In my line of work, I have the unfortunate job to deal with the passing of someone’s spouse, parent, or sibling. I see in these moments of grief I know how, if the details aren’t thought of ahead of time, the pain can be compounded with the frustration of trying to navigate through the messiness of financial matters not thought of ahead of time.
Recently, a friend died, her husband not only has to deal with the grief of losing his spouse, but also with all the details of their financial life.
It soon became evident that he did not know the details of their finances (he didn’t even know the password to the checking account). And because of this, I thought that I would take the time to share what I advise my clients to do regarding the preparation of what is inevitable.
I advise my clients to keep a list of all their accounts (checking, savings, CD, annuities, life, mutual funds, etc.) in their Safe Documents folder. In it along with names and phone numbers of their advisors for each of those accounts. For the checking, savings, CD’s, etc., those accounts should have a POD (Payable On Death), as well as having their passwords for those accounts given to someone they trust.
The reason I say giving the password to someone they trust you ask? What happens if the mortgage needs to be paid and yet the death certificate is not available yet? Even though the account may have the POD, until the death certificate is produced, only those on the account has authority to access the accounts to take care of any necessities.
When it comes to a spouse having to deal with the financial decisions; the grief can cloud their choices, and that is why having a plan written out and discussed with the family and the advisor can take away one less decision to make, since it has already been made. This is especially true when it comes to planning the funeral.
All the proper planning in the world will not be beneficial if the information cannot be found during the crucial days and weeks following the loss of a loved one, or not having a written-out plan and discussed with an unbiased advisor and attorney to help carry out those wishes. While the topic is maybe challenging to discuss, it is essential.
Here are some tips of things to have in your Safe Documents Folder.
Will: If the deceased had a will, it outlines how their assets will be distributed and who will be in charge of carrying out their wishes.
Trust documents: If the deceased had a trust, the trust document outlines how assets will be distributed and who will manage the trust.
Life insurance policy: The policy outlines the benefits and who the beneficiaries are.
Marriage certificate: If the deceased was married, the marriage certificate may be needed to prove their relationship with their spouse.
Social Security card: The Social Security Administration will need to be notified of the death, and the deceased’s Social Security number will need to be included on certain forms.
Military discharge papers: If the deceased served in the military, their discharge papers may
Being prepared is smart planning.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
The avian flu has not harmed Michigan’s commercial turkey farms to date. (Photo by Mikkel Bergmann)
LANSING – While avian flu has disrupted poultry flocks in Michigan and spurred higher egg and chicken prices, turkeys in Michigan – wild and farmed alike – have been spared from the virulent disease, industry leaders and government officials say.
Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinary specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency conducted surveillance for avian flu last spring and fall, finding the virus primarily in swan, geese, ducks, vultures and eagles and, on a lesser scale, hawks and falcons.
Moriarty said no cases of avian flu among wild turkeys were found.
Turkeys have less risk factors
Turkeys are at less risk of infection than many other bird species because of a handful of factors, Moriarty said.
Wild turkeys are not scavengers, so they don’t get sick from eating infected animals. They also don’t travel together in colonies, meaning mass transmission of avian flu is unlikely, she said.
No cases have been reported so far in 2023, according to the department’s communications director, Jennifer Holton.
Nancy Barr, the executive director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, said avian flu has been spotted in one commercial flock of turkeys since the start of 2022, but turkey farmers have prevented its spread to other flocks since.
Barr said since that initial case in 2022, turkey farmers have implemented biosecurity measures like perimeter buffer areas that control which people and vehicles can enter a farm.
Not crossing the line
“They draw an imaginary line around the outside of the farm and they have certain restrictions for any vehicles or people that come across that line to make sure that they aren’t potentially bringing anything from the outside,” Barr said.
A more important biosecurity measure is the line of separation at a barn door, according to Barr.
That means only farmworkers can enter barns where turkeys are housed, she said. Those workers have had no contact with other poultry and change clothes and sometimes shower before going in.
“That’s probably one of the most primary things they do,” Barr said. “Equipment is cleaned or designated just for that house. So it’s thinking about every single thing that comes into that house to keep those birds healthy.”
Spring migration a concern
Barr said that turkey farmers are nervous about the upcoming northward migration of other birds from the South this spring.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, symptoms of avian flu in birds include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, swelling in body parts, loss of energy and appetite, discoloration and sudden death.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, Michigan ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of turkeys raised, with 5.1 million annually.
Ottawa and Allegan counties are the only two counties with more farmed turkeys than human residents, according to the USDA. Ottawa County produces 70% of Michigan’s commercially raised turkeys.
Protecting the local turkey industry
Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Louis Hunt, who handles avian flu matters, said the county takes the disease seriously because of the threat posed to turkey producers in the area.
He said when he has visited farms that have turkeys and other poultry, the precautions taken by the producers were “impressive.”
“First of all, you’re met with all the signs that these are biosecure facilities, and I guess that sounds intimidating,” Hunt said about his farm visits. “They have taken great pains to keep separated any potential vectors” of the disease.
On his visits, Hunt had to certify that he had no contact with any poultry in “multiple” days. He also had to be decontaminated and change his clothes.
He said owners of backyard flocks in Ottawa County have received information about what to watch out for and were ordered to immediately report any infection.
As for the upcoming migratory season, Moriarty said the DNR is preparing for a resurgence of cases in the spring and flu for wild birds, based on last year’s experience.
“Migration and large-scale movements of different bird species, it’s kind of a perfect scenario to have the virus be mixing and moving across the landscape,” he said.
Barr said Michigan is in the “Mississippi flyway,” a major bird migration route, producers will be watching their flocks diligently to ensure as little infection as possible.Most producers will assume the migrating birds are potentially infected.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
Are you looking to make positive changes in the new year? Self-care is always a great resolution. If you’re in the market for styling and pampering, Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood offers a palette of beautifying businesses within a five-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
Owner Laura Signore at Lilith’s Lair (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Like the neighborhood itself, Heartside’s salons and stylists offer everything from classic elegance to the cutting edge. Since it opened 10 months ago, Lilith’s Lair (25 Division Ave. S) has set the standard for coloring outside the lines. The rainbow-colored basement salon invites you to come as you are and connect with a look that expresses your identity.
Owner Laura Signore described the underground salon as “creepy cute. It’s basically a permanent spot for my Halloween decorations.”
In addition to nine independently contracted stylists, Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists, including adorably weird stickers, prints and handmade lashes. “It’s a total sensory experience,” Laura said.
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be!
“I’ve seen people walk in here with natural blonde hair and leave with a head of rainbows. It may take nine hours, but it’s always a blast.”
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be! (Courtesy, ArtRat)
The rainbow walls aren’t just for show: Every stylist in the shop is part of the LGBTQ+ community. (But Laura promises they “won’t check your gay cards,” and everyone is welcome.)
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
“In 2022, we were so blessed to find stability, and in 2023 we want to do so much. We’re excited to participate in our community more and more. We want to interact with local organizations, like The Diatribe. We want to have more events, like we did on Halloween and New Year’s Eve, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a sex-positive, gender-affirming, safe place for the queer community.”
Whether you need a short, masculine cut; lush natural color; or a rainbow mane, you can head to Lilith’s Lair’s Instagram and Facebook to peruse the salon’s work and find the perfect artist for your needs.
Here are some more choice cuts from Heartside’s salon district:
Pure Vanity (3 Oakes St. SW) is your destination for wigs (both synthetic and human hair); tape-in extensions; and beautiful balayage. In English or Spanish, owner Paloma Maldonado offers customers an “ever-evolving” resource for hot new Heartside hair talent — whether you’re looking to bring some life back into your mane, picking out the perfect lace front,or seeking a stylist que tiene los mejores chismes, Pure Vanity has you covered. Appointments 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Blonde Theory (64 Division Ave. S) is a small, sultry and sophisticated boutique focused on creating a luxurious, individualistic salon experience. Blonde Theory can take you from a brunette bob to 12” platinum blonde. Blonde Theory is available by appointment only. Visit the salon’s website.
Avenue Barber Shop (123 Division Ave. S) is a “grassroots-as-you-get” homage to the classic barber shops of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Grand Rapids native Chris Lapham opened the shop in 2017, where he cuts hair and trims beards with a staff of three. Ask about bookings for wedding parties! Appointments11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (lunch break at 2 p.m.),11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
Posh Nails and Spa (38 Commerce Avenue SW) After fighting tooth-and-nail through 2022, why not stop in for a mani-pedi? Posh offers both dip powder and acrylic options as well as a variety of aromas for your pedicures. Whether you prefer a Lavender Field Escape or to be Pampered by Pitaya in state-of-the-art massage chairs, Posh promises “everything it takes to restore your energy and revitalize your spirits.” Appointments 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m,. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)
It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.
Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.
Manufacturer of the Year
RoMan Manufacturing
861 47th St. SW, Wyoming
Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.
Service Business of the Year
University of Michigan Health-West Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming
University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.
Retail Business of the Year
B2 Outlet Stores Various locations 962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming 350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.
Other Award Recipients
Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)Amanda Villa receives the Volunteer of the Year Award. (WKTV)Jerry Good accepts the Committee of the Year Award on behalf of the Chamber’s Santa Claus parade. (WKTV)
The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.
The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.
For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.
During the pandemic, Isabella Diaz-Borrello branched out starting her own jewelry business. (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press)
Over the past couple of years, a Wyoming high school student has worked to develop her own line of alternative jewelry, Dusk Shoppe, that is affordable to all.
In 2020, during the first quarantine, Isabella Diaz-Borrello decided to start up a business as a way to make money and express herself through jewelry. It all started when her father gave her money and told her to “make something out of this, try to double what I gave you and make more.”
While brainstorming ideas, she came across videos on TikTok of other people making handmade jewelry.
She felt inspired.
“I thought, I can do that too,” she said. Dusk Shoppe came to life at this moment. Originally, Dusk Shoppe started off as just an earring business: charms, toys, and other accessories. Eventually, Isabella expanded to wire-wrapped earrings, more intricate designs, polymer clay earrings, and resin earrings as well.
As her business evolved, Isabella started to experiment with other types of accessories. She now makes beaded necklaces with chain details and charms, bracelets, keychains, and stickers (which are her very own design). There may be more additions as well.
“I hope to make and sell ceramic at my shop sometime soon,” she said.
For handmade jewelry, her products are fairly priced. Resin earrings are $10, polymer clay earrings are $15, wire-wrapped earrings are $8, necklaces are $25, bracelets and keychains are $6, and her stickers are $3.
The challenges of having your own business
Although her business has grown, there have been struggles. Advertising has been one. She advertises on Instagram and TikTok through her business accounts.
Earrings created by Isabella Diaz-Borrello (Courtesy, Dusk Shoppe)
“I tried making a TikTok once, but it didn’t work out,” she stated.
Isabella hopes to advertise Dusk Shoppe more in the new year through Instagram and TikTok posts. She is also planning more advertisements about her Depop shop and looking at other art markets.
Advertising has not been a huge hit, but her art markets have. At art markets, her business can run itself.
“I’ve only been doing art markets for a year, I did about six last year,” she said.
She hopes to do way more art markets this year, but her real goal is to partake in a market at the yearly Pride Festival.
“There was a booth that was selling jewelry, but it looked like mass-produced jewelry,” she said. “It had a huge line.”
She believes her business needs to grow in size and get better at advertising, that’s the milestone. “It can be expensive and you need a lot of products,” she said.
