Melissa A Watkins

If you’ve finally reached the management level, but you aren’t sure exactly what to do, you’re not alone. Research has shown that there is a confidence gap between men and women in management. And according to a 2018 study, 67% of women report needing help to develop the self-confidence to move into senior-level management.
Fortunately, we've got a few expert tips that can help new managers not only excel, but thrive:
1. Lean into empathy.
Surprisingly, one of the most important management sk...

If you’re like the rest of us, you’re probably bombarded by news about the stock market–its ups and downs, which company has the biggest gains, which the biggest losses. One term you may keep hearing is “S&P 500.”
So what is it exactly, and why should it matter to you? The short answer is it’s a stock index that tracks how well the stock of 500 large U.S. companies are performing.
An index, in stock market terms, is a tool that uses data to track the performance of a defined group of stocks. ...

A lot of factors can contribute to our relationships with money.
Race and culture are two factors that can be very important, not only because of the influence of external social and historical factors but also because of internal cultural factors and beliefs. BIPOC looking for financial advice sometimes need information tailored to our experiences as racialized people.

Of course it’s impolite to ask how much money someone makes or how much they’re worth, but c’mon, we’ve all been in situations where we’re dying to know how a friend could afford a new BMW or an addition to their house.
While we can’t answer for your friends, we can provide a broader picture. We’ve researched the net worth of Americans in various age groups, and the numbers may surprise you.
While net worth is not the only number that defines your financial value, it’s one of the most importa...

Different forms of homeowners insurance offer different levels of coverage. Here’s a look at the five main policies to help you decipher which makes the most sense for you.
Most homeowners insurance policies can cover 16 hazards or perils that could damage your home and belongings
Unless you add coverage, belongings included under most homeowners policies are for their current cash value after depreciation–not replacement value.
Homeowners insurance isn’t just for renters: A tenant’s policy c...

You have a lot of options as to where to open a bank account, both online and at a branch.
Comparing the fees associated with accounts at different banks is a good idea, as these can vary widely.
Just as with a credit card, you may be able to earn rewards through your bank account.
You can use apps to pay people directly from your bank account, keep track of your money, and more.
Opening a new bank account is actually pretty easy. It’s also a smart financial step.

Starlion: Thieves of the Red Night, by Leon Langford – An Equal Opportunity Reader Review

What do you get when you cross Sky High, The Avengers and Yu-Gi-Oh? Toss in a little Harry Potter and Percy Jackson too and apparently, you get this fun middle-grade superhero fantasy novel by indie author Leon Langford.

It’s about Jordan Harris, a supernaturally gifted Black boy in an alternate Houston where the gods of mythology are real and have passed their gifts down to numerous heirs. The best and ...

A medium-length blog post detailing language learning steps and providing benchmarks, encouragement and applicable product links.

A blog post about a new young adult fantasy book release that improves on what Harry Potter and Percy Jackson started.