Village News Magazine February 2021 by Peter Cousin

2404 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 501 P:877-842-5478 X 200 E: Peter@Omybathandbody.com www.omybathandbody.com

Dear Village News Readers, Welcome to the February “Valentine’s Day” edition of our magazine.

Celebrating 17 Years Village News Staff

This is our annual “LOVE” magazine. Make sure to check out the loving poems from our readers on the special feature article called the Tunnel of Love. You might recognize some of the entries. We hope you enjoy the article.

Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

There are several things we can turn our attention to in February. The 2nd is Groundhog Day. It marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. The 5th is National Wear Red day. Join in the fun!

Sherry Wood Marketing Director Sherry@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

The 7th is the annual Superbowl for the football fans in the world. Yes the game will be different with little to no fans and the half time show will take place probably without the statum. But... it’s still football!

LaRay Cooper Business Development LaRay@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

Valentine’s Day is on the 14th. A day to show your sweetheart how much you love them. President’s Day is the 15th. President's Day HistoryPresident's Day was originally established in celebration of George Washington's birthday. In 1880, Congress voted to make it the first national holiday which honored an individual. In 1968, Congress enacted the Uniform Monday Bill to give workers as many long weekends as possible.

Sarah Messinger Business Development Sarah@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620

Mardi Gras begins on the 16th but there’s no telling how much the celebrations wll be deminished due to the pandemic. At whatever you do this February, we hope you enjoy your read of Village New Magazine!

Golf Golf Tips Tips 5 Golf Tips

Education Education 4 11 6 12 25 19 22

Fashion Trend VBSPCA - Safe Pet Toys NOW OPEN Soap Supply Shop Computer Mandate THE ART CORNER-Starry Night Your February 2021 Horoscope Feel a cold coming on?

FEATURE FEATURE 17 Annual Tunnel of Love

Culture Culture 7 Gourmet SELECTS 15 COCKTAILS On TheHouse: Love Potion 28 Finding Fulfillment 31 Exepting a paper stimulus checck?

Humor 5 Golf Humor

Fashion Month showcased a brave new world of digital enterprises, from Insta releases, to livestreamed shows, artful videos, titans of the industry in conversation on YouTube, and socially distanced in-person runways. It was designers adapting to the moment, and that idea translated directly to the collections—where 12 trends sum up the current mood. Are you ready for post-quarantine belted looks? Want to stand out in statement coats? Keep things cool in oversized denim? Swap sweatpants for chinos? Ease into 2021 in something pretty and pastel? The old rules no longer apply. See what you’ll be wearing for the revolution and shop 12 key pieces that will refresh your whole outlook on dressing, if not life itself. No promises, of course.

Petal to the Metal How does your garden grow? The bolder, the brighter, and the more impactful seems to be the only way forward for spring. Designers certainly aren’t here for wilting daisies; instead, they’re bringing the floral motifs in sunny yellows, on neon tulip dresses, and on gala-worthy ball gowns in shades of pink so incandescent you’ll need shades to look straight at them. Pictured from top to bottom: Tom Ford, Valentino, Marni, Carolina Herrera, Duro Olowu, Kwaidan Editions, Molly Goddard, and Christopher John Rogers.

How to Improve your game Swing with an anti-slice grip

If you slice, it’s probably because you’re not closing the clubface fast enough through the hitting zone. To improve your ability to deliver a square clubface (relative to your path), make practice swings with your hands split apart on the grip. Hold the club in its normal position with your gloved hand, then slide your lower hand down to where the grip meets the shaft (photo, left). Separating your hands like this makes it easier to square the face through impact and keep the handle pointing at your belly button as the clubhead slings out toward the ball. Make sure to brush the grass aggressively. If you can recreate the feels in the drill on real swings, you’re money.

Give your backswing a power boost

As you start the club back, make it a goal to get your hands as far away from your right ear as possible and maintain that width all the way to the top of your backswing. A wider swing arc automatically fuels a faster downswing and eliminates the chopping action that causes pop-up drives and slices.

Learn the benefits of consistent lag putting

Pros rarely 3-putt inside of 40 feet, but do so almost a third of the time from outside 60 feet. Even for the best players in the world, lag putting is a score-breaker. Make it a part of any practice session.

