Medicare can be very confusing. Plan types, names and acronyms make for a labyrinth of terminology. Here are some simple definitions that may help make sense of Medicare coverage. Traditional Medicare: This is the federal program that includes Medicare Part A and Part B. Most people start here at age 65, unless they have group… Read more »

When I was a kid, I loved our annual block party; lots of food, fun and games. Some years multiple blocks would participate. One year we had a huge scavenger hunt where each family had a set of clues for the items to collect. The clues were extremely sophisticated, puzzle-type questions that needed to be… Read more »

Many years ago, I received a $30,000 tax bill from the state. I was a freshman in college and the world wide web had yet to be launched for public use. After several long calls to the state, it was determined that my social security number had been compromised. Fortunately, I was not held responsible… Read more »

As one of the first do-it-yourself (DIY) shows over 40 years ago, “This Old House” focused on home renovations and improvements. Today, there are dozens of DIY shows and dedicated networks to watch renovations and new home construction. One constant in every show, whether a home is being modernized or built from scratch, is that… Read more »

Most everyone knows the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” If that’s the case, then what is a video worth? The value of video, when used in marketing efforts, can be worth a whole lot more, especially to your bottom line.    No matter what business you are in, videos should be a… Read more »

What once seemed an impossible dream— Coachella Valley students making their way into medical school— may soon become a regular reality thanks in part to efforts of OneFuture Coachella Valley’s Physician Assistant Pipeline Alignment Team. The team recently launched with leadership from UC Davis, USC, and local physician assistant (PA) professionals to prepare students to… Read more »

With all the beautiful music in the world, it’s hard to believe there are only seven letters in the musical alphabet. Of course, there are many different variations with sharps, flats, cord combinations and timing that create the sounds we enjoy.  Similar to diversifying your investment portfolio, one note or cord a song does not… Read more »

Recently, the Women’s Advisory Institute at Beacon Pointe Advisors hosted an event discussing anxiety among our children and the challenges this past year has presented.  As we embark on another school year, we thought it was important to keep the conversation going.   Anxiety and mental health issues occur at all ages, whether it’s a… Read more »

As we’ve seen the rise of inflation thus far in 2021, it is important to understand the different types of inflation to assess if there is a need for concern. Inflation An increase in the price of goods and services within the economy. The cost of a specific product or service may inflate due to… Read more »

Marriage is an exciting time in one’s life. Planning for a wedding entails a lot of time and effort, regardless of the size of the celebration. Nowadays, there are many layers to consider when contemplating those nuptials. Where will you live? Do you want kids? Are you marrying into an instant family?  Ask yourself if… Read more »

Hello, 2021! Boy, are we glad to see you. However, with an unbelievable year behind us, many are still faced with the repercussions of the extraordinary events in 2020; pointedly, the need for families to move in together. Whether you are a recent college graduate or a full household, moving home takes on a whole… Read more »

In researching my book, Leaving Life, I discovered that the lack of proper estate planning is somewhat of an epidemic within the baby-boomer generation. The result of not preparing a proper will or living trust can lead to heirs, partners and children fighting over assets or possessions. Irreparable relationships are often the byproduct of settling… Read more »

I often get questions on ROTH contributions and how they work, who they work for, and which is better to contribute to – a traditional or ROTH IRA. There is a lot to be said about ROTHs. Below is a brief summary. Named after former Delaware Senator William Roth Jr., the ROTH IRA was established… Read more »

When looking back at the roaring ‘20s I think of flappers, jazz music and prohibition. However, it was a time of social and political change, defiance and the great stock market crash. Sound familiar?  We’re barely in the first year of a new decade and it’s already lived up to the name of Roaring 20… Read more »

These are some crazy times. Many of us are not only feeling the stress physically but also financially. The good news is there is financial help out there. Here are some helpful tips to consider: Paying rent. If you are a renter and have lost your job or cannot work for health reasons, call or… Read more »

The Event. Recently, our family adopted another dog and I was excited for a potential running buddy. I knew Jack would need a little training and guidance, but this guy was made to be a running companion. In the beginning, we took him out for walks around the neighborhood, so he could get comfortable with… Read more »

As an employer or resident of the Coachella Valley are you invested in developing your future workforce and our students’ future? If so, I invite you to join with me. As the co-chair for OneFuture Coachella Valley’s Business Engagement Committee, I am pleased to share that we are creating a strategic path to provide local… Read more »

The year is 2020 and I’m on an island called Pandemic. The plan was to relax and enjoy the spring while preparing for the summer surf season. As I look out to sea, the series of waves catches my attention. There is a calming element to watching the tide go in and out. Depending on… Read more »

With our nation in a retirement savings crisis, California has joined seven other states in implementing a savings plan for employees: the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program.  It is a state-run retirement plan for all companies that do not offer an employee-sponsored plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), SEP, SIMPLE or Payroll Deduction IRA with automatic… Read more »