May might have been National Small Business Month. However, that doesn’t mean suggestions for progress have to be pigeonholed. The idea is to celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners, take a closer look at the challenges they face, and connect them with valuable resources. “Being a small business owner within an ever-changing landscape can…
What you may not know is that a lot of Black business owners frequently face exorbitant interest rates and difficulty obtaining bank loans, even with excellent personal credit. As a result, Black entrepreneurs lack the required start-up capital, causing them to accrue higher debt-to-revenue ratios and ultimately fail to sustain their companies. In the Houston…
Millennials are a generation with unique financial challenges. Seven in 10 possess student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access and Success’ “12th Annual Report, Student Debt and the Class of 2016.” Combined with car loans, housing expenses and entry level salaries, it’s no surprise to learn that many young workers lack the…
What you believe is your reality. It drives you. It moves you. It anchors you. It lays at the foundation of your actions. Where are your beliefs taking you and is it a place you want to go? Often, we adopt beliefs out of tradition or habit; not because it serves us well. We do…
Whether your career is just beginning or you’re looking to shift gears, the insurance industry may be the right place for you. The industry employs nearly 3 million people in the United States and depends on a diverse workforce from various professional backgrounds. However, experts say that persisting myths may prevent talented job seekers from…
Health care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive, and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately, you’re not helpless when it comes to…
The Social Security Administration implemented their highest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in four decades earlier this year. This annual COLA is based on increases in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means former workers receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits saw an increase of 8.7% in their…
“One monkey don’t stop no show.” The saying is transparent as it is the Black version of “time and life are going to keep going on and on” like an Erykah Badu song. Whatever you’re doing in life, the highs and the lows, circumstances won’t dictate your forward movement. You have to keep “moving on”…
Back in late March, Project Row Houses were excited to announce their grand reopening of the historic Eldorado Ballroom. This historic venue holds significant cultural value and preserving its rich history is an important part of Project Row Houses’ commitment to the community. Project Row Houses Executive Director Eureka Gilkey was thrilled to see the…
Pastor Tabatha Whitten recently released her latest book, “D.A.D.S: Daddy and Daughter Stories.” A graduate of Jack Yates High School, the author spent 25 years as a school guidance counselor in the Aldine Independent School District (AISD). After retiring, she went to the Seminary School and became an ordained minister. Eventually, she established her own…
It’s a question that many members of the modern workforce are consistently asking themselves. Working a 9-5, 8-4, 7-3, or the late shift can become very laborious to some after a while. While some employees relish in the routine, others may not be well adjusted – and that is okay! According to Sage.com, work-life balance…
And Just Who is Dr. Tonie Reincke? Dr. Tonie Reincke is perhaps one of the reigning queens when it comes to patient care as a vein specialist in the city of Houston. With over three decades of her life dedicated to her profession as an Interventional Radiologist, it’s no wonder she’s been able to build…
The phrase “Dad Bod” refers to an average guy who doesn’t have a lean, shredded physique. He might instead have a paunch or visible beer belly, without being hugely overweight—just like the stereotypical suburban father of a nuclear family. It evokes a relatable, warm kind of dude who kicks back with a beer and pizza…
Initiatives have been passed by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council in support of creating more affordable housing projects, in alignment with the affordability objectives that will span over 40 years by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This flexible roadmap to homeownership is tailored specifically for households earning 120% or below…
Fitness guru Reggie Collier breaks down his story on getting fit and details the setbacks he faced on his road to a better him. The main goal is to be better than you were the day before. After competing in my first competition in 2015, I found out a week later that I was going…
by d-mars.com News Provider Whether you’re putting down roots or putting your home on the market, kitchen upgrades make a huge impact. Not only do they have daily “good feeling” appeal for current homeowners, they can offer a great return on investment when it’s time to sell. So it’s no surprise that kitchens were the…
By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association Before even starting to search for your dream home, get pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage to know your limits and the best type of financing available. With the current limited supply of homes on the market and the multiple offers many properties draw,…
by d-mars.com News Provider Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American dream. There’s nothing like having a permanent plot of land you can call your own. But, if you’ve hit a rough patch with your credit score, this dream might feel like it’s out of reach. However, finding a suitable mortgage with a…
By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association If you plan to buy a home or condominium this year, keep in mind that the property may be governed by a homeowners association, or HOA. More than 63 million people live within communities that are overseen by HOAs, according to the Community Associations…
By d-mars.com News Provider Approximately 35 million Americans move every year. But unlike most times when homeowners largely change addresses within the same city or county, 2020 saw a sharp increase in relocations between 50 to 500 miles away. “The pandemic has opened the eyes to many that they can effectively work remotely. Thus, homeowners…