In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Reggie Macon of Battle Ground is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
Globally, an estimated 736 million women aged 15 and older—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical violence at least once in their life, according to UN Women. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Reggie Macon, owner and instructor of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is dedicated to ensuring women and children are able to protect themselves from these senseless acts of violence.
In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Macon is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class. The class will take place at Boston Square Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m.
Why self-defense is important
At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“As an instructor, I think it’s important to learn some type of self-defense skill,” said Macon. “I’d rather have the women know it and not need it, than need it and not know.
“With everything that goes in the world, it will also give them a sense of awareness and confidence in their everyday life.”
At the EmpowerHer event, women will learn basic strikes, situational awareness, how to read body language, and tips on maximizing verbal and nonverbal communication.
“Self-defense is important as a woman because it gives you the confidence to defend yourself against an attacker,” said Macon’s wife and co-owner of Battle Ground, Chandra Macon.
“As a mother, it’s important to make sure our daughters have the knowledge of how to get away from an attacker as we cannot be with our children all day, everyday – especially as they get older and want to hang out with friends at the mall.”
A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Chandra went on to say that class participants will gain a better understanding of the tools they can use when in uncomfortable situations, generating confidence.
“This can also help you in everyday life where you may have been struggling to speak up before, but now have the confidence to speak up for your piece,” said Chandra.
“I’ve seen firsthand at sporting events where other kids navigate toward the larger crowds to fit in. Not my child; she decided not to. Proud moment for sure, because that tells me she’s okay to stand on her own – as that’s what leaders do! Anything can happen in larger crowds, and you don’t want to be guilty by association.”
Macon encourages local women to attend this free event and gain tools and resources to help protect themselves and their loved ones.
Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.
Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.
Local women have joined together to form Women in the Woods (WITW), a community of support and intention.
“Women in the Woods is a community of women that support each other [and] creates opportunities for women to get out in nature to refocus their minds,” said Kimberly Duncan, founder of WITW and Grand Rapids resident.
WITW has held approximately three events each year since its inception in 2022.
Local women are invited to WITW’s next event, Spring Outta Stuck, taking place at the Brown-Hutcherson Ministries Fellowship Hall (1065 36th St. SE) on Friday, May 17 from 6-8 p.m.
Embracing renewal, setting new intentions
Duncan said inspiration for Spring Outta Stuck stems from recognition of a prevailing theme among women – the feeling of being stuck.
“Seeing how this state of feeling immobile or uncertain can affect various aspects of life is what sparked the desire to create a supportive space where women could come together, share their stories, and explore strategies for overcoming obstacles,” said Duncan.
“The event aims to empower women to break free from stagnation, reclaim their momentum, and move forward with confidence and purpose.”
Get unstuck and refocus by reconnecting with nature in a supportive atmosphere (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Participant opportunities
Spring Outta Stuck attendees will have an opportunity to participate in activities promoting positive mindset, self-awareness, goal-setting and reconnecting with nature.
“Overall, participants can expect to leave the event feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with tools and insights needed to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and lead more intentional lives,” said Duncan.
Event details
Those interested in attending Spring Outta Stuck can RSVP at 616-315-7407. The cost is $10, and attendees are urged to bring a stadium chair or folding chair.
More event information can also be found on the WITW Facebook page.
Duncan asks for patience as the new WITW community continues to enhance their vision of helping empower local women.
Jessica Tomac, a member of Women Who Care of Kent County, talks with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about the significant impact the organization is making in the community.
Women Who Care of Kent County (WWCKC) only meets four times a year. Yet these women are changing the lives of local residents in significant ways.
For the past 11 years, West Michigan women have come together to help local non-profit groups. WWCKC meets quarterly to promote and then donate to local charitable organizations.
WWC check presentation to Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music for Health program (Courtesy, Jamie Geysbeek Photography and WWC)
Jessica Tomac, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and WCC member, appreciates the opportunity WWC provides to contribute to her community without a huge time commitment attached.
“I really wanted to be a part of a group to give back to the community but didn’t have a ton of time,” said Tomac.
