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How to build a healthy money mindset for a stable financial future

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(Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash)

Building and managing your wealth is a lifelong process that can have major implications for you, your children and other beneficiaries. While your path to building wealth should be tailored to your circumstances, this three-pronged approach from Freddie Mac can help you plan for a stable financial future.

  1. Understand your money mindset: Understanding your relationship with money can help you identify opportunities to create healthier spending and saving habits. A positive outlook toward money can provide you with a strong base on which to build wealth and achieve goals. Conversely, a negative outlook can make you reluctant to take the steps you need to establish a strong financial history. For example, being overly focused on displaying wealth can lead to overusing credit. Likewise, becoming preoccupied with financial success to the point of anxiety can prevent you from spending the wealth you do have on items you need and want to live comfortably. By recognizing the factors that influence how you spend and save, you can make new choices that better support your financial goals.
  2. Set and manage goals: Establishing and maintaining a set of defined financial goals is the next step when building wealth. Think about what you would like to accomplish over the short-, medium- and long-term, and make a savings plan to help you get there. It’s also important to take actions to safeguard your accumulated savings. This includes being mindful of inflation, guarding your information from scammers, and planning for unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.
  3. Be prepared: Building an emergency fund can help you maintain financial stability by putting you in a better position to weather unexpected financial circumstances, such as a loss of income, unplanned medical bills or property damage from a storm. Creating an emergency budget can help you gauge how much you need to save, but in general, you should save up enough money to cover three to six months of your typical monthly expenses. Keep this money separate from your other savings, and don’t touch it until it’s needed. Additionally, having adequate homeowners or renters insurance will help ensure that your wealth is protected in certain unexpected circumstances. Familiarize yourself with your coverage so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

Want to know more about managing money and establishing wealth? Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart, which is available in English and Spanish, offers free personalized financial educational resources. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to learn more.

By adopting a healthy money mindset and setting tangible financial goals, you’ll be well on your way to a stable financial future for you and your loved ones.

Published May 08, 2024

Why summer is the best time to take your child to an orthodontist

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Barbecues, beaches and braces? Summertime typically may not be associated with orthodontics, but according to experts, it’s a great time of year to start orthodontic treatment and help kids enter a new school year with a confident smile.

“Braces can be a very exciting step, but like with anything new, there will be a short adjustment period as a child adapts to changes to their routine, as well as to the feel of aligners or brackets and wires in their mouth,” says Dr. Vijay Bhagia of Space City Orthodontics, a board-certified orthodontist who has been practicing for over 20 years. “That’s why we recommend parents bring their kids into our offices in summer, when schedules are more relaxed and they have more time to adjust to the change of pace.”

(Enis Yavuz/Unsplash)

Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, your teen or yourself, these insights from Smile Doctors, a national network of leading orthodontists, can help:

Is orthodontic treatment really necessary?
Straightening teeth through orthodontics is not just cosmetic. Poorly aligned teeth can affect the way one speaks, bites and chews, and even breathes. An important part of oral health, braces can correct bite issues, gaps and crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth.

When should my child see an orthodontist?
Orthodontics is for people of all ages, even adults. However, it might be surprising to learn that the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. This is because orthodontists are uniquely trained to evaluate children’s growth, as well as the exchange of baby teeth for permanent teeth, and can help you get ahead of potential issues as adult teeth continue to come in.

How do I get my teen on board with the plan?
Teens now have more braces options than ever. From traditional braces with fun colors, to clear aligners like Invisalign, braces can help them express their personality. Of course, it also helps to remind teenagers that when they’re done with treatment, they’ll have a healthy smile.

How do I know which braces are right for me or my child?
There are several types of orthodontic treatments. Metal braces use a combination of stainless-steel brackets, arch wires and elastic ties or bands to gently move teeth as prescribed. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored or clear brackets made of ceramic, porcelain or plastic. Clear aligners like Invisalign are a removable and discreet orthodontic treatment consisting of a series of aligners worn for one to two weeks at a time. Some orthodontists will provide a free consultation to discuss affordability and treatment options that best suit your needs.

What steps should we take between visits?
Have your child brush around each bracket and floss between each tooth right after eating to avoid permanent white marks, cavities or gum disease. Doing so prevents the acidity and sugars from settling into the crevices in between the brackets. Opt for mouthwash without blue or red dyes for further cavity protection.

Do braces hurt?
There is sometimes mild discomfort during treatment, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. To reduce swelling, try rinsing with warm salt water. For bracket pain, your orthodontist will usually give you dental wax and show you how to apply it. You can also avoid some discomfort by sticking with softer foods at first.

Use the downtime of summer wisely this year. Put your child on the path toward a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.

Published May 08, 2024

Emergency access is granted to Hazel Avenue

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The granting of emergency access to Hazel Avenue from a proposed 321-lot subdivision in Hudson was approved during the April 23 meeting of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held in New Port Richey.

