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.
1. Who told the Moabites to live like doves nesting at the mouth of a cave?
2. According to Isaiah, from what direction does God summon the birds of prey?
3. Who compared Assyria with a cedar of Lebanon that sheltered all the birds in its branches?
4. Who compared Israel with a speckled bird of prey, surrounded and attacked by other birds of prey?
5. According to Isaiah, what will those who hope in the Lord fly like?
6. According to Jeremiah, what large bird knows it has appointed seasons?
7. Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
8. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
9. But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.
10. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
11. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
12. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
13. Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
14. Sing ye to the Lord, for he heath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
15. Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
16. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
17. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of an, and with the seed of beast.
18. Understandest thou what thou readest.
19. Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
20. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?
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 and contestant can only win twice within a 6 month period.
1. David (Psalm 55:6)
2. God (Job 38:41)
3. The ostrich (Job 39:18-18; some translations have stork)
4. Psalm (78:26-29)
5. Solomon (I Kings 4:23)
6. Noah (Genesis 9:1-7)
7. The king of Assyria (Isaiah 10:14)
8. Ravens (I Kings 17:6)
9. The eagle (Job 39:30)
10. Jehu (I Kings 16:4)
11. An eagle (Proverbs 23:5)
12. Proverbs (1:17)
13. A raven (Song of Solomon 5:11)
14. Moab’s (Isaiah 16:2)
15. Lamentations (4:3)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
How wonderful it is to think that we are working with God to make this a better world and to show others the love of God through our work. It is also encouraging to know that God is always with us. Family, friends and your colleagues at work may abandon you, but God never will. Creation was not a “once and done” endeavor. It is ongoing, and we play a dual role. While God is in the process of creating us and we will ultimately be what He (with our cooperation) destines us to be, we are also active players (for good or ill) in the making of this world. There are some who manage to always make their corner of the world better, including themselves, and others who seem to always leave things a bit worse. Be on the side of God and the angels and help to improve the world, including yourself. Remember that you are working with and for the Almighty, so do good work!
–Christopher Simon
(StatePoint) Two in five U.S. adults identify as family caregivers, but there is a lack of support for them nationwide, according to new research from Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and Age Wave. With 46% of Americans expected to become caregivers in the future, this research sought to better understand their concerns and challenges, and uncover ways to support them.
How caregivers are navigating their finances, emotions and careers
Top financial concerns caregivers face include rising costs and inflation (56%) and inadequate retirement savings (42%). In fact, 95% of caregivers have some level of financial concern for their retirement, and 51% must cut back on personal spending because of their caregiving responsibilities, according to the study. In addition to financial challenges, many caregivers cited caregiving as a significant emotional responsibility, leaving them stressed, burned out, and unable to prioritize their own health.
Most caregivers (72%) are willing to sacrifice their own financial security to ensure proper care for their loved ones. This sometimes includes such measures as stepping away from their jobs entirely,
can give caregivers a complete picture of their finances, enabling them to navigate the complex realities of care while planning for multiple long-term financial and life goals.”
Policies that help caregivers have bipartisan support
Currently, 68% of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, say the public sector is not doing enough to support caregivers, a sentiment felt more strongly among those caring for elderly adults and special-needs adults. The research found that the majority of Americans support enacting federal legislation that would aid caregivers, such as expanded retirement account contributions for caregivers, and additional “catch-up” contributions for caregivers.
Additionally, 74% say they believe employers should offer benefits such as financial support or flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities, reflecting a growing demand for supportive workplace policies.
“In the face of rising living costs and a
looming retirement crisis, supporting caregivers through national and employment policies is an investment in economic stability, public health and the well-being of both caregivers and those they are caring for,” says Cella. “As a firm, we are proud to advocate on behalf of caregivers by backing policies that will build lasting financial strength for our clients, colleagues, communities and society.”
Edward Jones supports the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. According to advocates, these bills would build on the success of the SECURE 2.0 Act by providing additional savings opportunities for caregivers. To learn more, visit www.edwardjones. com/caregiving.