Dusk Shoppe has had its ups and downs, but Isabella has succeeded in her past goals. Stay updated on new additions to her shop, and remember, if you’re wanting to start a business, think of the wise words of Isabella: “I can do that too.”
Isabelle Mosher is a senior journalism student at Wyoming High School. She plans to study biochemistry at Michigan State University.
The new lounger’s area features a commercial-grade espresso machine. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Since it opened in November 2021 at 317 Division Ave. S, OTONO hasn’t stopped innovating. The second-hand store doubled its floor space in August when it expanded into a neighboring storefront; now owners Emmanuel Ibarra and Alana Sawicki have carved out a space for visitors to gather for conversation and caffeine.
OTONO’s new lounge area features a commercial-grade espresso machine and comfortable seating.
Drinks are on the house (although the team gratefully accepts tips). According to Emmanuel, the space creates a much-needed hangout for visitors to OTONO and the other SoDiv businesses near Wealthy Street.
“I wanted to share something that I love, as well as add to the experience of OTONO,” he said. “We love selling clothes, but we also want to offer something more. Being associated with coffee helps us build up our reputation. People can get to know us and grow with us as we work to become a full-fledged, licensed cafe.
What Started as Pop-Up Grew Into Something More
The new lounge space at OTONO is a much-needed hangout for visitors. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
“OTONO started as my pop-up project,” Emmanuel continued. He started hosting pop-ups in 2019 at a variety of spaces, including Heartside’s own Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, 100 Commerce Ave. SW. In the process, he crossed paths with Alana, whose handmade spoon rings are featured at their shop. “She has amazing taste and style,” Emmanuel said.
Alana told ArtRat she looks to another Heartside merchant for business advice: Her older sister, Melissa Looman, owns Echo Salon at 24 Sheldon Ave. SE. “I’m inspired to push further than expectations, and to take risks.”
OTONO prides itself on fitting all sizes and budgets — with clothing that ranges from XXS to 4X, frequent sales and a $5 rack. Its curated second-hand clothing includes tons of basics, neutrals and unique finds as well as name-brand activewear and home goods. “We do our best to keep our prices affordable,” Alana told ArtRat. The shop also hosts free events such as mending workshops with Betel Box Design.
The Power Duo of Alana and Emmanuel
Alana said the new coffee area helps promote OTONO’s mission to create community. “When we opened OTONO, it was partially because we wanted to be interconnected, to meet the cool young people of Grand Rapids,” she said. “After the pandemic, we felt our sense of community had suffered. And I missed talking to people!”
Alana and Emmanuel in the new OTONO lounger. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
With Alana and Emmanuel working side by side, OTONO has grown “faster than expected,” Emmanuel told ArtRat.
“We had to work hard, to learn how to communicate with each other, how to work together, ” Alana said. “There were a lot of growing pains — but it worked out.
“We both have our roles that we play, our responsibilities, our strengths. Emmanuel does all the paperwork and the hard stuff, and I do the social media and keep positive relations with our sellers, always making sure we have stock,” Alana said. “We can’t believe we get to do this,” Emmanuel exclaimed. “This would not be possible without both of us.”
Future Plans Include Growth
Looking ahead, OTONO’s plans include additional seating and a possible new business venture.
“We’re excited to grow into a more formal cafe, and to spark more conversations and create new experiences.” Emmanuel said.
OTONO is open Thursday 4-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. It shares SoDiv’s vintage district with Zabház (222 Division Ave. S), Decaydence Vintage (71 Division Ave. S) and Second Vibess (13 Division Ave. S). OTONO is on the same block as Cocoon Art Space (327 Division Ave. S) and a 5-minute walk from ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. S).
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S) crackles with energy all year ‘round — but the holiday season gives our neighborhood record curators a special opportunity to hook you up with Christmas classics and unforgettable gifts for the audiophile on your list.
This year, Vertigo owner Herm Baker has stocked brand-new copies of 20 different holiday albums, such as The Temptations’ Christmas Card, Sufjan Stevens’ Songs For Christmas and the Home Alone soundtrack, as well as the albums Herm told ArtRat are his best seasonal sellers: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash’s The Christmas Spirit, Elvis’ Christmas Album and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas.
Other seasonal collections feature Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and the Beach Boys. And if you need your holiday Mariah Carey fix, Vertigo stocks two different albums to choose from: the 1994 Merry Christmas album, which features Carey’s original rendition of “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You, which features an “Extra Festive” version.
New adventures in hi-fi
Vertigo’s staff of four is always ready to hook you up with music you’ll love. For this occasion, Ethan and Logan stepped up enthusiastically to help ArtRat explore Vertigo’s holiday collection.
“David Bowie and Bing Crosby!” exclaimed Logan, rifling through the racks. “This one just released this Black Friday on its 45th anniversary. How could you go wrong with Bowie?”
“And A Charlie Brown Christmas! This one is selling fast. It’s my favorite holiday album to listen to — you don’t normally get to hear it on the radio. We also have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I love a good movie score.”
“This one is like, post-rock Christmas, and probably the coolest seasonal record we have.” Ethan said, picking up a copy of Scarlet Holliday, a three-song EP the band MONO created with producer Steve Albini in 2021 as a “special little gift” to bring hope to listeners feeling isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Who wants to listen to the same music over and over again?” Ethan asked. “This one still feels festive, but it’s different.”
Vertigo has also stocked Canned Heat’s Christmas Album and Blondie’s Yuletide Throwdown, as well as No Presents on Christmas by King Diamond for those who really want to take the holiday season to the next sonic level.
If none of these picks jingle your bells, Vertigo has three crates of used holiday records priced at $1 each.
“I recently had a customer come in looking for a specific singer-songwriter Christmas album for a gift,” Logan said.
“I wasn’t sure we’d find it, but we flipped the first record and there it was. So, even if we all think we might not have it, we probably do!”
Vertigo’s crates contain yuletide music created with organs, music boxes, gospel choirs or guitars. One record in the store’s used Christmas section reads, “Obenkirchen Children’s Choir: a musical experience of unusual charm and merit, so appealing they make you want to cry.”
Unknown pleasures
And if you want to find a gift for the discerning music fan, Vertigo probably has it. “This isn’t your average shop,” Ethan told ArtRat. “This is a real-deal, old-fashioned record store.”
Whether your tastes run to an instructional Jazz Dancing vinyl that guarantees to “prepare you for any current dance craze,” or John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Years, which offers “some of the key words uttered by President John F. Kennedy, humbly presented as a perpetual record,” you can find it at Vertigo.
Vertigo’s shelves are stocked with B-side compilations and rarities, special-edition releases, and more, perfect for gifting to the music lover or trivia buff in your life.
Vertigo Music is open Monday through Friday 12-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
If you are like many pre-retirees or retirees, you may be hesitant to purchase annuities because you worry you will enter the market at the wrong time and won’t maximize your returns. An increasingly popular technique known as “annuity laddering” may help guard against this situation and make the transition to annuities much easier and less stressful for you.
Building an annuity ladder means that you purchase a series of annuities over time instead of dumping a lump sum into one annuity that locks you into one rate. With a ladder, you split your premium across multiple smaller annuities. For instance, maybe you decide to buy one annuity every two years for the next ten years. Or you buy one annuity per year for the next five years.
The annuity ladder strategy has several advantages
The first advantage is that you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your annuities, you are less susceptible to the fluctuations of the market.
The second advantage is that you can take advantage of changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, you can purchase annuities that have not yet been affected by the market change.
The third advantage is that you can ladder annuities with different payouts. For example, you could buy an annuity with a term period of 5 years, the next year buy another 5-year term period, and up the ladder, you go. When you use the annuity as income, when one matures, simply start converting them to an income stream. Income periods can be any length you wish, even a lifetime. This way, you would have a stream of income that would last for the rest of your life.
Diversifying to reduce risk
Laddering annuities can be a great way to secure your financial future. By diversifying your annuities, you can protect yourself from market fluctuations and take advantage of changes in interest rates. By laddering annuities with different payouts, you can ensure that you have a stream of income that lasts for the rest of your life.
Annuity laddering can help you manage risk. By laddering annuities with different maturity dates, you create a “spread” that can protect you against interest rate risk.
Since predictions of whether interest rates will go up or down are, at best-educated guesses, an annuity ladder lets you bet on both scenarios. A ladder may increase your chances of earning more when rates go up or smooth out losses if rates go down.
Always review to see what’s right for you
There are many different ways to build annuity ladders for yield, including fixed-rate ladders using multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs). You can also use a “mixed-fix” approach combining MYGAs and fixed–index annuities. Deferred multi-year ladders work in a somewhat similar fashion to certificates of deposit (CDs).
Another approach is the deferred multi-year annuity ladder. You take a lump sum to purchase several small annuities in a deferred multi-year annuity ladder, each with a different maturity date. As each annuity matures, you either roll it over into a new annuity or convert it to income.
Creating an annuity ladder may not work for everyone. Still, it is worth bringing up with your retirement advisor, especially if you find yourself considering adding Safe Money products to your portfolio.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
Journeè Evans’ passion for Grand Rapids art, poetry and community gained new perspective in January 2022, when she relocated downtown from the city’s southeast side.
“I wanted to know my surroundings more, to expand,” she told ArtRat. “That’s why I love living in Grand Rapids: You’re always going to run into a different crowd and new culture that you can explore and bring in knowledge and connections. We have something special, something a lot of people are searching for.”
At ArtRat, she has sourced West Michigan artists and artisans for ArtRat’s Holiday ArtMart, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Also during ArtRat’s Third Thursday event Dec. 15, she will host a poetry paint-and-pour as part of her new Sol’s Sessions performance series.
“I met some of the most loving, caring and amazing people” at Pass the Mic, Journeè said. “It was one of those opportunities that you don’t get unless you know that this is something you’re supposed to bring to the world. There’s so many amazing things that come through Grand Rapids, and a lot of people don’t get to see them.”
Journeè has also become an ambassador for C4 (the Community Collaboration on Climate Change),a grassroots organization that is working to make Grand Rapids a model city for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and climate justice for its residents.
In her role with C4, Journeè will work closely with the residents of Grand Rapids to learn the specifics of what our community needs to move forward. (You can download more information on C4 here and here.)
Sol’s Sessions
Her experience at Grand Rapids’ art venues inspired Journeè’s latest project: Sol’s Sessions, a collaborative forum for the city’s emerging artists, poets, singers and dancers that she plans to host throughout the city. “The idea was actually born out of the idea for a dance group,” she said, “but I fell back in love with writing poetry. So it became a space for everything: You can come and speak, listen, cry, dance, even paint or sketch!
“Creativity doesn’t take from anything, or anyone — it simply gives. When you gain creativity, you gain freedom and independence. It gives you the courage to live on without fear.”
Mama Sol’Ja will host a “Sunflower World” edition of Sol’s Sessions on Nov. 18 at the Wealthy Theatre Community Media Center. The event begins at 6pm with performances by six West Michigan poets, leading into an open mic. “I want anybody who has a talent to come and show it so they can get their flowers and that love,” she said. “That’s what the Sunflower World is about.” To keep the flame lit as we head into dark winter months, you’re invited to dress in yellow and join the celebration.
