Charities tapping into social networks for support


(ARA) – The way we talk with our friends, the way we date, eat, watch TV, even the way we vote has been transformed by the sudden and overwhelming popularity of social media technology. Our activities in the actual world are becoming ever more deeply intertwined with our activities in the virtual world.

In their ongoing efforts to find new supporters and strengthen bonds with the ones they already have, charities, too, are flocking to social media. Unlike letters in your mailbox or TV commercials, digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter give charities a chance to engage supporters in emotionally powerful ways – ways that not only encourage monetary giving, but turn supporters into full-blown advocates.  

Take the example of the humanitarian organization CARE. In 1946, CARE began sending boxes of food and essential supplies to a Europe reeling from Second World War. The program resonated with so many senders and receivers that the phrase “care package” became a common synonym for any gift parcels sent to far-away friends and relatives. Today the organization is trying to tap into fond memories of this legacy through social media. At www.CAREpackage.org, CARE invites donors to fill a digital CARE Package with money supporting CARE’s long-term poverty fighting programs focusing on girls’ education, maternal health, and economic empowerment for women through microfinance and small business training. Where it differs most from traditional online giving is through functions allowing social network friends to build packages together – all connected through Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. CARE Package “senders” are also invited to educate themselves and their friends on key issues, and as well offer tools to reach out to elected representatives.

CARE is not alone in using social networking to generate support. Applications like TwitChange generate interest and big money for charitable causes by auctioning the opportunity to be followed, mentioned or retweeted by their favorite celebrities on Twitter.

Even large corporate givers with a big presence in traditional marketing venues are moving into the social media space. General Mills and Merck have teamed up for an online charitable giving project called Join My Village. Simply by clicking on hyperlinks to videos, visitors to www.JoinMyVillage.com can steer donations from the two corporations to a microsavings program helping rural girls and women in Malawi. Because the site interfaces with Facebook and Twitter, it’s easy for users to invite their social networks to participate, increasing total donations, but also awareness of poverty issues around the globe.

How charitable giving through social networking will evolve during the next years, or even the next 10 months, is anyone’s guess. A decade ago, few people (if anyone) predicted the social network-based advocacy and giving that’s exploding in popularity today. What is certain is that changes in technology inevitably create new ways for charities and supporters to connect.

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Steps for catching up with old 401(k)s

(ARA) – The average American will hold 11 jobs between the ages of 18 and 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010). When you start a new job, you probably remember to pack your personal items and update your contact information, but did you consider what to do with your 401(k) held at your previous employer? It’s easy to leave behind.

A recent Merrill Edge survey found that nearly half (46 percent) of mass affluent Americans plan to rely solely or heavily on retirement plans offered by their employer for their retirement savings, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). This makes it more important than ever to keep track of your retirement savings.

Having accounts in more than one place can make keeping tabs more difficult. Rolling over your balances into one account helps to ensure you can properly track and manage your savings to help you pursue your retirement goals. When it’s simpler to monitor your investments, you can make changes as needed.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Americans today is planning for their retirement,” says Dean Athanasia, mass affluent and small business executive at Bank of America. “Many people expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Rolling over old 401(k)s is one small step consumers can take to help make managing their retirement savings easier and their retirement goals more attainable.”

Rolling over your old 401(k)s isn’t as complicated as you might think. Merrill Edge, offering a wide array of investment solutions from Merrill Lynch and access to the banking services of Bank of America all in one place, has a three step process to help you keep things simple:

1. Locate your accounts: Collect statements and account numbers for all your 401(k)s. If you’re missing any account information, call your former employers or benefits providers for the information you need.

2. Consider your options: Review all of the rollover options available to you. There may be many options for retirement investing and saving, so consider the length of time you plan to invest and the level of risk that’s comfortable for you. You can use a retirement calculator, like the Retirement Evaluator available on merrilledge.com, to help you see where you stand today and help you determine whether you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.

3. Choose your investments: Finally, decide how you’d like to invest. IRAs typically offer more investing options than 401(k)s to help you reach your retirement goals. Many online tools, such as the Asset Allocator available on merrilledge.com, can help you make investment decisions. Or, consult your financial services provider to help you make investment choices for your unique situation.

