Plan Ahead When Traveling This Holiday Season!

Traveling — especially for vacation — shouldn't create more stress in an already hectic life. Knowing what to expect before your pack your bags will help ease your troubles while you travel.

Waiting in a winding airport security checkpoint line is just one of many potential headaches today's travelers experience. Worrying about what to pack, what kind of identification is required, and how much cash to bring are yet others. In order to help ease the stress level before and during your next trip, it might help to review some guidance from the officials who oversee our nation's travel rules and regulations.

What Do the Experts Recommend?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) keeps up-to-date information on all rules and regulations concerning travel by air, rail, and sea. At the organization's Web site, vacationers and business travelers alike can review rules and get tips to help make their trips as hassle-free as possible. For example, they can review the "3-1-1" rule, which states that passengers boarding an aircraft are allowed to carry bottles containing up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid or gels in a single, one quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. Note that this rule does not apply to prescription or over-the-counters medications, and baby food, baby formula, or breast milk as long as an infant is present. Such liquids, however, are subject to physical inspection.

Other recommendations from the TSA and the U.S. State Department include:

• Don't carry large amounts of cash. Carry traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations, date, and location of the issuing bank or agency. Keep this information in a separate (but handy) location so that you have quick access to it if you lose your checks.
• Consider using credit cards instead of cash, but leave unnecessary cards at home. Like traveler's checks, record the information of the cards you bring with you and keep it separate in case of an emergency.
• Try not to look like a tourist and minimize the appearance of affluence. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry. Travel light so that you can get around with little encumbrance, and don't pack many valuables. Lock what you do bring in the hotel safe.
• Consider carrying cash and valuables in several places on your person rather than in one purse or wallet. A money belt is probably the most secure place for cash and traveler's checks, but a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest is a good option, too.
• Keep your bank's telephone number with you -- in case of a financial emergency, you may be able to have money transferred to a local financial institution or travel agency.
• Be sure to bring any medication you will need, and consider an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses as well.
• Make sure your name, address, and telephone number are on the outside and inside of all your luggage. Note that covered luggage tags will conceal your personal information to the casual observer. If you prefer to lock your checked baggage, be sure to use TSA-approved locks, which can be accessed at http://www.safeskieslocks.com or http://www.travelsentry.org.
• Don't pack wrapped gifts in checked baggage -- they may be opened by security personnel during the screening process.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family members back home.
• Check your credit cards, and homeowners' and health insurance policies to see what's covered while traveling. You may want to consider purchasing travelers' insurance, which covers such things as an unexpected cancellation of your trip, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other problems. Be sure to read the policy's fine print, however.
• Store film in carry-on luggage. Screeners for checked bags may destroy it.
• Let your children know about airport screening procedures ahead of time, and allow yourself extra time to get through the checkpoints with youngsters in tow. Note that everything you carry on with your family needs to be put through the X-ray machine. Items that are too large (such as strollers) will be physically inspected by the security personnel. The TSA recommends that children who can walk without assistance pass through the metal detectors separately; however, parents can carry their younger children through if they choose. Folks traveling with multiple children may want to request a private screening.

Happy Holidays and Happy Travels!!!

 

 

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber's or others' use of the content.

© 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

Tracking #1-202520
   

Holiday Blues...

Are the holidays turning you into the Grinch??

 

 

The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year! Why then are many of us feeling the holiday blues?  Try some of these strategies to help you from feeling like scrooge this holiday season...
 

• Practice gratitude often!  Studies show that making a list of the things that you are grateful for and sharing them with others can enhance your sense of wellbeing and make you happier! 
    
• Stick to your regular routine.  Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and trying not to eat or drink too much this season will help you manage the stress that you may be feeling.      ll

 

• Set reasonable expectations.  Try not putting so much added pressure on yourself and use some of the awesome holiday idea resources that are out there for ideas. One of our favorite resources for ideas is Pinterest!  Pinterest can really help reduce your planning time and help you to think outside of the box for creative and unique ideas that everyone will love!
   
• Start new traditions.  Keep your favorite activities that remind your family of the holidays past but create some new traditions this year to help you shake it up!

 

The CWMP Elves are Busy This Year!!

 

 

Happy Holidays from the Cornerstone Family to yours!  We wish you an abundance of happiness throughout the many years to come!

