(NewsUSA) - Young adults who are new to the workforce have a lot to think about. But when it comes to compensation, there are many ways to make your salary and benefits work for you. Taking full advantage of opportunities for saving and investing now will pay off later.     

One of the simplest and most effective ways to save for retirement is through an employer-sponsored plan. Many employers offer a 401(k), which allows you to invest part of each paycheck directly into the plan. That helps make saving automatic, and pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income.

Make a Match     

Some employers will match a percentage of what you contribute to your 401(k) up to a certain limit. The amount of the match varies, and some employers may not offer this option. But if you have this option, be sure to contribute enough to take advantage of the match. For example, an employer may match 100% of what you contribute to your plan up to 3% of your salary, then 50% of the next 2%. If your annual salary is $60,000 and you are able to contribute a total of 5% ($3,000) to your 401(k), the company match in this example adds another $2,400 to your retirement fund courtesy of your employer.

Health Insurance Helpers     

Make the most of your employer-sponsored health insurance by learning the details and choosing a plan that best meets your needs. You may have choices between a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, which usually costs less per month but may limit the network of health care providers you can visit, or a preferred provider organization (PPO), which usually costs more but may allow more flexibility for the provider network. Either way, invest in your health by scheduling regular checkups: Most plans will cover preventive/wellness visits at 100% or with a minimal copayment.

Consider Additional Insurance     

Some employers provide their workforce with a life insurance benefit. Additional life insurance, while less important if you are young and single, may be worth considering if you have family members to support. Also, don’t discount disability insurance, which can provide needed income if you are ill or disabled and can’t work.     

Make sure to learn about other benefits that can boost your finances, such as tuition reimbursement, health savings accounts or employee stock purchase plans.     

The information can seem overwhelming. Although you may feel comfortable making decisions about employee benefits on your own, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional may be helpful as a sounding board for your ideas and to discuss how current benefits decisions fit into your larger financial planning picture.     

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find a financial planner who can help you navigate employee benefits and other financial aspects of your new job.

(NewsUSA) -  

“The Absolute: Collected Poems of Sri Chinmoy”       

This book is a collection of Sri Chinmoy’s poems, selected from his entire body of poetic work that spans more than six decades. All of his early poems were written from within the poetic restraints of meter and rhyme. Only later in his poetic career did he write in free verse.  

Speaking of his poetry, Sri Chinmoy says, “Throughout my poetry-journey, my poetry-tree has cherished various branches: philosophy, prayer, religion, spirituality, my love of Nature’s beauty, my love of word-making, which the English language indulgently allows me to explore, and my abiding love, concern and hope for this world of ours.” Sri Chinmoy’s poetry offers hope, strength and salvation to many an earnest traveler in his or her journey through life.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3OiiMPe.

“Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless”
by Mitzi Perdue  

Winner of the Literary Titan Award for Nonfiction. “The Chicken Man’s” wife writes about the “Chicken Soup” guy. Mitzi Perdue spoke to many of the important people who inspired “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” co-author Mark Victor Hansen along the way and to those with whom he made a true difference in their lives. Hansen conquered many mountains by never letting any obstacle get in his way and by inspiring others to make a difference. His story is exceptional, but it is his extraordinary perseverance and generosity that led to his long-term success.  

Perdue is a meticulous writer who captures the essence of Mark with true stories that are inspiring and amazing in showing the tenacity of one man who learned that in order to receive, first you must give.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3udF0dY.

“TARRA: Mission to Earth”
by Inna Van Der Velden  

Anthony and his friends come to Earth to find the antidote for the fear dust pollution. The children on their native planet, Tarra, are in severe danger. If Anthony’s mission doesn’t succeed, life on Tarra will cease to exist.  

Readers experience a number of adventures and come to their own revelations, sensing with their heart and acting on their intuition. See Earth from an interstellar traveler’s perspective and learn how to live within its harmony.   TARRA: Mission to Earth, geared for ages nine to 12, has incredible magic hidden within. It opens every reader to a deeper understanding of our planet. “TARRA: Mission to Earth, The Family Companion” includes 34 tasks for children as well as an adult guide.

Purchase at  https://amzn.to/3ympqOJ.

“Diamond Eyes Makes His Mark”
by DJ Key  

Mark Van Buren, nicknamed Diamond Eyes, is a 14-year-old misfit who can't do anything right. When his father and stepmom plan to ship him to Florida to live with his uncle DJ and aunt Rita, founders of a cover band, the Ambient Images, he worries he won't be accepted. But when he fills in to sing one night, it changes his life.  

Various adventures take him on an Alaskan cruise, the Las Vegas desert, an Amish farm, and a crocodile-infested swamp. The book is a testament to the trials and tribulations adolescents face in today's world, such as bullying, suicidal thoughts, loss of a loved one and sexual identity. Ultimately, it is a tale of faith, endurance and the power of unconditional love.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3I12mcu.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(Reissued 9/16/2022)

(NewsUSA) - A decade ago, Infographics were the “it” tool to promote your business, but became a less desirable way of promoting your business a few years ago. NewsUSA, a brand content agency, argues that infographics are still one of the best marketing tools to pitch your clients. 

