(NewsUSA) - Screen time among children is reaching alarming levels, leaving parents searching for creative ways to get their kids off the couch and engaged in physical activities. Studies show that 95% of kids spend 5-7 hours a day gaming or using social media, raising concerns about sedentary lifestyles and their impact on overall well-being.

Amidst this trend, Playfinity has emerged as a pioneer in active gaming by offering a revolutionary solution that combines the excitement of virtual play with the benefits of physical activity and engagement in sport. Through smart, digitized sporting equipment like the Gaming Baseball, a regulation size and weight baseball connected to a free app packed with interactive games, Playfinity provides an immersive experience that motivates children to be active, healthy and happy while offering parents and caregivers alternative ways to empower their kids.

“Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports by the age of 13 because it’s ‘no longer fun’, leaving many of them to sit in front of screens for hours each day, living a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle,” says Pippa Boothman, CEO of Playfinity. “As a company originally founded by five dads with the urgency to keep their kids active, we are taking strides to make sports fun again, give kids a reason to get outside, and motivate them to make physical activity a priority. We speak to kids in a language they understand, and quite frankly, expect: leaderboards, avatars, rewards, communities, and more.”

How Playfinity is fostering a more active future for kids: 

• Skill-building through repetition: We all know that practice helps improve your skills, whether it’s in school, sports or even backyard play. Playfinity’s Gaming Baseball encourages kids to establish a routine that helps them build a physically healthy foundation and improves their mental well-being as well. Connected devices and gamification makes it easy for kids to watch their progress in real-time and will make them want to keep getting better with practice, which was evident in May of 2023, when more than 1.5 million throws and jumps were logged on the Playfinity app across the world.
• Fitness for life: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to fitness, which is why Playfinity has a diversified lineup of active gaming products to ensure all kids can find a game that interests them and keeps them engaged. For example, JumpGames is an activity tracker that loops onto a child’s ankle and turns any trampoline into an exciting gaming destination. With every leap, twist and twirl logged, kids can quite literally jump into endless fun and play with other jumpers all around the world. 
• Smart engagement without burnout: In today’s day and age, it’s just not possible to completely remove technology from our lives. Playfinity embraces technology and uses it for good: to inspire positive and healthy behavior. Their game-packed app tracks scores, offers creative outlets for players to create their own games and global challenges, and even provides real-time coaching. Kids enjoy digital engagement through a fun mobile app while being encouraged to go outside and fulfill their daily play and exercise requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about Playfinity’s active-gaming products and mission, visit playfinity.com.

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(NewsUSA) - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Celebrates 50th Anniversary and 10 Million Enrolled

IRVINE, Calif., July 6, 2023 — Millions of motorcycle and scooter riders nationwide and across the U.S. military worldwide got their start through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which is celebrating 50 years of rider education and training. MSF, the internationally recognized developer of comprehensive, researched-based rider education curricula, is also celebrating 10 million students enrolled and is honoring its network of coaches across America.

In 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation was established with BSA, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha as founding members. Today, supporters of MSF also include BMW Motorrad, Indian Motorcycle, KTM North America, and Triumph Motorcycles.

“We are deeply indebted to the sponsors and supporters of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation — especially those that convened years ago to establish this organization and invest in developing science- and research-based curriculum,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of MSF. “Every rider on the road has benefited from this visionary commitment.”

“Since its founding, MSF has developed curricula for riders of all levels seeking to learn and improve their skills whether they are riding on- or off-road. And as the times, technologies, and trends change, MSF remains committed to providing the best-in-class curricula so that every rider — beginner to experienced, street, dirt, and adventure — can find the type of training that helps them ride their best.”

Training sites across the country are helping to celebrate MSF’s 50th by hosting MSF RIDE Day events, which offer MOTO Intro experiences for people looking to get their first taste of riding, and SKILLS Check sessions for current riders to assess their skills.

“For people curious about motorcycling but are not sure they are ready to commit to a class, the MOTO Intro is a great way to try it out,” Pritchard said. “Motorcycles, helmets, and one-on-one coaching is provided to participants. The entire experience takes about 30 minutes, and the coach will help the rider progress at their own pace.”

“SKILLS Check is a fun way for experienced riders to see how well they can do in one of the MSF’s more advanced drills on their own motorcycles,” Pritchard continued. “And it introduces them to the additional training that is available to help them sharpen their skills.” MOTO Intro and SKILLS Check participants can also sign up for relevant classes after the event.

