Hispanic Chamber

PSA

--NEW ORLEANS - November 2019. Verizon and UnidosUS presented grant funding to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) and provided a behind-the-scenes look at their new Latinos @ Work program. The event, which took place at the HCCL Foundation in Kenner, included a special curriculum demonstration from current program participants.

The grant will allow HCCL to develop a state-of-the-art digital learning center equipped with mobile technologies, specialized curriculum, and professional services to help program participants become more digitally competent in the workforce.

In partnership with Verizon, UnidosUS and its affiliates have developed digital learning centers in New Orleans and three additional cities through the Latinos @ Work program. This partnership represents Verizon‘s broader efforts to increase community engagement in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The HCCL has been selected to carry out and oversee the Latinos @ Work programming in the New Orleans market.

“Verizon is proud to partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Foundation to provide programming that will increase access to 21st-century skills in the Latino community,“ said April W. Brumfield, Director of Government Affairs at Verizon. “In today‘s digital world, nearly every career requires some level of digital literacy. We are excited to support programs that aim to bridge the digital divide.“

The program‘s digital literacy and job readiness contextualized toolkit will help community-based organizations, like the HCCL, provide soft and hard skills to participants through eight-week-long sessions.

Enrolled participants will also be provided with meals, childcare, laptops, and transportation during the duration of their course. The digital learning centers will be equipped with mobile technologies, curriculum, and professional services to help program participants become digitally competent.

The curricula will help individuals prepare for jobs that require digital skills and to be employed in those jobs. It will consist of modules that aim to elevate the skill sets of participants, including financial capability, digital literacy, job readiness, communication, and job search.

“The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana is thrilled about this partnership with Verizon and UnidosUS because it will allow us to bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and digital literacy,“ said Mayra Pineda, President & CEO of the HCCL. “This will convert to better job opportunities and economic development for program participants and the community-at-large.“

According to a 2018 study by Pew Research Center, Hispanics account for 16 percent of the U.S. workforce, but they only represent 7 percent of all STEM workers. Latinos @ Work seeks to address this gap as graduates of the program will be connected to further education, training, and employment opportunities in the financial service sector, information technology, retail and customer service, and hospitality fields.

The Community is Our Priority

By Metairie Bank

Click aqui para español- >La prioridad es la comunidad

At Metairie Bank, “Enriching the Communities We Serve” is more than just part of our mission statement, it’s our pledge to continue making a difference in our community.

Giving back is an essential component of what makes Metairie Bank a community bank. We’re dedicated to providing support to the communities where we live and work. We invest in the future of our communities by promoting financial literacy, health, and the arts.

We offer assistance to non-profit organizations and support programs that strive to better our communities and the lives of our neighbors who live in them. 

Helping to Make Home Buying Easier

We are dedicated to supporting the promotion of financial literacy. We know buying a home can feel daunting. We’re here to relieve stress by providing educational information into the home buying process. Community Development Officer Marina Manzanares lead an informational home buying workshop to help people in our community feel confident turning their dreams of buying a home into a reality.

Giving Educational Opportunities to Local Students

Our own Scott Schellhaas, VP of Mortgage and Commercial Loans is also a Board Member of Jefferson’s Dollars for Scholars. Scott and Community Development Officer Marina Manzanares presented a scholarship to Haynes Academy graduate Taylor Tarleton, who will be going to LSU.

As a community bank, we invest in the future of the communities we serve. We are proud to help provide educational opportunities for the youth of Jefferson Parish.

Metairie Bank is Happy to Support the Murphy Education & Sports Foundation 

They will host their 10th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway in July. It’s an incredible cause that provides students with the tools they need to succeed, including backpacks and school supplies. 

Finances

By Jason Reeves

Click aqui para español- >Finanzas Julio 2019

Hi everyone! It’s officially summer time here in New Orleans! This month I want to touch on the topic of debt and offer a few summer reading options to help you along the way in your journey to financial freedom:

1. What is debt?  Debt is the state of owing something, usually money, to someone else. It’s most often paid back to that person or entity with interest. What this means is whatever amount you borrow and the longer you take to pay it back, the more interest you will pay in addition to the original borrowed amount. 

2. How is debt used? Our financial system is based on the concept of borrowing and lending. Another word for debt that you may recognize is “financing” and what that allows both businesses and individuals to do is borrow money on good faith, with the promise of repayment plus interest. Typically, the amount and the interest rate you’re approved for is based on your credit score. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate and vice versa. 

3. What are the most common types of debt? The most common types of debt are home mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and medical bills. Although some may argue that there’s a distinction in “good debt vs. bad debt” ultimately, they’re still liabilities that hinder you from building wealth. 

4. How do I get out of debt? Debt is easy to get into and hard to get out of, by design. Once you’re focused on your goal to be debt free, list all of your current debts in order from smallest to largest and start paying them off one by one. This allows you build momentum and stay encouraged with small victories along the way. 

5. Once I’m out of debt, how do I stay out? Understanding money and how it works is a learned behavior and the best way to learn is by studying. 

Three books I’d recommend for summer reading are: 

1) “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey

2) “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas Stanley and  

3) “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

Would you like to put together a personalized plan? Schedule your initial consultation with me by sending me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Focus on Finances

By Jason Reeves

Click aqui para español- > Concentrarse en las finanzas Junio 2019

Hi everyone! It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through 2019! I hope you’re doing well and that you’re on track with your goals! This month we’re going to talk about five ways to help protect and grow your retirement savings.

