Issuu

PAPADIMITRAKIS....PG 7

Vol 23, No. 9 • January 2024

MAYES....PG 8

News You Can Use

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2023 News FLASH Year End Review

“We keep the community connected because we're the Dot Connector." Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835

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January 2024

The Community News Flash

Editor’s Corner "The Dot Connector: Community News Flash Illuminating the Positivity of Northeast Mississippi"

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

In an era often defined by the deluge of negative news dominating headlines, the Community News Flash emerges as a beacon of light, serving as the Dot Connector for Northeast Mississippi and its surrounding areas. It serves as a news outlet that plays a pivotal role in not just reporting news but actively weaving together the tapestry of positivity that often goes unnoticed. In an age where information can be overwhelming, the Community News Flash serves as a lighthouse, guiding the community through the sea of good news that surrounds them. One of the key functions of the Community News Flash is its commitment to informing the community about the positive stories that deserve recognition. In Northeast Mississippi, as in many areas, stories of kindness, resilience, and achievement often take a backseat to sensationalism. The Dot Connector steps up to rectify this imbalance by actively seeking out and spotlighting the stories that inspire and uplift the community.

A defining characteristic of the Community News Flash is its ability to connect the dots of positivity across diverse communities in Northeast Mississippi. This is not merely a news outlet; it's a unifying force that transcends geographical boundaries, bringing together people from different towns and counties under the umbrella of shared optimism. By doing so, it fosters a sense of solidarity and belonging that is crucial in building a resilient and supportive community. The editorial team behind the Dot Connector understands the significance of curating stories that resonate with the community. They navigate through the noise of negative narratives to unearth the gems that showcase the best of Northeast Mississippi. Whether it's a heartwarming story of neighbors coming together to support one another or a local initiative making a tangible difference, the Community News Flash ensures that these narratives take center stage. Furthermore, the Dot Connector takes on the responsibility of shedding light on the unsung heroes within the community. Teachers going the extra mile, volunteers making a significant impact, and individuals whose acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positivity—these are the stories that might go unnoticed. However, the Community News Flash ensures that these everyday heroes receive the recognition they deserve, turning them into beacons of inspiration for others. Beyond individual stories, the Dot Connector actively participates in promoting and supporting local businesses and initiatives. It serves as a platform for

entrepreneurs and businesses to share their success stories, creating a positive cycle of economic growth within the region. This dual focus on individuals and businesses illustrates the Community News Flash's holistic approach to fostering positivity at both the micro and macro levels in Northeast Mississippi. The impact of the Dot Connector reverberates through the community, not just as a source of information but as a catalyst for community engagement. By showcasing success stories and initiatives, the Community News Flash encourages residents to take an active role in the betterment of their neighborhoods. It acts as a motivator, inspiring individuals to contribute to the collective journey of progress and improvement in Northeast Mississippi. Moreover, the influence of the Community News Flash extends beyond the immediate community, serving as a model for other regions grappling with the challenges of negativity in the media landscape. In an age where sensationalism often overshadows the good that happens every day, the Dot Connector stands as a testament to the transformative power of responsible journalism. It showcases the potential for media to not only inform but also inspire and unify communities. In essence, the Community News Flash has become an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of Northeast Mississippi. As the Dot Connector, it weaves together the narratives of hope, resilience, and positivity that define the region. In a world where headlines are frequently dominated by the negative, this news outlet stands as a shining

The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

example of how media can be a force for good, bringing communities together and fostering a collective sense of pride and optimism. As we look to the future, the Community News Flash's role as the Dot Connector remains more critical than ever. In an information age where the negative often overshadows the positive, this

news outlet stands tall, ensuring that the community is not just informed but also inspired. May it continue to be the guiding light, connecting the dots of good news and illuminating the path towards a brighter, more united Northeast Mississippi. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

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Monthly Meditation And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 1 Corinthians 12:2

Notable Quote “I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”Brené Brown

January 2024

JANAURY BIBLE TRIVIA

December Answers 1. Joshua (24:27)

1. What was the name of the military commander who sent Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea?

2. I Corinthians (10:4)

2. What soldier was in charge of David's bodyguard?

3. Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59-60)

3. Where was Paul when a Roman soldier stopped him from being murdered by an angry mob? 4. What cousin of Saul was commander of the king's troops?

Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.

The Community News Flash

4. Jesus (Matthew 21:42) 5. Lazarus (John 11:38-40) 6. Jacob (Genesis 29:10-11)

5. What Canaanite commander was murdered by Jael?

7. Joshua (10:16-18)

6. Who was the commander of the Israelites under Moses?

8. Daniel (6:17)

7. Who was the commander of Abimelech's army?

9. Solomon (I Kings 5:17)

8. Who met the commander of the Lord's army?

10. The Pharisees (Luke 19:40)

9. What judge from Gilead was called to be a commander against the Ammonites?

11. Jacob (Genesis 35:9, 14)

10. What irate soldier falsely accused Jeremiah of deserting to the Babylonians and arrested him? 11. What Philistine soldier was slain by a boy carrying a bag of stones?

