(NewsUSA) - Whether you are new to the workforce or a seasoned pro, retirement planning is the secret to long-term wealth, and it is never too early or too late to make a plan to live your best life in later years.

With the unique challenges and unpredictability caused by the coronavirus pandemic, many people were forced to neglect or ignore their savings and financial planning. That's certainly understandable. But as the economy improves, new workers and those approaching retirement can take advantage of smart ways to plan and save in a way that they may not have been able to a year ago.

The following tips from CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefitting the public by supporting professional standards in personal financial planning, may give you some ideas on how best to plan for your retirement:

- Go high-tech, with caution. "Keeping track of your personal finances is time-consuming and not what you want to do in your retirement years," says CFP Board Ambassador Bill Schretter, CFP®.

"I recommend all my clients automate as much of the saving and reporting functions as possible. However, I do not recommend that you use free service apps," he emphasizes.

Why? Many free service apps will use your information to try to sell you financial and non-financial products that you don't need and could siphon away from your retirement savings.

"I recommend that you purchase your own program or use programs that your advisor or bank provide to help you keep your finances organized," says Schretter. "Let an app automate regular tasks, but leave the most important financial advice and management to qualified human beings," he adds.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can provide guidance as you consider these points in retirement planning, whatever your current work status or age:

- Review your goals. Does your retirement wish list include a cruise to Alaska, an African safari, or your own house on a secluded lake in the woods? Do you want to open a small business, or help out your children and grandchildren with education costs? Consider potential expenses now to plan savvy withdrawals later.

- Watch for tax traps. "If your withdrawal plan puts you into a higher tax bracket, you might want to lower the amount you plan to pull out," says CFP Board Ambassador J.J. Burns, CFP®.

Also, diversify with a range of accounts that are taxed differently for more flexibility. If you don't have a Roth IRA or 401k, it is never too early or too late to start one, and a certified financial planner can give advice on moving some retirement savings into one of these accounts to maximize future income.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice and tips to make the most of your income in retirement.

(NewsUSA)

"Veronica Viggle and the Bubble Gum Machine: A Mad Scientist Story"
by Louis Goldman

A graphic novel for children (and adults) "with illustrations that jump off the page and characters that you cheer for." After being trapped by Veronica Viggle and held in the Mad Scientist's deep and dark (yet freshly scented) laboratory, the Little Boy is in for a world of trouble, destined to be turned into grasshoppers … or marshmallows … or worse yet, bubble gum!

The Little Boy's friends team up to stage a daring rescue from the Mad Scientist's laboratory. But can they overcome Veronica's cunning and the Mad Scientist's crafty inventions? You are about to find out!

"Conveys some eternal truths in a highly accessible manner, in language that is simple and clear." Purchase at https://amzn.to/39V0oLz.

"The Mystery at Turkelton Manor"
by Kraig Dafoe

Twelve-year-old Nathaniel Jones wants to be a detective. Though his imagination tends to run wild, Nate knows something strange is going on and he is determined to figure it out. Hearing noises at night, the young detective sees a strange figure lurking about.

The Turkeltons are rich, and Nate's grandfather is their groundskeeper. As a result, Nate gets to spend the summer on the manor grounds. With priceless art and expensive jewelry in the mix, and someone creeping around at night, Nate becomes determined to catch a thief. There's just one problem -- nothing seems to be missing. For ages 10 and up. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rraUjn.

"Sink or Walk on Water"
by Stevenson Jones

"Stevenson will capture your heart, mind and faith. He takes you on a journey during a simple meeting, and when it's over you realize he has tricked you into discovering yourself."

Life has taught the author lessons that have helped him in his growth as a person. This book will inspire individuals from all walks of life because it speaks on a lot of everyday issues that we all face. The hope is that this book will help those who are unsure of their faith by listening to the author's story on how God has helped him overcome tough situations in life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3d4C2RB.

