary and, ultimately, to her own self-actualization and power. Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but can also change its very course, Paloma Leary is devastated when her latest vision predicting a third miscarriage comes true.

Falling into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, including a psychic connection with her mysterious neighbor, out-of-body experiences and visits from her long-dead mother, Paloma grows desperate for answers. She is also desperate to start a family. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma embraces a far different future than she ever imagined. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3I6lohi.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

Celebrated novelist Mike Bond has been called one of the 21st Century's most exciting authors. His recently released historical epic, "America," is the first of a seven-book series that relives our last 70 years and our nation's most profound upheavals since the Civil War.

Now, in the tumultuous last years of the 1960s and through the wild, joyous, heartbroken and visionary lives of four young people, the story continues in Book Two, "Freedom."

SHIFTING LANDSCAPES AND MORAL CODES

From the war-shattered jungles of Vietnam to America's burning cities, near-death in Tibet, peace marches, the battle of the Pentagon, wild drugs, rock concerts, free love, CIA coups in Indonesia and Greece, the Six Days' War and Bobby Kennedy's last campaign, "Freedom" puts you in the Sixties as if it were now.

Bond continues the conjoined sagas of the four young people introduced in America. They've all gone their separate ways, each reacting to the political chaos of the country and the new set of moral codes as best as he or she can. 

Mick leaves for the Himalayas while Troy heads to Vietnam with the Marines. Daisy starts her Ph.D. in brain research, and Tara battles heroin as her rock band reaches stardom. Troy is soon caught up in mind-numbing combat in Vietnam, while Mick returns to the States to lead the antiwar effort. Tara's band signs a Motown contract amid the Detroit riots. At Stanford, Daisy expands her study of the human brain under LSD and other mind-altering drugs. Troy falls in love with a Vietnamese teacher and is slowly losing faith in the War.

Each of these characters could carry a novel on his or her own, but Bond has done a masterful job of telling all their stories, first one and then another and another and back again, without losing momentum. He ties into the story the haunting songs of Jim Morrison, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary, the unforgettable anti-war lyrics and the temptations of sex and drugs. These are educated and deeply alive young people, searching for truth and a vision of the future.

TRULY BEAUTIFUL WRITING

One reviewer called freedom "the most beautiful prose I have ever read."

Bond has been called "master of the existential thriller" by BBC, "one of America's best thriller writers" by Culture Buzz, and "one of the 21st century's most exciting authors" by The Washington Times. He is a best-selling novelist, war and human rights journalist, and ecologist. He has covered guerrilla wars, death squads and military dictatorships in Latin America and Africa, Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, and ivory poaching and other environmental battles in East Africa and Asia.

Firmly rooted in fact and history, "Freedom" is highly readable, bitterly nostalgic, romantic, heartbreaking and edifying. It is a testament to the effects of politics and moral revolutions on America and how what happened then created what we are now. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ns2tUS

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -It's a unique educational opportunity when students get to experience the enthusiasm, energy and decision-making behind real-time trading. That's why CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives exchange, hosts an annual electronic trading competition for students all around the world to partake in.

During this year's event, students learned hands-on techniques for trading agriculture, energy, metals, equity indices, interest rates and foreign exchange futures contracts using CQG's real-time simulated electronic trading platform. Throughout the challenge, students also received live market updates through Dow Jones newsfeeds and The Hightower Report.

"It's an exciting time to learn about how derivatives markets are used to manage risk and capture opportunities across the global economy," says Anita Liskey, CME Group Senior Managing Director of Global Brand Marketing and Communications. "Our annual competition provides a collaborative educational experience that is driven by global financial professionals and innovative technology. Each year, we are delighted to bring together students from all over the world to learn how to apply real-life trading strategies to everyday markets."

This year's four-week competition included 386 teams, comprised of more than 1,500 actively enrolled graduate and undergraduate students from 24 countries. Students on the top five winning teams are eligible to receive a cash prize and are invited to attend an exclusive one-day, virtual market education event this month.

The first-place winner was the University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano, which is the second consecutive Latin American team to top the global competition.

The 18th Annual CME Group University Trading Challenge Winners are:

First Place: University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Colombia);
Second Place: Loyola University Chicago (U.S.);
Third Place: Virginia Tech (U.S.);
Fourth Place: University of Illinois (U.S.);
Fifth Place: Southern Illinois University (U.S.).

"The CME Group University Trading Challenge is an excellent way to learn about derivatives markets and develop skills that can be put into practice in the future," said the first-place team from the University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano. "Trading through the CQG platform and having access to live market updates also helps students build an understanding of how these markets operate."

CME Group provides a wide range of risk management education, including its CME Institute education hub, which offers detailed courses, webinars and videos on trading futures on options markets, as well as a trading simulator.

CME Group also partners with other industry organizations to offer educational tools, such as Futures Fundamentals, a one-stop educational resource to help learners of all levels understand futures markets and the role they play in everyday life.

(NewsUSA)

"The Mask"
by Clayton Marshall Adams

"The Mask" is an unconventional fairytale about an ugly and misshapen boy who has been abandoned to the forest by his parents when old enough to care for himself. His existence is lonely and sometimes painful, particularly when he encounters bullies from the village who abuse and torment him. His only comfort is sculpting, and he is able to sell some creations to a few villagers who can tolerate his presence.

One day, he makes an astounding discovery. It is a talking mask! It promises him a new life in a world of beauty that he never thought possible. The promise, however, comes with a price. But will the promise be worth the price? "The Mask" earned a star from a Kirkus review and a lightning bolt from BookLife. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bXCrDi.