The emergency access was part of a request made by Gary L. Blackwell Investments Inc., for the zoning of approximately 107.24 acres in northwest Pasco to be changed from A-R Agricultural-Residential District and A-C Agricultural District to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD).

(Timothy L Brock/Unsplash)

It was approved by a vote of 3-1. Commission Chairman Ronald Oakley of District 1, District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman and District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano voted in favor of the measure that was opposed by District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

The Pasco County Planning Commission (PC) had voted against the proposed emergency access during its March 21 meeting.

The PC’s decision came after hearing testimony from several area residents who voiced their opposition to any vehicular access being granted to Hazel Avenue from the proposed subdivision.

Approving the emergency access was one of three options put before the BOCC on April 23. The other two options were to either grant no vehicular access at all to Hazel Avenue or to grant full access to Hazel Avenue.

Several of the same people who opposed the access on March 21 also spoke against it on April 23.

The subdivision’s developer, Meritage Homes, has agreed to contribute $250,000 toward the cost of improving sidewalks along Hudson Avenue that will be the main entrance to the subdivision, said Kamala E. “Kami” Corbett.

She is an attorney with the Clearwater office of the Law Firm of Hill Ward Henderson and was representing the applicant.

In addition, Corbett said, the developer will contribute $3,800,000 in mobility fees and would have no objection if that money was used to improve the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Cobra Way.

In other business on April 23, commissioners:

  • Approved a construction contract with David Nelson Construction Company for a project to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard/County Road 54 to six lanes from north of State Road 54/SR 56 to Old Pasco Road. The project is expected to cost $69,440,908 and to be completed by May of 2027.
  • Adopted a resolution for the Pasco County Housing Finance Authority to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $85 million for the proposed development of 388 affordable housing units for persons aged 62+ at the Anchors at Gulf Harbors. The units will be located in the City of New Port Richey northeast of the intersection of Marine Parkway and Sea Forest Drive. The entire development will be affordable for tenants earning 60% or less of the area median income.
  • Approved a Conditional Use Request, with conditions, made by Word of Life Fellowship/Word of Life GLA for a Group Living Arrangement in an A-C Agricultural District in northwest Pasco County containing approximately 471.40 acres. The applicant will now be allowed to have a total of 1,237 beds in 52 dormitory buildings for church-related activities on its property located on the south side of Hudson Avenue, approximately 1,500 feet west of Hays Road.
  • Received a presentation from Bill Cronin, director of Pasco County Economic Development Council, regarding accomplishments in the previous quarter of 2024. Pasco is leading in the area of high technology and there are good jobs for area residents, according to Cronin. He added that 765 jobs had been created in Pasco County in the past quarter.

“We are probably bringing in twice as many businesses as residential projects,” Chairman Oakley said following Cronin’s presentation.

“We are third in residential growth but first in commercial,” added Commissioner Mariano.

  • Approved having the skate park located at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex to be expanded from 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. Its anticipated construction will begin in the fall of 2025 and be completed in the winter of 2025.

Published May 01, 2024

Prescribed burns help reduce risk of wildfires

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will conduct prescribed burns, also known as prescribed fires, in controlled settings, now through the month of June on the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and the Cypress Creek Preserve. Setting fires in this manner can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control by mimicking “the natural process and benefits of fires in Florida’s ecosystems,” according to the District’s website.

(File)

The Starkey preserve is about 7 miles east of New Port Richey. The District will burn about 300 acres in small, manageable units.

Cypress Creek is east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. The District plans to burn about 100 acres in small, manageable units.

Prescribed fires include these benefits:

  • Protects and enhances water resources
  • Reduces overgrown plants, vegetative fuel buildup
  • Promotes the growth of new diverse plants
  • Maintains the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintains access for public recreation.

For more information, visit https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ and search “prescribed burns.”

Published May 01, 2024

Governor touts more spending for wildlife corridors, red tide research

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that the Florida Wildlife Corridor program and red tide research will receive a financial boost.

The corridor program will receive $100 million through Senate Bill 1638, while the red tide program that combines the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Mote Marine Laboratory will continue after the signing of House Bill 1565.

Taxpayers have spent $125 million on the red tide mitigation program since 2019. 

(NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

He said that being a good steward of Florida’s natural resources is important because it is the right thing to do and because it has a huge economic impact on the state.

“Outdoor recreation in the state of Florida generates over $52 billion in economic output, and our Florida state parks alone have an economic impact of $3.6 billion, and it supports 50,000 jobs total,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis added that the impact is significant and that he and lawmakers understand that this is part of the Sunshine State’s lifeblood and that he is proud that he and lawmakers have taken action to preserve and restore Florida’s natural assets.

