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July Special Section
2 | July 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Planning for retirement When you retire, would you like to relocate to be near grown children or to experience a different climate? If so, you’ll need to weigh the costs involved and how they might affect your investment decisions. When evaluating a possible retirement move, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors, including housing, health care and taxes. These and other variables will give you a good sense of the cost of living of a particuBurns lar location. Once you know how much it will cost to relocate to your chosen destination, you’ll need to determine if your current strategy is on track to get you there. If not, you may need to make some changes. Where you live in retirement also may affect how much money you eventually withdraw each year from your 401(k) and IRA, so you’ll need to create an appropriate withdrawal strategy. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a place to live that makes you happy. And you’ll enjoy it more if you know the costs involved – and the financial steps you’ll need to take. If you have any questions please contact Chris Burns, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 770-205-1579. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Banking & Finance• Sponsored Section
Hints to help you have more comfort at less cost (NAPSI)—When the temperature’s rising, your energy costs don’t have to. These tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can help: 1. Keep the Heat Out and the Cool In—Sealing and insulating your home can save you up to $200 a year in utility bills. Find and seal air leaks with spray foam, caulk and weather stripping. Seal and insulate the cooling system ducts in your attic. Considering new windows? ENERGY STAR certified windows have coatings that let in light but keep out heat. Replacing old windows with these lowers household energy bills 12 percent on average. Also, keep shades down and drapes closed. 2. Maintain Your Cooling System—Have a contractor check and clean evaporator and condenser air-conditioning coils, check your central air conditioner’s refrigerant level and adjust if necessary, and clean and adjust blower components. Inspect, clean or change your system’s air filter every three months. 3. Need a Room AC?—If you’re getting a room air conditioner, be aware that models with the ENERGY STAR label have been independently certified to deliver energy savings, comfort, and improved sealing and insulation. On average, they cost as little as $70 per year to run. A room air conditioner with connected functionality can: • Turn off the unit remotely using your phone or computer; • Schedule changes to temperature settings based on your needs; • Get feedback on the energy use of the prod-
uct. Choose the right size AC. An oversized unit will only remove some of the humidity, leaving the room with a damp, clammy feeling. When installing an AC, follow the instructions and use the insulation materials included. 4. Get Set for Savings—Install a new ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for energy savings with environmental benefits, reliable performance, and convenience, insight and control. A Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat can automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature settings for optimal performance. For more information and tips, visit www.energystar.gov/cooling.
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Banking & Finance • Sponsored Section
American Commerce Bank Branch Manager Soraya Kenney, CSR Pat Thomas, teller Travis Carithers and market president Carlos Laverde.
People bank with people “Folks who understand banking recognize that people don’t bank with banks. People bank with people.” John Medlin, the legendary former chairman of Wachovia Bank, knew this and repeated the statement often. Banking and financial services have surely become complicated in recent years. Data security and privacy concerns have made some “folks” nervous about on-line and mobile banking services, and the advent of 1-800 lines has made it difficult to have a genuine relationship with your bank—and your bankers. Unless, that is, you’ve met the staff at American Commerce Bank in Johns Creek. ACB is an independent community bank with services that rival institutions many times its size. The bank prides itself in bringing big bank services down to the community bank level by combining “high tech” with “high touch” customer service. “By getting to know our clients, we come to understand their needs and bring value to their banking relationship”, says Atlanta market president Carlos Laverde. “That’s how we like to do business.” ACB recently added to its staff by
hiring Soraya Kenney, a long-time Johns Creek resident and well-known local banker. Kenney joins the bank as Vice President and Branch Manager. “Soraya brings with her a wealth of experience and customer relationships” says Laverde. True to form, new customers have been arriving regularly at the Johns Creek office to open accounts with Kenney. “Soraya is the epitome of a warm, competent, service-oriented professional” says Dr. Fred Broder, the popular speaker and corporate trainer. “Frankly, I was unfamiliar with American Commerce Bank. But when I heard that Soraya had moved there, my wife and I closed our accounts at her previous bank and reopened them at American Commerce. My expertise includes communication skills, leadership and professional relationships—and I want my banker to have those skills, too. Soraya does.” ACB offers customized lending, treasury services and market-leading deposit products. For more information about American Commerce Bank, stop by their branch at 10690 Medlock Bridge Road or visit www.AmericanCommerceBank. com
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Banking & Finance• Sponsored Section
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