Led by Jennifer Mangum, Mangum Benefits isn’t just any insurance broker, as the work put forth is one of the best in the market today. Mangum Benefits recognizes that your insurance needs are very important– they put much care and effort into assisting with your needs.

Are you interested in guaranteed protection, income replacement, tax-free benefit, guaranteed cash value growth, dividend potential or optional riders? Then you might find their Life Insurance policy extremely useful.

Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. Disaster can strike at any moment and Jennifer Mangum will be there at every step of the way. Discover peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones with life insurance. Our commitment lies in providing you with a comprehensive and customizable range of life insurance options that cater to your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you’re seeking financial security for your family’s future, planning for estate preservation, or aiming to leave a meaningful legacy, Mangum Benefits has you covered. With a track record of reliability and a team of dedicated experts, we ensure that you make informed decisions to safeguard what matters most.

Are you interested in regular payments, tax difference, fixed annuities, saving money, death benefits, or retirement planning? Then their annuity options are your final destination.

Elevate your financial strategy with annuities and unlock a future of stability and growth. Our range of annuity options offers a reliable path towards building and preserving your wealth, ensuring a steady stream of income during your retirement years. Jennifer Mangum, who is the broker, understand that everyone’s financial journey is unique, which is why our expert advisors work closely with you to tailor an annuity solution that aligns with your specific goals and aspirations. Whether you’re seeking guaranteed income, tax advantages, or a combination of both, our annuity products are designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind. 

Are you interested in high quality disability insurance? Mangum Benefits is your answer! Safeguard your greatest asset, which is your ability to earn a living with disability insurance. Life is full of uncertainties, and in the face of unexpected illness or injury, protecting your financial stability becomes paramount. Our disability insurance plans are meticulously crafted to provide a reliable source of income if you’re unable to work due to medical reasons. Working with Jennifer Mangum of Mangum Benefits, you can take control of your future by ensuring that you and your loved ones are shielded from the potential financial hardships that can arise from disability. 

Visit Mangum Benefits today! Click this link to be redirected to their website.

The coffee industry is sought after by consumers for myriads of reasons, but there are two major factors that allow us to uncover an essential question: why do people love coffee?

Energy Boost

After long hours of work and a minimal amount of sleep, coffee is an amazing way to start your day. The caffeine in coffee boosts your energy and helps increase brain function so you feel awake in the morning. An incredible way to kickstart your day is to stroll into a local coffee shop, supporting small businesses, and getting a drink that will give you the energy to tackle life. Why go through life sleepy when a drink can magically allow you to see the vibrancy in the world?

The Contents

Coffee has a smell that tons of people love to inhale. It can hit you with nostalgia or just smell good to some individuals. Imagine the aroma of freshly brewed coffee flowing through the doorway to hit your senses with happiness. Not everyone adores the smell, but I can assure you that a lot of people enjoy coffee’s delightful smell. Similarly, coffee can taste flavorsome.

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Everyone has different preferences, especially if you live in different countries, but coffee can be adjusted to your specific liking. Whether you like Costa Rican beans or extra milk, the taste is addicting to multitudes. If you want to taste something nice, drink some coffee. It really can be good if you are exploring your local cafe down the street or in the area.

There are surely more reasons as to why coffee is loved. It may be a familiar lifestyle that was implemented since childhood. However, the main take away from this article is the joy that is sprung upon people when coffee is introduced. This one drink has the power to illuminate faces across the globe; this may have inspired someone to take their coffee passions and open their own shop. Risks were taken and investments were made, both emotionally and physically.

Uplift your community by purchasing coffee from your local coffee shop! There is a high chance that the coffee is better than large chains due to the intense amount of care put forth. If coffee makes you joyful, then drink it. Coffee can be a delight to millions.

