Columns

“Our advice—that term life is a better deal for most families—hasn't changed.” —Consumer Reports Life insurance agents somehow think that life insurance is the ultimate solution to family financial planning. As a former Primerica Financial Services amateur, I cried “Buy Term and Invest the Difference!”...

How are your knees? Knees are one of the largest and most complex joints of the body, your knees are crucial to movement, which means protecting knee joints should be a priority. Knees bear your body weight, allowing the full range of motion of...

When the huge numbers of California Tortoiseshell butterflies showed up around here on June 10, I learned a lot about the different species of ceanothus and how dependent we are on this plant. Because most of us live near or in a Wildland Urban...

“I am thankful for small mercies. Some people expect only the best. I found that I begin at the other extreme…expecting nothing and am always full of thanks for unexpected blessings.” —Tim Man Lee, Wildlife Photographer Since moving to my small “slice of Heaven” here...

Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. Forgiveness is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. Understanding the power of forgiveness and its impact on mental well-being can help inspire you to forgive people in your life...

I’m vacationing this week in Oregon, visiting my webmaster Evan in Eugene and also my friend Janie who lives in the historic mining town of Jacksonville near Ashland. We have taken several trips together, including the Mayan ruins in Mexico and birding in Southeast...

If stocks perform like hopping rabbits, who needs sluggish bonds in the Santa Cruz Mountains? The answer lies not in market timing but numerous CFP queries, which confirm clients are not always comfortable with an all-stock portfolio that could lose 30% of its value...

A Facebook friend posts photos taken of her yard with lots of turkeys and deer families. How can you not love a picture of those cute fawns covered with spots? There's something about babies. You know that feeling when you see a new infant...

72/Rate of Return ≈ Years to Double Value Old as the Renaissance, this simplified rule should be shouted from rooftops, emblazoned on blimps and taught in every schoolroom. The consequences are profound: Save now for babes in arms. Indifferent to your future, let salespeople whimper....

I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...