12. Moses (Exodus 17:6) 13. Jesus (Mark 13:1-2) 14. Joshua (4:4-8)

12. Who was commander of Solomon's army?

15. Aaron (Exodus 28:9-12)

13. Who was commander of David's army?

16. God (Exodus 24:12)

14. What commander led a successful revolt against the ill-fated King Zimri?

17. The high priest (Exodus 28:17-20)

15. What army commander was anointed by a prophet and told that he was to stamp out Ahab's dynasty?

18. The pearl (Matthew 13:45-46)

16. What Assyrian field commander tried to intimidate King Hezekiah by speaking propaganda to the people of Jerusalem?

19. The new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20) 20. Pearls (Matthew 7:6)

Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly

The Community News Flash

January 2024

Humility and Relatability Bro. Isaac Shinault meets people where they are in life By Galen Holley Community News Flash contributor Saltillo- What folks commonly refer to as “people skills” are perhaps the most useful tools a person can possess, and for Bro. Isaac Shinault, they come into play in both his occupations. “God is still working on me and in me, and I don’t mind listening and learning,” said Shinault, 43, pastor of Oak Hill MB Church in Booneville, as well as a car salesman at Barnes Crossing Mitsubishi of Saltillo. Like many black pastors, Shinault, the father of three, is bi-vocational. His church is vibrant yet of a moderate size, and ministering to the congregation doesn’t always require a 40-hour week. So, Shinault sells cars to support his family. “I’m a proud husband and proud father,” said Shinault, whose one-year anniversary as pastor at Oak Hill will be in March. Shinault grew up in Spring Hill MB Church in Booneville, under the guidance of his grandfather, Bro. S.W. (Solomon Willie) Shinault, who referred to himself simply as S.W. “He never signed his name as ‘reverend’” said Shinault, referring to his grandfather’s thoroughgoing humility. “He allowed other people to refer to him as pastor, or reverend, but he didn’t apply

Rev. Isaac Shinault

those terms to himself.” Shinault served as his grandfather’s chauffeur, and it gave him an intimate glimpse into the life of a minister. “I truly enjoyed driving my grandfather,” said Shinault. “He was my confidant and friend. I learned a

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

lot from his example,” Shinault was in his late teens when he started driving for S.W. “My grandfather understood that pastors are shepherds, but under-shepherds,” said Shinault. The ability to meet people where they are in life, to listen, to engage, to sympathize, translates to both ministry and sales, Shinault said. “Much of it is about experience and knowledge,” said Shinault. “Take the Gospel, for example. It’s hard to describe to someone who Jesus is without them having experienced his presence in their life.” The convergence of ministry and sales also involves knowledge, said Shinault. “If I’m able to take what knowledge I have, whether it’s about the Gospel or about cars and credit, and relay that to somebody who doesn’t have it, or describe my experience to somebody who hasn’t experienced it, I’ve reached that person,” said Shinault. Many people, fairly or unfairly, see car salesmen as cunning and clandestine, and that fact is not lost on Bro. Isaac. He knows very well that many people who come in to buy a car feel vulnerable. It’s a similar experience for those searching for a church community. “On the car lot, some people have great credit, and

they know what they’re able to do, and for other people, all they know is the streets, and they may not have that knowledge,” said Shinault. “People might feel vulnerable if they don’t have that knowledge. In a similar way, those who are not familiar with the Gospel might feel vulnerable trying to find a church where they feel at home.” Spring Hill Baldwyn is where Shinault cut his teeth as a minister. “I was blessed to be among magnificent men and women of God,” said Shinault. “It was essentially a church taking a chance on a boy. God used that church to produce a man and a minister.” Humility, and the ability to relate, cuts to the core of both ministry and car sales, Shinault said. “I’m not going to sit up here and tell you that I’ve got it all figured out,” said Shinault. “The fact that we all have flaws should give us the understanding to be patient with each other. Listen, I wasn’t always there. If I can relate to your credit situation, or your situation with God, maybe I can be of better service to you.” Shinault summed it all up with a rather poetic thought: “There’s both adversity and triumph everywhere you go.”

A Farewell Salute To A Friend In memory of our dear friend JC Hill, whose presence brought warmth and joy to our lives. As we bid farewell, may the fond memories we shared be a comforting embrace during this difficult time. Saluting a life well-lived and a friendship cherished forever. Rest in peace, JC Hill. Jerry W. Porter

January 2024

Dance Movements Boost Balance Remember dance class when we were kids? Not the social dances or square dance, but the free movement to music? Swiss researchers used those same types of movements with seniors. Specifically, they wanted to know whether frail elderly people who already had balance problems would benefit from Dalcroze Eurhythmics classes. They assembled 134 seniors age 65 and older to participate for six months in clinical trials, while a control group kept on with their usual activities. Classes included just walking to music, then progressing to footwork and upper-body movements. Sometimes they included an object such as a ball. Researchers called this multitasking, and believed it would serve to improve balance functions. At the end of the six months, the Dalcroze participants had better balance and walking functions, and only half the risk of a fall. Length of walking gait was more even. When the control group began classes six months later, they also developed the same balance skills as the first group by the time the classes were over. Six months later the first group was shown to have retained their skills and ability. At this point, researchers don’t seem certain about why it works. Perhaps it has to do with the music and needing to stay in rhythm, which forces us to make certain movements at certain intervals. One scientist called it a “motor-cognitive connection.” That same person recommends ballroom dance for seniors because of the combination of the movement and music. If you’d like to see some of the movements, go to www.dalcroze. org.au and click Eurythmics. Then click Video where it shows excerpts of children. For more examples, go to YouTube.com and put this in the search box: Dalcroze eurhythmics Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

