The financial planning profession provides one example. The demographic makeup of the United States is changing, with Hispanic, Black and Asian populations continuing to grow. Despite persisting wealth gaps that affect many minority communities, median earnings and purchasing power among these populations are also growing.

Although these groups are accumulating wealth, they are less likely than white families to work with a financial planner. About 28% of Black households and 17% of Hispanic households use a financial planner to help them reach their financial goals, compared to 31% of white households. According to the RAND Corporation, Hispanics and Blacks are also less confident in their ability to meet unexpected short-term expenses or long-term financial goals.

The RAND research suggests a large population of these individuals could benefit from financial planning advice. One challenge is that the current financial planner demographic makeup of the financial planning profession does not reflect the demographic makeup of the U.S. population: At the end of 2019, only about 4% of more than 87,000 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals are Black or Hispanic.

Additional studies and interviews with current and aspiring financial advisors indicate that a more diverse workforce could better reach and assist diverse communities. In research conducted by the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, CFP® professionals cite the opportunity to expand access to financial services in underserved communities and to help improve their understanding of personal finances as key benefits of being a financial planner. Nearly 60% of those surveyed agree that Black financial planners and Hispanic financial planners, respectively, would have an advantage in attracting new clients of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds to their advisory firms.

"Diversifying the talent pipeline is an opportunity and a prudent approach for financial planning businesses," said Center Managing Director D.A. Abrams, CAE. "We are successfully working with many firms who want the industry to reflect our nation's shifting demographics and respond to the increasing purchasing power of people of color."

Abrams sees potential value of like-to-like messages in reaching people in diverse communities. Different groups have different ways of thinking and communicating about money. Some prospective financial planners of color interviewed by the Center explained their families emphasized just getting by versus saving or investing, while in other families, talking about money was taboo. Shared backgrounds and mutual understanding can help financial advisors overcome these cultural challenges and encourage potential clients to shift their thinking.

Diverse financial planners also help raise awareness of financial planning -- both as a service and a career opportunity -- within their own communities. Many play an active role in promoting the financial planning profession by participating in community events, visiting parent meetings at local schools, or leading workshops or other educational programming at community centers. They also serve as mentors and role models to younger students who may wish to study and join the financial planning profession.

Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the Center hosts an annual Diversity Summit to provide a platform for discussing initiatives that can advance diversity in the financial planning profession. The Center's third Diversity Summit will take place virtually November 18-20, 2020 and will focus on sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives within the profession. Visit https://2020diversitysummit.cfp.net to learn more and register.

A focus on hiring financial advisors from and working with diverse communities has the potential to positively impact their financial wellness and social mobility.

"Killer Graces"
by Steve Melen

A journey of adoption, cancer, addiction, and breakthrough living. In his late thirties, Steve Melen thought he had it all -- until a diagnosis of Stage IIIB stomach cancer brought it all to a screeching halt. Steve battled his demons and the fact that he only had a 15 percent chance of survival.

Killer Graces is not just another cancer tale. It is a revelation, exposing how cancer can shine a spotlight on things that people prefer not to think or talk about. It is a story of both weakness and strength as Steve navigates a world of pain, drugs, alcohol, marital problems, and anxiety. Join Steve on his journey of self-discovery. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3jlDxKt.

"Up the Creek"
by Alissa Grosso

An unsolved murder. Disturbing dreams. A missing child. Caitlin Walker hasn't had a dream in nine years. But now nightmares torture her son Adam and awaken in Caitlin buried memories and a dark secret. Her husband Lance has a secret of his own, one that his son's nightmares threaten to reveal.

In Culver Creek, newly hired detective Sage Dorian works to unravel the small town's notorious cold case, the grisly murder of a young girl. How are Caitlin and Lance connected to the horrific crime? And how far will they go to make sure their secrets stay hidden? Find out in this riveting thriller. Purchase at https://books2read.com/u/mvZlL6.

"Synchronicities on the Avenue of the Saints"
by Deborah Gaal

Physicist Noah Friedman is bipolar and is racing against time before the experimental drug he takes steals his mind, then his life. His deranged psychiatrist is aiming to clear $10 million on the sales of this drug and has become Noah's enemy.

