By Sabina Cardali
Marlene and Kim Christiansen had a wonderful holiday party at the Ranch House and everyone had a gala time. Kyle and his soccer team, the Eliminators, battled for first place. Sister Marisa was inducted in the honor society. Of course Marisa, Katrina and Kyle have become expert horseback riders and just love the horses.
Rachel Chesin celebrated her fourth birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese. Darien excelled in her dance recital.
Mason Hollander celebrated his fifth birthday at Peter Piper.
David Becera celebrated his fourth birthday and Matthew Becera will celebrate his seventh birthday.
Eric McIntyre of the soccer Stars celebrated the end of the season, getting their trophy at Peter Piper. His brother Brian McIntyre of the soccer team, the Cougars, received their trophy at the Desert Breeze Community Center. Everyone was looking forward to the next season of team play.
At the Whitestone Bowling Alley, Patti McComick bowled 202.
Right after making your New Year's Resolutions, some important business moves should be made. This information according to Jean Sherman Chatzky: 1. Safety comes first with regard to investing. 2. In addition to protecting your property, protect yourself. That means getting personal insurance policies: life and disability. It is not enough to simply have insurance, you need the right policies. 3. Protect your family in other ways. First get a will. If you have children, it should name guardians to take care of them. Grant someone durable power of attorney for finances. Make a living will, which tells a doctor and hospital whether or not you want life support. 4. Share those thoughts with your parents (and your kids). The decisions you made in order to protect your family aren't ones you ought to keep to yourself.
5. Take advantage of your losses. If you have investment losses this year, use them to cut your taxes. You can use investment losses to offset capital gains in an unlimited amount, dollar for dollar. 6. Maximize your other tax opportunities. There are other ways to lower your 2000 tax bill. 7. Sit back and ponder your portfolio. Take time to figure out where your money is, then compare that to where it should be. Figure out what mix of stocks, bonds and cash investments are most appropriate for your age and for the amount of risk you're comfortable taking. 8. Shuffle around your savings. Are you losing money by saving it?
9. Max out your retirement accounts. If your employer is willing to match the money you pour into a 401K or other retirement plan, you're turning your back on a very good thing if you don't take advantage. 10. Stick with your program – don't make investment decisions based on what's happening in the marketplace at the moment; make them based on your goals.
SABINA SAYS…Remember to take care of yourself both medically and by safety. In order to help anyone else you must be in good condition. Remember, your family is important and your children always need that extra time and attention. You will reap the rewards when you do this. My daughter Angela has made me very proud of her and the way she now handles her children Eric and Brian – always giving of herself to teach them and take care of them.
A very healthy and happy New Year to Angela, Paul, Eric, Brian – and of course, all my readers.
