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

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

Some smart uses for the new funds coming in include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - Over a number of years, 65-year-old Donald Summers went from having an occasional cough and clearing his throat, to increasingly frequent coughing attacks that produced mucus and exhaustion. It was aggravating and embarrassing. It also caused him to quit his job, yardwork and the long hikes he used to enjoy with his wife.

"I worked in a property maintenance job, and I just couldn't do it anymore," Summers says. "I'd get into these coughing fits, and it just drained me. I didn't have the strength."

Several years ago, when his symptoms began to worsen, Summers saw a pulmonologist, who diagnosed chronic bronchitis. The disease affects an estimated 9 million people in the U.S. and is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Risk factors and symptoms

Chronic bronchitis can develop after exposure to cigarette smoke, vaping, airborne chemicals and other pollutants and irritants. In Summers's case, he was a long-time smoker and previously worked in steel mills and around gasoline and other petroleum products.

Patients with chronic bronchitis experience prolonged inflammation and excess mucus in the lung airways, causing a host of other potential symptoms and effects, including:

• Excess phlegm
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Embarrassment
• Sleep disruption

Treatments and limitations

Summers's pulmonologist prescribed a nebulizer, corticosteroids and rescue inhalers, but they didn't reduce the amount of mucus that would come up or the severity of his cough. This is not uncommon, as no treatment options are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that directly target the cells that produce mucus in chronic bronchitis.

Frustrated, Summers kept asking his physician about other possible treatments.

Persistence led to clinical study participation

Finally, Summers's pulmonologist mentioned a clinical trial for a new medical device being studied as a potential treatment for chronic bronchitis. Summers joined the study and received an investigational therapy called RheOxTM. In a minimally invasive procedure, the RheOx therapy delivers short pulses of electrical energy to the lung airways, directly targeting mucus-producing cells to reduce cough and mucus production in people with chronic bronchitis.

In three clinical trials, RheOx has shown a significant improvement in quality of life and a reduction in cough and mucus through 12 months.

Summers describes his own experience: "Before I had the RheOx clinical study procedure, I was constantly coughing and producing disgusting mucus. It affected my life, and I was embarrassed to go out in public. After the study procedure, the coughing has gotten a lot better. It's not gone, but I can go out to dinner, hike and have a much more normal life."

Next steps for those with chronic bronchitis

People experiencing symptoms of chronic bronchitis should speak to a pulmonologist. They also can find out if they might be a candidate for a larger RheOx U.S. clinical study by visiting http://bronchitisstudy.com/.

RheOx is approved by regulatory authorities for sale in Europe. RheOx is limited by U.S. federal law to investigational use only. This article describes examples of potential patient outcomes with RheOx. Individual patient outcomes can vary based on the condition of the patient, severity of disease and response to treatment.

(NewsUSA)

"Lady Editor"
by Melanie Kirkpatrick 

Sarah Josepha Hale was the most influential woman in America for half a century. As editor of "Godey's Lady's Book," Hale was the leading cultural arbiter for the growing nation. Women (and many men) turned to her for advice on what to read, what to cook, how to behave, and -- most importantly -- what to think. She used her powerful pen to promote a woman's right to an education, to work and to manage her own money.

There is hardly an aspect of nineteenth-century culture in which Hale did not figure prominently as a pathbreaker. Americans' favorite holiday -- Thanksgiving -- wouldn't exist without Hale. "Lady Editor" recreates the life of this major historical woman, whose career as a writer, editor and early feminist encompassed ideas central to American history. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ArTLeq.

"Almost Happy"
by Dr. Brian Kaplan and Hephzibah Kaplan

It's a proven fact: We are healthier and happier when we are laughing. Not only is laughter good for our body, mind and spirit, but it can also help us face the uncomfortable challenge of dealing with our personal difficulties.

"Almost Happy" provides practical and accessible ways to use humor to effect change. Reverse psychology can provoke us to discover, own and enact authentic solutions to many of our issues. Are you ready to read a book that will gently tease you about your issues? Some 114 original buttons and provocative suggestions are offered with a twinkle in the eye and affection in the heart. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3iQFBf6.

"Bars for Days"
by Mic Nickels

In this generational time capsule, the author vividly describes his experiences growing up alongside the hip hop revolution and into the dawn of the Information Age. He recounts early struggles being raised by a single mother affected by the 1980s drug epidemic, his coming-of-age experiences pursuing a career as a rapper and musician, and his travels to exotic destinations such as Egypt, Peru, Japan and Cuba; Nickels provides brilliantly lucid glimpses into times past.

"Bars for Days" is an inspiring human-interest story which encapsulates the relentless drive of an aspiring musician. Interactions with celebrities from the underground hip hop community provide entertaining anecdotes. But the true story lies in his commitment to family, becoming a long-distance father and dealing with unexpected loss. Purchase at https://amzn.to/31o8E4V.

"Leaders: And What They Need"
by CW5 Issac D Smith Jr.

"Has the role of the 21st century leader changed? And if so, in what way? This book approaches these questions through a distinct lens. It teaches people how the life of an army soldier includes lessons that can be equally applied to working individuals in the corporate world.

While in the army, the author took charge of multiple leadership roles. He learned that, at the very core, all these functions are similar, and reaching your full potential takes commitment and relentless hard work. Being a great leader is not only about the things you say but the actions you take. This book will help you discover new ways to bring out the best in your employees, coworkers or students. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3E9FODL.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA)

"Going 15 Rounds with Jerry Izenberg"
by Ed Odeven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Elite Productivity"
by BAB Group

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

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

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.