Thursday, June 5, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
"Come on, get HAPPY!"
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
I love radio. Really, I do. But it seems like 4 or 5 times each hour, Pharrell's "Happy" song is on. And every morning I wake up to:
"Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do."
Instead of being annoyed, I decided to embrace the suggestion. What a great song with a positive message! Even at 5:30 in the morning. Who could argue with wanting to be happy? We all go through the highs and lows of life because, well, that's LIFE. But did you know there are ways to improve your level of happiness? Sometimes, the things you do, and the thoughts you cultivate, can lead to a better frame of mind -- or happiness.
Here are a few common-sense tips to help improve your mood or outlook on life:
1) Invest time in your family and friends. Strong ties to family and friends reduce rates of depression, suicide and stress. Better yet, it may even help you live longer!
ACTION: Schedule more time with friends and family for dinners and outings.
2) Find your purpose. Happy people have a reason to get up in the morning, and are able to fuel their passions to help their communities and their personal lives.
ACTION: What makes you happiest? When do you feel your best? What do you want your life to look like in a year . . . 5 years. . . 10 years? Go for it!
3) Get your financial house in order. This is a biggie! And here's where we could really help to get you back on track. First, you should be happy you're a credit union member to begin with :) Next, remember that the happiest people may not be rich, but they have enough money to be comfortable. (Food for thought: If being rich made you happy, there would be no reality TV.)
ACTION: Create a budget and stick to it. Come talk to us about helping you manage your debt better! We're your credit union, and we're here to help.
4) Exercise and eat right. Exercise releases endorphins, the ultimate mood booster. Eating a diet full of veggies, fruit, beans and nuts has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholosterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
ACTION: Take a walk during your lunch break, join a gym or recreational sports team, and BUY healthier food. Stick to it!
Source: New York Times best selling author and National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner, is the author of The Blue Zones and Thrive. He studies happiness and longevity and created a test that measures happiness. Find out more and take the test at bluezones.com.
I love radio. Really, I do. But it seems like 4 or 5 times each hour, Pharrell's "Happy" song is on. And every morning I wake up to:
"Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roofBecause I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do."
Instead of being annoyed, I decided to embrace the suggestion. What a great song with a positive message! Even at 5:30 in the morning. Who could argue with wanting to be happy? We all go through the highs and lows of life because, well, that's LIFE. But did you know there are ways to improve your level of happiness? Sometimes, the things you do, and the thoughts you cultivate, can lead to a better frame of mind -- or happiness.
Here are a few common-sense tips to help improve your mood or outlook on life:
1) Invest time in your family and friends. Strong ties to family and friends reduce rates of depression, suicide and stress. Better yet, it may even help you live longer!
ACTION: Schedule more time with friends and family for dinners and outings.
2) Find your purpose. Happy people have a reason to get up in the morning, and are able to fuel their passions to help their communities and their personal lives.
ACTION: What makes you happiest? When do you feel your best? What do you want your life to look like in a year . . . 5 years. . . 10 years? Go for it!
3) Get your financial house in order. This is a biggie! And here's where we could really help to get you back on track. First, you should be happy you're a credit union member to begin with :) Next, remember that the happiest people may not be rich, but they have enough money to be comfortable. (Food for thought: If being rich made you happy, there would be no reality TV.)
ACTION: Create a budget and stick to it. Come talk to us about helping you manage your debt better! We're your credit union, and we're here to help.
4) Exercise and eat right. Exercise releases endorphins, the ultimate mood booster. Eating a diet full of veggies, fruit, beans and nuts has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholosterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
ACTION: Take a walk during your lunch break, join a gym or recreational sports team, and BUY healthier food. Stick to it!
Source: New York Times best selling author and National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner, is the author of The Blue Zones and Thrive. He studies happiness and longevity and created a test that measures happiness. Find out more and take the test at bluezones.com.
Monday, May 5, 2014
The Future's So Bright . . . I Gotta Wear Shades!"
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
What's that in the sky?? It's the sun!! We thought we'd never see it again, but here it is! Time to break out the shades to protect your eyes. Do you choose a pair of sunglasses because they’re the latest trend? How about to match your favorite outfit? There is a more important factor to consider: your eye health!
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun has been linked to cataracts, retinal problems and cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes. UV light can also burn the eye’s surface. Sunglasses can eliminate your eyes’ exposure to almost all ultraviolet light. With so many styles available in stores, keep these tips in mind when chosing pairs for you and your family:
* Choose sunglasses with lenses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Some labels may read, “UV absorption up to 400 nanometers.” This is the same as 100% ultraviolet protection.
* Choose the right hue. Although colored, polarized and mirrored lenses may offer benefits – reducing the brightness of sun entering your eyes or reducing glare from light bouncing off water or snow – they do not necessarily protect against ultraviolet light. Always look for a label that states the ultraviolet protection level.
