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 »

Ringing in the New Year always sparks reflection on a new beginning and enthusiastic goals for the year ahead. Whether it be personal growth, must do experiences, or starting a new way of eating, we plan by jotting it down on paper, making a visual board, or telling someone our desires to be held accountable.… Read more »

‘Tis the season…to eat pie! With the holidays around the corner, many of us will forego our diets and allow ourselves to enjoy the season baking our favorite desserts to share with family and friends or enjoy the benefits of the enthusiastic chefs in the group.  As a seasonal baker, I reflected on the time… Read more »

It’s back to school time again and excitement is in the air for students and parents. Whether the kids are starting kindergarten, heading off to college, or somewhere in between, for many of us, this means long lists of school supplies, new clothes, new backpacks, and a drained wallet.  Nevertheless, it’s a great time to… Read more »

Voluntourism, or traveling to a destination to contribute your time and skills to the local community, is one of the fastest growing travel trends globally. The grassroots effort started in the 1990s and is now a bucket list item for travelers of all ages. A 2008 study estimated that 1.6 million people volunteer on vacation… Read more »

I have a close friend, Charity. I like Charity. She’s one of those friends who always makes you feel good about yourself. Unfortunately, as with most friends, finding time to spend together presents challenges. We are busy with work, family, and other commitments. Sometimes, months go by without ever connecting. Like a true friend, however,… Read more »

In June, HARC hosted the 4th Annual Coachella Valley Workplace Wellness Awards recognizing local businesses that prioritize employee health and wellness. The event took place at the Classic Club in Palm Desert and brought together a variety of organizations which recognize that having a healthy workforce is key to a healthy and thriving business. Winners… Read more »

Once upon a time there were 3 little pigs that wanted to buy a house. Each of them had their own ideas on where they wanted to live so they each went off to find a home. House of Straw. The first little pig met with a lender and to its surprise could qualify for… Read more »

A few years back I took on the challenge to hike and summit Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in California at 14, 505 feet. For weeks I hiked, ran, and did whatever I thought was necessary to physically prepare for the event–not to mention practicing carrying a 35-pound backpack with all the necessities. In reflecting… Read more »

In ancient India, thousands of years ago, temples and houses were often constructed using very specific building codes written in texts called Vaastu Shastras. This code was a combination of strict rules governing mathematics, proportion and geometry on how a structure must be built. When a building is designed using these rules it vibrates with… Read more »

Learning how to play the game of golf can be very challenging. The terminology alone is a hurdle in itself: bogey, eagle, mulligan, shank, fried egg! Seriously, was this originally an initiation into a secret society? Nonetheless, those who play are passionate about the game. Understandably so. You spend a good part of the day… Read more »

Remember the famous fable The Hare and the Tortoise? Spoiler Alert: The tortoise ends ups winning the race. That story always comes to mind when speaking with individuals about saving for retirement. The tortoise looked at the race as a marathon – maintained a steady pace, kept his eye on the finish line, didn’t deviate… Read more »