The Community News Flash

Clogged Heart Arteries Cause Pain of Angina DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 56, a woman and have angina. I don’t understand it too well. I have never smoked, and I am not overweight. I’d get chest pains if I hurried to catch a bus or to get on an open elevator. When it first started, my doctor gave me a medicine to put under my tongue when the pain happened. It worked well. I don’t have to use it much anymore. Is that a good sign? Am I destined to have a heart attack? — J.A. ANSWER: Angina (pronounced ANN-juh-nuh or ann-JEYE-nuh) is squeezing chest pain that comes on when a person is active and leaves when that person rests. Being active can mean walking, jogging, cleaning, doing the washing, weeding or digging. It comes about because one or more of the heart arteries is plugged with plaque — a mound of cholesterol and fat on the inside artery wall. At rest, enough blood makes its way to the heart. With activity, the heart can’t get enough blood because of the plaque. The heart makes its lack of blood known by chest pain that also might be felt in the neck, the jaw or the arms, or only in those places. Angina, one of the signs of coronary (heart) artery disease, affects 17 million Americans. Smoking, obesity, inactivity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and a family history are some of the major factors that cause its development. You don’t smoke and never did. How about your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight? If those things need to be addressed, they trump all other treat-

ments. In spite of controlling the above factors, many still have to take medicines — medicines that dilate arteries or make the heart beat slower, or ones that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. The medicine you put under your tongue was nitroglycerin. Longacting varieties of that medicine and long-acting other artery dilators might be the reason why you don’t need nitroglycerin as much as you did. That is a good sign. Clogged heart arteries can be opened with a balloon-tipped catheter or by bypassing the clog with an artery graft. You might not ever need such procedures. You’re not doomed to have a heart attack. The treatment you’re now getting is designed to prevent one. The booklet on coronary artery disease provides information on this No. 1 North American illness. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandson recently had scarlet fever. In my day, this was a very frightful disease. My daughter has taken a ho-hum attitude toward it. What are its complications? — W.B. ANSWER: Scarlet fever is a strep throat with one addition — a red skin rash. That’s the only difference between the two. Penicillin is its treatment. When treated early, there should be no complications from it. If not treated, then it can have the same complication that strep throat has — rheumatic fever. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2010 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Patterson Memorial Chapel 125 South Franklin Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-286-2200 Office

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The Community News Flash

MONEY

5 Tips to Make Saving Money a Habit

(StatePoint) It’s no secret that saving money is hard. Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and four out of 10 have less than $400 in savings. Similar to healthy eating, exercising or getting enough sleep, saving money works best when you make it a habit. Here’s how to prioritize saving money so that it becomes second nature: 1. Set a specific, realistic goal. Get very clear on what’s most important to you, whether that’s a rainy day fund to cover unexpected expenses, a family vacation, a house or retirement. Having a target amount for your savings and seeing your progress can keep you motivated. 2. Start small. Think of one or two actions you can take today to help you reach your goal. For example, cut back on expenses like eating out and put that money toward a weekly or monthly savings target. Accomplishing bite-sized goals can result in major progress over time. 3. Make it automatic. The more a habit is automatic, the more likely you’ll be to stick with it. Set up your direct deposit to put a portion of every paycheck into your savings account — before you have the chance to spend it. There are many online banking and digital tools that make it simple to set up automatic transfers to make consistent deposits. There are also mobile apps that will round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and deliver the change into a savings fund. 4. Reward yourself. While building a healthy habit is its own reward, it doesn’t

hurt to thank yourself for being consistent. With support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the nonprofit SaverLife launched a free mobile app that can help you build a habit of savings through fun, daily challenges, cash rewards and tips from financial coaches. The prize offerings change regularly, which can help you stay motivated and on track to hit your money goals. In the first six months of joining SaverLife, members typically more than double their savings rates and 58% deposit at least $500 into their savings accounts. To get started, download the free SaverLife app from the iOS or Android app store. 5. Get empowered. Knowledge is power, and fortunately, free online resources abound that can give you the financial literacy you need to meet your savings goals and gain insights into your money decisions. For example, Our Money Matters is a free financial wellness hub also supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation that offers personalized financial wellness tools and educational content to help you with things like budgeting, ways to pay for college, building good credit and savings for goals. To sign up for free, visit our-money-matters.org. “The key is to get started and build on each small success,” says Bonnie Wallace, head of Financial Health Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “We’re committed to supporting programs that connect people with resources that can help them boost their savings and build greater financial security over time.”

January 2024

The Community News Flash

We can't heal what we hide is soul wounded and has committed some kind of harmful act. This wounded soul exposes him or herself while the rest of the tribe lovingly, supportively and nonjudgmentally listens.The tribe understands that hurt people hurt others. And so, rather than ridiculing this individual, each tribe member takes a turn reminding this human being of the good qualities he or she has.They remind this wounded soul of his/her humanity and that they are loved. We have much to learn on how we handle our inner wounds. We must find the courage to expose our hurts in order to heal them. Its a new year, a new opportunity, but the truth is each day is a new beginning. We are always one choice away...hide or heal?

Francine Papadimitrakis, a Greek American living in rural Tennessee. She often proclaims that she has too many passions and only one life. This statement defines her and her life as a yoga therapist/teacher, personal chef, writer, medical billing manager and permaculture farmer. When not writing, cooking, teaching or tending to her chickens, Francine can be found hiking, foraging in the forest, kayaking, paddleboarding, traveling to destinations near and far or hanging out with friends.

Register Your Child For Head Start Now! Head Start centers in Alcorn, Tippah, and Tishomingo counties are recruiting students for the 2024-2025 school year. We are registering children for Early Head Start and Regular Head Start. If you have a child 8 weeks to 4 years old stop by and register your child at a center in your community from 8:00-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Proof of income for previous 12 months are needed for registration. Visit MAP Head Start Facebook for registration details.