Understanding Insurance:

Insurance is the bedrock of financial security, serving as a safety net against unforeseen events that can potentially devastate lives and businesses. Individuals can purchase various types of insurance policies, such as auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, home insurance, and more, to protect themselves and their loved ones from financial hardship in times of crisis. Businesses, on the other hand, can opt for commercial insurance, covering assets, liabilities, and even key personnel to mitigate potential risks.

Insurance companies act as financial intermediaries, pooling premiums from policyholders to create a risk pool that can compensate those who suffer losses. By spreading the risk across a large number of policyholders, insurance companies provide a sense of security that allows people to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence.

The Role of Tax Planning:

Tax planning is an indispensable aspect of financial management for individuals and businesses alike. It involves optimizing financial decisions to minimize tax liabilities while remaining compliant with tax laws and regulations. Skilled tax planning helps individuals retain more of their hard-earned money, invest strategically, and plan for retirement efficiently.

For businesses, tax planning ensures that they can maximize profits, reinvest in growth, and remain competitive in their industries. This may involve utilizing various tax incentives, deductions, and credits that governments provide to foster economic growth and incentivize certain behaviors.

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Synergy between Insurance and Tax Planning:

The insurance and tax planning industries are intricately linked, and their collaboration can significantly benefit clients. For example, certain insurance products, like retirement annuities and life insurance policies, offer tax advantages, making them attractive tools for tax planning. Additionally, insurance solutions, such as long-term care insurance, can help individuals plan for potential healthcare costs and minimize the financial burden on their families in later years.

Businesses can also benefit from incorporating insurance and tax planning strategies. Key person insurance, for instance, can protect a company from financial losses resulting from the death of a vital employee while also offering potential tax advantages. Additionally, tax planning can help businesses make informed decisions regarding employee benefits, compensation structures, and investments to maximize tax efficiency.

The Role of Insurance and Tax Professionals:

Navigating the complexities of insurance policies and tax regulations can be challenging for individuals and businesses alike. That’s where insurance agents, brokers, and tax professionals come into play. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the industry, keeping themselves updated with the latest trends and changes in regulations. They offer personalized advice, tailoring insurance and tax planning strategies to suit individual needs and business goals.

The insurance and tax planning industry is an essential pillar of financial stability and growth, providing individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge to secure their futures. Through a seamless integration of insurance products and tax planning strategies, this industry empowers clients to protect their assets, optimize their financial decisions, and build a robust foundation for achieving their aspirations. As the world continues to evolve, the insurance and tax planning industry will remain a steadfast partner, safeguarding prosperity and fostering economic well-being.

The dainty triangle top fits so comfortably and compliments women with a variety of chest sizes while the bottoms offer slightly more coverage than other styles, while still having that naked feel.


Kulani Kinis

Australia-based swim and apparel company, Kulani Kinis was created after a failed attempt at ordering luxury swimwear online for a trip to Hawaii. The founders understand that quality should not come at such a high price and now create fun and vibrant swimwear that won’t break the bank. Offering bold prints that scream summer, Kulani Kinis is the place to shop for any upcoming trip or beach party. They also sell men’s suits, cover ups, sarongs, and a variety of accessories so customers can create a full look. Their sizes range from xs-3xl, making them the most inclusive of the bunch.

Top picks: Bralette Bikini Top and Y Cheeky Bikini Bottom (ribbed material)

The shape of these two pieces together is perfect for tanning and the ribbed material adds extra thickness so you still feel protected and secure.


Blackbough Swim

Another sustainably sourced swim and apparel company, Blackbough Swim offers suits in a variety of patterns, styles, and colors. Their latest drop is inspired by spring florals but there is so much more to explore on their site. Ranging in sizes from xs-2xl and offering coverages from ‘tease’ to ‘modest’ and even adjustable ones, Blackbough Swim covers all the bases and will surely have a suit that’s right for you.

Top picks: Fiona Underwire Top and Maui Classic Tease Bottoms

This top offers great support for my girls with bigger girls while still being super flattering on smaller chest girls like myself. It is so comfortable and the wire doesn’t dig in. The Maui bottoms are perfect for adding some cheekiness to your beach look while ensuring your front is fully covered and secure. Both styles come in a wide range of colors and fun prints too!

