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If youre a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your children succeed in life. Therefore, you might think that one of the best things you can do is to save for your childrens college education. And this is certainly admirable, but could it conflict with your ability to prepare for another key goal your own retirement?Of course, this would not be a problem if you had unlimited means, but most of us dont fall into that category. So, given the financial resources and income you do have, how should you approach the college-versus-retirement issue?Fortunately, its not necessarily an either-or scenario. However, it may make sense to prioritize saving for retirement over college, for two reasons.First, your children have a lot more time to pay for college than you have to save for retirement. In addition to any grants or scholarships your children may receive, they might need to take out loans. While its a good idea to keep this debt load as manageable as possible, its also true that most student loans can be repaid over a long period of time.And heres the second point: One of the best gifts you can give your children is to be self-sufficient in your retirement. You could easily spend two, or even three, decades as a retiree, so you will need to build considerable financial resources to pay for all those years. Your adult children will have their own financial needs to address, so youll be doing them a great favor by relieving them of any financial responsibilities on your behalf. Taking these factors into account, you may want to direct most of your saving and investing efforts toward achieving a comfortable retirement. Consequently, think about putting away as much as you can afford into your IRA and 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. Even with this focus on retirement, though, you may find opportunities to save and invest for your childrens education. For example, if you receive bonuses or income tax refunds, or your salary goes up, or youre able to free up money from your budget by reducing your debts, you could use these funds to invest in an education savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. When you invest in a 529 plan, your earnings and withdrawals are federally tax free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses such as tuition, room and board, books, and computers. Depending on where you live, you may also get some state tax benefits from your 529 plan. And a 529 plan isnt just for college it can be used for K-12 private school tuition costs, plus expenses from qualified apprenticeship programs, such as those found at trade schools eligible for Title IV federal student aid.It might not be easy to save and invest consistently for your retirement and your childrens education. But both goals are worthy after all, retirement can last a long time and college is expensive. So, try to develop a financial strategy that can allow you to make progress in both areas your efforts may well be rewarded.             Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.   

As we age, our homes often become a reflection of our life experiences, filled with memories of cherished moments with family and friends. However, as needs change, its important to ensure that these spaces remain warm, welcoming, and safe. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a living environment that promotes comfort, independence, and connection. Creating a heartwarming space for seniors not only enhances their quality of life but also preserves their dignity and fosters a sense of belonging. In this blog, well explore practical tips and creative ideas that can help transform a seniors home into a haven of warmth and welcoming vibes.Understanding the Unique Needs of SeniorsCreating a welcoming space for seniors involves more than just aesthetics; its about addressing their unique needs with sensitivity and care. Here are some factors to consider:Embracing Comfort and AccessibilitySafety First: As we age, mobility can become an issue. When designing a welcoming senior space, prioritize safety by ensuring that areas are well-lit, free from clutter, and equipped with handrails or grab bars where necessary. Simple adjustments like removing throw rugs can significantly reduce the risk of falls.Comfortable Furnishings: Choosing the right furniture is essential. Opt for comfortable chairs and sofas with good back support. Furniture should be ergonomic and at a height that makes sitting down and standing up easy. Fabrics should be soft and inviting, encouraging relaxation while adding a personal touch.Accessible Layout: The layout of a home plays a crucial role in how easily seniors can move around. Ensure pathways are clear and wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Consider rearranging furniture to create open spaces that invite easy movement.Adding Personal TouchesMemory Lane: Infusing personal memories into the decor can help seniors feel more at home. Display family photos, mementos from travels, or artwork created by loved ones. Creating a gallery wall or a memory corner can evoke cherished memories, allowing for moments of reflection and connection.Create a Cozy Nook: Designing a special reading corner or a cozy nook can encourage relaxation and leisure. Include a comfortable chair, a soft throw blanket, and good lighting. This space can become a go-to spot for reading, reminiscing, or simply enjoying the view outside.Natures Embrace: Incorporate plants and nature into the space. Indoor plants not only purify the air but also add life and vitality to a room. