TMB Tax & Financial Services - February 2022

TMB Tax & Financial Services - February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

BANKABLE B L U E P R I N T

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How I Began My Journey A WOMAN WITH MANY DIFFERENT CROWNS

I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and I grew up in a family of small-business owners — it’s in my DNA. My grandfather had a concrete business in the 1940s here in Birmingham, my dad owned an office supply company in downtown Birmingham, and other family members have their own companies throughout my lifespan. After graduating high school, I attended Fisk University, a HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in Nashville, Tennessee, and majored in Political Science and Spanish. I loved working with people, advocating for communities and everything that comes with politics. During my teens and early 20s, that foundation as an advocate for my community was smoldering, and I was able to act upon it. What started as a small flame turned into a bonfire. After undergrad, I went to Washington, D.C., and applied to the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. I earned my master’s in National Security Policy. After graduation, I worked on Capitol Hill on the Senate side — serving as a foreign affairs staffer and interfacing with the public on important issues for African Americans. As a full-time Senate staffer, I advocated for people and briefed my Senator and Chiefs of Staff on these issues. After working on Capitol Hill, I got the opportunity to work for the FBI. I worked there for almost 13 years, and continued working in the field of national security with a top-secret clearance.

After returning home, I was offered several wonderful opportunities to carry out this vision. I served the current mayor of Birmingham as a member of the City of Birmingham’s Small Business Council. On this council, I also served as the Chair of

the Women, Minority, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise subcommittee. Shortly after this opportunity, I was invited to serve as an At-large Board Member of the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce and

subsequently also a Board Member of the Birmingham Metro Black Chamber of Commerce. As you can imagine, these opportunities to serve further feed that bonfire I mentioned earlier!

Then the pandemic happened — so I pivoted from just doing taxes and added an advisory level to my firm.

By now, you’re probably wondering, “How did you get into the career you have today?”

In July 2020, I got the opportunity to testify to the U.S. Senate about the challenges of women and minorities during the pandemic. This was a real game-changer for me because my dream, vision, and passion successfully manifested in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But most importantly, it provided me with a position where I could talk about the hardships people were having and do something about it. Today, TMB is not only about financial services but also empowering business owners with information about taxes and record keeping. As a result, we can produce real solutions for our clients, and I am fortunate enough to have a community of people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work.

In 2006, I started TMB Taxes in Virginia while I was working for the FBI. Most of my colleagues, or their spouses, had small businesses and I was routinely asked for advice about taxes and bookkeeping. This is where I learned the importance of a year-round relationship with your numbers as a small- business owner. I have experience with these kinds of things because I paid attention when my mom used to help minority businesses (in the late ’80s) with their taxes and accounting records. Her firm even had a contract with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) where they served as a hub of economic progress for black small business owners in Birmingham. When the time came for me to seize an opportunity to be transferred to Alabama, I took it. After talking to my family, I decided to do TMB 100%. I left the FBI in May of 2018 with the vision that I wanted to be on the frontlines for my community.

Thank you to everyone who has followed me along this journey. It wouldn’t be possible without each of you. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

–Talibah Bayles

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THE PERFECT BOOK GENRE Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Zodiac signs — they tell us our moods, our values, our personality traits, and our best relationship partners. But what about our book genre choices? Whether you trust the astrology behind the Zodiac or scoff at it, you should give these picks a try!

Aries Notoriously, those born under the Aries sign are bold and ambitious. For a book that matches your ferocity, an action, adventure, or good drama would suit you the best. Taurus If you’re a Taurus, you rely on stability and likely have the patience to get through a classic novel. Alternately, a mystery is a great way to deviate from the norm and get some mayhem in your life! Gemini Geminis are considered to be social creatures, so short story collections offer a great read. This way, you can pop in and out of the book as you please without compromising the story.

Capricorn Capricorns are extremely realistic and strong-willed. Thus, true stories are usually a home run! If nonfiction doesn’t do it for you, feed your goal- oriented side and dive into some self- help books. Sagittarius Sagittarians love to have a good time and laugh, and you can never go wrong with a humorous novel. Or, if you’re feeling a little more serious, you can embrace your inner wanderer and opt for a book that involves adventure. Scorpio Scorpios are mysterious and even take pleasure in being spooked. The chilling emotions that come along with a good horror book are enough to keep you hooked. Libra Libras enjoy balance and intellect and may enjoy finding the messages behind the lines of poetry or diving into literary fiction for an escape. Virgo If you are a Virgo, you’re probably very factual and analytical. A book that dishes out all the facts is sure to capture your attention, so give nonfiction a try! Leo Leos sometimes have a hard time revealing their true emotions, but they love a grand story. To tickle your fancy, a romance or high fantasy novel is a great choice. While our signs may not define us as individuals, it’s still fun to see if they have any accuracy in picking out a good read!

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for adults. Let your kids know they are the most important loves in your life with these sweet, inexpensive ideas that the whole family can enjoy! Your children will remember these traditions for years to come. Make a special Valentine’s Day breakfast. Guess what? Pink pancakes, pink milk, and even pink eggs are a thing! With strawberry milk, food coloring and strawberries in the pancakes, and food coloring in the eggs, you’ll have an effortless and special breakfast for the little ones. CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAYWITH YOUR LITTLE SWEETHEARTS

Tip: Set the table the night before after the kids go to bed to make serving Valentine’s Day breakfast easier the next morning.

