“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” — Oscar Wilde

National Suicide Prevention Month Is a Call to Save Lives

Every year, during the month of September, we pause to bring awareness to one of the most serious and heartbreaking issues we face: suicide. National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to unite, spread hope, and take action. The numbers are alarming, but they serve as a reminder that our work is far from over. In the United States alone, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. Each year, over 45,000 people die by suicide, leaving behind devastated families, friends, and communities.

These are not just numbers. Each life lost is a person with dreams, talents, and loved ones who must face unimaginable pain. But this tragic loss of life is preventable. We must raise our voices for those who feel they have none, and act before it’s too late.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, things have only gotten worse for mental health. Isolation, financial stress, and overwhelming anxiety have pushed more people to the edge. But help is available, and no one needs to suffer in silence.

This month, let’s focus on the power of connection. A simple conversation can be the difference between life and death. Let’s check in with our friends, family, and coworkers. Let’s ask how they are doing and really listen. Let’s break the stigma around mental health so that people feel safe asking for help.

There is strength in seeking support. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted person or call a hotline. Let’s make sure no one feels alone in their battle. Together, we can prevent suicide. Together, we can save lives.

Get in Touch

The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you can access free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Our skilled, judgment-free counselors are here to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.

Take care of a friend, a loved one, or yourself. Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night.

National Self-Improvement Month — Take Control of Your Growth!

September is National Self-Improvement Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Life is busy, and it's easy to put personal growth on the back burner. But setting aside time for self-improvement can boost your confidence, career, and overall happiness.

Many adults face unique challenges such as balancing work, family, and finances. A survey shows that 77% of Americans feel stressed about their finances, while 83% of working parents feel overwhelmed with balancing work and family life. These statistics reflect how challenging life can be for adults, but self-improvement can make a big difference in managing these pressures.

Studies show that setting personal goals can increase motivation by up to 25%. So, whether you're focusing on your career, health, or mental well-being, self-improvement is within your reach. The key is to start small and stay consistent.

By making these small changes, you can set yourself on a path to a more fulfilling and balanced life

Here are five action steps you can take today to improve your life

1. Set Clear Goals — Writing down your goals not only helps clarify your priorities but also makes you 42% more likely to achieve them. Research from the Dominican University of California found that people who share their goals with a friend or accountability partner increase their likelihood of success by 65%. Break your goals down into small, actionable steps to keep yourself motivated.
2. Exercise Regularly — According to the CDC, adults who engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week lower their risk of heart disease by 35% and boost their mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Start with just 10-15 minutes of daily movement, like walking or yoga, and gradually increase as you build the habit.
3. Prioritize Sleep — Studies show that 35% of adults in the U.S. get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Consistently sleeping 7-9 hours improves cognitive function, boosts your immune system, and reduces stress by up to 68%. Establish a bedtime routine to help your body wind down and prepare for rest.
4. Learn Something New — Research shows that lifelong learning is linked to improved memory, better problem-solving skills, and a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline. Learning new skills, such as taking a class or reading books, can increase your adaptability and keep your brain sharp.
5. Practice Gratitude — A Harvard study found that people who practice daily gratitude report a 23% decrease in cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Taking just a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for can boost your mood, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.

Start these steps today and make September your month of growth!

Tackling Financial Challenges: A Guide for Middle-Class Households — Part 2

We understand that middle-class families in the U.S. are facing a variety of financial challenges that threaten their economic stability. We will continue to explore the top five challenges affecting middle-class families today. Then, we will include 3 action steps that can be implemented today to combat the challenge discussed. These action steps will be based on the 3-Parts of a Financial House.

Part 1: Erosion of Purchasing Power

Part 2: Financial Insecurity and Lack of Savings

Many middle-class families are unprepared for financial emergencies. A Federal Reserve survey revealed that 36% of middle-income families could not cover a $400 emergency expense. This lack of savings leaves them vulnerable to unexpected expenses, increasing financial stress.

Action Steps to Build Financial Security:

1. Start Saving Today: In 2023, the personal savings rate in the U.S. was around 4.3% of disposable income, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Setting aside even 5% of your income can significantly improve financial security.
2. Automate Savings: A survey by Bankrate in 2023 found that 58% of Americans who automate their savings are more likely to reach their savings goals, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
3. Emergency Fund: The Federal Reserve reported in 2023 that 37% of Americans could not cover a $400 emergency expense. Building an emergency fund, [not a credit card] for three months of expenses, can help protect against this vulnerability.

“We will all face some kind of Pain… the 'Pain of Discipline' or the 'Pain of Regret'. It's your Choice!” — Jim Rohn

Did you know?

42% of American adults say that they need life insurance or more life insurance. This represents about 102 million adults. A 2-point rise from 2021. What makes this more interesting is that this number has remained elevated since the height of the pandemic, instead of decreasing.

Would you like to learn what strategies could work for you and your family? Book a free consultation here , and let’s chat.

Quick bites…

• Elevate Your Life With a Purposeful System
• 4 Tips for Developing a Thicker Skin
• IBM will train you in AI fundamentals for free
• The Food Expiration Dates You Should Actually Follow
• How to Overcome Fear: 6 Powerful Strategies You Can Start Using Today

Stay tuned…

• Avoid these 5 Financial Mistakes after 40-series — Part 3
• More Ways to Improve Financial Literacy
• Ways to Save, Invest, and Become Debt-Free
• Random Acts of Kindness

Thank you and be safe, see you in two weeks,

Carlton B. Finley | CB Finley & Associates | (248) 796-9419

www.meetwithcbfinley.com

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