* Opt for larger lenses or wraparound styles, protecting your entire eye area and helping to keep light from shining in around the frames.
* Use UV blocking contact lenses or wear sunglasses in addition to your contacts.
* Pick a style and size that fit your face shields your eyes all around the frames. If they slide down your nose, sunlight will shine in through the top and sides.
* Choose a darker lens if you work or play in very bright conditions.
* Spend wisely: Expensive sunglasses do not necessarily mean you’re getting high-quality lenses or UV blockage. Check the quality of a lens by looking at a rectangular pattern,like a tile floor. Cover one eye and hold the glasses away from your face. Move them up and down and side to side. If the straight lines bend and warp, especially in the middle, pick a different pair.
* Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat! The right headgear can significantly reduce UV radiation of the eyes.
So, enjoy the warm weather, sunlight and all. Just be sure to don your shades before venturing out!
For more information about this topic and eye health, go to www.webmd.com.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
April is Financial Literacy Month!
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
Financial education is one of the core values of the Credit Union Movement. Personal financial literacy is more than just being able to balance a checkbook, compare prices or get a job. It also includes skills like long-term vision and planning for the future, and the discipline to use those skills every day.
In the US, we make great efforts to teach children to read and write, but we don't give their financial literacy the same attention. As a result, few young people know how to manage their personal financial lives.
This is a great time to ask yourselves: Am I saving enough money for an emergency fund, or for retirement? Life happens. And you want to be prepared for bumps in the road to avoid financial crisis. We recommend our members save 6-9 months living expenses. That's about the amount of time it could take to get another job if you were to become unemployed.
So, start now and do it regularly. Payroll deduction makes it easy, and you'll be surprised at how fast your money accumulates!
How can you become more financially literate? At Signal Financial, we promote financial literacy in a number of ways: via newsletter articles, links on Facebook to important financial tips, and now our informative blog! We also offer special savings clubs for youth to encourage financial literacy. And, our branch staff is always available to take extra time to answer your specific financial questions.
What else can you do at Signal Financial to improve your financial literacy? Encourage your children to join the credit union ... come talk with Members Financial Services about your retirement plans ... see our branch representatives about refinancing your debt ... and call us with questions about how to get started!
Take charge this month!
Financial education is one of the core values of the Credit Union Movement. Personal financial literacy is more than just being able to balance a checkbook, compare prices or get a job. It also includes skills like long-term vision and planning for the future, and the discipline to use those skills every day.
In the US, we make great efforts to teach children to read and write, but we don't give their financial literacy the same attention. As a result, few young people know how to manage their personal financial lives.
This is a great time to ask yourselves: Am I saving enough money for an emergency fund, or for retirement? Life happens. And you want to be prepared for bumps in the road to avoid financial crisis. We recommend our members save 6-9 months living expenses. That's about the amount of time it could take to get another job if you were to become unemployed.
So, start now and do it regularly. Payroll deduction makes it easy, and you'll be surprised at how fast your money accumulates!
How can you become more financially literate? At Signal Financial, we promote financial literacy in a number of ways: via newsletter articles, links on Facebook to important financial tips, and now our informative blog! We also offer special savings clubs for youth to encourage financial literacy. And, our branch staff is always available to take extra time to answer your specific financial questions.
What else can you do at Signal Financial to improve your financial literacy? Encourage your children to join the credit union ... come talk with Members Financial Services about your retirement plans ... see our branch representatives about refinancing your debt ... and call us with questions about how to get started!
Take charge this month!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Tax Time Tips For Fast Filing
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
Just finishing up taxes? Not to worry! You still have a few weeks until the April 15th deadline, so just take a deep breath, keep plugging along, and above all be careful! Avoid the mad dash to file your taxes, which can lead to errors and missed tax credits or deductions. Our friends at TurboTax have some golden rules to file by, and we’d like to pass them along to all our filers in advance of the big day. They’re simple and sensible. Use some or all, and save time and (hopefully) money!
• Contribute to Retirement Accounts. If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2013, do so by April 15, 2014. To start tax-free compounding as quickly as possible, don’t dawdle in making contributions. (Signal Financial offers several IRA options to meet your individual needs. )
• Itemize your Tax Deductions. It’s easier to take the standard deduction, but you may save a bundle if you itemize, especially if you are self-employed, own a home or live in a high-tax area.
• Don’t shy away from Home Office Tax Deductions. The eligibility rules for claiming a home office deduction have been loosened to allow more filers to claim this break. (See IRS.gov for details.)
• Provide IDs for all dependents. . . or risk being denied tax credits and exemptions.
