(S. Phillips) -  

What does the technology of the future look like? Batteries made of molten salt, fusion energy, 6G networks, synthetic biology, and quantum computing may become as familiar as taking pictures with your phone.

These technologies are already reshaping the global economy and the United States’s place in it, according to a new report from the Special Competitive Studies Project, a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

For the U.S., staying ahead on the technology of the future is essential to creating a climate of uplifting privacy laws and maintaining human rights rather than encouraging surveillance and interfering with democratic governance. Attention to emerging technology also impacts the U.S. economy–the country where the platforms are created is where many of the jobs will be. 

Some key technologies that will be battlegrounds for the next decade include:

Artificial intelligence: Simply put, artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer that mimics the human brain, but answers questions and solves problems faster than a person. To lead in AI, the U.S. needs computing power, strong algorithms (programming), large high-quality data sets, effective applications and integrations, and the talent to create it all. Right now, the U.S. leads in developing algorithms and in developing talent. 

Next generation networks: Most American phones don't work on 5G, but sixth generation, or 6G, broadband is here and potentially 100 times faster.  Low-earth orbit satellites could also bring wireless—without the cell towers—to millions of people and remote areas. The People’s Republic of China currently has the most next-gen wireless patents of any country.

Synthetic biology: No single definition of synthetic biology exists, but most experts define it as the concepts, approaches and tools that allow organisms to be created or changed, whether to make rice more vitamin-rich or to create a new medicine. The U.S. continues to make advances in this field with companies conducting research and producing publications and patents.  

Advanced manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing involves an integration of cutting-edge hardware, networks, robotics, and AI to create products more efficiently at home. On the global level, current data give the U.S. a slight edge in robotics.

Fusion energy: While usable fusion—the clean energy used to power the sun—doesn’t exist yet, the U.S. is home to the majority of fusion companies and could be the world leader in this area if commercial fusion energy becomes available in 2024 and goes on the power grid after 2030.

Quantum computing: A completely theoretical concept even 30 years ago, quantum technologies have entered practical reality, completing tasks in minutes that would take older generations of computers 10,000 years to finish. Although the U.S. leads the world in quantum computing patents and papers, China is dedicating significant government funding to the field.

Visit http://www.scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - We Are All Addicts by Carder Stout

Expert therapist Dr. Carder Stout believes the soul's authentic voice can heal addictive cycles and remove them from the psyche. The soul is pure consciousness untethered from human experience, and Dr. Stout has maintained sobriety for 17 years using this untapped resource. He also has treated numerous clients for addiction and other mental health conditions using the technique. 

This guide presents a spiritual approach to ridding the mind of the complex problems created by addiction. These solutions have previously been shared exclusively with his patients. Through exercises, meditations, visualizations and writing, Dr. Stout demonstrates how to connect deeply to your soul. Readers will not only gain an understanding of the addiction holding them back, but how to overcome it through self-honesty and self-love. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3kEN0D0.

Secrets of the Penthouse Suite by R.R. Nastasi

Successful but shy Sofia La Scala, a workaholic accountant in New York City, finally dedicates herself to finding Mr. Right, committing to regular happy hours in pursuit of love. She encounters seductive billionaire Alex Chambers and by night’s end is entangled in a lust-driven romance with a man equally full of mysteries as charm.

However, her fantasies come to a crashing halt when she stumbles at work upon what initially looks like a simple programming glitch but is really far more sinister. Inexplicably, it’s also linked to Alex. As Sofia investigates the problem, more questions emerge.

Sofia has embraced her transformation from a shy accountant to a thrill-seeking, fantasy-fueled sex goddess with Alex. But is she willing to face the truth if it means losing him? Purchase at https://www.rrnastasi.com.
 

The Antidotes: Pollution Solution by Patty Mechael

Just when a group of fifth-grade friends return to normal life and to school after a global pandemic, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay become polluted by a plastic-eating bacteria experiment gone wrong—and both fish and kids are getting sick!

