a fun, fabulous, financial newsletter
February 2016; Issue: 151  
Welcome

 
As the New Year unfolds, many of us are reflecting on how we would like to make this year our best year yet. Personal finance is often an area of focus. I recently wrote an article that has some suggestions on areas of focus to achieve that success. Take a read.

There is a saying in Costa Rica "pura vida". It's literal translations means "pure life", however, it's modern day usage gives a perspective to a life evoking a spirit that is carefree, laid back and optimistic. It's wonderful outlook on life and maybe a saying you might want to adopt for this year.

We recently adopted a "pura vida" attitude for 2016 after returning from a wonderful vacation in Nosara, Costa Rica with my brother and his family. Days filled with an appreciation of nature--sun, sea, sand, sunsets, turtles, monkeys and iguanas. Also, the simplicity of teaching a five year old to play Crazy Eights for the first time and watching him beat you with simple, "I just had to do that!". All while sipping chilled coconuts. Ahhh, pura vida!

How will you make your 2016 "pura vida"? If we can help in anyway, please reach out!  

Cheers,
Paula Signature

From Bill's Corner 
Don't ignore 1099s

In early January, I took a vacation to the Dominican Republic. My wife decided on a theme vacation - a yoga retreat.
"Ay, caramba!"
 
We landed on the island of Hispaniola in mid January. Hispaniola is the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Hispaniola is the 22nd-largest island in the world. It is the second largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, and the 10th most populous island in the world.
 
After a couple of days of "OOHHMMMMs" and un-godly stretching toward the perfect pretzel pose, it was time to break away from the yoga retreat and head out for an adventure.
 
We hired a guide to take us deep into the malaria-infested jungles of the island to visit a sacred waterfall, El Salto de Limon. At 120 feet high, the falls were my awe-inspiring detour away from the yoga mats.

My guide's name was pronounced "HeySuesse" but spelled Jesus. I figured this was a good sign that I'd make it back alive from the excursion. Our plan was to visit a local village, traverse several river crossings, hike over a mountain and approach the falls from the north, take a swim, and head back to a trailhead before dark. What could possibly go wrong with a guide named Jesus?
 
Halfway up the mountain, machete-carrying hombres appeared out of the mist. I had ominous feelings, and my guide seemed a little nervous. While my life was flashing before my eyes, a poem by Derek Mahon popped into my head. "Everything is going to be all right. There will be dying, but there is no need to go into that. The sun rises in spite of everything and the far cities are beautiful and bright. I lie here in a riot of sunlight watching the daybreak and the clouds flying. Everything is going to be all right. Everything is going to be all right...."
 
Perceived danger brings out the strangest thoughts. I get a similar feeling when the IRS forms 1099s (1099, 1099-DIV, 1099-Misc, 1099-R) start to arrive.

Bill signature

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7 worst mistakes investors will make in this market
 
It's easy for investors to compound the pain and losses in times like this. Avoid these costly missteps and chances are you can profit handsomely for years to come.

Learn more...
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The most overlooked tax deductions  
 
Cut your tax bill to the bone by claiming all the breaks you deserve.

Learn more...
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6 personal finance facts people constantly get wrong

Quite often, the "facts" that people tout when it comes to personal finance aren't quite facts at all. Sometimes they're just opinions stated with authority, or they're based on incorrect information or assumptions.

Learn more...
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Tax planning for after death
 
The IRS demands a final accounting for the deceased and it's up to your executor, or your survivors, to file the paperwork.
 
Learn more...
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The best back-to-basics ski resorts 
 
These off-the-beaten-path ski resorts deliver classic, no-frills skiing that's free of crowds-and free of gimmicky luxe amenities


Learn more...
In the media...on the blog

WH Cornerstone's principal's are tapped by the media to write for and contribute to a variety of publications. Here are our latest contributions.

Make this your best year yet: Ways to maximize your finances for financial and personal growth
Old Colony Memorial, February 9, 2016
View....
INVESTORS, PLANS & MONEY: Don't ignore the 1099's
Old Colony Memorial, January 29, 2015
Paula Harris quoted in: BUSINESS PANEL: New year, new opportunities
The Patriot Ledger, January 23/24, 2016
View...
INVESTORS, PLANS & MONEY: Impact Investing
Old Colony Memorial, December 29, 2015
View...

And, from our blog...
About us

We are authentic, thoughtful, straight-shooters who provide the sound, visionary stewardship that helps our clients protect their financial foundation while building their wealth.

We are private and independent, which means we have the unique ability to build deep, meaningful relationships with our clients with no competing agendas. We are a legal fiduciary for our clients.

We have several decades of broad financial and business expertise that enables us to knowledgeably advise on a wide range of financial and business affairs and to help our clients navigate the sea of complexity with confidence.

We are strong believers in the power of near-term, actionable planning and disciplined focus on forward-facing goals.

We are at our best when we help our clients optimize their financial resources to realize their goals and dreams.