Florida’s Wildlife Corridor funding began in 2021 to allow animals to move more freely, and lower the risk of them going onto interstates and highways. DeSantis added that to date, almost 18 million acres of land are dedicated to the corridor, including 10 million acres of protected conservation land.

“This includes state parks, includes our forests, includes privately managed conservation lands, family farms, and national parkland,” DeSantis said. “So, this corridor is specifically designed to connect the state land so wildlife can freely and safely move between them.”

DeSantis noted that since 2019, around 216,000 of conservation land, and more than 90% of that land was inside Florida’s wildlife corridor, representing a $1.4 billion investment. Six billion dollars have also been allocated to the Everglades Restoration Program and other water quality projects.

The Republican governor said that Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, spearheaded a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, to allow a portion of gaming and casino profits to go towards conservation efforts.

The state also is working on research around the occurrence of red tides. HB 1565 will help to mitigate the impacts of red tide algal blooms.

“We think this is something that is a noble effort, and so HB 1565, this is gonna continue our red tide mitigation and technology development initiative,” DeSantis said.

Published May 01, 2024

Habitat for Humanity expands to Spring Hill, opens new office in New Port Richey

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Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has partnered with low- to moderate-income families to provide a hand up toward affordable homeownership. In the last decade, the organization has experienced record-breaking and sustainable growth, with 81 families served this year, according to a news release.

(Jens Behrmann/Unsplash)

This summer, Habitat will dedicate its 900th home build in the Pinellas and West Pasco region. More than 600 of those homes have been built in partnership with local deserving families and individuals in the last 10 years, the release says.

Habitat for Humanity builds and sells homes at 0% interest to households not qualifying for a traditional mortgage. The program prepares homeowner partners through an education curriculum of 36 classes, from budgeting to home maintenance. Homeowners purchase their home from Habitat and earn a 0% interest mortgage, never paying more than 30% of their household income for housing expenses. This helps to keep monthly payments affordable and homeowners can build equity in their home from their first payment.

Habitat currently is under contract for 5 acres, which will provide homeownership opportunities to 24 families in Spring Hill. Plans for the development will be released soon, the release states.

The home organization also will open a new office space at 7237 Little Road in New Port Richey and will celebrate with an open house and ribbon-cutting on May 3 at 10 a.m.

The new Habitat office is approximately 2,500 square feet and features staff workspaces and an education room for future Habitat homeowners.

Published May 01, 2024

Audit finds issues with Bright Futures Scholarship Program

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(The Center Square) — The Florida auditor general has released a report detailing problems with the administration of the state’s scholarship and grant programs.

The audit was focused on the administration of both scholarship programs between June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program disbursed $547,700,035 in fiscal year 2022-23. A slight drop over the previous FY of 2021-22, which disbursed $549,061,819.

(Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

The audit found three issues — this included the return of advances without identifying students who may be eligible, noncompliance with state law and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) policies, as well as the need to improve disbursement of funds in a timely manner.

The Legislature established the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Florida high school students who merit recognition of high academic achievement, and enroll in a degree, certificate or applied technology program at an eligible in-state college or university.

The program, funded by the Florida Lottery, consists of four different awards: The Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Also part of the auditor general’s report was the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program, established to provide financial assistance to Florida resident students seeking a degree from Florida public universities or colleges.

The report states that Eastern Florida State College returned around $1.2 million worth of FSAG-Public Program advances, contrary to State Board of Education rules. The auditor general recommended that management at the college continue its efforts to ensure that all eligible students are able to receive the advance and records are properly reported to the FDOE.

The audit also found that the University of South Florida had failed to comply with state law regarding the refund of Bright Futures Scholarship Program funds from students who withdrew or dropped a course on time. The report adds that the university made 146 refunds to the FDOE that totaled $141,476, on average 99 days after the required date.

Lastly, the report found that Pensacola State College needed to improve its procedures to ensure that Bright Futures and the grant program funds received were more promptly put on record when funds are disbursed to students.

Published May 01, 2024

Slow down, move over for storm season roadwork

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As the 2024 storm season approaches, Duke Energy is reminding the public to move over and slow down as they approach utility crews working along the roadside.

During the season, Duke Energy crews may be on the roads to repair damaged power lines or infrastructure, and speeding and distracted driving are the leading contributing factors in vehicle accidents, according to a news release.

(Robert So/Pexels)

These tips are offered for driving safely in work zones:

  • Stay alert and minimize distractions. Don’t text, talk or adjust controls.
  • Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and workers may be nearby.
  • Slow down. Speeding is the major cause of work zone crashes.
  • Don’t tailgate. The most common work zone crash is the rear-end collision.
  • Maintain traffic flow by merging as soon as possible.
  • Pay attention to signs. Warning signs help keep you and other drivers safe.
  • Obey road crew flaggers. The trained flagger knows what is best for traffic safety.