The heart of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the team of 10,000 RiderCoaches, DirtBike School Coaches, site administrators, program managers, and others in the MSF training community whose hard work has helped millions of people realize their dream of riding.

“Our success over the last 50 years is only possible because of our training community’s dedication to teaching generations of riders,” said Robert Gladden, vice president of operations for MSF.

MSF is also sharing 50 stories from 50 riders as a way to help celebrate this milestone year. These pieces — by teachers, mothers, fathers, RiderCoaches, journalists, entertainers, and more — can be found on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website under “Stories,” and on Instagram @msf__usa. Riders and RiderCoaches are encouraged to share their own stories using #MSF50YearsOfSafety when posting to social media.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our societies and economies in almost unimaginable ways, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization. Today’s AI powers personalized, precision medicine; gene therapy; vaccine discovery; drug design; and cancer screening. AI also is revolutionizing crop management, reducing waste, and supporting the development of alternative energy sources.

However, on a global scale, smart regulation is needed to make the most of AI.

The European Union has developed a proposal to regulate AI (the AI Act), but it falls short on security issues, SCSP team say. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party has made clear their intent to control emerging technology.

The United States and the EU must come together rather than drift apart on AI, and the EU’s AI Act is likely to hinder innovation with a strategy of “regulate first and work out the details later.”

The SCSP analysts outline how the U.S. and EU might move forward with AI management to preserve global leadership in this essential area.

Promote innovation with responsible regulation. Technology has become the organizing principle of the contest for global order. Most of the democratic world agrees at least on basics of what AI should and should not be allowed to do, according to the SCSP. Democratic partners won’t agree on all the details of a plan for regulation, but these minor differences need not prevent cooperation on larger issues of strategic alignments and economic ties. A balance is needed between regulation and innovation, the SCSP experts explain. AI systems must be built and used safely, responsibly, and ethically.

Invest in resources.  Democracies must marshal the resources and diplomatic will to collectively build the digital apps, software, and platforms that support everyday governance, commerce, and life, which means government-supported investment in global digital ecosystem projects. The transatlantic alliance should spend more time on cultivating our rich ecosystems of universities, companies, and innovators, rather than belaboring the risks of innovation.

Upgrade alliances. From a diplomatic standpoint, democracies need a new alliance framework with investment in our collective comparative advantages for technologies, not only AI, but also 5G and chip technology. In addition, democracies must build strategic partnerships to keep control of the digital infrastructure of the future and align on maintaining standards based on technical, not political, criteria.

Key questions for the successful future of AI include how to unlock data for the good of society while upholding our values, how to encourage AI researchers to solve our big societal problems, and how to get more young people excited about studying to become AI engineers, according to SCSP.

“We need to shift our mindsets toward an optimistic view of AI and look forward to harnessing its benefits, rather than automatically hitting the regulation button,” the SCSP experts emphasize.

Visit scsp.ai for more information. 

(NewsUSA) - Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, no matter the industry or company size. However, as economic headwinds and supply chain woes challenge the bottom line for both Main Street and Wall Street businesses alike, owners are facing significant financial frictions hindering business growth. Unfortunately, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are especially constrained financially, as many SMBs in America remain underbanked or unbanked while inflationary pressures continue to mount and impede profitability.

In fact, 25% of owners report inflation is their single most important problem in operating their business, according to a study by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Further challenging SMBs cash flow, the NFIB also notes, in the last six months, 57% of owners reported capital outlays such as purchasing new equipment and vehicles, updating fixtures and furniture, and expanding facilities, among other expenditures. In turn, SMBs are increasingly relying on price hikes to improve company financial performance, with 62% of retail and 54% of wholesale operators reporting higher rates.

Strategic pricing is only a piece of the puzzle, though, when it comes to enhancing profitability, according to Carmit Glik, CEO and founding member of Ship4wd, a leading global digital freight forwarding solution platform. Glik encourages SMBs to consider looking across the supply chain for opportunities to improve cash flow.

“While some issues continue to linger, global supply chains have experienced a significant shift toward the positive, particularly for businesses who proactively deploy measures to capitalize on the current climate,” said Glik. “The combination of stabilized freight rates, emerging technologies, new financing solutions, diversified supplier options, and investments by companies working collaboratively to create a more resilient and sustainable supply chain, creates a robust opportunity for small and mid-sized businesses to strengthen their cash flow management—a challenge often considered the glass ceiling for growth to many SMBs.”