Caregivers have a lot to navigate emotionally, financially and logistically. But support, education and resources can help them meet the challenges.
reducing work hours, taking on debt and dipping into their own retirement savings.
Despite these challenges, 80% of caregivers say their role has strengthened their relationships with loved ones, with the large majority reporting feelings of personal fulfillment and gratitude from those in their care.
“Caregivers often bear great financial burdens and sacrifice their own well-being to care for children and elder family members,” says Ken Dychtwald, founder and CEO of Age Wave. “The vital role of family caregivers in our care systems and society demands greater recognition, resources and relief, especially as America’s population continues to live longer with more chronic conditions and the need for caregiving grows.”
Support, education and resources for caregivers is crucial. Fifty-seven percent have not sought professional advice for caregiving-related financial guidance, yet 93% of those who work with a financial advisor report feeling more confident about their financial future.
“Financial advisors are an important element of a caregiver’s support system,” says Ken Cella, principal and head of external affairs at Edward Jones. “They
am a sinner, but I trust in the
and patience
We are finite and flawed beings, all of us, and while this may seem like something negative it is the basis, or should be the basis, for our compassion for our fellow creatures, all of whom, like us, need help. Will we sin today? Of course! Will we neglect to do certain things which we should do? Of course! While we may do what we should most of the time and not fall too far from holiness, it is virtually impossible that any of us will be perfect today. Perfection is something that we know only negatively, that is, we have the idea of perfection only because so much of what we do and see is so utterly imperfect and stands out for its clear lack. Nothing done or made by the hands of man is ever perfectly straight, and the closer we look at everything the better we see how imperfect it all is. The true paragons of virtue are always those who are most cognizant of their failings.
–Christopher Simon
My neighbor wanted to know:If she gets one of those alert pendants for her mother,the kind you wear in case you fall or need assistance,how do the emergency people get in if the front door is locked?
Good question.
You know what I’m talking about: Years ago there was a not-funny television commercial with a woman on the floor saying,“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”She had an alert gadget on a chain around her neck that put her in instant contact with emergency response personnel who would then send someone to help her.
I can see where knowing you can have instant emergency contact with another human can be of great value and offer some peace of mind:If you’re on a walker or cane,if you live alone,if you’ve recently gotten out of the hospital and are still a bit shaky,if your vision isn’t what it used to be,or if you live with family members who are afraid to leave you alone for fear of falls.
If you’re thinking about getting one of these services,look for a month-tomonth plan instead of signing a longterm contract. You’ll likely pay a setup fee,and then make monthly payments for as long as you want the service. Don’t forget to ask about a money-back guarantee so you can try it out,battery backup and a warranty on the device itself.
And the answer about how emergency personnel get in if the front door is locked:The alert monitoring company puts a lockbox at the front door with a key inside,like real estate agents use. They only give the code to the EMT personnel or police,who can then get in without breaking the door down.
Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions. Do not send any material requiring return mail. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475,Orlando,FL 32853-6475,or send e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE:Last year
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I take half a diabetes tablet and test my blood three times a week. The monograph I received with the tablets plus everything else I’ve read all say the same thing:If blood sugar is very low,the patient should drink a regular soft drink or eat table sugar,honey or candy. Nowhere does it say what to do when blood sugar spikes. Not long ago,my blood sugar tested at 88 (4.9),a little low for me. I began to feel really bad. I ate breakfast and tested again. My reading was 244 (13.5). I took the other halftablet,and in time I felt better. What will take blood sugar down in a hurry? — S.H.
ANSWER:Insulin takes blood sugar down rapidly.
Most of the time,a high blood sugar doesn’t have to be lowered quickly. When a type 2 diabetic has a sugar even in the 300s (16.7),emergency lowering of blood sugar isn’t necessary. You can do exactly as you did and check the sugar later.
When blood sugar remains very high for a more than a couple of days,people with type 2 diabetes can get into trouble. Frequent urination,thirst, nausea and weakness are indications that blood sugar is high. If it stays high,then people with type 2 diabetes can develop what’s called hyperosmotic hyperglycemia,something that can make them lethargic and produce a coma.