"Vector to Destiny"
by George W. Kohn

In this memoir that goes beyond the classic Vietnam war story, the author faces a life-changing dilemma: Should he do what is expected of him or dare to pursue his heartfelt dream? His decision takes the reader on an inspiring, action-packed journey from a demanding farm life in Wisconsin to treacherous skies over Vietnam. He will capture your heart with farm adventures and his struggles and determination to get through college and Air Force pilot training.

You will be his co-pilot in an F4 Phantom jet, narrowly surviving perilous missions as a combat fighter pilot. Experience this compelling, true-life journey of a destiny accomplished through faith and perseverance. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bFPmcK.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com

(NewsUSA) - People living with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke so it's especially important for them to talk to their doctor and manage their risk factors.

Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, offers several tips for people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke:

- Take control. Managing your diabetes is a key step to staying healthy. Make a plan with your doctor to establish or maintain control of your condition.

- Take your medicine. Be sure to take all medicine prescribed by your doctor, and if you have concerns about your medications, ask your doctor. Don't just stop taking them.

- Take care of yourself. Continue or develop healthy lifestyle habits, and if you smoke, quit.

- Take stock of your numbers. Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels, as well as managing your blood glucose and A1C, can make a difference in reducing your risk of a stroke.

"Diabetes is a complicated health condition, so it's important to be proactive and work with your health care team to learn all you can about how to manage it," according to Robert Eckel, M.D., immediate past president of Medicine and Science for the American Diabetes Association and past president of the American Heart Association.

For example, Karen Dawson, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her 40s, was managing the condition well with a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle, but she lost her health insurance and was unable to afford her medication. With her diabetes and high blood pressure unmanaged, Dawson's health was more vulnerable, and she suffered a stroke.

Having had a stroke puts her at high risk for another one, but with her health insurance back in place, she now takes her medication as prescribed, maintains a healthy diet, and stays fit by swimming in her local pool. And she serves as an ambassador for Know Diabetes by Heart to encourage those living with type 2 diabetes to stay healthy and maintain a positive attitude.

If you or someone you know is living with type 2 diabetes, make sure you know the warning signs of a stroke. The acronym FAST makes it easy to remember and recognize the common symptoms of a stroke. If you experience suddem Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty, it's Time to call 911.

For more information visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

(NewsUSA) - An annual road trip is a staple for many American families.

Whether plans for visiting relatives, exploring a new destination, or revisiting a favorite vacation spot, loading the car and getting behind the wheel is second nature. But, upgrading a road trip with an RV may be just the ticket to making the next adventure the best one yet.

According to Phocuswright's US Consumer Travel research, almost half of Millennials are interested in renting an RV for a leisure trip within the next 12 months. It may be because hitting the road in an RV is an exciting way to spend time traveling with friends or family on a nature-filled adventure. Don't have an RV? Thanks to sites such as RVshare, RV rentals are easier to find and book than ever. With more than 100,000 RVs to choose from across the country, the peer-to-peer marketplace has a variety of vehicles with options ranging from a luxury motor home to a confined camper, there is something for everyone at any price point. There is no special license required and the RV insurance is built-in.

"RV rentals are a great option for those to experience the RV lifestyle without having to buy an expensive vehicle," says RVshare's CEO Jon Gray.

"Travelers come to our site to find RVs for a weekend of camping or a multi-week road trip. With a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all on-board, an RV is essentially a hotel room wherever you want it."

Want to ditch the sedan and upgrade to a motor home? Here are a few tips for renting an RV for first-timers.

• Use a trusted site: Use a trusted site such as RVshare.com where payments are protected and the owner of the vehicle is verified. RVshare also offers roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, insurance and other perks to protect your trip and payment.
• Have a plan before booking: With camping, road tripping and RV travel being in high demand this summer, campgrounds will get booked up, especially on weekends.
• Narrow down the options: For a first-time renter, finding the right RV may feel daunting. First, consider the trip type, how many people will be traveling and what the goal of the road trip is. For a couple, a Class B Campervan is a great option for two. A family should look at a Class C driveable RV, which boasts a lot of space but is still maneuverable for those intimidated by big rigs.
• The owner is the best resource: When booking with a peer-to-peer platform, the owner is the best resource to answer questions about the vehicle, including what is included, their rules about pets and if the RV is suitable for long road trips.