As a mother holding down a professional career, Tomac found it difficult to find the time to research organizations to which she might be able to contribute, much less become involved in them. WWC provided an opportunity to learn about several local non-profits – and give back – without a lengthy time commitment.
How it works
At each quarterly meeting, three members are each given the chance to present about a Kent County non-profit they believe is deserving of a WWC donation.
(Courtesy, WWC)
“They have five minutes to present, five minutes for questions, and then after all three are presented, we vote,” said Tomac.
Each member donates $100 to the winning non-profit.
“We find out right then and there who wins, and we all write our check for $100 to that non-profit,” said Tomac. “But then you’re done. And that’s just four times a year.”
Members are able to write additional checks to other non-profit organizations presented if they so desire. All money goes directly to the non-profits selected.
“We, as Women Who Care of Kent County, don’t earn any money,” said Tomac. “We don’t raise any money, we don’t have any marketing dollars. Your $100 check gets written right to the non-profit so there is no money lost.”
One hour = a big impact
Tomac says her favorite part of WWC is hearing back from the selected non-profit about the impact made through that donation.
“When you think about your $100 now becoming $15,000 or $20,000 or $30,000, your impact is so much more,” said Tomac. “And it has changed the lives of people who couldn’t have housing, or kids who needed power wheelchairs, or diapers for kiddos whose parents didn’t have money for formula and diapers.
“It is huge, and it took you one hour to make that impact. It’s pretty remarkable.”
(Courtesy, WWC)
Though each quarterly WWC donation can be given as general aid to the non-profit chosen, Tomac said the presentations are typically aimed at a specific need.
“Usually it’s presented with: What is this need, and how is this [donation] going to help,” said Tomac.
Any non-profit can be brought forward at WWC meetings. Tomac said the Kent County chapter has provided transportation vehicles for organizations, medical equipment, equipment for musical groups, provisions for the elderly community, and more.
“The member just has to be educated enough to speak about whatever it is that they’ve chosen,” said Tomac.
“Most of us either know about an organization, or something happens in the community and we say, how can we help them more? Ninety-nine percent of the time, a lot of the members are either on the board or volunteer at a lot of these organizations.”
Changing lives together
To date, WWCKC has raised over $630,000 for over 61 Kent County non-profit organizations.
(Courtesy, WWC)
This West Michigan chapter has 150 members and a foundation grant, allowing for each non-profit to receive a considerable gift.
WWCKC membership is open to all women residing in West Michigan. However, WWC is making an impact in more than just our small state.
As part of the international 100 Who Care Alliance, WWC consists of approximately 750 operational chapters worldwide.
WWC recognizes strength in each individual, and how that strength becomes a powerful force for good that lifts up a community when they are brought together.
Check out WWC!
Tomac urges community members to visit a chapter that aligns with their time and location needs, and see what WWC is all about.
“It’s easy, and doesn’t take a lot of time to have a big impact,” Tomac said, adding emphasis to the simplicity aspect of WWC. “For me, that was key. You get pulled in so many directions, and you only have so much time.”
With thousands of non-profit organizations in Kent County, Tomac believes WWC provides a philanthropic avenue while educating the community about those organizations.
“It’s a really powerful way to get together – and it is only 4 hours a year!”
Caregivers often face unique challenges when seeking substance use care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Women experience unique challenges when faced with a substance use concern. A local organization is focused on providing solutions for those challenges.
Arbor Circle recently received a two-year grant from the Wege Foundation that will support programming specifically designed to provide in-home and community-based substance use disorder treatment services for women and their families.
Arbor Circle seeks to provide an environment of understanding, trust, and empathy where women can receive the support they need to overcome their challenges and thrive.
What are some of those challenges?
“Women especially tend to be the caregivers, so they potentially are the ones who have children with them as they are also trying to navigate their own personal journey towards recovery,” said Taylor Greenfield, Director of Development for Arbor Circle. “When they’re struggling with substance use, they may also be facing fear around what that means for the children in their home.”
