Articles - Donna Skeels Cygan

Donna Skeels Cygan
April 1, 2021

Beware of human nature in financial decisions

Beware of human nature in financial decisions https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-14-at-10.36.23-AM.png 1016 784 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g April 1, 2021 July 16, 2021

Being a smart investor is not easy. It requires discipline and rational thinking. Being focused on a long-term goal and being able to ignore the “noise” of the stock market,…

Donna Skeels Cygan
March 3, 2021

Protect your data to keep funds secure

Protect your data to keep funds secure https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CYBER-SECURITY-01-1.png 4574 3376 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 3, 2021 July 16, 2021

Let’s start with an assumption: All your personal data is available on the dark web. The dark web contains stolen information. Steve Symanovich, in an article for computer security firm…

Donna Skeels Cygan
February 4, 2021

As the US recovers, ‘control the controllables’

As the US recovers, ‘control the controllables’ https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mb08_jd_01feb_joy-900x752-1.jpg 900 752 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g February 4, 2021 October 7, 2022

*Illustration by Donna Grethen / Albuquerque Journal 2020 was a horrific year in many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic led to over 400,000 deaths in the U.S., over 22 million people…

Donna Skeels Cygan
December 7, 2020

Close out 2020 by simplifying, giving

Close out 2020 by simplifying, giving https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-28-at-11.21.30-AM.png 1772 916 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g December 7, 2020 December 28, 2020

Many of us will be eager to see 2020 come to an end. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed over 275,000 Americans. Many families are grief-stricken. Many businesses have shut down,…

Donna Skeels Cygan
November 2, 2020

Take control of retirement health-care costs

Take control of retirement health-care costs https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-03-at-12.25.59-AM.png 1674 1138 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g November 2, 2020 December 28, 2020

As a financial planner I am often asked how to estimate what health-care costs will be in retirement. Also, some of my clients want to retire before becoming eligible for…

Donna Skeels Cygan
October 4, 2020

Take time now to prepare for the worst

Take time now to prepare for the worst https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-03-at-12.33.27-AM.png 1922 1162 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g October 4, 2020 October 7, 2022

Watching the devastation caused by fires in California, Oregon and Washington state in recent weeks has been heartbreaking. The nightly news shows us the anguished faces of people whose homes…

Donna Skeels Cygan
September 6, 2020

Talk to kids about jobs, money, experiences

Talk to kids about jobs, money, experiences https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-03-at-12.38.09-AM.png 1296 1020 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g September 6, 2020 December 28, 2020

You can have a positive impact on your child or grandchild by becoming a financial role model. This does not require that you are wealthy or a successful investor. It…

Donna Skeels Cygan
August 3, 2020

Finances

Use your brain – all of it – in financial decisions

Use your brain – all of it – in financial decisions https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-03-at-12.42.20-AM.png 1284 1006 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 3, 2020 December 28, 2020

Our brains definitely impact our financial decisions. In fact, our brains can help us make wise decisions or poor decisions. By using brain imaging equipment (specifically functional MRI), neuroscientists have…

Donna Skeels Cygan
July 12, 2020

Nearly anyone can benefit from Roth IRAs

Nearly anyone can benefit from Roth IRAs https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/mb00_jd_13jul_invest-900x758-1.jpg 900 758 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g July 12, 2020 December 28, 2020

Roth IRAs are a powerful tool in an investor’s toolbox. Created in 1998, Roth IRAs are now over 20 years old. Fortunately, many employers started offering Roth 401(k)s and Roth…

Donna Skeels Cygan
May 25, 2020

Finances

Get emergency savings in order before investing

Get emergency savings in order before investing https://donnaskeelscygan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-03-at-12.50.04-AM.png 1176 880 Donna Skeels Cygan Donna Skeels Cygan https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef134acf060902e6362b779bec98ed53?s=96&d=mm&r=g May 25, 2020 October 7, 2022

I recently was asked a question by a woman in her late 20s who wants to start an investment account. She asked, “Is this a good time to start investing?”…

The Joy of Financial Security