"My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!" “I can see clearly now the rain has gone…" or "Raindrops keep falling on my head…" Do some of you recognize these song lyrics? What are the lyrics to your song, your future: Is it sunshine or raindrops?

I suppose you can check the weather channel or “Madame Rue”...you know, “the gypsy with the gold capped tooth.” (Bet you always thought it was “the gypsy with the gold tattoo!”) Or, even better, you can "Make Life What You Want."™

In our pursuit of an Active Positive Lifestyle, a recurring theme we have found around longevity (and yes, we Boomers definitely are wanting a few more quality years on this planet!) is conscientiousness. Conscientiousness is that thoroughness and diligence to make and follow good choices. So now what we need is a working plan to finance these extra positive “days of our lives!”

Some retirement strategies are "keep working" and "Social Security," a one-two punch in the stomach. We want younger folk to have jobs, stay healthy and save money. That way "Social Security" may stay intact. By the year 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 years old--and we do vote, you know?      

Want to see what happens in your future? DMA member Don Kemp of Espey Financial Group, can help with a plan. Nope, he doesn't have a crystal ball, or a magic pill, but he can clearly show you how you can make a customized plan to control your financial future, and that ain't too shabby!   

Last week we sat with Don and some of our Duluth Merchants Association (DMA) business friends also looking for answers. Don showed us how a dollar of income, a dollar of spending, a dollar of investing, the local and world economies, personal crisis, and the rise and fall of your local creek can (over time) determine the size of your life boat and the length of your paddle. 

This RSVP event hosted at The Work Spot in downtown Duluth  is one of several informative "Brown Bag Educational Series" presentations DMA will be offering this year to help local folks and businesses in the community succeed. Like the recent DMA Mini Expo we wrote about in April, we view the DMA Brown Bag Educational Series as a positive opportunity available to the community. Stay tuned for next event -- hope you can join us! 

Positively yours,

Sheri and Bill  

P.S. If you enjoyed our music references, here are some Youtube web links to these songs for your listening pleasure!

"My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfWXknBLpko

“I can see clearly now the rain has gone…"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1MjRp0ys5I  

“Raindrops keep falling on my head…"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t30cX6OGO0U      

“…Madame Rue, the gypsy with the gold capped tooth …” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va3xSE1udgM