The Joy of Financial Security

Articles by the Author
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Get emergency savings in order before investing
Get emergency savings in order before investing 1176 880 Donna Skeels Cygan

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?”…

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  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Finance binder prep a wise, loving step
Finance binder prep a wise, loving step 900 1448 Donna Skeels Cygan

Artwork by Donna Grethen The number of people who are widowed each year in the U.S. ranges from 800,000 to 1 million. Shockingly, in married couples, men die first roughly…

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  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Becoming Mildred
Becoming Mildred 1251 613 Donna Skeels Cygan

In late 2013 my first book The Joy of Financial Security was published. My goal was to provide practical advice about managing money wisely, spending it wisely, and unraveling the…

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  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Course correction
Course correction 1000 750 Donna Skeels Cygan
We’re heading into summertime, which usually includes visions of days when the livin’ is easy. Yet the stock market may have other plans. It often mimics a roller coaster, with many peaks and dips. It can upset our lazy summer days and cause investors to be fearful. We would all like the stock market to [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Looking ahead toward retirement
Looking ahead toward retirement 900 601 Donna Skeels Cygan
Planning for retirement can be stressful. In addition to preparing for a different lifestyle, people always worry about money. Have I saved enough? How should I invest it? And then there is the whopper of a question: How much can I spend each year in retirement and not have to worry about running out of [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Start now to save money on future taxes
Start now to save money on future taxes 900 600 Donna Skeels Cygan
Benjamin Franklin had it right when he wrote in 1789 that “nothing is certain except death and taxes.” However, just because taxes are inevitable does not mean that we cannot manage them wisely. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, was a gift to large corporations – reducing the [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Strategies for staying calm during financial — and everyday — turbulence
Strategies for staying calm during financial — and everyday — turbulence 900 698 Donna Skeels Cygan
In last month’s article I discussed financial strategies to help you stay calm when the stock market starts to plummet and investors become fearful. Today’s article will provide personal strategies for keeping a cool head when others feel like the sky is falling. These tips are helpful during everyday life – even when the stock [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Staying calm when the market is not
Staying calm when the market is not 2560 1706 Donna Skeels Cygan
Some say the U.S. stock market will be strong in 2019 while others say we are heading for a recession. No one knows for sure. Economist Paul Samuelson famously said, “The stock market has forecast nine of the last five recessions.” The stock market was far more volatile than investors would like during October through [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Giving generously will warm hearts
Giving generously will warm hearts 1200 800 Donna Skeels Cygan
The holidays are often stressful and the frenzy of the season can get exhausting. I encourage you this year to have a different attitude: Take a step back, and think of others who are less fortunate. Giving to others and focusing on gratitude creates a healthy attitude. It’s a fact: Scientists in the field of [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Family stories
Family stories 900 600 Donna Skeels Cygan
Thanksgiving is a time when families get together for a special meal. Often, several generations eat together. The meal is delicious, and we tend to overeat. I encourage you to focus on starting an important conversation this Thanksgiving with your kids or grandkids. The objective is to pass down family stories from past generations, discuss [...]read more

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

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