Learning to manage money together builds trust and helps diffuse future financial conflicts, according to the website of the Certified Financial Planner Board Standards, Inc. (CFP Board), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

The CFP Board offers these tips for couples to make the most of their money:

- Talk first, then plan. If you haven't talked about finances before getting married or moving in with a partner, it is never too late. Start with an honest discussion of each other's assets and debts (if any.) Next, create shared financial goals, whether they include saving for a house, paying off student debt or starting a business.

- Manage together. Benefits of a shared bank account include equal access to money and easier long-term planning. But even if your accounts are separate, create a budget together with plans for covering monthly and other expenses.

- Update leases and beneficiaries. Not all couples choose to legally share a home, but having both names on home-ownership documents can make future refinancing easier. Also, creating or changing an existing will to update beneficiaries ensures that your partner will have access to your assets if something happens to you, and vice versa. This includes not only wills, but also IRAs, 401(k) plans and insurance policies.

- Think long term. Discuss an emergency fund with your partner, and start one if you haven't. An emergency fund available to both partners can be used to manage expenses such as sudden unemployment, illness or a major home repair. But make sure both partners contribute to retirement accounts, through employer 401(K)s or other accounts.

- Think short term. Try a weekly money date to review finances and progress towards goals. If issues arise and the conversation gets tense, step back and revisit the issues when you cool off. Remember, the more often you talk about money with your partner, the easier the conversations will be, and making trust and honesty a priority in financial planning will pay off in your fiscal and personal relationship.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org for more financial planning tips and guidance and to locate a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in your area.

"Warner takes readers on an epic, white-knuckle ride through one of history's most chilling untold stories."

Little Anton by John W. Warner IV is a riveting historical novel from a born truth teller. Teetering between fact and fiction, it begins with a trove of historical knowledge we would remember from high school, had we been paying attention. Then it slides off-center into the occult where credibility meets intrigue. Add real-life characters Adolph Hitler, Ferdinand Porsche, and Sir Winston Churchill, and Mr. Warner's novel in three parts has something for everyone.

The son of retired Senator John W. Warner III (R-VA), former Secretary of the Navy and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee (KBE), and Catherine Mellon, banking heiress and daughter of philanthropist Paul Mellon (OSS, KBE), Warner says growing up in a family that had a seat at many of the most historically significant tables led to his insatiable quest to find and reveal hidden truths behind world events.

Warner's book begins during that unsettling time between the two World Wars. Europe is struggling to find her place; countries are repairing cities and economies. And yet, innovation and invention emerge, challenging long-held beliefs and fears.

LOVE STORY, SPY NOVEL AND MORE

Deftly, Warner weaves industrial history, the women's movement, international relations, America's foreign policy, and engineering with the thrills and dangers of racing - both on the ground and in the air. Presented as historical fiction, Little Anton is also a love story, a spy novel, and a book about engines, auto racing, adventure, war, and intrigue.

Although it begins as a paean to Dr. Porsche, the fictional Sunderlands, Briggs and Lainey, and their spirited daughter Bea soon take center stage.

Lady Bea, and her debutante friends live lavishly in British society, gossiping over tea and whiskey about suitors and hemlines.

Part One revolves around the Grand Prix racing circuit and the rivalry and technological advances of the auto world. Imagine fancy dresses and oil-stained coveralls, straw boaters and leather helmets. It's a heady mix of high society and gritty race drivers - at high speeds with sharp corners.

BLEEDS FICTION INTO HISTORY

At the race course, we learn that Hitler is a sports car enthusiast. After he becomes chancellor, his passion for fast cars grows in scope and influence, and he enlists the help and brains of the genius, Professor Porsche.

Warner bleeds fiction into history. The irrepressible Lady Bea finds a soul mate in her uncl,e Sir Winston Churchill, and as WW II looms inevitably, that relationship proves pivotal.