As Promised! NOW OPEN & SHIPPING Soap Supply Shop – Everything you need to make your own soap! Buy NOW!!! www.SoapSupplyShop.com. You’re a homemaker, an inspired hobby enthusiast or someone who can appreciate the power of DIY (creating things yourself)! Now, you can whip up a batch of nature-inspired, high quality soap products, right in the comfort of your kitchen or shop! • Do you like to work with your hands? • Like to create something special from where once there was nothing? SOAP SUPPLY SHOP is a division of Omniio, LLC, the parent company of O My!® Bath and Body. We specialize in the sourcing and supply of premium quality ingredients to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, Aromatherapy, and Soapmaking Industries. We are here to help you begin your next soap-making project. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, we will strive to be your preferred shop for quality raw material supplies.

Need answers? Call us at 877-842-5478

2404 Castleton Commerce Way Suite 501 Virginia Beach VA 23456

1/4 cup Chinese plum sauce 1/4 cup ketchup 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined and tails removed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon peanut oil 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts kept separate) 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar Cooked white rice, for serving, optional Directions Stir together the plum sauce, ketchup, soy sauce and pepper flakes in a small bowl and set aside.

Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No problem!

Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.

Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the scallion whites, garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until soft, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar and scrape up any brown bits that cling to the bottom of the skillet. Add the plum-ketchup sauce and bring to a simmer. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the scallion greens and give the skillet a swirl to bring everything together. Divide among 4 plates and serve with white rice if using. Last Step: Pick up the phone and call and invite me to dinner. This looks terrific.

Here, Village News Shows You How.

The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net

Dear Village News Readers, This month I want to talk to you about virus protection once again. While the pandemic is still raging out of control, there is another virus that is doing the same to computers. As more and more unsolicited emails are being sent to warn you of Covid and things you can do to protect your self and your family, unscrupulous hackers are jumping on board and adding an email virus to these emails. Once you open them and click on the link, they attack your email’s search for people in your program. Then, after attaching to them, all you need to do is click on someone you want to send an email to and you spread it to them.

What can be done? One it is attached it is difficult to get rid of however we can fix that. Call my office today and get on our waiting list and we will come out, clean your computer and if need be restart it at a previous date before it attached to you. You should never open an email from someone you do not know. We’ve said it time and again. There are people out to take advantage of our country’s situation. Remember if you need us, call. See below. David always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”

www.OmyBathandBody.com Goat Milk is very beneficial to the health of our skin due to the similar PH Balance, as well as the natural Vitamins and Minerals found within! O My! Goat Milk Soaps have been known to moisturize dry skin, help to heal sensitive skin conditions, and exfoliate dead skin cells,

Where can I find O My! You can now find O My! products in over 3,000 retail locations nationally, at your favorite spas & pharmacies, at hospitals, general stores, natural grocery stores, hallmarks, retail gift stores, garden centers, hardware stores, gourmet stores, fabric stores, bookstores, college campuses, private schools, as well as military commissaries and exchanges. But WAIT!!! You can now find "O My!" products by going directly to their website: OMYBathandBody.com. You will LOVE this site! Take a look at the page on the right. OMy! is now located at 2404 Castleton Commerce Way in Suite 501 here is Virginia Beach. New location with same great products and YOU can buy them right from the manufacture.

877-842-5478 Come by and visit the new DIGS! 13

2021

About European Wax Center As the largest waxing company in the U.S., European Wax Center believes that revealing beautiful skin is the first step toward revealing the best version of yourself. The brand's mission is to inspire women to be authentic and unapologetically confident in everything they do. As a lifestyle beauty brand admired by millions for our all-natural COMFORT WAX (R) , our exclusive 4 Steps to Gorgeous (R) process, and propriety collection of services and brow, body and skincare products enable everyone to feel pampered, confident and beautiful in their own skin. EWC is so confident that it will be love at first wax, the first wax is always complimentary. "We are thrilled to be expanding the European Wax Center experience throughout the Hampton Roads/Southeast Virginia area" says Laura Wertling, Franchisee of our newest European Wax Center location at Town Center, 4485 Virginia Beach Blvd, VB (757 538-7002). "We believe what we offer is about helping everyone find their own version of Gorgeous that can be incorporated into a regular beauty routine." Please join us at our new Town Center location or at our Hilltop Plaza location at 1725 Laskin Road, #9, Virginia Beach (757) 938-3555 soon so you can experience first-hand why we are one of the fastest growing companies in the beauty lifestyle services category.