Bringing it all to ArtRat
In December, Journeè will apply her community-building talents to ArtRat, introducing new vendors to the gallery at the Holiday ArtMart, then hosting a Sol’s Session that features poetry alongside participatory painting. “I get to bring in this great community of people who became entrepreneurs in their own right,” she said. “They went out and they actually did something! It’s so amazing to me to see that grit.
“COVID really just stopped a lot of things. Now that people are up and running, I want to really encourage us to gain as much as we can gain because we all went through so much. I was thrilled to be able to give people that opportunity, whether it’s local artists, or younger people who want to pursue creative endeavors.
“I’m thrilled that I get to be able to bring people a new, positive way,” Journeè said, “just to show themselves and be able to express whatever thoughts they have on their mind. We’re definitely going to change it over here. It’s important to give voice to change — and that’s what we’re doing here.”
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Sounds of music, song, and poetry rang out for close to three hours in the cozy, art-filled space known as ArtRat.
The event, known as “Saturday Musicians Co-op,” showcased local artists, giving them a chance to practice their craft in front of a live audience and on this fall day, about two dozen people came out to watch singers, musicians and poets all take their turn at the mic.
It is only a sample of the array of activities that has been taking place at Division Avenue’s newest tenant, all of which are designed to highlight just what a hidden gem the Heartside District is.
Heartside’s Renaissance
The Heartside neighborhood has gone through a transformation in recent years. Prices for retail space is very reasonable making it attractive for unique specialty shops and eateries that now dot the landscape of the Division corridor. Once such place is ArtRat.
ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
Owned by Matthew Rothenberg and his wife, Nancy Tobin, ArtRat, 46 Division Ave., opened up to the public a little over a year ago. Rothenberg said Tobin, a painter, had already been using the space when the couple saw its potential to build community.
“So Nancy first started using this as her studio in 2018,” Rothernberg said. “And then we realized what a beautiful space this would be to have a gallery. So last year, we renovated the space and opened just before ArtPrize 2021.”
Tobin is a Grand Rapids native and graduated from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 1981. She eventually made her way out West, where she met Rothenberg. Years later, the couple moved back to be closer to Tobin’s family.
Having spent several years living in bigger cities, like New York and San Francisco, Rothenberg said Grand Rapids has its own unique vibe. One he digs.
“It’s got the kind of intensity and vibrancy that we look for in cities,” Rothenberg said. “Nancy and I are city people. Our kids are too. This feels like that.”
Building the Community
But it’s not just art and artists’ performances taking center stage at ArtRat. To get people more engaged in the community, ArtRat is hosting more civic minded events. The gallery held a voter registration event in the fall and partnered up with PROACTIVE Project to try to get more citizens registered for the recent midterm election.
ArtRat audience enjoys an evening of music and poetry during the Saturday Musicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
ArtRat was also one of four sites picked to host a voting event for Participatory Budgeting GR. Participatory Budgeting GR was an initiative that allowed citizens to vote on proposals created by residents in order to spend the $2 million that the City was allocated to get because of the American Rescue Plan Act. Residents were asked to come up with ideas on how to spend the federal funds and then they got to vote on their favorites.
ArtRat has also been mixing art with song, music, poetry, and other live performances in an effort to bring in patrons and local artists alike. They’ve hosted ‘The Hai-Cuu Experience’ at the gallery about once a month. The Hip-Hop poetry experience is a collaboration with Cuu JoSama and Kenneth Cortez Productions.
It’s just the cool place to be
Starting in November, a new monthly event, ‘Americana Sundays’ will showcase individual singer-songwriters and bands performing in American roots music styles.
Rothenberg said he hopes events like this will help make people aware that this hip, cool scene is happening in the Heartside neighborhood. A vibrant and diverse area that’s starting to attract younger artists and people who enjoy the arts. Rothenberg said he’s confident once people see the potential this neighborhood has, they’ll be back.
“People may not be aware that it has a thriving retail scene with lots of unique things for people to do,” said Rothenberg. “There’s plenty of parking, cool businesses, cool people. Just a cool community to be a part of.”
Building a community through the Arts
Madyson Visscher, a local artist, works for the gallery as its social media manager. The 22-year-old moved to the neighborhood a year ago and like the owners she works for, she fell in love with the area and what it has to offer. She said Heartside has seen an explosion in the art scene, making the gallery a perfect hub for the community and herself.
ArtRat is located at 46 S. Division Ave. in the hear to the Heartside District. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
“I feel at home here for sure,” said Visscher. “There’s even this strip now. With all of the new retail and like resources that are here. Whether it’s a little space, so someone like me, an artist, I can go work in there. It’s a co-working space, plenty of cafés. We got the new vintage stores that are up and I’ve been spending way too much money in those.”
Visscher has been writing features on behalf of the ArtRat gallery showcasing some of the businesses in the area. The stories are published via email once or twice a week. She’s also been talking and getting feedback from residents in the neighborhood. Visscher said the gallery hopes it can break the stereotype that it only caters to people of a certain status.
“I think some art galleries can be a little uppity or sophisticated,” said Visscher. “But we’re definitely trying to change that narrative and be a space not only for artists, but just for the community too.”
Open Mic Night a Success
Rothenberg, a musician, said he wanted to give artists a place to hone their skills thus that is how the “Saturday Musicians Co-op” came to be.
Eli Winkelman, on drums, was excited to showcase his talent during a recent SaturdayMusicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
That opportunity to showcase his craft is why 18-year-old drummer Eli Winkelman came. The recent high school graduate of Grand Rapids has played a few times in front of people but mainly for school related events. He said the owners are a friend of his dad’s. He said he was happy for the opportunity to jam.
“It was actually really fun,” Winkelman said. “Because like, we actually got like, a lot of people, and it was pretty cool. Made me feel good.”
Some more seasoned performers took part as well. Journeé Evans, 23, is no stranger to performing. Evans is an artist and poet. The audience sat in silence, drinking in the words falling from her lips. She was met with the roar of applause afterwards. Evans said she was happy to be a part of the experiment.
“I feel like it is very unique”, Evans said. “And it’s very innovative, bringing in two genres that aren’t usually together, and then making an experience that everybody can enjoy. I feel like that’s a very balanced and awesome way of bringing attraction to any place.”
Journeé Evans, receives around of applause after her poetry reading. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
And that for Rothenberg was the whole point.
“Something I can do is create opportunities for people to come here”, Rothenberg said. “And perform here and interact here. You know, just get them down here and they can see the opportunities for themselves.”
Albert Einstein was ahead of his time. He revolutionized physics thinking, and his theory beginning with the breakout year of 1905, is still the basics of quantum physics today, more than 100 years later. When Einstein is remembered for his work, it is almost always E = mc², the theory of relativity. However, I think a more interesting part of Einstein’s life was his view on compound interest.
Albert Einstein called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time.”
The power of tax deferral
Compound interest allows the account to grow by earning interest on the original investment and any accumulated interest. Here is a generally accepted definition of compound interest.
The interest is calculated on the initial principal and the accumulated interest of prior periods. Compound interest differs from simple interest in that simple interest is calculated solely as a percentage of the principal sum.
Compound interest is offered by banks and savings institutions and is also referred to as “double compounding.” The interest is credited, but it is taxable. The downside is when the interest is credited to your account and comes with tax liability.
Insurance companies offer products that allow for tax deferral and compounding but, under certain situations, can also defer the tax liability. These products are called annuities and life insurance. If the accumulated funds are left untouched, the tax liability is deferred.
This concept is referred to as “triple compounding.”
If some of your savings are placed in an annuity, the benefit of tax deferral provides for:
Interest on your principal
Interest on your interest and
Interest on your tax saving, because your interest is free from current income tax in an annuity, can all continue to compound instead of being withdrawn for tax payments.
And there is more
Is that all there is? No! There is also “quantum compounding.”
Quantum Compounding is building on Triple Compounding by adding features only found on certain insurance company annuities.
· A bonus of 5% to 10% may be available on funds deposited immediately and guaranteed
· Long-term care benefit riders may be available
· Lifetime income provisions
· Annual moveable minimum guarantees
· Full guarantees against loss and risk based on the insurance company’s ability to pay.
· Probate avoidance using a named beneficiary
Consider the use of quantum annuities for added benefits and added value for yourself and your heirs.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” in October. (Photo from Pxhere.com)
West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” as area manufacturers are reporting inflation-related headwinds and a slow-down in demand, according to an October survey of purchasing managers by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at Seidman, said the downturn came as no surprise, with local results mirroring national ones.
“If we compare our statistics with those being collected at the national level, we see a pattern of economic erosion with higher interest rates around the world and the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Long said. “We can probably expect both our local and national statistics at the industrial level will probably continue to soften.”
The key new orders index made a turn into double-digit negative territory for the first time in 30 months, amid inflationary pressures, softening demand and uncertainty in the market.
Employment and purchasing indices also were in negative territory, with an increasing number of companies reporting investments in those areas were down versus the previous month.
Meanwhile, production, or gross output, grew during October as some manufacturers continue scrambling to meet demand in sectors like the auto industry, where supply chain issues have hampered business growth.
“Just like last month, the market for office furniture has continued to soften, but pent-up demand for new cars will most likely keep our West Michigan auto parts suppliers and the assembly lines running for the foreseeable future,” Long said. “The comments from our survey participants have now turned increasingly tenuous, and some firms are openly bracing for an impending recession.”
More information about this month’s survey results and an archive of previous survey data is available at the Seidman College of Business website.
What appears foreign will become commonplace, and you might as well prepare for it. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance are all the rage right now, and you’ve probably heard of things like Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, the real story lies in the mechanism that drives these new technologies and forever changes the digital landscape. This is where blockchain enters the picture, the novel technology that enables things like cryptocurrency to exist in the way they do.
What is a blockchain, and what is with all the hype?
Blockchain is a digital database used to catalog all kinds of information (e.g., money, goods, properties, and services). The power behind these databases lies in their ability to create blocks of data which are then chained together with timestamps attached for easier tracking purposes. This makes an unbreakable audit trail documenting every action taken on the platform – from transfer payments between users to how many calories were burned during your morning run! Digital databases are powered by a computer network that is either part of a centralized or decentralized network.
Bitcoin, for example, uses blockchain to record peer-to-peer transactions through a distributed database. This distributed database exists between the computers of all users of the cryptocurrency. The idea is that having the database distributed amongst all the users allows for greater transparency and enhanced security. It enables users to access, audit, trace, and verify digital assets without working through an intermediary. By cutting down on intermediaries, blockchain cryptocurrencies put the power to control data back into consumers’ hands.
Why are cryptocurrencies more secure?
The adage “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” sums it up. Like banks and universities, many institutions with valuable and personal consumer information operate using a central database. This information is stored within a centralized computer network housed in one location. All that data is controlled by one entity and is more vulnerable to hacks because it would require only a single point of failure to gain access. For a potential attacker to compromise a distributed database like Bitcoin, they would have to gain control of at least 50% of the computers within that network. Even then, the other 50% can fact-check and sniff out discrepancies, making it very unlikely that a hack would ever occur.
Why is this important when it comes to managing digital assets?
· No third-party involvement
· Transactions of authenticated digital assets made via blockchain are typically available in 10 minutes, versus a traditional bank transaction that may take 24 hours or more to complete, not including weekends and holidays
· Blockchain technology guarantees the data’s integrity through cryptography and a distributed database.
Why is this important to us now?