Consolidating 401(k)s into a single IRA account can make it easier for you to track and manage your retirement assets now, as well as when you start to withdraw funds in retirement. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you remember a few simple steps – collect your account information, evaluate the choices available to you, and select a roll over solution that is appropriate for you.

For more information on rolling over 401(k)s and retirement strategies visit merrilledge.com or speak with a Financial Solutions Advisor at the Merrill Edge Advisory center at (888) MER-EDGE (888-637-3343).

Investing in securities involves risks. Neither Merrill Edge nor its associates provide tax, accounting or legal advice. You should review any planned financial transactions or arrangements that may have tax, accounting or legal implications with your personal professional advisers. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, a 10 percent additional federal tax may apply to withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2.

Investment products:
* Are not FDIC insured
* Are not bank guaranteed
* May lose value

Merrill Edge is the marketing name for two businesses: Merrill Edge Advisory Center, which offers team-based advice and guidance brokerage services; and a self-directed online investing platform. Both are made available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N. A. and affiliated banks, members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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Five steps to take when considering a career change

(ARA) – Is this the right time for you to follow your passion or to reinvent yourself and make a career change? If so, make sure you can put your finger on what you want, so that you can sell yourself to prospective employers.

Carole Redden, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Phoenix, offers five career-change tips.

Network with a mission
Networking is vital to reinventing yourself or making a career move, but according to Redden, it should be done strategically and often. “You cannot wait for the job of your dreams to come to you,” says Redden. “There are people who attend networking events and do not maximize the number of people they talk to, or do not ask the right questions. If you are looking for a job, you must have a plan.”

Establish your targets before attending networking events and job fairs, and keep the conversation brief and to the point. Develop a relationship with employer representatives you chat with and remember, it’s not just about what you can get from them, but what they can gather from you. It’s a two-way exchange of information. To learn more about networking strategies read “Never Eat Alone,” where author Keith Ferrazzi contends that you’ll be more successful if you take the relationship-building approach. “You should circulate and make multiple new contacts at these events,” Redden says. Those who are unsure about how to network should think of it as “purposeful and engaging communication.”

Most people have more of a network of friends, family, former coworkers and other connections than they realize. It’s important to share your plans with them and ask for help. “If you don’t already have a network, try volunteering or going back to school – both are great ways to meet new people,” Redden adds.

Examine your skills and resources
You don’t have to be stuck in a job. Be proactive. Do a personal assessment and ask yourself: What background, skills and experience can I offer an employer? “If you’ve been in a job for 20 years, ask yourself, ‘What do I really want to do for a living?’,” says Redden. “Make some changes and some tough decisions. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Job seeking takes patience.”

Update your credentials
Many jobs require additional education or training. Take classes at local college, or a community or education center. Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost training. If required, obtain certification for your chosen field. “Once you have a developed your ‘brand,’ you’ve got to make yourself more marketable than the next person,” says Redden.

Pursue your passion/your goal
A career is more than a job; for some it’s also a passion, and the career path chosen will require some work. “Some people get so caught up in life pleasing others and forget they have the option to do what makes them happy,” says Redden. If you are out of work, be more diligent. Until you get to where you want to go, you should be willing to work harder in pursuing your passion. The practice of reinvention takes effort. For people who like delivering babies, they are happy when they go to work every morning because they have a passion for what they do.

Volunteer with nonprofits
Use your weekends to volunteer. “This is an opportunity to support those nonprofits that could benefit from your experience,” says Redden. With reinvention, you can still give back and offer to help those who are less fortunate. You will gain valuable work experience in your career of choice.

You can take the Myers-Briggs professional or similar assessments offered by many college career and employment counselors to measure competencies and areas of interest. “If you want a life change, then it’s up to you to do something about it,” says Redden. Be realistic about your strengths, skills and resources. Within reason and with passion, reinventing yourself is possible.

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Finding shoes to inspire confidence and comfort

(ARA) – It’s no secret that shoes can either make or break an outfit. But can uncomfortable shoes also affect your confidence?

According to a recent study, 94 percent of women say they feel good when their feet feel good. Stacy London, style expert and host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” has partnered up with the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her. She agrees that when it comes to shoes – women can look good and feel good at the same time.

