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If you’re just beginning your career,
what are your financial priorities?
You might have student loans to deal with. And
you may even be thinking about saving for a down payment on a house. These are
certainly significant issues, and yet, you shouldn’t ignore your long-term
goals, such as retirement — which is why you may want to get started as an
investor.
And
as you invest, consider these suggestions:
1.
Take advantage of your opportunities.
Even while addressing your other concerns, such as loan payments, you may well
have space in your life to invest — if you take advantage of the opportunities
presented to you. For example, if you work for a business that offers a 401(k)
or other retirement plan, try to put in as much as you can afford, or at least
enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. And
you may find that contributing to a traditional 401(k) or similar plan is more
affordable than you think, as your contributions may be deductible, lowering
your taxable income.
2. Think long-term. Some people make the mistake of seeking short-term gains by trying to “time” the market — that is, they try to “buy low and sell high.” While this is a great strategy in theory, it’s almost impossible to follow, as no one can really predict market highs and lows. The most successful investors follow a long-term strategy and don’t jump in and out of the market.
3.
Know your risk tolerance. Your investment choices should be based
partially on your risk tolerance. Typically, the more investment risk you take
on, the greater the potential reward, but it works the other way, too — riskier
investments can result in greater losses, at least in the short term. You need
to find a risk level with which you are comfortable. Also, your risk tolerance
can change over time — when you get close to retirement, for instance, you
might want to invest more conservatively than you did when you still had
decades ahead of you in the working world.
4.
Diversify your investments. The financial markets affect
different investments in different ways, which means that, at any given time,
some investments will perform better than others. But if you only owned one
type of investment or asset class, your portfolio could suffer if a market
downturn had a particularly strong effect on that investment or asset. By
spreading your investment dollars among a range of investments, you’ll have
more opportunities for success, and you can help reduce the effects of market
volatility on your holdings. Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by
itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.
5.
Prepare for the unexpected. You don’t always know when you’ll face a
large expense, such as a medical bill or a major home repair. If you’re not
prepared, you could be forced to dip into your long-term investments, such as
your 401(k), to pay for these costs. To help avoid this problem, you may want
to take steps such as keeping a cushion of cash in your portfolio and building
an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the
money kept in a liquid account.
By
putting these moves to work, you can help yourself make progress on an
investment journey that could last a lifetime.
Chad Choate III, AAMS
828 3rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-462-2445
chad.chaote@edwardjones.com
This article was written by Edward
Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
How Transition Solutions Makes Senior Moving Easier:Making the decision for a loved one to move into a senior housing community can be both emotional and overwhelming. Families want to ensure their parents or relatives are comfortable, safe, and surrounded by familiar comforts, but the logistics of moving, downsizing, and storing belongings can feel daunting. Thats where Transition Solutions of Mobile, Alabama steps in. As a trusted moving and storage company specializing in lifes key changes, Transition Solutions helps families manage every detail of the moveso their loved one can feel at home right away, and cherished possessions are safely stored for the future.A Mission of Care and ComfortTransition Solutions was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to ease your transition by offering seamless, stress-free services and making your new location feel just like home. Every family and every move is unique, especially when it comes to transitioning into senior housing. Thats why the company offers customized services that go far beyond basic moving.By providing planning, packing, transporting, downsizing, and storage, Transition Solutions becomes more than just movers. They become partners in one of the most important journeys your family will make.Personalized Planning for Peace of MindThe first step of any successful move is planningand Transition Solutions knows how critical this stage is when helping older adults relocate. Families are guided through the entire process step by