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2019 - Fitness Challenge

Let's make 2019 our most "fit" year yet!  Follow this blog for tips on maintaining a positive attitude, getting or keeping your financial house in order and eating healthy and working your body.

I hope you all enjoy this journey.  Feel free to send me feedback or ideas!

Thursday, July 18, 2019

I made this pork dish last night. I seared it in an oven proof skillet and finished it in the oven @ 375 for about 35 minutes. It was so moist and tender. I'm sure it will be great on the grill as well!! I will be using this recipe...

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Month 5, Week 2 Welcome to Month 5! I took a week off last week since it was a holiday! I hope everyone enjoyed the Fourth and celebrating our awesome Country!!! This month’s Financial goal focuses on insurance. When life changes...

Thursday, June 27, 2019

This month focuses on balance. Great for all of us as we get older. Check it out and if you need exercise bands, I still have some. Month 4 Stay fit everyone!

Thursday, June 20, 2019

This month’s recipe comes from our daughter Jessica. I have made it before as well and it is delicious! https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/grilled-hawaiian-chicken-teriyaki-bowls/

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Life changes and sometimes at warp speed! This month for our financial goal, let’s review our beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance policies. Please contact me if we have not reviewed your beneficiaries recently.

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Thursday, June 6, 2019

Welcome to Month 4. I hope you are enjoying this journey. Goal – How many of you have seen Wicked? I absolutely love that musical. My favorite song is at the end of the first act – Defying Gravity. If you haven’t...

Thursday, May 30, 2019

A bonus this month - an extra week. Kirstyn, our daughter, sent this recipe and I think it looks great for a refreshing meal on a hot summer day! If you have a healthy recipe you would like to share, please email it to me and I'll...

Thursday, May 23, 2019

A bonus this month - 2 exercises! I still have bands, so if you need some please let me know!

Thursday, May 16, 2019

I am a salad fanatic! I eat them every day (sometimes 2 times per day). This is one of my all time favorites! I usually throw in some baked chicken to make it a main dish salad. It's full of healthy fat and color. I hope you like it as...

Thursday, May 9, 2019

2019 is flying by. The year is almost half over. In month 1, we discussed setting financial goals. This month, let’s make sure our investments are in line with our goals. If your goals have changed, you do not feel like your...

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Welcome to Month 3 I hope you are enjoying this journey. Goals – This month let’s focus on self-development goals. This could be anything from reading a book, starting to learn a new language, cooking more often or...

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Let's keep moving! Here's the next video. If you need the bands, please let me know!!! Stay Fit! Workout Video #2

Thursday, April 18, 2019

This month let’s go south of the border. With summer close and the farmers markets brimming with zucchini, this is a great recipe. https://www.persnicketyplates.com/zucchini-boat-turkey-tacos/#more

Thursday, April 11, 2019

April 15 – A day many of us dread, however, it also brings an opportunity for us to review our financial fitness. No one wants to owe the government on this day, but many relish in the refund. Think about it though, if you are...

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Welcome to month 2. I hope the tips in month 1 were helpful. Let’s get month 2 started off on a positive note. It’s been an incredibly long winter! I don’t know about any of you, but I tend to get the...

Thursday, March 28, 2019

It's time to get moving. Here's this month's video. If you need a set of exercise bands, please let me know! Stay fit! Work out Video Month 1

Thursday, March 21, 2019

It's all about good eating this week! This is one of our all time favorite recipes! I hope you enjoy it as well! https://peaceloveandlowcarb.com/pork-egg-roll-in-a-bowl-crack-slaw-paleo-low-carb-whole30/ Stay fit!! - Don't forget -...

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Goal setting is very important for financial fitness. During this month, let’s review our financial goals. Short term goals should be something you would like to accomplish in less than 2 years. Medium term goals are those things...

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Goals – How many of you say “I’ve got to get that done some day”? I know I do! Sometimes projects seem so huge that I get paralyzed by the enormity of them. Month 1, let’s break down that huge project. I...

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The year is coming to a close – are you ready? Here are a few things you need to bring into your line of sight before you ring in 2018! Max Out Your Contributions: If you can, contribute as much as possible to your retirement...

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Protecting your identity is becoming increasingly critical, especially in light of this year’s Equifax breach. The FTC recommends taking several steps to protect your identity, including regular credit checks, credit monitoring...

Friday, October 27, 2017

Did you know that Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial “holiday” after Christmas? According to a study, on average American consumers celebrating this occasion expect to spend $77.52 on Halloween-related...

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Cyber crime can be a serious threat to businesses. One study found that 43% of cyber attacks target small business, and 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack.¹ Business owners are also...

