Kirk Pepi
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Articles by Kirk Pepi
Tips for Real Estate Investment for Black Millennials
Black millennials are half as likely to own a home compared to white millennials, with barriers such as limited access to capital and systemic inequities contributing to this gap. Despite these challenges, there are strategies that increase your chances of getting on the property ladder and building generational wealth through homeownership.
Guide to Salary Negotiation for Black Professionals
Racial wage gaps persist in the U.S., with Black workers making 84 cents for every dollar earned by a typical white worker. Negotiating your salary can be necessary for securing compensation that reflects your true worth. However, it's often easier said than done, especially if you're unsure how to advocate for yourself.
Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025 for Luxury Travel Rewards
Looking for top travel perks? Explore the best 2025 credit cards offering luxury travel rewards, airport lounge access, and exclusive upgrades. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 26 2025, Published 10:00 a.m. ET Travel reward credit cards let you earn points or miles on purchases, which you can then redeem for flights, hotels, and other bonuses. To get the most bang for your buck, you'll want one that unlocks premium experiences and credits without costing you too much in fees.
Miami Hotels You Need to Know About
Planning for Rolling Loud Miami 2025? Discover the top Miami hotels near the festival, from budget picks to luxury stays you need to know about. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 25 2025, Published 6:30 p.m. ET With Rolling Loud Miami 2025 fast approaching - and headliners Future, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti expected to rock the event - where are the hottest places to stay after you're done partying and pop locking? Miami offers a range of accommodation, from luxurious to convenient to affordable.
Where Did Black Celebs Stay During the Event?
Wondering where Black celebs stayed during Coachella 2025? Explore the hottest hotels, villas, and resorts that hosted the stars all festival long. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 25 2025, Published 5:50 p.m. ET T-Pain, Tyla, Missy Elliott, and Megan Thee Stallion were among the Black performers at this year's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, which took place over two weekends in April 2025. Attendees included Shaboozey, Christina Milian, and Teyana Taylor. But where did these stars stay during the event?
The Ultimate Black Travelers Guide
Art Basel Miami Beach 2025, one of the world's most prestigious art events in Miami, runs from December 5 to 7, bringing together leading artists and galleries in sunny South Florida. Expect stunning installations and sculptures, innovative digital works, and a diverse range of cultural events that extend beyond the main exhibition. By Kirk Pepi Nov.
What are the Best Products?
A complete guide to beard care for Black men, discover top products that nourish coarse hair, promote growth, and keep your beard healthy. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 24 2025, Published 6:00 p.m. ET Black men's beards are bold, beautiful, and can make a huge statement, but coarse and curly hair is often tricky to tame. Because of this, you'll want to use products that soften your face's hair follicles and keep them super-hydrated.
Skincare Routine for Black Men: Complete Guide
Learn how to build an effective skincare routine for Black men, from tackling razor bumps to choosing the right moisturizers and treatments. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 24 2025, Published 3:00 p.m. ET For Black men, skincare sometimes comes with challenges, such as certain medical conditions. That's why it's essential to create a personalized routine that addresses specific concerns while also protecting against sun damage and improving overall skin health.
Complete Breakdown
A detailed guide to Travis Scott's style journey, covering his signature silhouettes, fashion phases, and must-know outfit inspirations. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 24 2025, Published 1:00 p.m. ET Bleu Magazine has followed musician Travis Scott's remarkable career trajectory for years now, documenting both his triumphs and his trials. Despite recent controversies, one thing's for sure: Travis knows how to command attention through his forward-thinking, trend-setting fashion.
Why He's a Fashion Icon
Pharrell Williams is so much more than a music titan - he's a style icon who's influenced hip-hop fashion and its surrounding culture for over two decades. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 21 2025, Published 7:00 p.m. ET From his signature hats to his collaborations with high-end fashion labels, this seriously stylish artist is one of the best-dressed men in music, constantly redefining what it means to look cool. Learn more about Pharrell style and how to emulate his unique aesthetic.
