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Spoiling Kids Could Make Them Rotten and you Poor

Kids have always been sponges when it comes to learning from their parents. As an adult, I can reflect on what I learned from my mom and dad. I admit (and am proud of) that I'm a lot like they were/are.  Unfortunately, I've spoiled my kids…

It's Not About the Fishing - Great Friendships are Priceless

I spent the past two weeks in Canada and it was really nice to be away. The first week, I took Soni and our three kids to a family friendly fishing resort , 12 hours north with a beach and other activities.  Unfortunately, the weather turned…
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Your Clock is Ticking

Last week, I wrote about some perks of getting older.  Unfortunately, one of the most difficult things about getting older in facing death.  Over the past couple weeks, four of my peers have lost their father.  They were good…
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Perks of Getting Older

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of going to the wedding for one of my childhood best friend's daughter.  This was my first wedding for a peer's child and I guess it is just another milestone to indicate I am getting older. Does getting…

Live Like You Were Dying

Lately, there have been a convergence of reminders for me that life on earth is brief and that I should quit going through the motions of life and live it to the fullest while I am still able. Recently, I watched a terrific ESPN short movie…
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Why CFP® Certification Matters

Most people think all financial planners are "certified," but this isn't true. Anyone can call himself a "financial planner." Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of CFP Board can display the CFP® certification…
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The Best Investment I Ever Made

Reconnecting With The Past About 22 years ago, I was asked by a girl I liked if I would volunteer to tutor a child from the Cabrini Green area.  I said  "ok" and went to the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue in Chicago the next…
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How to Save Money While Getting Healthy

Earlier this month, I was reminded by a sports nutritionist how horrible soda is for your body and how critical water is to living a healthy life.  The nutritionist mentioned that a lack of the ability to focus is a common symptom of dehydration…
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$1 Million in Life Insurance Not Enough

Last week, I was shaken when I heard about the tragic death of a Glen Ellyn acquaintance that lost a two-year battle to cancer. The death of this fine man, husband and father hit home not only because he had lived a few blocks away, but he was…
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Who is Your Financial Planner?

Financial Planners are for Everyone “Failing to plan is planning to fail." - John Wooden” It was recently brought to my attention that many people think that only "rich" people have financial adviser's.  Nothing could be farther from…
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Spend Money or Save it - Daily Decisions

You are where you are today, because of the decisions you have made so far in your life. Many people I know are losing daily financial battles and not saving enough money. Every minute of the day we make decisions and while most are very…

Life Lessons

We are learning, never quite fast enough, that the time and date of our own death is unknown, but it could be tomorrow, or next week, or next year.  Knowing this, and fully recognizing its truth, can help you overcome complacency about doing…
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Glen Ellyn as Seen By a High School Senior - 4 Ways to become Wealthier

For the past six weeks, Glenbard West senior, Dean Harnboonzong has been coming to my office twice a week as part of his Career Internship Class.  He has an interest in learning about financial planning and I challenged him to write an article…