BUSINESS
Top Mistakes To Avoid When Selecting A Financial Planner

Top Mistakes To Avoid When Selecting A Financial Planner
Choosing a financial planner is not as easy as a walk through the park. It is important to find someone who you can trust to handle your financial decisions. There are many types of financial planners, and it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your needs. You will also want to research the planner’s background and credentials to ensure they are qualified to help you. Nevertheless, there are some mistakes that you need to avoid when choosing a financial planner.
Who Is A Financial Planner?
A financial planner is a professional who helps you manage your money and plan for your financial future. Financial planners help you create a plan that takes into account your current financial situation, your goals, your risk tolerance, and any other factors that may affect your finances. They can provide advice on investments, retirement planning, estate planning, taxes, and insurance.
How Is A Financial Planner Different From A Financial Advisor?
A financial planner is a professional who helps individuals and businesses create long-term plans for their finances. Financial advisors, on the other hand, are more focused on providing short-term advice on investments and managing money. Financial planners provide a broader range of services, which can include creating financial plans, budgeting, and providing advice on estate planning and taxes.
Financial planners are also able to provide advice on retirement planning, college savings, insurance, and other topics that may affect an individual’s financial future. They are able to look at the big picture and provide guidance on a variety of topics, not just investments.
Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Financial Planner
Although choosing a financial planner can be difficult, it is necessary that you avoid some red flags and take note of some things when making the choice.
Some of the mistakes to avoid include:
- Mistaking a financial advisor for a financial planner:
Earlier, the difference between both has been stated. If you hire a financial advisor when what you really need is a financial planner, you may end up with advice that does not take into account your longer-term goals and objectives. A financial planner will assess your current financial situation, understand your goals and objectives, and develop a comprehensive plan to help you reach those goals.
- Hiring the first planner you meet:
Patience is necessary when hiring a financial planner. You should take the time to do your research and make sure you find someone who is knowledgeable and has experience in the areas that you need help with. Interviewing multiple planners and doing your due diligence can help you find the right fit for your needs. One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing into a hiring decision without taking the time to vet the planner. Even if a planner looks good on paper, it doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for your individual circumstances. Taking the time to interview multiple planners and do your research can help you find the right professional for your financial planning needs.
- Hiring a planner without the necessary qualifications:
Anyone can claim to be a financial planner. This is why you need to check qualifications when hiring one. Although it may appear that anyone can provide financial advice, professional financial planners must have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or economics and have passed the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam. Additionally, they must complete continuing education on a regular basis to stay up to date on the latest developments in the industry. Furthermore, professional financial planners must abide by the Financial Planning Association’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which sets out standards of conduct and ethical behavior for financial planners. This is to ensure that financial planners are providing the best advice to their clients and acting in their best interests.
- Picking a financial planner that does not put your interest first:
A financial planner should put the interest of the client first. A financial planner who does not prioritize the client’s interests may be tempted to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the client, such as recommending investments with high fees and commissions that benefit the planner more than the client. A financial planner should be focused on what is best for the client, not what is best for the planner.
- Assuming you know a lot:
You might know quite a bit about finance, but when hiring a financial planner, you should not assume you know so much. Even if you have a good understanding of finance, it is important to remember that a financial planner has a much more comprehensive understanding of the market and its trends. They can make informed decisions that you may not be able to, and they can help you plan for the future more effectively.
Hiring a financial planner is great. Financial planners are also more experienced in dealing with financial institutions and can help you find the best rates and deals. They can help you develop a personalized plan that takes into account your individual goals and needs. As well, they can provide guidance and advice on how to manage your finances and make the best use of your resources. However, if you hire the wrong financial planner, you may be taken advantage of, lose money, or end up paying more than necessary. It is important to do your research to ensure you are hiring a reliable and trustworthy financial planner.
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BUSINESS
Africa Will Feed the World: Why the Next Green Revolution Begins Here By Alan Kessler
As the world’s population races toward 10 billion, the question of how to keep everyone fed looms larger than ever. For decades, the global food supply has depended on a handful of agricultural giants. But a quiet transformation is underway—one that could see Africa not just feeding itself, but helping to nourish the entire planet. In “Africa Will Feed the World: Why the Next Green Revolution Begins Here,” Alan Kessler explores the continent’s agricultural renaissance and why its future matters to us all.
Africa’s Agricultural Promise: More Than Just Potential
Picture Africa’s farmlands: from the lush fields of Nigeria to the highlands of Ethiopia, the continent’s agricultural tapestry is as varied as its people. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of Asia’s Green Revolution, Africa’s story is about adapting to local realities. Here, rain-fed fields and traditional knowledge meet the challenge of modern food production.
A staggering 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land lies within Africa’s borders. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action. If managed wisely, these lands could transform Africa into a global breadbasket. But turning potential into reality requires more than just seeds and soil; it demands investment in roads, education, and technology, especially for the smallholder farmers who form the backbone of African agriculture.
