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Don’t leave your IRA to the IRS
If you’ve invested in an IRA for many decades, it may well turn into a key source of income for your retirement. Still, you might not deplete your IRA in your lifetime, especially if you also have a pension or a 401(k) and other investment income. So, if your IRA...
Can We Fight Mildew Organically?
The short answer is yes. But let me elaborate! Fighting the ghostly dusting of powdery mildew on plants is a common battle for gardeners. This fungal disease, caused by various species of ascomycete fungi, is easily recognizable by the white to grayish,...
When should you sell investments?
If you’re a long-term investor, your portfolio may stay fairly stable over time. However, that doesn’t mean you will never sell any investments. But when should you sell — and why? Here are some scenarios to consider: If an investment has consistently underperformed –...
Houseplants Count as Gardens Too!
Houseplants have become more than just decorative pieces in our living spaces; they bridge the great outdoors with the blissfully climate controlled indoors. Whether you're in a tiny home or a palatial ranch house, introducing a touch of green can uplift your...
What should you ask a financial advisor?
Managing your finances and investing for your future are important tasks — and they can be challenging. But you don’t have to go it alone. Many people benefit from working with a financial advisor, someone who knows their needs and goals and makes appropriate...
Dream of a Low Maintenance Native Lawn?
Is it possible to maintain a low-mow, water-efficient, biodiverse native lawn instead of a monotonous green carpet? The perfectly manicured lawn, a long-standing symbol of suburban prestige, is being reimagined, thanks to Cornell University's Botanic Gardens. They...
What to know about HSAs and FSAs
Paying for health care can be challenging — but are you taking full advantage of all the resources available to you? You might have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), so let’s look at both. An HSA is a personal savings...
Is Rain Really “Magic?”
My Grandpop-pop, Earl Poplin, is a real green thumb. He can put a stick in the ground and it will grow for him. He always says, "Rain is magic." My dad, another excellent gardener, says this too. And if you follow this saying back far enough, I am sure all the old...
Consider financial gifts for grandchildren
If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts — but which ones? You have several options. Let’s look at three of them: 529...
Two of three mayoral candidates debate
By Kyle Poplin The Mt. Gilead Concerned Citizens hosted a forum on Thursday for the candidates running for mayor in the Nov. 7 municipal election. Sheldon Poplin Morley (above left) and Joseph Valenti (above right) participated, but Simeon McRae did not. NOTE: Early...
Cultivating a Child’s Love of Nature
I am a mom and I garden with the next generation. For young people, a garden is more than just a space filled with plants; it's a living classroom, a playground, and a realm of discovery rolled into one. Gardens are magical realms where children can touch, taste, and...
Help protect finances of loved one with Alzheimer’s
If you have a loved one showing signs of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you’ll obviously experience some strong emotions — and you’ll likely ask yourself this question: What can I do to help? While there are certainly many ways you could provide assistance...