That almost never happens,and it
takes time for it to develop. It’s a condition that has to be treated in the hospital. Infections,emotional stress,prolonged and high doses of cortisone drugs,stopping diabetes medicines, heart attacks and strokes are some of the things that can raise blood sugar. So long as you’re checking your sugar, so long as it doesn’t stay at 300 to 500 for a matter of more than a day or two, and so long as you have no symptoms, there is no urgency to rapidly lower the sugar.
Low blood sugar,on the other hand, can quickly put a person into a coma if blood sugar is not raised rapidly. The brain needs constant sugar to function. If blood sugar dips much lower than 50 (2.8),palpitations,sweating and trembling are signs that you need to take action. Very low sugar levels can produce coma,brain damage and death. The methods you suggest to raise sugar are fine.
People with type 1 diabetes can get diabetic ketoacidosis from high blood sugar. This doesn’t usually happen to those with type 2 diabetes. It’s a subject for another day.
The diabetes booklet provides background on this common illness. Readers can obtain a copy by writing:Dr. Donohue — No. 402W,Box 536475, Orlando,FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
***
DEAR DR. DONOHUE:After eating a banana,I end up with a headache. Could it be something to be concerned about? — E.C.
ANSWER:For some,bananas can give rise to a migraine headache. Why not just stop eating them? I can’t think of any other serious health concern implicated by this reaction.
***
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 328536475.
As a yoga therapist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our bodies become stiff over time. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and a general lack of movement are common culprits that rob our bodies of flexibility and ease. We’re often reminded to stretch our bodies, improve our posture, and stay physically active. And while that’s essential for physical health, there's an equally important area that often goes overlooked: the stiffness of the mind.
Over the years, I’ve come to a deeper understanding of the intimate connection between body and mind. A cohesive, balanced body often reflects a cohesive, centered mind. Conversely, a fragmented or rigid body mirrors the inner workings
“I’m not good enough.” “I can’t change.” “That’s just the way I am.” These thoughts tighten the mind in the same way poor posture tightens the back and hips. Over time, this mental rigidity shapes how we experience the world.
Have you ever encountered someone who refuses to entertain a new idea, takes the same path every day without variation, or avoids anything outside their comfort zone? That’s mental stiffness in action. It’s not always loud or obvious—it can show up as routine, stubbornness, or fear of the unknown. But slowly and surely, it closes us off from growth.
of a fragmented or inflexible mind. It’s more than just metaphor—it’s embodiment. Think of it this way: a stiff body moves through life cautiously, slowly, and sometimes painfully. It lacks flow. A rigid mind, filled with fear, fixed thoughts, and resistance to change, struggles to move freely. This mental inflexibility shows up in our habits, our relationships, our reactions, and ultimately our quality of life.
The average person experiences around 60,000 thoughts per day. Many of these thoughts are on repeat, worn down like the grooves in an old record. Some are rooted in fear. Others are subtle untruths we’ve told ourselves for so long that we now accept them as facts.
Just as we encourage our bodies to stretch, move, and breathe deeply, we must do the same for our minds. Try new experiences, even small ones. Ask questions without rushing to answer. Be curious about different perspectives. Unlearn outdated beliefs. Practice seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Mental flexibility, like physical flexibility, is built over time—with intention and courage.
Let’s commit to stretching more than just our muscles. Let’s create space in our minds to grow, to evolve, and to become more fully ourselves. When the body moves like a graceful symphony, with each part flowing purposefully, the mind can also be harmonious, open, and free.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
When Robert Prevost was elected to be the new Pope on May 8, Americans were understandably proud, as this was the first Pope to come from the United States. But if citizens of the United States thought that he would somehow advance the interests of their country over those of others they would be forgetting that the Pope is the leader of the entire Catholic church. Indeed, the word “catholic” means “universal” and the Pope is in some ways the leader of Christendom itself, even if many Christians and non-Christians do not “bow to the Pope.” The first public words of Pope Leo XIV expressed this universal Christian message: “Peace be with all of you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God's flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth.” All true religion is universal, as all life, and all of creation is sacred because created by God. Pray that our new Pope may bring peace and unity to a divided world riven with strife and suffering greatly by the hands of man.