Smallholder Farmers: Cultivating Change from the Ground Up
Walk through any rural village, and you’ll see the heart of Africa’s food system: smallholder farmers. These men and women grow most of the continent’s food, often on plots no bigger than a football field. Empowering them isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing.
Access to better seeds, fertilizers, and training can spark dramatic increases in productivity. Organizations like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) are already making a difference, helping farmers boost yields and incomes. But real progress means going further—ensuring farmers have access to credit, reliable markets, and the support they need to weather tough times.
Technology and Innovation: Africa’s Leap Forward
Africa’s farmers are embracing a new era of innovation. Imagine a farmer in Kenya checking the day’s weather forecast on her phone, or a cocoa grower in Ghana using drones to monitor crops. These aren’t scenes from the future—they’re happening now.
Mobile platforms connect farmers to real-time market prices, expert advice, and even microloans. Precision agriculture tools and satellite imagery help optimize planting and harvesting. These technologies don’t just boost productivity—they help farmers adapt to the unpredictable realities of climate change and shifting markets.
Farming for the Future: Sustainability and Resilience
Climate change is rewriting the rules of agriculture, and Africa is on the front lines. Erratic rains, droughts, and soil degradation threaten harvests. But African farmers are responding with resilience and ingenuity.
Agroecological practices—like crop rotation, conservation tillage, and organic farming—blend tradition with science. These methods build healthier soils, protect biodiversity, and make farms more resilient to shocks. Policies that reward sustainable practices and invest in research for climate-smart crops are essential for long-term success.
Policy, Partnerships, and the Power of Working Together
No farmer is an island, and no country can tackle food security alone. Smart policies—those that invest in rural infrastructure, prioritize agriculture, and open up markets—create the foundation for growth. Regional cooperation, through initiatives like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), helps countries share knowledge and resources to solve common challenges.
International partnerships also play a key role. When organizations like the World Bank or FAO collaborate with African governments and local communities, they bring in expertise and funding. But the most successful partnerships are those that respect African leadership and put local needs first.
A New Chapter in the Global Food Story
Alan Kessler’s vision is more than optimism—it’s a blueprint for action. Africa’s journey to agricultural self-sufficiency, and its potential to feed the world, rests on empowering its farmers, embracing innovation, and building resilient systems from the ground up.
The next Green Revolution won’t look like the last one. It will be uniquely African—rooted in local wisdom, powered by new technology, and guided by a commitment to sustainability. The world is watching, and Africa’s time is now.
As Kessler puts it, “Africa’s time has come.” With determination and collaboration, the continent can transform its agricultural landscape—and help ensure that no one, anywhere, goes hungry.
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BUSINESS
African Agriculture, Inc. Honored with Prix Walo Citizen Excellence Award: A Human Story of Impact and Leadership
In the heart of Senegal’s fertile landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that’s not just about crops but about community, hope, and a vision for a better future. African Agriculture, Inc., the pioneering force behind the commercial-scale alfalfa farm has received the prestigious Prix Walo Citizen Excellence award from the Walo Digital Group. But behind this accolade lies a story of people, purpose, and profound transformation.
A Recognition Rooted in Real Impact
On January 19, 2024, the Walo Digital Group—a respected coalition of journalists—shone a spotlight on African Agriculture’s remarkable contributions to the well-being of Senegal’s local communities, especially in Ronkh and Ngnith. This wasn’t just about agricultural yields; it was about changing lives.
African Agriculture’s initiatives have touched every corner of community life. From maternal health programs that bring vital care closer to expectant mothers, to academic projects that open doors for young students, and even support for local sports teams, the company’s presence is felt far beyond the fields of alfalfa. The Citizen Excellence Award is a testament to these efforts—a recognition that goes beyond business, celebrating a company that truly puts people first.
Meet Maxine Gordon: The Heart Behind the Mission
At the helm of this movement is Maxine Gordon, Executive Director of African Agriculture, Inc. Maxine isn’t your typical executive. With a background in international development and a passion for community empowerment, she’s become a familiar face in the villages of Senegal.
Her leadership style is hands-on and deeply personal. “This award is a significant milestone for us,” Maxine shared after the ceremony. “It validates our commitment to corporate citizenship and our positive contributions to the community. Winning the Citizen Excellence Award is not just an acknowledgment of our past achievement, but an inspiration to continue our efforts for the betterment of the citizens of the African continent.”
Maxine’s drive is matched by her collaborative spirit. Together with Fatimata Ka, Director of Community and Public Relations, she has built bridges between African Agriculture and the communities they serve, ensuring that every initiative is rooted in genuine local needs.
