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Now is the time to prepare your car for winter

November 30, 2011 By

submitted by Jann’s Auto Service

This year’s early snowfall was a good reminder that winter is on the way. Getting your car ready for winter now can save you a lot of headaches and money later.

Check the Battery and Lights

Your battery can lose 35% of its power at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Your battery should be checked for clean, tight connections.

Change Your Wiper Blades

It is recommended that wipers be changed at least once a year and going into winter is a good time.

Check Your Tires

Tire care and maintenance is especially important in the winter months. A tire that has enough tread to be driven in dry weather may be insufficient for inclement weather. Tires can lose a pound of air for every 10-degree drop in temperature.

Brakes

Have your brakes inspected by a certified technician to insure all components are in good working order. 

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Express yourself

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Tobias Cabral, Psy.D.

On the short list of things I ask my clients when they start seeing me for therapy is whether they do anything creative. Do they write? Sing? Play an instrument? Paint? Create modules for video games?

It might seem an odd question for a psychologist to ask, but it really does make a difference. There’s nothing quite like a creative activity to provide insights into one’s underlying thoughts and feelings. Clients have often reported to me that, in the process of creating something, they stumble across a recurring theme which echoes what we are working on in therapy. In this sense, it is kind of like a waking dream that reveals the issues and conflicts that have been operating behind the scenes, and in turn, can suggest possible paths toward solutions. As if the value of self-knowledge weren’t enough in itself, though, we also have entered an era in which it has become easier than ever for people to put their creations out there for others to appreciate, thanks to the many tools available through the Internet.

You can start a blog (for example at www.blogger.com, or www.wordpress.com), where you can post your writings, pictures, music, or whatever. You can post videos of your performances on YouTube (which can be edited and produced in very polished, professional-looking form, using free or inexpensive software). Authors can even self-publish their stories, books, poems, etc. for reading devices like Amazon’s Kindle (https://kdp.amazon.com), or Barnes & Noble’s Nook (http://pubit.barnesandnoble.com/), as well as for the free apps that can be installed on computers, tablets, and smartphones even if people don’t actually own a Kindle or a Nook.

I speak from personal experience when I say that the process is relatively straightforward, since I’ve published a short science fiction novel (“Night Music”) on the Kindle platform. It probably won’t make you rich (trust me!), but it can be a real self-esteem booster to see your book go live on the Amazon or B&N site! And you just might learn something about yourself along the way.

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Summer fun and learning

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by Ron Seidman, VP/GM A Child’s World ECE Centers, ronseidman@comcast.net

The lazy days of summer are here. But while we chill out with our families and friends enjoying the well- deserved relaxation, remember that our children’s brains are always active. Like sponges they want to soak up all they can. While we are soaking up some sun and water, let’s also soak up some learning.

Two of the most important things we can do for young developing learners are to read with them and converse. During these hot humid days there may be a tendency to stay in the air-conditioned house. That may mean more television. Television and repetitive computer games are passive and do more harm than good. Here are some examples of simple activities you can do that are fun and experiential.

A favorite of mine from childhood is making lemonade. While making the lemonade you will have to talk about the ingredients, how many lemons per cups of water and how many teaspoons of sugar. It is a great lesson of math, science and language. The science and the language skills come into play when you talk about the ingredients and how they interact with one another. Why does the sugar take longer to dissolve in cold water than hot? Experiment by placing some sugar in warm water and see if there is a difference. Dissolve, experiment and measure are great vocabulary words. After we made our lemonade my friends and I would take it outside to sell. Now there is commerce to learn about, the exchange of goods and services for payment. A young girl suffering from cancer did just that and started the non-profit charity known as Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Alex and her family turned her love for life and her tragedy into a triumph for thousands of children everywhere.

Have a fun and safe summer.

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I think it’s time to start planning for retirement. Where do I begin?

June 23, 2011 By

submitted by Rosemary G. Caligiuri, CASL™, President, Harvest Group Financial Services

Although most of us recognize the importance of sound retirement planning, few of us embrace the nitty-gritty work involved.  With thousands of investment possibilities, complex rules governing retirement plans, and so on, most people don’t even know where to begin.  Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

First, set lifestyle goals for your retirement.  At what age do you see yourself retiring, and what would you like to do during retirement?  If you hope to retire at age 50 and travel extensively, you’ll require more planning than other people.

You’ll also need to account for basic living expenses, from food to utilities to transportation.  Most of these expenses don’t disappear when you retire.  And don’t forget that you may still be paying off your mortgage or funding a child’s education well into retirement.

Finally, be realistic about how many years of retirement you’ll have to fund.  With people living longer, your retirement could span 30 years or more.  The longer your retirement, the more money you’ll need.

Next, project your annual retirement income and see if that income will be enough to meet your expenses.  Identify the sources of income you’ll have during retirement, and the yearly amount you can expect to receive from each source. Common sources of retirement income include Social Security benefits, pension payments, distributions from retirement plans (e.g., IRAs and 401(k)s), and dividends and interest from investments.  If you find that your retirement income will probably meet or exceed your retirement expenses, you’re in good shape.  If not, you need to take steps to bridge the gap.  Consider delaying retirement, saving more money, or taking more investment risk.

This is just a starting point.  The further you are from retirement, the harder it is to project your future income and expenses.  If you’re ready for more detailed planning, consult a financial professional.

Registered representative offering securities and advisory services through Centaurus Financial Inc., a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA and SIPC, Supervisory Branch: 3902 State Street, Suite 101, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1-888-569-1982. Harvest Group Financial Services and Centaurus Financial are not affiliated.

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