Village Connector Community News- Anne Arundel County, MD

Socially Responsible Investing

Jeffrey D. Carlson — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:28:45 +0000

Socially Responsible Investing

As the global climate change discussions heat up in Washington, many investors are paying attention to the impact of their investments on the environment and the well being of people around the world. As this trend has increased, so has the demand for investment choices that demonstrate not only financial soundness, but also a concern for quality of life. This investment philosophy, known as socially responsible investing (SRI), has a special appeal to many individuals concerned with the future of our planet.

What constitutes socially responsible investing?

Investors who adopt an SRI strategy believe their decisions should be governed not only by economics, but also by social issues. This often means refraining from investing in companies or industries that produce products or offer services the investor disapproves of, regardless of the company’s or industry’s potential for profit or value. Investors who maintain an SRI strategy may choose to avoid investing in companies related to alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weapons. It can also mean investing in companies that promote workplace diversity, actively participate in community volunteer programs or work to improve the environment.

Benefits, drawbacks and strategies of SRI

As with all types of investing, there are tradeoffs that come with socially responsible investing. Those who practice SRI can feel good that their investment choices reflect their values. However, socially responsible investors must balance this benefit with more limited choices with regard to portfolio diversification.

Some strategies that those interested in SRI may employ include divesting from companies that don’t align with their personal morals or beliefs, and participating in shareholder activism or engagement. They may also include:

Investing in SRI mutual funds. These funds include companies that many socially responsible investors support. They use SRI strategies as part of their fund objectives and portfolio choices.

Micro-financing. Money invested in micro-financing service companies is used to support small businesses that otherwise would not be eligible for traditional financing.

Community-investing. Community-investing directs capital from investors and lenders to communities that are underserved by traditional financial services institutions. It makes it possible for local organizations to provide financial services to low-income individuals and to supply capital for small businesses and vital community services, such as affordable housing, child care, and healthcare.

Building a socially responsible portfolio

To invest according to your ethical standards, research your investment decisions carefully. SocialFunds.com is a website of SRI World Group, Inc.; a news, research, and consulting firm that advises clients regarding sustainability investment issues and corporate responsibility practices. The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (socialinvest.org) is a nonprofit organization that promotes socially and environmentally responsible investing. Their website also provides extensive information that may help you get started.

If you think a SRI strategy fits your financial objectives, consider working with a financial advisor to get professional advice about possible investment opportunities. A financial advisor can help you find appropriate SRIs and brainstorm options for future investments that satisfy both your financial goals and your desire to invest ethically and responsibly.

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Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™, Financial Advisor, and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044. Or visit www.jeffreydcarlson.com

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues

SRI World Group Inc. and The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

The included websites are provided for informational purposes only and are not an indication of endorsement of the content therein or affiliation with respect to the referenced sites.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Sisters Helping to SUCCEED, Volunteer, Inspire Community Service!

Tammy Bowers — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:42:56 +0000

S.H.E. Rise (Sisters Helping Each other Rise) is more than a non-profit, it’s a MOVEMENT – about being who you are and being empowered to evolve into someone even better! About working hard and meaningfully – and more importantly, about helping other women do the same!

Our organization is geared towards minority women and its primary focus is on promoting personal, spiritual, and professional growth.

We participate in, and host, activities, events, and volunteer opportunities that illustrate our passion for personal enrichment and community service, while exemplifying the endless possibilities that positive camaraderie affords! From 5k walks, to Zumba, to wrapping gifts for the less fortunate, we enjoy every bit of what we do, and participate in activities that fuel our passion for growth!

We are always looking for positive women to join our organization and feel that each member truly brings something unique to S.H.E. Rise. We feel our opportunities are limitless and can only imagine how impactful we will be not only as it relates to personal growth, but also in terms of making a difference in our communities! If you are interested in joining, please email us at sheriseorganization@gmail.com or visit our website at www.she-rise.org for more information! We would love to have you!

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Tammy Bowers is a Charter Member and Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. She is the Marketing/Administrative Assistant at Brickhouse Cardio Club and Marketing Manager of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle. She is also the Owner of Inspiring Hearts LLC, a boutique specializing with handcrafted and uniquely designed items that are motivational and inspirational. You can reach Tammy at 410-615-4117 or 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@Rollingadsmd.com.

Creating Engaging Social Media Content

Anita Hicks — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:36:37 +0000

Have you sat at your keyboard ready to publish content for your social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, and had your fingers freeze over the keyboard?

Do you have a million ideas as you are driving or working through your day, but then your mind draws a blank when you are ready to put something out there?

