Financial Focus: Cable TV Goes From $200 A Month to Becoming Obsolete

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, PFA, MBA

What’s Pay Per View again? Some time ago, I wrote a series of articles about why one should, as the phrase goes, “cut the cord.” As a society, yes, our “entertainment” (since the 1980s), has blossomed into the world of cable TV. Thirty years later, whether it is news, sports game shows or movies, we now call it “video” or “streaming.” Because of our hunger for live or video entertainment content, cable companies have expanded their channel rosters to 372 channels at a supposedly introductory price of $99.99. Now, you want to show off, that’s fine. Keep the 372-channel version.

Hello Fellow Readers! The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering Norwood and its surrounding Bronx communities, is out with plenty of community news you can use. There’s plenty of news in this 16-page packed paper, so let’s get to it. We begin with a story on the internal politics happening at the local Community Board 7, which covers the Norwood section. Read about members extending the probationary period of its district manager, and learn what may have really triggered this animosity. Inside the cover, we look into the impact the NYPD fatal shooting of Deborah Danner of Castle Hill

With recent NYPD crime statistics showing September as the safest month since the Police Department began tracking violent crime trends, we asked readers if they believe that. No. I think it’s the same as it’s always been. I see a lot of crime and it’s not safe. I don’t know if the police are under reporting crime, but I know these streets are still dangerous. Sylvia Soriano Morris Heights I’d agree with that; I don’t really hear anything going on around here. I think it’s mixed, but I don’t think crime is drastically down like that. Do they say what

By ANDREW COHEN

Participatory Budgeting introduces the public to the City budget process and gives them a direct say in how millions of tax dollars are spent in our communities every year. This grassroots, people-powered initiative not only increases civic engagement, it connects individuals to their neighbors and encourages them to learn how local government plays an important role in our daily lives. Yes, Participatory Budgeting has its flaws. It is labor intensive for Council Members’ staff; volunteers don’t necessarily have the time necessary to devote; and it is challenging for community members to learn the complexity of the City budget. However, Participatory

Editor’s Pick Biking the Bronx The public is invited to join the 22nd annual Tour de Bronx on Oct. 23. Participants have a choice of a 25- or 40-mile ride, both of which explore Bronx neighborhoods. Check-in is at 9 a.m. at Harris Field, Bedford Park Boulevard West between Paul and Goulden avenues. The rides end at the New York Botanical Garden with live music and light snacks. The NYC Department of Transportation is offering to fit and distribute free bicycle helmets for participants from 8 to 11 a.m. while supplies last. Those 17 and younger must be accompanied by

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA, Founder, Financial Advisors Group

Do you know what it means to your pocketbook when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says, “I’m going to lower your taxes,” or when his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton says, “We need more infrastructure to create jobs”? Wait, that can be a bit too “out there.” Let me localize the question. Is your savings account getting more than three percent? Is your retirement investment account or 401(k) really going up or down? The stock market in August went down! The lack of financial planning knowledge, or financial literacy as we like to call it, is becoming very scary as we

Hello Fellow Readers! David Cruz, editor-in-chief of the Norwood News, here with another edition of the Norwood News, bringing you plenty of Bronx community news you can use! This week we bring you stories that have a direct impact on your life! We first begin with a proposal to bring a homeless shelter by a nonprofit provider with a checkered past. The plan is still in the talks phase, though sources tell us the developer has been eyeing one Norwood location that’s across from an elementary/middle school. Read reaction from parents and community stakeholders. Venturing inside the cover you will read a story

By DAVID CRUZ

What does Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue and the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue have in common? They’re both considered great streets. Bronx residents will tell you they already knew that, but not the American Planning Association (APA). Until now. The 38-year urban planning nonprofit group officially named the busy Belmont strip known as Little Italy one of America’s “Great Streets,” a distinction that helps slowly chip away the nagging image of a Bronx in blight. It’s the first such distinction for the borough. “This is a big deal,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said at a news conference announcing the honor. Diaz’s

Staffers with Councilman Andrew Cohen, representing Norwood, led a workshop session at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center on Participatory Budgeting, an initiative that empowers residents to offer input on how a portion of capital monies should be spent. The process on choosing a project can take months. Staffers helped civic-minded residents figure out what could work as a potential project. Photos by Miriam Quinones [URIS id=21876]