100 days until Graduation: Money Management post-graduation

Graduation 2022 is coming upon us this winter as our seniors get prepared with caps, gowns, and more. I am one of the several students that will graduate this year. Many seniors will have a lot of plans. However, they may not know the importance of keeping finances in check. Otherwise, the future will likely promise slim chances of sustaining aspiring careers besides the increases of life’s calamities. That is why this ongoing event will provide insight and support towards life after graduation.

The 100 days until graduation event involves a social meeting between graduates of two semesters and the host, Dr. Juan R. Castro. Dr. Castro is the executive director of the CBET. The meeting shows us how to correctly manage money after graduation along with supporting details to aid us with this new pursuit.

Here are the 4 main tactics for currency management in the most secure and beneficial ways:

  1. Building a Positive Net Worth
  2. Emergency Fund
  3. Control and save the expenses
  4. Learn to Invest’

Net worth is the total amount for an individual and such, with reporting of assets and liabilities included. Liabilities are what you owe from your properties or assets. In turn, the knowledge of what you have and owe makes out the budget, describing the possible net worth. One aid to prevent any disastrous outcomes is too not buy expensive goods like glamorous cars. Having this kind of luxury will guarantee in owing much more than its base price. We would not go far with other financial goals if buying an expensive car is a part of the plan. It may sound depressing, but it is much better to be stable than regretful with that irresistible mistake.

If any disasters occur even if the finances are efficiently managed, be prepared with emergency funds. With those funds, there is coverage for any damages such as job loss, sudden health expenditures, and replacing household necessities. Plus, it further supports financial security and stability.

A quote to recall from the event: “Remember, the poor is not the one who has little, but the one who needs a lot.” Regarding sustainability of money, poor is the one who spends more of their income. If anyone is not in control of their debt or their spending, this error will run your life. It is best to focus on the expenditures while overseeing how much is spent.

It is important to build an investment. There are four common misconceptions and mistakes that will trample stability if a young graduate is careless.

  1. It is easy for a prime adult to ponder about retirement near the end of their careers. But withholding the idea for that long period is likely to stop the contentment of maintaining the lifestyle when reaching senior age. Instead, they need to think about retirement while they are still working, even if it sounds too early. 2. There should be a plan for investment. Otherwise investing is just a fleeting thought. 3.When a graduate begins the plan, start gradually to attain knowledge so the process is proper. It is advised not to jump into the plan without learning anything. 4. Lastly, pay attention to retirement accounts while working your career. Ignoring them is another determent in the retirement plan.

Those are the most integral points that I wanted to discuss from the lecture. All of this may seem a lot to take in yet learning how to use your money along with managing it is more than helpful when going out into the world after graduation.

1st Gen M1 MacBook Air @ Student Prices

The release of the gen 1 MacBook Air 2020 with the M1 chip was a phenomenal release and had even better sales reports. The installation of the M1 chip instead of the Intel core processor made this the first line of silicon MacBooks that were made all in house. This chip has cut down on overall processing time in every Mac and even made the MacBook Air a fanless design. With this new fanless design the laptop is lighter and does not overheat. Along with the chip upgrade, the microphone has been upgraded with background noise cancellation and the FaceTime camera got a better light tone update. The programmer made our day with the switch back to scissor switch keyboards from their predecessors, the hated, butterfly switch keyboard. On top of that, the trackpad is a force touch and is 1.5 inches bigger than the other leading laptop brand. 

With the power the M1 chip gives to the new MacBook, we now have almost all the power the MacBook Pro has, which is amazing. This model has an 8-core CPU which is the fastest in any laptop and makes 8k video editing 3.5x faster than the previous model. With this CPU, graphics for video editing or gaming is 5x faster than the last MacBook Air model. Now we get 6 more hours free of charge on the new 18-hour battery life and we get the powerful features of macOS Big Sur. This also includes new privacy updates, new design aesthetic, and extraordinary app updates like the new connectivity of iPad and iPhone apps on MacBook. 

