Op Ed Editorial

How to Improve Your Financial Health in 2020

(Statepoint)

The first months of the year are a great time to build a plan to achieve your financial health goals. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Check your credit reports To start building your plan, it’s important to know where you stand. Checking your credit reports regularly is a good first step, as your credit health is an important part of your overall financial wellness. You can get a free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies every year at annualcreditreport.com. You may also want to consider sign ing up for a credit monitoring service like TransUnion Credit Monitoring. Many credit moni toring services alert you to any report changes as they happen, so they can be a smart addition to your plan to build and main tain your credit health.

Once you’ve reviewed your credit report, along with your other financial information, it can seem overwhelming to know what to do next. But you don’t need to make big changes to have a big impact over time. Two common starting points are paying down debt and building a savings account.

Pay down debt If you have credit card debt, you’re far from alone. The av erage credit card balance is $5,668, according to a recent TransUnion Industry Insights Report. Paying down debt can help lift what feels like a huge financial burden and reduce stress around major life deci sions. Take control by creating an actionable plan and good, consistent habits, like making all payments on time with at least the minimum payment. Af ter budgeting for all minimum payments, focus on an account to pay a little more on if you can. Some people like to focus on the account with the highest interest rate, while others choose the one with the lowest balance. Do what makes you comfortable and will motivate you to stick with your plan. Before making any investment or financial de cisions, you should consult a qualified attorney or financial advisor.

An added benefit to paying down debt is that it can help your credit health. As you pay off credit card balances, it will decrease your credit utilization, which is a big factor in your credit scores. Combine this with your consistent, on-time month ly payments, and you’ll have built a strong foundation for healthier credit. For more tips on building your credit health, fol low TransUnion on Instagram.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Comstock Images / Stockbyte via Getty Images Plus

Build your savings account As you make progress in paying off debts, consider cre ating a savings goal. Schedule consistent automatic transfers to your savings account if you can, even if it’s a small amount at first. It may not seem like much,

but simply having a plan you’re taking action on will help you feel more confident about your financial future. Over time, your balance will grow, and you’ll enjoy more freedom and flexi bility to handle life’s milestones. Everyone is at a different place on their financial journey. What’s most important is to make a thoughtful, realistic plan and practice your new habits consistently. Hiccups may hap pen, but sticking with your plan will help you reach your credit and financial goals.

BRONX UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE Weekly Live Entertainment: · Charlies Bar & Kitchen (112 Lincoln Ave): Every other Thursday Live music from 7:00-9:00pm; Sundays Brunch with Live Jazz · G-Bar (579 Grand Concourse): Every Monday Live Entertainment including live jazz, DJs and karaoke 7:00-11:00pm · Marriot’s Residence Inn (1776 Eastchester Road): Every Thursday Local Live Entertainment starting at 6:00pm . The Point CDC (940 Garrison Ave.): Second Saturday of every month Acupuncture, Reiki, Bodywork to assist recovery 1:00-5:00pm . BMHC (1303 Louis Nine Blvd.): Wednesdays Dance with salsa master José Henriquez from 3:00- 4:00pm . NYBG (2900 Southern Blvd): Create Botanical Crafts, Weekdays 1:30- 5:30pm, Weekends 10:00- 5:30pm

March 9-December 29 9:00-6:15pm

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation on the Full Moon

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation classes on the full moon take place even on days that classes are not scheduled. That’s how much In Light Yoga and Health believe in harnessing the energy of the full moon! During the Full Moon there is pressure on the human glandular system. This pressure can make us emotional and reactionary, or this glandular pressure can be used to accelerate healing on all levels. It is the latter that we want to harness. Full moon energy amplifies both positive and negative thoughts and behaviors. In Light Yoga and Health. 3626 De Reimer Avenue. Single classes are $15. president’s overturning of decades of American immigration policy and law, and its profound effects on American society and the lives of millions of immigrants. 614 Courtlandt Ave. FREE.

Now Until March 29 6:00pm

Trump Revolution: Immigration

Through photos, words and multimedia, the BDC exhibition, Trump Revolution: Immigration, opening February 15th, documents the current president’s overturning of decades of American immigration policy and law, and its profound effects on American society and the lives of millions of immigrants. 614 Courtlandt Ave. FREE.

Now Until March 29 6:00pm

Trump Revolution: Immigration

Through photos, words and multimedia, the BDC exhibition, Trump Revolution: Immigration, opening February 15th, documents the current March 6-22 7:00- 9:00pm

Introduction to the Science of Reflexology

Introduction to the Science of Reflexology is an exploration of the fascinating world of hand and foot reflexology. From ancient times this healing technology has been practiced by many people in many forms. There are numerous references to it in the Kemetic (Egyptian) Medu Neter (language) and in the Bible. As a healing technique it is becoming increasingly popular today, and more studied than ever before. In Light Yoga and Health. 3626 De Reimer Ave. $150.

March 6-8 7:15pm Re Sekhi Kemetic Energy Medicine Level One The time is now for Ankh Kemetic Energy Medicine Level One. This thorough training is meant to assist you in awakening the healer within, while helping you to discover tools of self-mastery. If you are feeling called to do the work of self-healing, if you feel called to be the one to bring healing to your family, then this training is for you. Call/text 646-571- 9500. In Light Yoga and Health. 3626 De Reimer Ave.

March 6 6:00-9:00pm First Friday Screening of From Mambo to Hip Hop Join for a FREE screening of the award-winning documentary From Mambo to Hip-Hop: A South Bronx Tale. The movie, directed and co-produced by Henry Chalfant, will be presented to celebrate the culmination of the show Henry Chalfant: Art vs. Transit, 1977 - 1987, and the beginning of José Parlá: It’s Yours. Bronx Museum. 1040 Grand Concourse.

March 7-29 8:00pm March is Music 2020 Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater announces its popular March Is Music concert series lineup for 2020. Genres and styles run from jazz to classical to folk to fusion — all fresh and fiery and amazing throughout! Eight great live concerts at one of the most vibrant performance venues in all of New York City: Pregones Theater in The Bronx, the one and only Borough of Music (“El condado de la música”). 571 Walton Ave. $18 and up.

March 7 1:00-4:00pm Benching with Kids Join the Bronx Museum for a FREE drop-in piece book writing session with graffiti legend FUTURA. 1040 Grand Concourse.

March 7 11:00- 12:30pm

Women’s History Month: Cass Gallagher

Learn how to see through the eyes of a naturalist, as you walk with the Urban Park Rangers along the 1.4-mile nature trail named in honor of longtime Bronx resident and naturalist. At Mosholu Ave and Broadway in Van Cortlandt Park. FREE.

March 7 8:00pm Grupo Niche Get out your dancing shoes! Colombian salsa kings Grupo Niche enjoy great popularity throughout Latin America. Often called the “Salsa Experience,” the band performs an invigorating range of uptempo dance music as well as romantic numbers in their dazzling live shows. Grupo Niche is coming back to Lehman Center for an exciting 40th Anniversary performance! 250 Broadway Park Blvd West. $45 and up. Harlem Community Newspapers | March 5. 2020