To create content in social media that will bring visitors back, wanting more and more of the same, isn’t really rocket science. The 4 E’s of social media content are: entertain, engage, educate and enlighten others with your posts. Here’s a quick way to think of it: Give them what they want to hear — something that helps them to solve a problem or just brings a smile to their faces.

First you have to stop and ask yourself whom it is that you are trying to reach on your Facebook page, Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. With that answer in hand, you may be able to identify ways to offer content to engage them.

For example, if you are a Realtor and you sell homes in the Columbia area, then offering information and help on schools in Howard County would appeal to someone who is following you on social media platforms and looking to move into the area. This is a way to educate others. Use your own area of expertise, and offer tidbits of help to others from your field or business.

Social media by its very nature is a place where people want to be entertained. Including in your content entertaining and amusing photos, videos or quotes will help put a smile on the readers’ faces and help them to remember you.

Engaging folks on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or any type of online forum may be done with questions.

The form of the question can be about an upcoming sports event, what the visitor is looking for in your product or service or simply a holiday tradition.

Once you get visitors commenting on content, it will be easier to bring them back to you when they are ready to purchase your product or service. Contests or a “tip of the day” concept can do this also. These ideas for social media also give people who “Like” or “Follow” you a consistent type of content to return to over and over.

Enlighten is the fourth “E” in creating social media content. One might ask: “How do you enlighten someone?” How about with an inspiring or motivating quote, video or photo? Enlightenment could be sharing an article or blog about some positive event happening in your community. There is plenty of bad news in the world; give out something enlightening in your social media, as it will set you apart from others.

One final tip: Do not fall into the “perfectionist” syndrome. This is where someone delays taking any action because everything must be “perfect” for that person to move forward. Taking some action and getting involved in the online conversation should be a priority, regardless of whether your content is “perfect.” Get started today building relationships and sharing on social media.

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Anita M. Hicks is a Community Reporter & Charter Member of The Village Connector Community News. She is also a Virtual Assistant who specializes in creating social media marketing campaigns.You may reach Anita at (410) 255-2609 or by email at Anita@AnitaMHicks.com.

Tax Refunds Are Vulnerable to Identity Theft

Jeffrey D. Carlson — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:22:54 +0000

Tax Refunds Are Vulnerable to Identity Theft

Hollywood may have just produced a film playing on the issue, but real identity theft is no laughing matter. Victims are devastated by decimated bank accounts, destroyed credit scores and an intrusion on their privacy. Our growing reliance on electronic data and systems has increased our vulnerability and created new opportunities for identity theft in unexpected places—including your federal tax refund.

According to the House of Representative’s Committee on Oversight & Government Reform, identity theft-related tax fraud is a growing problem. The crime works like this: a thief steals a Social Security number and then diverts the individual’s tax refund into a personal account that is quickly drained before the victim is aware of the theft. The fraud may not be discovered until the taxpayer attempts to file a return or claim a refund, and it can take months for the IRS to investigate and return the funds to the rightful owner.

The IRS has recently doubled its efforts to prevent this type of fraud and address victim concerns, but you should also take some steps to protect yourself. Your best defense is to prevent your personal financial information from falling into the wrong hands. Here are some guidelines for protecting yourself from tax refund fraud.

Protect your Social Security number. Your government-issued identification is prized information to thieves intent on opening fake accounts and claiming refunds that don’t belong to them. Keep your card in a safe place in your home rather than in your wallet and don’t provide your number unless absolutely necessary.

Monitor your financial accounts. Check your account balances and transactions regularly to spot unauthorized activity.

Check your credit reports. You are entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian^®, Transunion^® and Equifax^®. If you notice adverse credit actions or accounts that you did not open yourself, take action.

Keep financial documents secure. Keep hard copies of your returns under lock and key, and shred statements you no longer need. Criminals have been known to go through personal trash in pursuit of financial records.

Take extra care online. Maintain a firewall on your personal computer and avoid accessing your financial information on open networks. Clear your browser history and “cookies” (the little files that remember passwords or previous visits to websites) before and after e-filing your taxes or visiting financial sites that contain your private information.

Beware phishing schemes. “Phishing” is a method of falsely soliciting information with criminal intent. Identity thieves have become more sophisticated, using design programs to replicate logos and create emails and even websites that look legitimate, but are not. If you receive an email that appears to be from the IRS—or any institution, for that matter—that contains a request for your social security number or financial accounts, it is probably a phishing scam that should be forwarded to the agency it is attempting to represent.

Contact the proper authorities if you suspect you’ve been a victim of identity theft. If your tax refund is involved, notify the IRS by completing IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (form 14039), which can be found at irs.gov. Also contact your bank, credit card companies and the local police. Talk to your financial advisor for additional help establishing safeguards for your financial information.