• File and pay on time. Can’t finish? Then, make sure you file Form 4868 by April 15, 2014, which gives you a six-month extension until October 15, 2014. On the form, you need to make a reasonable estimate of your tax liability for 2013 and pay any balance due with your request. Remember, a delay in filing IS NOT a delay to PAY!! You should attach a check for your estimated obligation.
• File electronically. Especially if you expect a refund; it’s quicker, and the IRS will check that it’s complete. For details on the above and more tips from the people who know taxes, go to www.turbotax.com and click on Tools and Tips.
Just finishing up taxes? Not to worry! You still have a few weeks until the April 15th deadline, so just take a deep breath, keep plugging along, and above all be careful! Avoid the mad dash to file your taxes, which can lead to errors and missed tax credits or deductions. Our friends at TurboTax have some golden rules to file by, and we’d like to pass them along to all our filers in advance of the big day. They’re simple and sensible. Use some or all, and save time and (hopefully) money!
• Contribute to Retirement Accounts. If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2013, do so by April 15, 2014. To start tax-free compounding as quickly as possible, don’t dawdle in making contributions. (Signal Financial offers several IRA options to meet your individual needs. )
• Itemize your Tax Deductions. It’s easier to take the standard deduction, but you may save a bundle if you itemize, especially if you are self-employed, own a home or live in a high-tax area.
• Don’t shy away from Home Office Tax Deductions. The eligibility rules for claiming a home office deduction have been loosened to allow more filers to claim this break. (See IRS.gov for details.)
• Provide IDs for all dependents. . . or risk being denied tax credits and exemptions.
• File and pay on time. Can’t finish? Then, make sure you file Form 4868 by April 15, 2014, which gives you a six-month extension until October 15, 2014. On the form, you need to make a reasonable estimate of your tax liability for 2013 and pay any balance due with your request. Remember, a delay in filing IS NOT a delay to PAY!! You should attach a check for your estimated obligation.
• File electronically. Especially if you expect a refund; it’s quicker, and the IRS will check that it’s complete. For details on the above and more tips from the people who know taxes, go to www.turbotax.com and click on Tools and Tips.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Spring Forward and Feel Better!
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
If you’re feeling sluggish and out of sorts this week, you’re not alone. Blame it on the time change. It’s hard to believe moving the clock one little hour forward can mess things up with your body. Even worse, “spring forward” is harder for your body to adjust to than “fall back.” What can you do about it? According to experts, it’s all about circadian rhythms and getting them back on track. What can you do? Here are a few tips from our friends at the Farmer’s Almanac:
1. Allow sunlight into your room soon after you wake, to help “reset” your circadian rhythm.
2. Don’t drink caffeinated beverages after lunch.
3. Exercise in the morning, afternoon or early evening, but not close to bedtime.
4. Dim the lights indoors, an hour before bedtime. Make your bedroom as dark as possible.
5. Listen to soothing, relaxing music to unwind earlier in the evening.
6. Take a warm soak in the tub before retiring.
7. Sip a warm cup of herbal tea to unwind. Herbal teas are noted to have a calming, relaxing, and stress relieving effect.
8. These natural supplements may help you relax and get to sleep: melatonin, magnesium, and valerian. (We recommend you ask your health professional before trying any of these.)
9. Get a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic patients commonly experience a notable improvement in their quality of sleep. Chiropractic adjustments optimize nervous system function, which regulates your internal, sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm).
Finally, drive with extra caution this week because studies show that traffic accidents rise 11% following the time change!
If you’re feeling sluggish and out of sorts this week, you’re not alone. Blame it on the time change. It’s hard to believe moving the clock one little hour forward can mess things up with your body. Even worse, “spring forward” is harder for your body to adjust to than “fall back.” What can you do about it? According to experts, it’s all about circadian rhythms and getting them back on track. What can you do? Here are a few tips from our friends at the Farmer’s Almanac:
1. Allow sunlight into your room soon after you wake, to help “reset” your circadian rhythm.
2. Don’t drink caffeinated beverages after lunch.
3. Exercise in the morning, afternoon or early evening, but not close to bedtime.
4. Dim the lights indoors, an hour before bedtime. Make your bedroom as dark as possible.
5. Listen to soothing, relaxing music to unwind earlier in the evening.
6. Take a warm soak in the tub before retiring.
7. Sip a warm cup of herbal tea to unwind. Herbal teas are noted to have a calming, relaxing, and stress relieving effect.
8. These natural supplements may help you relax and get to sleep: melatonin, magnesium, and valerian. (We recommend you ask your health professional before trying any of these.)
9. Get a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic patients commonly experience a notable improvement in their quality of sleep. Chiropractic adjustments optimize nervous system function, which regulates your internal, sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm).