“As a stylist, I know that finding a balance between fashion and comfort can sometimes be tricky. And chances are that most women have experienced “Fabulitis” – the discomfort caused by the decision to wear uncomfortable, yet fabulous shoes,” says London. “That’s why I use Dr. Scholl’s For Her insoles – because I can wear the shoes I want and feel comfortable doing it.”

Helping women get back on their feet

One of the most inconvenient times for women to face “Fabulitis” is during a job interview, especially since the right shoes are an essential component to feeling comfortable and confident. That’s why the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her are launching an interactive campaign to support Dress for Success Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that offers professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to women entering the workforce. The program will help empower women by contributing confidence-inspiring footwear and insoles to keep them comfortable while interviewing for jobs.

Stacy London’s interview wardrobe tips
London shares her tips for achieving fashion, comfort and confidence when tackling a job interview:

Comfort is key: Such a big part of achieving success is feeling comfortable in your own skin – and shoes for that matter. Go for heels and add a Dr. Scholl’s for Her insole for comfort.

Suit up: Suits (pant or skirt) are always appropriate. Pair suits with more feminine, colorful or textured tops to add flair.

Must-haves: Every woman should have a comfortable closed-toe heel for suiting and separates, a pencil or simple A-line skirt and a suit.

Walk the talk: Choose clothes and shoes that look and feel good for your body type, stand up tall and show your style with confidence.

To make a difference in the lives of women entering the workforce, consumers can visit www.facebook.com/drschollsforher to vote on the most confidence-inspiring shoe style from now until Aug. 26. Votes will help determine the style of shoes donated to Dress for Success Worldwide ($25,000 in value), and every pair of donated shoes will be matched with an insole. Additionally, for every purchase of a Dr. Scholl’s For Her insole product from July 11 to July 17, a 25 cent donation will go to Dress for Success Worldwide (a minimum donation of $25,000).

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ARA) – If you’re a recent college graduate or a professional looking for work, you already know you need every advantage to compete for work in a marketplace where there are more applicants than opportunities. It pays to be in control of every variable you can, from picking the right suit and honing your interview skills to making sure you know what’s on your credit report before a potential employer looks at it.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s very likely that your potential employer will want to check your credit. More employers than ever are checking job applicants’ credit history. Sixty percent of employers now check applicants’ credit reports, according to a report in the Washington Times. That percentage has climbed nearly 20 percent in the past five years, according to the report.

Employer credit checks can be problematic for many people in this economy. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may have fallen behind on your bills. And if you’re a recent college graduate, you probably have little credit history – perhaps a few credit cards with a running balance, but probably not a car or home loan that can help add depth to a credit history.

Reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies before an employer sees it is an important step for job seekers, experts agree. It will also help prepare you to address any credit-related concerns a potential employer might have.

As you’re reading want ads and scouring job websites, keep this information in mind:

* Obtaining a report and score, such as the PLUS score offered by CreditReport.com, can help you understand your credit status before a potential employer asks to check your credit. While such a score and report are not necessarily the ones a potential employer will obtain, they can give you a snapshot of your credit status.

* The basics of credit management remain the same, no matter what your situation: pay bills on time, maintain a good ratio of credit used to available credit, show a long history of timely payment, and be smart about the types of credit you use (loans, credit cards, etc.).

* Employers will not be able to check your credit until you give your consent, in writing, for them to do so. While you may expect that an employer would check your credit if you’re applying for a job in the financial services industry or another industry in which you’ll be directly working with money, be aware that a broad spectrum of employers are now checking credit for applicants at all job levels – even some you may not expect.

* If your credit history has some blemishes, you may want to consider adding a personal statement of explanation to your credit report – the major credit bureaus all allow you to do this. While credit experts agree that such statements usually have little impact on potential lenders, an employer may view your explanation differently.