If you’ve been considering visiting San Juan, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the activities. To make it easy, I have compiled my favorite activities for you to try, as well as some additional information about getting to San Juan! 

Getting To and Around San Juan

Puerto Rico can be reached by air or sea. Because Puerto Rico officially became a U.S. territory in 1917, you won’t need your passport to get there from the U.S. 

If flying, most airlines offer direct flights. From Raleigh, NC, to San Juan, a direct flight is three hours and 38 minutes, and less than $300 round trip. 

San Juan has a port for cruise ships, and there is a ferry connecting the island to both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Ubers, Taxis, and walking are all great options for San Juan. You can also rent a car to drive through the city and around the island.

Stays

Puerto Rico has more than 130 hotels. You won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay that will fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort, quaint hotel, or downtown AirBnB. 

Personally, I loved my stay at the Condado Plaza Hilton, which was situated right on Laguna del Condado with private access to the public beach, Playita del Condado. 

Food and Drinks

Did you know that Puerto Rico produces 80% of the world’s rum and is the birthplace of the piña colada? In San Juan and around the island, there are dozens of mixology classes that focus on rum. You can also tour Casa Bacardi, with tickets ranging in price from $30 to $200. 

The Flavors of San Juan walking food tour is perfect for fans of history and delicious food. The tour is offered throughout the day and lasts approximately three hours. The walk overall is relatively mild, but be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

For restaurants, be sure to check out Waiters Gastro Bar, which is located in Condado (only a short walk from most resorts in San Juan). The owner of the restaurant is friendly and knowledgeable, and will offer great recommendations. My friend swears she had the best old fashioned of her life at Waiters, and I feel the same about the tres leches. 

Cocina Abierta is a tasting restaurant that offers five courses per person, with an intimate ambience great for small and large groups. There are vegetarian and pescatarian options for each course, and the total cost is $75/person.

Outdoors in Puerto Rico

One of my favorite activities was the Sunset Harbor Boat Ride. Refreshments were included in the tour, along with music and brief histories of various parts of the city.  

Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Tours of El Yunque are offered as half and full day excursions and can include waterfall tours, kayaking tours, and hiking. 

Before Visiting

Please be aware that June through November is hurricane season in Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2017), the citizens of Puerto Rico showed incredible resilience, and the tourism industry has slowly been rebuilding since.  

While most barbecues feature traditional hamburgers and hotdogs, studies show that red and processed meats are linked to heart disease and cancer, not to mention weight gain. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on this treasured summer activity!

For the health-conscious, there are many dishes that are perfect served pool-side.

Swap out burgers and hot dogs for grilled veggies. Eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are perfect for the job. Cut them lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, fresh chopped garlic, and black pepper. Right beside them, lay some corn to steam still in the husk for a traditional Mexican-style elote. Bonus: they become much easier to shuck after grilling! No more fussing with those sticky, hairy, fibers.

Fruit salad is always a staple at summer get-togethers, but you can kick it up a notch with fruit kebabs. Simply spear some fruit onto a wooden skewer, and grill away! You’ll be surprised at how well pineapple, peaches, and even watermelon turn out. Sprinkle a little salt on top to bring out extra sweetness.

Tired of worrying about the egg salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad spoiling in the sun? Try switching to a vegan version. Vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup make up a tangy, sweet, guilt-free dressing that can stand up to the heat.

Ready for a stunning dessert? Skip the sugary cookies and rice cereal treats. Fruit tarts are beautiful, colorful, and kid-friendly. Looking for something for the gluten-free crowd? Try this show-stopping Purple Sweet Potato Pie. Sweet, but not cloying, and filled with superfoods like Japanese sweet potatoes and blueberries, this dessert brings a gorgeous pop of color to any picnic table.

