The holidays are many things. In between shopping and baking cookies, we can sometimes forget they’re also a charitable time. Although we’re nearing the end of the season, if you’re still hoping to make a holiday donation, it’s not too late. » Read More

An old proverb (some would call it a curse) states “May you live in interesting times.” Lately, I’d settle for anything other than interesting. I hear from clients and advisors all the time, and many are anxious about what they should be doing.  » Read More

Imagine yourself in New Madrid, Missouri. It’s Dec. 16, 1811. Without warning, you hear a tremendous noise. The ground shakes and fissures. The rumbling intensifies. Your house groans as if about to collapse. You run outside. Trees are falling, and birds are screeching. What’s happening? » Read More

“Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile. And on ev’ry street corner you’ll hear,
silver bells, silver bells…” » Read More

Earlier this week, we asked our Facebook followers just how much they were planning to spend on holiday gifts. More than 60% expected to spend more than $500. According to the National Retail Federation, that’s about right! Its annual holiday survey also showed shoppers will spend more than $500 on gifts for friends and family. » Read More

It’s December 24. Everyone is asleep in their beds. Are those sleigh bells on the roof? No, it’s the beeping of your smoke alarm. » Read More

Last Friday, millions abstained from sleep to hit the stores early. A record 226 million shoppers over Thanksgiving weekend spent a record $52.4 billion! In the quest for the biggest savings, many opened a store credit card for an added discount. On the surface, the deal might seem too good to pass up, but is it really? » Read More

A new chapter in my life began last year when I retired from COUNTRY Financial after 31 years. Fortunately, I knew the importance of having a fiscal plan for this significant change in my life. » Read More

Although it seems like the holiday sales start earlier and earlier each year, for the true retail shoppers, there’s no replacement for Black Friday. For the 60% of Americans looking to cut their holiday spending, this day of deals might be exactly what they need! However, if they’re not careful, they might end up overspending in the sales frenzy. » Read More

According to the newest COUNTRY survey, almost 90 percent of Americans are expecting a double-dip recession. If a second downturn happens, what will you do? Here’s what a few of us said. » Read More