Financial security. One step at a time.

When was the last time you reviewed your personal and financial goals? The beginning of the year is a great time to do it!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! While it is still a time of celebration, it is also a time of reflection and looking ahead. Can you see what's next?

Earlier this week I read a reflection by Karen Culbertson on the eulogy of his father's life given by President George W. Bush. I was struck by the eulogy myself, but she expresses her thoughts far more clearly than I could mine. She says:

For the past few weeks, we have been bombarded with advertisements, holiday preparation advice, images promoting exceptional situations, and now, end of year charitable giving requests. Charitable giving is important, but...

Student loan debt is reality that many adults grapple with on a daily basis. When the time arrives that you can decide what to pay off next, should you pay off the student loan?

With so many people buckling down for the academic year, wistfully viewing the vacation pictures, it's an appropriate time to be reviewing financial goals. Setting goals is a fundamental step to financial security. Our priorities, however, tend to shift as time goes on. Is your household ready for a "reset" button?

Ah, summer. Do you love it as much as I do? Hot dogs, roller coasters, ice cream, backyard pools and sprinklers...these are what come to mind when I think of summer. I wonder what my children will recall of their childhood summers. Will they think fondly of the long drives in the van to visit far-flung family and friends? Will they think of the awe-inspiring sunset behind the mountains? Will it be the evenings spent chasing fireflies in the backyard with the neighbors?

Mother's Day was just a few days ago; I hope you had the opportunity to reflect on the mother figures in your life. Was talking to them about their wishes for end of life care on the list of dinner topics? No? I'm shocked by that resounding . . . .

I have a statement to make. You may be surprised by its boldness. Stereotyping is always wrong, even in financial advising.