When it comes to drink mixes, sweetened lime juice is not as popular as it probably should be. As the name states, it’s lime juice with added sweetener, which makes it a bit thicker and a more vibrant color. It’s typically served with gimlets. Raspberry Vodka: Raspberry flavored vodka is used because it blends well with the cranberry juice cocktail. If you don’t have raspberry vodka, you can use straight vodka instead. Cranberry Juice Cocktail: Yes, this beautiful cocktail has cranberry in it, but fear not – the taste is very mild. This is because we’re using a juice cocktail instead of 100% juice. A “juice cocktail” means that it’s actually a fruit blend with added sweeteners, so it already has a

softer taste than the 100% fruit juice.

Grenadine: The more mixed drinks I make the more I realize that all the best ones have grenadine. It’s a pomegranate-based syrup with a bright red color and a sweet, pleasant taste. The reason why this cocktail is so pretty is all thanks to the vibrant red hue of grenadine.

Welcome to the 2021 Tunnel of Love A tribute to you from me on this month of love To Danielle: Roses are red and of course violets are blue, My heart skips a beat every time I’m with you, so here’s to you my sweetheart, may you day be bright and full of love, your love for me is Outa-Sight! Love Bob

For Mary: Mary, Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow, with cockle shells and little bells and one GD Egg Plant. Happy Halloween Oh wait that’s wrong, Happy Valentine’s Day my sweet! Love Steve

For Alice: I love the way you make me feel the way your eyes gleam when I bring you a rose, so happy Valentine’s Day my love, may you always feel the same about me. Love Arnold

To Marty: When we first met my heart was on fire, your love for me was what I desired now married 32 years I can be without you, when you’re not around it makes me blue so come back to me and we’ll be fine, just please be my Valentine and let me shine. Love Daniel

To Bee Bee: I thank you for all these years you’ve put up with me when once I spent time on bended knee. You made me the happiest when you said yes and now we’re one you are the best! Love Ryan

To Lucky: I met you when I was down in the dumps, my took my hand and gave me goose bumps, 27 years later we’re still best of friends I trust in God it never ends so here’s to you my Valentine, with you by my side I do nothing but shine. Love Derrick

To Danielle: Roses are red and of course violets are blue, My heart skips a beat every time I’m with you, so here’s to you my sweetheart, may you day be bright and full of love, your love for me is Outa-Sight! Love Bob

To Joann: Here’s to you my beauty, my bestist wife, the one I turn to as always in my life, thank you for your love and constant wit, to me you’re better than a new catcher’s mitt. Love Mike

To Shirley: It once was said you weren’t for me, the time we spent however set me free, so Happy Valentine’s Day I love you so, you’ve got me now and well in tow. Love Barry

OK Monkey Boy it’s your turn this time to be my very best Valentine. I love you with all my heart no matter that you’re an old fart, We go together like Peanut butter and Jelly, but we have to do something about that belly :) Love Tonya

To Robert: I love you now and forever my dear, you came to me and I sit up and cheer, may your life with me continue forever, your mine for life don’t you think I’m clever. Love you - Bianca

We've all seen people reading the labels of food, beverage and supplement packaging to look at the ingredients and nutrition facts - chances are you have, too. More than ever, shoppers are looking at labels to make sure products match up with their values, whether it's protecting people or the planet. Over the past decade, purchase of and trust in food labels has increased, showing an upward trend in shoppers voting with their dollars for what they care about most. In fact, more than half of U.S. consumers agree eco-labels raise their trust in a brand, and nearly 65% believe retailers' and brands' claims about sustainability and the environment need to be clearly labeled by an independent organization (GlobeScan 2020). Three trustworthy labels to look for during your next grocery trip: * The blue fish: From the seafood counter, to canned or pouched fish, to frozen seafood, and even pet food and supplements, look for the blue fish label from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Products with the MSC blue fish label are independently certified sustainable, wild-caught seafood. MSC certified products are traceable back to a sustainable source in order to fight fraud and mislabeling.

* The butterfly: Processed foods - especially those containing corn, soy and sugar derivatives - dairy, meat and eggs, fruit and vegetables, snack foods, vitamins and supplements, vegetable oils, body care products and more can carry the NonGMO Project's butterfly label. In buying products with the butterfly label, sustainability-minded shoppers will know they're truly avoiding consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs). * The blue and green farmer: Farming is the single largest employer in the world - two out of every five people farm for a living! Purchasing goods with the Fairtrade America logo is an easy way to make a difference in the lives of people who grow our food, enabling them to earn a decent wage to support their families. Look for the logo on coffee, tea, chocolate, produce, cotton and more! By buying Fairtrade products, you are also helping to combat climate change, support gender equality, end child labor and protect workers' rights. No matter the grocery aisle, there's a label to look for, and making sure to purchase products that are MSC, Fairtrade and Non-GMO Project certified ensures you're doing what's good for your family, good for producers and good for the planet.