Izi, Gir, and their friends discover a fishy cover-up. The school has to close again! These climate warriors who call themselves the Antidotes join forces with public health activists to find clean water solutions. They use STEM strategies to help save the earth from a potential disaster—they also have secret meetings and do a little spy work.

The Antidotes race to tell kids how to stay safe. But will the Antidotes be able to get enough kids to achieve zero plastic use before it makes children sick? Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Heiwz9.

Message in a Matchbox by Sara Fashandi

It all started during the author’s family reunion in the summer of 2006, when she discovered an invaluable treasure: her oldest brother's memories of growing up. His name is Mohsen, and he was born in Tehran, Iran, to poor, struggling young parents. As early as age six, he figured out how to be creative and make money to fill his empty stomach.

As he related his memories, the author understood what made him the fascinating, jovial, and hardworking man he became. He had a calm confidence, and felt no need to impress anyone. He had been through so much, that by the time he was 23, he had lived a fuller life than most people ever experience. These stories are selections from Mohsen's many memories of a childhood in Tehran. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WROuY8.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(Updated 3/21/2023) 

(NewsUSA) -  MICE EXPO, organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau & Sri Lankan Airlines, will take place from the 13^th to the 15^th of March 2023 @ Shangri - La. The multi-day event will see operators and stakeholders from across the world participating, positioning Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for MICE tourism.  

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure, Sri Lanka has become a sought-after destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. The Island offers a unique blend of business and pleasure, and a strategic position geographically, making it an ideal location for companies and organizations looking to host events, meetings, and conferences in a professional, yet exotic and vibrant setting.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is the primary contact point for Meeting Planners, Incentive Houses, Corporates and Associations for information, advice and expertise when planning and organizing events in Sri Lanka. The Bureau provides support and services for all stakeholders in the industry and works to promote and position Sri Lanka’s suitability for MICE tourism, globally. Chairman of the SLCB, Thisum Jayasuriya, and General Manager, Krishantha Fernando, both highlighted the positive impact of this event, as it will be attended by over 100 buyers hosted by SLCB – 60% from India, and the rest from the Middle East and Southeast Asia & Asia while providing a platform for a large number of exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a global audience.

Sri Lanka has emerged as a popular destination for MICE tourism, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and modern infrastructure. MICE EXPO 2023 is expected to be an exciting event, with Cinnamon Life partnering as the host for the gala dinner, and Shangri-La serving as the hotel host. The MICE Business Forum, which will be hosted at the Galle face hotel, will provide an excellent opportunity for business networking, while MICE EXPO will showcase 22 exhibitors and 75 local vendors from Sri Lanka.

The event will commence with a welcome reception & MICE forum on the 13^th of March 2023, followed by the opening ceremony on the 14th, where B2B meetings between local MICE suppliers and buyers will take place. The event will be inaugurated by Honourable Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and lands. Subsequent to the conclusion of the EXPO in Colombo, buyers will have the opportunity to further explore the city and other locations around the country, hosted by SLCB, allowing them to experience Sri Lanka’s MICE facilities first-hand, in order to familiarize themselves with the island for potential future investments.

Sri Lanka provides indoor and outdoor event facilities, hotel venues, resorts, state-of-the-art convention centres and bespoke offerings, staffed by qualified personnel who can deliver in line with professional requirements. World-class infrastructure from hotels to many in-progress developments, such as Cinnamon Life, ITC Hotels & Port City Colombo, will also open more doors to growth and investments in the future. The Island's unique blend of business and pleasure, combined with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, puts Sri Lanka among the top destinations for MICE tourism, worldwide.

(NewsUSA) - Ready for a taste of summer?  Summer may not be here yet, but you can get a head start on the season with your favorite summer fruits. Peaches, nectarines, and plums are available in your grocery store now, courtesy of the country of Chile.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile enjoys summer during our winter, which means that fruits we usually associate with summer (like blueberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums and nectarines) are available in the winter, too. On the flip side, winter fruits such as kiwifruit and mandarins are fresh from Chile in the summer months.

Peaches, plums, and nectarines are known as "stone fruit" because they contain pits in the center.

These delicious fruits are similar in many ways, but unique in others. However, each is delicious and packs a powerful nutritional punch.