“We expect to see an increase in the need for our crews to be out responding to storm repairs and with that comes risk. Every single driver can reduce that risk by paying close attention and reducing distractions while on the road,” said Jessica Bednarcik, senior vice president of Enterprise Safety and Generation Services, in the release.

“At Duke Energy, we have a comprehensive safety program to protect our crews working along the road, but cones and signs won’t stop a distracted driver. We’re reminding motorists to approach roadside workers with caution. It could save a life,” said Bednarcik.

Published May 01, 2024

DeSantis signs two bills to bring chaplains, patriotic organizations to schools

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday intended to provide more educational opportunities for public school students.

House Bill 1317 allows patriotic organizations to speak to students and distribute certain materials to encourage participation. Patriotic organizations mentioned in the new law include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadets and the Marine League Corps.

(JV/Unsplash)

HB 931 authorizes each school district or charter school board to adopt a policy that would allow volunteer school chaplains to provide support, services and programs to students.

DeSantis said that he and the Legislature have worked very hard to support students, including expanding school choice, scholarship programs and mental health support, adding that the new legislation will help bolster these efforts.

“We have ensured that mental health education involves personal resiliency, talks about perseverance, volunteerism, mentorship, problem-solving, empathy, citizenship and honesty. A really comprehensive approach,” DeSantis said, noting that these school years can be tough for students.

Funding for mental health programs in schools across Florida has ranged from $75 million in 2019-2020 to $140 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. For the 2024-2025 budget, $160 million has been secured. A further $5.5 million has been earmarked to go toward evidence-based teacher training, so educators can recognize the signs of mental health and substance abuse.

DeSantis added that it is important for children to stay active, as often many children are glued to their devices and are not spending as much time outside as they used to and that the legislation will help encourage students to spend more time outdoors.

“Now you’re gonna have these key groups come in, talk about what they do and ask the students to participate,” DeSantis said. “I really believe when you are engaged in extracurricular activities, athletics, some of these other things, that’s gonna be a net positive for these students.”

DeSantis added that chaplains in schools also will be a positive thing for students, providing useful resources and would have a role similar to chaplains in the Armed Forces.

“I think that model of just having this available as part of the services that you’re providing, like we do in the military, we should be doing the same for our students here in school,” DeSantis said.

Published May 01, 2024

Leadership program graduates class of 2024

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The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation in March, at Timber Greens Country Club. More than 100 sponsors, school officials, parents and Leadership Pasco board members attended.

The organization is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students (sophomores and juniors) through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders, according to a news release.

Sessions include Orientation and Team Building, Law Enforcement, Health Care/Community Services, Government/Economic Development, and Education.

Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 (Courtesy of J. David Wright)

The program’s graduating Class of 2024 included: Colt Blancher, Angeline Academy of Innovation; Katarina M. Boglino, Gulf High School; Isabella C. Bowling, River Ridge High; Thomas Celotto Jr., Hudson High; Noah J. Downey, Sunlake High; Vincent J. Farides, River Ridge; Dominic Fusco, Wesley Chapel High; William C. Gantt, J.W. Mitchell High; Jake Giber, Genesis Preparatory High; Nadama N. Gilkerson, Pasco High; Sophie M. Giri, Wiregrass Ranch High; Nathan M. Grimes, J.W. Mitchell; Luiza Guryeva, Wesley Chapel; Allan Guzman, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Elissa A. Hill, J.W. Mitchell; Liam C. Hornung, J.W. Mitchell; Melodi Kazazi, Sunlake; Calina M. Levy,Wiregrass Ranch; Alina Manadyel, Dayspring Early College Academy; Ethan A. Mendez, Cypress Creek High; Alyssa B. Mintrone, Land O’ Lakes High; Montana T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High; Morgan T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical; Alfonso E. Nava, Dayspring Early College Academy; Victoria Ogundeyin, Cypress Creek; Xiomig N. Ozorio Matias, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Trinity Perry, Wesley Chapel; Justyce P. Rice, Anclote High; Ethan Rubin, Hudson; Lilliana E. St Aubin, Hudson; Paul L. Steele, Land O’ Lakes; Hailey J. Suggs, Anclote High; and Gianna Walsh, Fivay High.

“The Youth Leadership Pasco program is truly one of a kind. Throughout the program, I have made lifelong friendships, restored old ones, and got a much deeper grasp of what happens in Pasco County. My favorite part of the program was the sheriff’s department. We got to see just how big the department truly is and the amazing technology they are incorporating into their line of work. I used to only want to leave Pasco County, but throughout this program, I have found a new love for it and all of the amazing opportunities it has to offer…,” said Noah J. Downey, of Sunlake High School, in the release.

The student fee is kept at $35 due to the support from its sponsors.

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open for sophomores and juniors at the beginning of the school year.

For more information, visit LeadershipPasco.com/Youth_Leadership_Pasco_Program.

Published May 01, 2024