Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) (part of the health-care reform legislation). PCIP provides health insurance coverage to individuals who have been unable to receive health insurance for at least six months, due to a pre-existing medical condition. PCIP is expected to last until 2014, at which time health insurance providers will no longer be able to deny coverage to individuals based on their health (medical underwriting).Twenty-nine states plus the District of Columbia will run their own plans, while the remaining states' PCIPs will be administered by the federal government. The cost of insurance under the PCIP is not based on health or income and is expected to be comparable to rates in a state's commercial market. Uninsured individuals can get more information from the government's new website, http://www.healthcare.gov/.

Interest Rates Drop Slightly on Some Federal Student Loans

If you have more than one variable rate federal student loan, you may be able to convert your variable interest rate to a lower fixed interest rate loan under the government's loan consolidation program.

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RockCandy Favorite Recipes: Fig, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola

As tasty as it is beautiful, this first course combines elements from the craddle of civilization infused with the personality of Italian prosciutto and gorgonzola. Enjoy!
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Betting on the Bad Guys

The creator of Dilbert, Scott Adams’ article in the Wall Street Journal shares his special way of looking at investments. He shares his humors insights into putting your money on the companies you hate most. We agree with Mr. Adam’s who reminds you to ignore his investment strategy.

Click here for the Wall Street Journal Article.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

It’s not always about the money. This is an eleven minute entertaining and educational YouTube video. Humans are indeed complicated creatures and the more you understand your emotional triggers the better investors you can be. It is your positive or negative behavior triggers, not market moves, which have the biggest impact on your long-term investments returns.

View YouTube video!

Grilled Bratwurst with Bing Cherry Sauce, Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes & Arugula Salad

Time is limited on this recipe. It is our once a year seasonal favorite. Fresh Bing cherries are only available for about a month around June each year.

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Elder Rage - Or Take My Father...Please!

Many of our clients are facing the issues that come with the aging of their parents and friends. Often the most surprising is the personality change to one of rage or a “Jekyll & Hyde” type persona. Jacqueline Marcell’s book, Elder Rage is an engaging insight into what she discovered about dealing with Alzheimer’s and is filled with flashes of humor about the journey.
Lisa Mayfield, Geriatric Care Manager has shared with us a list of books she recommends for more insight into Alzheimer’s, Dementia and care giving.