Changing Roles in Life: Becoming a Caregiver for Parents

Roles reverse; child becomes parent.  If you are about to join the ranks of the more than 65 million family caregivers in the U.S., you must understand the job is so much more than a profound act of kindness.  While there are myriad reasons people take on the role of caregiver, there are common considerations all caregivers face.  To help alleviate the strain of caregiving and make it a rewarding experience for you and the loved one in your care, start by taking time to develop plans to address the following major areas.

Financial Health

If you are currently working, caregiving may impact your ability to work and your future earning potential, should you need to cut back in hours.  You need to determine how this will affect your current situation as well as future financial health.  Consider consulting a financial professional to discuss options.  If you will be financially burdened by caregiving, you should look for options that may pay you for some of your caregiving time. You may also need to look at the finances of your loved-one to identify any gaps that may need to be addressed now or in the future.

Physical Health

Caring for an aging and/or ill loved-one can put a lot of strain on your body.  Likely, your sleep schedule will be disrupted, you will be eating irregularly, or you may be lifting or moving someone with mobility issues.  All of these factors combined can negatively affect your health and cause serious physical issues for you.  Figure out how you can keep healthy while caring for your loved-one by developing your own wellness plan.  In addition, talk with doctors and nurses about the medical needs of your loved-one and the proper procedures for delivering effective care to ensure you are providing the best care possible.

Mental Health

Caregiving can be quite stressful and offers a rollercoaster of emotions along the way.  You need to be aware that sadness, resentment, and anxiety are a normal part of your job, and should be addressed before they spiral out of control and possibly harm you or the person in your care.

Find out if there are respite programs in your area that will provide a break from caregiving duties so you can refuel and attend to your personal needs.  Reach out to family, friends, or community volunteers who could help alleviate some of your stress. Also, look for caregiver support groups at your local hospital, church, or senior center and reach out to others who are experiencing some of your same challenges.

Caregiving is a compassionate job, filled with rewards and strain.  As you embark on this journey, don’t forget to celebrate the fact that you are able to give your loved-one the proper care they deserve from someone they know and love.  You are providing your loved-one with dignified care and you would likely have it no other way.

 

 

Marketing Associates Offers Plethora of Services to Clients

Marketing Associates offers a catalog of services for its clients, all geared toward helping them achieve business and marketing goals. While each client generally comes to Marketing Associates for a specific purpose, many find the firm offers more useful tools than they’d originally planned to use. Still, Marketing Associates allows them to choose only as many services as they would like.

When a business contacts Marketing Associates, the company assigns a marketing expert to help assess needs. Marketing Associates ’s marketing consultant helps create a website that will appeal to customers while meeting the operational needs of the business. These sites can help save a business owner’s time and money over the long-term, while bringing money in that can improve the budget, reports Marketing Associates.

Among the sales and marketing efforts of Marketing Associates are purchased leads, in which businesses buy sales leads from a firm in order to call on consumers who have been designated as showing interest in a similar product or service. While this can initially cost a business a small amount of money, Marketing Associates has found that by narrowing down the consumers who are most likely to say “yes,” businesses can save large amounts of time and increase the number of sales they make.

Purchasing leads is a very common practice in sales, Marketing Associates explains, with companies using them similar to the way they use direct mail lists. According to Marketing Associates, this list of leads allows these companies to have a carefully researched list. In an age where it’s normal for search engines and social media sites to watch consumer web behavior in order to deliver targeted ads to them, Marketing Associates believes purchased leads are a great way for businesses to give themselves an edge over the competition.

There are also directories, both online and available at the library, that can help businesses find leads, Marketing Associates tells clients. Marketing Associates can help clients find these resources in order to study and utilize them. By targeting leads, Marketing Associates believes businesses can eliminate large numbers of people from their lists, saving time for everyone involved.

For more information about Marketing Associates go online to Marketing Associates or call 866.827.7653

Q&A with Tiffani Von Alvensleben on Investing in Foreclosure Properties

In a tough real estate market, it takes a competitive, savvy businesswoman like Tiffani Von Alvensleben to make a go of it. A successful entrepreneur, Tiffani Von Alvensleben has a deep knowledge of the market and a unique skill set that makes her a natural. Today, we talk to Tiffani Von Alvensleben about real estate investment:

Q: What’s your current title?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I’m owner of Von Vesting, in Rocklin, California. We’re partnered with American Redevelopment Fund.