Women may be concerned about legal issues, but they also may encounter barriers when it comes to transportation and childcare.
“They may have challenges around childcare and having someone who is able to come and watch their children while they are seeking or receiving services,” said Greenfield.
Because of this, Greenfield has seen a regional decline in women seeking substance use recovery services – and that is concerning.
Increased substance use, decreased pursuit of care
“What’s really concerning about that is we know substance use concerns haven’t gone away,” said Greenfield. “We know that substance use has actually increased. What that says to us is that women need additional support to engage in services.
Family-related barriers are preventing women from seeking support in substance use recovery (Courtesy photo)
“They are going to need those barriers removed differently, they’re going to need help with those childcare pieces, they’re going to need to know that the services they’re receiving are built on trust and empathy.”
Arbor Circle has worked to find funds that will provide that environment for women looking to begin their recovery journey.
Support from the Wege Foundation will help strengthen Arbor Circle’s community-based, family-focused, and culturally responsive treatment through peer recovery support. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience with substance use concerns to help keep those in recovery – and their families – engaged throughout their journey.
How peer recovery/support is different
Peer recovery supports are designed to assist individuals and families with achieving long-term recovery from a substance use disorder by acting as “coaches” to provide community-based and strengths-based ongoing support, case management, and consultation.
Those with lived experience can provide a unique perspective to those seeking recovery (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Peers are staff with lived experience in substance use,” said Greenfield. “They have been someone who has struggled with that, and they are on their own recovery journey. They are able to lend a really important and different perspective than a staff person who hasn’t gone through that.”
Greenfield went on to say that peer staff are still trained in their expertise, but have the additional element of their own background which allows them to share what the recovery journey is like later on down the line.
“They are serving as that catalyst for engagement, someone who’s able to encourage and support in a different way than a staff person might be,” said Greenfield.
Greenfield went on to say that a benefit to peers is that they are part of a team approach. Peers lend their unique perspective and are also surrounded by staff with a clinical background. Together, they ensure a mother has everything she needs to take that next step.
Peer-to-peer recovery support services are built on the recognition that individuals in recovery, their families, and their community allies are critical resources that can effectively enhance and improve formal treatment.
Community focus reduces barriers to care
Many of Arbor Circle’s 50+ services are based within the community. Staff often provide programming in homes and community centers. They also meet those seeking care at other locations such as churches or restaurants.
“There are folks that are really invested in reducing barriers wherever we can,” said Greenfield. “We have tried to build up programming that will meet folks where they are and regardless of their identity.”
Together, Arbor Circle and the Wege Foundation aim to increase accessibility of care for women raising children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Funds from the Wege Foundation will support Arbor Circle in increasing the accessibility of these services for women raising children with a substance use concern.
The Wege Foundation has a long history of generosity in the West Michigan community, with a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“They are deeply invested and involved in so many of the nonprofit conversations in the community that it just felt like a good fit,” said Greenfield. “We want to express our thankfulness to the Wege Foundation for their generosity.”
Arbor Circle’s Director of Community Based Recovery Services, Cathy Worthem, agreed. “We are deeply grateful for the Wege Foundation’s support of this work,” shared Worthem. “These funds will enhance our ability to work effectively with women and meet both their needs and the needs of their families.”
Resources
Learn more about Arbor Circle’s women-focused services here.
For those seeking additional services, or for those interested in becoming involved with Arbor Circle, more information can be found on their website.
“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “I wanted to celebrate the contribution women comedians have brought to the show through the years.”
Brian B. went on to say that, locally, women performing standup comedy was rare.
“Over the course of the last few years, that number has been steadily growing,” Brian B. says. “We’re featuring seven extremely funny women comics for this show.”
The lineup
The March 3 special performance will feature Grand Rapids comedian Kim Cook, a Second City alumni and semifinalist in the 2022 Kingpin of Comedy competition; Nicole Melnyk, voted Lansing’s Best Comic three times; Lauren Corbett; Cheryl Stoner; Amanda VK; and SNF first-timers Lucky Lee and Cinda DeBolt.