Bea enlists as a spy for Great Britain. Her mission is to infiltrate Porsche's workshop and locate the plans for Hitler's tank commission. Bea is up to the task: she can fly an airplane upside down, shoot a gun, speak four languages, and handily assist in the Grand Prix pit. She's a volatile James Bond - seductive and irresistible, but dangerous and explosive.

Mr. Warner clearly shows a passion for detail in his research and love for his subject matter. That passion powers the story and the characters -- both real and imagined. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3mv03ly.

NOTE: BookBites is brought to you by BookTrib.com.

The programming kicks off on January 23 at 8 pm ET/PT with "Salt-N-Pepa," a three-hour Lifetime original movie about the groundbreaking hip-hop duo, starting with their days as students at Queensborough Community College and their first recording experiences.

The story details the duo's unprecedented success as the first female rap group to go platinum, and features several of the duo's hits, including "Let's Talk About Sex," "What a Man," "Shoop," and "Push It."

The movie also explores Salt-N-Pepa's impact on hip-hop culture, with their frank lyrics about men and sex that paved the way for future female rappers. The movie stars GG Townson as Cheryl "Salt" James and Laila Odom as Sandra "Pepa" Denton.

Following the movie, the Emmy® and NAACP award-winning Loni Love hosts a documentary, "Let's Talk About Salt-N-Pepa," featuring exclusive interviews with Salt and Pepa about what makes their partnership work, and their ongoing influence on the music world.

Next up, on January 30, "Wendy Williams: The Movie" airs as the first biopic about Wendy Williams, outspoken television host and self-proclaimed "Queen of all Media."

Executive produced by Wendy Williams, the movie tells the story of her career path from her early days as an urban radio host and how she overcame obstacles both personal and professional to achieve her goal of having her own syndicated talk show. Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive. Ciera Payton plays Wendy Williams, joined by Morocco Omari as Wendy's ex-husband, Kevin Hunter.

The film is followed by the documentar "Wendy Williams: What a Mess!" in which Ms. Williams gives a raw and emotional interview.

Finally, "Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have it All," a two-hour documentary scheduled for February 6, explores the emotional story of Whitney Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and their parallel stories, including the pressures of life in the spotlight and struggles with drugs and alcohol.

The program includes conversations with friends and family for a candid look at the ups and downs of the lives of this famous mother and daughter.

Visit mylifetime.com for more about Lifetime's winter programming and other events.

"This narrative is a story of the will to overcome the kind of adversity that can crush the spirit…but not this one." -- Sol Gittleman, professor and provost emeritus at Tufts University.

"Ed Hajim's life story makes Horatio Alger look like an underachiever." -- Ken Roman, former CEO of Ogilvy & Mather.

"A bend in the road," says Ed Hajim, "is not the end of the road."

He should know. At the age of three, Hajim was kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told that his mother was dead. He pressed his face against the car window, watched the miles pass and wondered where life would take him. It took him on a journey from one dire situation to the next, from one crowded orphanage to an unfamiliar foster home, from having one semi-present parent to having none. It was a daily struggle to survive.

Yet somehow, not only does Hajim make it through, but using his own grit and determination, he flourishes. His life comes full circle and he lives the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that early on seemed intent on rejecting him.

Hajim's vivid memoir, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, is several storylines in one: the improbable tale of how the author overcame the heavy odds against him as a child; the incredible ride up the corporate ladder to a stellar professional career; and a study in the drive, principles, philosophy and character of a man seeking his dream.

Hajim served as a senior investment executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into generating solid growth. He made contributions to the University of Rochester, eventually as chairman of its board. His life accomplishments were rightfully acknowledged in 2015 with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

Hajim took every experience as a learning opportunity. The Navy, for example, "trained me to become deliberate in everything I do. It showed me that every mission needs well-defined rules. And it showed me that no mission can be accomplished without a well-motivated team."