Interested in learning more about how to book an RV rental? Visit RVshare.com.

(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is more than a Christmastime charity - thanks to a new partnership between the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360.

Toys for Tots, the 74-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is launching a DoGoodNow campaign to bring toys, books, and games to families in need throughout the year.

The charitable campaign is a partnership with Good360, a global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving.

"With so many families struggling during the pandemic, Good360 is proud to continue the great work of our Marine Toys for Tots partnership," says Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360.

"We've seen firsthand how toys, books, and games bring joy to children and their loved ones served by our nonprofit partners, and expanding our efforts will significantly increase the impact of our program."

The goal of the current campaign is to distribute one million more toys, books and games to families in need through the philanthropic organization's vast network of vetted and approved nonprofit partners.

Toys for Tots and Good360 began their collaboration in April 2020, and this partnership resulted in the distribution of nearly 2.2 million items by the end of 2020. Thanks to various Toys for Tots National Corporate Sponsors, the organization can provide additional assistance to families now, outside of the holiday season.

"We realize the importance of reminding children that there is still joy to be found in simple gifts every day, no matter how difficult things may be right now," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

"That is why we are providing one million toys to Good360 to distribute via their network of nonprofit organizations across the United States to DoGoodNOW."

Toys for Tots continues its mission as a flagship children's Christmas charity, but recognizes that families need support all year, and that the flow of donations can be unpredictable.

Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many families, severe natural disasters also challenge communities.

To provide support in the wake of natural disasters, Toys for Tots also has joined Good360's Resiliency Pledge, which involves organizations and companies in community recovery.

Visit toysfortots.org for more information or to make a donation.

(NewsUSA) - Women have a lot on their plates, and sometimes important self-care can take a back seat to work, family and other obligations.

In fact, nearly 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, and nearly three-quarters of those with high blood pressure don't have it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase a woman's risk for a stroke, but a few important steps can help reduce that risk and give women (and their loved ones) one less thing to worry about.

"High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and we know that 1 in 5 women will have a stroke and stroke kills more women than breast cancer," according to Dr. Monik Jiménez, a volunteer with the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association and associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

"While high blood pressure isn't directly linked to gender, different health issues throughout a woman's life, such as birth control, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of stroke if left uncontrolled," according to Jiménez.

Doctors and researchers have found a link between birth control pills and an increase in blood pressure among some women. They say that it is more likely to occur in women who are already overweight, have kidney disease or have a family history of high blood pressure. A combination of birth control pills and smoking can be very dangerous to women and is not recommended. A woman's health during pregnancy can be a preview of her health in the future. Women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy are at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure and having a stroke later in life. The physical changes associated with menopause also increase a woman's risk of developing high blood pressure.

Of note, women of Black and Hispanic ethnicity may develop high blood pressure at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure than other racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, 80% of strokes may be prevented and lowering high blood pressures reduces stroke risk. Women can measure their blood pressure at home regularly and let their doctors know if it's normally above 120/80.

In addition, lifestyle adjustments such as getting enough exercise, eating healthfully, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can go a long way to reduce women's disease risk from high blood pressure.

For more information and tips about women's health and stroke prevention at all stages of life, visit GoRedForWomen.org/Risk

(NewsUSA)

"He'll Be Waiting"
by Liz Alterman

When Tess Porter agrees to pick up her boyfriend's college pal at the airport on a snowy December night, she has no idea she's about to embark on the most dangerous ride of her life. Two days later, the 17-year-old wakes up in a hospital with broken bones, unable to remember how she got there.

Her parents are acting strangely, and neither James, her boyfriend, nor her best friend Izzy has visited. As she struggles to physically recover, Tess wrestles with haunting questions: What happened? Will her memory ever return? And what if she's better off not recalling any of it? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2PtOUHi.