 

Zero In on Holiday Budgets Before You Spend...

Don't look now because before you know it the season of giving -- and spending -- will be upon us. Don't wait until the credit card bills arrive in January to think about how you're going to pay for your holiday spending. Start now and consider these planning tips.

Have a realistic budget and stick to it. Creating a budget and keeping to it can help you to avoid spending beyond your means. To avoid the overspending trap, make a list of possible gifts and spending limits a month or two in advance. But make sure you cover all your bases. In addition to gifts, include the cost of postage and shipping, travel and entertaining, even wrapping paper and decorations.

Be a smart shopper. Watch the newspapers and advertising flyers for sales or discount coupons for items you plan to buy. Be flexible and realize that you may need to juggle your schedule to take advantage of the best sales. When possible, put off gift buying until after the holidays. This is when department stores reduce sale prices even more to make room for spring merchandise.

Try not to "charge it." It can take the average shopper months -- or even years -- to pay off holiday spending debt. If you must use a credit card, use only one -- preferably a bank credit card. Avoid department store cards, which usually charge a much higher interest rate.

Give of yourself. Your time and talents are often viewed as more meaningful than any gift you could buy. Give an elderly friend or relative a certificate for a home-cooked meal or an afternoon of gardening. Teens can offer to baby-sit, read to the elderly, or wash windows. Homemade items such as jams and jellies or handicrafts also make great, inexpensive gifts.

This year, why not give yourself a gift by planning ahead for the holidays? With a little forethought and creativity you can keep your holiday spirit without losing your wallet.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber's or others' use of the content.

© 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

Tracking #1-201393

Fixed Income Chat with LPL Financial Research's Anthony Valeri and Lord ...

Katie Larson Receives Degree

From the AdminU Program at LPL Financial
 

Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners, PC in Kalispell, Montana would like to announce that Katie Larson, Associate Client Services Specialist, has received the Bachelor’s degree from AdminU. Curriculum for this intensive continuing education program emphasizes client service, office efficiency and the use of advanced technology, all of which will enhance the value of Katie Larson to the Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners team and the clients we serve.

“We congratulate Katie Larson for achieving this recognition and for her dedication to continuing education,” said Derek Bruton, Managing Director and National Sales Manager for LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer* and the business that developed and administers the AdminU program. “AdminU helps firms like Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners, PC elevate its operational efficiency and enhance its client service by providing team members with in-depth education and training to advance their professional knowledge and skills.”

Don Rich, the advisor of Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners, PC is affiliated with LPL Financial and provides access to independent financial planning services, investment advice and asset management services to clients across the country.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of LPL Investment Holdings Inc., is an independent broker-dealer. LPL Financial and its affiliates offer proprietary technology, comprehensive clearing and compliance services, practice management programs and training, and independent research to more than 13,000 financial advisors and approximately 685 financial institutions. Additionally, LPL Financial supports more than 4,000 financial advisors who are affiliated and licensed with insurance companies with customized clearing, advisory platforms and technology solutions. LPL Financial and its affiliates have approximately 2,900 employees with employees and offices in Boston, Charlotte and San Diego. For more information, please visit www.lpl.com.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Investment products and services available only to residents of: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NJ, NM, OK, OR, SC, TX, UT, WA.
Fee-based investment advisory services available only to residents of: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NJ, NM, OK, OR, SC, TX, UT, WA.
We are licensed to sell insurance products in the following states of: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NJ, NM, OK, OR, SC, TX, UT, WA.

 

*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996–2012, based on total revenue.

* Tracking #1-024474

Three Steps to Help Reduce Debt

With continued concerns about the falling value of homes, rising health care costs, and uncertain outlook for the economy, now more than ever, Americans need to set a new course with regard to managing their household finances.

If you are ready to face up to your own financial realities and set a plan of action, the time to act is now. The following three-part strategy may help you control your cash flow, pay off debt, and encourage saving so you can better handle the expenses that may have gotten you into debt in the first place.

Step 1: Track Your Spending
As a first step, keep track of your typical monthly expenses for three months to find out where your money is going. Also try to estimate unexpected expenses for a year's time -- auto and home repairs, gifts, vacations, etc. -- and divide that number by 12. Once you have a record of your spending, compare your monthly outlay to your monthly income. If you have a surplus, this is the amount you can apply each month to paying down debt and building savings. If you have a shortfall, you'll need to examine your expenses more closely to see what you can potentially cut back or cut out.

