213 words 1 min read The people are real and so are their stories. And their lives were never the same because of what they did and continue to do. That’s a big claim, we know. But we think you’ll agree once you hear from these ordinary people and the extraordinary...
Estimated Read Time: 3-4 minutes Households are saving too little for the future. According to one new analysis, 41% of Gen Xers and 42% of baby boomers have yet to begin saving for retirement. In a recent financial industry survey, 35% of small business owners said...
Estimated Read Time: 2-3 Minutes Do you fear you are saving for retirement too late? Plan to address that anxiety with some creative retirement planning. If you have little saved for retirement at age 50 (or thereabouts), there is still much you can do to...
Estimated Read Time: 2-3 minutes Take these financial lessons to heart. You have a chance to manage your money better than previous generations have. Some crucial financial steps may help you do just that. Live below your means and refrain from living on margin....
Estimated Read Time: 3-4 Minutes Retirement accounts are not bank accounts. Nor should they be treated as such. When retirement funds are drawn down, they impede the progress of retirement planning, even if the money is later restored. In a financial crunch, a...
Thinking of this gives a rush of thoughts heralding through my mind. For many years, I can't remember even one Christmas that I was not able to be with our Carolina family. For the last 42 years since being married to Sharon, we have been blessed to make it home...
The leaves have fallen and the crisp wintery air nips at your nose. The scent of pumpkin spice and cinnamon apple flows. Thanksgiving is here and families start to gather for a big feast; Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and don’t forget the roast beast. It’s that...
When I was little I celebrated Father’s Day by waking up and going to give my dad a big hug around his neck. The obligatory Father’s Day present of a red white and blue tie was typically being held behind my back. I would be grinning from ear to ear as if I was...
God is such an extravagant giver. What can come near the gift of children? It is a holy gift. God knitted together each one in their mother's womb. He is so creative, He knows and determined every atom, characteristic and personality trait. He gave each one their...
By Alex Ellis, CEO When I was 25 years old, I blew out my knee playing basketball. What do you do when that happens? You lie down on the floor and groan, and then you go see a doctor. In that order. Using x-rays, the doctor explained the problem and that I...
Dan Taylor faced a precarious situation after his father suffered from a stroke at age 72 and couldn’t live alone. Dan was responsible for looking after him and had no idea how to proceed. He was overwhelmed by the plethora of options and was determined to find a...
More than one-half of working Americans know little or nothing about Medicare costs.1 Not knowing can be expensive. On average, people who haven’t yet retired estimate they’ll spend approximately $50,000 on health care after retirement, according to a 2014 survey.1 In...
You may be asking yourself whether that’s a trick question. After all, almost one-third of 18- to 34-year-olds are still living at home with their parents. It is, in fact, the most common living arrangement for this age group and a circumstance that hasn’t occurred in...
It’s tax season. Between January and April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some Americans, others may benefit by contributing to a Roth IRA that offers no immediate tax break,...
The celebration of Valentine’s Day is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote a poem about love and St. Valentine in the 1300s. Although this poem did not mention chocolate, the tasty treats have since become a Valentine’s Day tradition.1Drinking chocolate was...