Now with all this power, you would think there would be more new functions that everyone will use, right? You are right, there are new functions for everyone like the instant wake, unified memory, and a 2560 by 1600 retina display with a 25% more color gamut. We also were given true tone technology, meaning the notebook automatically adjusts the white point to the color temperature of your environment. In addition to that we have an HD camera for sharper images that shows more details with shadows and highlights, and that includes a three-microphone array that hones in on your voice and cancels out background noise. The most popular feature is the new touch id. You can unlock your Mac, use Apple Pay, open password protected websites and documents and make purchases on the Apple TV app with your finger. As an extra bonus, apple is giving everyone who buys a new MacBook one year free of Apple TV, so this deal just keeps getting better no matter who purchases this. 

Although a few things we miss is all the connectivity we had with USB ports, SD card ports, Apple has gotten rid of those and made dongles to replace them with. So now we have the option of 2 or 4 USB-C ports with purchase of a dongle. Not an optimal solution. It is anywhere from $10-50 for a dongle depending on what connectivity you need, but you can get these anywhere from the Apple store with your MacBook purchase or a campus bookstore. 

Honestly, I can look past that for everything else this laptop has given me. With education pricing you only pay $899 for the best laptop in the game. This is all a big step in the right direction, and I am very excited to be a part of the wave of new technology my laptop forged the way for.

Investing In Yourself

There are two types of people in this world, the spenders and the savers. It does not matter which side of the line you are behind, because we all should invest in ourselves. Most have heard the saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” While picking up stray pennies is ONE creative way to get extra money, here are seven steps that are sure to help fatten your piggy bank.

Step 1 – Define your goal. Write the goal down and keep it visible. If you can see it, the more likely you are able to stick with saving.

Step 2 – Evaluate your expenses versus income. This can be particularly brutal once seen in black and white. Sometimes seeing where your hard-earned money flow goes can change spending outlooks.

Step 3 – Determine what can be eliminated or cut back on. Monthly subscriptions, daily coffee, and a bagel, eating out EVERY weekend, you get the idea. Create your own coffee drinks and smile, because with every sip, you are saving money.

Step 4 – Now, this is the hard part. Actually unsubscribing, changing habits, and cutting up the credit cards. Think outside of the box: instead of shopping, set up a clothing swap with friends. Have dinner and game night at home with friends and family. Just think of the tip money you would have given away, now in YOUR piggy bank!

Step 5 – Investigate what savings type best fits your lifestyle. Here are just a few to research…There are epockets, which are attached to checking accounts. The money is put in the “pocket” and you never even notice that it is gone. It is funded when deposits are made. Many banks have Christmas Club accounts. It is your prerogative if that is actually what you use it on. The funds are deposited into the Christmas Club account beginning in January, and the funds are not able to cash out until December. If you are only wanting a savings account for life’s unexpected emergencies, an Emergency Savings would fit the bill. Most Emergency Savings accounts have a set dollar amount goal, usually $1,000.00 to $5,000.00, respectively.

Step 6 – Make your savings a priority. Designate a certain date, like payday, to invest money, whether weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly.

Step 7 – Then just sit back and watch the money in your account grow. You will learn to love the bank statements, seeing your money grow instead of disappearing! Financial education is a lifelong process, respecting the value of money, and making it work for you and your goals is key. From the first coin into a piggy bank as a child to drafted monies into secured accounts as an adult, each is a valuable lesson. No matter whether you are saving for a special Christmas gift, the newest gaming console, or a new set of tires, taking control of your finances is a step in the right direction.

Arkansas-Side Texarkana Marijuana

It is crazy how times have changed. Marijuana growers used to have to hide their crops from authorities but now, many are able to not only grow it in plain sight, but also sell it in plain sight. Technically, medical marijuana dispensaries are a breach of federal law, but thanks to legalization of medical marijuana in a number of states, they are spreading across the U.S. in order to help those in need. Marijuana has now become one of the new wonder drugs for many ailments.

Marijuana dispensaries are popping up all over the United States, including Texarkana. A medical marijuana dispensary is a location permitted to legally sell medical marijuana to medically qualified patients for medicinal purposes only. In order to become a customer at a dispensary, a person needs to first consult their doctor who can inform them about what conditions may be treated with cannabis. If the doctor feels they are a candidate, he or she will write them a prescription. The doctor or a pharmacist can help a patient find a nearby dispensary.