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Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Caring for Aging Parents: Don’t Wing It

Jeffrey D. Carlson — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:29:15 +0000

Caring for Aging Parents: Don’t Wing It

As the boomers and their parents age, more and more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. The emotional, physical and financial demands of caring for aging parents can be extensive. What’s more, the healthcare needs of aging parents can become overwhelmingly expensive — and may include costs that affect their family members in ways that aren’t immediately apparent.

Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money Across Generations II^SM study shows that 36 percent of boomers’ parents feel that healthcare discussions with their family members are likely or very likely to create tension or spark an argument.¹

Having a long-term road map and a savings plan in place can help you care for your parents in the way they desire while enabling you to continue working towards your financial goals. This can be helpful in making informed short-term decisions, especially when there are unexpected expenses and emotions involved.

To get started:

Talk about finances now. While it may be uncomfortable for your parents to discuss their finances with you, it’s essential that you are familiar with their financial strategy and resources. This includes knowing what type of medical, disability and long-term care insurance they have and what those policies cover. Use this information – along with if and how much you’re willing to help from your own funds – to evaluate which healthcare options are realistically within reach when medical needs arise.

Create a contact list. Medical emergencies and sudden changes in a person’s health can happen as parents age. Because you may eventually need access to your parents’ bank accounts and other financial resources on short notice, make sure they’ve compiled a list of account numbers, computer login names and passwords, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of the professionals they work with. In addition to knowing the location of the list, you’ll also need to know the location of important financial and legal documents and lockbox keys.

Identify current healthcare costs and needs. Become familiar with the medical and pharmaceutical costs that your parent(s) currently incur and determine if there are ways to reduce these expenses. For example, you or your parents may consider moving from a name brand to a generic prescription or, instead of filling prescriptions at your local pharmacy, ordering a long-term supply from a mail-order provider.

Build a support network. Talk with siblings or other family members, neighbors and industry professionals to determine who can help you care for your aging parents — and in what capacity and at what cost. Proactively establishing a support network can help you avoid a strain on your time and energy down the road.

Anticipate future lifestyle changes and challenges. Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore the costs of in-home, senior apartment, assisted living and memory care housing and services, as well as the costs of having a parent live with you. This includes determining whether your home would need to be modified to provide additional space or comforts, such as wheelchair access. Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you identify what you and your parents can afford and will give you time to consider the pros and cons of each option.

Become familiar with assistance programs. Your parents may qualify for government programs, supplements or services. Visit the government hosted benefits site — www.Govbenefits.gov — for information. Also, your county or city has a federally-mandated Area Agency on Aging staffed by professionals who can provide you with information about elder programs and services in your area.

Keep your retirement goals in mind. Continue to manage your budget and save for your future. Be mindful that leaving the workforce even temporarily, may seem tempting — and in some cases may be necessary — but exiting and re-entering affects your immediate income and can impact your ability maintain your earning power. What’s more, it can impact your ability to take advantage of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Consider these factors when you evaluate the total costs of any option.

^·Know your rights at work. The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition.² If you are caring for a parent, inform your Human Resources department about your situation to take advantage of this legal protection, if relevant, and create a workable plan within your company’s policies.

Thinking about caring for an ill or aging parent isn’t always easy to do, but creating a plan now can save you headaches down the road when new circumstances may suddenly arise as your parents age. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you plan for unexpected expenses and prepare for the costs of healthcare during your own retirement.

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Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AL, CA, DE, FL, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, FL.

1 The Money Across Generations II^SM study was commissioned by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and conducted by telephone by GfK in December 2011 among 1,006 affluent baby boomers (those with $100,000 or more in investable assets); 300 parents of baby boomers; and 300 children of baby boomers at least 18 years old. The margin of error is +/- three percentage points for the affluent boomers segment and +/- six percentage points for the parents and children of boomers segments.

2 United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Family and Medical Leave Act http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Local Business Honored

Peg Duchesne — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:07:11 +0000

Home Video Studio, an award-winning local business in Columbia, Maryland which is owned and operated by Joe and Anna Yurick. Home Video Studio has been honored by being named, “Studio Owner of the Month” for the month of January 2013.

Joe came to Home Video Studio from an extreme corporate background; in fact he worked in various positions at Honeywell for twenty-three years. Anna, on the other hand, comes to Home Video Studio, with a much more “hands on” background in people skills. With experience in real estate as well as retail her methods of improving quality and output have more to do with good old customer service. “People respond to the competence and professionalism I portray.” says Anna.