–Christopher Simon
By Lucy Weber
Kelcey Beene’s life in 4-H is filled with chickens, rabbits, and sheep.
The Corinth 17-year-old shows her chicks and bunnies at county fairs, but her part-time job is all about the sheep. She’s hoping to add lambs to her 4-H menagerie so she can start showing them as well.
“I love them,” she said, “but it could get scary at first because they were so big.”
Beene found her job with Saum Show Stock in McNairy County two years ago through 4-H.
The daughter of Bruce and Allison Beene has been a member of the Alcorn County 4-H Club for 10 years, and her two brothers and one sister are also active members.
When she got the job, the junior in high school did not know anything about tending sheep.
Now, in her five-day-a-week job, Beene works hard mucking out stalls, shearing their wool, helping with artificial inseminations, and doing other chores. “I love animals, and I love to help them.”
The sheep, which recognize her and know their names, are “very much like pets. They’re really like big dogs,” said Beene, who is home-schooled.
After taking care of the sheep, which can weigh up to more than 100 or 200 pounds, Beene said she knows why people are referred to as sheep in the Bible. Like people,
sheep can be stubborn and not listen. “Like when you try to lead the sheep into their pastures, it can take several tries.”
The sheep are bred to be show sheep, Beene said. “We raise them for 4-H and FFA kids.” The
At three months old, lambs can go to their new handlers' homes to begin training. As far as training, It’s all up to the kids,” she said.
When she is representing the 4-Club at fairs, Beene takes her chickens and rabbits into the show ring. It’s her fourth year showing chickens and her second year showing rabbits. She has
There are eight named rabbits and about 28 named chickens.
Her favorite rabbit is Chonkers because he’s a big bunny weighing in at 13 pounds. Her
My favorite chicken, which shows very well at competitions, is Moonlight.
At fairs when she’s showing her animals, Beene said she has seen some of the lambs she helped raise. “It feels good when they recognize me and for me to see how good they are in the shows.”
She said by three weeks of age that she can tell which lambs are potential winners and makes note of their numbers “so I can see how excellent they’re doing by the end of the year.”
7am - 11am 6am - 9:30am
By Justice Reid Community News Flash
As summer draws to a close and families prepare for another school year, one local woman is stepping up to make sure children head back to class looking and feeling their best. Nekita Sanderson, driven by a heart for her community, will organize a Back to School Community Giveaway that promises more than just new looks — it will offer renewed confidence and bright smiles.
The event will take place on July 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pink Elephant, located at 1102 S. John St. Children will receive free simple braid styles, haircuts, and enjoy food and drinks, all at no cost to families.
“It’s something that’s been on my heart for a while,” Nekita said. “I remember how excited I used to get about going back to school with new clothes and a fresh hairstyle. I want to make sure every child has a chance to feel that same excitement, no matter what their family’s situation might be.”
Nekita knows that a fresh hairstyle can work wonders for a child’s self-esteem. “When kids walk into class with a neat haircut or pretty braids, they hold their heads a little higher. It sets the tone for how they feel about themselves — and that’s priceless.”
Choosing Pink Elephant as the location is no accident. “It’s a spot in the community that people already know and feel comfortable coming to,” Nekita explained. “And it’s big enough to let us do hair, serve food, and let families hang out for a while.”
This event will also be made possible thanks to several generous partners and volunteers who are pitching in to provide supplies, food, and drinks. “It’s really a team effort,” Nekita said. “I couldn’t pull this off alone. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s stepping in to help.”
Looking ahead, Nekita hopes this will be just the beginning. “I’d love to do more events like this — not just back-to-school, but maybe holiday giveaways, too. It’s all about pouring love back into the community that’s given me so much.”
She also hopes her efforts will inspire others. “You don’t have to be rich to give back,” Nekita said. “Sometimes it’s just about using your hands and your heart to make a difference.”
