Resolutions

Happy New Year!

It is the time of year when many of us start thinking about improving ourselves by making resolutions for the upcoming year. I want to help you get started by tossing our a few ideas.

• Resolve to be thankful for what we already have. I am reminded of a Chinese proverb that goes "I make myself wealthy by making my wants few".
• Resolve to give something back. If you are reading this you have been blessed with more material wealth than most. I hope to be more aware of the need of those who are less fortunate. Join me in giving some time and resources to help those in need. Volunteer for a charitable organization, write a check, give something back.
• Resolve to spend more quality time with those we love. If all our material wealth disappeared tomorrow these are the people who would get us through another day. Kids grow up too fast, Mom and Dad won't always be there, enjoy their company while you can. The moments spent with family and friends are the true treasures of our lives.
• Resolve to improve your health. No one enjoys dieting and few enjoy exercise but having our health allows us to enjoy everything else...and we have a better chance of being here to enjoy it all.

There you go. I believe that is enough for me. If you can think of other resolutions I should consider please click on the comment link and post a note for all to see.

Best of 2006

The Holidays are approaching quickly and a new year is about to greet us. I thought it would be a good time to review some of the posts I hope you read this year.

Long Term Healthcare Insurance.

Maybe you or your children have visited a nursing home this Holiday season to spread some Christmas cheer. Maybe you will visit a relative who is confined to a long term care facility. Here are a couple of articles that deal with protecting your family and your assets from the high cost of Long term healthcare.

Estate Planning

Passing your assets to your heirs with little expense or delay is high on most family's list. Here you can read about Transfer on Death accounts that can avoid the delay of probate. Choosing you heirs and how to protect the heirs of your heirs using the per stirpes designation on IRA, pension plan, and insurance beneficiary forms and how these forms create the Estate Plan for Your IRA, and here we cover naming a trust as a beneficiary for your IRA. Providing for continuity should you become unable to manage your investments or manage your affairs is a must for all of us. Learn about the Durable Power Of Attorney and how it can protect you and your family. Finally, learn why high net worth families should be using a Tax Credit Trust to lower or eliminate their federal estate tax liability.

Saving For College

The Pension Protection Act made the tax free status of qualified distributions from 529 college savings accounts permanent. Here you can learn about the SC Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan.

Investment Concepts

Some ideas that can help you be a better investor include Reversion To The Mean, Rebalancing Act, and understanding how our behavior and psychology can lead to investment mistakes.


I wish you and your family a safe and joyous Holiday Season and a profitable 2007.

Photograph by Ladyheart at Morguefile.com

Slideshare

Slideshare is like YouTube for Powerepoint. Some oddities and some helpful ideas - like "How to Tie A Tie".

Legal Forms

Need a durable power of attorney? A promisory note? A residential or commercial lease?
Legal forms online from Internet Legal Research Group.