Monday, October 16, 2017

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—they’ve all fallen prey to hackers who exposed passwords and other personal information for hundreds of thousands of their users. If you haven’t yet had your password stolen, chances are,...

Friday, October 13, 2017

Many of us don’t always know what to keep, throw away, or shred. And each piece of paperwork we have has a different timeline attached to it. Over the years I’ve been able to compile a master list of what to keep, what to...

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Another quarter has come to an end, and the S&P ended it by posting its 11th straight monthly gain, and its 8th consecutive quarterly gain. Domestic oil prices rose 7.7% in September, and the NASDAQ Composite rose 6.06% during Q3,...

Friday, October 6, 2017

Whether or not you decide to dress up and brave the streets for a night out trick-or-treating this Halloween, one thing’s inevitable… Halloween is coming! If you are looking for unique and inexpensive Halloween decorating...

Monday, October 2, 2017

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and what a great time to revisit such an important subject. Last month’s data security breach at Equifax has put millions of Americans at risk for credit fraud, and I wanted to remind you...

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

In the seemingly complex world of retirement, there are important numbers you should be aware of that could make or break your overall retirement savings. A recent USA Today article highlights ten numbers that could make or break your...

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

As many of you know, I love to travel and am constantly looking for new places to visit. This year, summer has melted away quickly, and I’m sure many of you have noticed the same! Here are some tips for taking last minute-summer...

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

At-A-Glance The S&P 500 posted its sixth straight monthly gain and had its best first-half performance since 2013. U.S. oil prices sank into a bear market in June, down as much as 23% from its January peak, but recently ended five...

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

You likely have heard the term “fiduciary” passed around quite a bit lately, especially in light of the Department of Labor’s proposed new standards. A fiduciary is a person or organization that owes to another the...

Friday, May 12, 2017

It’s been an eventful month already, with the House passing a new health bill, the President firing the director of the FBI, and the continued investigation of Russia’s role in the election. You can’t unlock your...

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

From the start of our relationship, I’ve emphasized transparency. Part of my responsibility to you is reviewing the level of service to ensure you’re receiving what you need. As we have been discussing, moving into an...

Friday, April 21, 2017

Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property...

Monday, April 17, 2017

Many of my clients have asked for helpful tips or education that they can share with their adult children on managing finances, estate planning, and what they need to know as beneficiaries. It’s not uncommon for people to assume...

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

As you travel on the journey of life, you will inevitably build up an estate that one day your loved ones will inherit. How and what they will receive depends on your preparation. An estate plan acts like a roadmap for your heirs by...

Monday, April 3, 2017

You may have heard reports in the news recently that our newly elected President has issued a presidential memorandum pertaining to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Fiduciary Duty Rule or “Conflict of Interest” Rule....

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Many of you may be expecting a refund on your tax return this year. What are you planning on doing with the money? While some will use it to take a vacation or splurge on an expensive purchase, there are a few more conservative ways...

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Everyone wants to wind up in the black when it comes to making a sale. You want to sell your home for more than you purchased it for. You want your collectibles to increase in value so you can sell them at a profit. Your finances are...

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Have you had a life event occur in the past year? If you got married, divorced, welcomed a baby, sent a child to college, changed jobs, retired, or had another impactful event take place, you could see some tax implications pop up on...

Monday, March 6, 2017

It’s so true that everything in life is connected, and the same is true for your finances. As I’m sure you’ve gathered from my four previous tips, you cannot find financial success and stability without living...

Monday, February 27, 2017

Many people believe estate plans are just for the rich, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate plans provide support, protection, and preservation for your family and for your wealth. To get started with an estate...

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

You’ve assessed your spending, started saving for emergencies, and now it’s time to tackle what, for some, is one of the most arduous and daunting tasks of all – paying down debt. Whether it’s credit cards,...

Friday, February 17, 2017

Since you’ve begun working on cutting wasteful spending using last week’s financial health tip, you’re ready to jump into the second tip, creating a savings cushion. This well-known tip usually suggests putting...

Monday, January 9, 2017

While some of us can admit when our spending is wasteful, oftentimes we overlook some of the largest offenders to our budget. Whether our oversight is due to time (an old subscription, for instance) or otherwise, it’s time to...

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The need for long-term care is unpredictable and, though many consider it to be something needed in the later years of life, can happen at any age. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, about 40% of...

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and, fittingly, also Family Caregiver Awareness Month. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as a month to focus on the seriousness of Alzheimer’s. At the...

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

One of the greatest risks for identity theft is the amount of paper with your personal information on it. Americans receive 4.5 million tons of junk mail annually – 44 percent of that is never opened! Junk mail alone can lead to...

Monday, October 10, 2016

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! According to the Federal Trade Commission, each year, approximately 15 million Americans are identity theft victims with financial losses to the country totaling close to $50 billion....