Glik shares three practical tips SMBs can implement to improve cash flow, take advantage of supply chains, and empower them to scale in today’s marketplace.

Leverage Technology and Explore New Financing Avenues
SMBs should proactively explore technology and various financing options to meet their capital needs. Credit lines, bank loans, or digital payments can be complemented with digitized services and alternative financing methods such as crowdfunding. Leveraging financial technology solutions can provide faster access to capital and streamline the financing process. Evaluating the costs, terms, and suitability of different financing options can help SMBs make informed decisions that align with their business objectives.

Control Inventory and Manage Supplier Relationships
Optimizing inventory management is essential for improving cash flow. SMBs should analyze demand patterns, implement just-in-time inventory practices, and negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, such as extended payment periods or bulk purchase discounts. Strengthening supplier relationships can lead to more flexible payment arrangements, ensuring a steady supply of goods without compromising cash flow. Adopting inventory management systems can enhance visibility, reduce carrying costs, and prevent overstocking or stockouts, further improving financial efficiency and efficacy.

Diversify Revenue StreamsandBuild Strong Customer Relationships
Diversifying shipping partners and revenue streams by exploring new markets, expanding product or service offerings, or partnering with complementary businesses can mitigate the risk of over-reliance on a single income source. Diversification creates opportunities for increased sales and revenue, improving cash flow stability and resilience. Fostering strong customer relationships is key to enhancing cash flow. SMBs can focus on providing exceptional customer service, personalized experiences, and loyalty programs to cultivate customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

To help small and mid-sized businesses improve cash flow, Ship4wd launched a first-of-its-kind offering including instant $10,000 credit lines (subject to eligibility) that afford SMBs greater opportunity to compete and thrive; ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ 90-day post-delivery payment terms that turn the tide on an antiquated prepayment model; and fully digitized online payment options for its customers to access the majority of banks across the U.S. and Canada and leverage all major credit cards to complete their transactions.

“We recognized the industry and our customers needed a change as SMBs continue to navigate financial burdens that can limit their long-term sustainability and growth,” said Glik. “Ship4wd’s mission is to ease the burden of global shipping so business owners can focus on growing their businesses. Our new financing solutions enable them to do just that, and whether financial or operationally, the tide is turning in favor of business owners when it comes to international shipping.”

The effective management of cash flow and financing is crucial for the success of SMBs. SMBs can optimize their financial operations, ensuring a healthy cash flow and access to necessary capital that will secure a solid foundation for success.

(NewsUSA) - Summer is peak season for music festivals and concerts, and fans are road tripping from coast to coast to experience their favorite artists live. But costs can add up quick.  

Country breakout sensation Mackenzie Carpenter and Chicago-based pop-punk group Action/Adventure share five tips for fans traveling to summer festivals on a budget:

1. Make a Budget: Before heading out for your music adventure, it helps to make a budget prioritizing what matters most – every dollar counts! To help save on costs, Carpenter and Action/Adventure opt for the My6 Music Package, which offers artists and their crews 10% off stays and access to 50 discounts on music-related services from video streaming and sound equipment, gas, snacks and more, available through Oct. 31. Fans can also receive 6% off stays through the free My6 program, plus hundreds of additional discounts.
    
2. Identify Affordable Lodging: After a music-filled day, it’s important to have a clean, comfortable and affordable place to rest and recover. Carpenter chooses economy lodging brands Motel 6 and Studio 6 as her go-to lodging options, as they have 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
    
3. Bring Your Own Snacks: Food and drinks are expensive inside concert grounds, so packing your own can help save your wallet. Carpenter chooses to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce costs on one-time use water bottles inside the festival, and Action/Adventure members suggest bringing a cooler to keep food cold. Check out the festival's policies on outside food and drinks to ensure compliance!
    
4. Seek Out Ticket Promotions: Keep an eye out for discounted tickets through official channels or reputable ticket resale platforms. Taking advantage of these promotions can allow for more to be spent inside the venue, and Action/Adventure even suggests looking into volunteer opportunities that provide access to the concert.
    
5. Use Public Transportation or Carpool: When available, Action/Adventure opts for public transportation to get to and from the venue, as it's usually cheaper than driving. If driving is necessary, consider carpooling or using rideshare services with friends to split costs.