Finally, hold your head high regardless of what’s on your credit report. In this economy, many people are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own. If you’re one of them, be honest and open with a potential employer, explaining your challenges and what you are doing to ensure you’ll be able to meet your financial responsibilities. If your credit history is good, consider it one more tool to demonstrate to potential employers that you are organized, responsible and a desirable worker

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It’s nearly impossible to separate real estate’s fortunes from the health of the overall economy.
Yet one sliver of the property game has a most curious — even at times, inverted — relationship with the business climate.
Welcome to the odd world of self storage, those somewhat odd facilities where one can rent space to stash everything from keepsakes to household goods to business supplies to plain old junk.
This is not a small business. The industry claims it services 1-in-10 Americans. According to Self Storage Almanac, there are 49,000 storage facilities across the nation — 1,100 in Los Angeles and Orange counties — worth roughly a quarter of a trillion bucks.
How’s that? When the economy’s a mess, lives get turned upside down. Thus, people frequently need space to keep some — or many — of their belongings. Failed small businesses — another outcome of a financial downturn — additionally create demand for storage for tools, machinery and/or inventory. Where better to stockpile the goods but at a local storage locker?
This recent economic cycle has been particularly brutal in many ways. Yet it’s proven to be an opportunity for self storage as a flood of foreclosures has forced scores of families from homes. That’s boosted demand for storage as these households are often forced to relocate to smaller quarters that can’t hold all their possessions.
Bad news can be good news in the real estate genre.
“Self storage has weathered the storm,” says Michael Schwartz, CEO of Strategic Storage Trust Inc., a self-storage investment firm from Ladera Ranch. He feels he almost has to apologize because, “we’re moving so fast.”
He’s not alone. When Selfstorage.com recently surveyed 200 self-storage owners on business conditions, 42 percent replied that their rental traffic rose in 2010 vs. the previous year and 38 percent said revenue rose as well.
On Wall Street, where shares of four big owners of storage facilities trade, self-storage investment trust stocks were up 18 percent in the first five months of the year – the hottest real estate investment trust niche, according to NAREIT indexes. Note: U.S. stocks in general, as measured by the S&P 500-stock index, were up 8 percent.
And the industry’s even a hit on TV. Not one, but two cable shows – “Storage Wars” and “Auction Hunters” — follow the antics of the bidders drawn to public auctions of goods stored in self-storage units with delinquent renters.
Schwartz’s SSTI — a real estate investment trust with stakes that do not trade on stock exchanges — was started in 2008 and has raised $230 million from investors. It recently started the SmartStop brand of storage facilities and, according to its financial filings, if it completes a series of acquisitions it will own 77 self storage facilities located in 17 states with 50,590 units and 6.2 million square feet of space. One of those planned deals includes a facility in its hometown, what will be its second Orange County property and its eighth in California.
“I want more assets in California,” says Schwartz, noting the state’s population density and its typical – though not current — economic heft.
This isn’t a play on extended lean times, Schwartz insists. Self storage flourishes in good times, too.
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Bingo play for older adults is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, at the Selma McDonald’s, 335 U.S. 70 East, Selma. Play is free, with prizes awarded. For more information, call 975-1411.

Vendors needed

Selma is seeking vendors for its All-American Festival. The fee is $50, and electricity, if needed, is $25. For more information call 975-1411. The festival is scheduled for 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, in downtown Selma. This year’s event will include live entertainment, a children’s area, free watermelon slices and fireworks. For more information, call 975-1411.

Contestants sought

The Selma Railroad Days Pageant is seeking contestants for the pageant in September. The divisions are Tiny Miss, for ages 4-6; Little Miss, 7-9; Junior Miss, 10-13; Teen Miss, 14-16; and Miss, 17-20. The entry fee is $100. For more information, call Deborah Baker at 965-3395.

Flapjack fundraiser

A pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7 till 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at Applebee’s, 1240 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield. The cost is $7 and includes a short stack of pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. Proceeds will go to the Me Fine Foundation, which aids families of children who are fighting life-threatening illnesses. For more information, call Elizabeth Diaz at 202-0086.

Volunteers needed

REACT, which provides roadside assistance to stranded motorists, is looking for volunteers. For more information, call 269-3453 or send an email to johnstonreact@yahoo.com.

Volunteer workshop

A free workshop for volunteers is scheduled from 8:30 till 10 a.m. Monday, June 20, at the Johnston County Council on Aging, 1363 W. Market St., Smithfield. Faye Stone of the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service will talk about the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Program. Volunteers can receive 1.5 hours toward certification. To register, send an email to wsmiley@3hc.org. For more information, call Wanda Smiley at 910-385-8605.
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