Throughout his career, Hajim was guided by his instincts to know when a situation had run its course and it was time to move on. "Sometimes it's better to sever ties and leave on your own, even if the next step is unknown," he writes. "That's often the road less traveled, but it's so worth the journey."

Says Renee Fleming, "On the Road Less Traveled is a moving, personal history that demonstrates the importance of being faithful to one's core values -- a road map for a life well lived."

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

According to U.S. Census Bureau research projections (www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p25-1143.pdf), the United States will have a minority majority population by 2045 as Black, Latino and Asian-American communities grow. These traditionally underrepresented populations are not only growing in size, but they are also building greater wealth.

Purchasing power among people of color has increased exponentially since 2019. The annual buying power of Black consumers was estimated by Nielsen to be $1.3 trillion in 2019 -- a roughly 48 percent increase over 2010. Latino purchasing power grew by nearly 70 percent over the same period, according to the University of Georgia, reaching approximately $1.7 trillion in 2019. Additionally, the wealthiest fifth of Blacks -- more than three million households -- has an average wealth of $395,000, while the wealthiest fifth of Latinos households have more than $400,000 in average wealth.

The U.S. Census Bureau data indicates a large population that could benefit from financial planning advice as families generate more wealth. Research published by the Journal of Financial Planning found that Black and Latino households are less likely than white families to work with a financial planner, and an even smaller percentage of those households choose to receive comprehensive financial planning advice.

Financial advisors and their firms have an opportunity to reach these underserved groups and diversify their client base while providing a valuable and empowering service. One way to do so, according to the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, is to ensure that the financial planning workforce reflects the diversity of wealth-building communities. It currently does not: Only about 4 percent of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals self-report as Black or Latino, whereas nearly 32 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Black or Latino.

The Center is leading a collaborative, profession-wide effort to implement sustainable diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that can address this systemic challenge and foster greater diversity among financial planners.

Visit CFP.net/The-Center-for-Financial-Planning to learn more about the Center's diversity-focused initiatives and get involved.

Diversifying the financial planner workforce is a prudent strategy for financial firms seeking to diversify their client base.

"Financial Planner Use Among Black and Hispanic Households," by Kenneth J. White Jr, Ph.D., and Stuart J. Heckman, Ph.D., CFP®, Journal of Financial Planning, September 2016, pp 40-49 http://bit.ly/2NU627O

If you're able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about putting American hardwoods to work in your home.

1. FRESH & MINIMAL

Photograph: Rebecca McAlpin

In a Philadelphia house, designer Mel McDaniel uses three beech desktops, purchased at a local big-box store, to turn an alcove into a simple but effective workspace for two people. Vintage chairs, painted white, and a pair of residential table lamps complete the homey yet professional look. 

2. OFFICE IN A CLOSET

Photograph: Alan Tansey

For many homeowners, finding sufficient space for a dedicated office is a problem. One solution, even in a small apartment, is to transform a closet with hardwood built-ins. Michael K Chen Architecture shows how it’s done with this admirably compact yet surprisingly roomy example in a New York loft.

3. WORKING UNDER STAIRS

Photograph: Paul Barnaby

If you live in a multistory house, you may have a dark space under the stairs that could be made to look and function better. In Los Angeles, Hamilton Architects transform one such triangle into a bright home office with a built-in hardwood desk and a strategically placed window. 

4. THE ATTIC OFFICE

Photograph: Eric Roth

As Hutker Architects and designer Kathleen Walsh demonstrate in this farmhouse on Martha’s Vineyard, the height-challenged space under the eaves in an attic can be the ideal spot for a substantial work surface. Dormer windows bathe the custom oak-and-steel desking with daylight while also providing a view.  

5. THE FULLY FITTED OFFICE

|

Photograph: Jessica Glynn Photography @jessglynnphoto

If you’re able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about putting American hardwoods to work in your home. 

 "How To Be A Badass Vigilante: Book One"
by Michael Anderle 

When given power, what would you be willing to sacrifice for the greater good?

