(StatePoint)

Experts say that with good communication and solid planning, couples can put themselves in the right position to build a solid financial future together. “American couples across all demographics need to spend time talking about financial and retirement issues sooner rather than later,” says Tim Johnson, chief investment strategist for Lincoln Financial Network. “A couple should literally ask each other, ‘What are we really trying to accomplish here and what do you want out of this whole thing?’” As part of an ongoing effort to educate consumers about financial preparedness, Lincoln Financial recently launched a set of tips and actionable steps designed to help people achieve financial well-being:

• Plan with Purpose: When reviewing investments and solutions that can help grow and protect wealth, couples need to have a shared plan in mind and an understanding of what’s important. Remember, the conversation doesn’t have to be all budgets and numbers. You can engage your loved one by talking about concrete goals, such as a wedding, vacations and homeownership.

• Be Engaged, No Matter What: Don’t throw your hands up at uncertain economic conditions. The market has always gone up and down. Volatility is just part of investing. So rather than toss account statements into a pile of unopened mail, identify what’s working well and build on it. For what’s not working well, rebalance portfolios, as necessary. You can stay motivated as a couple by celebrating small steps along the way. Be sure to reward yourself responsibly when something good happens.

• Communicate: Each person in the relationship has an opportunity to take steps, both large and small, that help achieve short- and long-term financial goals. But working together is important. A couple is most powerful when pulling in the same direction. A trusted financial professional can help you get on the same page and chart a solid path to the future. Be sure to hold regular financial meetings to address weaknesses and celebrate successes. Make it fun. Understanding who your partner is and what motivates him or her can make for a strong relationship and a solid future.

For more tips, visit www.BeAChiefLifeOfficer.com. A healthy financial relationship is a building block for a healthy overall relationship. Take steps now to define your priorities, so you can begin working toward your shared goals.

Octubre 05, 1912- Febrero 17, 2013

100 Años

Hijos: Armando, Raul, Jesus, Victor, Rolando, Carlos Santos Hijas: Cruz Pichardo, Julia Solis, Olivia Perez, Dora Elia Flores (†) 52 Nietos, 125 bisnietos y 58 tataranietos.

Queremos agradecer a toda la gente, familiares y amigos que nos acompañaron en el fallecimiento de nuestra esposa, madre y abuelita. Gracias por sus flores, su presencia, comida y su apoyo moral.

Que Dios los Bendiga!

Familia Santos

By Sen. Carlos Uresti  

You can do just about anything on the Internet these days — look at your street from space, pay your bills, trace your family history, or buy a car.   But there's one thing you can't do online in Texas: register to vote. That's something I want to change.   Senate Bill 315, one of the first bills I filed for the 83rd session, would add voter registration to the increasing number of government services and functions available online, making it more convenient for Texans to participate in the electoral process.   Currently 12 states offer online paperless voter registration, two others are in the process of implementing laws to do so, and legislation is pending in ten other states. I think it's time that Texas joined them.   Arizona led the way with the first online voter registration program in 2002, and it has proved to be a success. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Arizona's secretary of state reports that more than 70 percent of all voter registrations are now performed online. In just the first two years that online registration was available, Arizona saw a 9.5 percent increase in the number of people signing up to vote.   There is a cost benefit as well from eliminating the data entry process. According to a 2010 report, "Online Voter Registration: Case Studies in Arizona and Washington," each paper registration costs 83 cents, compared to 3 cents for registering online, which also increased the accuracy of voter rolls.   Under my bill, eligible Texas voters could register online if they possess a valid driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety. For those who do not have such documents, a website would provide a convenient way to register that minimizes typographical and transcription errors by submitting the voter's information on a mail-in card.   Support is growing for online registration in Texas, including those who actually do the work. The Texas Association of Election Administrators included the proposal on its legislative wish list.   Participating in the electoral process is a fundamental right of every American, and government should do all it can to encourage citizens to take advantage of that right. Online voter registration would make voting easier and more convenient, boost voter rolls, encourage young adults to get involved in the political process, and lead to greater turnout on Election Day.   Bringing the voter registration process into the 21st Century would be great for everyone.