Investment Guide
Learn how to buy your first luxury watch with confidence. Discover key brands, budgeting tips, and what to know before investing. By Kirk Pepi Nov. 21 2025, Published 5:00 p.m. ET About to purchase your first luxury watch? This watch-buying guide from Bleu Magazine tells you everything you need to know, including how to create a budget and make the right investment.
TD Bank Is Closing 38 Branches on June 5 (Is Your Location Closing?)
If you're a TD Bank customer, upcoming branch closures may affect you. The company has said it made the "difficult decision" to shut down nearly 40 of its locations on June 5, 2025, including seven sites in New York alone. TD Bank considers this move a standard business practice as it aligns its "network of stores with customer needs and preferences." Here is a full list of the 38 TD Bank closures, categorized by state.
How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt
SPONSORED CONTENT is content paid for by a partner. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content. Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money. If you’re struggling with credit card debt, you may consider negotiating with your creditors.
Guide to CRM Intergration
The best way to combine your CRM with third-party software is to use a pre-built connector. Many CRMs provide integrations for popular platforms, meaning you don't need to use any code. For example, HubSpot CRM has pre-built connections for Gmail, Google Ads, Outlook, Stripe, Facebook, and other tools you might currently use. These connectors do all the hard work for you, and you can sync your CRM with third-party software in just a few minutes.
Types of CRM Applications
An operational CRM lets you store customer contact details, previous interactions, leads, deals, and other information in a single system, helping you manage customer relationships more effectively. These systems optimize day-to-day sales, marketing, and customer service operations—hence the name "operational." Monday.com is an example of an operational CRM. Sales teams can benefit from this technology.
ERP vs CRM: What's the Difference?
A customer relationship management (CRM) system is software that manages all the customer-related data in your business. It stores contact information, identifies sales and marketing opportunities, and generates actionable insights about prospects and existing customers, letting you make smarter decisions. Your sales and marketing teams will benefit from using a CRM.
What is CRM Automation?
CRM automation means streamlining all the tasks associated with maintaining customer relationships in your business, such as data entry and lead capture. As a result, you can reduce complex workflows, eliminate manual work, and simplify day-to-day processes with minimal human involvement. Various CRM systems including Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, and Pipedrive automate time-consuming jobs in customer relationship management.
How To Create a CRM Strategy
A CRM strategy is a plan or blueprint for managing customer relationships in your business. It outlines the different steps you can take and the technology you will use to improve these relationships. Many businesses create a CRM strategy before investing in a CRM system—software that stores, manages, and tracks customer-related data. However, you can still develop a plan around your existing technology.
What is an LLC Operating Agreement?
Even if an operating agreement isn't mandatory in your location, creating one can provide several benefits. While the benefits of having an LLC operating agreement outweigh the disadvantages, note that cost, complexity of your business structure, and privacy issues may all come into play when creating yours. You’ll also want to be aware of any potential legal challenges the agreement may face.
Cyberghost VPN Review Original
Virtual private networks (VPNs) protect your identity when browsing the internet, keeping you and your family safe. But how does CyberGhost stack up compared to other VPN providers? In this CyberGhost VPN review, you'll learn what this service does, how much it costs and what users say online to help you decide if this VPN is a good fit for you.
How to Repost on Instagram
Reposting Instagram photos and videos from users can help you expand the amount of content you share with your followers. Using this strategy will increase the frequency that your content will appear in users' feeds, helping you build brand awareness and grow your business. This guide will explain the various ways to repost on Instagram, including how to repost an Instagram Story.
NordVPN Review
A VPN can be a useful tool for internet users interested in online privacy or in masking the country in which they live. VPN services encrypt your private data and can hide your physical location while you browse the web. As a result, other people on your network can't view or steal your information.
IdentityForce Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft can ruin your credit rating, costing you time and money. IdentityForce is one of many companies that can alert users whenever their personal information might have been used by someone else fraudulently. Learn more about this company’s features, pricing and customer service options below. Best for comprehensive protection IdentityForce offers multiple identity, privacy and credit security solutions that can provide comprehensive monitoring and protection of your personal information.
