Are you faced with the dilemma of saving for your own retirement while at the same time trying to put money away for a child’s college education? How do you pursue both goals? How do you determine which is more important or what path to take? If this hard choice sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Americans today struggle to balance their own financial future with preparing their children for success. As financial professionals, we have helped many parents evaluate their options and … [Read more...] about Balancing College and Retirement
My Employees Don’t Like Me
One of my former students came back to Flagstaff for homecoming weekend. She stopped by my office to let me know how things were going since she had graduated. She asked if I had any advice for two issues she was having. One was that she wasn’t learning new things as fast as she wanted. The second was that two of the employees that reported to her didn’t like her. The first one was easy; I told her she needed to practice patience but at the same time she needed to continue to ask for more and … [Read more...] about My Employees Don’t Like Me
Feeding Flagstaff’s Hungry Children
It’s heartbreaking that a child in our community can go to sleep at night, or in some cases, several nights, without a nutritious meal. As leaders, we need to do everything we can to make sure our children get the food they need to grow up healthy and strong. I’m proud that we have an active community dedicated to providing resources to children in need. At-risk children have access to breakfast and lunch every day during school. What happens to these children during the hot summer months … [Read more...] about Feeding Flagstaff’s Hungry Children
Enjoying the Holidays More Through Massage
Here they come: The holidays! The days, weeks and months are sure to be full of joy, events, giving, food, laughter, friends, family and, for most of us, a dose of stress. As we negotiate with family about where to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas, and most of us are vowing to start holiday shopping early, the stress and anxiety start to increase. Unfortunately, as December rolls around, we only get busier – parties, kids’ plays, shopping, baking. As the obligations increase, so do the moments … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Holidays More Through Massage
Death by Outhouse is Nothing to Poo Poo
Outhouses may feel like a convenient lifesaver for those who really need to go in the woods, but they can become a nasty deathtrap for birds. Cavity nesters like woodpeckers, Boreal Owls and American Kestrels are going into the dark openings of the ventilation pipes – perhaps to roost, cache some food or build a nest – but they cannot get out and they end up in the holding tank. So, the Teton Raptor Center has created the Poo Poo Project and is partnering with land agencies and organizations in … [Read more...] about Death by Outhouse is Nothing to Poo Poo
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Well-Fitting Ski Boot
As we approach the ski season and look forward to seeing our San Francisco Peaks snow covered again, it’s time to think about our gear! Did you lose out on fun or full days on the mountain because of boot misery? There are some things to consider in terms of your boot fit and there may be some inexpensive fixes to make a current pair right. If not with your present boots, then rest assured, there’s a boot on the market that can be fit to your foot. Having grown up ski racing in the intermountain … [Read more...] about Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Well-Fitting Ski Boot
Together We Can Do So Much
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of another year. I am grateful for the chance to reflect on all that we have done together this year – as a campus and as a community. In this column early this year, I wrote of our hopes for a renewed state investment in higher education. I outlined goals for increased student success and retention, and celebrated the partnerships that enhanced the NAU impact around the state. I expressed ambitious plans, and I am happy to say that though we … [Read more...] about Together We Can Do So Much
Make This Year’s Open Enrollment Count
A recent CNBC article noted that less than 10 percent of employees update their benefits during annual enrollment. (cnbc.com/2017/10/19/90-percent-of-workers-could-botch-their-benefits-picks.html) This is disappointing considering the amount of time and money that employers spend to provide valuable employee benefit options for their team. Whether you have five or 500 employees, let’s look at some potential ways to improve the communication and enrollment process for a successful enrollment … [Read more...] about Make This Year’s Open Enrollment Count
CASA of Coconino County Honors Those Who Continue to Serve
CASA of Coconino County is celebrating Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 by honoring CASA volunteers who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve their community by speaking up for children who have been abused or neglected. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are everyday members of the community who are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for abused or neglected children in court. Their mission is to help the children move out of foster care and … [Read more...] about CASA of Coconino County Honors Those Who Continue to Serve
Experiencing a Love Affair with the South Pacific
Palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, sand between your toes, crystal clear turquoise waters, a chilled coconut drink in your hand and not a care in the world – how could you not fall in love? The South Pacific has many unique experiences to offer. Accommodations vary from your bucket list over the water bungalow stay, to private island resorts, from sail boats to cruise ships and everything in between. Most resorts are accessed via speed boat or hydroplane. Activities range from … [Read more...] about Experiencing a Love Affair with the South Pacific