Finally, drive with extra caution this week because studies show that traffic accidents rise 11% following the time change!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Keep or Toss? A Quick Guide to De-Cluttering Papers!
by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department
Are you ready to de-clutter? Tax prep time is prime time for tossing old paperwork you no longer need. We all tend to be paper hoarders at times, but even the most diligent record-keeper can get out of control. So, the $64,000 question remains: How do you know what to keep or toss? Here’s a handy guide to get you started:
KEEP UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES OR CAN NO LONGER RETURN OR EXCHANGE
• Sales Receipts: Keep 3 years for tax purposes
KEEP FOR 1 MONTH
• ATM Printouts: Throw out ATM receipts after balancing account
KEEP FOR 1 YEAR (Unless needed for tax purposes and then you need to keep for 3 years.)
• Paycheck Stubs: (Dispose once you have compared to your W2 & annual social security statement)
• Utility Bills: Dispose after one year, unless you’re using these as a deduction like a home office then you need to keep them for 3 years after you’ve filed that tax return.
• Cancelled Checks • Credit Card Receipts • Bank Statements • Quarterly Investment Statements: Hold until you get your annual statement.
KEEP FOR 3 YEARS
• Income Tax Returns: Keep in mind that you can be audited by the IRS for no reason up to three years after a tax return is filed. If you omit 25% of your gross income, that goes up to 6 years; and if you don’t file a tax return at all, there is no statute of limitations.
• Medical Bills and Cancelled Insurance Policies
• Records of Selling a House Documentation for Capital Gains Tax
• Records of Selling a Stock Documentation for Capital Gains Tax
• Receipts, Cancelled Checks and other Documents that Support Income or a Deduction on your Tax Return: Keep 3 years from the date the return was filed or 2 years from the date the tax was paid – whichever is later.
• Annual Investment Statement: Hold onto 3 years after you sell your investment.
KEEP FOR 7 YEARS
• Records of Satisfied Loans • Contracts • Insurance Documents • Stock Certificates • Property Records • Stock Records • Records of Pensions and Retirement Plans • Property Tax Records • Disputed Bills: Keep until the dispute is resolved. • Home Improvement Records: Hold for at least 3 years after the due date for the tax return that includes the income or loss on the asset when it’s sold.
KEEP FOREVER
These documents should be kept in a very safe place, like a safety deposit box.
• Marriage Licenses • Birth Certificates • Wills • Adoption Papers • Death Certificates • Records of Paid Mortgages
Are you ready to de-clutter? Tax prep time is prime time for tossing old paperwork you no longer need. We all tend to be paper hoarders at times, but even the most diligent record-keeper can get out of control. So, the $64,000 question remains: How do you know what to keep or toss? Here’s a handy guide to get you started:
KEEP UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES OR CAN NO LONGER RETURN OR EXCHANGE
• Sales Receipts: Keep 3 years for tax purposes
KEEP FOR 1 MONTH
• ATM Printouts: Throw out ATM receipts after balancing account
KEEP FOR 1 YEAR (Unless needed for tax purposes and then you need to keep for 3 years.)
• Paycheck Stubs: (Dispose once you have compared to your W2 & annual social security statement)
• Utility Bills: Dispose after one year, unless you’re using these as a deduction like a home office then you need to keep them for 3 years after you’ve filed that tax return.
• Cancelled Checks • Credit Card Receipts • Bank Statements • Quarterly Investment Statements: Hold until you get your annual statement.
KEEP FOR 3 YEARS
• Income Tax Returns: Keep in mind that you can be audited by the IRS for no reason up to three years after a tax return is filed. If you omit 25% of your gross income, that goes up to 6 years; and if you don’t file a tax return at all, there is no statute of limitations.
• Medical Bills and Cancelled Insurance Policies
• Records of Selling a House Documentation for Capital Gains Tax
• Records of Selling a Stock Documentation for Capital Gains Tax
• Receipts, Cancelled Checks and other Documents that Support Income or a Deduction on your Tax Return: Keep 3 years from the date the return was filed or 2 years from the date the tax was paid – whichever is later.
• Annual Investment Statement: Hold onto 3 years after you sell your investment.
KEEP FOR 7 YEARS
• Records of Satisfied Loans • Contracts • Insurance Documents • Stock Certificates • Property Records • Stock Records • Records of Pensions and Retirement Plans • Property Tax Records • Disputed Bills: Keep until the dispute is resolved. • Home Improvement Records: Hold for at least 3 years after the due date for the tax return that includes the income or loss on the asset when it’s sold.
KEEP FOREVER
These documents should be kept in a very safe place, like a safety deposit box.
• Marriage Licenses • Birth Certificates • Wills • Adoption Papers • Death Certificates • Records of Paid Mortgages
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