Identity Guard Identity Theft Protection Review
Identity Guard is a well-known name in the identity theft protection industry, having been around for over 25 years. The company offers basic identity theft protection at an affordable price, as well as comprehensive, "white glove" identity and credit protection plans. Its protection packages have won multiple awards and are available for individuals and families.
First Premier Home Warranty Review
A home warranty policy protects your home's major systems and appliances, providing you with a financial safeguard if you need to repair or replace them. First Premier Home Warranty offers two home warranty plans and additional coverage for items not covered in these packages, such as swimming pools, stand-alone freezers and a second air conditioning system. Read about pros, cons, plans, pricing, customer experiences and more in this First Premier Home Warranty review.
8 Expert Tips for Getting Approved for a VA Loan
Serving our nation is a tough job, but it does have its perks. One of them? Being able to finance your home purchase through a VA loan. VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are available to veterans — including service members, National Guard members and prisoners of war (POWs) — and eligible surviving spouses who want to buy their first home or another property, or who are looking to refinance their home.
Best Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period of 2023
One of the key considerations when choosing insurance is the waiting period, or the time between when you purchase coverage and when you can start using it. There are certain situations where waiting periods are more likely. For example, some life insurance policies don't have a waiting period, but will typically require a medical exam before coverage starts. There are no-exam life insurance policies available, but you'll usually have to opt for a waiting period to get this benefit.
10 Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses in 2023 Original
If you have a small business, choosing a payroll software package should be at the top of your to-do list in 2023. The quicker you integrate this software into your business, the sooner you can streamline payments for team members, fulfill your tax responsibilities and generate valuable insights about your payroll processes. So which are the best payroll software for small businesses? We've reviewed ten tools on the market based on features, capabilities, pricing and user reviews below.
The Cost of Hearing Aid Devices in 2023
The cost of hearing aids can vary widely. It depends on many factors, including the brand, style, size and technology level. More advanced aids usually command a higher price. Below, learn about the price of different types of hearing aids available in 2023, plus information about cost factors, service models, insurance coverage, similar devices and finding the best hearing aids at affordable prices. How much do hearing aids cost?
Guardian Direct Dental Insurance
Dental work can be expensive, but having the right dental plan can save you some out-of-pocket expenses. With four affordable dental insurance plans and more than 120,000 in-network dentists, orthodontists and endodontists, Guardian Direct may be worthwhile. Read on to learn more about Guardian Direct dental insurance, including its coverage, limitations and availability.
IDShield Identity Theft Protection Original
As cybercrime evolves and data breaches continue to happen, protecting your identity is more important than ever. The Insurance Information Institute reports that there were 5.1 million cases of identity theft and fraud in 2022. These crimes can potentially wreak havoc on your credit score and reputation with lenders, making it challenging to secure financing in the future.
FreeTaxUSA Tax Software Original
Using tax preparation software can be easier than filing taxes manually and can improve accuracy by removing the guesswork from the tax return process. It's also more affordable than hiring an accountant to do your taxes for you. FreeTaxUSA is one of many tax filing solutions that lets you e-file your federal or state return, but is it worth your time? Learn more about this online software below.
How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt
If you’re struggling with credit card debt, you may consider negotiating with your creditors. Negotiating your credit card debt can help you get your finances back on track. This process involves contacting your credit card issuer and settling your debt at a reduced rate or lowering or deferring your monthly repayments. Learn more below about how to negotiate credit card debt, what it involves and whether it’s right for you. Can you negotiate credit card debt?
IdentityForce Review Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft can ruin your credit rating, costing you time and money. IdentityForce is one of many companies that can alert users whenever their personal information might have been used by someone else fraudulently. Learn more about this company's features, pricing and customer service options below. Best for comprehensive protection IdentityForce offers multiple identity, privacy and credit security solutions that can provide comprehensive monitoring and protection of your personal information.