There are also directories available on the Internet, listed by state. The medical marijuana dispensary currently open in Texarkana is Bloom Medicinals Cannabis Dispensary located at 410 Realtor Avenue. Red River Remedy Medical Marijuana Dispensary is set to open this month at 4423 East Broad Street.

“I have received mixed reactions about the new medical marijuana dispensaries,” said Texarkana, Arkansas City Manager Kenny Haskins. “If we roll out a plan and make sure we police it in a way that is efficient and effective, I think the community and those who are detractors will eventually evolve.” The city will require the two dispensaries to pay an annual permit of $11,000 to operate.

It is not easy to become a dispensary owner. One must follow the proper paperwork and procedures in order to become licensed by regional authorities. Just remember, medical marijuana dispensaries sell marijuana for medicinal purposes only. Recreational dispensaries will not be around any time soon. 

More Than Just Books

This is the time of the year when everyone is looking for something special for a family member or a friend. How about trying Books-A-Million? They sell lots of books, but did you know they offer a variety of other things. They have an enormous number of gifts; coffee mugs, games, inspirational items, toys, candles, clothing wear, collectible items, magazines, comic books, and of course lots of books. There is an array of different assortments you are sure to find for that special someone. If you cannot find anything in the store, try checking out their website.

If you do not know what to get, they offer gift cards as well. If you have someone in your life that enjoys reading books, perhaps you could get them a membership card that offers 10% off anything they buy in the store. Get 40% off of Hardback Bestsellers and 20% off of featured items too.

There is a coffee shop within the store called Joe Muggs Coffee. During the holiday season, they are offering several specialty coffees. If you or someone you know loves playing games get together at Book-A-Million for an enjoyable time playing with friends and make new friends. Some customers are already gathering to play the game Magic of the Gathering. If playing games is not your style, you can pick up a book and read it as you decide rather you want to purchase that book while enjoying a cup of coffee. You can use your gift cards and membership card when purchasing a drink or snack as well as using them on their website.

Looking to get a little extra cash for the holiday, Books-A-Million offers buyback books at their store. You can bring up to fifty books at a time of gently used books for cash during certain times. After the new year, they will be buying used DVDs and blue rays too. “If you need any help with buying back books just ask for me the ‘book broker’ and I will get you set up for cashback” a staff member said.  Some books they cannot take are dictionaries, bibles, textbooks, and dated books.

Need to study or have a group or club? Books-A-Million loves to have groups come into their store to gather. “Study groups are usually our regular customers, especially Nursing Majors. Some of our regular customers bring in their own mugs for an added discount.” Tiffany, who works at Joe Muggs Coffee said. Wi-Fi is available for students who need a different environment for studying or writing a paper for class.

Come check out Books-A-Million for that special someone or for yourself. You will find something for everyone on your list. Or maybe just come by and check out what all this store has to offer. You will be surprised by the many things they have in their store.

Membership fee:  $25.00 with any purchase.

Gift Cards:  Starting at $5.00 up to $500.00

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Thurs. 8am-10pm; Fri. – Sat. 8am-12am; Sun. 9am-9pm

Buy Back Book Hours:  Sunday-Thursday 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm.

Retro Jerseys Put Stars in Fans’ Eyes

On Wednesday, January 1, 2020, the Dallas Stars will play against the Nashville Predators in one of the most iconic games in the NHL season – the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. The Winter Classic first took place in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres facing off in what would be the start to a now long-standing tradition. Every year since then, two teams are selected to play on New Year’s Day in what is called the Winter Classic. This season, the Stars and the Predators are at the center of it all with the game being held in the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, the furthest south the Winter Classic has ever traveled.

One of the reasons this highly-anticipated matchup has drawn so much attention is that the two participating teams released new retro-themed jerseys for the game. This year, the Stars revealed their Winter Classic jerseys (pictured below) and had them up for pre-order on November 6. The jerseys sold out in less than a day. 