Q: You buy distressed properties in bulk, remodel them and sell them?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Correct.

Q: What’s your track record been like?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: In the last twelve years, we’ve turned over $50 million in transactions.

Q: Wow, that’s phenomenal!

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Thank you!

Q: How have your margins typically been?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Our worst year was 2002, when we had a 14% return to investors; our best year was 2008, when profits were at 54%.

Q: What tools do you use to find properties?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I constantly scan sites like foreclosureradar.com, bank listings and Zillow to try to connect investors with the best deals.

Q: What’s your methodology?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Well, we do deep research into zip codes, prices on comp properties, liens, titles, saving money on the front end…

Q: Surely your intimate knowledge of the area is of help, too.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I’d like to think so!

Q: What about the homes themselves?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: We won’t come near a house that has structural problems…

Q: Is that because of the expense involved to repair them?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Yes, those types of repairs can get quite expensive quickly and cut into the bottom line.

Q: Foreclosures have come as a boon for you and investors…

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: They have, and there’s a deep pool of REO properties for future transactions. Some foreclosed homes are in terrible shape and suffering from neglect, but many more are only in need of cosmetic and remodeling work.

Q: How would you sum up what you do?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Limiting risk and maximizing profits for investors by buying distressed properties in bulk at wholesale rates from lenders!

Tiffani Von Alvensleben serves at TKL Home Designs, LLP, in the capacity of manager. With Tiffani Von Alvensleben at the helm, TKL is a general partner in American Redevelopment Fund, LP. In her community, Tiffani Von Alvensleben is an active and enthusiastic supporter of the athletic programs at Del Oro High School.

 

Charles L. Starr III Talks about Pet Safety around the Holidays

As a veterinarian, Charles L. Starr III knows the kind of trouble that pets can get into around the holidays. Charles L. Starr III says that even well-meaning, loving pet owners can still make mistakes.

Q: I understand that Halloween can be a real problem for pets.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, you probably should just leave your pets indoors around Halloween.

Q: And I’ve heard stories about black cats being mistreated.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes. Black cats, in particular, can be the target of abuse around Halloween.

Q: What do you think about Halloween costumes for pets?           

Charles L. Starr III: Well, a lot of pets just don’t like them, but even if your dog or cat does enjoy the fun and attention, make sure that he or she can see and hear properly, and that the costume doesn’t impede movement. Give it a little while to get used to the costume before Halloween!

Q: Christmas can be hazardous for pets. What tips do you have for the holiday season?

Charles L. Starr III: Be attentive and watch food around pets.

Q: How so?

Charles L. Starr III: Food that is meant for humans is really bad for pets! Don’t give them table scraps, and ask your guests to abide by that same rule.

Q: Some “people foods” are toxic, right?

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Things like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and xylitol are strictly off-limits for pets.

Q: Are Christmas decorations dangerous to my pets?

Charles L. Starr III: Well, cats love to eat tinsel. You might want to just leave tinsel off the tree altogether.

Q: On the subject of the tree, my cats love to climb the Christmas tree!

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, it’s hard to stop a cat from climbing, but you should have the tree secured so it can’t tip over!

Q: Aren’t certain plants toxic as well?

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, lilies, holly and mistletoe are all seasonal Christmas plants but are very toxic to cats and dogs.

Q: Sometimes, guests can get pretty careless as well…

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, always remember that the noise and commotion of Christmas guests can be stressful for some pets. Remind your guests to not give them table scraps. If your pet is excitable or prone to biting, you might just want to put him or her in a separate room with a pet bed, toys and treats.

Q: Thanks for taking some time with us today.

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Nobody wants to see conscientious pet owners make avoidable mistakes around the holidays.

Charles L. Starr III is a practicing veterinarian in the Denver, Colorado area.

 

Pete Spittler Discusses Art and Architecture

It’s often been noted that the creative class is what keeps the cultures of cities alive and vibrant.  How exactly, does that play out, asks Pete Spittler? He has seen the creative class’ input in a direct way; Pete Spittler has helped realize some of those dreams as a creative force of his own. It was through the efforts of Pete Spittler and his firm that an important landmark in downtown Cleveland got a new lease on life.