After four and a half years the Yuricks are going strong in their studio. They have, indeed, “turned a passion into a profession” and are making money with video. They have also learned a lot about video, about people, about business and about life. They have learned so much. They have now been honored by being named, “Studio Owner of the Month” for this first month of 2013.

When asked about their biggest challenges:

“My biggest obstacle was challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone,” laughs Joe. “I’ve learned that to accomplish things on your own you need to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Anna offers: “Plus you always need to be planning for the future of your business. Always being mindful of where new customers will come from. You almost need to be two places at once – taking care of the present but always having your eyes on the horizon.”

To read more about this fantastic accomplishment click here.

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Peg Duchesne is a Community Reporter & Charter Member of The Village Connector Community News. Peg is also the owner of Duchess Enterprise, LLC where she helps small business owners to increase their online presence through marketing, website enhancement and social media marketing strategy. Peg may be reached at (240) 577-1236 or via email at Peg@DuchessLLC.com.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of Your Retirement Savings

Jeffrey D. Carlson — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:00:49 +0000

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of Your Retirement Savings

Retirement is one of the most emotional and stressful life changes a person can face. The events that may come with retirement – selling your home and re-locating, managing health issues and living on a fixed income – can produce behaviors that defy logic. But as you near retirement, making a snap decision is the last thing you want to do. Here are a few strategies to help you prepare for retirement in the midst of a fluctuating economy:

Think long-term about your retirement. It’s hard to resist being influenced by economic news and events, but the key is to let rational thinking rule your decision making when it comes to money. For example, if you experience a bad day at the office and you’re eligible to retire, you may decide to retire early. But taking a deep breath or sleeping on it will help you better think about the big picture and usually leads to a better solution. Thinking through each financial decision carefully, and getting objective advice from someone you trust, will empower you to make the best decision for your future.

Don’t become engrossed in day-to-day market activity. This one thing is certain: markets rise and markets fall. If you are planning to retire, or are in retirement, now is not the time to try and beat the market at its own game. To minimize the impact financial swings might have on your retirement, determine your appropriate risk tolerance and stick to it. You can always readjust you’re your portfolio, but try not to react in a panic at the sight of a market downturn. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you identify investments that are appropriate for your risk tolerance level to help you keep your financial goals and plans on track despite economic swings.

Consider contingency plans. It may be counter-intuitive to think about the negative what-if scenarios, but examining a possible future without your spouse or thinking about how you would manage a life-threatening health issue is especially important as you enter retirement. Along with these scenarios, consider how a major economic event like a recession or high inflation may impact your retirement savings. Then create a plan to protect your financial security as much as possible in these circumstances. By doing a bit of contingency planning now, you can make the best retirement decisions for you and your family members.

Anticipate what retirement looks like for you. Write down your thoughts about what will happen during an average week in your life as a retiree. Having a solid idea of what you picture your retirement to be like can lead you to maintain a calm mindset when you’re worried about your short-term finances. Working towards a few specific retirement lifestyle goals may help you stay focused on the long-term and avoid making emotional decisions with your money. To help with this, think about some goals you have for your retirement that don’t come with a large expense like volunteering or spending more time with your grandkids.

Don’t let your emotions push logic aside when planning and saving for retirement. Minimize highly emotional decisions by communicating frequently with your spouse or other trusted confidante and consider working with a financial professional who can help you maintain a long-term vision of your current financial situation and goals for the future.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AL, CA, DE, FL, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, FL.

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Tax Planning in a lower tax environment

Jeffrey D. Carlson — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:41:12 +0000

Tax Planning in a lower tax environment

A review of your finances before the end of the year is always a good practice, and often assessing tax-saving strategies is part of the process. This year is a particularly challenging year to do this because of the last-minute negotiations taking place around the “fiscal cliff.” This is the combination of tax increases and spending cuts at the federal level set to kick in on January 1, 2013.

We usually know how tax laws will change as we conduct year-end planning, but this year is different since many believe that laws currently scheduled to go into effect at the start of 2013 will, in fact, be altered before or soon after they take effect.

Changes that could happen

Here is a broad overview of some of the key tax changes that are set to take effect at the start of 2013 unless policymakers in Washington agree to a different approach:

• Higher income tax rates will apply to all taxpayers (other than corporations).

• The employee’s share of payroll taxes (in this case, the Social Security tax) will return to the standard 6.2 percent rate from the 4.2 percent rate that applied in 2011 and 2012.¹

• Investment income such as capital gains and dividends will be subject to higher tax rates, and for certain higher-income taxpayers, will be subject to a new 3.8 percent tax on net investment income.

• Some tax credits and deductions will disappear or be limited.