Call us today! Enrollment slots are limited. Belmont/ Tishomingo 662-454-7346 Burnsville 662-427-8883 Chalybeate 662-223-5522 Corinth 662-287-0318

Prather 662-837-3269 Booneville 662-728-7120 Wheeler 662-365-2018 Regional Office 662-728-7137

As humans, we often endure wounds; cuts,scrapes and abrasions of sorts. But there are other wounds we suffer from, wounds that are not visible to the naked eye. How one treats both types of wounds has an effect on how we heal. Modern medicine has taught us that physical wounds have to be addressed, have to be exposed, must be cleaned, aired out and yes, sometimes bandaged. The same can be said for wounds of the heart, wounds of the soul.We cannot heal what we hide! Many of us have learned to hide and have spent a lifetime collecting skeletons in closets. What drives us to hide these wounds: fear, shame, ridicule,judgement? We fear being vulnerable and see it as a weakness. The truth is, being vulnerable in a world that encourages us to wear masks, not the kind that cover our mouths, but masks that hide our truth; takes courage. Some religious faiths ask that we regularly confess our sins, our wounds. And in far away lands there are tribes that form a circle around one of their members, a member who

Cozy or Cramped? Americans Reveal How They Feel About Living in Small Spaces (StatePoint) When it comes to the home, bigger doesn’t always mean better. A new survey from Duck brand, which offers products that provide simple, imaginative and helpful solutions for a variety of tasks around the home, discovers that more than half of Americans living in a small space say they feel cozy and comfortable as opposed to cramped. “We often assume that a larger home is the most desirable, but that’s not always the case,” says Chaffy Assad, product manager at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand. “In fact, nearly half of the survey respondents enjoy living in a small space, which most defined as a two-bedroom home or smaller.” A more intimate space offers many benefits: 61% say it’s easier to clean, 54% say it costs less and helps save money and 52% say it’s easier to maintain. Additionally, 57% plan to continue living in their home for the foreseeable future. While there are many benefits to tinier homes, there are some challenges to living with less space. Fifty-nine percent of Americans say the biggest downside is the lack of storage, with 48% of people feeling it’s harder to keep small spaces clean and organized compared to larger spaces. Which areas prove to create the biggest cleaning conundrums? The kitchen ranks number one as the hardest room to keep neat and tidy, with the living room a close second, followed by the bedroom in third. The belongings that are the most difficult to make space for are cookware, bags, shoes and gym equipment. That being said, Americans are good at finding ways to make the most of their home by keeping clutter to a minimum and getting creative with organizing, the survey finds. Duck brand offers a variety of organizing ideas and solutions that help people tidy up, from the EasyMounts Mounting System that can transform a disorganized entryway, closet or garage, to the versatile EasyLiner Brand Shelf Liner that can make surfaces stylish and mess-free. “No matter how limited your space is, there is always a way to maximize it,” Assad adds. “Making minor and affordable changes, like mounting removable hooks on the wall, easily adds extra storage to hang such items as cooking utensils or a purse, while installing shelf liner on kitchen shelves or in bathroom drawers protects surfaces and makes it simple to wipe up spills or messes.”

January 2024

The Community News Flash

Mayes brings basketball and life lessons to his students so they can succeed You’ve got to be a great student, too. It’s By Lucy Weber how much you want it. If you want to A student of the game, Bob be great, you’ve got to push yourself.” Mayes enjoys passing on his wellMayes respected his coaches and earned knowledge of basketball to his teammates, and he expects the his students at Corinth Middle same of his players. Respect brings School. about respect, so Mayes said he For two years, Mayes has respects his students by callbeen guiding student-athing them Sir. “They call me letes in the seventh and Sir back,” he said. eighth grades in the Mayes was a threegames he has played, sport athlete at Corinth coached, and loved High School, where he for years. He graduated in 1996. He serves as an played football and assistant coach ran track, but his for basketball heart was on the basand football at ketball court, a place he the middle set many records for the school and as Warriors. Mayes, who an assistant was a point guard, for the high shooting guard, and school basketsometimes small forball team. ward, is still the second“I love sports. I love leading scorer in Corinth the game of basketball, High history. He said he and I love coaching,” he started out as a fifth-gradsaid. “Older guys taught er practicing with the high me, so I’m trying to give school, watching, learning, back to these kids.” and working as a ballboy A coaching veteran of before joining the team. more than 20 years, After Corinth High, Mayes Mayes also coaches travtook his basketball skills to el teams in the summer, Northeast Community now leading boys on the College and then to the U-12, U-13, and U-14 University of Tennessee at teams. “I’ll stay with Martin. He planned to go them through their play in Europe after college senior seasons,” he graduation, but left school said. in his senior year to At the middle Bob Mayes come home to take school level, Mayes care of his ill parents. After his father died, said he concentrates his coaching on getMayes took care of his mother until her ting the players the fundamental skills in death in 2013. offense and defense they need for high A few years ago, Mayes said he heard school-level play. God calling him to return to the University “I tell my kids every day that any sport they play they should do because they love of North Alabama for the 21 hours of college credit he needed to get his degree, an it because God gave them the talent,” he achievement he is proud of. said. Now in the classrooms at Canton His coaching also concentrates on Middle School, he is motivating his stuencouraging players to work on becoming great on the court and in the classroom. “If dents, like he motivated himself, to work you want to be great, you’ve got to put the hard in the classroom and in sports. “I stress to my kids that if you put in the work in. You’ve got to put in hard work work, then who can stop you?" and practice into anything that you do.

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January 2024

The Community News Flash

Corinth Community Come Together To Celebrate Kwanzaa The Corinth community came together on December 30th to celebrate the joyous occasion of Kwanzaa to let the spirit of unity, creativity, and community uplift all in attendance. Kwanzaa, rooted in African heritage and culture, provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the values of family, community, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture celebrated from Dec 26th - January 1st.Throughout this festive season, may the principles of Kwanzaa—Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (SelfDetermination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)—inspire us to build stronger bonds, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do. May the Corinth community continue to come together to honor and embrace the rich traditions of Kwanzaa, to create a tapestry of shared experiences to celebrate our diversity, and to foster a sense of belonging for all. May the candles of the kinara illuminate our hearts with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future for the residents of Corinth. Visit the Black History Facebook page for more photos.