So if you’re looking for a reason to smile this summer, mark your calendars for July 19. Thanks to Nekita Sanderson and her team, local kids will be heading to school not just looking sharp, but feeling truly loved by their community.
My father was born and raised in Winston-Salem, N.C., the perfect place to find a delicious pulled-pork barbeque sandwich. The Piedmont triad area where he grew up is famous for its pork barbeque and highly seasoned, vinegar-based sauces. Pigs are plentiful in that area of the South, so barbeques featuring the whole pig -- split open and roasted over a hardwood charcoal fire, or using just the pork shoulder -- are popular. After the meat is cooked, it's "pulled" off the bone by hand, sliced, shredded or chopped into pieces, mixed with barbeque sauce and served on a bun.
Pork shoulders are the front leg of the pig and are fairly inexpensive cuts of meat. The shoulder includes two cuts: the Boston butt, which is a rectangular roast from the upper part of the front leg, and the picnic shoulder. The Boston butt is the cut of choice for pulled-pork sandwiches.
Select a Boston butt that has a white-fat cap and is marbled with fat throughout the meat. The fat and the collagen (the connective tissue) "baste" the meat as it melts away. The collagen also turns into simple sugars that make this typically tougher cut of meat moist, tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks.
Pulled-pork barbeque sandwiches were used to entice potential voters to attend political rallies. These flavorful
sandwiches definitely have my vote. This crockpot recipe for pulled pork is perfect for anyone who can't barbeque the traditional way. Serve the pulled pork with a scoop of coleslaw on the sandwich or on the side, along with some baked beans, corn on the cob and sweet, lemon-flavored iced tea, and you'll have the
vor while it cooks, and the barbeque sauce is the perfect finish. You'll have enough pulled pork to feed a crowd, or you can freeze any leftovers for another fabulous meal!
5 pounds boneless pork butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 large onions, sliced
1 jar (16 ounces) Pace
Chunky Salsa or Pace
Pineapple Mango Chipotle
Salsa
1 1/2 cups water
makings of a Southern-style barbeque no matter where you live!
Barbequed Pulled-Pork Sandwiches
This recipe is a great way to tenderize an inexpensive cut of meat and conserve energy by using the crockpot. The salsa infuses the meat with fla-
1 bottle (16 ounces) barbecue sauce
1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared
mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
24 hamburger buns
1. Place half the onions in the crockpot. Add the meat and then the rest of the onions. Pour the salsa and the water over and the pork and the onions.
2. Turn the crockpot to the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours or on the LOW setting for 7 to 9 hours or until the pork is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
3. Remove the pork and onions from the crockpot and discard any of the remaining liquid and accumulated fat. Let the meat cool slightly. Shred the pork, using two forks. Mix together the barbeque sauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar and salt until well-combined.
4. Mix the shredded pork and onions with the barbeque sauce. Return the barbequed pork to the crockpot and cook on HIGH for another hour. Serve about 1/2 cup shredded pork in each roll. Top with coleslaw, if desired.
Serves 24.
• Here’s what L.S. in Texas has to say about a previous tip regarding storage of good silver serving pieces after using them on major holidays: “What’s wrong with the rest of the year? After 50 years,I took the plastic and stonewear to the Senior Citizens Resale. Now we dine three times a day on the best china and crystal,with tablecloth and napkins. We deserve the best!”Hooray for you,L.S.!
• “Local farmer’s markets are a fantastic way to buy fresh,locally farmed produce. I love shopping at mine,as there is so much more than just fruits and vegetables. But I have made it a habit to check in with my senior neighbors to see if I can pick a bit up for them as well.”— P.F. in Georgia
• “To keep from getting splatters on windowpanes when painting trim,rub a little petroleum jelly right on the glass. You can splatter all you want, but it will wipe right off.”— S.K. in Massachusetts
• “My mom doesn’t see so well,so she has a hard time with the labels on her medicine. We bought a multipack of colored electrical tape (it comes in many different colors) and placed a different color on each pill bottle. Then I made a chart that shows which color represents which pill. I made the chart large,and taped it inside her medicine cabinet. She can see it very well,and when she gets her refills,I just make sure the bottles are taped with the right color.”— A Reader,via e-mail
• Traveling with kids can be a chore sometimes,but luckily,kids love distractions. Art supplies such as modeling compound,crayons and coloring books,plus small toys can be parceled out at regular intervals to keep kids occupied during long flights or road trips. You can accomplish this for less money and find an incredible variety at your local dollar store. These small distractions can provide hours of entertainment at a small price.