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, which require little care but bring a sense of tranquility. A little garden nook or even a few herbs on the windowsill can do wonders for the spirit.Practical Tips for a Warm EnvironmentNow that we understand the emotional and functional aspects of senior spaces, lets dive into practical tips that transform any home into a warm, welcoming retreat. Step 1: Declutter with PurposeStart Small: Tackling clutter can be overwhelming, especially for seniors who have lived in the same space for many years. Begin with one area, such as a kitchen drawer or a single room. Break the task down into manageable steps.Decision-Making Approach: Help seniors decide what to keep, donate, or discard based on usefulness and sentiment. Encourage them to focus on items that bring them joy or serve a purpose. This process can also spark meaningful conversations that lend themselves to reminiscing.Step 2: Organize with IntentionMake it Accessible: Organize items by frequency of use. Place everyday essentials within easy reach and consider using clear containers to make finding items effortless. Labeling bins and shelves can also provide clarity and foster independence.Involve Family: Encourage family members to participate in the organization process. This creates an opportunity for connection and engagement, easing any feelings of loneliness seniors may feel.Step 3: Personalize the AtmosphereScent and Sound: The senses play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment. Consider introducing soft music that the senior enjoys or aromatherapy with soothing scents to create a calming atmosphere.Color Palette: Choose warm, inviting colors for walls and decor. Soft blues, gentle greens, and warm yellows are known to create a peaceful ambiance. Avoid harsh contrasts; instead, opt for complementary hues that promote serenity.Step 4: Foster Community ConnectionsShared Spaces: If the senior lives with family, designate shared spaces that encourage interaction, such as a cozy dining area or a warm living room. This creates opportunities for gatherings, fostering conversation and connection.Engage with the Outside World: Ensure that the living space feels connected to the outside world. Large windows that frame a garden view or easy access to outdoor seating can promote feelings of openness and connection to nature.Conclusion: Creating a Heartfelt Space for Our SeniorsAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a home that feels like a warm embracea space that honors their past and supports their present. By focusing on safety, accessibility, and personalization, we can create environments that not only meet their physical needs but also nourish their emotional well-being. If youre looking to create or enhance a seniors space, let us guide you in this meaningful journey. Together, we can transform their home into a haven of comfort and love, ensuring that it remains the heart of their cherished memories and an inviting space for family and friends. Contact us today to learn how we can help make that transition beautiful and seamless.

 With the presidential election just a few weeks away, the public is naturally interested in not just the outcome but what the results will mean for issues of national importance. As a citizen, you likely share these concerns but how about as an investor? After the votes are counted or even before should you make some moves in anticipation of possible changes in policy?  Lets look at the big picture first, through the lens of history. The financial markets have performed well and at times, not so well under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. And the same is true about which party controlled Congress.While it might be an overstatement to say that decisions made in Washington have no effect on the markets, its not always so easy to draw a direct line between what happens there and how the markets perform. For one thing, political candidates often make promises that are not fulfilled, or, if they are, have different results than intended. Also, other institutions can have a significant impact on the markets. For example, the Federal Reserve, which controls short-term interest rates, can certainly affect many market sectors. And there will always be external events, such as foreign conflicts and even natural disasters, that can make short-term impacts on the investment world.So, rather than making changes to your portfolio in anticipation of what might happen if certain candidates get elected, or even in response to actual policy changes, look to other factors to drive your investment decisions. These factors should include the following: Your goals You probably have short- and long-term goals youd like to achieve. For your short-term goals, such as a wedding, a down payment on a house or a long vacation, you may want to invest in instruments that provide stability of principal. For your long-term goals, most important of which may be a comfortable retirement, you'll need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments.            Your risk tolerance When you build and maintain your investment portfolio, you'll need to accommodate your individual risk tolerance. All investments carry some type of risk, but you need to be comfortable with the overall risk level of your investments.            Your time horizon Where you are in life is an important consideration when investing. When you are young and just starting out in your career, you may be able to focus more on growth, as you have time to overcome the inevitable short-term market downturns. But as you near retirement, you may want to consolidate any gains you may have achieved, and lower your risk level, by moving your portfolio toward a somewhat more conservative approach. Even in retirement, though, you will need some growth potential to stay ahead of inflation.            Your needs for liquidity As you invest, youll need to maintain an adequate amount of cash and cash equivalents in your holdings. Without this liquidity, you might be forced to sell long-term investments in case you have unexpected expenses.             In any case, when it comes to investing, you may want to pay less attention to what names are on the ballot and instead vote for the longer-term strategies that reflect your needs and goals.   Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL  34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com                                                                                                                                           This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.