Blog Posts

By John C. Fales and Ryan W. Brooke

Student loans are as American as apple pie, yet many people are embarrassed to ask for help with learning about and taking care of their student loans.

Why? They may believe their loans are too high, think they should be more knowledgeable on their own, or don’t want to show how desperate they feel about their situation.

The first thing to recognize when it comes to student loans is just how common they are and how getting help can save a lot of frustration in your future.

By Marc C. Shaffer

The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Being a member of Rotary has given me so much, both personally and professionally. I wanted to share my experience to give you an idea of how the clubs operate. If you have an interest in joining Rotary, I’d be happy to help you get plugged in.

Your children (or grandchildren) may be small, but your dreams for them are big. You’d like to give them the opportunity to attend college, but the rising cost of higher education appears to be putting those aspirations further out of reach.

Costs to attend public or private colleges rose nearly 3.6% this year, according to The College Board’s annual report, while inflation ticks up only at a rate of about 2% per year. Add to the bad news the fact that the average annual cost at public 4-year colleges increased by $300 for in-state students and by $800 at private colleges. Trends indicate those numbers will only continue to increase.

It takes nearly 18 hours to drive from Chicago to Orlando, Florida. Gas for the trip is $89-$173. Plan to set aside 1 day and 5 hours to travel the 2,025 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Tempe, Arizona. Gas will cost anywhere from $156 to $304.

Dual or seasonal residents choose to make those types of treks between two homes twice a year to take advantage mostly of milder temperatures and more comfortable climates elsewhere.

By Marc C. Shaffer

It’s been a busy few months at my office. Three partners, including myself, were married within a four week time span! That means there was a lot of discussion about the best financial advice for engaged couples and newlyweds.

I would hope by the time you’re a newlywed, you have already had the intimate discussions that help you discover who your partner is, what they desire, and understand where your similarities and differences lie. While conversations leading up to a marriage are more philosophical in nature, after the wedding you have to add some action to the ideas. Philosophy + Action keeps marriage and life on track.