Time for some financial spring cleaning

Submitted by Edward JonesPrint Story | Email Story
In just a few days, we will experience the vernal equinox – one of the two times in the year when the sun is exactly above the equator. Apart from this astronomical anomaly, though, the equinox is mostly known as the beginning of spring – a fresh beginning and the time to spruce things up. This year, as you tidy up your home and surroundings, why not also consider some financial spring cleaning?
 
Here are a few ideas for getting your financial house in order:
 
"De-clutter" your portfolio
Over the years, many of us tend to pick up duplicate items that find their way into the nooks and crannies of our homes, gathering dust and remaining unused. Over time, your investment portfolio can also accumulate redundancies – that is, you might own several investments that are essentially similar. It might be appropriate to replace some of these and broaden your holdings.
 
Own your investments purposefully
You own certain things for certain reasons – a broom to sweep the floors, a microwave to heat the food and so on. As an investor, you should be following a goal-based strategy that includes the matching of certain investments with certain objectives. For example, you might own stocks or mutual funds to eventually provide the capital appreciation potential you'll need to retire comfortably. But you might also own other vehicles, such as bonds or other fixed-income investments, to provide you with a source of regular income.
 
"Dust off" your investment strategy
Over a long winter, your windows can get dirty and grimy, so, when spring arrives, you may want to get out the glass cleaner – and when you're done, you'll be able to see out more clearly. Over time, your investment strategy may get somewhat "dusty," too, especially if you've experienced significant changes in your life, such as a new job, a new child or even a new plan for retirement. By periodically reviewing your investment strategy, you'll be able to clarify your vision for the future.
 
Protect yourself from hidden dangers
If you poke around your garage, shed or other storage area, you may well find some objects – gardening tools, paint thinners and engine fluids, leaning ladders and so on – that could be dangerous, either because they aren't stored properly or they're hard to see and can cause trips and falls. As part of your spring cleaning, you'd want to get these objects out of harm's way to safeguard yourself and your family. But when you think of your financial situation, are you also exposing yourself and your loved ones to risk? If something were to happen to you, could your family members stay in their home? Could your children still go to college? To help keep their lifestyle intact if you weren't around, you'll need adequate life insurance. And to avoid burdening your grown children with potentially huge expenses should you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, you may want to talk to a financial advisor about protection strategies.
            
By taking some spring cleaning measures, you can brighten your living space for the seasons ahead. And by applying some of the same principles to your financial environment, you can help improve the prospects for meeting your important goals.  
 
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor. Courtesy of Rob Adams, 71 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247, 413-664-9253.. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. For more information, see EdwardJones.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Clarksburg Sees Race for Select Board Seat

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town will see a three-way race for a seat on the Select Board in May. 
 
Colton Andrews, Seth Alexander and Bryana Malloy returned papers by Wednesday's deadline to run for the three-year term vacated by Jeffrey Levanos. 
 
Andrews ran unsuccessfully for School Committee and is former chairman of the North Adams Housing Authority, on which he was a union representative. He is also president of the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council.
 
Malloy and Alexander are both newcomers to campaigning. Malloy is manager of industrial relations for the Berkshire Workforce Board and Alexander is a resident of Gates Avenue. 
 
Alexander also returned papers for several other offices, including School Committee, moderator, library trustee and the five-year seat on the Planning Board. He took out papers for War Memorial trustee and tree warden but did not return them and withdrew a run for Board of Health. 
 
He will face off in the three-year School Committee seat against incumbent Cynthia Brule, who is running for her third term, and fellow newcomer Bonnie Cunningham for library trustee. 
 
Incumbent Ronald Boucher took out papers for a one-year term as moderator but did not return them. He was appointed by affirmation in 2021 when no won ran and accepted the post again last year as a write-in.
 
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