The Joy of Financial Security

Articles by the Author
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Joy compounded
Joy compounded 1200 799 Donna Skeels Cygan
  The holidays are often stressful. Thanksgiving is usually a time for families to gather together and give thanks, and focusing on gratitude is always healthy. However, it is quickly followed by the hustle and bustle of December. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or another holiday, the pace often becomes frantic. Here are three strategies [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Stages: Wise Financial Strategies for Every Stage from Age 3 to 103
Stages: Wise Financial Strategies for Every Stage from Age 3 to 103 640 480 Donna Skeels Cygan
Whether we realize it or not, money has a tremendous amount of power in our society. We can manage it wisely, become financially secure, and reap the rewards that money can provide. Or, we can struggle with money our entire lives, let it damage relationships, and feel like we never have enough. My goal is [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Running the numbers
Running the numbers 1024 683 Donna Skeels Cygan
Last month’s column discussed how to prepare psychologically for retirement. Today, we will focus on how to prepare financially. Retirement strategies fill an entire chapter in my book, so this article will just skim the surface. Focus on saving The best way to prepare for retirement is to start saving at a young age. Beginning [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Prepare psychologically for retirement
Prepare psychologically for retirement 520 350 Donna Skeels Cygan
Is Sunday evening the best part of your week? Many recent retirees tell me they savor their Sunday evenings, because they are no longer stressed about going to work on Monday morning. Today’s article covers how to prepare psychologically for retirement. Next month’s will cover how to prepare financially for retirement. Mitch Anthony recommends that [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Simplify life, finances to enjoy summer
Simplify life, finances to enjoy summer 650 336 Donna Skeels Cygan
It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy! Isn’t that what the song says? So, why do we feel that our lives are too hectic, our homes are too cluttered, and our stress levels are too high? I can’t attempt to solve all of these issues in one article, but I believe that small steps can [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Plan a vacation without blowing your budget
Plan a vacation without blowing your budget 1682 1116 Donna Skeels Cygan
With summer almost here, vacation planning season is upon us. This often involves blowing your budget and suffering a “credit card hangover” after you return home. This year, try something different: With these 12 tips and some careful planning, you can stay within your budget and still have a great vacation. 1. What is your [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Important ‘F’ word for investors: fiduciary
Important ‘F’ word for investors: fiduciary 700 273 Donna Skeels Cygan
Despite the endearing advertisements in which the financial industry tries to make you think they are giving you advice that is in your best interest, in many cases, financial professionals simply want to sell you something. Far too often, their profit motive is a higher priority than what is best for you. So, it is [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Take control with a net worth statement
Take control with a net worth statement 456 304 Donna Skeels Cygan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Many people are intimidated by money. They don’t know where to begin to get organized. Some people may work with a financial adviser and not be directly involved in managing their money. Other people do not know what they own and whether their net worth is a positive or negative number. Putting [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

New bucket list: create wise tax strategies
New bucket list: create wise tax strategies 837 449 Donna Skeels Cygan
“Don’t let the tax tail wag the investment dog” is a quirky saying that has been a mainstay for financial advisers for many years. It means to not let tax issues override smart investment decisions. However, smart tax planning is essential for smart investing. The key with tax planning is to be proactive, and a [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Want to be a millionaire? Focus on saving
Want to be a millionaire? Focus on saving 700 883 Donna Skeels Cygan
Saving is the key to financial security. I know many people think saving is hard. However, when you see your account grow and compound over the years, it becomes exciting. You realize it wasn’t that hard, and saving actually gets easier over time. You just need to take the first step. Thomas Stanley and William [...]read more

© 2024 Donna Skeels Cygan, CFP®, MBA, Author of The Joy of Financial Security and Becoming Enriched.

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