Aquarius

If you were you born in February

Welcome to 2021, Aquarius, and congrats on surviving 2020. Despite your aloof nature, your emotions run deep, and the stress of the pandemic has taken a toll on you. As an intellectual air sign, you used your brain try to stay busy rather than sink into despair. You may have found yourself busy organizing virtual family get-togethers or anti-racism fundraisers. While both are honorable tasks, you must be exhausted. It's likely that you may be in need of a little care and attention yourself these days. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, Aquarius, and if you want attention, you're going to have to allow yourself to be a little vulnerable and ask for support. Your task for 2021 is to break down your walls, as well as to learn to put yourself first. 19

How to help teachers in your area during the pandemic Our nation's teachers are facing unprecedented challenges this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some teachers are implementing new rules, procedures and classroom configurations to limit the spread of the illness. Others are creating entirely new online curricula for students who are learning from home. Many teachers are tasked with doing both at the same time, often without additional financial resources to make it all happen. A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. teachers by the education nonprofit DonorsChoose found that 42% of teachers were planning to teach in a hybrid format this fall, with students undergoing a combination of online learning and in-person learning. Thirty-five percent were set to teach entirely remotely, with 8% teaching in person and 14% unsure at survey time. Eighty-six percent of teachers reported feeling uncertain, anxious and overwhelmed as they prepared for the school year, and 81% expect that their schools will be forced to go online only at some point this school year. "I feel like waiting for answers is the hardest part," notes one teacher who responded to the survey. "It is a wait-and-see with the health and safety of students, families and staff members always in the forefront." In the survey, teachers also revealed the resources they most need. Teachers in the classroom: Cleaning supplies and PPE Of those teachers who returned to the classroom, 79% said they need cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep their students healthy and safe. In fact, DonorsChoose - which allows teachers to create requests for school resources that the public can help fund - has seen a surge in teacher requests for hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and air filters. Teachers have also been quick to request basic supplies like glue, scissors, crayons and pencils, since 72% of teachers report their schools are no longer allowing students to share materials. Teachers online: Instructional technology Many teachers began teaching online at the end of last school year. As school started this fall, 52% of teachers reported feeling more prepared to teach online than they did last spring, but there are still several challenges. The hardest part of teaching online, teachers report, is keeping students engaged. To do so, their greatest need is for instructional technology: laptops, tablets, document cameras and other technology to help them do 20

demonstrations and keep their students interested in the content. Fifty-three percent of teachers also reported a greater need for technology for their students, so they can follow along at home. All teachers: Professional development For experienced teachers, the lessons they've built and refined over years are being recreated to work for online or socially distanced learning. In the survey, 41% of teachers said the professional development they need most is for online instruction techniques; 20% were interested in learning more about online tools and technology to help them become stronger at remote teaching. All of these resource needs can add up quickly for teachers. "There will be a much greater need for classroom supplies as teachers have to change many things in their classrooms to keep materials, belongings and children separated," said another teacher who responded to the survey. "This expense will fall on the teachers." Since July, over 350,000 people have helped fund more than 110,000 teacher requests on DonorsChoose to help teachers to have a strong year, whether they're teaching at home or in the classroom. Still, there are nearly 50,000 teacher requests awaiting support. To find a teacher request to support, visit www.donorschoose.org.

The sun is setting on swiping at the pump Among its downfalls, 2020 was a fraud-heavy year. However, there is one type of fraud that can be thwarted in 2021: pay-at-the-pump fraud using cloned payment cards, also known as counterfeit fraud. This happens when cybercriminals skim cards and steal payment card data at fuel pumps or buy them from the dark web, print them onto counterfeit payment cards, and use them at older fuel pumps that do not have an EMVÂŽ chip or contactless card reader. And pay-at-thepant. Analysis from Group and Transices shows that matic fuel disyear is estimated to

pump fraud is ramMercator Advisory action Network Servfraud losses on autopensers (AFDs) this be $17,315 per site.