Peaches and nectarines are available in both white flesh and yellow flesh varieties; the white-flesh varieties are slightly sweeter, while the yellow ones have more tang. For yellow-flesh peaches and nectarines, be sure to allow them to ripen until they are slightly soft before enjoying on their own or in any number of delicious recipes. Chilean peaches and nectarines are available from January through March, and are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber, among other nutrients.

Plums also are great sources of fiber, which can help slow a spike in blood sugar after consuming carbohydrates. Plums may help boost your body's production of adiponectin; a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Chilean plums come in many varieties including red, black, and even yellow! Try them all and find your favorite.

Chilean peaches, plums and nectarines are delicious and nutritious additions to smoothies, salsas, or salads, not to mention fruit cobblers and pies. 

For a simple, healthy treat, try a Peach Pie Smoothie Bowl. Just add 2 ripe Chilean peaches or nectarines to a cup of Greek yogurt. Then stir in ground flax seed, almond butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, plus some fresh orange juice for extra zing. Add honey if you want.  You can also jazz up your favorite homemade salsa with Chilean stone fruit! 

Look for Chilean stone fruits now at your local retailer. Find great recipes and other menu ideas at www.fruitsfromchile.com.

(updated 3/21/2023)

(NewsUSA) - What We Never Say by Paulette Stout

“A deftly crafted, memorably compulsive page turner.” --Midwest Book Review

After a lifetime of lacking confidence, Rebecca has finally found her voice. Her blog for women is gaining traction, getting noticed by the world’s top fashion magazine. When they request an article, she’s thrilled. So why is her boyfriend Kyle so concerned?

Kyle won’t share his past—not even with Rebecca. But his secret is blown when a powerful woman from his modeling days becomes desperate to get his attention. It’s attention he never wanted and has been trying to forget for eleven years.

As Kyle takes steps to heal, Rebecca’s article becomes a global sensation. Events force Kyle’s past and present to converge, putting Rebecca’s future at serious risk. It’s time for the truth, but is it too late?

“Tackled a sensitive subject with finesse and great writing.” -InD’Tale Magazine. Purchase at: https://books2read.com/u/bOz62o

Circus Home: A Novel of Life, Love and New Jersey by Jason Ollander-Krane

For fans of Gower's The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Doctorow’s Ragtime, and Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, this whimsical tale of a retirement home for retired circus performers wanders through the life stories of the home’s residents, including clowns, magicians and elephant tamers. The novel is narrated by the circus barker, who adds a poignant perspective on his companions.

The sweeping novel springs to life in New Jersey, along with settings as diverse as 1880s Brooklyn, 1920s Mississippi, 1940s Detroit, 1950s New York City, a west-bound wagon train, exotic Havana, pre-revolution Kiev, and Washington DC on the eve of The Great War. From laugh-out-loud funny to magically fantastic to heartbreaking. Purchase at http://bit.ly/3EAMiOL.

Wordslinger by Leonard Novarro

The author didn’t decide to write this book out of some noble dedication to the field of journalism. Or to revitalize “the good old days” by recapturing the past. Or tell a great story or two while singing the praises of newspapers. The newspapers didn’t always get it right, although they did get it right more than they got it wrong.

Now, in this era of the Internet and social media, the opposite often is true. How else would you explain the fact that millions here and abroad believe in a conspiracy theory that a ring of Satan-worshipping pedophiles, cannibals and sex traffickers are working to unseat the President States and take over the world -- a theory that began at Trump rallies in 2018 and one that he clings to? Purchase at http://bit.ly/3AEaddx.

Bad Behavior in the Workplace by Michael Weiner

When an inappropriate and angry outburst at work puts a leading pediatric oncologist’s career, reputation, and personal life in jeopardy, he has to take the first few uncomfortable steps toward change.

With his back against the wall, Dr. Andrew Brown harnesses his years of experience and confronts his demons. With a team of colleagues and sympathetic researchers by his side, Andrew sets out to discover not only the cause of his own temper but the very origins of rage in the human psyche. Delving into the genealogical and historical roots of human anger, his search leads him not only to shocking revelations about the world around him but to a deeper understanding of his place in it. A fascinating novel based on real-life events. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Y3jNjU.