This is the evolution of our data future, and the future of all banks is being reshaped by new technology. Protecting and maintaining control of data is more critical now than ever. In the past few years, major companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Morgan Stanley have been impacted by massive data breaches affecting millions of users. Blockchain technology is making waves in the digital world by providing much-needed security measures and by giving them the power to control data back to consumers.
Digital?
Yes, your bank is now 100% digital; it is now our future. Be informed.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
Michigan’s first mass timber building at Michigan State University, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, stores nearly 2,000 metric tons of carbon in its timbers, the equivalent of not burning more than 2 million pounds of coal. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)
LANSING – Michigan businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint are looking to build with large wooden panels instead of steel or concrete.
Nationwide, demand for what is called mass timber tripled between 2018 and 2021.
There are different kinds of mass timber, but the term refers to multiple wood panels either nailed or glued together and that are strong enough to replace concrete and steel, which contribute 8% to greenhouse gas emissions, according to Canadian architect Michael Green.
Mass timber is more sustainable, Green said.
Nearly half of America’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the building industry.
Why mass timber is a good option
Since a little more than a cubic yard of wood can store 1 ton – about the weight of the Liberty Bell– of carbon dioxide, mass timber is a great way to reduce our footprint, said Sandra Lupien, the director of MassTimber@MSU, a research and education group promoting mass timber in the Great Lakes region.
Half of the weight of a tree is from stored carbon in its wood, and the rest is water, oxygen, hydrogen and a mix of other elements. In other words, wood is a carbon sink.
Building with it can prevent or delay carbon from being released into the atmosphere when a tree dies or burns, Lupien said.
Last year, Michigan State University opened one of the first mass timber buildings in the state, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Already there are two more mass timber projects underway in the state, one at a K-12 school in Kalamazoo and another at the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville.
Another 27 projects in Michigan on the drawing board plan to incorporate mass timber. One of those was in Muskegon where Grand Rapids-based Leestma Management was scheduled to constructe a mass timber building at Adelaide Point this summer.
The biggest hurdle: Getting it
At minimum, the building in Cedarville will have a roof made of mass timber, though those involved with its construction are hoping to build the whole building out of it, said Nikki Storey, the president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School.
The only thing stopping them is funding.
“That’s part of the problem with mass timber: I don’t know that the economy of scales exists yet to be able to get good pricing on it,” Storey said.
Since mass timber comes in sheets that are easy to put together – Lupien equates it to building with Lincoln Logs – there’s a major time savings with using it. But since there are no mass timber manufacturers in Michigan – the closest is outside of Chicago – it’s not always easy to get it.
Typically, mass timber products are made from softwood trees – think coniferous, like evergreens – which make up 30% of Michigan’s forests. The remaining majority of the state’s trees are hardwood, meaning they’re deciduous and lose their leaves, Lupien said.
Using Michigan’s resources
Researchers at Michigan Tech University are experimenting with making mass timber out of hardwood instead, a niche that might provide economic opportunity.
Mass timber advocates hope that Michigan State’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility will be a place where contractors can learn to build with the more sustainable alternative. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)
It is an untapped opportunity.
“Michigan is a forestry state,” said Conan Smith, the president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “If we can advance the construction materials that are rooted in wood, it’s to our economic benefit.
“It’s not just a great environmental opportunity, it’s a great economic opportunity for the state of Michigan.”
Each year, the state removes 30% to 40% of the forest’s growth, said Brenda Haskill, a forest marketing and outreach specialist at theDepartment of Natural Resources. That still provides enough capacity to harvest for mass timber and manage forests sustainably.
“We’re at a really interesting place in terms of moving the forest industry forward,” Haskill said.
Meeting the demands
Talks of attracting a mass timber manufacturer to the state are underway. However, an aging workforce and the rising cost of diesel fuel mean a decline in logging firms, Haskill said.
Making sure we have loggers to harvest trees and get them to the mill is really the biggest concern, Haskill said.
“I’m hopeful, but there’s a lot of pieces that need to be addressed,” Haskill said.
Michigan is in the same boat as the other Midwestern states. There’s more mass timber manufacturing and interest out west, Haskill said.
Looking at the building codes
Another challenge is the states outdated building codes, said Brian Craig, the board chair at the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute.
Michigan State University revamped a power plant and added two mass timber wings to create a hybrid structure in the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)
The most recent version of the International Building Code is from 2021 and offers more flexibility and clarity for how high you can build and how much wood can be exposed with mass timber, Craig said.
Right now, Michigan follows 2015 codes, making it two cycles behind the current thinking on mass timber and fire safety, Craig said.
But mass timber doesn’t behave like a 2 x 4.
Instead, it behaves like a tree.
Think of an unsplit log in a fire pit, and how it chars on the outside: That’s what mass timber would do in a fire, Lupien said.
Craig said that timber can be even safer than steel when it burns.
“Think about what happens when steel gets hot. It sort of turns into spaghetti, whereas mass timber’s surface chars and then protects the rest of the timber,” Craig said.
Lupien said that even with the outdated building codes, builders in Michigan are still able to use mass timber, and they should.
Bringing the beauty indoors
People using the buildings – at least the one on MSU’s campus– express the aesthetic benefits of bringing nature indoors, Lupien said.
“There’s actually a word for that. It’s called biophilia,” Lupien said.
That’s a Greek word that translates to “love of life. ” It taps into our inborn desires of being close to nature. Biophilic design – like incorporating wood into buildings – has even been found to promote human wellness and productivity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Putting the more sustainable, attractive alternative into Michigan buildings is a question of price and supply.
“It’s been used in Europe for better than a decade now,” Smith said. “It’s a product that’s far better for the planet than concrete.
Whole life has a simple objective, to ensure your “whole” life, in other words, it will pay the benefits anytime during your whole life, regardless of how long you live. All you need to do is pay the premium.
Image from Pxhere.com
Life insurance is a contract between an insured person (the policyholder) and the insurer. The premium pays for guaranteed benefits in case of death, but there are other features that can provide additional protection as well.
In exchange for fixed premiums, whole-life policies offer life insurance protection and tax deferral on growth by accumulating cash value with competitive interest rates.
In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value, effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
Borrowing still option
Most whole life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow a portion of their policy’s cash value. Access to the cash value can allow you to pay for things like college expenses, a home down payment, or any other needs you may have.
When the policyholder dies, his or her beneficiaries receive the benefit from the policy. Depending on how the policy is structured, benefits are usually not taxable.
Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances.
Considering options
Whole life insurance can be an excellent investment for those who want to be protected financially after death. The policies promise a fixed benefit but also offers additional benefits such as cash value – which can build up and provide returns tax-deferred in order of security against personnel losses caused by unforeseen events like accidents or illnesses, and guarantees based on claims-paying ability from issuing companies.
The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) does not insure life insurance. It is not insured by any federal government agency, bank, or savings association. Each state’s Department of Insurance regulates life insurance.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
“Elephant Chunko” by Kristina Libby from ArtPrize 2022 (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
ArtPrize will make a catalytic gift of its creative, technological and communications platforms to a new partnership for a new experiment that will build upon the legacy of the international art competition, effectively “ArtPrize 2.0.” Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), the City of Grand Rapids and KCAD will collectively lead this new initiative.
In a statement today, the ArtPrize board of directors expressed deep appreciation to the entire community for 13 years of partnership and support as it winds down its operations.
“What started as an experiment in 2009 quickly became something more, and we have an entire community to thank for embracing the ArtPrize idea and taking it to amazing heights,” said ArtPrize Founder and Chairman Rick DeVos said in a press release. “Together, we were able to stimulate thought and creativity by celebrating art, supporting artists, exploring familiar and not-so-familiar venues, and starting entirely new conversations.
“While there are certainly mixed emotions, we know the time is right to conclude the original ArtPrize experiment and open up space for new energy and creativity. We are thrilled that the partnership of DGRI, KCAD, and the City of Grand Rapids is stepping forward to continue to produce an incredible fall event.”
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss echoed those sentiments.
From ArtPrize 2014. (WKTV)
“Every destination community has a destination event that captures the spirit and aspirations of that community. For us, ArtPrize has been a manifestation of the independent creative spirit that defines Grand Rapids, and has captured the imagination of people from around the world,” she said. “Rick DeVos and the ArtPrize Board have laid out a roadmap and a foundation that we’re grateful for and excited to build upon.”
ArtPrize has held 13 events since 2009 and awarded more than $6 million through a combination of public votes, juried awards and grants. Millions of people across the globe have participated in ArtPrize in some fashion – displaying their work, performing, opening their spaces, volunteering, or visiting and enjoying Grand Rapids each fall.
For 18 days each year, art was exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize annually awarded $450,000 directly to artists.
Ran Ortner, with his “Open Water no.24,” was the original ArtPrize grand prize winner in 2009, as determined by public vote. He netted $250,000 for the honor, the largest monetary art prize at the time. In 2010, four juried awards were added to the competition and ArtPrize continued to evolve over the years to keep the experience fresh and surprising. A list of all ArtPrize winners can be found here.
October has always been a devilish month for Wall Street. Black Tuesday was Oct. 29, 1929. Black Monday was Oct. 19, 1987. And the crash of 2008 happened on October’s doorstep on Sept. 29, 2008, when the Dow dropped more than 777 points. The Dow notched a new low for the year and closed below 30,000 for the first time since June 17. The 30-stock index flirted with the bear market territory causing concern and stress.
These are the days of Chicken Littles! In this climate – despite historically low unemployment, robust GDP, and soaring consumer confidence – the stock market still has wobbly legs with no real end in sight.
The problem is not just the current concerns about high debt, trade wars, and rising interest rates; it’s the collective uncertainty and reactionary groupthink over which we have no control. It’s also the psychological traps, triggers, and misconceptions we humans fall prey to.
• Expecting to find high returns with low risk (I’ve got a Rolex watch I’ll sell you for $25.) • Believing that good things happen to you and bad things only happen to others
The reality is you could be as cool as a cucumber, but if those around you think the sky is falling, your portfolio will still likely evaporate.
And history indicates it could take years, or even decades, just to get back to where you were. Everyone seems to run to safety at some time in their lives. Is it time for you to take a long look at safe and secure options?
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood (far right) talks to members of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
One of the key missions of any business chamber is to serve as a connector and the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce did at a recent meeting designed to help launch a new initiative to serve minority business owners.
More than 20 members of the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Business Leader Advisory Council discussed the needs of businesses and how those needs can be obstacles for BiPOC businesses owners. The discussion came to zoning ordinances and how difficult they can be to maneuver.
The discussion prompted Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood to tell the group about the city’s need to fill several positions on its Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.
“I would love to see those boards more diversified.” Vanderwood said and two of the members indicated they were interested in exploring those opportunities. Due to the response, Vanderwood said he would send an email with links to the the Chamber that could be forwarded to everyone.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (second from the left) was part of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council launch. (WKTV)
Known for being “open for business,” Mayor Stephen Kepley recognized that zoning ordinances can be difficult for anyone to understand and that the city works with people to help them navigate the ordinances including have access to a translator service to help English-as-a-second language speakers.
In fact, the biggest takeaway WKCC President and CEO Keith Morgan said he got from the meeting was that the Chamber has to continue to be that connector.
Focusing on the needs of business
“I am pleasantly surprised at the level of influence and interest in a subject matter that can be easily overlooked in a large community,” Morgan said of the interest in developing the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council.
