We all have dreams worth saving for! Whether you’re putting away money for retirement, a down payment on a home or your kids’ college tuition, it’s easier to save when you have a road map telling you how to get there.

As you track your budget for 2021, remember to track your savings goals too! This Item of Value offers some strategies to help you save for short-term, mid-term and long-term goals. Find out how to determine exactly what you need to save each month to hit your target amount and ways to make it easy. You’ll also learn about a few savings vehicles to help your money grow along the way, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.  
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Got bigger goals? To make sure you’re saving in the smartest way possible, consider working with a finance professional.  Call us for a trusted referral who can help you organize all of your financial plans! 

It’s never too early to begin preparing for tax season! Take some time this month to take stock of your finances and tax situation, so you won’t have to stress come April.
    
Each year, there are a few changes to the tax policy that you’ll want to be aware of when filing your tax returns. In this month’s Item of Value, you’ll find a brief outline of the most significant updates and important deadlines, as well as information about COVID-19 relief and your taxes. We’ll also share a few factors that will help you decide when to go with a pro when it comes to filing your taxes.
  
If you decide you need help with your taxes, give us a call. We can connect you to a trusted and thorough tax professional in our network who can get the job done right. Prepare now to get ahead of the game and make your life easier this spring!  

Need more space? You’re not alone! This year, many people are searching for a place with room for an office, workout space, learning area and other activities we’ve started to do from home. If you’re not ready to make a move just yet, there are a few strategies you can use to optimize the space you do have. Check out the information below for small tips and tricks to make the most out of every nook and cranny in your home, making it feel like new! ​

This past year was filled with twists and turns that no one could have predicted. It wasn’t always easy, but now that we have entered into 2021, it’s time to shift our focus toward a brighter future.
 
If the economic uncertainty of 2020 had you concerned, we're here to bring some peace-of-mind for 2021 when it comes to the housing market. The information we're sending this month provides a well-rounded snapshot of the real estate market today, while noting a few trends to watch as the year unfolds. We're also including a short quiz to help you figure out if now is the right time for your family to make a move, especially if your needs have changed since last year.
 
We hope this piece provides you with clarity on the market, so you can better prepare for 2021. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about the latest trends! Remember, real estate is still local — we're happy to shed some light on how our area’s market is looking this year.

Raise your hand if you’re ready to get back on track and make the most of 2021! This year was, without a doubt, more challenging than most. Now that 2020 is coming to an end, we have the opportunity to think about what we want to improve in the year ahead.
 
To help you get ahead in 2021, We're sharing a few strategies to boost your productivity in the new year. You’ll get tips on how to optimize your downtime, keep your goals front-and-center, make time for self-care and more. There is also some valuable information on the power of time blocking, and why that practice will help you squeeze more out of your daily schedule. 
 
As you plan your fresh start for 2021, make sure you commit to these productivity strategies to keep you organized, motivated and energized. When you do, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and field any obstacles that might come your way. Cheers to a productive new year!

Sending a handwritten, personal note is one of the easiest ways to make a person’s day! But figuring out what to write — well, that’s a bit more difficult. When you want your message to be personal and heartfelt, but you can’t seem to get the right words to flow from your pen, take a quick look at the information below. We’ve provided a few sample messages and explained the formula that makes these notes so effective. Get ideas on what to say and how to say it, plus tips for making the note even more beautiful. Your relationships will love reading what you have to say!

When was the last time you gave someone a small gift or helped somebody out in some way? Not only did that action probably make the recipient smile ear-to-ear, but I bet it also felt pretty great for you too! That’s because giving to others is much more powerful than you may think.  
 
This month, we’re focusing on the power that giving holds. You’ll learn the science behind why giving feels so great and how exactly it affects your health and well-being. Additionally, you’ll find easy ways to start giving back through various apps and activities that can get your friends involved, too. We’ll also share five things to give away that won’t cost a dime but will surely make someone’s day! 
 
With Thanksgiving in the air, giving back to others is more important than ever right now. We hope you’ll take full advantage of the giving spirit this time of year. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!