Step 2: Build Your Savings
A key to establishing good saving habits is to make saving even easier than spending. One tip is to set up separate savings accounts with separate goals attached to them. If you open them with the same bank, you can easily transfer money back and forth. Suggested account purposes:

• "Emergency Account" to pay for unexpected life events. Your goal this account should be to build up at least three to six months of living expenses. This way, if you lose your job or need a lump sum to pay for a significant expense, you may not have to tap in to your other savings or ring up more debt. If you can direct 5% of your pay each month to this account, you'll build up a nice cushion in about three to four years.
• "Family Account" to help fund your children's school expenses (such as class trips and team uniforms) or family vacations. Let's face it: if you have children, you are always paying for something. Even if you don't have kids, putting away money for a specific short-term goal, like a vacation, is a worthy savings strategy.
• "Investment Account" to be put toward general or long-term saving goals. Hopefully, you already have a retirement savings account (either through your workplace or on your own) and perhaps a college savings plan. But having another account to save for other longer-term goals -- maybe a nest egg to start your own business -- can be a smart move.

Step 3: Stop Abusing Your Credit Cards
If you've accumulated significant credit card debt, you've first got to stop the bad behavior. Paying off debt is easier once you stop using your credit cards. Pay off your highest interest credit card debt first, making sure you avoid the "minimum balance trap." Paying more than the minimum can make a big difference.

Then work on consolidating your debt by transferring outstanding balances to lower-rate cards. If you don't want to transfer your balances, you may be able to get your current credit card company to match the interest rate of a competitor. Additionally, it's advisable to cancel all cards except for the one that offers the lowest interest rate.

Finally, set up a realistic payment timetable and stick with it. If you need to readjust your timetable, do so. If you have trouble, talk to a professional. The counselors at the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling can develop a more structured plan for you, if needed. To find the nearest location, call 800-388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org.

© 2012 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved. Tracking #1-078160

rt your own business -- can be a smart move.

Claim your financial Independence!

  

Did you know...

 

Personal saving in America is at a four year low.

 

97% of Baby Boomers have not saved enough for their retirement.

 

55% of Americans did not save one penny last year.

 

This year American personal debt is near an all-time high.

 

 

 Check out this video to find out how you can change these statistics!

 

 

Boo to You From the CWMP Team!

We hope that you have a Spooktacular Halloween this year!

Our Home of the Majestic Flathead

We are blessed to live our lives, in the gem of the Flathead Valley!  It is such a wonderful place, that someone like Phil Jackson, who has won more championships than any other coach in NBA history, comes to spend his time with his family and find his inner peace. 

What a wonderful compliment that he pays to our home in this article from The Wall Street Journal. 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324577304579059013077824956.html?KEYWORDS=Jackson

 

He says his home on Flathead Lake is his clinic where he comes to in order to get back in tune with his innermost self after a long emotion-filled season and to break away from the frenzied world of professional sports.  His home on Flathead Lake is where he can feel a strong connection to the earth and where all three generations of his family can connect and sing songs around a bon fire under the starlit sky.

The Rich family can’t agree more with Phil, the Zen master, about their home in the majestic Flathead Valley.  Don and Leslie’s family is also spread around the country and all three generations of their family come together and reunite at their Kalispell home for their “Family Soiree” each summer.  Amongst the many blessings that come from their annual gatherings in such a beautiful place is just being together with their three grandsons, siblings, friends and Leslie’s 83 year old father brings sparkle to their eyes and warmth to their hearts!

 

Rough Seas Create Opportunities...

Scholarship donations help students acheive their dreams!

 

 

Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners loves to be a part of events that give back!  Especially events that help the people of the community reach their educational goals.

 

An event that you can always look forward to each year is the Festival of Flavors. This signature event, hosted by FVCC, brings our community together for 10 days to experience exceptional food and wine while celebrating and discovering the heights FVCC has gone to in order to provide affordable education to the community!