Morgan said his intention was to pull together a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and businesses within in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood for the Council. His original idea was to have a small group meet at the chamber offices however the overwhelming response from invitees had him move the event to the WKTV Community Media Center, 5261 Clyde Park SW.
A partner with the chamber, WKTV General Manager Tom Norton stated the station was thrilled to share its space with the Chamber for the launch of this initiative.
The initial event focused on how the Chamber could better serve the BIPOC business community. Morgan called it the start of the conversation with advisory members helping to establish goals.
Discussions centered around what some of the needs the businesses hand which included such topics as the need for interpreters, workforce development, labor shortage, and the ability to take a business to the next level.
At the meeting, the BIPAC Business Leader Advisory Council identified six key goals:
Establishing a mentor program
Creating and distributing a vendor list
Providing best practices especially related to procurement
Establishment of an advisory council
Building connections
Providing educational information and resources
Morgan said the Council will continue to meet to work on goals that can be completed in the short term as well as in the future.
In my line of work, I have the unfortunate job of dealing with the passing of someone’s spouse, parent, or sibling. In these moments of grief, I know how, if the details aren’t thought of ahead of time, the pain can be compounded with the frustration of navigating through the messiness of financial matters not thought of ahead of time.
Recently, this aspect hit home recently when a close friend quickly passed away, leaving his spouse and friends to deal with the remaining chaos. Dealing with finances at the time of grieving adds another level of stress and confusion.
I advise my clients to keep a list of all their accounts (checking, savings, CD, annuities, life, mutual funds, etc. in their trust folder. If they don’t have a trust and own any property, that is the first thing they must do along with their advisors’ names and phone numbers for each of those accounts. For the checking, savings, CDs, etc., those accounts should have a POD (Payable On Death), and their passwords should be given to someone they trust.
The reason I say giving the password to someone they trust, you ask? What happens if the mortgage needs to be paid and yet the death certificate is not available yet? Even though the account may have the POD, until the death certificate is produced, only those on the account have the authority to access the accounts to take care of any necessities.
When it comes to a spouse having to deal with the financial decisions, the grief can cloud their choices, and that is why having a plan written out and discussed with the family and the advisor can take away one less decision to make since it has already been made. This is especially true when it comes to planning the funeral.
All the proper planning in the world will not be beneficial if the information cannot be found during the crucial days and weeks following the loss of a loved one or if not having a written-out plan and discussed with an unbiased advisor and attorney to help carry out those wishes. While the topic is maybe challenging to discuss, it is essential.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
By Dave Stanely WKTV Contributor Integrity Financial Services LLC
(Pxhere.com)
Did you know that you have a valuable asset that is often overlooked and may not be included in conversations regarding your financial portfolio? It’s your life insurance policy. Many people are not aware that a life insurance policy is an asset that can be sold with some of the terms being set by the owner.
All too often, life insurance owners surrender their policy to the insurance company instead of getting a quote in the “secondary” market for what it’s actually worth. The market value of a life policy can be as much as eight times more than the surrender value. If you have a life policy that is unwanted, unneeded, or has become unaffordable, you can get a quote for the cash value in the open market. Typically, you will have several choices as to the disposition of your policy.
One option is to settle for an all-cash offer and surrender any and all ownership of the policy. Another option is to take a reduced death benefit with a partial cash payout and never pay another premium. This is the equivalent of owning a “paid-up policy” for a reduced death benefit which will still be paid to your beneficiary upon the death of the insured.
Older retirees can sometimes find themselves in need of a lump sum of cash later in life due to health circumstances (i.e., long-term care expenses), divorce, or even debt. These are some of the primary reasons why seniors opt to sell their policy and use the money for these needs. It’s your cash and can be used for any purpose. Other examples include investing the cash to generate monthly income, paying for college expenses of grandchildren, or perhaps funding a long-desired family vacation.
One other point to make about selling a life insurance policy in this manner is that this type of sale is not a “viatical settlement.” You may have heard this phrase before but not fully understood its meaning. A viatical settlement is where a person with a terminal illness sells their life insurance policy for less than its mature value to benefit from the proceeds (cash) while the insured is still alive. You do not need to be terminally ill to sell your life insurance policy in the open market. However, it is true that if you have impaired health or you are in your mid to late 80s or 90s, your policy can be worth more due to these factors. However, it is not necessary to be ill to take advantage of selling one or more of your life insurance policies. Do yourself a huge favor, get a quote from a qualified insurance agent, and know your options and the value of your policy before you surrender it to the life insurance company.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The loading dock at one of Lacks Enterprises manufacturing facilities. (WKTV)
Lacks Enterprises Inc. is hosting a Career Fair where the automotive supplier and one of West Michigan’s largest family-owned employers plans to interview candidates to fill a variety of open positions.
Lacks’ Career Fair is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center, 4949 Broadmoor Ave. SE in Kentwood.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Lacks Enterprises provides interior and exterior plastic trim components and innovative wheel trim systems to the top global automotive manufacturers.
At its Career Fair, Lacks will conduct on-site interviews to fill a variety of general manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and skilled trades positions in its Grand Rapids and Kentwood facilities.
Attendees are encouraged to bring documentation to complete an I-9 form should they be offered a position. I-9 Forms provide documentation to the employer to confirm their identity and authorization to work. The list of documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
Employment is subject to the successful completion of Lacks Enterprises’ pre-screening activities, which includes drug testing, a background check and a physical. Lacks Enterprises will coordinate the physical.
For more information, contact the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center at (616) 554-7812 or visit Workatlacks.com.
Lacks Enterprises is the fourth largest privately held employer in West Michigan and has more than 2,500 people at facilities in Kentwood and Novi, as well as Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. Lacks business units—Lacks Trim Systems, Lacks Wheel Trim Systems and Plastic Plate, LLC—specialize in applying Lacks’ innovative décor finishes, production experience and testing capacity to the unique needs of its customers.
Viewpond Banquet Hall celebrated a delayed grand opening ceremony on Wednesday in Kentwood. From left, Kentwood City Commissioner Bob Coughlin, Viewpond Banquet Hall Co-Owners Amit Verma and Ajay Chhabra, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, Kentwood City Commissioner Clarkston Morgan. (WKTV)
At a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday delayed by the pandemic, Viewpond Banquet Hall disclosed donating a portion of its profits to two popular charities.
Viewpond Manager Elisa Rodriguez said the company would donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the event sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
“They are in need and we’re all about community so that’s who we chose to help and support,” said Rodriguez, who’s company is located at 1665 Viewpond Dr. SE, Kentwood.
Kentwood Little Free Pantry
Kentwood City Commissioner Clarkston Morgan said the Little Free Pantry is a passion of his.
“We have a lot of transitional families that rely upon that pantry for food, and there’s no questions asked,” Morgan said. “They can come in and get what they need and go home and feed their families right away.
“Viewpond cared about being able to help families. I’m tying in opportunities for local businesses to be able to join our city and support our efforts to feed our families.”
The Little Free Pantry began as a community service project for MLK Day in 2017. Located inside the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, it helps a number of Kentwood families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center during normal business hours and also are accepted at collection bins located at:
Viewpond Banquet Hall Manager Elisa Rodriguez (center) cuts the ribbon at a delayed grand opening ceremony Wednesday in Kentwood, sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (WKTV)
Soft opening during pandemic
Viewpond co-owner Amit Verma said his company had a soft opening about 11 months ago.
“Last year, we missed the grand opening because of the pandemic,” said Verma, who’s partner is Ajay Chhabra. “It’s been a year, and we are doing good, so we decided to do it now.”
Viewpond handles everything from corporate meetings and seminars to weddings.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley was at the ribbon cutting as well, and talked about the business environment coming out of the pandemic.
Mayor Kepley said he thinks business is getting more back to normal after the pandemic, specifically this type of business.
“The owners of venues are telling me that they’re really doing well now, and are booked through 2022 and also getting booked through 2023,” Kepley said. “People are now getting back to getting married with large crowds of 200, 300 people and trying to get back to what it used to be. That’s good to see.”
Get serious about your retirement: If your employer matches your 401(k) contributions, you need to take advantage and max out your contribution. Your employer’s share is “house money,” which means using their contribution as part of your 401(k) plan as an employee benefit. Many 401(k) plans allow for conversion to a guaranteed retirement income which can be used as a lifetime benefit. Ask your benefits manager to see if it is included in your plan. It would help if you also planned at what age you would like to retire. If you have had a loss in investment returns in your 401(k), ask yourself how you can gain that back. Your asset allocation in your 401(k) can be changed as you get closer to retirement age. Most plans allow you to move the money as a rollover to a self-directed IRA, which provides the option of using an annuity with an “Income Rider” attached to provide desired guarantees. If you have an IRA and are not contributing annually, start this year; contributions made before April can be deducted from the previous year’s income.
If you don’t have a will, see an attorney and make one. If you have a current will make sure it is up to date.
Name an executor for your estate. Use caution in the selection, and make sure you have asked the executor for permission to use them. Based on the valuation of your estate and your state of residence, the use of a trust can assist the executor in their responsibilities. Ask your attorney for ideas and help. Never buy a trust from anyone other than an attorney licensed to practice law. Often life insurance is used to provide funds for any taxes or debts that may be due at your death, have a professional insurance review the policies, and make sure the ownership and beneficiary decisions are up to date.
Create an emergency fund for situations that come up, such as a hole in your roof or an unplanned car repair. Only 28% of people have an emergency fund, according to a 2022 Bankrate.com survey.
Take a close look at your investments and review them for changes. Remember, as we get older, we have less time to make up losses in our investments.
Start paying down debt. Debt can be a drag on your retirement; once the debt is retired, stress becomes less, and your options for life increase.
Budgeting and following a monthly plan can help. There are numerous studies about budgeting; one thing is for sure, people who follow a budget have less stress. Make a budget and stick to it.
Life should be enjoyed. Use these simple 7 financial tips as the first step to regaining financial freedom and reducing stress.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
Meijer is joining with The Rapid for a job fair on Wednesday. (Supplied)
This “Roll With Us” fair will run from 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 5 on The Rapids’ Central Station and will help job seekers explore working for The Rapid and job opportunities at partner locations along bus routes. The fair will include West Michigan’s two largest employers, Spectrum Health and Meijer, as well as opportunities with Mary Free Bed, Kellogg’s, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps, and Hope Network.
“We are so excited to partner for this job fair,” said Micalah Webster, talent selection manager with Spectrum Health. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community, share information with job seekers, and highlight many of the positions we have available, from patient-facing roles delivering care to roles behind the scenes that help keep our business running. Many of the positions we are hiring for are in locations served by The Rapid.”
Hosting the fair at Rapid Central Station makes attendance more accessible to people without personal vehicles. Attendees can take Routes 1 through 15 and the Silverline directly to the job fair. For job seekers traveling by car, free parking will be available in the lot in front of Rapid Central Station at 250 Cesar E. Chavez with the entrance on Williams Street.
The Rapid will be offering on-site interviews and making offers for bus operators and vehicle technicians at the “Roll With Us” job fair. The transit agency offers paid training, great benefits, and the opportunity to work with a group of people who take pleasure and pride in making an important difference in the lives of others.
Spectrum Health also has many opportunities available for job seekers. “We offer a wide variety of opportunities, including entry-level positions with on-the-job training,” Webster said. These positions offer a great way to get started in healthcare, even if an applicant does not have experience, and can lead to long-term careers.”
