In the wake of the unfathomable tragedy at Sandy Hook School Friday, people all over the world have been aching to do something, anything to help. The following are a few organizations that are accepting donations for the community:

The United Way has set up the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

“United Way extends our most sincere condolences and prayers to all those families affected by the devastating events in Newtown/Sandy Hook, Connecticut. While the eyes of the world may be on Newtown/Sandy Hook, to several staff, volunteers and contributors, Newtown is home. We will stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event as we face the days and weeks ahead,” the United Way of Western Connecticut’s Web site says.

Check donations may be mailed to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

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Most purchases can make us feel good – for a while, and then those warm fuzzies go away. Splurging has an important part in our lives.  The right type of splurge can bring us happiness and keep us motivated.  An indulgence now and again makes it easier to stay on course.  Here is the wrong way to splurge:

   On impulse:  often we regret unplanned binge spending.

   In Fear:  Hype can go a long way to make us spend; think of beanie babies. You know, you did not want your kid to miss out.

   Habitually:  Do you always buy name brands?  Do you always have to have the latest and greatest?  Sometimes the stores’ brand is better economically and waiting a bit can get you the latest at a better price.

Plan for your splurges.  Pick that item that you really can’t live without and save for it.  Who knows, while you are saving it may go on sale.

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Last Friday we participated in a retreat where we were asked where our families came from and what lessons did we learn. Many of us are first generation Americans with families hailing from all over Europe and many different religions.

In my family, I am 3rd generation American on my Father’s side and 1st generation on my Mother’s side. My Father’s family is from Germany, my Mother’s from Russia. Both sides left their respective countries due to religious persecution and both families became self-employed when they came to North America. My Father’s family immigrated to Tennessee and my Mother’s came to the U.S. by way of Canada when she was in elementary school. For both sides of my family, to be an American was the ultimate dream.

What I learned from them is that no matter what your religion or country of origin – we are Americans. Having a strong sense of heritage is important but first and foremost, we are Americans. As Americans, we work hard and we do not expect anything to be given to us but we do give back to our community. Love of family and country and the freedom to pursue our dreams is what we have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours.

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The election of 2012 is over. Whether or not you are happy with the outcome, this is what we have for the next four years. I woke up a 1:45, turned on the TV, and listened to President Obama’s speech. The tone was one of conciliation. The electorate had a 1% difference and the House & Senate remain the same. We can hope for compromise and a move to the center.

With that being said, what is important to me is your retirement, your kid’s college funds, and your general investments. We need to make sure that your portfolios can ebb and flow with the changes due to come. My biggest concerns lie with the changes to our tax system. I do not know how much things will change; I do feel strongly that the increase will be significant. We can deal with those changes. Your portfolio and your investing needs are managed and re-balanced for your comfort and success.

Keep this in mind; if you are in your late 50’s – early 60’s you have at least another 30+ years to live. That is almost 8 more Presidential elections in your lifetime. Take a breath and know that the partnership we have formed to manage your investments will prevail.

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Q: I work part time, my home is free and clear and I would like to downsize. If I sold the home today I could get $360,000. I would like to spend no more than $160,000 on a smaller home, should I pay cash for the next home?

A: Having a mortgage free home is the desire of many retirees. If you spend $160,000 on the new home that will leave you with a nice nest egg from the sale of your current home. If you were to need more cash, you can always look into a reverse mortgage after age 62 on your new home. I say – pay cash!

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As Floridians, we have lived through many hurricanes. I think that we are generally better prepared than those who are now suffering in the Northeast. Hurricane Sandy has devastated many people and now is the time for us to offer our prayers and help.

Please review this link and help as you can. I searched many sites to find one that I felt would provide the most help to those in need. May G-d bless them and you.

http://www.foodbanknyc.org

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