8 Expert Tips for Getting Approved for a VA Loan Original
Serving our nation is a tough job, but it does have its perks. One of them? Being able to finance your home purchase through a VA loan. VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are available to veterans — including service members, National Guard members and prisoners of war (POWs) — and eligible surviving spouses who want to buy their first home or another property, or who are looking to refinance their home.
The Man Who Woke Up as an 8-Year-Old Boy
Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published on March 6, 2018. On July 23, 2002, Joseph Newton Chandler III put a .38-caliber handgun to his head and blew out his brains in his bathroom. Flies found him before the cops did. For six days, they fed on his flesh, until the stench of death became unbearable. On the seventh day, after a neighbor complained about the odor, Chandler’s landlord entered the dead man’s apartment in Eastlake, Ohio, and dialed 911.
The Strange Case of the Man With No Name
Editor’s Note: This story was first published on February 25, 2016. For more on the Stevik case, see this May 2018 update. On Friday, September 14, 2001, Lyle Stevik arrived at an average motel in a sleepy, nondescript town close to Washington’s Pacific coastline. It was a typical September day: 52 degrees and drizzly. “Welcome. Surf’s Up. Life Is Good,” read the shabby sign outside the entrance to the Lake Quinault Inn, a cheerfully optimistic motto for such an ordinary place.
The Mystery of the Most Famous Missing Person on YouTube
On July 8, 2014, just after sunrise, 28-year-old Lars Mittank arrived at an airport in Bulgaria to catch his flight home to Germany. He stepped out of a taxi, picked up his bags and walked into the departures hall. Then, in a flash, he ran out of the terminal, without his luggage, as if someone, or something, were chasing him. He looked frightened, paranoid and possessed.
The Man Who Woke Up As An 8-Year-Old Boy – MEL Magazine
On July 23, 2002, Joseph Newton Chandler III put a .38-caliber handgun to his head and blew out his brains in his bathroom. Flies found him before the cops did. For six days, they fed on his flesh, until the stench of death became unbearable. On the seventh day, after a neighbor complained about the odor, Chandler’s landlord entered the dead man’s apartment in Eastlake, Ohio, and dialed 911. Chandler’s face had decomposed to the point where he was almost unrecognizable.
A Guy Walks Into a Bar…and Is Never Seen Again
This story is republished from MEL Magazine. MEL aims to challenge, inspire and encourage readers to drop any preconceived notions of who they’re supposed to be. Brian Shaffer blended into the pissed-up gaggle that trickled into the bar. He resembled every other student celebrating spring break, another face in the flock, another voice in the honking throng.
A Guy Walks Into a Bar…and Is Never Seen Again
On spring break in 2006, an Ohio State med student vanished into thin air. A decade later, his friends and family are still aching for answers. Brian Shaffer blended into the pissed-up gaggle that trickled into the bar. He resembled every other student celebrating spring break, another face in the flock, another voice in the honking throng. The Ugly Tuna Saloona, spitting distance from Ohio State’s campus, occupied the second floor of a brick block on Columbus’s North High Street; “Fresh Fish.
A Guy Walks Into a Bar - and Is Never Seen Again
Brian Shaffer blended into the pissed-up gaggle that trickled into the bar. He resembled every other student celebrating spring break, another face in the flock, another voice in the honking throng. The Ugly Tuna Saloona, spitting distance from Ohio State’s campus, occupied the second floor of a brick block on Columbus’s North High Street; “Fresh Fish. Ugly Owners,” read the neon sign outside.
The Strange Case of the Man With No Name
Most importantly, Lyle had a sub-forum on Websleuths, a hodgepodge of speculation, postulation and possible matches collected from missing person databases like NAMUS and the Doe Network . They cross-referenced his vital statistics, hoping to uncover someone with a similar height, weight, and Lyle’s attached earlobes: not quite rare, but still, something distinctive. Over the next decade, his myth grew to unimaginable proportions: two Facebook groups , a Wikipedia page and a dedicated subreddit .
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