step, from scheduling the move to making item-by-item considerations. This personalized support helps ease the stress that can come with deciding what to bring to a smaller living space and what should be stored for safekeeping.For seniors, letting go of belongings can be especially emotional. Transition Solutions helps by approaching each decision with compassion and patience, ensuring that every item is given thoughtful consideration.Packing With CareOne of the greatest reliefs families feel is knowing that professional movers and not busy friends and family are handling the heavy lifting. Transition Solutions offers packing services complete with supplies and labor, bundling everything for convenience. Every item is packed with care, from fragile keepsakes to furniture, so families can focus on spending quality time with their loved one instead of taping boxes.Safe and Reliable TransportationOnce everything is packed, Transition Solutions takes responsibility for transporting belongings safely and securely. Their certified trucks are equipped for both local and long-distance moves, meaning families dont have to worry about logistics if a senior housing community is outside Mobile, or if theyre moving in from across the county. The team treats every belonging as if it were their own, ensuring safe handling during loading, transportation, and unloading.Making the New Space Feel Like HomeOne of the unique ways Transition Solutions goes above and beyond is with their decorating services. Moving into senior housing isnt just about relocating furniture, its about creating an environment that feels familiar and comforting.Transition Solutions coordinates everything from furniture arrangements to hanging pictures on the walls. They can recreate the feel of a loved ones former home or adapt their treasured belongings to fit the new space in a way that still reflects their personality. For seniors, these thoughtful touches can ease the emotional stress of moving and make the transition smoother.Downsizing and DeclutteringFor many families, moving into senior housing also means downsizing. Larger homes often hold decades of memories and belongings, making it difficult to know what to keep and what to let go of. Transition Solutions brings experience and compassion to this process.They assist with decluttering and removing unnecessary items, helping families prioritize whats most important. But downsizing doesnt mean saying goodbye forever. Items that arent needed right away can be safely stored or warehoused for later. This balance allows seniors to simplify their space without feeling like theyve lost touch with their past.Storage and Warehousing OptionsTransition Solutions also offers one of the best storage solutions in Mobile, Alabama. With over 1,500 units across four facilities, families can choose the storage option that fits their needs. Self-storage units provide secure, unmanned access for families who want to manage belongings themselves. Company-controlled warehousing adds another layer of convenience, allowing Transition Solutions to store, manage, and even re-deliver items when needed.This flexibility ensures that cherished possessionsfrom heirloom furniture to photo albumsare preserved until the family is ready to use them again.A Local Company With a Personal TouchIn an age where many moving companies are large national chains, Transition Solutions is proud to be a local Mobile-based business. Families who choose them arent just hiring moverstheyre supporting a small business that understands the needs of the local community. By shopping small and choosing local, families benefit from a personal touch and genuine care that larger companies often cant provide.Supporting Families Through Lifes ChangesEvery family experiences key moments of transition while some are joyful, some are bittersweet. Moving a loved one into senior housing is one of those times when support matters most. Transition Solutions of Mobile, Alabama, provides more than moving and storage services, they provide peace of mind.From carefully packing cherished belongings, to thoughtfully decorating a new home, to offering secure storage for items that arent ready to be parted with, Transition Solutions ensures that seniors and their families can focus on what matters most: settling into this new chapter with comfort, dignity, and love.After a loved one has passed, Transition Solutions is ready to assist with the sensitive removal of their personal effects. This important step allows families the time and freedom to focus on honoring their loved one and handling all necessary post-life services with dignity.In lifes key transitions, you dont have to do it alone. Transition Solutions is here to help your family every step of the way. To learn more about Transition Solutions senior moving and storage services, contact their director of operations at 251-377-9048 today and discover how they can help your loved one transition with ease.
