“Love first, teach second” is the motto of this year’s LifeChanger of the Year grand prize winner. These four words have become a tenant that Eric Crouch lives by as he nurtures and shapes the lives of fifth grade students in his Columbus, Georgia school community.

America’s teachers have long been creative in finding ways to make connections with their students to help ensure that the children in their classrooms absorb the lessons they’re trying to share.

But when those classrooms became remote connections via videoconference, teachers found they had to up their games just to make sure they had the students’ attention.

Growing up, my grandmother would tell stories of her daily voyage to school nestled in rural south India.

Where she grew up, there was no school bus to pick her up and deliver her to the front door of the school. Instead, she trekked miles of rough terrain to reach her destination: education.

Offering some motivation during this time of social distancing can be challenging, especially for teachers who are contemplating how to make an uncertain new school year interesting and worthwhile for students, parents and themselves.

Although no one would wish for the situation we’re in, it has unleashed some incredible creativity.

We all learn early in our careers the three rules to secure a solid retirement savings.

1. Start Saving Early (NOW)
2. Make Consistent Contributions
3. Diversify the Allocations

Join us for the third discussion among four LifeChangers. This time they will focus on how teachers can create vital personal connections with students when they may not be together in-person.

There are over 1,500 “national days”, but did you know that July 17^th is National Lottery Day?

Here is a quick history lesson about gambling and what you should consider so that it doesn’t impact your retirement dreams.

America’s educators are teaching all of us how to make our way in this world of uncertainty that has been wrought by the pandemic and the crumbling economy that was caused by the virus.

They are dedicated not just to our children’s educations, but also to their well-being, their happiness and even their very survival.

There have been several recent legislative changes regarding taxes and specifically their impact on taxes in retirement plans that are worth highlighting.

After nearly 20 years of living and working in Manhattan, 9/11 happened.  It was jolting and jarring and had a big impact on my life – both personally and professionally.   The current emotional energy of COVID-19 brings me back to that time.  While the events are completely different, the emotions are strikingly similar:  fear, uncertainty, love, compassion, helplessness and urgency.