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

When it comes to life insurance, the two most popular types are term and permanent policies. So you can understand what benefits each has, I wanted to provide you with a little more information on these policies and what they might...

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Stock prices were mixed during the month as investors kept an eye on oil prices and looked to Fed officials for direction on interest rate policy. Check out our latest Monthly Market Insights Video to learn more.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Risk is a part of life. Did you know that... Approximately 100 million American workers have no private disability income protection,¹ 30 percent of U.S. households have no life insurance,² and About one in eight drivers are...

Thursday, September 1, 2016

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month! I believe life insurance is a crucial element of helping you insure against life’s risks, and is a key component of a comprehensive wealth management strategy. While many individuals...

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Understanding yourself – your needs, wants, emotional urges, etc. – can be one of the most effective ways to start your investing journey. After all, it was Aristotle who said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of...

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

That time has arrived again where so many of us are sending our children back to school, and others of us are remembering the mixed feeling of excitement and dread as the sound of the school bell loom in our ears. While for parents of...

Monday, July 25, 2016

If you’ve saved a decent amount of money over the years, or recently found yourself with a windfall of cash, you may want to invest the money in the stock market. Where do you go from here? To start, removing emotion from your...

Friday, July 15, 2016

When it comes to buying airline tickets, everyone has an opinion, from your next door neighbor to your coworker. If you're uninterested in getting online on Wednesdays at 3 a.m. to search for the best deal, we've discovered what Conde...

Friday, July 1, 2016

Planning to travel soon? Here are five quick tips for making practical, money-saving decisions while you travel: 1. Bring your no-fee credit cards. If your vacation plans will land you overseas, make sure to check with your credit card...

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

I put a great deal of importance on education, for myself, for my family, and for my clients. I strongly believe education is imperative for us to succeed in life, and I make it a priority to remain up-to-date on the topics that...

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Have you ever wondered how the wealthy made their riches in the stock market? Are you looking for additional ways to fund your retirement and/or college for your children? If you had $1,000 to invest right now, would you be confused...

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Sensible Spending: Put Your Money Here, Not There Money … it is a great thing to have, but often hard to hold on to when we find ourselves making impulse or unnecessary purchases on a daily basis. While a regular morning coffee...

Friday, June 10, 2016

Planning a vacation this summer? Don't forget to take the necessary steps to protect your home the next time you go out of town! Here are some tips to keep your house safe: Consider hiring a sitter. The best way to make sure your house...

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Rising oil prices combined with falling anxiety over the prospect of a Fed rate hike sparked a late-month turnaround in market sentiment. Check out our latest Monthly Market Insights video to learn more.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Spring Clean Your Finances Thinking about tidying up your "financial" house? From de-cluttering that mess of piles to getting your spending habits in order, here are some recommendations to help you get started. DO THIS: Clean up your...

Friday, May 6, 2016

Stock prices were mixed in April as large-cap benchmarks neared their 2015 peak before falling back while the NASDAQ was weighed down by weak earnings in the tech sector. Check out our latest Monthly Market Insights video to learn more!

Monday, April 25, 2016

We are definitely in the thick of election season! Investor doubts may seem especially prevalent during presidential election years when campaigns spotlight the country’s challenges. Yet even with election year rhetoric amplifying the...

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

More Than Investing: Two Strategies to Save for Retirement Whether you are single, have a family with young children, or are a couple nearing retirement—most of us struggle to find a balance between enjoying life today while...

Monday, April 11, 2016

Before the tax deadline on April 18, consider taking advantage of the deductions available to you by maximizing your IRA funding. Contributing to your IRA account is a great way to increase the amount of money you're putting away for...

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Stocks scored sharp gains in March, thanks to upbeat economic news, positive reports from overseas markets and a welcomed update from the Fed. Check out our latest Monthly Market Insights video to learn more!

Sunday, April 3, 2016

April is National Volunteer Month, a time where we can celebrate what all our volunteers are doing around the world, and a time to increase awareness for charities and causes that are dear to us. This month SS Financial Group applauds...

Thursday, March 31, 2016

According to two recent studies of mobile banking users mobile alerts provide an easy way to better manage and protect your money. A Bank of America survey1 found that 81% of mobile banking users have set up alerts. A separate Federal...

Thursday, March 24, 2016

We had a wonderful event on March 22 where we discussed international investing over some delicious international wines. Our speaker from Oppenheimer Funds provided us with some excellent insight on the global economy and emerging...

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The ABC’s to Spending Your Tax Refund A hot question on many Americans’ minds right now is, “How will I spend my tax refund?” Many people consider their refund “found” money and dream of splurging on...