For many older adults in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and Teller County, the idea of moving can feel overwhelming. A home is often filled with memories, belongings collected over decades, and the comfort of familiarity. Yet life has a way of nudging us toward new chapterswhether that means downsizing, relocating closer to family, or preparing for a transition into assisted living.Thats where Shari Hall comes in. Known as a concierge realtor with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, Shari has built her career around helping seniors navigate not just the logistics of buying and selling real estate, but the emotional and practical aspects of moving as well. Her motto is simple but powerful: Experience makes a difference, and heart makes a way.A Realtor Who Understands SeniorsWhat sets Shari apart isnt just her years in the real estate market, but her background in senior living. That experience has given her insight into the challenges older adults face when considering a move. She understands that decisions about downsizing, relocation, estate clean-outs, or home selling arent just financialtheyre deeply personal.With her SRES designation, Shari is uniquely qualified to guide seniors and their families through every step of the process. From preparing a property for the MLS listing with staging and repair programs to arranging mobile closings for convenience, she provides a full-service approach designed to make transitions easier.Concierge Services Beyond Real EstateSharis role goes far beyond that of a traditional realtor. She offers concierge-level services that address the broader needs of seniors during major life changes. This may include connecting clients with move management experts, professional organizers, or trusted partners for estate sales and estate clean-outs.Her clients often benefit from additional resources like: Repair and staging programs to maximize home value Move management services to ease the stress of relocating Organizing services to help simplify the downsizing process Concierge services that coordinate everything from contractors to cleaning crews By offering more than real estate expertise, Shari ensures her clients feel supported in both the big decisions and the small details.Serving Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and Teller CountySharis knowledge of the Colorado Springs area gives her clients an advantage when exploring housing options. Whether the goal is to find a low-maintenance condo, purchase a single-family home, invest in a multi-family property, or explore land acquisitions, she tailors her approach to meet each clients needs.Her services also extend to families managing a parents estate, younger buyers seeking their first home, or those exploring lease-to-own opportunities. While seniors remain her specialty, her deep understanding of the market allows her to serve all generations with confidence.Real Estate with HeartAt the core of Sharis work is compassion. She knows that leaving a home is rarely just about financesits about memories, routines, and comfort. Thats why she approaches each client with patience and empathy, walking them through the process at their pace.Clients often remark that her ability to combine professionalism with a personal touch makes the difference. She listens, provides guidance, and helps remove the stress from what can be a difficult time.Helping Seniors Transition SmoothlyRelocating later in life doesnt have to be overwhelming. With Sharis guidance, seniors can move into their next chapter with peace of mind. Whether the transition involves downsizing to a smaller home, moving into assisted living, or exploring housing alternatives, she provides clarity and reassurance every step of the way.Her ultimate goal is simple: to make sure seniors and their families feel supported, informed, and confident in their real estate decisions.Experience and Heart in ActionFrom MLS listings and mobile closings to distressed properties, real estate acquisitions, and even estate clean-outs, Sharis concierge services touch every corner of the process. She is more than just a realtorshes a trusted partner during one of lifes most important transitions.For seniors in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and Teller County, that kind of support can make all the difference.Moving Forward with ConfidenceIf you or a loved one are considering a move, downsizing, or exploring senior housing alternatives, Shari Hall is ready to help. With her combination of professional expertise and compassionate service, she ensures that every transition is handled with care.Because when it comes to real estate, experience makes a differenceand heart makes a way. Call Shari today to discuss your specific situation and discover how a concierge realtor for seniors can make your move smoother, simpler, and more successful.
America is aging. By 2050, the population of adults 65 and older is expected to rise by nearly 50%, according to the Population Reference Bureau. That shift brings new challenges for healthcare systems. At Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, challenges are being met with the new Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit.The unit cares for patients 70 and older who are vulnerable to setbacks during hospital stays. Instead of treating only a diagnosis, this care model focuses on the whole person.This unit is about understanding the unique vulnerabilities of older patients and creating a care environment that supports their best possible recovery, explained Mary Cisneros, RN, ACE project manager.The goal is simple: Help seniors leave the hospital stronger, healthier, and better prepared to return home.Daily at 10:30 a.m., a team of nurses, therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and case managers reviews each patients progress. The team asks questions like: Is the patient eating and drinking enough? How well are they moving? Are they alert and thinking clearly? This collaborative approach ensures no detail is overlooked and care is individualized.One feature is an emphasis on mobility. Each patient works with a mobility technician who helps them stay active safely during their stay.According to Cisneros, encouraging movement leads to fewer falls; lower risk of pressure injuries; reduced delirium; and better functional independence.A short period of immobility can cause significant decline for older adults. The ACE program helps prevent that by prioritizing daily movement. Patients are then less likely to need a stay at a rehab or long-term care site.Our caregivers are deeply invested in this work. They feel called to care for older adults, and that connection makes a real difference, said McManus, a leader on the ACE team. The ACE unit also integrates social engagement. Good Samaritan volunteers join patients in twice-daily activities such as puzzles, art projects, music, and group walks.