For additional information on the My6 Music program and how to become a free My6 Member, visit www.motel6.com to start saving today!

(NewsUSA) - Climbing to the top as a financial advisor can be a challenge. Your ticket to long-term peak performance begins with earning the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ certification, the standard for competent and ethical financial planning.

More and more consumers understand the importance of working with a financial planner they can trust. Earning CFP^® certification sets you apart, providing a sure-footed path to enhanced visibility and leading to increased income and greater market share.

If you’re already in the financial planning profession, earning CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ certification is a proven investment in your future, offering new opportunities. For example, do you want to:

• Widen your client base?
• Evolve with your existing client base?
• Broaden your menu of services?
• Deepen your commitment to financial planning?
• Build on your other qualifications?

Whatever your objective, earning CFP^® certification sets you up for a rewarding payoff on your investment. And since you’re already a financial services professional, you may qualify for the accelerated path to CFP^® certification, bypassing most of the required education coursework, saving you both time and money.

Get Certified, Go Further

As part of their certification, CFP^® professionals demonstrate their expertise and commit to high standards to earn the respect of their colleagues and the trust of their clients. Here are some of the advantages of earning your CFP^® certification:

• Competitive Edge: 83% of CFP^® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors.
• Trust: 90% of consumers are more confident working with an advisor who has a financial planning designation.
• Success: 86% of CFP^® professionals say that certification has had a positive impact on their career satisfaction.
• High Pay: Earning a CFP^® certification can increase your income by 12%, with experienced advisors earning on average $192,000 a year.

Fiduciary Duty

Not all financial planners act as a fiduciary, but CFP^® professionals do. When providing financial advice, CFP^® professionals commit to always acting in their client’s best interests. With CFP^® certification, your clients will know that you are practicing loyalty and care in your work, and placing their interests above your own.

The Marketing Edge

CFP^® certification is an important branding signal for consumers. One survey found “consumers had higher brand awareness of the CFP^® mark” than the ChFC, CFA, CLU and PFS designations. That can lead to lower marketing costs and increased revenue growth for CFP^® professionals. Adding the CFP^® mark to your other credentials can grow your business prospects while enhancing your career opportunities.

CFP^® certification helps you build trusted relationships with clients and helps your firm grow by providing the knowledge and marketing edge needed for peak performance and sustained success. It’s the competitive edge you’ve been looking for. Get started today!

(NewsUSA) - Today’s retirement experience can be unpredictable, and resilience and flexibility are the keys to not just surviving, but thriving.

The right strategies and guidance can help retirees and pre-retirees weather the curveballs—and sometimes the cannonballs--of personal and financial life.

Two-thirds of retirees report feeling confident in their ability to handle the unexpected, based on a survey from financial services firm Edward Jones in collaboration with Age Wave, the leading organization on issues relating to aging. However, retirees and pre-retirees want to know the full range of options when it comes to financial planning, especially in the wake of challenges large and small.

In a new report, “Resilient Choices: Trade-Offs, Adjustments and Course Corrections to Thrive in Retirement,” Edward Jones and Age Wave suggest “course corrections” in four areas to thrive in retirement. These corrections line up with what the financial experts at Edward Jones call “the four pillars of retirement”: health, family, purpose, and finances.

“Today’s pre- and current retirees know they will face challenges but are willing to make adjustments, trade-offs and course corrections to improve their quality of life and sense of well-being as retirement continues to last longer than ever,” said Lena Haas, Head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones. “We are encouraged to see that Americans understand they need to have a flexible plan and feel confident in their ability to handle the unexpected, particularly if they can learn from the experiences of others.”

Here are a few course corrections Edward Jones experts suggest across their four pillars:

Health: Maintain good health habits, such as eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in stimulating mental activities. These can improve health, extend life, and increase feelings of well-being in retirement.

Family: Spend more quality time with those you love and avoid toxic relationships; spending time with family can be fulfilling, but know where to set emotional and financial boundaries.

Purpose: Enrich your life in a way that works for you, by exploring familiar paths, trying new things, expanding social circles, and reinventing yourself with new goals and dreams.

Finance: The right financial guidance can help you make the most of retirement; seek experts with a holistic approach that includes all possible tools beyond the basics of increasing savings and reducing debt.

Visit edwardjones.com/newretirement for more information about navigating the retirement journey.