As Noah starts his quest to free himself from the drug and the doctor, he soon finds himself with a coterie of odd compatriots. Together they work to stop the worldwide launch of the drug. Can Noah right the wrongs of his ancestors in time to heal himself and also prove that love creates a synchronicity with what and who is loved? Purchase at https://amzn.to/35puUtz.

"Her Mother's Grave"
by Lisa Regan

When two young boys discover human bones buried beneath a tree in a trailer park, Detective Josie Quinn races to join her team at the scene. Josie's past crashes into her present when it is confirmed that the bones belong to Belinda Rose -- a teenage foster child who was murdered thirty years ago.

Just as Josie gets closer to uncovering a secret that will shatter her world, another body is uncovered. It's clear someone close to Josie will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried forever. As she battles her past demons, can Josie stop this killer before another life is taken? Purchase at https://amzn.to/35AUFab.

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.

"If you make quick decisions without financial planning, the money could disappear quickly. Planning for sudden wealth includes tax planning, investing and taking a step back to consider how the money can help you reach your financial goals," according to the website of the CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

If you inherit money, consider these guidelines from the CFP Board to make sure you take full advantage of your good fortune:

- Keep quiet. Some people may know as soon as you do that you have inherited wealth, but don't be pressured by others offering investment advice or seeking loans or support. Don't broadcast an inheritance until you have a plan for its use.

- Don't rush. Consider enlisting the help of a professional financial planner; at the very least, step back and take some time to consider how you might spend or invest to use your resources wisely. Educate yourself about the options for saving and investing for smart wealth management.

- Make a plan. If you don't have an overall financial plan, unexpected wealth is a reason to make one. If you already have a financial plan in place, you can update your goals and advance on some of them sooner than expected, such as paying off debt, saving for retirement, or establishing an emergency fund. Sharing the wealth can be part of your plan, too. If there is a cause you feel strongly about, plan to allocate some of your resources to that cause, and consider getting involved in the organization to determine how your contribution will be spent.

- Have some fun. It's okay to splurge on a few special items if you are confident in your finances overall. A new car or a special trip can be a worthwhile use of some of your newfound funds; set aside some money for indulgent purchases, but take your time to identify something you will truly enjoy.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org for more financial planning tips and guidance and to locate a certified financial planner in your area.

"People who love their contacts often have the best intentions to follow instructions from eye- care professionals. With so much else happening in their lives, it is possible to forget at times. That's human nature," says Dr. Rick Weisbarth, an optometrist and chairperson of the Washington, D.C.-based Contact Lens Institute. 

These behaviors are consistent with recently-conducted YouGov research among 705 adults in the United States. It reveals that while about three in four people will read a new product's instructions, problems arise if they are too difficult to understand, misplaced or users find themselves in a hurry. In another eye-opening finding, 58 percent of respondents admit to figuring out how to use a new product by trial-and-error. 

Aided by these insights, the Contact Lens Institute has introduced The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You), designed to streamline and simplify sometimes confusing contact lens wear-and-care guidelines. At the center of the program are three easy to recall steps for healthy, comfortable contact lens wear that everyone should know: 

1. Think Clean. Wash and dry your hands every time before touching your lenses or eyes. If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect them with each removal, and clean your case as directed. Keep your lenses and case away from any type of water, which can contain harmful microorganisms. 

2. Remember: Fresher is Better. Wear your contacts for as long as your eye-care professional says, replacing them with fresh lenses on schedule. Only wear daily disposable lenses once, and always rely on new solution for reusable lens disinfection and storage. Replace your case at least every three months. 

3. Trust Your Eye Doctor. Listen to your eye care professional, who has specialized training. If you have any questions, contact their office -- they care about your health and great vision. 

More information for contact lens wearers is available at EASYwayprogram.org/MyEyes/ 

"Taking care of your contacts doesn't have to be hard; it can be easy. That's why thousands of optometrists and ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Canada will be sharing The EASY Way with patients in the coming months," says Dr. Weisbarth. 

