Blog
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!
2019 Fitness Journey - Month 5, Week 3
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 5, Week 2
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 4, Week 4
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!
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 4, Week 3
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/
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 4, Week 2
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.
Read MoreShow All
2019 Fitness Journey - Month 4, Week 1
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 3, Week 5
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 3, Week 4
A bonus this month - 2 exercises! I still have bands, so if you need some please let me know!
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 3, Week 3
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 3, Week 2
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 3, Week 1
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 2, Week 4
Let's keep moving! Here's the next video. If you need the bands, please let me know!!! Stay Fit! Workout Video #2
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 2, Week 3
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
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 2, Week 2
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 2, Week 1
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 1, Week 4
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
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 1, Week 3
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 -...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 1, Week 2
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...
Read More2019 Fitness Journey - Month 1, Week 1
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...
Read MoreMoves to Make at the End of the Year
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...
Read MorePassword Management Software & Protecting Your Identity
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...
Read MoreHistory of Halloween
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...
Read MoreCyber Liability for Your Business
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...
Read MorePassword Protection
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,...
Read MoreWhat to Keep, What to Shred
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...
Read More2017 Third Quarter Update
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,...
Read MorePumpkin Crafts
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...
Read MoreCybersecurity: What You Should Know
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...
Read MoreFive Key Retirement Numbers to Consider
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...
Read MoreLast-Minute Summer Trips on a Budget
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...
Read MoreQuarterly Update: Q2 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...
Read MoreWhat is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary?
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...
Read MoreEconomic Insights: May 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...
Read MoreThe Benefits of Being an Advisory Client
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...
Read MoreEstate Tax Overview
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...
Read MoreCommon Estate Planning Mistakes
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...
Read MoreEstate Planning Checklist
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...
Read MoreUpdate on the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Rule
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....
Read MoreSpend Your Refund Wisely!
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...
Read MoreKeeping Up with Capital Gains and Losses
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...
Read MoreDon’t Be Surprised by Your Taxes
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...
Read MoreFive Tips for Financial Health Tip 5: Live Holistically
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...
Read MoreFive Tips for Financial Health Tip 4: Get an Estate Plan
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...
Read MoreFive Tips for Financial Health Tip 3: Tackle Your Debt
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,...
Read MoreFive Tips for Financial Health Tip 2: Create a Cushion
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...
Read MoreFive Tips for Financial Health Tip 1: No More Wasteful Spending
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...
Read MoreThe Growing Importance of Long-Term Care
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...
Read MoreBuilding Awareness for Alzheimer's
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...
Read MoreReduce Your Paper Trail
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...
Read MoreProtect Your Identity
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....
Read MoreTerm vs. Permanent Life Insurance
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...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights September 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.
Read MoreThe Value of Insuring Against Life's Risks
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...
Read MoreIt's Life Insurance Awareness Month!
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...
Read MoreKnowing Your Investment Risk
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...
Read MoreBack to School & Back to Your Financial Routine
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...
Read MoreRemoving Emotion from Your Investing Decisions
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...
Read MoreThe Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets
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...
Read MoreSummer Travel: Financial Tips
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...
Read MoreEconomic Update: Q2 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...
Read MoreWhy Thinking & Investing in the Long-Term Is the Best Way to Go
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...
Read MoreSensible Spending: Financial Watch June 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...
Read MoreKeeping Your Home Safe while You're on Vacation
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...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights: June 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.
Read MoreSpring Clean Your Finances: Financial Watch May 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...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights: May 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!
Read MoreThe Presidential Election and Your Finances
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...
Read MoreRetirement Planning Strategies: Financial Watch April 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...
Read MoreFund Your IRAs by April 18!
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...
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights: April 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!
Read MoreApril is National Volunteer Month!
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...
Read MoreUse Mobile Alerts to Monitor Your Accounts
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...
Read MoreEvent Recap: International Wines and International Investing
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...
Read MoreSpending Your Tax Refund Wisely in 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...
Read More