"Ellerslie"
by William Francis

"Who is the Lady of Ellerslie?" F. Scott Fitzgerald is hoping for a quiet retreat to write his next novel following "The Great Gatsby." He and his wife Zelda rent a mansion in Delaware known as Ellerslie. Their stay is anything but quiet. There is another guest staying at Ellerslie -- a female spirit who roams the property.

Looking to sell Ellerslie, the owner hires April Ross, the only female student at the University of Delaware's History Department, to research the estate's history. It doesn't take long before April realizes the true reason she was hired -- to uncover the identity of the ghost. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3l8Jmxe.

"Walking with Ghosts on Ward's Pond"
by Heidi Sprouse

In 1906, the murder of factory worker Grace Brown, found dead in a lake, rocks the nation. Her lover, Chester Gillette, is the main suspect. Journalist Charlie Baxter goes to the former home of Judge Ward, prosecutor in the case, where he finds himself haunted by Chester's ghost. He hears a scream and is stunned to meet Katherine Grace Brown, a woman who shares the name of the murder victim.

Katherine is tortured by nightmares of the same man and woman in a boat on a summer's night. She resembles the woman and feels her terror the moment she falls overboard. Katherine is hoping to find peace, but instead finds herself pulled into an old murder case. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rO2e7w. 

"Love Him/Hate Him"
by Chris Bedell

Seventeen-year-old Connor doesn't believe his best friend Evelyn's death was an accident. Falling down the stairs was random, and Connor can't help but wonder if someone might've pushed her. Determined to find out the truth, Connor starts his own investigation.

He suspects a married man with whom she was having an affair, but he has an airtight alibi.

Complicating the situation is Connor's unexpected hookup with Evelyn's twin brother, Liam, who is trapped between his attraction to Connor and his abusive father. Connor struggles with his growing attraction for Liam. Their secret rendezvous are fun, but if Connor is going to have more with Liam, he'll have to be honest about his feelings and his suspicions of who killed Evelyn. Will either survive the truth? Purchase at https://amzn.to/38An9n0.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

"Shine Until Tomorrow"
by Carla Malden

A fun and touching novel about the people who raise us, the times that define us, and the stumbling blocks on our way to being a grown-up.

Social misfit Mari Caldwell learns from an old scrapbook that her white-collar parents were once blue denim hippies. After a fight with her mother, she storms out, swerves on her bike and flies smack into a tree. The next morning, she wakes up but something is wrong, everything is slightly off. She runs into a war protest only to realize it is June 1967.

In the epicenter of the Summer of Love, Mari makes friends with a would-be rock band, meets the grandfather she never knew, and discovers that love changes everything. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3c5GgpG.

"Clear: Living the Life You Didn't Dream Of"
by Herman J. Williams, MD

Herman J. Williams was on the verge of living his ultimate dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon to elite athletes -- when his life took a shocking detour. How could a healthy 31-year-old collapse during an afternoon basketball game with his fellow medical residents? "No pulse!" they shouted. "He's not breathing." When the paramedics arrived, their defibrillator did not work!

By the grace of God, Herman survived. But this life-changing event killed the dream that he had worked so hard to achieve. Depressed and disabled, Herman refused to give up. So, he reinvented himself. Now he's sharing his inspiring success formula to help you endure life's crushing blows, so that you find purpose, and cultivate peace and joy every day. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3d9ENAL. 

"Your Next Big Idea: Improve Your Creativity and Problem-Solving"
by Samuel Sanders

Have you ever looked at a product and thought, "How come I didn't think of that?" This book will guide you to become more innovative, excel at ideation, and make better decisions -- with a little practice.

You can come up with the next game-changing idea to hit the market. In this business and self-help creativity book, you'll:

• See how people produce ideas by examining the world around them.
• Learn how to ask questions and recognize details about your observations.
• Complete creativity exercises to get in the right mindset, rid yourself of stigmas, and brainstorm solutions.
• Understand how to analyze the feasibility of your ideas.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3r1NPUh.