Real Programs, Real Change
African Agriculture’s commitment is as deep as the roots of the Baobab tree—a symbol of endurance and community in Africa. Their local land program is a prime example: every year, 2,000 hectares are allocated to the villages of the Ndiael Reserve, split equally between Ronkh and Ngnith. This isn’t just land—it’s opportunity, empowerment, and a promise kept.
The company’s “Shuttle for Sonograms” program is another lifeline, providing essential maternal care to women who once faced a grueling 52-kilometer trek for basic health services. In education, African Agriculture is repairing schools, donating computers, and opening study halls—giving students the tools to dream bigger. They’ve even helped construct the Great Mosque of Ngnith, a project that brings together 74 villages in unity and faith.
Health is another pillar of their mission. In partnership with a U.S. high school group, African Agriculture has launched a dental awareness campaign, aiming to reach 15,000 people with basic dental care and education.
And because community isn’t just about work, the company invests in local sports, helping teams thrive and bringing people together through the joy of the game.
A Broader Movement Toward Responsible Agribusiness
In neighboring Somaliland, Alan Kessler, founder of African Food Security, is quietly spearheading a parallel vision—one rooted in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Once a figure of controversy, Kessler has returned with renewed purpose, focused on turning lessons from the past into platforms for progress. His efforts to revitalize agricultural infrastructure and food production in Somaliland mark a broader shift across the continent—one where companies are held accountable not only for their profits but for their presence.
Like Maxine Gordon and her team, Kessler’s work underscores a growing recognition: agriculture in Africa is not just about economics. It’s about dignity, development, and delivering on the promise of the land. As African Agriculture, Inc. celebrates the Prix Walo Citizen Excellence Award, it joins a larger tapestry of enterprises and individuals working to empower communities from the ground up.
Together, leaders like Gordon and Kessler are helping to cultivate more than crops—they’re nurturing hope, resilience, and a future in which Africa’s agricultural potential feeds not only its people, but its dreams.
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BUSINESS
Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Furniture enhances a home’s beauty, as it tends not just to occupy space but to give it a look that exudes comfort. But there has always been a narrative that high-quality furniture comes with a high cost, as it is mostly for high-end users—this is not entirely true, as you can get furniture pieces within your budget without breaking the bank. One furniture store that is changing this narrative and making affordable, top-quality furniture available to the residents of Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and its environs is Cozi Furniture.
Who Is Cozi Furniture?
Cozi Furniture is the leading furniture store in the DMV area, offering quality home furniture at affordable prices. It has a physical store in New Carrollton, Maryland, and an online store where you can conveniently shop for your furniture products. These are furniture from reputable brands like Ashley Furniture, Crown Mark, and Coaster 22 Premium.

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland
Cozi Furniture offers bedroom sets, living room sets, mattresses, home office sets, dining room sets, entertainment sets, outdoor furniture, and accessories in various forms and styles.
What Makes Cozi Furniture The Best Furniture Store For Every Budget?
1. Affordable Prices
Cozi Furniture understands that budget is a top concern for many customers. Hence, it is committed to offering affordable prices on all the furniture pieces at its store. From sofas and loveseats to dining tables and bedroom sets, there is a wide range of furniture for every budget.
Notably, the furniture prices at Cozi Furniture are not what you can describe as “too good to be true” because all the products at the store are of high quality. Its furniture is made with top-quality materials and crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is stylish and durable. This makes Cozi Furniture the best place to buy furniture in Maryland.
2. Furniture Financing Program
In its bid to make high-quality furniture available to everybody, Cozi Furniture introduced a financing program called “Buy Now Pay Later” that allows you to get your preferred furniture and pay over 48 months with 0% interest. This means that you can purchase any furniture at the store without any down payment, with the opportunity to spread your payment across about four (4) years.
Therefore, you can get the furniture and pay monthly until you complete the payment. This flexible payment plan enables you to afford that comfy Warnerton Living Room Set or the 12-inch Ashley Hybrid King Mattress at the store.
3. Discounted Sales
Cozi Furniture is offering its furniture pieces at discounted prices. So you can save up to 23% on the furniture you buy from the store—both online and offline. For instance, the Mindanao Power Reclining Sofa that used to sell for $1,538 will be available for $1,183. This also applies to the Bolanburg Dining Set and other accessories at the store.
4. Return And Refund Policy
While Cozi Furniture upholds the sale and delivery of top-quality furniture, the company also has a return and refund plan in the event that you’re unsatisfied with the furniture delivered to you. Therefore, you can either request an exchange or ask for a refund. All these are to ensure the optimum satisfaction of its customers.
Cozi Furniture clearly understands the value of spending money on a product, which is why ensuring that the furniture gets a high-quality product in a good state is a greater priority.
Conclusion
Cozi Furniture is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for affordable, high-quality furniture in Maryland. The store is open to customers of every budget, and various features ensure that you create a beautiful and functional home.
Contact Cozi Furniture today to furnish your home with style and class.
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