This type of fraud is prevalent because most gas stations still use outdated fuel pumps with point of sale (POS) systems that read the magnetic stripe on the back of a card instead of POS systems that use more secure chip and contactless card readers. It is time for station owners to upgrade their fuel pumps to protect themselves and their customers. Upgrading these fuel pumps has been a long time coming. Awareness about the intent to shift to chip cards for secure payments started in 2011 and the date for fraud liability to shift from financial institutions to fuel merchants has been pushed back multiple times since then. Visa is trying to stop fraudsters from taking advantage of consumers and merchants this way, and is encouraging fuel merchants to upgrade to EMV chip card and contactless readers at the pump - the most efficient way to prevent criminals from successfully using counterfeit payment cards - before the liability shift date of April 17, 2021. "In addition to consumers having an extra layer of protection, these upgrades benefit gas station owners by removing fraud dollars that impact their bottom line," said Julie Creevy Scharff, vice president of consumer products at Visa. "Based on Visa data, counterfeit fraud dollars decreased 87 percent among chip-enabled non-fuel merchants in the U.S. in March 2020 compared to September 2015, when the liability shift occurred for that community." Visa believes a similar reduction in counterfeit fraud perpetrated at fuel pumps can be experienced by fuel merchants if they embrace chip card and contactless card readers at the pump. Fortunately, there is still time to upgrade. Merchants should contact their payment or fuel pump provider so consumers can take advantage of a chip card reader with their chip card or use contactless payment when they fuel up. 21

Feeling a cold coming on? Do these things right now! Colds can make you feel run down and miserable. The last thing you want is the coughs, the sneezes and a run-down, foggy head feeling to hang on for weeks on end. So, that begs the question: What can you do to get through this bug as quickly as possible? "Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the common cold but there are some things you can do to line up your body's natural defenses when you first start noticing symptoms," says Dr. Jake Deutsch M.D., Founder and Clinical Director of Cure Urgent Care in New York City. What that means is taking action immediately. If you're feeling sniffly or have a tickle in your throat, it's time to put a quick plan into motion. Here's the recipe for relief: 1. Make a date lets your body rest seven to eight night makes you catching a virus. your recovery time, Clinic. When you try an earlier bedyou're getting the And if you feel during the day, you to take a permission for a schedule allows.

with your pillow: Sleep and heal. Not getting hours of shut-eye every more susceptible to Plus it can prolong according to the Mayo feel a bug coming on, time to make sure extra rest you need. sleepy and run-down that's your body telling break. Give yourself quick nap, if your

2. Drink plenty of water: During a cold, your body will need more fluids; in fact, being sick puts you at risk of dehydration. To make sure you're getting enough, download an app that lets you track how many ounces you're drinking a day. Think about keeping your favorite teas on hand too, as the hot liquid loosens congestion. 3. Get your dose of zinc: To shorten the duration of your cold, an effective product to try is Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts®, available at Walmart. Its clinically proven homeopathic formula taps into the power of your body's natural defenses to shorten colds. If you want to be better faster, take it at the first sign of a cold. BONUS TIP ... Watch a funny movie: As you've probably heard, there's a link between stress and depressed immune function. On the flip side, laughing triggers increased production of antibodies and T-cells that help fight off infection, according to research described in Science Daily. Streaming a comedy is the perfect pairing with a quiet, restful evening at home to get you on the road to recovery. "Although it may seem simple, completing these easy steps are the most important things you can do to support your immune system," says Dr. Deutsch. "Aside from rest and relaxation, the single most proactive thing you can do is to take Zicam at that very first hint of a cold to get better faster." To shorten your cold, adopt these healthy habits and turn to clinically proven Zicam® Cold Remedy. To learn more, visit zicam.com.

THE STORY OF STARRY NIGHT Vincent van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889 during his stay at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-RĂŠmy-de-Provence. Van Gogh lived well in the hospital; he was allowed more freedoms than any of the other patients. If attended, he could leave the hospital grounds; he was allowed to paint, read, and withdraw into his own room. He was even given a studio. While he suffered from the occasional relapse into paranoia and fits - officially he had been diagnosed with epileptic fits - it seemed his mental health was recovering. Unfortunately, he relapsed. He began to suffer hallucination and have thoughts of suicide as he plunged into depression. Accordingly, there was a tonal shift in his work. He returned to incorporating the darker colors from the beginning of his career and Starry Night is a wonderful example of that shift. Blue dominates the painting, blending hills into the sky. The little village lays at the base in the painting in browns, greys, and blues. Even though each building is clearly outlined in black, the yellow and white of the stars and the moon stand out against the sky, drawing the eyes to the sky. They are the big attention grabber of the painting. 25