Cleveland’s Allen Theater was built as a movie palace in the 1920s, but by the 1970s it had seen better days. The declining theater building was destined for demolition. According to Pete Spittler, the city at that time was operating under a urban removal program, but a local activist named Ray Sherardson saw the future potential of the old theaters In 1998 Pete Spittler and his firm faced challenges in the redevelopment and restoration of the Allen Theater, however; things like a new dressing room, loading docks and stagehouse all had to be built, and the dense downtown of Cleveland presented its own logistical problems.

There was much detailed cleaning and restoration work to be done, Pete Spittler notes, including illusionistic windows, figurated panels, and replacement of the building’s ornate original plaster work. The final result from Pete Spittler and his firm, however, is an urban showplace that seats up to 2500 people. Pete Spittler notes that in the most recent renovation and expansion of the Allen Theater, the complex is now the home to the theater program at Cleveland State University, and the centerpiece of the city’s Playhouse Square district.

 

Pete Spittler has a lengthy resume in architecture, urban planning and design. Pete Spittler served at Figgie International and The Austin Company as senior project manager. At The Austin Company, Pete Spittler spent time in Eastern Europe, studying industries that might be good candidates for privatization after the fall of communism. Pete Spittler has also traveled to Brazil in a consultancy role; today, Pete Spittler is president of GSI Architects.

 

What Politicians Often Face in the Aftermath of the Race

When running for public office, candidates usually acquire what is known as a “temporary celebrity status,” whether on a national or local scale. This means that in the time they are running for office, the public eye is centered on them. When voters are considering their choices, no matter if it is a presidential race or a state or local race; they want to be confidant in the candidate. Voters want to know that their candidate is not only capable of performing this important job well, and that he or she stands for the people they represent, but that he or she is a respectable human being as well. Scandals, affairs, and mistakes can derail a candidate’s campaign, and when they occur such missteps often call for serious public relations.

In political races, it is important to appropriate that at the end of the day it’s one big, glorified popularity contest. While many will vote for the candidate they believe would make the best public servant, studies show that most voters simply cast their ballot for the person they like the most. That is why good PR or reputation management is so important; because when a candidate is running for office, the expectation is that the public will view them as a good, solid, upstanding individual. If a candidate makes a mistake, a PR agency or reputation management service provider can step in and recraft the online image to point towards the good the candidate has accomplished. But they cannot protect a candidate or politician from everything. Certain actions can be massively detrimental to a person’s campaign or career that they can simply not bounce back from. We know these stories all too well.

Candidates want people to know that they’re the right person for the job and that they actually care about those that they are representing. Reputation management is vitally important to any politician; it can determine the outcome of their political career and can also sway the results of any sort of election.

Tips from Carmack Moving and Storage – Effective Post-Move Organization

If you are planning a move, Carmack Moving and Storage says that getting there is only half the battle.

The boxes have been unloaded, furniture is neatly in place, and now it’s time to get settled. Carmack Moving and Storage says that the move is really just the beginning. Now it’s time to set about getting organized and situated to actually live in your new home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you open the boxes and unload, says the team at Carmack Moving and Storage.

Day 1

Start with what you really need. Carmack Moving and Storage says this does not mean what you think you need but what you absolutely have to have to function for those critical first twenty four hours. In the bathroom, you should focus on toiletries, towels, soaps, dental care, and toilet paper first, points out Carmack Moving and Storage. After that, you can get the make-up and shaving supplies ready.

Moving along to the kitchen, Carmack Moving and Storage explains that take out might be a good option for the first night. Once you are well fed and energized, you can set out paper plates and cups to use until you are ready to dig in and unpack the heavy stuff, adds Carmack Moving and Storage.

Before all of the heavy unpacking, make sure the bed is made. Carmack Moving and Storage says this will be handy at the end of a long moving day. If you have work scheduled for the day after, Carmack Moving and Storage says to find a few hangers and have your clothes ready to go – it’ll make the morning much easier.

After you’ve gotten settled enough to survive the first night, get some sleep. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that the task of finishing the move can wait until you are rested.

Day 2

Now, back to the kitchen… According to Carmack Moving and Storage, this is the heart of the home and deserves a few minutes of planning before haphazardly tossing pots and pans into cabinets. If you can, buy shelf liners before you start stacking dishes and install them while the kitchen is still bare, says Carmack Moving and Storage. Once it’s all clean and ready, determine the most efficient flow place kitchenware accordingly.