BookTrib’s Bites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(Updated 3/21/2023)

(NewsUSA) -  

The ever-changing landscape of self-care offers consumers an array of choices that can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help navigate through the sea of health information, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to make smart self-care decisions, has launched a new website, HealthInHand.org.

The website, formerly KnowYourOTCs.org, provides information not only about over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, but also dietary supplements and consumer medical devices. Through a modern, user-friendly design, the site features a robust search function, an extensive library of self-care resources written by healthcare professionals, a simplified symptom relief section, a catalogue of common self-care products, and an active ingredient glossary.

“This redesign is more than just a fresh coat of paint,” says Anita Brikman, Executive Director of CHPA’s Educational Foundation. “Health In Hand is the result of many months of hard work, thoughtful design, targeted testing, and innovative development,” she explains. “We’re decoding dosing, explaining ingredients, simplifying safety, and helping visitors choose the types of products they need to make the most of their health. Health In Hand is tested, trusted, and clear – a genuine reflection of our Foundation’s mission to continually help people understand how to safely choose and use self-care products.”

The website includes two new sections. “My Self-Care” tailors content to different life stages and age-specific categories, while “Healthy Living” focuses on health maintenance routines and daily self-care needs, such as choosing vitamins and supplements, staying safe in the sun, and maintaining healthy sleep habits.

Specific to dietary supplements, Health In Hand provides curated content with the facts people need to safely choose and use these products. The site also breaks down dietary supplement information for certain groups who may need higher levels of specific nutrients based on their diet or stage of life, including information for children, teens, and adults aged 65 and older.

The site also provides critical health information to women of all ages, including advice from experts on feminine hygiene and supplement information tailored to women who are currently pregnant, looking to conceive, or breastfeeding.  

“We’re simplifying self-care,” said Mary Leonard, Vice President of CHPA’s Educational Foundation. “Our newly updated mobile-friendly website means people will always have expert advice and dynamic content right at their fingertips, so they feel empowered to take self-care decisions into their own hands whether in the pharmacy aisle, on-the-go, or at their child’s bedside.”

Visit HealthInHand.org for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than to perk up your car and your look at the same time. Auto Glass Now, the company known for fast, friendly, and convenient auto glass services, is extending their Spring Fixin’ giveaway through Wednesday, March 22. A total of 23 lucky winners will receive a free pair of special Ray-Ban shades just in time for the start of spring.

The giveaway invites entrants to share their spring break plans at SpringFixin.com for a chance to win. The contest runs through 11:59 pm March 22, 2023, and is open to anyone in the U.S.

“Spring is right around the corner, and we are excited to help our lucky winners see clearly as they enjoy their spring break in style,” said Michael Lopez, president, Auto Glass Now. “We help customers get rid of chips or cracks on their windshields, and now we’re taking it to the next level so you can enjoy some fun in the sun.”

After March 22, the 23 winners will be selected at random and notified through email. They must respond within five business days to receive their prize.

“I’m thrilled that we can continue doing the work we love, and excited to give back to our valued customers,” Lopez said. "Our Auto Glass Now family is committed to offering customers the best quality auto glass repairs and replacement, at an incredible value, providing us with loyal and happy customers," he added.

For more information, the rules governing the giveaway, and to enter, visit SpringFixin.com.

About Auto Glass Now

Auto Glass Now offers fast, friendly, and convenient auto glass services across the country with almost 100 locations throughout the United States. The local team of experts can help provide trusted auto glass repairs, replacements, and calibrations. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket companies, Auto Glass Now delivers national scale and efficiency, alongside its premier service quality. Visit AutoGlassNow.com to learn more.