Robert Scruggs, Alex Gardner & Ricky Patterson Mary Hearnton Dr. Eric Betts

Karen Betts Freida Miller Bernice Perkins

Alderman Steve Hill

Mary Geer & Mrs. Betty Tripp

Rev. Willie Walker

The Community News Flash

January 2024

Tips to Support Your Metabolic Health in the New Year (StatePoint) Good metabolic health is the backbone of great overall health. Unfortunately, many Americans misunderstand what metabolic health is and are not aware of its importance. A recent poll from Metavo/Harris Poll Study reveals that nearly three in four North Americans have experienced at least one issue related to metabolic health in the past year, while only 52% have heard, read or seen information on metabolic health issues. What’s more, only 30% of North Americans know that metabolic health is not the same as gut health, and many falsely believe that metabolic issues mostly occur in those who are overweight. “This knowledge gap plays a factor in why many health issues related to metabolic health, such as brain fog, food cravings and energy slumps, often go unaddressed,” says Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, associate professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, whose research includes finding new ways for people to proactively support their metabolic health. Issues related to metabolic health can take a toll on your mental wellbeing, your ability to perform your job, and even your social life and personal relationships, making it critical to nip them in the bud. To improve your metabolic health and feel your best in 2024, consider these tips: • Get active. Whether you’re hitting up the gym for a weight training session or simply going for a longer walk dur-

ing your day, daily physical activity is recommended to support your metabolic health. Find activities, daily movement and workouts you enjoy and stick with them. • Prioritize proper sleep. Maintaining proper sleeping habits can help to keep your insulin and hormone levels balanced. • Fuel often. Fueling more frequently can boost your metabolism. Being sure to eat smaller portions at regular, consistent times every day and drinking plenty of water can also help improve metabolic health. Set alerts on your phone, or even use a hydration app, to help you remember to drink up. • Explore supplements. Consider taking a daily supplement

January is Hobby Month. Tell us about your favorite hobby and you could be featured in an upcoming edition. Call (662) 643-6842 to tell us about your hobby.

designed to support metabolic health and activate metabolism naturally, like Metavo. Featuring the proprietary avocado compound Avocatin B, also known as AvoB, Metavo Advanced Glucose Metabolism Support activates your metabolism naturally at the cellular level. “Having a flexible metabolism at the cellular level enables the body to properly metabolize fats, proteins and carbs to help improve insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and energy,” says Dr. Spagnuolo, whose research led to the development of Metavo. The brand also carries Metavo Advanced Weight Support, a supplement featuring clinically proven ingredients that help burn fat, support weight loss, and provide increased energy, as well as Metavo Advanced Weight Support Meal Replacement Powders, which are designed to be the perfect “metabolic” meal, with 20 grams of complete protein and whole food vitamins and minerals. These supplements can complement GLP-1, or other medications that treat obesity and diabetes. Plus, there is Metavo Glucose Metabolism Support with Berberine, which targets metabolic inflexibility to increase insulin sensitivity, support healthy glucose metabolism, cardiovascular support and more. To learn more, visit www.metavo.com. When it comes to metabolic health, consistency is key. In the New Year, resolve to make physical activity, healthy eating, proper sleep and the right supplements a regular part of your routine.

January 2024

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH Kids Zone

January 2024

The Community News Flash

Turn Up the Heat and Flavor for the Big Game (StatePoint) Hosting a Big Game watch party? By following the playbook of BBQ experts, you’ll have your friends and family cheering for your game day spread. “The trick to achieving tasty BBQ is real smoke flavor. And, to get real smoke flavor, you need quality, natural hardwoods, with or without a pellet grill,” says Levi Strayer of Bear Mountain BBQ, “Start grilling with pellets, and everyone will immediately taste the difference—it’s a game changer.” With that philosophy in mind, Bear Mountain BBQ ambassador Jennifer Danella is sharing two BBQ winning recipes. Both incorporate the brand’s premium pellets to bring unbeatable flavor to the table. Sweet Heat Barbeque Wild Turkey Bites Ingredients: • 1 boneless, skinless turkey or chicken breast, approximately 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 tablespoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1 tablespoon loosely-packed light brown sugar • 1 package center-cut bacon, cut in half • Sliced green onions • Ranch dressing • Chef’s Choice or Butcher’s Blend Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets • 1/2 cup sweet barbecue sauce • 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Directions: 1. Preheat grill to 400 degrees F. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Place 1-inch turkey pieces into a medium size bowl. Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic salt, black pepper and brown sugar over top. Mix well. 4. Wrap half a slice of bacon around each turkey piece. Secure with a toothpick and place them onto the parchment paper. 5. Place the baking sheet into your preheated grill and bake for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce and garlic in a small bowl. Brush the turkey pieces halfway through cooking. Brush another layer of sauce five minutes before the cook time is over. Cook until the turkey pieces reach 165 degrees F. 6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with ranch dressing for dipping. Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated • 1/2 cup gruyere cheese grated • 8 ounces cream cheese softened • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 of a 1-ounce Hidden Valley Ranch Packet • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped. • 1/4 cup German lager beer • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 1 can biscuits • 1 large egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing biscuits • 12-inch cast iron skillet • Bear Mountain BBQ’s Chef’s Choice Blend pellets Directions: 1. Preheat pellet grill to 350 degrees F. 2. In large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar, gruyere, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, beer and 1 tablespoon green onions. Mix evenly. 3. Cut biscuits in half. Roll each half into a ball, then slice an X across top. 4. Boil 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Once boiling, add baking soda and mix immediately. 5. Add biscuits to grill in batches and cook until puffy, approximately 1 minute. Remove and transfer to skillet, forming ring along inside edge.

6. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt. 7. Transfer dip to center of skillet. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar. 8. Smoke until biscuits are golden and dip is bubbly, 30-35 minutes. 9. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve! As you make your Game Day preparations, head to Walmart, which is carrying a new collection of Bear Mountain’s grilling and smoking pellets. The five exclusive flavors -- Smoky Apple Whiskey, Maple Bourbon Pecan, Chef’s Choice, Butcher’s Blend and Chophouse Blend -- add unrivaled flavor to all grilling and smoking occasions. The collection can also be found online at Walmart.com. For recipe ideas and techniques for adding smoke flavor to your food using any grill, visit bearmountainbbq.com. To bring your A-game to the Big Game, level up your hosting with mouthwatering BBQ treats.

January 2024

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• Here’s another great clothespin tip: “Clothespin plus dish towel equals baby bib (or Uncle Frank bib, in some cases).” — T.R. in Missouri • “To hand-wash clothes, fill a washer with water and add detergent. Add clothes that you need to hand-wash, and let run in machine 1 minute or less (longer if soiled). Then take the clothes out and place in a clean bucket or hip pan to rinse out. Hang or lay flat to dry. You can use the wash water to do the next load of normal wash.” — E.B. in Mississippi • “Put on and dampen a pair of rubber gloves, then run your hands over your upholstery to pick up excess pet hair. This works really well on the backs of our couches, which is where our cats love to sleep.” — W.L. in New Mexico • If you need to make large ice cubes, try using an egg carton as an ice-cube tray. You can make a whole dozen and put them in a gallon-size plastic baggie. They’re great for punch in large bowls, adding to iced tea in the pitcher and for packing coolers, since they melt slower than regular ice cubes. • Hang a suncatcher with dental floss. You probably have some around the house, and it’s pretty strong. • “If the soles of your shoes are too new, they can be slippery. I find that I can rough up the soles of my shoes with an emery board or a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper. I don’t want to slip, and the rougher surface helps on some of my nicer dress shoes that don’t get a lot of wear.” — C.L. in Pennsylvania Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

• It was prolific British author G.K. Chesterton who gave the following sage bit of advice: “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.” • When Richard Nixon first ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives (which he won in 1946), he funded his campaign largely with money he won playing poker while serving as a lieutenant commander in the Navy during World War II. • From 1863 until 1945, the city of Vicksburg, Miss., didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. This is because during the Civil War, the Confederate city was surrendered to Union forces on that day, an event that was considered to be one of the turning points of the war. • It was once thought that when snakes went through their version of hibernation they rejuvenated themselves, and therefore that serpents lived forever. • There’s talk everywhere these days about the growing problem posed by the fact that people in the U.S. are becoming more and more overweight. Interestingly, when the International Journal of Obesity was first published, in 1993, it was 509 pages long; the 2006 edition totaled 2,322 pages. Coincidence? • It was one Dr. Spencer Silver, a chemist, who invented the adhesive used today in Post-it notes, but he had no luck promoting his invention. Six years later, one of his colleagues, Art Fry, came up with a use for it that stuck (so to speak). While sitting in church one day, Fry’s attention wandered from the sermon to the scraps of paper he used to mark his place in the hymnal, which kept falling out. Connecting his annoying problem and his friend’s invention, the Post-it was born. *** Thought for the Day: “Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Storage World of Corinth New Owners 2025 East 3rd St. Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 686-6010

January 2024

The Community News Flash

Amplifying the Voices of Caregivers and Families Overnight Savory French Toast

S’more Cake Brownies

(StatePoint) Advocates say it’s important to not only honor caregivers’ dedication, compassion, and resilience, but to also acknowledge their challenges and aspirations. Doing so can help families thrive. Here are three ways that can happen: 1. Put families at the center of efforts to help families. Ascend at the Aspen Institute uses the two generation (2Gen) approach long used by Indigenous communities in the United States and around the world. This approach recognizes that the goal of supporting families’ well-being and helping children thrive is most attainable when advancing the interests of children and the adults in their lives together. As one example, Ascend worked with a father who grew up in poverty, but now serves on his local school board and informs state efforts to help others experiencing homelessness or poverty. 2. Lift voices, build power, expand equity. That’s the refrain of the Raising Child Care Fund, which advises and supports local efforts around the country to expand access to child care. These efforts work best when they are informed and led by parents and caregivers themselves. As a case in point, a network of advocates and parents in New Mexico worked for 12 years to

codify a right to child care and early education within the state constitution. 3. Through commitment you can see impact. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has committed itself to some of these principles in its own work, establishing the Family Advisory Committee—a collective of 12 parents and caregiver leaders from across the country with unique and diverse backgrounds, races and ethnicities, and family dynamics. The group has informed funding and grantmaking decisions by the Foundation, and contributed to efforts to align its own family supportive policies with these principles. To learn more about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s programs aiming to create a brighter, more supportive future for families and caregivers, visit https://www.rwjf.org/. Initiatives and programs across the country are committed to emphasizing a collective approach that places families at the center of developing effective caregiving solutions. Collaboration is key to engaging families in decision-making processes and internal procedures, and the creation of initiatives that address the diverse needs and aspirations of communities is vital to improve the health and wellbeing of families today and in the future.