 

Don and Leslie have had many experiences during the festivals. They recall the 6^th annual Festival of Flavors as being one of their greatest experiences.  Don and Leslie chose a Sunday dinner at the lovely home of Marylou and Tony Patterson.  The event was presented by Steele Winery and Bill Bishop and featured Chef Andy Blanton and Café Kandahar.  The Rich’s absolutely adore Chef Andy who ran the culinary program at FVCC for several years and they have taken cooking classes from him in the past.  As always the glamorous evening on Big Mountain with wine and food was wonderful!

 

Don and Leslie believe in giving to The Festival of Flavors as this very important event generates over $100,000 to help provide scholarships for FVCC students in need.  Several CWMP team members over the years have been able to experience the blessings that events, such as the Festival of Flavors, can do for a student’s life. We believe in education and we believe in the scholarship program at FVCC.

 

Katie, Cornerstone’s very own FVCC scholar, has experienced first-hand the impact that receiving scholarships can have on a student’s life. In many cases, scholarships can determine for students to even consider attending college. With the assistance of scholarships from various sources, Katie has been able to maintain a full-time class load at the college and manage to afford the many expenses that come along with being heavily involved in school. Without this assistance, Katie doesn’t believe she would be where she is today. She is extremely grateful for all of the scholarships she has received and for the opportunity to continue her education past high school. She is certain, that without a doubt, scholarships have not only changed her life, but the lives of many others students. She hopes that scholarship programs will continue to grow as they truly do aid in achieving the dreams of many students.   

 

LPL Financial is not affiliated with and does not endorse FVCC.

Harvest your Montana Gold!

There are few outdoor adventures that are more satisfying than spending a summer afternoon picking huckleberries from a majestic mountainside…  It has been another amazing above average year for easy huck picking in the Flathead Valley!  This isn’t always the case because the best huckleberries take time to grow and ripen so you must wait for just the precise moment to pluck the culinary jewels from the most luscious bushes of your secret hillside!  The payoff is always worth the time spent picking huckleberries and if you are able to get some home with you before eating them fresh off of the bush they bake into very delectable treats. 

Financial planning with Don Rich is a lot like harvesting “Montana Gold” as many locals call our huckleberries.  To get the most out of your harvest, sew your seeds early, be patient, invest regularly, and pick a good Certified Financial Planner in Kalispell, Montana at Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners PC!

We hope that you enjoy huckleberry treats as much as we do at CWMP so we would like to share some of our favorite epic huckleberry recipes with you.  We would like to invite you to share your family’s favorite huckleberry recipes with us too!  From our family to yours…enjoy!

Huckleberry Cobbler

¼ cup butter

½ cup sugar

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

2 ½ cups huckleberries

¾ cup sugar

½ cup boiling water

1 Tablespoon butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  While your oven is preheating, grease the bottom of a 9 inch square pan with butter.  In a large bowl, cream 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup sugar.  In a separate small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Add the milk to your mixture and it will be thick and lumpy.  Spread batter into the prepared pan.  In a large bowl, combine berries, 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup boiling water. Pour the berry mixture over the batter in your prepared pan. Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.  Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.

Huckleberry Sauce

2 cups huckleberries

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 1/2 teaspoons water

Directions

In a saucepan over medium heat, add huckleberries,  sugar and lemon juice.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.  In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water.  Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the huckleberry sauce and heat until thoroughly combined and thickened.  Serve the sauce over ice cream, yogurt or shortcake with a dollop of real whip cream on top. 

Huckleberry Pie

1 cup water

¾ cup sugar

2 Tablespoons white karo syrup

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

3 rounded Tablespoons raspberry or black raspberry jello

3 cups fresh or frozen huckleberries

Baked pie shell

Directions

Bring ¾ of a cup of the water, sugar, and syrup to boil.  Mix the remaining ¼ cup water with the cornstarch in a small bowl.  Add the cornstarch slurry to the syrup mixture slowly while stirring to thicken.  Add the jello and then let cool slightly before mixing the huckleberries.  Pour the huckleberry mixture into the baked pie shell.