The job fair will feature Mexcellente, a local food truck, to give participants a chance to purchase food while exploring career options.
The Rapid is hosting a job fair at its Central Station on Wednesday. (Supplied)
Although The Rapid has hosted job fairs in the past, this is its first venture inviting partners to participate. Employers choose to invest in this community because it provides transportation options for its employees. Public transit serves as an economic engine and partnerships are fundamental to the success of transit and growing a more sustainable community.
“The Rapid provides more than just transportation – we create opportunities and connections within our community,” The Rapid CEO Deb Prato said. “We’re excited to welcome our partners to the Roll With Us job fair to connect transit riders with transit-friendly employers. I’m also excited to meet the people who choose to join our team as operators and technicians. The people in these roles are the backbone of our organization and community.”
Thursday afternoon, Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new building near Kentwood. (Courtesy, Mobile Defenders)
Thursday afternoon, Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new building near Kentwood. Mobile Defenders, which provides wholesale cell phone replacement parts around the world, and eduPARTS, which offers Chromebook and iPad parts for school districts, students and businesses, moved into the location this summer to handle growing demand and growing staffs.
The 89,430-square-foot structure was built by Veneklasen Construction and is located at 6155 East Paris Ave. SE, near M-6 and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS share ownership and employ more than 50 people total. Those employees were joined by leadership from both companies, Veneklasen Construction and representatives of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting. Company ownership says the new space is perfect to allow them to serve their customers quickly and successfully.
“Having this new home allows our teams to efficiently and effectively work together to quickly meet our customers’ needs,” said Erich Baum, vice president of Mobile Defenders. “In our industry, speed is everything and our new location close to the airport allows us to have a workspace that people enjoy and get products out the door quickly.”
The building includes both office and warehouse space. The office space is setup to facilitate teamwork while having easy access to leadership. The workspace includes sound-masking artwork that hangs from the ceiling. There is also a modern, spacious break room and electric car chargers in the parking lot for employees and customers to use.
The new 89-430-square-foot building includes office space and a warehouse (pictured above.) )Courtesy, Mobile Defenders)
“It’s been exciting to work with Mobile Defenders on a building that gives them exactly what they need both now and in the future,” said Julie Byrne, president of Veneklasen Construction. “Our team was able to remain flexible during the construction timeline which allowed us to complete the work in a timely manner of a building we’re very proud of.”
“Serving schools and businesses locally and nationwide is our core focus at eduPARTS. This new facility has provided us with space to expand our warehouse to better provide them with the Chromebook and iPad repair parts they need. Since moving, I’ve seen an improvement in efficiency, enthusiasm, and teamwork, ” said Cole Manning, managing director of eduPARTS.
Construction on the $7.5 million project began in summer 2021. Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS currently occupy more than half of the space, with other tenants scheduled to move in later this year.
A Greece-based snack company has announced its plans to open its first North American manufacturing operation in the City of Kentwood.
The SnackCraft location will be at 4444 52nd St. SE. (Supplied)
Unismack, SA, a developer and manufacturer of high-quality crackers and other snack foods, will open its new location at 4444 52nd Street SE. The U.S. business will operate as SnackCraft, LLC with the website of www.snackcraft.com. The plant will add 185 new jobs and $41.7 million in capital investment over the next five years.
“We are honored SnackCraft has chosen the City of Kentwood as its first location in the United States, bringing well-paying jobs and a significant investment in our community,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “SnackCraft is positioned for success here with an engaged workforce and welcoming community. We are committed to supporting the company’s investment and growth with our solutions-focused team and streamlined development processes.”
Working with the State to Make It Happen
The Right Place worked closely with Unismack to bring this new facility to the Greater Grand Rapids region rather than other out-of-state locations being considered. With the approval of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund. West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College will also be supporting the project with a $614,000 workforce training package.
“As we looked into another manufacturing location for our company, the Grand Rapids region seemed like an obvious choice,” said Dimitrios Stratakis, Unismack founder & CEO. “There is an abundance of talent and resources here in West Michigan to help us in the next phase of our journey and we’re thankful to the team at The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC for their support.”
The new Grand Rapids facility, led by CEO Joseph Riley, will be a co-packer/contract manufacturer of baked crackers, tortilla chips, single and twin-screw extruded snacks, and pellet snacks such as veggie chips and straws. The facility will include an innovation center to assist customers with research and development of new products to meet changing consumer tastes and demand. SnackCraft will also provide warehousing and some 3PL services for its customers.
“We’re very happy we were able to assist SnackCraft in finding the perfect environment to grow their operations here in the United States,” said Brent Case, vice president of Business Attraction for The Right Place and project lead. “With the amount of talent available and the previous successes of other food and beverage companies in the area, Kentwood has created a desirable location for global companies like SnackCraft to thrive.”
Starting Aug. 29, the Clyde Park south route 10 will change. (Supplied)
With Byron Township’s decision to not renew its contact with The Rapid, the transportation agency took the opportunity to realign its south Clyde Park Avenue route (Route 10) to serve some of the area’s critical destinations.
Starting Aug. 29, the route will include new stops at the Special Olympics and Disability Advocates of Kent County facility on 68th Street, Cutlerville’s Pine Rest location, and the Spectrum Health South Pavilion.
“We are proud to work with The Rapid to create a new bus stop and turnaround on Pine Rest’s Cutlerville campus,” said Pine Rest President Mark Eastburg. “Access to transportation is essential for our community and this service will greatly benefit our friends and neighbors who are seeking care at Pine Rest, as well as our employees who can now choose public transpiration as an option. Providing more access to our campus gives more opportunity to receive mental health and emergency care at Pine Rest’s psychiatric urgent care center.”
At its June board meeting, Byron Township did not vote in favor of renewing its contract with The Rapid, which previously funded a portion of Route 10 south of 54th Street. This provided an opportunity to evaluate and change route patterns to serve critical destinations.
Beginning on Aug. 29, Route 10 will have stops at:
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) campus and Disability Advocates of Kent County
Pine Rest
Spectrum Health South Pavilion
The reroute impacts some of the existing stops along Route 10. Several stops along Division Avenue and 68th Street will be eliminated. The stops along 54th street will remain to serve Route 1 – Division but will no longer be used as stops for Route 10. Northbound stops along Clyde Park will remain in service south of 54th Street.The Rapid also operates the Go!Bus paratransit services that provide rides to ADA-eligible customers within its service area. With transit agencies being required to provide services within three-fourth of a mile of their fixed-transit routes, the areas served by Go!Bus will shift around the new route configuration.
“It’s great working with the Rapid staff to provide a workable solution for the new Special Olympics campus,” said Disability Advocates of Kent County Executive Director Dave Bulkowski. “The new routing will provide a mainline bus stop in front of our facilities on 68th Street. This makes it safer for transit customers by eliminating the need to cross five lanes of traffic to access Disability Advocates and the Special Olympics campus. With these stops, we also maintain Go!Bus paratransit service which is absolutely critical for our staff, volunteers, and participants.”
The updates to Route 10 will ultimately help drive The Rapid’s efforts in cultivating a more equitable community in all six-plus cities by providing access to these essential services.
“This realignment will provide safer access to the Special Olympics of Michigan campus and co- located services provided by Disability Advocates of Kent County. It will also allow for greater access to employment opportunities for our six-cities residents,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “We work hard to build partnerships and innovative services to meet the needs of the community we serve.”
To review the changes to Route 10 (Clyde Park), visit ridetherapid.org.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Airport Access Study is looking at three different possible new entrances to the airport along with improving its current entrances. (Supplied)
Area residents have until Sept. 2 to weigh in on their thoughts of proposed improve access to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Residents can visit www.gvmc.org/airport-acces-study to share their thoughts on three new proposed entrance ways along with improvements to the current airport entrances and the addition of other modes of transportation, such as buses, rails, and bicycles, to the airport.
Traffic at Ford Airport continues to increase
The Grand Valley Metro Council, in partnership with several local municipalities such as the Kent Count Road Commission and the City of Kentwood as well as the Ford Airport and the Michigan Department of Transportation has spend the past couple of months investigating ways to improve access to the airport as well as the surrounding local road and freeway systems.
The Airpot Access Study also considers other transportation options besides vehicles. (Supplied)
Before the COVID pandemic, the Ford Airport had some of its highest passenger numbers in history and while those numbers dipped during the pandemic, like it did for many other airports across the country, in the past few months, the Ford Airport has seen its numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.
With indications that the airport’s passenger traffic will continue to increase, the GVMC decided to conduct an Airport Access Study for the Ford Airport with the goal of finding improved access to the airport.
Currently the Ford Airport’s main entrances are the Patterson Avenue/60th Street and Patterson Avenue/44th Street, where there have been a number of crashes. There is also a lack of sidewalks in the area preventing non-motorize options.
Creating a better flow
Through the process, the GVMC came up with three new access points to the airport along with improvements to the airport’s current entryways. Those improvements for the current entrances would include better signage and road markings, rerouting of traffic patterns and a planned road widening along Patterson by MDOT.
The first alternative access would be from I-96 and 36th Street, which would create a direct roadway from 36th Street to the terminal, avoids parking expansion on the north side of the terminal, and includes a tunnel below the current and future expanded runway.
The next alternative access would be Thornapple River Drive which would add access points for freight traffic for the airport’s growing cargo operations hub.
The third alternative would be a proposed M-6 access that would combine a ring road extended from 60th Street to Thornapple River Dive and add M-6 interchanges. This alternative would require a comprehensive roadway reconfiguration but would prove new access to help separate freight traffic from passenger traffic and support the developing industrial area that is southwest of the airport.
By rail, trail, bus or bike
The study also looks at alternative modes of transportation to the airport such as transit services and pedestrian and bicycle lanes. These alternatives include a downtown express bus/shuttle, expanded transit service in the Cascade and Caledonia areas, extending MDOT rail line from north-south to directly to the airport terminal, terminal curb extension to accommodate and separate departure and arrival traffic, and proposed sidewalks with new non-motorized facilities planned along the surrounding area.
Owners Tom and Amy Payne. Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. (John D. Gonzalez)
TwoGuys Brewing thinks of itself as “Big City Dining,” but without the hassles of driving and parking downtown.
Even when they put together a business plan in 2006 – 12 years before they opened – the owners always planned to offer quality, locally sourced dining for the community of Wyoming.
“Upscale is not even the word,” said former homebrewer-turned-head chef, Tom Payne.
It was always meant to offer a “downtown restaurant feel and quality of food for our neighbors here in Wyoming.”
Tom and wife/co-owner Amy are doing exactly what they set out to do, and they’re doing it in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. It’s a no-frills location, just great food and beer.
Quality that doesn’t break the bank
The quality of dining is what you might find in downtown Grand Rapids or other metropolitan cities, they said, but not at the same cost. Plus, they have free, on-site parking in Wyoming.
Burgers at Two Guys start at $11. (John D. Gonzalez)
“Pricing downtown is just exorbitant, and I understand, their rents are also much higher than ours in some cases,” Amy said.
“But we’re Gen-exers,” she added. “We don’t park six blocks away from where we’re eating.”
“I worked 16 hours today; I don’t want to walk,” said Tom with a laugh.
A burger downtown, for example, might cost as much as $18.
At TwoGuys, where burgers are ground fresh every day, it will cost $11, unless you customize it with a lot of add-ons, like one online customer who built a half-pound burger with multiple toppings that came in at $19.
