When you consolidate your debt, there is the possibility that you could lower your interest rate. The payments may be lowered and there will be only one payment to make instead of numerous payments. When you consolidate into one loan, you most likely will be extending the time to repay. When you do that, it will take longer. If it takes longer, the lower interest rate will become irrelevant because you may end up paying more interest because the debt will be outstanding longer. So, is there a … [Read more...] about Considerations for Dealing with Debt
West Yavapai Guidance Clinic
How to Have a Very Merry Christmas Without the January Hangover
Every year, many folks head out for Christmas shopping and do not have a plan. They whip out old faithful, their Visa or MasterCard or some other preferred credit card, and spend like drunken sailors. Then, January comes. The credit card company sends you a delayed Christmas card with a price tag! Now the hangover begins. You reach for that bottle of aspirin and your stomach hurts. You feel sick. Well, Christmas does not have to end this way. It can be merry and the memories can be … [Read more...] about How to Have a Very Merry Christmas Without the January Hangover
Living in an Ambivert World
Have you seen the jokes on social media about the different ways the COVID-19 virus is affecting extroverts vs. introverts? The jokes say that introverts have been socially distancing before it was cool to social distance, 2020 is the Year of the Introvert, and introverts no longer need to feel guilty for saying “No” to plans to go out. You will not find as many extrovert jokes except the ones showing desperation and a plea for help. So, how has the virus affected extroverts, and why are … [Read more...] about Living in an Ambivert World
Identifying Seven Traits of Millionaires
When you want to achieve something, often, the best course of action is to do what the experts do. Find out what the best practice is and follow it. There are many traits of millionaires. I have chosen seven, as they are a bit broader in nature. Millionaires tend to: 1. Get Up Early Ben Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” And, it’s likely we’ve all heard, “The early bird catches the worm.” What exactly does this mean? If you get up early, … [Read more...] about Identifying Seven Traits of Millionaires
Supporting Those Feeling Isolation, Loneliness
We have an increasing population of older adults moving to the Quad Cities area to enjoy all it has to offer. Being healthy and active and able to travel can ease the sense of loss of family and friends who may live some distance away. Most older adults are able to enjoy this independence into older age, but as we know, life can change in an instant or over time. Many who have lost a life-long partner find themselves living alone for the first time, often far from close family and friends. Loss … [Read more...] about Supporting Those Feeling Isolation, Loneliness
Helping Your Child Calm Down
You may be noticing more challenging behaviors from your child during this pandemic. You might even notice your tolerance level dropping low because of your own stressors. You are only human, after all! Managing your own worries, fears and stress is challenging enough, but then throwing your child’s behaviors on top might feel overwhelming. There are some very specific strategies you can use to help calm your child. These strategies will even work for you! Often, we misread our child’s … [Read more...] about Helping Your Child Calm Down
Managing Anger
During this time of sheltering at home and financial loss and uncertainty, domestic violence is on the rise. Blaming others for our feelings is more acceptable as we observe it in others. With all the divisiveness and violence we are experiencing as a nation, anger is frequently expressed as violence. Anger in and of itself is not bad, but is simply a response to a perceived danger or a potential loss. Physiologically, it is remarkably similar to anxiety but with a different behavioral … [Read more...] about Managing Anger