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.
By Samantha Weaver
• Next time you’re making a trip to Hong Kong,you might want to stop by a Pizza Hut and try a pizza you probably won’t find here in the United States:It’s topped with corned beef, corn and peas. In Saudi Arabia,you can have one topped with tuna,and curry is a favored topping in Australia. Russians evidently like mackerel, salmon and sardines,while Germans — perhaps unsurprisingly — order their pizzas topped with sauerkraut.
• It was Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero who claimed,“No sane man will dance.”
• Musical talent can show up early in life,and that can lead to some questionable activity. Consider this:At the age of 15,perennial pop star Elton John was performing in pubs,and guitarist Carlos Santana got started playing in bars when he was 14. New Orleans native Fats Domino began even earlier — he began performing in bars at the tender age of 10.
• Considering the fact that movies and television are filled with images of prison inmates attacking and killing each other,you might be surprised to learn that in the U.S. prison system,the mortality rate is nearly 20 percent lower than in the non-incarcerated American population.
• The sun contains 99.8 percent of all the matter in the solar system and weighs 500 times as much as everything else in the solar system put together.
• Everyone is familiar with International Business Machines — IBM is a household name in this age of technology. Buy you probably didn’t know how dedicated the company is to innovation:In 2001 alone,Big Blue received 3,432 patents — an average of 66 every week. ***
Thought for the Day: “I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today.”— Will Rogers
(StatePoint) Identity theft is on the rise nationwide. In fact, consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a 25% increase over the prior year, according to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission.
This trend underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to protect yourself – including properly handling your sensitive documents. The UPS Store network, with its variety of services that help keep your private information private, is offering these tips to help you guard against identity theft: Shred Documents: Keeping printouts of sensitive documents you no longer need increases
Destruction. While this is an important service yearround, it’s an especially good time to declutter documents, as The UPS Store is offering a 25% off discount for shredding services for a limited time.
your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. When it comes time to destroy confidential information, you need to turn to a retailer you can trust. The shredding services available at any of the 5,400+
The UPS Store locations nationwide is a far more convenient, secure and time-saving choice compared to home shredding. When you visit The UPS Store locations, they make the process simple.
A store associate will weigh your documents, then you place them into the locked shredding bin.
The UPS Store network uses one of the leading document destruction vendors, Iron Mountain, which is AAA-certified by the National Association for Information
Protect Mail: Theft from mailboxes has significantly increased in recent years. Porch pirates stole $12 billion in packages in the past year, with up to 58 million Americans affected, according to Security.org. Beyond packages containing valuable goods, many thieves specifically target mail containing sensitive information, putting you at risk any time you receive mail from your bank, the IRS, insurance companies or other similar entities.
Gain safety, convenience and peace of mind with a personal or business mailbox at your local The UPS Store location. Route your mail and packages to your local The UPS Store location, which will even sign for packages and send you delivery text alerts. The UPS Store mailbox services accept deliveries from all carriers, ensuring your mail and packages reach you, every time.
As identity theft becomes more prevalent, taking proactive measures to protect you and your personal information is critical. Don’t leave your privacy to chance – leverage resources that exist to help you stay protected.
(StatePoint) Thanks to content being delivered nonstop over social media channels such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, financial advice is more accessible than ever before. The bad news? Much of it can be misinformation.
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, here are some red flags to watch out for, so you can stay on track with your goals:
Lack of qualifications: Someone simply calling themself an expert does not make it so. Look for credentials such as CFP® certification to indicate that the social media influencer has formal financial planning education and experience.
Guaranteed returns: Offers that sound too good to be true typically are. Be wary of “no risk, high reward” claims.
