Carrying the Torch for Retirement Security
I love everything about the Olympics, in particular what it showcases – sportsmanship, patriotism, and uncompromising dedication. I can’t help being inspired by the countless examples of focus,...
View ArticleA Little Savings Goes a Long Way
It’s your money. You work hard and I’m not here to tell you how to spend it. But I am here to suggest some small changes that could, over time, increase your savings by tens, even hundreds of thousands...
View ArticleYour Finances: The Hardest Question of All
Just like exercising and eating right, keeping financially fit takes work. Keeping track of the investments in your portfolio, setting aside money for taxes and planning for the future can take a...
View ArticleLook! A Pool!
A friend had the opportunity in high school to go to Colorado for a few days of hiking and camping (big yellow bus, 20 of his closest friends). He shared with a certain pride the number of tables he...
View ArticleMight be new to blogging, but I’m totally TRUSTworthy
My name is Jonathan Kelly, and I’d like to start by introducing myself. I have nearly 20 years of experience working in Trust Services, with the last year and half at the Principal Financial Group®. In...
View ArticleBuilding Blocks
Thank you for taking a minute to read the first in a series of blog entries from our team! Let me start by introducing my role and then provide you with some background on myself. As Regional Vice...
View ArticleLearning BOES from a “BOES-O”
Maybe you can’t kid a kidder. But I’m hoping you can learn a bit about BOES from a “BOES-O”. I’m one of our Business, Owner and Executive Solutions (BOES) Regional Vice Presidents on the Individual...
View ArticleDon’t hit the slopes of financial services alone
For several years, I had the privilege of being a member of the National Ski Patrol. I met hundreds of skiers with experience that ranged from beginners who needed help putting on the equipment to...
View ArticleWhat Ironman Taught Me: Anything is Possible
Growing up in Maine I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and staying active, continually looking for ways to challenge myself. In my spare time I like to hike, bike and run to stay in shape. Although I...
View ArticleWhat are you doing to protect your retirement savings?
For the first 26 of my 28 years in the financial services industry, I focused on helping individuals save for retirement. Two years ago, I was introduced to the income protection industry. I quickly...
View ArticleBlack Friday, Blue Retirements and America Saves Week
We’ve got Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Super Saturday. Throughout the year, we’ve got birthdays and anniversaries and graduations, and of course, the basic needs of daily living. For 2014, the...
View ArticleThe Road to Marathon: Smoothing the Path to Retirement Security
Today is the 119th running of the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon and arguably the world’s best known road race. Boston’s allure? Besides being in the city of Boston, it’s the only...
View ArticleFinancial Planning for Young Professionals
As a young professional, there are strategies that you can employ to achieve your short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals. Try these 10 simple action items that can accelerate your progress...
View ArticleAre You Protecting Your Biggest Asset with Disability Insurance?
Retirement savings. College savings. Estate planning. Those are the three topics that most of my clients are willing to discuss with me. These things aren’t necessarily enjoyable to discuss, but most...
View ArticleDefined Contribution Plans – Different, but Full of Opportunity
“If you do not save for retirement, no one is going to do it for you” – This is what I tell 401(k) plan participants when I present at employee educational meetings. We are in an era when most...
View ArticleThe Earlier You Retire, The Longer You Are Retired
I enjoy talking about retirement planning. Retirement is the ultimate goal for most people. They can retire from their career, spend time with loved ones, travel, and maybe even throw away their alarm...
View ArticleRetirement Wants (all the bacon!) vs. Retirement Needs (floor strategy)
Have you ever taken a moment to envision what your dream retirement would look like? (If not, I highly encourage you to take the next 60 seconds to think about it, or take this fun quiz!) I recently...
View ArticleImplement Financial Recommendations that are based on your Specific Objectives
Anyone who has gotten married or gone to a gym knows that others enjoy providing unsolicited advice. And the majority of their advice is based on what worked for them, and not necessarily what is best...
View ArticleDon’t Blame the Turkey – 5 Tips You Can Use Now to Start the New Year Right
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like we bypassed Halloween and Thanksgiving and went straight to Christmas? I kid you not, winter holiday decorations began emerging in malls, towns and stores...
View ArticleWhat New Year’s Resolution Do You Prefer: An Hour at the Gym Every Day or an...
So there I was, 6 p.m. at the gym, exactly one week after Thanksgiving. The place is buzzing. Sweat and calories flying in every direction. Up-beat music, excitement, hope, determination and people...
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