happiness

  • Donna Skeels Cygan

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

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…

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  • 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 now for a financially secure 2017
Plan now for a financially secure 2017 1000 729 Donna Skeels Cygan
We are in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and 2016 is about to come to a close. Would you like to experience financial security in 2017? Are there changes you want to make to your finances? Now is the time to start planning for the new year. During the last two weeks [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Experiences, not things, create happy memories
Experiences, not things, create happy memories 644 364 Donna Skeels Cygan
This month I will be posting a series of articles that were published on the Albuquerque Journal. These articles will explore the relationship between money and happiness. This weeks topic covers how spending money (with intention) can make you happier. Psychologist Daniel Gilbert said, “Money itself doesn’t make you happy. What can make you happy [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Nature’s Surprises
Nature’s Surprises 956 850 Donna Skeels Cygan
Nature is full of surprises. Sometimes, Mother Nature reminds us that she has tremendous power, such as when a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake strike. Fortunately, in most cases, the surprises from nature are much more subtle, such as wildflowers blanketing a meadow a few days after a storm in New Mexico. Or, hummingbirds flitting about [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Simplify Your Financial Life, Part 3
Simplify Your Financial Life, Part 3 1024 683 Donna Skeels Cygan
There are many other ways to simplify your financial life beyond organizing your files. Consider simplifying your lifestyle and reducing your spending. You may significantly reduce your budget by not buying new clothing, and that money can be redirected into savings and investments. Instead of buying a new car, decide to stretch your car to [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Simplify Your Financial Life, Part 2
Simplify Your Financial Life, Part 2 800 600 Donna Skeels Cygan
Are your investment accounts scattered? Do you have accounts at three different banks and four different brokerage firms? Or, do you have three different 401k accounts or IRAs from previous employers? People who are great savers often respond to offers to open accounts at different banks and brokerage firms. With accounts at different places, it [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Finances
Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Finances 1024 683 Donna Skeels Cygan
When it comes to happiness, less is more Simplifying your life may include many different factors. It may be de-cluttering your house or office. It may involve getting rid of some responsibilities that are causing you stress. It may require that you stop being a perfectionist. It might mean saying “no” when people ask you [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Giving Back Your Time
Giving Back Your Time 1023 682 Donna Skeels Cygan
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama You can give back in different ways, including volunteering your time and talents or making charitable gifts of money. Both involve being compassionate toward others. Often, people derive a strong sense of purpose from their volunteer [...]read more
  • Donna Skeels Cygan

Giving Back Financially
Giving Back Financially 1024 680 Donna Skeels Cygan
“Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it is spread around.” - Brooke Astor, philanthropist One of my clients, whom I’ll call Beth, told me that she had given away $40,000 the year before, and that it gave her great joy to do so. She is not wealthy by most standards, but [...]read more
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© 2024 Donna Skeels Cygan, CFP®, MBA, Author of The Joy of Financial Security and Sage Choices.

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