One of Tom’s priciest creations, a Poutine Burger, which was a special in July, cost $14. It was Prime rib, ground fresh from English cut roast shoulders.
It might cost a little extra, “but we touched every part of that burger, from the condiments on it, to the grinding of the beef,” Tom said.
“And it had hand-cut fries on it,” Amy said.
Foodies and others are taking note
Since opening in 2018, TwoGuys has established itself as “a great place for delicious eclectic food and great Michigan beers. Family-friendly with a great neighborhood feel!,” which it says right on their Facebook page.
That’s where most of their 13,000-plus followers keep up to date on food specials, new beer releases and community causes.
Two Guys Brewing is located in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. (John D. Gonzalez)
Just take a look at their food photos online, and you will immediately have a craving for one of Tom’s creative creations.
Along with a team of dedicated employees, they’re hard work is paying off and putting Wyoming on the map. Foodies everywhere are taking notice.
With a national tourism conference in town last week, Experience GR had some nice things to say about them in a blog post offering a “Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food,” saying TwoGuys is a “must visit” for craft beer and food enthusiasts “due to its decadent food, dessert and craft beer selections.”
It added:
“TwoGuys makes most of its items in house, to the extent of house-smoking beef, corned beef and turkey, hand-dredging chicken and hand-cutting potatoes for fries. The menu emphasizes shareables, from tacos, fried pork rinds and wine-braised mushrooms to cheese curds, charcuterie boards and chorizo fundido, a sausage-and-beer cheese combo.
You can also count on a tantalizing special or two, always made with the freshest local ingredients.”
The silver lining of COVID
The praise is heart-felt by the couple, who work countless hours, but always put their staff and customers first.
“There are some weeks we don’t take home a paycheck,” Amy said. “And we’re OK with that.”
They were humbled during Covid when locals flocked to their restaurant to pick up pre-packaged, family meals that Tom said was “real honest food that you didn’t have to do the hard part.”
To borrow a couple of overused words at the height of the pandemic, they learned to “pivot” and make the best out of an “unprecedented” period in our country’s history.
In a weird way, it was Covid that put TwoGuys on the map outside of Wyoming.
They were humbled again this summer when a smoker caught fire and caused damage to the exterior of their building, which led to a GoFundMe Page. On Facebook they posted:
Damage from the smoker fire that took place earlier this summer. (John D. Gonzalez)
“We could use your help if you’re so inclined.
“We DO have insurance. Anything donated above the deductible and immediate costs to repair, replace, and clean up will be donated to a local charitable organization supporting women, pregnancy, and infants. It has always been our mission to support our local community and we will do that through this as well!”
They asked for $2,500, which the community nearly doubled in less than a month.
It wasn’t an easy ask for a couple that, like the community itself, prides itself in hard work and pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.
They were overwhelmed.
The extra money will go to charities they support and align “with our values.” But they’ll do it quietly without making a big deal about it.
“When you do something good, sometimes you just have to shut up and let people notice,” Amy said.
“There are a lot of good restaurant owners in this community, but you’re never going to miss the fact they are doing good. That takes a little bit away from (the fact) you’re doing good if you’re using it as a marketing plan.”
More than a family affair
Married in 1990, the couple met in 1988 at Village Inn Pancake House on 28th Street (now New Beginnings). He was 18. She was 16.
Seeing their restaurant full is one thing that keeps Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne going. (John D. Gonzalez)
Today they are the parents of three adult daughters (Meghan, Zoe and Abigail). They live only a few blocks away from TwoGuys.
As local business owners, the couple just wants to make an honest living, support the community, and make great food and beer.
Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. When he needs a little “alone time,” Tom creates beautiful tie dye shirts across the street in the production facility to sell in their merchandise shop.
What keeps them going every day?
“Seeing this place full every night,” Tom said.
“Coffee and Ibuprofen.” Amy said.
‘Just be good’
In all seriousness, they hope popular beers, seltzers, sangrias, along with hand-cut fries, New Orleans-inspired food, burgers, tacos and other specialties will keep people coming back. It’s been a dream of the couple “forever.”
“But it’s never been a selfish dream,” said Tom, referring to the jobs they’ve created for their family and employees.
“We’ve got 20-some families of those that work here whose lives are better because we’re here,” he said.
That fits with their core values, which is to make a difference and “just be good.”
“Be better than you were yesterday,” Amy said.
“Change the world one pint at a time,” Tom said.
“We’ve really worked hard to try to make this corner of Wyoming better,” Amy said. “We’re hoping that ripples into other corners of Wyoming.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Britney Sylvester recognizes that for entrepreneurs who don’t have a brick and mortar store, it’s hard to get the word out about their businesses.
Britney Sylvester, owner of Uniquely Made Kreations, participates in a previous Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Which is why the owner of Uniquely Made Kreations is presenting this year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase as a part of Black Business Month in August.
“Not everyone has the startup money or funds to have an actual location, so these networking events – this one being at the mall where there’s a lot of foot traffic – give you a lot of exposure,” she said. “People are coming up and asking about your products, and you’re getting to share your journey with individuals from all walks of life. It’s amazing.”
Woodland Mall will host its third annual Black-Owned Business Showcase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, when more than a dozen local companies will be offering items like food, jewelry, apparel, home products, cosmetics, and health and wellness services.
Mall visitors will get to browse, sample and buy from the local entrepreneurs participating in the event.
Networking key to success
Uniquely Made Kreations offers items like customized T-shirts, masks, and cups, along with homemade desserts.
Sylvester said she first started making products and selling them about seven years ago, but she really got serious in 2019 when she graduated from SpringGR, an organization that helps launch new businesses through coaching and connections. SpringGR works primarily with businesses that are owned by minorities and women. The group helped her learn things like how much to charge for items, how to calculate her break-even point, and how to get an LLC.
“They helped me network with a lot of individuals as well,” she said.
Showing your support
The list of businesses participating this year includes:
Business owners sell their products at last year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Uniquely Made Kreations
D&D Fashion
Douber
EKDADF
XWhat’s Poppin
My Beautii Cosmetics
616 Candle Co
Azucar
Paparazzi
Lovely Organic Products
Maiyah Mari
Perfect fit
Blaque Realeza
Petray Trendz
Queen of Hustle
Melanie’s Miracle Children Boutique
The annual showcase is an important event for black entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to show off what they’re capable of and what they’re working on, Sylvester said.
“The community should come out and support it. It’s not only just buying, but spreading the word and looking at each and every one of the tables for the businesses that will be out there,” she said.
Sheila McGrath is a lifelong Grand Rapids resident who has been covering local news for more than 25 years. She was focused on Kentwood and Wyoming for more than a decade as editor of the Southeast and Southwest Advance newspapers.
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
West Michigan’s economy has flattened, following a national and worldwide trend, according to a report released Monday by Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research at Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business.
So, is the nation in a recession?
Long said he’s not quite ready to say so, given the complexities that go into determining when a recession begins or ends. However, he does think the nation is “very likely to slide into an official recession in the near future.”
“I’m sticking with an 80 percent likelihood of recession right now because, the future being what it is, things could change,” he said. “There’s a possibility that we might skate by, but it’s growing increasingly unlikely as time goes by.”
The key sales index, indicating new orders, sank into negative territory, according to the results of the survey of West Michigan manufacturers.
“Although many factories are still operating at or near capacity, higher commodity prices and rapidly rising transportation costs continue to restrict the profitability for many firms,” Long said in the report. “Even though business conditions remain modestly positive for some survey respondents, the talk of an impending recession is resulting in many expansion plans being put on hold.”
Automotive suppliers, though still hampered by chip shortages, are expected to weather any economic storm better than other sectors due to continued pent-up demand for new cars, Long said.
Key metrics in the July survey were a mixed bag: • The sales index, reflecting new orders came at -3 after being +26 in June • Production, or output, softened to +7 from +31 in June • Employment remained strong, reaching +27, up from +23 the previous month
Long cautioned against putting too much weight on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in determining the start of a recession.
While economists once used two consecutive quarters of negative GDP reports as a signal of the start of a recession, thinking has evolved in recent decades to include other factors such as income, employment, unemployment, industrial production, capital investment and consumer spending, he said.
Malamiah Juice Bar owners, from left, Jermale Eddie, Kris Mathis and Randy Otterbridge pose for a photo at the Studio Park location of Malamiah Juice Bar. The mural behind them features Eddie’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah. (Supplied)
With a little help from some friends, Jermale Eddie has taken his business, Malamiah Juice Bar, to the next level.
After bringing in two new owners this spring, Malamiah Juice Bar opened its second location on July 11.
The new juice bar in the downtown David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, will serve up made-to-order items like smoothies and bowls, as well as a variety of juices and grab-and-go items. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Until now, the business had been operating one retail juice bar and eatery in the downtown Studio Park development, 122 Oakes St. SW, while also distributing their juices to about 20 grocery stores in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo.
But Eddie said he had been thinking over the past couple of years about adding some business partners.
In the beginning, there was two
He started Malamiah Juice bar with his wife, Anissa, in 2013, taking the name for the business from the names of the couple’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah.
The two operated the business togther for a while, then Eddie became a “solopreneur” after his wife returned to work in a different job, he said.
“I knew at one point that we had taken this business as far as we could by ourselves,” he said. “I had to think about what are the elements that are missing? What do we need? Who do we need to come in to help us get to the next level? We didn’t want to plateau.”
A little help from his friends
Malamiah Juice Bar opened a new location in the downtown YMCA on July 11. Pictured, from left, are owner Jermale Eddie, area manager Adam Smallman, who manages both Malamiah Juice Bar locations, owner Kris Mathis and owner Randy Otterbridge. (Supplied)
That’s where his friends Randy Otterbridge and Kris Mathis came in. Both had backgrounds in marketing, and Eddie had known them for a long time through business connections and community events.
“I knew their business savviness, I knew their care and love for the community and their honesty and integrity, which is big,” Eddie said.
Mathis, the new chief of operations, is a self-described “serial entrepreneur.” He owns Raise a Glass Wine and Beer tours, coaches at SpringGR, and owns Blue Water Lake House, a short term vacation rental.
Otterbridge, the new chief marketing officer, has been teaching entrepreneurship at SpringGR for the past eight years and previously worked in the nonprofit sector for the Grand Rapids Urban League. He said he saw “massive opportunities” in the e-commerce and digital marketing space for the business.
An eye toward the future
In addition to opening more locations, the three are focused on growing the company in terms of the customer experience, the staffing experience and the community experience, Eddie said.
“Those are three areas of importance to us,” Eddie said. “It boils down to having the right systems in place and growing our systems.”
“The other part of our business model at both locations is, who do we take along with us on the journey? How do we support local as a local business? So you’ll find products from local entrepreneurs such as Ferris Coffee and granola bars from Granola Goddess,” Eddie said.
As they look to open more locations, Otterbridge said they’re focused on finding places with good synergy.
“We think about where can we place ourselves that already has foot traffic where we can be of service to the clients there,” he said.
Mathis said they’re also hoping to increase their retail footprint in their existing locations where things are already going well, as well as selling their products in more stores. They have a few other ideas in the works, such as after-hours activities for entrepreneurs, he said.
“If there is anyone interested in working with us in collaboration or partnership, or even opening another location of Malamiah, just reach out to us,” Mathis said. “Send us an email. We’re always open to entertaining ideas and possibly collaborating and seeing where it can take us.”
