Welcome to this week’s Get 1% Better Newsletter!
I’ve got a smorgasbord of intriguing topics lined up for you, so buckle up, and let’s dive right in. From the impact of racism on sleep and heart health to the paradoxical high costs of being poor, we’re exploring various issues that affect our society today.
We’ll also look at New Zealand’s approach to reparations and an eye-opening book about African American WWII heroes. Plus, don’t miss my nifty financial tip on curbing impulse buying.
Let’s kick things off with a closer look at Andrew Joseph’s article on how racism affects sleep and heart health among Black Americans.
Fascinating Articles I Read Last Week
Racism leads to troubled sleep — and it’s putting Black Americans’ heart health at risk.
The article by Andrew Joseph discusses the link between sleep disparities, racism, and heart disease, highlighting a study that found Black individuals in the US experience poorer sleep quality than their white counterparts.
These disparities, connected to environmental noise, neighborhood safety, and discrimination-related stress, increase the risk of chronic health conditions, including hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
The article emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals and policymakers to address systemic factors contributing to sleep disparities among different racial and ethnic groups, suggesting policies that reduce environmental noise, improve neighborhood safety, and tackle racism-related stressors to enhance sleep quality and reduce health disparities for marginalized communities.
One key takeaway from the article is that addressing sleep disparities linked to systemic factors like environmental noise, neighborhood safety, and discrimination-related stress could significantly reduce racial disparities in health outcomes, particularly concerning hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Moving on from the unsettling connection between racism, sleep disparities, and heart disease, we now turn our attention to another pressing issue: the high cost of being poor. In Matthew Desmond’s eye-opening piece, he delves into the paradox of poverty in the US, where living in poverty often comes with steeper expenses than wealthier individuals.
The High Cost of Being Poor
In “The High Cost of Being Poor,” Matthew Desmond examines the paradox of poverty in the US, where the expenses of living in poverty are often higher than for wealthier individuals, exacerbating income inequality.
Examples include high payday loan fees, inability to afford bulk discounts, substandard housing, and discriminatory rental practices. Desmond calls for reevaluating policies that penalize those in poverty and creating more equitable solutions.
Policymakers should focus on reforming fines and fee structures and addressing discriminatory practices in the housing market to alleviate the financial burden on low-income individuals.
The key takeaway from the article is that the expenses associated with living in poverty often perpetuate income inequality, making it crucial for policymakers to address these issues through reforms in fines and fee structures, as well as combating discriminatory practices in the housing market.
As we shift our focus from the challenges faced by low-income individuals in the US, let’s take a global perspective and see what lessons we can learn from New Zealand’s approach to reparations.
This inspiring example could serve as a valuable blueprint for other nations, like the United States, as they work towards redressing historical injustices and healing deep-seated wounds.
Here’s a YouTube Video That Gives Me Hope
What New Zealand can teach us about reparations?
The video discusses how New Zealand’s Māori population experienced colonization, displacement, and loss of land by British colonizers, resulting in a significant decline in their population and culture.
However, recently, the government has initiated a process of reparations, including cash settlements and land restitution, accompanied by formal apologies for past wrongs.
This process offers an example for other countries, particularly the United States, to consider in their efforts towards redress for past injustices, such as slavery and land dispossession of Native Americans.
The key takeaway is that the reparations process starts with acknowledging past wrongs and that the fight for reparations is worth it.
Building on the theme of addressing historical injustices, let’s turn the page and dive into my next reading adventure: “Half American,” which sheds light on the untold stories of African Americans who bravely fought in WWII.
What’s Next on My Reading List…
Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad
One million Black people served in WWII. After serving in segregated forces in Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, black troops were refused housing and education.
The US would have lost the war without their vital contributions. The “Greatest Generation” myth of the “Good War” has long overshadowed the stories of these Black veterans. “Half American” is new American history.
This painstakingly researched recounting is vitally needed at a time when World War II’s questions about race and democracy in America remain disturbing and unsolved.
While reflecting on the perseverance of African American WWII veterans featured in “Half American,” let’s also consider the wisdom of the quote, “Until It’s Done, Tell None.”
One Quote That Caught My Attention
Until It’s Done, Tell None.
Explanation
This quote means that when you are working on something important, you should keep it to yourself until you have completed it. Sharing your plans or ideas with others before they are fully developed may lead to distractions, criticism, or discouragement.
As we ponder the wisdom of “Until It’s Done, Tell None” and the importance of staying focused on our goals, let’s also consider a practical financial tip that can help us make better spending decisions: The 1% Rule.
Action
An action step to apply this quote could be to keep your goals or plans to yourself until you have made significant progress toward achieving them.
This could involve setting achievable milestones and only sharing your progress with trusted individuals who can provide constructive feedback or support.
By keeping your plans private, you can avoid unnecessary distractions or negative influences that may prevent you from completing your goal.
Once you have achieved your goal, you can share your success with others and inspire them to pursue their goals.
Quick Financial Tip
The 1% Rule is a method to curb impulse buying.
If the price of an item is over 1% of your annual gross income, wait for three days before purchasing it.
During this time, evaluate whether the item is essential and how it will fit into your life. If, after three days, you still want the item, then you can buy it.
This works because it gives you time to consider the item’s value and whether it is worth spending a significant portion of your income on. After the waiting period, you may realize that you don’t want or need the item, and you can save your money for something more important or valuable to you.
In a Nutshell…
- Use the 1% Rule to curb impulse buys.
- If the item is over 1% of your annual gross income, wait 3 days.
- If you still want the item after 3 days, get it.
It’s a Wrap!
That’s it for this week’s 1% Better Newsletter 🙂
In conclusion, this week’s Get 1% Better Newsletter has explored a diverse range of topics that shed light on pressing societal issues and offer valuable insights on personal growth and financial well-being.
By understanding the complex links between racism, health disparities, and poverty, we can work together toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
Additionally, learning about New Zealand’s reparations model and the inspiring stories of African American WWII heroes gives us a broader perspective on the importance of addressing historical injustices.
Finally, the practical advice of “Until It’s Done, Tell None” and the 1% Rule remind us of the importance of staying focused on our goals and making mindful financial decisions.
We hope these insights inspire you to reflect on your own life, make positive changes, and continue your journey toward getting 1% better every day.
Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay inspired!
Here’s to your success,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