• Estate and gift taxes will rise and apply to far more taxpayers.

Consider that the higher your income, the more significant the tax changes are likely to be. There is speculation that Congress and the President will agree on a plan to scale back or postpone many of these tax hikes, but it isn’t clear when or if such an agreement will occur.

Timely opportunities to consider now

Making tax-efficient moves before the end of the year is particularly challenging given the question mark surrounding the tax landscape. But uncertainty doesn’t preclude the importance of considering steps that can help you be as prepared as possible regardless of what comes out of Washington. Keep in mind that the “fiscal cliff” situation may not be limited to 2012 – the following action steps to consider apply to most economic landscapes in which consumers are anticipating a rise in taxes the following calendar year.

Though you should never make financial decisions based only on tax efficiency, here are five potential moves to consider making now if they fit into your overall short-term financial plan:

#1 – Convert retirement savings to a Roth IRA

You can convert some or all of your workplace savings plan dollars, if the plan allows, or traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA. Dollars in a Roth IRA grow on a tax-deferred basis, and withdrawals can qualify for tax-free treatment if holding period requirements are met. Since a Roth conversion is a taxable event, 2012 may be the best opportunity for those who are considering it since tax rates for many people are likely to be lower in 2012 than they will be in the coming years. Another advantage of converting to a Roth is that you can change your mind, and “re-characterize” the dollars converted back to a traditional IRA before October 15, 2013. In short, any decision made to convert today is not final, but waiting until after the New Year will make the conversion subject to potentially higher tax rates.

#2 – Accelerate income

In most years, individuals try to find ways to reduce taxable income and accelerate deductible expenses. This time, it may make sense to accelerate income as much as possible into 2012 and defer deductible expenses to reduce your 2013 income, if you have the flexibility to do so. One note – higher income people may not want to overdo it on deferring deductible expenses as new tax policies being considered could limit deductions in 2013 and beyond for those reaching certain income thresholds.

#3 – Sell appreciated assets

As the law stands today, the tax rate on long-term capital gains realized when an asset is sold (such as a stock or mutual fund) will rise to a top rate of 20 percent in 2013. In 2012, the top long-term capital gains tax rate is just 15 percent. Investment income could also be subject to an additional 3.8 percent net investment income surtax in 2013 (related to the Affordable Care Act) if you reach certain income thresholds, adding to the tax burden. There is an important caveat to mention – don’t sell an asset simply for purposes of potentially reducing the tax impact of the sale. You must first determine whether selling the asset is a beneficial move for you and makes sense as part of your overall financial plan regardless of the tax consequences.

#4 – Take advantage of gift tax savings

In 2012, the lifetime gift tax exclusion amounts are $5.12 million for individuals or $10.24 million for a couple. These rules have not been extended beyond 2012, so this may be the best opportunity for those with accumulated wealth to reduce their estates in such a tax-favorable environment. Be sure any gifting is consistent with plans you already have and is not done simply due to 2012’s more favorable tax environment.

#5 – Accelerate medical expenses into 2012

If you anticipate costly medical procedures and can get them completed and fully paid for in 2012, there may be a better chance for tax savings. In 2012, taxpayers who itemize deductions can claim unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI). Only those expenses that exceed 10 percent of AGI in 2013 will be deductible.

As always, any tax-related decisions should be made only after consulting with your tax advisor. Meeting with a financial professional can help you assess financial strategies that are most suitable for the uncertain tax environment that exists as 2012 comes to a close and 2013 begins with new changes in place.

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1 Self-employed taxpayers face a similar 2 percent increase in their self-employment tax rate.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AL, CA, DE, FL, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, FL.

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Self-Employment – Profits Are Better Than Wages!

Anita Hicks — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:18:43 +0000

Having a job is fine, but being self-employed in your own small business may serve you better.

In this video Glenn Garnes will share with you how profits are better from his own perspective.

Watch this video to find out why profits are better than wages.

We at Village Connector Community News wish you Happy Holidays and hope you enjoy this Video of the Week!

Stefanie Spielman – Continue To Fight

Anita Hicks — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:08:32 +0000

The following Video of the Week is the opening video for the 2010 Stefanie’s Champions Awards Ceremony.

This is a great video highlighting Stefanie Spielman’s message to those diagnosed with cancer: Continue to Fight.

Since Stefanie’s passing a quest by Chris and Stefanie Spielman to raise $250,000 for breast cancer research has been embraced by the central Ohio community.

So much so that more than $10 million has been raised to support vital breast cancer research and patient assistance at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

We at Village Connector Community News wish you all the best and hope you enjoy this Video of the Week.