The Contact Lens Institute's members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. 

See full-sized image here.

The goal of the Diversity Summit is to explore "actionable solutions to advance diversity in financial planning," according to the website. This year's theme of Sustainability reflects the importance of long-term diversity and inclusion programs in financial planning education and in the workplace.

"The Diversity Summit and Career Fair comes at a critical time in our history as we drive change, awareness, access and results in our profession," said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. "CFP Board is strongly committed to expanding and sustaining diversity in the financial planning profession and those it serves to better align with the U.S. population."

The Summit agenda includes the release of a new report on case studies of successful diversity and inclusion initiatives in the financial planning profession. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss these studies and explore the successes and challenges, as well as examine how lessons learned can be applied to future strategies.

Other key events include "CFP® Pro Talks," with personal reflections from CFP® professionals of color, executive roundtable of leaders in financial planning firms who are committed to improving diversity and inclusion, and discussions of specific recommendations that firms can apply immediately to improve their diversity and inclusion initiatives.

A highlight of the summit is the Virtual Career Fair. Although not the same as in-person networking, the Summit organizers have adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic situation and designed a forum in which certified financial planner candidates who are women and people of color have opportunities to connect with employers, experienced CFP® professionals, fellow students, and potential mentors. The Career Fair occurs on November 20 and requires a separate online registration from the Diversity Summit, but with no charge to attend.

The target audience for the CFP Board Diversity Summit is financial planning professionals and students who are working to become certified financial planners, as well as individuals who are considering careers in financial planning. The audience also includes executives, diversity and inclusion professionals, and recruiters from financial services firms. Program directors from colleges and universities with financial planning programs can benefit from the summit topics to help support their goals for greater diversity and inclusion in academic programs

For more information, visit cfp.net/events/2020/11/2020-virtual-diversity-summit-and-career-fair.

CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning, emphasizes how the guidance a financial planner can provide goes beyond the surface of stocks and investment advice. Instead it emphasizes the benefits of a long-term plan to help people meet their financial goals. Only individuals who have fulfilled CFP Board's rigorous requirements can call themselves a CFP® certificant, so be sure your planner is a certified CFP® professional.

It's important to note that not all financial advisors have made a commitment to act in their clients' best interests. As part of their certification, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals commit to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary -- at all times -- when providing financial advice to a client.

"As you begin to consider how best to manage your financial future, you should feel confident knowing that with a CFP® professional, you're working with someone committed to providing the high standard of financial planning," according to the LetsMakeAPlan.org website.

Some of the key benefits of an ongoing relationship with a financial planner include:

• Making a plan. Especially during times of uncertainty, making goals and establishing financial plans can contribute to your peace of mind.
• Understanding the laws. Financial planners can explain the implications of the latest legislation on personal finance, such as the SECURE Act, which brought changes to retirement investments, and the post-COVID CARES Act, which brought new financial planning opportunities for individuals and small businesses.
• Optimizing technology. CFP® professionals are up on the latest tools for managing your money. Technology allows for quicker and easier discussions of personal finance issues including not only stock trades, but also rebalancing portfolios, tax-loss harvesting, making income tax projections, and planning for long-term financial goals such as education or retirement.
• Seeing the big picture. A financial planner can help you take a step back and examine how your financial data fit into a plan that incorporates cash flow, expenses, taxes, and estate planning. A qualified planner knows how to keep this big picture in focus, but also how to adapt it as life circumstances change.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org for more financial planning tips and guidance and to locate a certified financial planner in your area.

Strategies for self-care include paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, but channeling the power of quantum energy offers an additional opportunity for self-care and self-healing.

Quantum energy and frequencies have a long history of use in alternative medicine, and some individuals have developed class-based wellness practices that are designed to channel quantum energy.

Devaya Smith, a self-described energy psychologist in Taos, New Mexico, for instance, uses the power of quantum energy to teach individuals to connect with themselves in a way that relieves tension and restores peace of mind.

Quantum energy technology also has been adopted into self-care products for use in the safety and comfort of home.