When we become mothers and fathers, the question of who Mother’s Day is for can be the cause of some serious tension. What happens when the kids are all grown up? Should adult children still prioritize their mothers and grandmothers? What happens when you have children of your own? Moms and their in-laws sometimes feel as if they are vying for recognition, which can result in unwanted family drama on a day that’s meant to be fun. What about your sister or cousin or dear friend who has recently become a new mom? Do you need to get flowers for EVERYONE?

The chore of gift-giving often falls on women in the typical nuclear family dynamic. It is part of what is considered “the mental load,” a term coined by French artist Emma. That’s the silent to-do list that is constantly running through moms’ minds. Timmy’s bake sale on Wednesday, Sophie’s ballet classes on Tuesday were canceled and so the babysitter needs to be notified that she needs to grab Sophie off the bus instead of at school, the toilet paper is running low, and the gas bill is due on the 2^nd…the list is constant, never-ending, and can drive moms to distraction.

Mother’s Day can turn into just another burden, requiring trips to the mall, budgeting for gifts, finding everyone’s addresses, and even hustling the kids together and out of the door to go to mother-in-law’s for brunch. That is not to say that any of those events is bad in and of themselves – but it is important for partners, adult children, and adult siblings to communicate with one another. Clarify your expectations of how the day will go. Ask your partner, mom, or other important mom in your life what they want out of the day. You might be surprised by the response. Some moms just want a break – a night in a hotel room alone, with room service and uninterrupted sleep. Some moms only want a little recognition – a sincerely written card. Some moms want to spend the day together with the extended family. Every mom is an individual, and every mom deserves to feel celebrated.

The Ready Shower is a revolutionary shower created by Sabra Wilson, founder & CEO. It enhances your bathing routine and has the remarkable ability to dispense hair shampoo and body wash from the showerhead using two dispensers that are placed behind the wall. You can select to use the shampoo or the body wash. Homemade or specially made body washes and shampoos can also be used.

“We have a refill so that you can refill your canisters from home,” said Wilson. “We also have a refill cap so that you can use your own body wash or your own shampoo products.”

And exactly how did Wilson come up with this invention?  She was sitting at home watching TV, and a Dove commercial came on. The commercial showed the shower running and a bottle of Dove body wash sitting on the counter. The commercial flashed from the running shower to the bottle of Dove body wash sitting on the counter. She wondered what was getting ready to happen. To her surprise, the commercial went off and nothing happened.

“I thought that maybe the body wash was going to come out of the showerhead,” said Wilson. “I said if the body wash would come out of the showerhead, that would be a great thing.” She immediately began working on the innovative idea by putting it all together and thinking about her next steps.

The first step was to obtain a patent. She hired an attorney and presented her idea to a group of individuals. She conducted a patent search to find out if there were presently any products on the market or in society that were similar or did the same thing that her invention did. Fortunately, there were no products like hers, and it took her about a year to obtain the patent on January 5, 2021. She had to pay $2,500 for a patent search and then applied for a utility patent that costs $7,000.

“The process is very lengthy, it takes time to do it, and you have to focus,” said Wilson. “It was very challenging, and I made monthly payments for $550 to $600 in order to obtain my patent.”      

Wilson is confident The Ready Shower will be a huge success and has never seen a product like it. She explained, “I’ve traveled a little bit and I have been to Germany and other places, and I have never seen anything that comes out of the showerhead where I don’t have to physically take the washcloth and lather it with the soap or body wash. I can actually push a button or turn a knob and it comes out of the showerhead to cut down on germs.”

These showerheads can be installed in hotels, nursing homes, and prisons to help curtail the spread of germs. We are living in the time of COVID-19, and everyone is being careful about what they touch and how they use things. Wilson is a former hotel supervisor and observed a great amount of soap, shampoo, and conditioners being wasted and left in the rooms.

“They would often be smashed, and the wetness would dissolve them so that you could not use them anymore,” said Wilson. “My invention helps to conserve these products and helps to cut down on the spread of bacteria and germs.”