Lucky Lee (Courtesy, SNF)
Kim Cook (Courtesy, SNF)
Cheryl Stoner (Courtesy, SNF)
Amanda VK (Courtesy, SNF)
Cinda DeBolt (Courtesy, SNF)
Lauren Corbett (Courtesy, SNF)
Nicole Melnyk (Courtesy, SNF)
Mark your calendars for upcoming SNF events!
The following Sunday, March 10, is SNF’s annual LaughFest show. Comics 50+ will celebrate Older American Month with a show on Sunday, May 5. Soon after will be the start of SNF’s sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy competition.
About SNF
The creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot), the SNF is a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country.
A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.
A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.
“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”
An historic footprint
“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”
Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.
One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.
“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”
The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.
“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”
That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.
“The city is our clubhouse”
Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.
“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.
“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Judge Sara Smolenski, keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Enriching lives
Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.
“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”
The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.
“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.
“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”
Making a difference
Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.
The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.
WCC President Wendy Sturm welcomes members (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.
To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.
“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.
“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”
The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.
“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”
Their greatest legacy
“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”
Diane Jones (left) chats with a guest (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.
“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.
“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”
Friendship
Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.
“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”
The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.
As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.
What’s next in the centennial celebration?
The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.
“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.
Kathleen Ray leads members in a toast (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.
The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.
As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.
The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala.
“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.
“Cheers to 100 Years” – a toast by Kathleen Ray (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Empowering women
“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.
“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”
Interested in joining the WCC?
Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.
Many women doubt themselves and stop moving forward (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
As the new year begins, many people are setting goals and resolutions to improve their lives. For some women, this means refocusing on their own dreams and aspirations. But for others, the start of a new year only brings added pressure and self-doubt.
Why is it that some women are so hard on themselves?
“Even at your lowest moments, you still need to move forward,” encourages Jánelle Marina Méndez Viera, who endured multiple adversities throughout her childhood and early adulthood. She is now passionate about helping other women overcome challenges.
“Maybe you’ve been told not to go for that risky job, or you’re afraid to relocate for your career because you’re a mom. It’s OK to be scared while you’re trying to figure something out. We all have moments when we don’t feel safe and comfortable. Risk taking throws you out of your comfort zone. As long as you’re not in danger, that discomfort will be part of your growth.”
Méndez Viera turned her adversities into a mission
Use negative experiences to fuel positive changes (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Méndez Viera endured many obstacles as a child and young adult, including multiple forms of sexual violence and modern slavery, some of which happened while she served in the military.
Now in her early 30s, she is using those negative experiences to fuel positive changes.
Méndez Viera has lobbied for and achieved changes in nearly every level of government. She is an author, academic researcher, human rights activist, entrepreneur and public speaker. “This journey has cultivated a resilience and determination within me that I hope to use to inspire others,” she says.
Méndez Viera’s advice on how to overcome anything
For women who are struggling right now, Méndez Viera suggests taking some of the same steps she followed. They include:
1. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. “No one knows your strength and capabilities better than you. Remain assured in your abilities and potential, despite any negative voices around or within you. Read the stories of people who’ve come before you and overcame similar adversities. This is extremely helpful during moments of doubt and can provide reassurance when things are looking dim.”
Méndez Viera found role models in confident women, some of whom paved the way for her own technological and human rights achievements.
Take time for healing and self-care in all areas (Courtesy photo)
“In the 1940s, Hedy Lamarr invented the ‘frequency hopping’ technology that became Bluetooth,” said Méndez Viera. “Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in founding the United Nations. On a personal level, I had an aunt whose unconditional love and support inspired me to be a more compassionate person. And even though my own family was dysfunctional, I had friends who taught me how to have healthy relationships.”
2. Take time for self-care. “Healing emotionally and physically is integral to personal development. For me, this meant regular exercise, meditation, therapy and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Find your go-to self-care activities and make them a regular part of your routine, especially during the points that you want to give up.”
3. Reach out for help. “It can be tempting to isolate oneself in difficult times, but I’ve found that reaching out to support groups, psychologists and networks of individuals who have faced similar experiences can be very helpful.”