Pressure: Applying pressure on viewers to act fast could be a sign that you’re watching a scam artist. CFP® professionals can work with you to plan years and even decades ahead, on goals such as retirement or buying a home. Financial planning can take time.
Sensational language: Is a financial influencer, or “finfluencer,” dismissing traditional retirement accounts as obsolete? Advising that you tie up all your assets in real estate? Be suspicious of bold claims challenging prevailing finan-
cial wisdom. It’s important to remember that many influencers operate with one goal in mind: getting views, likes, comments and reshares. While such content is entertaining, it doesn’t necessarily constitute sound financial advice.
Paid promotions: If the influencer is touting a specific solution or product, it could be a sign they are being paid to do so. Financial advice should be delivered with your best interests in mind.
Anecdotal evidence: Every financial situation is unique, so use caution before following advice based on someone’s personal experience. What worked for the content creator may not work for you.
Of course, knowledgeable financial influencers can exist. While their insights can provide general education, there is no substitute for financial advice tailored to your unique situation, delivered by a qualified professional committed to acting in your best interests. To find your CFP® professional, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.
While social media has the power to help consumers, there is a lot of distracting background noise out there. Before acting on advice from social media, always pause to consider how it aligns with your long-term financial goals.
(StatePoint) If you’ve been watching your wallet, you’re not alone. As Americans continue to navigate inflation, 76% report cutting back on spending, up from 67% in 2024, according to the second annual Wells Fargo Money Study.
The majority of Americans also say they are making tough financial choices to navigate their lives, including delaying plans with hefty price tags, such as travel, homeownership, education, marriage and retirement.
“There is a clear social narrative surrounding the question: ‘do I, and will I, have enough?’ The fact that these questions are being asked is positive because we know the earlier people focus on their money behaviors, the more time they have to course correct to achieve their goals,” said Michael Liersch, head of Advice and Planning at Wells Fargo.
Consumers continue to navigate higher than expected prices
An overwhelming 90% of those surveyed responded they feel “sticker shock” in one or more areas of common spending, including eating out, attending a concert, buying a bottle of water, or downloading a video game, and say actual costs are between 55%
money other people have, 37% admit to obsessing about getting rich, 34% admire social media millionaires, and 23% admit to sometimes overspending just to keep up with people around them.
and 200% higher than what they expect.
“Spending is one of the most important factors to staying on track,” said Liersch. “I would encourage people to align their spending with what matters most to them.”
Nearly all Americans (94%) acknowledge that they want to do just that: align money choices with their values, and 86% want to be more intentional and thoughtful about spending.
According to Liersch, “These insights highlight that Americans are not just winging it. They are being extraordinarily introspective as they navigate their financial priorities.”
Americans judge themselves, not others
Money can be an emotional topic, at times inciting envy, anxiety and secretiveness. While 87% of Americans say it makes no difference to them how much money another person has, 56% keep how much they have secret, and 32% of them say it’s because they are trying to avoid people judging them.
Americans also spend time thinking about how much money other people have –and wishing they could have more themselves. Forty-seven percent responded they often feel envious of how much
“Americans appear comfortable with other people being authentic about their financial situation, which is encouraging,” Liersch says. “So now it’s time to overcome self-judgment and reset the frame of reference from others to one’s own personal benchmark.”
Americans want help meeting goals
Eighty-six percent of respondents say they have a clear picture of what they want their money to do for them. And the vast majority are optimistic about how to do it: 87% say now is a good time to save and 65% say now is a good time to invest. Yet 61% say they need a mental reset, and are being held back by such factors as difficulty changing habits, lack of financial knowledge and other financial responsibilities.
To overcome these challenges, Americans are seeking more financial advice year over year. Last year, 24% said they were seeking more advice from others; this year it’s 36%. Looking across generations, the desire for more advice is higher among teens (54%), gen Z adults (61%) and millennials (46%).
At a time when many are feeling cash-strapped, learning new ways to think about and manage money can help you take control of your financial future.
For the full report, visit sites.wf.com/wfmoneystudy-2025.
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