If you felt a little “off“ your first night in the new bedroom, chances are that some of the uneasiness was not having everything in its place, claims Carmack Moving and Storage. Night number two should feel a little more like home if you take the time to arrange things the way you want them. Carmack Moving and Storage says this is the time to sort socks and hang shirts and pants just so. If you folded your clothes before storing, unpacking will be much easier. As for closet-bound clothing, Carmack Moving and Storage has found that wardrobe boxes are the way to go. These allow for exceptionally easy transport.

Your living space is no doubt starting to feel a little neglected by the end of day two, says Carmack Moving and Storage. For sanity’s sake, Carmack Moving and Storage suggests moving unpacked boxes that don’t belong in a room to the garage. Make final placement adjustments on large pieces and hang pictures. Carmack Moving and Storage says this is also a good time to lay rugs, fill bookcases, and arrange movies and video game systems. If you didn’t wipe down surfaces before the move, do that before leaving a trail of knick-knacks in the dust, advises Carmack Moving and Storage.

Day 3

Yes, the other rooms still have to get unpacked. But if you have a guest room, Carmack Moving and Storage suggests getting that in order. By day three, you might be ready to call for help anyway – and they’ll need a place to sleep!

Finally, don’t fret if your belongings don’t quite fit into your new space. Carmack Moving and Storage says to stay focus on the positive: you did it; you moved. After a few weeks, you will begin to feel more at home and really begin to make the new digs your very own.

 

About Carmack Moving and Storage

Carmack Moving and Storage is owned and operated by the Carmack family. President and CEO Robert Carmack bought his first moving truck – an old pickup – in 1985 and has grown the company to include a full fleet of state-of-the-art box trucks, vans, and specialty moving equipment. For more information or to schedule an in home estimate with Carmack Moving and Storage, visit carmackmoving.com

 

Frankie Bordeaux Q&A: The Boys and Girls Club of America

Frankie Bordeaux has worn many hats throughout his life. From Boys and Girls Club executive director, businessman to property management and real estate developer to NCAA basketball official, Frankie Bordeaux has experienced many things—but few compare to making a difference in the lives of families and children. Recently, Frankie Bordeaux answered a few questions about the Boys and Girls Club of America and how it has affected his life.

Q: Tell us a little about the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Frankie Bordeaux: The Boys and Girls Club is an organization that makes a difference in children’s lives by promoting education and career programs, character and leadership programs, health and life skills, sports and fitness initiatives, and more.

Q: How long were you, Frankie Bordeaux, involved with the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: I’ve spent time volunteering and working with the organization for more than 25 years.

Q: How did you serve the organization?

Frankie Bordeaux: I started out as program director for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Durham, N.C. and then also as program director for the Boys and Girls Club of Winston Salem, N.C.  I served a two year stint at each club.  Finally, I was blessed to serve as executive director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash and Edgecombe Counties in Rocky Mount, N.C. for 20 years.

Q: What were some of your duties in that role?

Frankie Bordeaux:  My main responsibilities were planning, program development, budgeting, fundraising and board development. The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit organization; therefore, so we relied on the generosity of donors.

Q: How did you work in the community?

Frankie Bordeaux:  I served as a liaison between the club and various community entities such as civic organizations, foundations, schools, businesses and industries.  I also served as a liaison between the club and parents. I communicated constantly with parents and children to create awareness of our programs and all that we had to offer.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with people from the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: Absolutely. I consider the people I met working there to be some of my closest friends, and I regularly keep in touch with the families I worked with.

Q: How does the Boys and Girls Club help with children’s education?

Frankie Bordeaux: The Boys and Girls Club teaches children ways to balance their workloads and their schedules in order to be successful in their studies, to stay in school, and to attend college and get a great education.

Q: And how does it help with children’s athletics?

Frankie Bordeaux: Fitness is important for children, so the Boys and Girls Club programs designed to get kids moving, get them out of the house, and get them active.

Q: Why did you retire from the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: I loved every minute of my time with the organization, but after twenty-five years of service I felt I needed to take the time to focus on my own family and to do the things that I wanted to do.

A resident of Greenville, North Carolina, Frankie Bordeaux has been involved with non-profit organizations for many years. Frankie Bordeaux worked not only with the Boys and Girls Club of America but also with the United Way and Unity Lodge.  Also, Frankie is a former member of the Rocky Mount Planning and Zoning Board.

