Sage Choices

Sage Choices

A Guidebook for Women Who Want More Freedom, Financial Security, and Fun.

Sage Choices opens with the story of my grandmother—Mildred—who became a widow at age 62 and decided to “blossom” at that point. Rather than continuing along the expected path, she made deliberate changes to her life, which resulted in her becoming much happier for the remaining 20 years of her life. She was an inspiration, and I am eager to share her story with readers.

Sage Choices addresses many of the potential upheavals women may face as we age, such as widowhood, divorce, illness, being in a sandwich generation of caregiving, and settling a parent’s estate.

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Becoming Mildred 1251 613 Donna Skeels Cygan
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Becoming Mildred

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 relationship between money and happiness. I was thrilled with the media attention that followed—including print and online articles, TV appearances, radio shows, speaking engagements—and three…

Chapter 1: Mildred’s Story 2560 1710 Donna Skeels Cygan
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Chapter 1: Mildred’s Story

In her wildest dreams, Mildred never expected to be an inspiration. At age 62 she was caring for her husband during his losing battle with colon cancer. Previously even-keeled, the past eight months had turned her logical world upside down. Her emotions had become erratic. She could understand feeling unbearable sadness and grief, because she…

Is a Roth Conversion Wise for You? 2560 1794 Donna Skeels Cygan
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Is a Roth Conversion Wise for You?

My last article covered the “sunsetting” on Jan. 1, 2026, of many of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Unless Congress passes new tax laws during the next three years, the tax brackets from 2017 will be back in 2026, resulting in higher taxes…

Strong Relationships Surpass Money in Definition of Wealth 1000 654 Donna Skeels Cygan
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Strong Relationships Surpass Money in Definition of Wealth

Illustration by Cathryn Cunningham / Albuquerque Journal What is wealth? Many people think wealth is simply money. This definition would include your investment accounts and your bank accounts. You work hard to save and invest wisely, striving to increase your net worth so you can retire with a healthy nest egg. This is important. But…

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

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