Photo from dallasstars.com

This season the Winter Classic jerseys were in such high demand that the Dallas Stars franchise had to re-release a limited supply of the jerseys a week later in-store only, explaining that they were not expecting such a high quantity of orders. There has also been an unexpected demand for young players such as Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen that simply could not be met during the pre-order release. More jerseys will become available in mid-December according to the Stars’ website but fans are encouraged to follow the Stars’ social media pages for updates on jersey availability.

Brewster’s Begins on the Boulevard

Exciting developments are happening in the Texarkana area. On October 15th a new coffee shop, Brewster’s on the Blvd (BB), located on Texas Boulevard, will host its grand opening. There will be giveaways, live music, and Kicker 102.5 will be broadcasting live. 

BB has been in the works for several months. City Church of Texarkana in recent years purchased the Texas plaza. From the beginning, their goal has been to create a space for the community to gather. A coffee shop was the obvious answer for them. They will offer artisan coffee carefully picked by the owners. They will also offer a venue for artists to play music as well as offer a private room available to rent for meetings or parties. 

City Church also searched far and wide for the perfect person to lead the ship on this exciting new adventure. Chuck Taramona recently managed a coffee shop in Mount Pleasant and has had many years of experience under her belt. She is excited and ready for the new opportunities it will bring to our community.

Make sure to attend the grand opening Tuesday, October 15th. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. For more info, follow their Facebook page.

NSLS Gives New Leaders a Boost

The National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) has officially paved its way into a new semester to do what they have never done before at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

The first event that new members went to was Orientation. This semester, Orientation dates were October 3rd & 7th. During Orientation, students learned the steps of the leadership development program and the schedule of events for the semester. On October 3rd, new members eager to discover their inner leader came to their first event of the semester. At the beginning of the night they were shy, but the time they left, they were ready to discover their wildest dreams.

The next event on campus was Leadership Training Day, on October 10th or 17th, where student members attended an interactive video training session to identify their goals and overcome obstacles. This introspective seminar helped members identify their true passions and strengths while creating action steps to achieve their goals.

Darrylynn Dean is the new Society Events Chair for NSLS. Ms. Dean plans to help people reach their full potential by hosting events for all chapter members. On November 12th, Dean plans to host a formal event where members can interact and grow into their leadership qualities. She will invite a guest speaker to talk about “The Mindset of Growth”. “I feel like it was one of my callings to influence people. I want to help people discover themselves. I am really passionate about it”, Dean said.

Trio of Tastes Downtown

Looking for a tasty night on the town? How about three in one?

On October 17, 2019 the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals will be hosting their annual Taste of Downtown at three different locations beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. The point of this event is to encourage the growth of the downtown area as well as support local businesses. 

From 6-7 p.m. people will begin at Verona Restaurant to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a glass of one of the wine specials. The next tasting will be held at Hopkins Icehouse from 7-8 p.m. Hopkins will serve classic American appetizers and your choice of their beer or cocktail specials. Last, but certainly not least, 8-9 p.m. Pecan Point will be giving chef-inspired small plates along with a pint of a craft beer special or Pecan’s signature sangria special. 

All of the food is covered by one ticket price, but participants will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Organizers encourage bringing cash so the process will be quick and smooth. The cost for the ticket will be $38 as the early bird special, or $40 the day of. Chamber of Commerce members also receive a discounted price.

The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals is a committee of Texarkana’s Chamber of Commerce. Their goal is to band together young professionals in the local community to network and to encourage fellowship with each other. For info on upcoming events, click here.

Let the Good Times Roll

In recent months Texarkana, Arkansas city officials have voted on putting an entertainment district in a 14-block area of downtown. The timing of a state law allowing open container and the recent push for renewing downtown could not be more perfect.

The entertainment district will allow for adult beverages to be consumed outside of a business as well as allow for roads to be closed for events. 

The Arkansas state legislature approved bill 492. A bill that encourages hospitality and tourism. It will cause growth and support to already established local businesses. This boost will make an impact on not only the downtown area, but our city as a whole.

Before this will come into effect, four workshops and a hearing were necessary to cover details and concerns. One concern that was addressed was one of how trash would be handled. Public works agreed to handle the trash and cleanliness of ther area. Another concern was what the beverage containers would be and red solo cups were agreed upon.

In less than thirty days the entertainment district will be allowed. Open containers will be allowed 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday.