Trusts are a good estate-planning tool. I often say they are an excellent option when a family needs flexibility, such as after a second marriage results in a blended family or when there is a special-needs family member. Trusts provide the ability to control assets from the grave. They can terminate upon the happening of […]
Tipping doesn’t have to be complex. Most people know the standard 15 to 20 percent for a restaurant server, but what about other scenarios like a delivery food driver or a housekeeper? This guide explains how much to tip in most scenarios, but keep in mind that you always can tip more for exceptional service. […]
When holiday visitors enter her home, Cheryl Crosby Tenney is going for the “wow” factor. “I want them to feel warm, cozy and like Christmas …,” says Tenney, who lives in Waveland’s Emerald Lake Estates. “The most common comment I hear from people is that our home is magical and just beautifully decorated.” For five […]
Just after Halloween, almost on cue, Andy Williams’s “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” bubbled up from my childhood. I hummed along and thumbed through the local craft store’s most festive offerings of “Grateful” paper plates and pumpkin-adorned cups and napkins. Standing in front of turkey-day decor, catching glimpses of Christmas decorations just […]
Menarche, the onset of menstruation, typically begins between the ages of 10 and 16, sometimes as young as 8. While it’s a sign of becoming an adult, for many women, this milestone marks the start of a 30-plus-year journey of monthly pains. While usually centered in the mid-to-lower pelvis, the pain may be felt in […]
Relationships are a powerful part of who we are — especially during the holidays, when they tend to take on an even more significance. Our relationships can make us feel like we belong and have something important to contribute to those around us. Relationships can strengthen us, motivate us to affect change in our world […]
Tis the season for gifts and family celebrations, bonfires and feasts. Amid all the festivities, please keep the following in mind: December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (www.samhsa.gov). If you are impaired while celebrating, don’t get behind the wheel. An automobile crash will increase your insurance costs. Plus, you will be inconvenienced […]
Shopping for loved ones can be challenging, and we all need a little inspiration to find the perfect present. If you’re stuck, high-tech gifts are almost always a good option; after all, who doesn’t like getting the latest, greatest gadgets? Here’s a quick roundup of cutting-edge toys we are loving for the holidays and beyond: […]
Generosity is always in style, but the tradition of gift giving feels better than ever this season. As the struggles of the past two years abate and we can gather again with less worry, many of us are embracing the opportunity to spend a little extra on those we love. With that in mind, and […]
The holidays bring lots of fun with friends and family, but after all the seasonal hustle and bustle have passed, the dreaded question arises: how will you keep the kids entertained for the rest of their winter break? Although a little boredom can be good for kids, as it encourages creativity and resourcefulness, it’s still […]