Cancer Cancers can be curious,

Create Valentine’s Day cards for each kid. Tell your children all of your favorite things about them with their own personalized cards. There are so many ways you can get crafty with construction paper and glitter. Your kids are sure to love getting mommy-made or daddy-made one-of-a-kind valentines. Bake Valentine’s Day goodies together. What’s better than baking with your little ones? If you are short on time, you can find premade dough, usually with a Valentine’s Day theme. Or, you can try out your skills with heart-shaped cookie cutters and sprinkles. It can get messy, but it’s certainly worth it! Wrap up a small Valentine’s Day gift. Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day outfit, candy, a teddy bear, or a necklace, it doesn’t have to be big or costly! Your children will enjoy feeling the love, and they’ll be excited to get something new. Don’t forget to have fun with the wrapping! Most stores have Valentine’s Day gift bags and wrapping paper around this time of year.

compassionate, and extremely sensitive. They often spend time thinking about the past and might enjoy a good history read. Pisces If you’re a Pisces, you likely have a vivid imagination that can run away with itself sometimes. Embrace that with a good fantasy or magical realism book for a bit of a dreamy escape. Aquarius Those who are an Aquarius are known to be innovative and independent thinkers. If this is you, science fiction genres will hit the spot.

Your baby valentines have stolen your heart — make sure they know it by spreading the love! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM Combating Hair Loss Naturally

Believe in coconut oil. These days, it seems like everything can benefit from a little coconut oil — your hair is no exception. Coconut oil’s fatty acids help prevent protein loss within each strand of your hair, strengthening it from the inside. Depending on your hair type, coconut oil can be used before or after you wash your hair.

Our hair is beneficial for our confidence and appearance as well as our overall hygiene. But hormonal shifts, diet, and medical conditions can all lead to hair loss. While a doctor can help, there are a few ways to promote healthy and natural hair growth and regrowth while preventing hair loss.

Massage your scalp. If your patience (and hairline) is wearing thin, take the time to massage your scalp every day. This rhythmic movement on your head increases blood flow to your hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth and can even improve your hair thickness and density. Give aloe vera a try. Aloe vera has been used to treat hair loss by soothing and calming a damaged scalp. By applying aloe vera a few times a week, your scalp becomes a healthier environment for hair growth to take place. It can even reduce dandruff and oil that could be blocking your hair follicles and stunting hair growth.

Whisk up an egg hair mask. It sounds a little strange, but trust the process! An egg hair mask (raw egg and olive oil) works magic for your hair. Like coconut oil, eggs contain proteins that both strengthen and rebuild your hair. Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes and repeat again every week or so! Preventing and reversing hair loss takes diligence and consistency, and you won’t see results overnight. Any treatment you use may take a few weeks to take effect, but don’t lose hope! It is possible to combat hair loss with these natural solutions, but if you find yourself stressed over your locks, try to stay positive and practice self-care to encourage optimal growth and regrowth.

TAKE A BREAK

MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST Inspired by DiabetesStrong.com Ingredients Directions

• 2 chicken breasts • 2 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed • 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped • 4 tsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped • 10 large basil leaves, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/2 tsp curry powder • 1/2 tsp paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 365 F. 2. Cut a slit lengthwise to create a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast. Place the breasts on a baking sheet. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, basil, and garlic. 4. Divide the mixture in half and stuff each chicken breast pocket. Using toothpicks, seal the edges of the pockets. 5. Season the chicken with curry, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. 6. Remove the toothpicks and serve with rice, potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables!

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INSIDE

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Advocating for Small Businesses Is in My DNA

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Kids

Best Book Genre Based on Your Zodiac

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Natural Hair Loss Solutions

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Health Benefits of Being in Love

THE POWER OF L VE

levels, and mentally, you’re happy, healthy, and positive. As the relationship matures, oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone, blends with dopamine and reduces stress. We all know that stress can lead to a number of health complications, so the less stress, the better! New research has found that just being around someone you love can act as a natural pain reliever. Research has also determined that married people complain less about headaches and back pain. When your mind is happy, your immune system is stronger, making you less prone to getting a cold or stomach bug. Some research has even shown that happily married couples live longer than those who are not happily married. The hormone vasopressin helps to control your blood pressure. Being in love releases vasopressin into your body, keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Both your heart and lungs are also impacted by the love you have for another. If you aren’t in love, you can still reap the benefits through a strong and healthy social support system. When you have friends who bring you joy and happiness, even just a hug may help to release positive hormones and keep your health on track. Take time to invest in positive relationships to keep your heart and body healthy and happy, both literally and figuratively. Love Really Can Be a Drug

It’s crazy to think that being head over heels, madly in love with someone can benefit your body in the same way that broccoli can, but it’s true! Science has proven that being in love comes with myriad health benefits. Fewer colds and natural pain control? Yes, please!

Love triggers the “feel good” hormone, dopamine. When you first fall in love — and the butterflies are flying uncontrollably — dopamine is at very high

So, what are you waiting for? Let the love flow!

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