4. Become an ambassador of change. “Activism provided me with a sense of purpose and passion. Use your experience to influence changes that can help others with similar struggles so that you are empowering others and making their journeys less painful and more about healing.”
Continually growing and learning is empowering (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
5. Never stop learning. “Continual growth and education served as a beacon of light in my darkest times. As an author and inventor, I found solace, purpose, and game-changing dynamism in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Resources like PTSD support groups, the Veterans Administration, counseling sessions, and various online platforms such as Veterans Crisis Line can be of immense help during troubled times.
“For me, reading research reports regarding various social sciences helped me understand the societal problems that caused my trauma. They empowered me to take meaningful actions for advocacy that led to me authoring the Restoration of Honor Act of 2019.”
She emphasizes, “Sometimes obstacles can be opportunities to learn more about yourself, and to create a better path for your life. You can learn to thrive even during hard times.”
If you’re a woman in or near retirement, let me ask you this: “How do you plan to take what you’ve so diligently saved and turn it into a lifetime stream of dependable, predictable, tax-advantaged income?”
Five reasons women should consider using annuities to create more prosperous, less stressful retirements. (pxhere.com)
If you’re like many of us, you probably don’t have a ready answer to this question. That’s because you’ve been busy doing “all the right things.” You’ve been working, saving, maximizing your 401 K, paying off debts, being a caregiver, running a household, etc. It’s likely you haven’t really had time to think about what to do when the time comes to stop working and live on what you’ve accumulated.
I want to suggest: Take some time to consider annuities carefully. After spending time studying this often overlooked, but powerful financial vehicle, I’ve come to believe that nearly every woman planning on retiring could benefit from the features found in annuity products.
Here are a few reasons you should consider an annuity when it comes time to empty your “accumulation” bucket.
An annuity creates guaranteed income for life. When you deposit a lump sum into an annuity, you enter into a contract with an insurance company in which the company guarantees you income for the rest of your life. This will eliminate a chief concern of many women entering the retirement phase of their lives, namely, running out of money too soon.
Flexibility and customization. Annuities have come a long way in the past few years, offering a full spectrum of long-term care and inflation protection features. No longer are you constrained to a “one size fits all” annuity. These new kinds of annuities now provide for a new level of customization, safety, and functionality.
Annuities provide predictability. Many people, especially those in their pre-retirement and retirement life stages, want to know exactly how much income they will be available when they retire. If predictability is one of your top priorities, then an annuity can provide that.
Zero maintenance. When you agree to the terms of the annuity contract, you’ll be assured of a steady income for life even if you live for another 50 years after retiring. An annuity is one of the few available financial products you can actually “set and forget.” there is nothing to keep tweaking or moving around; no more crossing your fingers every time the market hiccups.
Tax benefits by using an annuity for a portion of your nest egg allow that portion to grow tax-deferred, just like the money in traditional retirement accounts. That means if you don’t take out all the money for a while, you could see a significant tax reduction in retirement.
There are many other reasons that an annuity, while it may not be for everyone, is still worthy of your attention as you enter retirement. Partnering with an annuity specialist will allow you to examine these safe money alternatives more thoroughly to see if they will work in your particular situation.
If you’d like to know more about how women can use annuities to create safer, saner, more prosperous post-work lives, email or call me, and I will be happy to send you educational information to help you make the right decisions about your retirement blueprint.
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
If you’re a woman, who is divorced, in the process of divorcing, or is contemplating a divorce in the near future, understanding a few key things about the financial implications of a marital dissolution will go a long way toward helping you regain the confidence you need to take control of your wealth.
After a divorce, some women, especially those whose spouses were in charge of the household finances; find themselves in the confusing and uncomfortable position of having to learn personal finance from scratch. They now have no choice except to take responsibility for earning, saving, paying bills, and investing for retirement.
It’s unfortunate that many divorced women find themselves faced with some unpleasant and unanticipated realities in their post-marriage lives. For example, women often greatly underestimate the costs involved in the divorce process itself. The website Divorcestatistics.info puts the average cost of a divorce in America at around $15,000.