Zrylw Offers Fitness Tips for the New Year

Losing weight is a resolution that millions of Americans make every year. The question is, how to keep motivated long enough for the endorphins of exercise to really become a habit? Zrylw has some ideas to help you meet your fitness goals for 2013.

One of the best ways to start losing weight is to limit alcohol and desserts to twice-a-week in January. Even the most conscientious people tend to overindulge in December, so it’s a good idea to cut back on the decadence during the beginning of the year. Eating “clean” will make a person feel good, which will make reaching fitness goals more doable.

Adding intervals to different workouts is a great tip for enhancing exercise benefits. Many studies have shown that pushing through the comfort zone of working out can elevate a person’s metabolism for up to a day and a half after exercise. That extra boost can help people avoid gaining weight even after December indulgence.

Taking a yoga or pilates class can help people to reduce stress levels. Research has shown that stress-related hormones can put weight on the waistline, so learning how to control stress can be a benefit, both mentally and physically.

Drink more water than you think you need because people often mistake being hungry for being dehydrated. And studies have shown that by the time a person realizes that they’re actually thirsty, they’re dehydrated. Regular water is great, but coconut water is good too because it gives the skin a lovely glow.

Even if a person can’t get to the gym, doing anything is better than doing nothing. Take the stairs two at a time and work the glutes. Or take turns standing on one leg and then the other. Balancing for even just 4 minutes a day can help people fight off injuries in the future. When people get older their natural sense of balance diminishes, which can lead to slips or falls. So, its never too early to work on balance for health protection. Plus, it’s a little silly looking – which can make a person laugh at themselves – and laughing burns calories too.

Dennis Dachtler Sacramento on Prudent Planning for Professionals

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento based retirement planning consultant and founder of Dachtler Wealth Management, explains why medical professionals need a helping hand while their hands are busy helping others.

Q. I am still a medical student. My advisors tell me that I really need to consult with a wealth planner. Why?

As a future medical professional, you’ve probably already gotten a glimpse of how hectic your life will soon be. Most physicians barely have time to sleep. Financial planning takes a great deal of time…time you likely won’t have.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. What tools are available to help a busy professional manage future living expenses?

We offer a variety of wealth planning tools on our website and we are available by phone and email to answer questions or address concerns.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. How can I monitor my savings/investment progress?

Dachtler Wealth offers quarterly progress reports and clients have access to a “personal wealth” homepage where a summary of accounts is neatly organized and ready to view 24/7.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I have several important documents relating to my assets. Is there a secure way to store these online so that my loved ones can access them of something were to happen to me?

The personal wealth homepage also offers ample storage for wills, deeds, and even precious family photos.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management

 

Q. I only have time to check my investments while on the go. Can Dachtler Wealth help me keep track without making me sit still?

Yes, we can. With our mobile app, keeping tabs on your money is as quick and easy diagnosing a seasonal flu.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. Why is planning ahead so important in the medical field?

Medical professionals spend so much of their own money out of pocket for things like education, practice startups, and insurance. While you should earn a livable income, with all of the expenses, you need to make sure to set aside for later.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I have concerns about Internet security. How do I know my information is safe?

We utilize only the latest software. We update security measures often and accounts are always monitored for unusual activity.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. What financial products does the team at Dachtler Wealth Management offer?

Aside from financial planning, we also provide life and annuity based products.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. How long has Dachtler Wealth been in business? Is the firm BBB accredited?

We opened in 1989 and are a Better Business Bureau Member with an A+ rating.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I’m ready to secure my future, and my family’s. How do I get started?

Call us at 800.333.1855 – we’ll figure out a strategy just for you.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

For more information about Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Retirement Planning, or for wealth calculators and statistics, visit dachtlerwealth.com.

 

Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC).  Member FINRA/SIPC.  AIC and Dachtler Wealth Management are not affiliated.  Additional products and services may be offered through Dennis Dachtler, Heather Dachtler or Dachtler Wealth Management that are not offered through AIC. The opinions and views stated in this publication are solely those of Dennis Dachtler and Heather Dachtler and should not in any way be considered to be an endorsement by Ameritas Investment Corp.

This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.  A Representative from Dachtler Wealth Management will contact you to provide requested information.  Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Securities products are currently limited to residents of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, LA, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT & WA.