Many of life’s interruptions can’t be predicted. Not having funds set aside for unexpected problems can leave you racking up high credit card debt or putting yourself in other difficult financial straits. “When it comes to savings best practices, it is especially clear after the pandemic how valuable an emergency savings fund can become at […]
planning
Posted inAt Home
Age Safely with Your Home: 3 Home Modifications That Are Essential to Make
Many people think that aging means eventually having to leave your home. That is a reality for many, but it can be delayed significantly by making a few changes to your home in order to make it safer. Certain areas of every home can pause problems and your top priority should be to reduce the […]
Posted inAt Home
Emotionally Preparing Your Children for Back-to-School Season
Between sheltering-in-place, online learning and time away from friends, many children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this fall. Consider these tips from the experts at KinderCare to help you emotionally prepare your children to return to school with confidence, optimism and excitement. Address your feelings (and theirs) Children […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Know Before You Go — Boating Edition
The spectacular vistas, lush forests and scenic waterways are all around us on the West Sound. We are, indeed, fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and we also have incredible outdoor recreational opportunities including boating. If you are heading out to enjoy Puget Sound waterways or on one of our many lakes, there […]
Posted inAuto Talk
How to Buy a Car Virtually
Online car buying has become more popular in recent years, and it may be even more popular right now. Instead of having to go out to visit dealer lots, many car shoppers find it’s easy to look at inventory, set up test drives, secure financing, negotiate price and complete the purchase — all online, from […]
Posted inAt Home
4 Steps for Developing a Thoughtful Estate Plan
Many people may avoid estate planning because they think it can be put off until later in life. But experts agree that adults of any age should have a plan in place to make sure their financial affairs are in order after they pass on or in case they are incapacitated. A complete and thoughtful […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Getting Ready to Drive Again? Check Your Car for These Three Things First
As restrictions are being loosened up on stay-at-home orders, so you may be ready to finally take the family on a road trip or return to work. Since your car may have sat relatively idle over the last few months, the following tips can help ensure your vehicle is ready when you are — while […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Stay Safe on the Water (and Why)
Every year as Father’s Day comes and goes, my thoughts turn to water safety. I think about how so many people’s lives changed on one fateful Father’s Day and how my search and rescue K9 partner Chips and I became part of this story. Sadly, this was not the only time we witnessed a tragedy […]
Posted inAt Home
Can You Still Live on Your Retirement in the Coronavirus Era?
No doubt about it: The market has had a brutal couple of months. It’s upsetting to check your retirement account and see that some sectors are down as much as 40-50 percent. Granted, some weeks of upswings have been a welcome respite — but is the downward pressure over? Is a big rebound coming? Retirees […]