Real Life

  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Summer is time to slow down, enjoy family
Summer is time to slow down, enjoy family 900 628 Donna Skeels Cygan
If you are old enough to remember Gershwin’s classic song “Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy,” then you can envision sweltering weather, family gatherings, cookouts with deviled eggs, pedal pushers and plaid shirts. If you’ve never heard the song, Google it and you will find recordings by Billie Holliday (1936), Ella Fitzgerald (1968) and Norah [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Follow these five steps to take control of financial future
Follow these five steps to take control of financial future 5616 3744 Donna Skeels Cygan
Money skills are learned. They are not genetic. Many of us learned how to deal with money from our parents or grandparents. It was not a formal class or an organized discussion. It was merely watching the way they handled money while we were growing up. Did they save for their future, or were they [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Get started now to raise money-savvy kids
Get started now to raise money-savvy kids 6000 4000 Donna Skeels Cygan
All parents want their kids to grow up to be financially responsible adults. We want our kids to learn how to live within a budget, to avoid credit card debt, and to understand the concept of “not keeping up with the Joneses.” We want our kids to be happy. We want them to find a [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Start now to plan a fun, affordable vacation
Start now to plan a fun, affordable vacation 6000 4000 Donna Skeels Cygan
Summer is just around the corner and if you have kids, that often means a fun-filled family vacation. As you plan your summer, keep in mind the following tips. Simple and short When planning a vacation, do not limit yourself to thinking it must be elaborate and expensive. Summer getaways do not need to last [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

How tax reform will impact New Mexicans
How tax reform will impact New Mexicans 958 736 Donna Skeels Cygan
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 22, 2017. People are asking: How is this going to impact me? Will my taxes go down? Am I going to pay more taxes? Let’s break it down as it pertains to New Mexican taxpayers. TIMING: The changes [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Create a positive financial mindset for 2018
Create a positive financial mindset for 2018 900 599 Donna Skeels Cygan
The year is not yet over, but many of us are looking forward to January 2018. Starting a new year is always exciting, offering opportunities for making healthy changes. But often, our best intentions have faded within a few weeks, and we fall back into our old routines. Let’s focus on our mindset to improve [...]read more
  • 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

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

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

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