Beyond the legal costs, things such as lack of financial literacy, standard office expenses, the need to hire valuation and other financial experts, and even the emotional states of the divorcing couple can contribute to the high price tag a divorce usually carries.
Divorcing women face other nasty surprises
• Health insurance costs are often more than they envisioned. Usually, divorced women will have to pay their health insurance premiums, which can be staggering. Nationally, health insurance premiums have been increasing by an average of 5% every year, for the last six years. In some states, coverage for a single woman can be more than $1,000 per month! • They need to find a job as soon as they can. Economic necessity can mean that some divorced women will see they need to start working quickly. Those who were stay-at-home wives and mothers may not have had time to acquire new skill sets or update their existing skills, making it difficult to get hired or get better wages. • They could find themselves homeless. In a typical divorce, the family home can be the most valuable financial asset as well as a big bone of contention. If divorcing women do want to stay in the home because they have young children or due to an emotional attachment, they may have to fight to keep it. Fighting with an ex-spouse over the home is an expensive and time-consuming process that could quickly deplete any savings and create even more stress. • Alimony and/or child support is not what they thought it would be. For whatever reason, some divorced women overestimate how much money they feel their ex-spouse should pay in spousal or child support. The amounts arrived at during the divorce process may be much, much less than anticipated.
These and other unwelcome surprises in the aftermath of a divorce don’t have to spell disaster, though. With a little pro-active “divorce planning,” you can lessen the sting of the process and begin to regain control over your financial future.
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 Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch
When I picked up this book, I was looking for something light to read that involved characters that I could relate to—and I was not disappointed. In The Hot Flash Club, Nancy Thayer introduces the reader to four very diverse women ranging in age from fifty-two to sixty-two. The only things they have in common are a mutual acquaintance and the process of menopause.
I found my self quickly drawn into the world of Faye, Alice, Shirley and Marilyn, characters who give the term “aging gracefully” a whole new meaning.
As the four women plunge into an unexpected relationship with each other, they explore many current women’s issues with gentle humor, honesty, and nerve. Rather than viewing menopause as the end of childbearing years, Thayer suggests it is the launching point into late middle-age. Her characters are far too busy living their lives and following their dreams to focus on things that might hold them back, like arthritis, divorce, retirement and widowhood. Those topics are simply a part of their lives, not the main focus, and this positive approach works well within the framework of the story.
While the story holds a lighter tone than works by authors such as Elizabeth Berg, it is an entertaining and positive look at women and aging, as well as being a gentle reminder that life is a journey, not a destination, and our perception of the process is vital to how much we enjoy the ride.
Two Kentwood residents were among the nearly two dozen Grand Valley State University students selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for terms during the 2016-2017 academic year to help fund opportunities to study abroad.
Shukri Bana and Holly Miller both participated in the program during the summer of 2016. Bana studies were in Women and Gender and English in South Africa while Miller studied Chinese in China.
“The impacts of my study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa are numerous,” said Bana in a released statement. “I learned so much about South African history, visited key sights, became close with 13 of my peers and sixth grade South African learners, and the mountains are pretty beautiful, too.
“In those six weeks, I learned about justice, freedom, solidarity, and activism in a way that radically altered my outlook on my education at Grand Valley.”
Kentwood resident and GVSU student Shukri Bana
The scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are awarded to high-achieving students to help diversify the students who study and serve internships abroad, as well as the regions where they work and study.
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply.
Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.
There was a total of 4,627 applicants with 1,197 American undergraduate students from 377 colleges and universities were award scholarships for the Summer 2016. Grand Valley had 13 students for the summer program. About 2,900 American undergraduate students applied for the Fall 2016 semester with Grand Valley having three students being awarded scholarships. For the Winter 2017 students, there was 2,700 applicants with Grand Valley having four students receiving scholarships.
The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
For more information on competitive scholarships and fellowships, visit gvsu.edu/fellowships.