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands™, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the largest automotive services company in North America, providing a range of consumer and commercial automotive needs, including paint, collision, glass, vehicle repair, oil change, maintenance and car wash. Driven Brands is the parent company of some of North America's leading automotive service businesses including Take 5 Oil Change®, Take 5 Car Wash®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, Maaco®, 1-800-Radiator & A/C®, Auto Glass Now®, and CARSTAR®. Driven Brands has more than 4,800 locations across 15 countries, and services over 50 million vehicles annually. Driven Brands' network generates approximately $2 billion in annual revenue from more than $5.6 billion in system-wide sales.

(NewsUSA) - Every Other Weekend by Anthony Mohr

Shuttling between two fathers and coming of age at a time when divorce is rare and viewed as shocking, the author writes of living at the edges of what others regard as a dream world, a place where reality and fantasy blend, maps lead to the homes of the stars, and obstacles abound.

Anthony's father is a well-known radio actor before slipping to the Hollywood B-list thanks to the advent of television. Accepting the lead in a dying Swedish TV series, he falls for the script girl and divorces Mohr's mother, who marries another divorcee, a credit card industry pioneer.

As his stepfather's career rises and his biological father's eases downward, Anthony tries to find his place: one weekend sailing on a 58-foot catamaran, the next being told he is poor. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Z50vM5.

The Sundial Inn by Stephen John Ross

A paranormal horror with a streak of dark humor. On a return flight from a dream vacation at the Sundial Inn in the outskirts of New Orleans, Tim and Sara find themselves covered in bruises with no memory of the past three days. The mystery deepens once they learn the inn had ceased operations many decades earlier in 1954.

Plagued with lucid nightmares, Sara struggles to return to her normal life while Tim returns to New Orleans in search of answers. Aided by a local clairvoyant Mrs. Lizzie, the secrets of the Sundial Inn and its founder, Atticus Busby, are unearthed. There’s more to the inn than meets the eye, and Tim begins to realize that his own connection to it is much darker than he could have guessed. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Gwv5FP.

Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club by Diane Bergner

Julia Wild is thrilled to trade her legal briefcase for stiletto heels and a glam wardrobe when she accepts the position as high-society fundraiser at a prestigious performing arts center. But the gala lifestyle is a minefield. There’s the punishing schedule, her boss is having an affair with an important donor, and someone is trying to sabotage her. But she weakens to the seduction of elite social circles.

The deeper Julia is drawn in, the more fantasy and reality blur, and fault lines in her marriage surface – especially when she meets a debonair Argentinian billionaire. It is only when suspicion caused by an untimely death blows up the carefully constructed glittering mask of the moneyed set that Julia must decide how willing she is to risk everything. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Ka54Qg.

Starstruck by Michael Kutza

“Starstruck: How I Magically Transformed Chicago into Hollywood for More Than Fifty Years” is the author’s rollicking, provocative, racy, colorful, irreverent show business memoir culled from decades of rubbing elbows with the giants of film at both the Chicago Film Festival, which he founded, and numerous other festivals around the globe.

It was a roller-coaster ride that lasted for almost half a century, with Kutza presiding over gatherings that hosted a Who’s Who of the film world – from Harold Lloyd to Clint Eastwood, Bette Davis to Viola Davis, Steven Spielberg to Spike Lee, Guillermo del Toro to Jodie Foster, Lauren Bacall to Al Pacino. At the same time, the festival introduced a plethora of new talent that would go on to revolutionize the movie business, from Martin Scorsese on. Purchase at https://bit.ly/40E0lMe.
 

BookTrib’s Bites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Teaching children about money is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Start when they’re young with simple lessons like saving up to buy a toy. You can build upon those lessons as they get older and become responsible for things like buying their own car or preparing their finances for college.

Talking about money isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t trust your own money management skills. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can boost your self-confidence and help you create a plan that supports your family members in understanding their finances.

Little Kids

When your kids are very young, stick to the basics. Explain three things you can do with money: Spend it, save it or give it away. Show them how to divide money they get from gifts or an allowance by putting a portion into savings or donating to a charity, and then allow them to spend the rest.

Also, share how you make money decisions for the family when you shop, cook and pay bills.

Teens

When teenagers get their first job, they get hands-on experience with budgeting. They learn to allocate money they earn to buy what they need, such as gas for their car. It’s also the perfect time to teach them about taxes. Go over their first paycheck and point out payroll deductions, explaining how the system works.