“Dollars saved 20 years ago have lost nearly HALF of their purchasing power. Such inflation poses a serious threat to seniors entering retirement, as well as those already in retirement.”
Since 2000, the US dollar has lost an incredible 44.2% of its purchasing power. Reports from the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the official tracker of inflation statistics, indicate inflation may be worse than we think. Even as interest rates remain at their lowest ever, Federal Reserve policies may be pushing inflation higher.
The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes.
(pxhere.com)
What does this mean for retirees and pre-retirees?
If you have an advisor or team of advisors, they most likely have mentioned the idea of “diversification” at least once. Since 2020, however, the concept of diversification has morphed from a “nice idea” into an absolute necessity. Multiple asset classes, particularly cash-flowing assets, seem to be the only cure for thriving in an increasingly volatile investing landscape. Diversification or developing so-called “hybrid” retirement strategies is essential to avoid a retiree’s most dreaded scenario: outliving their savings.
Proper diversification and risk reduction are part of well-designed, customized financial plans. Contrary to what some advisors preach, there are no shortcuts, no “one size fits all” templates to shorten the process. Portfolio allocation is unique to every individual. Some financial professionals believe the only way to ensure a diversified plan is to invest in every kind of asset.
How does one achieve diversification?
Many people don’t want to spread their cash out in multiple assets because they find it too difficult to monitor and maintain. If that is the case, retirees and those nearing retirement should consider several potential sources of income streams. Each of these assets offers different benefits and risks, and growth potential.
Social Security
Although it is a dependable income source, retirees should not regard Social Security as their sole source of retirement money. In 2020, Social Security paid out an average of $1,503, an amount that is insufficient to meet most retirees’ needs.
Fixed instruments
Debt instruments that pay fixed amounts of interest, such as bonds, are commonly used to build diverse retirement blueprints. Interest from these kinds of assets is usually paid on a semi-annual basis. The principal invested goes back to the investor upon maturity.
Stock market
While the market offers high growth potential, recent volatility makes it clear that such growth often comes with higher risks.
It’s critical when considering this option that you clarify how much risk you are willing to take and whether you have time to recover from any losses you might incur. The COVID-19 pandemic has made Wall Street’s outcomes even more unpredictable, meaning it could take years for seniors who invest too heavily in the market to recover from a downturn. Retirees could find they must withdraw more significant amounts of their cash when stock prices are down, leading to faster depletion of retirement savings.
Be sure you consult with a knowledgeable financial planner to determine whether you have the right amount of money invested in stocks.
“Safe money” vehicles
The cornerstone of a sound retirement is safe money products such as permanent life insurance and annuities. Instead of adding these proven products as afterthoughts, building your portfolio around them makes sense. Owning risk-averse, tax-advantaged products, many of which provide guaranteed income streams, will help you in several ways.
You will be able to plan better, knowing that you have a predictable source of income. Also, unlike stocks and other assets, your principal is protected. And you have the opportunity to use these products to create a legacy for your loved ones. Safe money products like annuities and life insurance also have unique tax advantages that other cash management tools lack.
Depending on your appetite for growth and risk tolerance, there are other possibilities to diversify your retirement portfolio. Before committing to any of these more “exotic” investments, you need to spend time doing your research and due diligence. Then speak to a trusted advisor who will tell you the TRUTH about money and not just try to sell you something.
Financial mistakes can be detrimental to your happiness when you no longer work. The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
Father and daughter, Gene Billings and Cathe DeLaney, pose in front of dad’s prized possession, a souped up 2011 Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
“Just hold on.”
That was the directive 92-year-old Kentwood resident, Gene Billings, gave this WKTV writer as his daughter, Cathe DeLaney, led the way to his 2011 Silverado truck, keys dangling from her fingertips.
It proved to be sound advice as the speedometer of the Silverado climbed rapidly under DeLaney’s guidance.
An attendee of almost every 28th Street Metro Cruise, and with the t-shirts to prove it, Billings is no stranger to speed and high-performance vehicles. His love of Metro Cruise shows in his dedication to attending the popular event each year.
Though Billings’ Silverado isn’t a “Classic Car” like most featured in the Cruise, it can outrun many of those acclaimed classics.
“It dynoed at 498 at the wheels, faster than most Corvettes,” Delaney said. “He’s (Billings) about to run out of things he can do to up its performance.”
Where the cars are the stars
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise event on August 26 and 27 at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.
It’s a family-friendly, two-day event featuring over 25 food trucks and concessionaires, five bands on the Metro Main Stage, free shuttle service, Miss Metro Cruise Finale, kids’ events and activities, a Dyno car testing platform, Community Awards Ceremony, Donut Competition, 35 sponsor booths with giveaways and games, the famous Collector Car Row consisting of over 400 collector cars, and much more. All free to the public.
Official cruise time
Spanning 13 miles of 28th Street, the official Cruise time is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. For one hour, Metro Cruise encourages all classic, muscle, antique, modified and sports car owners to cruise 28th Street – starting and ending where they choose.
Billings has shared his love of speed and performance vehicles with his daughter Cathe DeLaney, who attends the Metro Cruise with her father each year. DeLaney deems the Cruise the highlight of their year, saying, “That’s pretty much our Christmas. We look forward to that so much.
Kentwood resident and Metro Cruise fan Gene Billing’s Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
“The Metro Cruise is kind of neat, it’s a big mix.
“They have classic cars, they have muscle cars, they have old Model T’s.
“Rogers Plaza is just crazy, there are so many people there.
“Where the cars are the stars.”
An estimated 275,000 attendees
Metro Cruise annually attracts more than 15,000 Collector/Sports/Antique cars to the Grand Rapids area, and an estimated 275,000 people to its related events from across North America.
But it gained its popularity from car lovers in West Michigan, such as Billings and DeLaney.
Born in Flint, Billings is a native to the Grand Rapids area.
“His Dad worked for GM Fisher Body over here on 36th and Buchanan,” DeLaney said. “He grew up in the car industry, but didn’t want to work at the factory.”
Billings agreed, his interest leaning toward sprucing up his personal vehicles and racing for his own enjoyment.
“I’ve had all sorts of cars,” Billings said. “Dad was always trading his in every year and I’d get his leftovers.”
Billings lamented that his father never bought anything good enough to race.
“I tried to talk him into it, but he wasn’t interested,” he explained. “Dad had no comprehension on what a performance car was. The first car I got from him was a ’55 Chevy 6-cylinder station wagon. I said, ‘Oh boy, that’s a thrill,’” Billings said with a chuckle.
That was not the case with Billings, however, who would “tweak” his cars with “this and that” since he was a teen, finally settling on his beloved 2011 Chevy Silverado.
Metro Cruise fan Gene Billings with his vast collection of t-shirts. (Cathe DeLaney)
DeLaney said Billings can’t add many more “bells and whistles,” having already increased the truck’s performance and custom features to its maximum capacity.
“Whenever it’s convenient, I go down and run the track,” Billings said of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.
The Motorsports Park is a noted drag-racing strip founded in 1962 that now features a renovated track for modern events.
The Silverado’s best speed was 102 mph in the ¼ mile at the Motorsports Park’s straight track. But DeLaney confessed that she has seen the Silverado reach 150 mph.
Always looking for a race
“He is always looking for someone to race on the highway (mostly Camaros and Mustangs),” DeLaney said. “You don’t expect that much horsepower out of a truck. He’s like a shark.”
In fact, sharks are displayed prominently on Billings’ Silverado. When asked why he chose a shark, Billings replied, “Because it bites.”
“Mustangs are a great target,” Billings said with a grin. “I like to surprise them.”
DeLaney said he loves to come up to the line and be No. 1.
“Most (other drivers) back down at a certain speed, but they have longer to live than he does,” she added with a laugh.
The father-daughter duo still takes a weekly cruise together in the Silverado, alternating driving duties. When asked if they have ever received a ticket for their speed, Billings admitted, “I got pulled over once just outside of Sparta, and the cop was more interested in the truck than in giving a ticket.”
Billings and DeLaney plan to attend the Metro Cruise this year just as they have in years past.
Retirement can mean many different things to many people. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.
1. No Age Restriction on When You Can Retire
In the past, most people retired around age 65. However, retiring later in life has become more prevalent in recent years. In fact, there’s no age restriction on when you can retire. As long as you have the financial means to do so, you can retire at any age.
Don’t roll the dice when it comes to retirement, make a plan and review it. (pxhere.com)
2. Retirement Income Can Be Taxable
Depending on your retirement account type, you might have to pay taxes on your retirement income. If you have a traditional IRA, you may owe taxes on the money you withdraw in retirement based on your overall income. If you have a Roth IRA, you won’t owe any taxes on the money you withdraw.
3. You Might Need to Adjust Your Withdrawal Rate
The 65-and-older population is the fastest-growing age group in the United States and has grown by 34.2% over the past decade. The percentage of money you can safely withdraw from your retirement account each year depends on several factors, including the size of your nest egg and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should withdraw no more than 4% of your nest egg each year.
4. Consider Delaying Your Social Security
You’ll receive a reduced benefit if you start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. For example, suppose your full retirement age is 67, and you start collecting benefits at 62. In that case, you’ll receive only 70% of your monthly benefit. If you wait until age 70 to start collecting, you’ll receive 132% of your monthly benefit. The average Social Security retirement benefit is $1,536 per month or about $19,000 per year. The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2020 is $3,345 per month or $39,000 annually.
5. Don’t Forget The Cost Of Nursing Homes.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover the cost of long-term care, such as the cost of a nursing home. Consider purchasing a long-term care insurance policy or set aside funds to cover any future care costs. The average cost of nursing home care in America is expected to be more than $8,000 a month by 2023. However, actual costs will vary from state to state.
6. You Might Have to Downsize Your Home
If you plan on downsizing your home in retirement, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of living in some areas is quite high. For example, the cost of living in Manhattan is more than double the national average. As a result, you might have to downsize your home to a smaller apartment or condo.
7. Consider Working in Retirement
If you don’t have enough saved for retirement, you might need to work during retirement. In fact, about one in four Americans over the age of 65 are still working. Working during retirement can help supplement your income and allow you to stay active.
8. You Might Need to Save More Than You Think
The amount of money you need to save for retirement depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least 10 times your annual income saved by retirement. For example, earning $50,000 a year, you should aim to save at least $500,000 by retirement.
Bonus Fact About Retirement: Don’t Forget About Inflation
Inflation will have a significant impact on your retirement savings. For example, if inflation is 3%, the cost of living will be 33% higher after 10 years. As a result, you’ll need to save more money for retirement than you think.
The future points to one conclusion: The 65-and-older age group is expected to become larger and more influential. Have you made arrangements for health care expenses? Are you comfortable with your decisions? Have you considered market volatility? Inflation?
Research shows that the average American has $95,776 saved for retirement, and one in three Americans have no retirement savings. Suppose you don’t have enough saved for retirement. In that case, you should consider working during retirement, downsizing your home, or delaying your Social Security benefits. You should also be aware of the potential costs of nursing care and long-term care. Finally, remember that you might need to adjust your withdrawal rate as you get older. With careful planning, you can ensure a comfortable retirement.
A retirement strategy is not a “set it and forget it” proposition. You should review your strategy annually to ensure you are on track to reach your goals. How have you prepared for retirement? Are you on track to reach your goals? Have you even defined your goals? Take a few minutes and conduct personal evaluation.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