If I leave an employer, should my retirement money go with me? In most cases, yes. The primary reasons are that once you separate from that employer, you can no longer contribute to that account. Also, if you were receiving any company matching contributions, they typically stop once you’re no longer working there.

What options are available? Any time you leave an employer, you always have four options. 1) Leave the money with your previous employer. 2) Initiate a rollover of funds to your new employer’s retirement plan. 3) Initiate a rollover to a Traditional or Roth IRA. 4) Cash out what you’ve saved.

What is a rollover, and will I get taxed? The word “rollover” refers to the fact that money is in motion. You’re moving it from one place or plan to another. There are specific rules and guidelines that need to be met so you avoid a tax penalty. For example, money coming from an employer plan is usually pre-tax. Because of that, any account you decide to roll it to needs to be pre-tax, so it doesn’t cause a taxable event.

What is an IRA? IRA is short for “Individual Retirement Account” and what it does is allows you to consolidate your money into one central location if you’re rolling it over from one or more employer plan. It also allows you to start saving and investing independently, without the use of an employer, if you’re self-employed for example. There are two primary types of IRAs and they’re called Traditional and Roth IRAs.

What’s the difference between a Traditional and a Roth IRA? The main difference between the two is that the Traditional IRA is designed for pre-tax money and the Roth IRA is designed for after-tax money. Also, money withdrawn from a Traditional IRA is taxable and money withdrawn from a Roth IRA is not, if the account is five years or older.

Would you like to put together a personalized plan? Schedule your initial consultation with me by sending me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Focus On Finances May 2019

By Jason Reeves

Click aqui para español- >Concentrarse en las finanzas mayo 2019

Hi everyone! I hope that you’re staying focused on your personal and financial goals! This month’s focus is on the importance of life insurance. There are a few topics that we will discuss and hopefully give you some clarity on. 

1. Life Insurance is expensive: There are two primary types of life insurance; whole life and term life. Essentially, whole life provides coverage for your entire life while term is for a specific number of years. As such, term life tends to be more affordable but can expire if not renewed. Also, in most cases, the younger you are the more affordable the coverage. Start young!
2. My job provides Life Insurance for me: Although this may be true, your benefits don’t typically go with you if you leave. Also, most employers have a 60-90 day waiting period for new hires before they’re eligible for benefits, so you risk being uncovered. A supplemental policy remains in force regardless of where you work or your current situation.
3. All insurances are the same: There’s several types of insurance that serve different purposes. The most well-known are health, dental, and vision. What often goes ignored is life insurance and disability income insurance. Each of these protect you and your loved ones in the event you’re unable to work or provide for them any longer.
4. It’s just me, I don’t need Life Insurance: While it may just be you, medical and final expenses live on and are passed on to your family members, caretakers, or estate. Without proper coverage, there’s a risk of becoming a burden to those you care about.
5. The process takes forever, I don’t have time: With the advancement of technology, getting a quote and having a policy put in place is easier and more convenient than ever.

Get started today by viewing this link: https://coverpath.massmutual.com//?fg=Jason-Reeves-599468  or for more complex situations, reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Would you like to put together a personalized plan? Schedule your initial consultation at www.seguewealthmanagement.com -

Focus on Finances

By Jason Reeves, Segue Wealth Management

Click aqui para español- >Concentrarse en las finanzas

I believe that this year is going to be a great one for you and that, with a focused and intentional mindset, you will achieve your goals this year! Here are five key decisions that you control that can impact your life, be it positively or negatively, in 2019 and beyond:

1. Having a long-term vision: At times, we get so caught up in the day to day routine of life that we struggle to think about where we see ourselves in the future. It’s important to live for today but also to plan for tomorrow.
2. Having personal and financial goals: This aligns with having a long-term vision. To get to where you want to be, you must have a plan. Success doesn’t happen by accident.
3. Investing time and resources in the right people: Time, not money, is our most valuable asset. We can’t buy it back or create more of it, so we must choose to spend it wisely!
4. Paying (enough) taxes: Okay, no one likes the IRS. However, they have the ability and the authority to hold each of us accountable for what is owed. The downfall for many businesses and individuals, regardless of income or social status, stem from tax issues.
5. Having perspective: At times, the stresses and responsibilities each of us have in this world can feel unbearable. However, taking time to think about why we do what we do and who we do it for, be it friends or loved ones, can help us stay centered. Don’t miss out on life, it doesn’t have a rewind button

Would you like to put together a personalized plan?

Schedule your initial consultation at www.seguewealthmanagement.com

Focus on Finances

By Jason Reeves

Click aqui para español- >Enfóquese en sus finanzas

Did you make a 2019 resolution to get your finances in order? If so, here are 5 to-dos to help you get the results you want:

1. Start with a purpose. Really take the time to understand “why” you’re doing what you’re doing. Why is it important to you?
2. Write down your goals and look at them every day. It typically takes 21 days to form a new habit (or break an old one) and this daily reminder will help you stay focused.
3. Put together a monthly budget. This will show you where your money is going and who it is going to while allowing you to plan for what’s to come.
4. Do not go further into debt. It’s ok to start where you are, just remember that in order to move forward, you have to commit to not going backwards. 5. Be intentional with every financial decision you make. Wealth is not built overnight, rather, one good decision at a time! Would you like to put together a personalized plan?

Schedule your initial consultation at www.seguewealthmanagement.com