(NewsUSA) - Inflation is top-of-mind for most Americans, as a majority say that they have reduced household spending in many areas except when it comes to retirement savings and life insurance.

A new USAA Life Insurance Company survey explored how American civilian and military-connected families are faring in today’s economy and the financial decisions they are making as a result.

For more information, visit USAA.com/lifesurvey

(NewsUSA) -  

Jeffrey Breslow’s new memoir, “A GAME MAKER’S LIFE: A Hall of Fame Inventor and Executive Tells the Inside Story of the Toy Industry,” is the gripping account of how the inventor held his company together after an employee opened fire in the Marvin Glass and Associates conference room in 1976. The gunman killed two of the Chicago firm’s partners and an employee and critically wounded two more employees before killing himself. Jeffrey Breslow, a partner, missed taking a bullet only because the gunman didn’t see him -- he had just stepped into an adjoining office to take a phone call. The gunman left behind a hit list of fourteen names. Breslow later learned that his name was second on the list.  

Before the shooting, Breslow was the youngest partner of toy industry giant Marvin Glass and Associates at age 33. After the shooting, and despite his youth, Breslow’s partners voted him in as managing partner. Thrust into leadership by default, he faced incredible challenges, including consoling the families of the victims, dealing with the staff’s PTSD and rebuilding a sense of safety and morale. He was also determined to keep the successful but reeling business alive. He needed a miracle -- and he got one. His partner Howard Morrison created a blockbuster, Simon, which Smithsonian Magazine says “ushered in the era of electronic games.” The firm was back in business.  

In spite of the tragedy, Breslow still felt incredibly lucky. Marvin Glass had personally hired him in 1967, soon dubbed him a “boy genius” and made him a partner after 18 months on the job.  

From the first iconic toy Breslow developed, called “Bucket of Fun,” he gifted us with some of the most memorable toys of childhood, including: “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots,” “Ants in the Pants,” “Fashion Polly Pocket,” “Guesstures,” “Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash,” “California Roller Baby,” “The Animal” and “Masterpiece.”  

The secret to his success was creating games that each player thought they had a chance of winning. Clients of Marvin Glass and Associates included Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Ideal Toy, Fisher-Price, Playskool and many others.

Breslow rose to the challenge and learned to:     

• Consistently do the unexpected.     
• Never take “No” for an answer.     
• Help employees maintain their well-being.     
• Unlock the secrets of pleasing clients.     
• Be persistent, especially if an idea was unusual or cutting-edge.     
• Hire more women. Half of toy customers are female, and yet women were under-represented at his company.   
• Find mentors -- they don’t just come to you.  

Breslow would go on to an unprecedented career. He is the only toy designer to win the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval twice and was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 1998. It’s surprising that a man who played for a living had his leadership mettle forged in crisis, but “A GAME MAKER’S LIFE” is more than a memoir, it’s a guide to success under pressure, rebuilding a business and learning how to honor those who were lost -- by bringing joy to children and families around the world.

Purchase this book at https://amzn.to/3nmARRo.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Summer may be winding down, but it’s not over. Even as vacations end and school begins, summer weather and outdoor entertaining and activities linger into October in many places. Chilean lemons are the perfect complement to end-of-summer meals and drinks on the patio or in the park.       

“With their sunny zest and refreshing juice, lemons aren’t just delicious, they also pack a healthy punch,” says Karen Brux, managing director for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. Lemons are a good source of many key nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  “You could say that lemons from Chile are the unsung heroes of summer,” Ms. Brux adds.       

Lemons are versatile. Try adding lemon juice to marinades, lemon slices to creamy pasta sauces, or featuring fresh lemons in lemon custards or meringues for an ultimate end-of-summer dessert. When cooking with lemons, you can use their zest or juice, but try them grilled, says Brux.     

Grilling intensifies the flavor of the lemon juice. Just put some slices on the grill along with your fish, beef or chicken. Grilled lemon wedges work in cocktails, too!     

Try this easy recipe for grilled chicken with lemon:

Grilled Chicken with Lemon

Ingredients:

• zest of two lemons
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves chopped garlic
• 5 sprigs rosemary
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• coarse black pepper to taste
• 4 large chicken thighs

Instructions:     

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.   
2. In a large shallow baking dish, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup olive oil, 6 cloves chopped garlic, 5 sprigs of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and plenty of coarse black pepper.     
3. Add 4 large chicken thighs to the mixture, toss to coat and let the chicken rest for 45 minutes at room temperature.     
4. Before cooking, be sure the chicken thighs are skin-side up. Cut the remaining zested lemons into halves or quarters, and nestle them among the chicken. Add a final grind of black pepper on top.     
5. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear. If you would like extra browning, briefly place the baking dish under the broiler.     

Visit fruitsfromchile.com for more tasty recipes, and look for lemons from Chile at your local retailer through early October.