Fed up with playing the normal game, ex-cum laude, ex-soccer star, ex-popular and mostly broke Kera MacDonagh changed her life when she read "How to be a Badass Witch" (http://amzn.to/3qfAzLz) and shockingly, the spells worked.

She barely made it out of the first few weeks of on-the-job training before her powers got her in trouble. Hunted as a magical vigilante, the Kims sacrificed to keep her safe.

Kera hunts criminals in the darkness of LA, but will she be able to hide the signature of her powers, too? Will magic be enough to help her come out on top? Purchase at http://amzn.to/2XscEMv.

"No More Dodging Bullets"
by Amy Herrig

After overcoming a heroin addiction as a teenager, Amy Herrig faced a different addiction 20 years later: money. She and her father were thriving as small business owners in Dallas when a government lawsuit threatened to take everything -- their businesses, their money, and their freedom.

Accused of crimes she hadn't committed, Amy fought to stay out of prison, but that wasn't all. From one life-altering change after another, she gained a new perspective on herself and on what matters most in life. From an exhausting and demoralizing situation came a new outlook of gratitude, but also remorse and humility. Purchase at https://amzn.to/34kSUhJ.

"Red Souls"
by Susan F. Banks

Called "a creative and entertaining new novel ... artfully combines the best elements of science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, and magical realism into a suspenseful and imaginative story with a tasty dose of romance. The reader has access to a wonderful new world with ... strange phenomena and intriguing characters."

Willet, a young woman with abnormally sensitive hearing, is recruited by a 165-year-old Astral Master named Gem to help her drive Red Souls out of Los Angeles. Red Souls attack the minds and emotions of humans who succumb to violence, dread and despair.

Gem must form a Circle to fight the astral attacks. Willet, her sister and the men they love create a fighting force powerful enough to defeat an ancient evil. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qG3Hvv.

"The F Place"
by Sonal Trivedi and Christine Strobush

Beneath the placid surface, there is a toxic culture at The F Place. The company is plagued by backstabbing leaders, drama, lies, scandal, and unhappy employees to the point that both the performance and the wellbeing of the people in the company are fractured. 

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

1. Don't wait. Find a way to exercise safely now. With many gyms closed or restricted due to COVID-19, a lot of people have either sidelined their exercise programs, or have transitioned to outdoor options like walking, jogging, or biking. If you're ready to fire up your exercise regimen without freezing outside, then join millions of other Americans by participating in free online workouts that will engage and inspire you to exercise. Growing numbers of participants nationwide claim that streaming workouts have been a "lifesaver." They provide a daily regimen, a sense of community and accomplishment, as well as real health improvement benefits.

2. Search for classes tailored to your goals, fitness level, and health status. There are countless numbers of streaming workouts available to meet most every need. Research shows that aerobics and resistance training are best to prevent heart disease or improve heart health. But it is important to do more than one or two types of exercise. Adding variety will benefit your fitness even more, according to Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT and Associate Vice President of Digital Fitness Solutions with American Specialty Health Fitness. "Exercises for flexibility and balance, such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, can improve your ability to do other types of exercise," says Bjornaraa. "In addition, they're fun and great for stress relief, and the mix of exercises can reduce risk of injury."

Ready to begin? First, make sure you know your heart risk factors so you can find an exercise program that's right for you. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or other health issues, make a pledge to call your doctor to discuss your heart health goals and what types and level of exercise might be safest for you.

3. Select online classes and instructors that motivate you. Data shows that 50 percent of sedentary people who start a new exercise program drop out after 6 months. An instructor who inspires and motivates you is key to your success. Top motivating factors include enthusiasm and encouragement, a "real" personality, and challenging exercises. Finding a class time that suits your schedule also increases your chances of sticking with a program. Explore options like those offered through the Silver&Fit® program, which premieres 54 free, public Facebook Live and YouTube exercise classes per week, catered to older adults. These half-hour classes include cardio, strength/bodyweight, yoga, dance, tai chi, mixed formats, and flexibility and balance, all available at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The classes premiere Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. You can even check out their roster of elite instructors on their website at www.SilverandFit.com.