"New Beginnings: From Behind the Iron Curtain to America"
by Antonina Duridanova

Burning with the desire to share the value of freedom, Antonina takes you from her plight in communist Bulgaria to the free shores of America. Following unfortunate events in a totalitarian regime in Bulgaria, Antonina flees to the Western world. She provides true observations of life in a communist society: her family's lands and cattle being confiscated by the agricultural labor cooperatives; censorship of the press and other works from the West; religion being prohibited; and any deviation from the norm leading to detention in a labor camp.

Antonina describes how she could taste, smell, feel and touch freedom as she gets off the plane in New York, ready to embark on new adventures. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3B6fjN6.

"The Killing Carol"
by Jennifer Bee

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me the reason your husband had to die."

Anna Greenan found the cryptic lyric shoved against her front door. Each day of Christmas brings Anna a new stanza with a new clue. Will this mysterious Christmas carol lead Anna to uncover her husband's murderer or will these notes lead to her demise?

In her debut murder mystery, Jennifer Bee takes readers on an unforgettable journey full of unrelenting suspense and unexpected surprises. The book, the first in the Anna Greenan Mystery Series, makes the perfect holiday gift for the mystery lover in your family. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bfvJIt.

"Uncommon Courage: An Invitation"
by Andrea T. Edwards

"Uncommon Courage" is an invitation to be your courageous best self every day. It's also an antidote to the overwhelming fear and rage rolling around the world. This book opens a path to inner contentment, peace and happiness, and a door to meaningful action. It brings you an opportunity to reflect. What if we could do something about the bigger issues facing our world? Well, despite today's turmoil, a transformational journey is possible.

You will discover 108 interlinking strategies to shift your thinking, improve your mood and lighten your heart. This book helps you take on anger, parenting, climate change, self-awareness and career change. Some of the stories are funny, while others may lovingly push your buttons. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cg57b2.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - -As the holiday season approaches, more families joyfully look to reconnect and celebrate with friends and loved ones. Chuck E. Cheese, the number-one children's entertainment brand, is ready to meet the demand during its second annual Winter Winner-land celebration. During this year's celebration, holiday festivities are met with merry entertainment and cheerful experiences for all ages, as well as a chance to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and BGC Clubs in Canada.

Every child who visits Chuck E. Cheese goes home a winner this holiday season! During Winter Winner-land, each child who enters a Chuck E. Cheese location receives an instant-win game piece featuring special treats, E-tickets, or a toy from the Chuck E. Cheese prize wall. Plus, one grand prize winner will take home the ultimate prize: A custom Chuck E. Cheese ICEBall Pro arcade game.

"The holidays are a special and magical time, and we want all guests who enter our venues to experience the spirit of the season. Snow globe-inspired decorations including giant snowflakes will transform each Chuck E. Cheese into our version of a Winter Winner-land," says Sherri Landry, CMO of CEC Entertainment, LLC.

Winter Winner-land is the latest installment of the brand's signature 4 Seasons of Fun and runs through January 2, 2022. The festive event brings joy and laughter to families at home and in-store through the holidays. Special experiences include not only games and prizes, but delicious seasonal sweet treats and family packages; gift card offers; and a new show and entertainment from Chuck E. and friends.

Taste the flavor of the holiday season with Churro Frost Bites and Winter Iced Brownies, along with delicious family meal deals. Shop for everyone on your gift list, too; Chuck E. Cheese gift card deals make the perfect stocking stuffers, and exclusive holiday gift boxes are available in the Chuck E. Cheese online store.

This season, Chuck E. Cheese is encouraging kids to help others win, too. Kids can give back by donating Chuck E. Cheese e-tickets throughout the season to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and BGC Clubs in Canada. The company is donating up to 15,000 toys to regional locations, as well as an additional ten thousand dollars to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America programs.

Safety comes first at Chuck E. Cheese all year long, so families can feel comfortable enjoying the Winter Winner-land activities. All Chuck E. Cheese venues follow local COVID-19 guidelines with regard to masks, air circulation, and the cleaning of games, dining rooms, and restrooms.

Visit chuckecheese.com/winter-winnerland for more information and to find locations in your area.

(NewsUSA) -Many people routinely reach for over-the-counter pain medications for immediate pain relief, especially during cold and flu season. Individuals also may reach for these medications to manage symptoms related to COVID-19. However, most people are unaware that some over-the-counter pain relievers can raise blood pressure. Only six out of 10 (63 percent) of adults with high blood pressure say they check with their doctors before choosing an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, according to a recent survey commissioned by the American Heart Association.

"People who have high blood pressure or are being treated with blood pressure medication -- along with their loved ones and caretakers -- need to be informed about safe over-the-counter pain relievers," says Willie Lawrence, Jr., M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's National

Hypertension Control Initiative oversight committee and interventional cardiologist, medical director for health equity, Spectrum Health in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

"Because some pain relievers may cause elevated blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends consulting your doctor or pharmacist and making sure you read the label before taking any over-the-counter medication for pain, especially if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure." Dr. Lawrence adds.

Only 28% of U.S. adults with high blood pressure know that the OTC medication acetaminophen does not raise blood pressure and is therefore a safe choice for immediate pain relief, according to the American Heart Association survey.

The American Heart Association's current guidelines for high blood pressure define it as a consistent blood pressure measurement of 130 over 80 or higher, in terms of units called millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The guidelines also state that some OTC pain relievers may elevate blood pressure.

So talk to your doctor about the potential interactions between blood pressure and any medication you are taking, including dietary supplements or other products for pain relief.

Individuals with high blood pressure can manage their condition by checking their blood pressure regularly at home with a validated monitor. Ask your doctor to recommend a monitor that would work best for you. These monitors provide useful information for regular communication with doctors through virtual visits as well as in person.

Visit heart.org/bptools for more information about managing high blood pressure and potential medication interactions.