Happiness

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Spending money wisely can make you happier

Spending money wisely can make you happier 2560 1707 Donna Skeels Cygan

Can money buy happiness? My view focuses on semantics, and specifically the word “buy.” I’ve known many people with enormous amounts of money who are very unhappy, so I don’t…

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Cathryn Cunningham/Albuquerque Journal

The Power of Consistency

The Power of Consistency 1000 836 Donna Skeels Cygan

Bite-Size Strategy Can Help You Achieve Financial Security Creating new, positive habits requires consistency and repetition. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, provides many strategies for making new habits “stick.” One…

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Ditch the Budget in 2023

Ditch the Budget in 2023 1000 776 Donna Skeels Cygan

Illustration by Cathryn Cunningham/ Albuquerque Journal Many people are intimidated by finances; they can’t see a way to a financially secure future. Today’s article will teach you how to make…

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Plan Now for a Joyful Holiday

Plan Now for a Joyful Holiday 1359 686 Donna Skeels Cygan

The holidays are coming! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, the December holidays are just around the corner. For many, the hustle and bustle of the holidays is stressful…

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Is a Roth Conversion Wise for You?

Is a Roth Conversion Wise for You? 2560 1794 Donna Skeels Cygan

My last article covered the “sunsetting” on Jan. 1, 2026, of many of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.…

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Establishing good financial habits is within grasp

Establishing good financial habits is within grasp 1157 788 Donna Skeels Cygan

We are in the dog days of summer. The days are often sweltering, we desperately need rain, and we’re wary as a new variant is causing COVID-19 cases to increase.…

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Invest your money where it will bring you joy

Invest your money where it will bring you joy 1983 1763 Donna Skeels Cygan

*Illustration by Donna Grethen / Albuquerque Journal Money is a powerful tool in our society. It allows us to pay for basic needs like our rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities,…

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Set goals for 2022, but be gentle with yourself

Set goals for 2022, but be gentle with yourself 1156 742 Donna Skeels Cygan

Happy 2022! It’s a new year, and we often set goals as New Year’s resolutions. But you may not feel like setting goals or celebrating this year. The COVID-19 pandemic…

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All investment strategies need attention

All investment strategies need attention 900 595 Donna Skeels Cygan

I have never believed that everyone needs a financial planner or a financial adviser. Many investors are “do-it-your-selfers,” and this can work well. However, doing it yourself requires discipline, and…

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Talk, experience can offer kids money lessons

Talk, experience can offer kids money lessons 900 868 Donna Skeels Cygan

We all try to raise kids to become hard working, happy and financially responsible adults. That’s a tall order! First, we need to realize that every child has their own…

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