"Anyone can participate in the free Silver&Fit senior exercise classes on Facebook and YouTube, and what better time than Heart Month to get started?" adds Dr. Bjornaraa.

Silver&Fit class participant Ethel George says, "Great workout! Thank you Silver&Fit for keeping us safe, healthy, and sane during these tough times."

To view the workouts, visit www.facebook.com/SilverandFit or www.youtube.com/SilverandFit.

Following on the heels of the February 13 premiere of "Death Saved My Life," starring Meagan Good, Lifetime launches an original movie each week for the next four weeks.

The February 20 premiere of "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice," starring Kim Delaney, has added significance as Lifetime's 400th original movie. The plot follows a mother's quest for the truth about her daughter who disappeared yields gruesome evidence of a possible serial killer who has never been identified.

"As the leading producer of original movies, it's truly exciting to hit 400 this February," says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president of scripted content for Lifetime and LMN.

"This milestone speaks to the incredible power and longevity of Lifetime Original Movies in the television landscape, and I am thrilled to unveil even more movies in 2021," she adds.

"Girl in the Basement" premieres on February 27 and stars Judd Nelson, Joely Fisher, and Stefanie Scott in the horrifying story of a teenage girl imprisoned by her father in the family basement, where she is subjected to years of rape and torture while her mother and sister believe she has run away.

The next two movies, "Circle of Deception," airing on March 6, and "A House on Fire," airing on March 13, are inspired by the work of popular true crime writer Ann Rule.

"Circle of Deception" stars Diane Neal as a former beauty queen caught in the intrigue when her best friend's husband turns up dead.

"A House on Fire" features Stephanie March as a doctor with a seemingly picture-perfect life who hides a rocky marriage and a toxic relationship with pills and alcohol.

All four films feature women in key production roles as part of Lifetime's Broader Focus initiative.

Actresses Elisabeth Rohm and Ashley Williams make their directorial debuts with "Girl in the Basement" and "Circle of Deception;" Shamim Sarif directs "A House on Fire," and Emmy-winning journalist Deborah Norville serves as an executive producer for "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice."

Each movie debut is followed by a short documentary with more context about the real-life stories that inspired each feature.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information.

"Mentoring helps candidates focus on time management, study strategy, staying motivated and more," according to the website of CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

The CFP Board Mentor Program aligns with the CFP® exam schedule and sets up short-term mentoring relationships to align with the March, July or November exams. The next mentoring cycle opens in April to prepare candidates for the July exam. Mentors and mentees connect at least three times during the period leading up to the exam.

CFP Board also provides online resources to support the mentor/mentee relationship, including sample practice exam questions, more information about the key knowledge topics to which exam questions are linked, and a guide to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that CFP® professionals need to know and implement in their careers.

Additional benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees include:

• Making it personal. A one-on-one relationship with a CFP Board mentor helps candidates identify their specific areas of strength, and what they need to focus on to ace the exam and prepare for a successful career.
• Sharing their wisdom. The financial planning profession is supportive and inclusive, and many established advisors choose to become mentors because they enjoy sharing their insights and offering encouragement to those ready to become a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professional.
• Connecting long-term. The CFP Board formal mentor program is designed to support students through the exam process, but some candidates for CFP® certification and their mentors continue to connect, and mentors can continue to provide career advice and networking opportunities.

The goal of the CFP Board Mentor Program is to "foster the next generation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals to succeed and advance the profession," CFP Board emphasizes.

For more information, visit cfp.net/get-certified/tools-and-resources/find-a-mentor for links to sign up to find a mentor or become a mentor, as well as more resources to help prepare for the CFP®exam.