Products developed by Leela Quantum Tech are designed to promote physical and mental health by channeling quantum energy. According to the company website, the health benefits of its products include increased energy, relief from pain and muscle soreness, improved concentration, increased resistance to stress, and greater ability to relax and live in the moment.

As the Leela Quantum Tech website explains, "[You will be able to] Dive deeper into your own self. Realize your potential. Support your health."

"Our products can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be," says Leela Quantum Tech president Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling.

"You can improve your physical and mental fitness as well as positively influence your environment," he explains.

Leela Quantum Tech products have been scientifically certified by two independent institutes, and the variety of personal products make self-care easy. Hats, shirts, and hoodies infused with quantum energy and high-quality silver fabrics are designed to keep you relaxed and comfortable. In addition, coasters charged with quantum energy cushion your favorite beverage and are engineered to promote peace of mind and positive feelings.

Other products include energy-infused cards and capsules that can be kept and carried in a pocket, as well as bracelets and necklaces.

And don't forget your furry friends. Pets can enjoy the restorative benefits of quantum energy with infused collars.

Visit leelaq.com for more information about quantum energy products for more information about the potential and benefits of quantum energy.

The good news is that clinical trials for heart disease are underway, studying cutting-edge treatments for heart failure that may be a good option for these patients.

One such treatment being studied uses a patient's own cells to promote healing of the heart after a heart attack that has progressed to heart failure. The CardiAMP cell therapy is designed for patients suffering from heart failure who feel tired and breathless despite taking regular medications, and who have had to limit their everyday activities as a result.

Previously published studies of this type of cell therapy have shown meaningful and sustained improvements in quality of life and heart function for patients with few risks.

"Heart failure patients who continue to have symptoms despite a course of optimal medications often seek a minimally invasive treatment as an alternative to open heart surgery. We look forward to studying the potential of this cell therapy to improve heart function and quality of life," said Dr. Natasha Altman, cardiologist and principal investigator of the CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial at UC Health University of Colorado Hospital.

For the treatment, doctors extract cells from a patient's own bone marrow, process them at the point of care and deliver them to the damaged area of the heart in a minimally invasive cardiac catheterization procedure. Researchers emphasize that the bone marrow cells do not turn into new heart tissue cells; instead, they are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing process in the heart.

Pete Hagerstrom, a 73-year-old from Colorado Springs who had a previous quadruple bypass to treat his heart failure, was the first patient in his state enrolled in the ongoing FDA-approved clinical study of the therapy.

Participants who qualify for the study are randomly placed into a treatment group or a control group. While Mr. Hagerstrom will not know until the end of the study if he received the cell therapy, he feels better after participating in the trial.

"Everything is easier. I can walk three miles in about 45 minutes, and it takes a lot less time to garden and shovel snow."

The CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial will include up to 260 patients at 40 medical centers nationwide.

Unlike similar studies, this trial tests a patient's bone marrow before treatment, in order to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment.

Patients may be candidates for the CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial if they have heart failure as a result of an earlier heart attack and have symptoms that are classified as New York Heart Association Class II or III.

For more information about the CardiAMP Heart Failure trial, visit www.biocardia.com, www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02438306, or ask your cardiologist.

"Lover Boy"
by Stephen Kronwith, M.D.

A lustful physician and a beautiful detective clash in a comedy caper involving a billionaire's murder, his stunning widow and an amorous, aging assassin.

Dr. Joseph Peck has one vice -- he's addicted to love. And one unusual secret -- his best friend is a retired Mafia Don. Anna Franklin learns this secret. She also discovers that her husband will be seeking a divorce, relegating her to a pre-nup pittance instead of billions were he to die -- soon.

Anna enlists the friends, and the Don knows one ex-associate to call upon for the hit -- Lover Boy, who, despite being on Social Security, is still quite able to live up to his deadly reputation -- and nickname. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35Lbwaf.

"The Shade Under The Mango Tree"
by Evy Journey

An epistolary tale of courage, resilience of the human spirit, and the bonds that bring diverse people together.