"When We Were All Still Alive "
by Keith McWalter

For Conrad Burrel, in the autumn of his life, the world has come apart. Having long ago lost his first wife, the mother of his grown daughter and a widow herself, to youth and pride, he's now lost his second to a violent accident. He must discover whether love survives death as well as divorce.

In the cities of his youth, Conrad finds he has one more lesson in love to learn from the one woman he's certain he can't live without. A portrait of a marriage, and a love song to ordinary lives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3j7HdkJ.

BookTrib Bites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - There is no denying that a grilled cheese is the ultimate combination of crunchy bread and gooey cheese. So, if you are someone who considers grilled cheese to be its own food group, you are in luck!

Subway is taking grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level with new Fresh Melts. Guests can enjoy Subway's newest innovation by upgrading their favorite freshly made footlong into an extra cheesy, gooey and grilled sandwich for $1 more.

"Fresh Melts are our latest menu innovation to give guests fresh, smart choices that don't sacrifice taste or flavor," according to Chef Paul Fabre, Subway's senior vice president of culinary and innovation. "Our Melts are unique because they are grilled, not toasted, so we're creating the ultimate sandwich that has crunchy bread, melty cheese, and your favorite ingredients for a perfect bite every time," he emphasizes.

The new menu items are the latest addition to Subway's culinary lineup.

The Ham & Cheese Melt features Black Forest ham, fresh tomato, and Swiss cheese grilled to create an indulgent, freshly made choice. If you've been craving tuna, don't miss the 100 percent wild-caught tuna with mayo, fresh onion and melty provolone cheese in the Tuna Melt. Finally, the Steak & Cheese Melt offers a new twist on a classic favorite, grilled with melted cheese, and loaded with fresh onions and peppers. Of course, bread remains a key element of any sandwich, and Fresh Melts feature Subway's distinctive freshly baked bread, perfectly grilled.

To help melted cheese fans savor and share the goodness, guests who purchase a Fresh Melt online or through the Subway app can order a second Fresh Melt for 50 percent off with promo code BOGO50 at participating restaurants.

Making an indulgent choice is easy and safe with Subway's in-app and online ordering, contactless curbside pick-up and delivery.

Visit subway.com for more information about store locations and menu options, to place orders, or download the Subway app.

(NewsUSA) - As a young adult, you may find yourself working your first job, and enjoying your first apartment and first car.

And while retirement planning may be the farthest thing from your mind, it shouldn't be. Take some smart steps now, and you can reap the benefits later, with more money and resources than you might think possible.

"Saving and investing for your future is one of the most important things you can do," says Charles Sachs, CFP®, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional .

These tips from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help:

Pay it forward. One of the easiest ways young adults can save for retirement is to invest in a 401(K) plan offered by an employer.

When you sign up for an automatic contribution, the money comes out of your paycheck before you see it, so you won't miss it now, but you will appreciate it later after it has grown over time.

Two other reasons to take advantage of a 401(k)? The extra funds earned if your employer matches your contributions (though not all employers do this) and funds saved because the money you put in a 401(k) is tax-deferred, which means it reduces your taxable income until you withdraw it in retirement.

- Pay it back. Another way to get a head start on a secure financial future is to set financial goals and prioritize early, according to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Douglas Boneparth, CFP®.

"Know who you owe money to (government or private loans), how much you owe and the interest rates associated with each loan. Educate yourself and don't be in denial," he says.

"Take a look at your pay stub and start to understand all the different things that are withheld from your paycheck such as taxes, health insurance premiums and 401(k) contributions. What you end up with -- your 'net' -- is the money you actually have to build your budget," Mr. Boneparth explains.

Decide how to spend what's left. For many young adults, that includes paying off student loans, but also could involve saving for a house or for further education.

A CFP® professional can provide guidance and advice as you consider these points in retirement planning: What do you want? When do you want it? How much will it cost?

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice and tips to get in on the ground floor of smart money management and building wealth for retirement.