 

Huckleberry Delight

Crust

1 ½ cup graham crackers

½ cup powdered sugar

¼ cup butter melted

Cheese Layer

2 eggs

½ cup sugar

8 ounce package cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

4 cups huckleberries

¾ cup sugar

4 Tablespoons cornstarch

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

Whipping cream

Directions

Mix the crust ingredients and then press mixture into the bottom of a 9” square pan.  Mix until smooth the soft cream cheese, eggs, ½ cup sugar and vanilla.  Pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325º for 20 minutes.  Cool to room temperature.  Crush half of the berries and mix with ¾ cup sugar, cornstarch and salt over low heat stirring constantly until thick.  Blend in the remaining huckleberries and lemon juice and then spread over the crust and cheese layer.  Chill thoroughly and serve with whip cream.

 

 

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 2

 

Tour the Lewis and Clark Caverns…

The Lewis and Clark Caverns is a million-year-old limestone labyrinth and is one of the largest caverns in the United States.  The tour of these wondrous caves, which are lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites were created by mineral-laden water dripping and seeping from the tall ceilings.  During the tour that is led by a state park guide you will learn about the caves history, the big-eared bats that make the caves their home, and wonder over the colorful otherworldly formations and shapes.

Visit wild Bison at the National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge…

The NBR which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approximately 18,500 acres!  The wildlife refuge is home to between 350 and 500 American bison, over 200 bird species and 50 other mammal species including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bear.

Adventure into the Bob Marshall and see the Chinese Wall…

 

It takes a lot of hard work to view the Chinese Wall in the heart of "The Bob" as the locals call the Bob Marshall Wilderness but the payoff is huge.  The Chinese Wall is a long limestone escarpment that averages 1,000 feet high from its base and extends for 15 miles along the Continental Divide in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

 

Photo Courtesy of Channel Outfitters

 

Fish one or all of Montana’s blue ribbon rivers… 

Photo Courtesy of Channel Outfitters

Fish, Wildlife and Parks categorizes 12 of Montana’s great waters as “blue-ribbon” rivers!  The productive waters are, the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Bighorn, Blackfoot, Flathead (main), Flathead (North Fork), Gallatin, Kootenai, Madison, Missouri, Rock Creek, and the Yellowstone River. 

They say that every angler should experience a guided fishing trip at least once in their lifetime but whether your fishing adventure is with a guide or in your own special fishing hole it is sure to be a legendary Montana experience!

 

View Kootenai Falls from a swinging bridge…

 

Kootenai River enters a canyon, downstream from Libby Montana and flows over Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest. The main falls is 30 feet high and can be viewed from a "swinging bridge" that crosses the river.  The falls and surrounding area are considered sacred to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors inhabited the region.  During the Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps crews did a lot of work in the area constructing roads and bridges, including the first swinging bridge, across the Kootenai River.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 3...

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 1

Hike to an Alpine Lake…

Glacier National Park is home to several scenic alpine lake hikes that don’t require any special skills.  Be ready to experience wildlife, impeccable views, wildflowers, and a feeling that you’ve just discovered a secret mountain paradise!

 

 Experience Flathead Lake…

 
      Keep your eyes open for the  Flathead Lake Monster!

Flathead Lake is the jewel in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem and is the largest natural freshwater lake West of the Mississippi River.  The Flathead Lake has a surface area of 192 square miles and has a maximum depth of more than 370 feet. 
 The crystal-clear mountain water is perfect for swimming, boating with great friends, fishing or kayaking.  Consider taking an afternoon drive around the lake to fully experience its majesty but make sure that you stop at one of the five Montana State Parks speckled around the lake for a picnic or camping adventure.
  

                     
                                                                Pick Huckleberries…

 Few outdoor activities are more satisfying than spending a summer afternoon picking “Montana Gold”.  The abundant Montana fruit is delicious freshly picked, made into jam, pie, or one of the many other popular Montana flavored treats such as ice cream and fudge.

Drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park…

People from all over the world come to visit Montana and experience the breathtaking scenery from the Going-to-the-Sun Road!  This engineering marvel climbs over 3,000 feet from West Glacier to St. Mary.  While winding around glacier carved mountain sides you will experience carved-by-hand arches, the weeping wall, colorful wildflowers, fascinating waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats right on the road!

Walk under the Roosevelt Arch at Yellowstone National Park…

 

The Roosevelt Arch is at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana.  The five story tall structure was constructed under the supervision of the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone.  Its cornerstone was laid down by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and there is an inscription at the top of the arch that reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

 

Stay tuned next week for

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 2...