For many Americans, the assets in their Individual Retirement Account represent a significant portion of the wealth they hope to leave to their loved ones. However, trusts and inherited IRAs are complex vehicles that have a lot of details to get right. Advantages to Naming a Trust as an IRA Beneficiary While directly inheriting an IRA is perfectly fine for many heirs, it can be inappropriate in some situations. If you name minor children or grandchildren as beneficiaries without … [Read more...] about Should a Trust be the Beneficiary of Your IRA?
Columnists
How Stress Affects Stroke Risk
“I was so stressed out, I thought I was going to have a stroke!” How many times have you heard someone say a version of the expression above? While it may often be said in jest, researchers have shown that the statement above may not be far from the truth. According to the American Heart Association, higher levels of stress, hostility or depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in middle-aged and older adults. A stroke occurs … [Read more...] about How Stress Affects Stroke Risk
Your Local Public Library: Books, Movies, Computer Guidance, Clubs
When was the last time you visited your local public library? If it's been awhile, you may be surprised at the vast array of services and resources are offered! Book (and Movie) Bonanza: How many books can you check out at your local library? You can have up to 30 items on your card! Books, movies, music – you name it! And you may already know that we purchase the recent bestsellers, but did you know that we also purchase movies that were just released on DVD? These items tend to be very … [Read more...] about Your Local Public Library: Books, Movies, Computer Guidance, Clubs
Living Through and Surviving Cancer
You made it through the diagnosis, medications, surgery and treatments and have been released from formal medical care. You have survived cancer and are beginning to regain your life back, but as a cancer survivor, there are nagging side effects, struggles and challenges that may interfere with your life. Physical and occupational therapy can help combat common side effects of cancer treatment. Decreased Motion in Your Arm This is a common side effect after lumpectomy – and even … [Read more...] about Living Through and Surviving Cancer
Creative Health Insurance Plan Proving Beneficial To Local Charter School
Small businesses are relentlessly efficient and public charter schools take efficiency to an even higher level. Therefore, when assisting a small business with their employee benefits, creativity is key, especially when it comes to one of the biggest ticket employee benefit expenses; health insurance. As Pine Forest Charter School has learned, exploring all options can lead to rewards. One strategy that is not frequently explored or implemented is partially self-funded health … [Read more...] about Creative Health Insurance Plan Proving Beneficial To Local Charter School
Nursing Critical to Hospital’s Quality of Patient Care
Tina King has been a registered nurse at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital for 10 years. She took the position after working in home health and long-term acute care because of an interest in rehabilitative care. “It’s been such a great experience,” she said. “It’s always changing and challenging. I can’t imagine going back to doing any other kind of nursing.” Leah Walters agrees. As the hospital’s nursing director, Walters comes from a long line of nurses, including her … [Read more...] about Nursing Critical to Hospital’s Quality of Patient Care
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe
The most common call to my office for lost hearing aids is that the individual was in the hospital or rehabilitation facility when the hearing aids were lost. Another common place to lose hearing aids is in a test situation, such as having an MRI, an outpatient procedure or other situation that requires you to remove hearing aids at a facility. You need to wear the hearing aids prior to testing because you want to hear what is being said. Decisions are being made creating an element of stress … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe
Proposed $15 Minimum Wage Will Cost Jobs
Proponents of increasing the minimum wage generally argue that it will improve the standard of living for low-income earners. However, numerous studies – including one completed by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides nonpartisan analysis for the U.S. Congress – have shown that minimum wage increases actually reduce employment. Artificially mandating increased wages through government action also has the negative effect of increased inflation, thereby further reducing any potential … [Read more...] about Proposed $15 Minimum Wage Will Cost Jobs
NAU Supporting Arizona’s Economy, Possibilities
Everywhere I look on the beautiful Northern Arizona University campus these days, I am reminded of change and its inherent potential. Flagstaff is transforming from a winter wonderland to a spring that calls us to spend every possible moment outdoors. This spring, more than 4,900 students are celebrating their commencement and the bright future awaiting them. As our state continues to recover from a challenging economic recession, we are also involved in discussions around long-term decisions … [Read more...] about NAU Supporting Arizona’s Economy, Possibilities
Dear Graduate: Thoughts on Pursuing a Life Well-Lived
This is my second annual “Dear Graduate” letter. The inspiration for the content of this letter came from listening to a group of students who completed an eight-week Dale Carnegie course. Their comments led me to think about what we should seek as we traverse life. Dear Graduate: You have reached a significant milestone, graduation from college. Your life will quite literally never be the same. Life is good, but only if you know how to live. Here are my thoughts on what to pursue in order … [Read more...] about Dear Graduate: Thoughts on Pursuing a Life Well-Lived