And when your teen is ready, introduce them to the magic of compound interest and the basics of investing.

College Students

Once your child reaches college age, engage in more straightforward money conversations. Discuss spending and cost-saving strategies. Go over student loan and credit card debt, making sure they understand their statements, interest rates, loan terms and repayment options.

Adult Children

With adult children, the type of money conversations you have will depend on whether they’re living on their own or with you. If your child still lives with you, strike a balance between helping them and protecting your own financial well-being, perhaps even drawing up a move-in agreement to keep everyone on the same page.

Regardless of where they live, speak to your children about your estate plan. Explain who you’ve designated to serve as your estate executor (the person responsible for distributing your estate and paying any remaining debts).

Make your children aware of the option of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to build a more successful and financially secure future. To find a CFP^® professional near you, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org. 

(NewsUSA) - A new poll paints a troubling picture of how anxious Americans are about their finances.

Nearly half of respondents said they didn’t feel “financially stable,” according to the survey from financial services firm Edward Jones and Morning Consult, and 29 percent admitted to having less than $500 in their emergency savings fund.

That’s right, less than $500.

Anyone who’s been to the supermarket lately – the price of a dozen eggs in January was up 70% from the same time last year – can guess one of the main reasons for that low savings rate.

“People have been facing turbulent times,” said Meagan Dow, senior strategist at Edward Jones.  “Understandably, inflation is forcing consumers to spend more on necessities, like housing and groceries, while market conditions are startling investors, so savings are falling low on the priority list.”

How to take control when so much seems out of our control?  If, like most respondents, you measure “financial wellness” as being free of debt and worries over monthly bills, and having enough money to care for your family, read on for ways to move forward:

• Build three to six months’ worth of living expenses in savings to cover emergencies.  Keep in mind that even a few hundred dollars can help improve your financial stability, so start small and celebrate your progress. The specific amount to ultimately target depends on variables like whether your car is on its last leg, or your house is in an area prone to natural disasters.  “There’s also your risk of temporary loss of income to consider, especially if you're a single earner or have job insecurity,” said Dow. "The higher your risks, the more you'll want to save."
   
• Save enough for your unique retirement needs. This year the average senior can count on only $21,924 from Social Security, with the maximum benefit for those retiring in 2023 and claiming at age 70 being $54,660. Most people won't want to solely rely on Social Security for their retirement income. 
  
  Which means, if at all possible, you'll want to be saving money now. At a minimum, you should contribute enough to take full advantage of any employer match for a 401(k) or other employer plan. A match is essentially free money, and generally a 50% or 100% return on your  contributions. Then look to increase your savings over time, ideally at least annually or whenever you get a raise. "Many plans offer a feature to  automatically increase your contributions, making it easier than ever to boost your savings," said Dow.
  
  And if you're working but don't have access to an employer plan or have maxed out your contributions? You may be able to save in an IRA. For  2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 if you have taxable compensation, or $7,500 you’re age 50 or older. Although a Roth IRA has income limitations that may prevent you from contributing the full amount, a backdoor Roth strategy allows you to contribute to a Roth IRA even if you exceed those income limitations. A financial advisor can help determine if this strategy makes sense for you.
   
• Pay down debt.  Start with high-interest, non-deductible debt. The most common form of this is credit card debt, but any high-interest debt is likely to cost you more in interest than you can expect to earn on your investments. Take a look at the "Minimum Payment Warning" box on your statement to see how paying extra can save you in interest payments, and significantly shorten how long it will take you to pay off your balance.
  
  Then you can focus on paying down other debt, starting with the highest after-tax interest rate. "Target a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 35% or  lower if you have a mortgage, and 20% or lower if you don't," said Dow. To calculate your DTI, divide your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.

Interestingly, the survey also found that those who said they used a financial advisor, instead of trying a do-it-yourself approach, were twice as likely to feel confident about their present and future financial situations. A trusted local advisor at Edward Jones can help you create a roadmap to work toward your own financial wellness.