Stress levels are high these days. Some of us have lost jobs, are afraid of losing jobs, or have close friends and family who have lost jobs. Everyone is worried abou... Read more
Flavorful Landscapes -- A Growing Trend
Nothing beats the flavor of a fresh-from-the-garden tomato; warmed by the sun, plucked right from the plant and eaten in the garden.
More than 43 percent of U.S. h... Read more
Beauty Tune-Ups in Time for Summer
If you are dreading taking off your socks and bearing your feet, or can't stand how your hair feels after you style it, you're suffering from the end-of-winter challe... Read more
by Julie Meany, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Inc
Few things induce more anxiety this time of year than the looming April 15 tax return file deadline. As you begin the process this year, keep in mind that changes to the tax rules could affect your tax liability and possibly make you eligible for new tax reduction opportunities. More details can be found at the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov) or by talking to your tax advisor. Here are some of the more prominent changes that could affect your final 2009 tax bil
... Continue reading Not the Same Old Tax Return.
Quick Fixes to Save on Heating and Cooling
The average family spends $1500 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A home energy audit and some quick fixes can save some of that hard-earned money.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and accessible basement rim joints.
Conduct an energy audit to identify spots where energy is lost through gaps and cracks. Start in your basement and move upwards. Look for both vi
... Continue reading Quick Fixes to Save on Heating and Cooling.
Investing in You: Tips for Financing an Advanced Degree
by Christina Boyd, Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor in Wayzata, Minn.
As a busy mother of two, I understand that it is easy to put off things that seem like a luxury--like going back to school. But it's important to keep in mind that an advanced degree is an investment, and it can yield significant returns.
For many, the main obstacle to overcome is how to afford it. You may be surprised to learn that financing options, including financial aid and 529 savings plans, are not just for your children. In fact, there are several options to make funding your advanced degree more feasible. But as with any
... Continue reading Investing in You: Tips for Financing an Advanced Degree.
Keep Passion Alive: 7 Tips
by Barbara Calvi, LMFT
Marriage and Relationships -- Do You Know the 7 Secrets to Keeping Passion Alive in Your Marriage?
We know that often, most of the time, passion and sparks tend to diminish in long-term relationships. Familiarity, tedious daily tasks and daily living, and oh, yes, caring for young children 24/7 all seem to conspire against passion and sometimes even interest in intimacy. Yet, research shows that one of the biggest determinants to well adjusted children is the health of the parental relationship. And...a healthy mutually satisfying sexual relationship plays a big part in t
... Continue reading Keep Passion Alive: 7 Tips.
The Lighter Side of Nature-Inspired Home Decor
If the words "nature-inspired decor" make you think of muted wall hues or overwrought floral fabrics, it's time to rethink your take on this hot design trend.
Nature-inspired design can certainly be soothing, sedate and traditional, but a plethora of new products and techniques is also bringing the bold, bright and fun side of nature indoors. Whether it's a throw pillow that looks like birch bark or a full wall mural of green bamboo, nature's brighter side is spicing up modern American decor.
by Christina Boyd, Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor in Wayzata, MN
Getting a hold of your family's finances may seem like a daunting task, especially in these economic times. But it is important that we all take time to evaluate our family's financial footing so we can make smart choices about our saving and spending - especially now.
As we know from our busy lives, the better organized and knowledgeable we are, the more in control we will feel and the better prepared we will be to handle unexpected situations. Although it may not be the most fun summer project, getting a handle on yo
... Continue reading Summer Project: Your Family's Finances.
Seven Secrets to Affair-Proofing Your Marriage
By Barbara Calvi, LMFT
Do you know the pitfalls that make your marriage vulnerable to an extramarital affair? There are certain dangers that do make a marriage more vulnerable to an affair occurring.
Research shows that most people who become involved in an affair did not intend to. In fact, most say they consider having an affair is against their values. Research also shows that over half of affairs occur in the workplace. Most of these affairs seem to blossom because good people don't know the pitfalls and danger signs. They become too chummy with a coworker and intimacy grows slow
... Continue reading Seven Secrets to Affair-Proofing Your Marriage.