Enjoy a couple of these yummy holiday chocolate treats without guilt. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Sugar substitute to equal 3/4 cup sugar, suitable for baking 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup fat-free yogurt 1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup water 1 cup miniature marshmallows 6 tablespoons purchased graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with butterflavored cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar substitute, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, vanilla extract and water. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture. Mix gently just to combine. 3. Spread batter evenly into prepared cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Evenly sprinkle marshmallows over top of partially baked brownies. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and chocolate chips. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over top. 4. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place cake pan on a wire rack and let set for at least 10 minutes. Cut into 16 brownies. Makes 8 (2 each) servings. • Each serving equals: 170 calories, 2g fat, 4g protein, 34g carb., 352mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fat

This savory, feeds-eight French toast — a cost-effective, cheesecrusted combo of baked bread, eggs and Gruyère — rests overnight so you can sleep in. 6 large eggs 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper 1/4 cup snipped chives, plus extra for garnish 1 loaf (9 ounces) French bread (preferably day-old), cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded 1. Grease shallow 1 1/2-quart ceramic baking dish. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until wellblended. Stir in chives. 2. Arrange half of bread in bottom of prepared baking dish, overlapping slices to fit. Pour half of egg mixture over bread and sprinkle with two-thirds of cheese. Cover with remaining bread, overlapping slices. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread; gently press down to help bread absorb egg mixture. Sprinkle with remaining one-third of cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until puffed and golden and tip of knife inserted in center comes out clean, covering top during last 15 minutes if browning too quickly. Let stand 10 minutes to set custard before serving. Sprinkle with snipped chives. Serves 8. TIP: Look for discounted day-old French bread in your market or bakery. • Each serving: About 355 calories, 20g total fat (11g saturated), 214mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 20g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 22g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

1. ARCHITECTURE: What did ancient Roman aqueducts carry? 2. COMPUTERS: What does DPI measure? 3. GEOGRAPHY: Where does the Albemarle Sound lie? 4. MOVIES: Which well-known film director had planned as a teenager to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood? 5. GOVERNMENT: When was the Federal Communications Commission established? 6. LITERATURE: In poetry, what is an enjambment? 7. MUSIC: Which jazz musician and composer recorded “Giant Steps” in 1960? 8. FOOD & DRINK: What is another common name for corn? 9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who is considered the founder of the birth-control movement in the United States? 10. SCIENCE: What is the disease beriberi caused by? Answers 1. Water 2. Dots Per Inch, which measures resolution in printing 3. Between North Carolina and the Outer Banks 4. Martin Scorsese 5. 1934 6. One line of poetry runs into another without any end punctuation 7. John Coltrane 8. Maize 9. Margaret Sanger 10. Thiamine deficiency

1. When was the last time before 2009 that the World Series went at least six games? 2. Who is the all-time leader in career home runs for the New York Mets? 3. When was the last time before 2009 that three road teams won in the same weekend in the NFL playoffs? 4. Name the last time before 2010 that Baylor’s men’s basketball team won an NCAA Tournament game. 5. The New York Rangers made a trade with the New York Islanders in 2010. When was the last time before then that the two teams traded with each other? 6. Who won the first Olympic gold medal in men’s snowboarding half pipe? 7. In 2010, Stuart Appleby became the fifth PGA Tour player to shoot a round of 59. Name two of the other four to do it. Answers 1. It was 2003, when Florida defeated the New York Yankees in six games. 2. Darryl Strawberry, with 252 homers. Mike Piazza is second, with 220. 3. It was 1971 (Baltimore, Miami and Dallas all won as road teams). 4. It was 1950. 5. It occurred in 1972. 6. Gian Simmen of Switzerland, in 1998. 7. Al Geiberger (1977), Chip Beck (1991), David Duval (1999) and Paul Goydos (2010).

January 2024

The Community News Flash

TECHNOLOGY

MONEY

Tips to Protect Yourself From How to Be a Philanthropist Text Message Cyberattacks When Money is Tight

(StatePoint) Every day, cybercriminals create new methods of obtaining private financial information from unsuspecting individuals, most commonly employing tactics like emailing strangers and convincing them to either share personal information or take an action that compromises their systems and devices. Known as “phishing,” these cybercrime attempts can also come by way of short message service (SMS) or text messaging, and when they do, it’s called “smishing.” Scammers use smishing to prompt victims to click on internet links or send classified or personal information through texts and other messaging apps, making individuals vulnerable to identity theft and even extortion. However, understanding their methods can help you protect yourself. Here’s what to know: Attacks Are Getting More Sophisticated Cybercriminals often use a tactic called spoofing, where they impersonate a known sender or transmit messages from a legitimate number. Even if you know the sender, it’s still important to verify the message’s legitimacy before responding, opening an attachment, or clicking on a link that could potentially compromise your device. Cybercriminals also share stolen credentials and personal information more readily now and work in gangs, ultimately amplifying the threat. Through social engineering of your publicly available information — often gleaned from social media — and private data procured illicitly, scammers are able to craft text messages specifically designed to lower your defenses. This means, communication may look like it’s being sent from a known person or number, possibly making reference to shared knowledge. Fraudsters may apply a sense of urgency or other scare tactic that prompts you to react quickly instead of taking the time to scrutinize a request.

Additionally, the ever-growing capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have made it easier for scammers to develop smishing attempts that closely mirror conversation, making it simpler and more affordable to distribute cyberattacks successfully to a large audience. “Whereas previous smishing and phishing messages often didn’t make sense, as generative AI advances, these messages contain fewer grammatical or spelling mistakes. As a result, users are less able to distinguish them from legitimate communications,” says Raina Kanakis, a security specialist with PNC’s Global Security Fusion Center. Simple Precautions Can Mitigate Risk Vigilance is key, especially as attacks become more sophisticated. One way to verify senders’ identities is by cross-checking short codes — the five- or six-digit number used by companies to deliver text messages to your phone. Each of these unique codes is used for certain purposes — to transmit card activity alerts, for instance. Many companies, such as PNC Bank, have established resources to enable customers to verify the legitimacy of text messages appearing to come from them. By referencing PNC’s Short Codes page for example, you can verify whether a text message originated from a legitimate short code, helping you detect and avoid possible impersonation fraud. Use these additional strategies to help thwart smishing attempts: 1. If you are not expecting the message, proceed with caution. 2. Do not immediately respond. 3. Do not click on any links within a text message. Navigate to the URL using a different means to validate it. 4. If the message appears to come from a familiar company, contact them on a different channel to confirm legitimacy. 5. Getting a text and subsequent call does not increase legitimacy. Hang up and call the company or financial institution directly using a known telephone number. 6. Screenshot and send any suspicious messages appearing to come from a company to them to verify and alert. 7. To report smishing to all mobile telecom carriers, screenshot and send the message to 7726. For added protection, use the “Report Junk” feature on your mobile carrier’s system. 8. Visit the FCC website for more information on how to avoid smishing scams.

