During the 20 years ending in 2000 for the stock market, and a similar period in real estate ending in 2004, investing and financial planning have been relatively easy because each of these asset classes was in a rising trend. However, as the stock market showed us subsequent to 2000, trends do not last forever as [...]

Major changes — whether personal or professional — can significantly affect your family’s insurance and investment needs. A year-end review of your situation will help ensure that you have adequate coverage and that your investments are meeting your needs. Consider where you stand now in terms of your financial goals and what, if any, adjustments [...]

It is often said that balance is the key to happiness. Financial balance is an important part of a balanced life. Life can sometimes be like the balance scales our grandmothers used years ago with many different aspects of our beings coming together to balance and form the people that we are. We work and [...]

To find out just what kind of financial shape you’re in, take a few minutes to fill out this Financial Fitness Checklist. If you’re married, both of you should work together to answer the questions. Place a check next to any question that you answer yes to: Are you using more and more of your [...]

The role of an executor A close friend has just asked me to be his executor. Before I accept this appointment, can you tell me what it involves? I assume it is a relatively simple task. This job can be simple or complex depending on the clarity of the Will and the Estate Plan. Of [...]

After winter we are all ready for the wonders of spring. One of the cheeriest sights are the bright yellow faces of the daffodils. However, late summer and early fall is the time we need to be planting and nurturing our jonquils to make sure they are bright and healthy later. Planting a bulb garden [...]

“Are we ready for this?” The decision to start a family is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.  There is excitement and apprehension, not to mention all the comments from family who think it is about time. So how do you get ready for this momentous occasion? Let me suggest a few things [...]

The key principle in bulk cooking is to think ahead in order to save even one or two steps.

If you’re engaged, congratulations! Your joyous wedding day is fast approaching, and soon you’ll enter the next stage of your life with your new spouse.  But the days leading up to the wedding are not always carefree. I’m not married myself, but if you’re like my friends who’ve been married recently, wedding planning can be [...]

If you do a Google search on “wedding stress” you’ll get over 70 million results.  Which is stressful.  Weddings are a joyous celebration, but as any bride or groom knows, they are also inherently stressful. Researchers have found that getting married is actually more stressful than getting fired. Between money issues, family issues, and all [...]