The installation of The Ready Shower will be an easy process. She said, “During our prototype process, we were trying to put it where it would be plumber friendly so that consumers can go to the store, purchase it, and install it themselves. In the bigger facilities it will have to be installed, but we are trying to do it both ways so that it will be plumber friendly so that it won’t be so hard to install it by yourself.” 

The CEO is currently in the process of finding a manufacturing company who will make the product.

“We have been speaking with several companies, and we are waiting on calls to see what opportunities may be available, and hopefully we will receive some good news on moving forward,” said Wilson.

Wilson is a single mother of three: two girls and a boy, and she has two beautiful grandchildren.

Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family, and she loves to love, laugh, and live life to the fullest. She works as a Customer Service Representative for Alaska Airlines and Avelo Airlines at the Raleigh-Durham airport. She was the #1 hairdresser in Columbus County and is presently a member of a nonprofit organization called H.A.I.R. (Having Aunties In Reach).

“We have many events throughout the year for the children in Columbus County city limits and also in Wake County,” said Wilson. “We basically have back-to-school events like braiding or styling all of the kids’ hair for free for the first day of school.”

She added, “We do Valentine’s Day, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, and everything we do for them is free of cost, and all the students have to do is show up.”       

Some of the challenges that she has faced during the invention process have been the passing of her father, the passing of two step-kids, and living in an area where a lot of violence is happening. In spite of dealing with life’s hardships, she continues to persevere and not give up.

“I have been working so hard on this for years and I tell my children and grandchildren this is for them,” said Wilson. “I have been working so hard, and I have not been able to give them a lot during the years, but I know God has given me this idea and it will be a blessing.” 

Her ultimate vision is for The Ready Shower to be in hotels, prisons, new homes, overseas, nursing homes, amusement parks, Lowe’s, Walmart, and hardware stores everywhere. When the product becomes available for purchase, she has plans to establish an online store.

If you are interested in The Ready Shower, the ultimate showering experience, and would like to become a potential investor or form a partnership, visit www.thereadyshower.com or email info@thereadyshower.com.

The Law Offices of John Eluwa, PLLC provides attorneys for immigration, criminal, traffic violations, and personal injury cases. Eluwa’s team has been practicing since 1995 and operates in Wake, Durham, Franklin, Harnett, Johnston, Orange, Person, Sampson, and Wilson Counties in North Carolina. The website for the practice, johneluwa.com, details the main areas of law that the lawyers there specialize in. These include, “Immigration, Criminal Law/Criminal Defense, Traffic Violations, Personal Injury, and Uncontested Divorces.”

The Law Offices of John Eluwa have offices in Raleigh, Wilson, and Clinton. On the homepage of the website, they make it clear that they will “represent clients with immigration issues from any part of the world.” In fact, in the past, they have been designated “Excellent” and a “Client’s Choice” for Immigration services on popular legal services ratings Avvo. The website for the practice is very accessible and easy to navigate, and even has a way for you to pay bills online. You can contact John Eluwa and his office directly through the website via a contact form or by calling them at the number provided on the website. They are also active on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

There is another highly rated personal injury attorney worth mentioning. John McCabe P.A., whose website is mccabelawoffices.com, is based in Cary but serves all of North Carolina. The website specifies that McCabe specializes in personal injury and accident cases as well as workers’ compensation for these types of events. Similar to Eluwa, McCabe’s office has been operating since 1994. John McCabe has a “Superb” rating on Avvo and was named a U.S. News Best Law Firm for personal injury in 2021.

John McCabe’s practice’s website is also accessible and easy to use. You are able to send a direct message through a contact form that informs McCabe of your case and allows him to get back to you. McCabe provides free consultations online but also does phone consultations. All of their contact information is provided on the website.

Unfortunately, crises are bound to occur in our lives and we are mostly unable to predict when something is going to go awry. However, there are people whose job it is to make sure the process of making things right is easy and fair. Reach out to personal injury and accident lawyers if something has happened in your life that you need trustworthy assistance with.