Business series

FEB. 18—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series from 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Finding a Job in a Tough Economy.” Chris Posti, executive coach and outpatient counselor for Posti & Associates Inc. will lead the discussion on tips that can get one hired during a tough economy. This event is free and open to the public. Call 412-281-7141.

Students from more than 10 regional universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, Edinboro and California University recently participated in the Minorities in Pittsburgh Conference held at the University Club on the University of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus. The theme for the eighth annual event was Embrace Diversity in People, Professions, Industries, Talents, and Ideas.

Sponsored and organized by the Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association, the conference was designed to coincide with the groups’ organizational theme of service. “The vision of this year’s conference was to serve all conference attendees by providing them with a valuable experience that will last long beyond the two day conference," explained Rishi Sethi, conference chairperson. “Our hope was for MIP to foster the development of students personally and professionally, to allow corporations to form lasting relationships with premier talent in Pittsburgh, and to promote service by reaching out and giving back to the community,” he said. “A successful conference will leave attendees with a more positive outlook on their future possibilities and their place within the professional world.”

LEADERS OF TOMORROW—MIP Chair, Rishi Sethi and RCMBA President, Erica Simpson take time out before the Networking Luncheon.

(New York, N.Y.—Five African-American women trailblazers will be honored by BLACK ENTERPRISE during the Women of Power Legacy Awards hosted by PepsiCo Wednesday, Feb. 10. The awards ceremony will kick off the fifth annual Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, a four-day leadership conference designed especially for women of color. The Summit runs through Feb. 13 at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, Calif.

SMITH, JACKSON, SMALTZ, PETERS, HERMAN

About five times per month I get letters in the mail from various companies encouraging me to refer my mortgage clients to them for Biweekly Mortgage Payment Programs. They offer me an incentive—if my client becomes a client of theirs, they’ll give me a kick back. About fives times per month, I ball these letters up and throw them in the trashcan.

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll receive similar letters in the mail. Yours will read along these lines. “Take 5 to 7 years off of your 30-year mortgage.” “Save $30,000 or more in interest off of the life of your loan.” They’re touted as “Accelerated Mortgage Reduction Programs.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with the concept of biweekly mortgage payments. As a matter of fact, should you participate in a Biweekly Mortgage Payment Program, you’ll save money and time—two of America’s most precious resources. How much money and time will you save? Well, that depends on your interest rate. The higher your interest rate, the more time and the more money you’ll eventually save.