After two heartbreaking losses, Luna seeks an adventure in which she can make some difference. Lucien, a worldly young architect, finds a stranger's journal at a café. He has pangs of guilt about reading it. But that doesn't stop him, and his decision changes his life.

Months later, Luna and Lucien meet at a bookstore. Fascinated by his stories and spirit, Luna goes to a rural, rice-growing village in a country steeped in an ancient culture and a deadly history. What she finds there defies anything she could have imagined. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3nxSFHt.

"Overcoming"
by Dr. Augustus White III

Twenty inspiring profiles of men and women who've defied the odds to overcome adversity.

The coronavirus COVID-19 has changed our lives forever, confronting us with an adversity like none we have known in our lifetimes. Where can we find the resilience to overcome the changes forced upon us?

The answers lie in Overcoming and the lessons we can learn from everyday heroes who found the strength to persevere through life crises that threatened to overwhelm them, just as we feel overwhelmed today. Groundbreaking physician Dr. Augustus White III, no stranger to adversity himself, has fashioned an essential manual on not only surviving in a post-coronavirus world, but even thriving in it, as those in this book have. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qXe9Qk.

"Smokescreen"
by Khaled Talib

At an ancient café in Cairo, two veteran spies plot a covert mission to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The pledge: Israel will make a major concession as part of the peace treaty. In Singapore, Jethro Westrope, a magazine journalist, stumbles onto the scene of a murder: the beautiful Niki Kishwani directs him, in her last breath, to a digital recorder, evidence that puts Jethro's life in serious danger. And, much worse, he is framed for Niki's murder.

Jethro sets out to find Niki's killer and is drawn into a web of deception and intrigue involving officials from the Singaporean, Israeli, and American governments, each with a potentially deadly agenda. Against this pulse-pounding backdrop, Jethro races to find answers and save himself. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3mqJbwE.

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.

"At the Very Heart and Soul: A Common-Sense Guide to Appreciation and Gratitude for Couple Relationships "
by Timothy Neff Gocke

Named a 2020 Finalist for both the National Indie Excellence Awards and the Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest, this work is "written in a down-to-earth style, acknowledging the difficulties married partners face while providing practical solutions."

The author believes gratitude and appreciation are at the heart and soul of bonding as human beings. He offers personal stories and exercises to help couples understand the importance of appreciation in their long-term relationships. This guide provides many answers and ideas for stressful couples, noting that caring hearts and kinder souls go a long way. Purchase at https://amzn.to/39pd0sQ.

"The Power of How"
by Edward Gwynn and Mary Burkhardt

When leadership is distilled to its core, we are left with two words that describe how leaders can maintain a positive attitude and create the inspiring, motivating environment people desire: energy and influence. During this growth and transformation, we continually overcome fear and self-doubt and live into our true, powerful selves. Resilience, grit and indomitable spirit are themes you will find throughout.

But this powerful journey of leadership is not for the faint of heart. Come along for this life-changing experience. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3nuxdTG.

"The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce"
by Sarah Armstrong

A practical guide to help women getting a divorce understand all of the details, always keeping in focus what is best for their children. The book is written in a conversational tone from one mom to another and is served up in bite-sized pieces. Kathryn Stockett, author of The Help, says, "People need to hear Sarah's guidance in her own captivating voice. It is innovative. It is positive. It needs to be shared with those who need it."

The goal of the book is to help women with children make it through both the divorce process and the post-divorce phase...ultimately putting it in the category of a "good divorce." Purchase at https://www.gooddivorce.guide.

"Back to Serve"
by Cesare Giannetti

A fictional memoir about soon-to-retire army captain Nico Corretti. Before his return home, a beautiful Russian woman informs him that his safety and his post-service stability may be in jeopardy.

He undergoes an extended unemployment period before anxiously taking a government-contract position abroad, which turns out to be more perilous than originally thought. And the mysterious Russian woman may lead him to some of the answers he seeks, as well as to some dangers and desires. After returning home, a swell of terrorist attacks send him back to the Middle East, where he'll need to reach deep within himself to succeed on the battlefield and in life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2IoQmXR.

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.