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Finding fulfillment: Is this the right time to switch careers? The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in countless ways. From quarantine and social distancing to remote working, furlough and job loss, many people are reassessing how they spend their time and make money. Turning proverbial lemons into lemonade, people of all ages and backgrounds have decided to pivot their careers to do something that they truly enjoy. Time provides the gift of insight With extra time at home, people are taking stock of their jobs and paths for the future. They are exploring hobbies and passions that may have been put on hold. Finding enjoyment in these activities and realizing strengths and talents can be the inspiration for a new chapter. For example: * Limited restaurant hours and options paired with ample kitchen time has inspired foodies to flex their culinary muscles. Some have started showing off their creations on social media and recording how-to videos to share with friends and family. Live cooking videos have been a fun way to connect socially with others from a distance. * Having last-minute needs for items like desks, DIYers started working on projects in garages and sheds, realizing they have a maker mindset and handy capabilities. Talking with others and sharing images of finished projects, they've discovered their talents are in demand. * Unexpected changes due to hour reduction, job loss and more have financial consequences for many families. After creating agile budgets that help their family thrive in uncertain times, some may even share their budgeting tips and find joy in helping others discover financial security. The silver lining of the pandemic is the gift of time for reflection and self-discovery. However, it's one thing to enjoy a talent or passion, it's another to figure out how to monetize it.

For people who desire to help others with budgeting or financial concerns there's no better time to explore the possibilities for a bright, vibrant new career as a financial professional. Organizations such as The Guardian Life Insurance Company provide training on how to build your career and find clients. They partner you with mentors in a team setting so that you can learn from peers as you help clients reach financial confidence. They even provide proprietary software that will help you build plans for clients so they can visualize their future success. Financial representatives are in demand A financial representative is someone who owns their own business and makes their own hours. You can decide areas of specialty and what you're most passionate about. Financial representatives come from all backgrounds and exploring this career doesn't require previous experience. There is a growing need in the industry to have people from diverse groups become financial representatives in order to best represent a diverse group of clientele. To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com.

Desire inspires the need for change

Is it time you changed your future?

Being your own boss is appealing. If you've discovered a talent and you want to make it a career, it's important to explore options that can help set you up for success. Taking orders for custom-made desks can be a rewarding side gig or even full-time career, if you have the space, tools and organization skills. Passionate cooks can explore culinary school and consider hosting online cooking classes to help garner some money and grow their reputation.

Many people have been reassessing their life path during the pandemic and desire to make a change so they can spend their time doing something they love while making an honest living. If this is something you've been thinking about, there's no better time to consider options and opportunities.

Expecting a paper stimulus check? Here's what to do with it Are you expecting a paper government stimulus check? If you received one over the summer, it's likely you may have another on the way. But what is an easy and efficient way to cash it so you can quickly put those funds to good use? While depositing a check usually takes time to process and there are typically fees involved when trying to access funds more quickly, PayPal and Venmo are helping people receive their stimulus payment as swiftly as possible without compromising their health and safety - no trips to the bank or check-cashing locations required. All recipients have to do is take a picture of the check in the PayPal or Venmo app using the Cash a Check feature, select "in minutes," and receive their funds into their PayPal or Venmo balance to use them for everyday essentials, pay bills and more. Plus, for a limited time, PayPal and Venmo are waiving the Cash a Check fees so you can receive 100% of your stimulus funds (Terms Apply). So when you have your check cashed, what's next? Here are three tips on how to best allocate your stimulus funds. 1. Pay essential bills First and foremost, you'll want to focus on any important bills that are due. If you have more bills due than your check can cover, try contacting the creditor. Many utility companies and creditors are making allowances for difficult times right now by working out alternate payment arrangements based on each customer's unique situation. You can also offer to pay a portion of bills that are due to show good faith, leaving you more funds to do the same with other creditors if money is tight right now. 2. Create an emergency fund If your bills are caught up, but you don't have a fund set aside to handle emergencies such as unexpected car repairs or a medical bill, it may be a good idea to reserve as much as you can afford for a rainy day - your future self will thank you. 3. Pay down debt If one of your goals is reducing debt, consider paying more than the minimum due on a credit card or two. This not only helps you lower your monthly payments, but it could also boost your credit score, especially if you make it a regular habit. Whether you're planning to pay bills, looking to hang on to your funds for future use, or even using the funds for contactless online purchases, cashing your stimulus check via PayPal or Venmo allows you to access your funds as quickly as possible without compromising your health and wellbeing. Learn more about how to use the Cash a Check features at PayPal.com/stimulus or Venmo.com/stimulus. Each website provides easy step-by-step instructions for cashing your stimulus check using the Cash a Check feature in the PayPal and Venmo apps. PayPal and Venmo do not provide financial advice and this article is provided for informational purposes only. Terms apply.