(StatePoint) While contributing to a worthwhile cause is a common aspiration, actually doing so right now may feel unrealistic if you’re struggling with your own finances. According to an April 2023 Gallup study, 61% of U.S. adults said recent price increases have caused financial hardship for their household—this is up from 55% in November 2022, and the highest since Gallup’s first reading on the measure in November 2021. “With so many people financially challenged, one may assume that being philanthropic is reserved solely for the wealthy,” says Stephanie Buckley, Head of Trust Philanthropic Services for Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management division. “Yet, financial support is just one way of being charitable. If you reframe what philanthropy is, you’ll realize you don’t have to be ultrawealthy to give in a meaningful way.” According to Buckley, just about anyone can give one of the Five T’s of Philanthropy, which she explains further here: 1. Time: Volunteer hours, mentoring. 2. Talent: Professional, leadership skills. 3. Treasure: Donating goods to a nonprofit organization. 4. Ties: Leveraging your relationships to help others. 5. Testimony: Being an advocate of a charity. No matter how you go about giving back, you can help maximize your impact with these tips from Buckley: • Share your experiences: Did you have a great experience volunteering? Is there a cause that’s particularly meaningful to you? Tell your friends and family. Whether you’re on a coffee date or at your child’s soccer game, spreading the word face-to-face is an effective way of advocating for a charity. • Comb your closet: You likely have more possessions than you actually need or want. Do a thorough clean-out of your home and donate the items or the profits from the sale of the items to a local nonprofit. Not only are you contributing to a worthy cause, you may

gain a tax benefit that doesn’t involve opening your wallet. Just be sure to ask for a receipt. • Pass it on: Children will always remember time spent with their family helping others. From planting trees to participating in a walkathon, there are plenty of family-friendly ways to instill the habit of giving back. • Be creative: If your days are busy, creatively build giving back into your current schedule. For example, if you’re teaching your teen to drive, incorporate delivering meals to the elderly or infirm into their practice hours on the road. If you’re providing professional advice or tutoring, build video conference meetings into your lunch hour once a week. • Create an estate plan: Incorporate philanthropy into your legacy through your estate plan in a tax-advantaged way. One smart way to do so, whether you have significant wealth or not, is through your retirement assets. An added benefit from this giving tactic is that nonprofit organizations do not pay taxes on gifts sourced from a pre-tax retirement plan, as your family would. Consider gifting your heirs other assets such as stock or real estate instead. For additional resources, visit wellsfargo.com. “Nonprofits need more than cash to operate,” says Buckley. “When a financial contribution is out of the question, consider making a meaningful difference by sharing your time and talents instead.” Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested Wells Fargo and Company and its Affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM) is a division of Wells Fargo & Company. WIM provides financial products and services through various bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Bank products and services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. This advertisement was written by Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management Division. ©2023 Wells Fargo & Company. All rights reserved.

The Community News Flash

January 2024

How to Score a Financial Touchdown this Football Season (StatePoint) If you’re like many football fans, your love of the game comes at a cost. A recent national survey by Experian found that fans are planning to spend an average of $743 this season on football-related expenses, with 29% of respondents saying they will spend more than $1,000. Beyond the cost of tickets, tailgates and gamestreaming services, some football fans are willing to put their money on the line in more serious ways, too. In fact, 1 in 5 professional football fans would take on more than $5,000 of debt if it meant their team won the Big Game this season. “Cheering on your favorite team or planning for life’s big moments doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of public education and advocacy at Experian. “Taking a financial timeout to review your finances and budget can help you get the most out of your money.” Whether you’re a devoted fan or a casual viewer, you can score a financial touchdown during football season and beyond by following these game-changing financial pointers: 1. Pay bills on time. Don’t fumble bill payments. Your bill payment history is an important factor in calculating your credit score. Even one late or missed payment can have a negative impact, whereas making payments on time can bolster your credit score for years to come.

2. Leverage tools. Look into financial products that help your money work for you. For example, the new Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account & Debit Card embeds Experian Boost to allow you to contribute payments for eligible bills such as utilities, residential rent and telecommunications to your

Experian credit file to potentially increase your credit scores. 3. Keep your credit utilization rate low. Your credit utilization rate is the amount of credit you're currently using divided by the total amount of credit you have available. Credit scoring models generally interpret a low credit utilization rate as an indication that you’re doing a good job of managing credit and keeping spending in check. 4. Build a budget. A budget is a spending playbook that can help you practice responsible financial habits and live within your means. It needn’t require too much detail. Simply categorizing spending into a few overall buckets will do the trick. 5. Frequently check your credit. Monitoring your credit score and credit reports can help you identify changes and course-correct if necessary. It’s recommended to check these regularly, especially before you plan to open new lines of credit or make a big purchase. For more information, visit experian.com/smartmoney. Don’t get financially sidelined. By reviewing your credit and budget and by leveraging helpful resources, you can survive the season with your wallet intact.