OTM Feb25 by Tara Hill Hanover

MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Mount Paran Christian School provides an elevated experience in academics, award-winning arts, and championship athletics — all with Christ at the center. Within small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio), MPCS offers 56 AP/honors courses, instructional support, robotics, Spanish and STEAM starting in PreK3, and a 1:1 device program. It’s crucial to guarantee a moral and faith foundation through everything your child learns on the school journey. Through curricular Bible classes, weekly chapel, service, and discipleship groups, faith becomes fused into who they are. Highly-qualified career educators know and love each student to raise up servant-leaders who can move mountains – in the classroom, on the ball field, on the stage, and ultimately in the community.

Mount Paran Christian School is a PreK3-12th grade private, covenantal Christian, non-denominational, college-preparatory school. Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/Cognia/CESA) and located in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain on a 68-acre college-like campus. MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. Discover next-level Christian education by signing up for a weekly Tuesday Tour at 9:00 a.m. Chart your path at mtparanschool.com/explore.

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Cobb County. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Tara Hill Hanover

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Justin Hanover

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

West Cobb

Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com

Andres Sandate andres@ourtownmonthly.com South Cobb

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tiffany Westbrook

Kimberly Brinson

Evie Love

Heather Meliski OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com

Happy Valentine’s Day from Northwest Pediatric Care!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending lots of heartfelt love to all of our amazing patients and their families. You brighten our days and make what we do so special!

We are **accepting new patients**! If you’re looking for quality, compassionate care for your little ones, our dedicated team is here for you.

From babies to teens, we provide a warm and welcoming environment to support every stage of your child’s health journey.

Call us today to schedule an appointment at 678-889-0487 or check out our website at www.nwpediatriccare.com to learn more about us and our services.

We’re located in Lake Pointe Professional Center @3950 Cobb Parkway NW, Suite 801, Acworth, GA

We accept all major insurances including Medicaid.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for trusting us with your care. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a sweet Valentine’s Day!

Dr. Figaro

MOBILITY – The Roth IRA for your body

Iam not a good dancer, I inherited my father’s 1, 2 kick, 1, 2 kick that really resembles Elaine’s famous dance moves from Seinfeld. I tend to reserve these moves for wedding receptions and my own kitchen, which makes a great impromptu dance floor. But I got to tell you that when I have a client come in who is tight, tense, and a little stuck, one of the first homework assignments I give is for them to let out their inner Elaine Benes in the comfort of their own home.

What I really want is them to find some free form movement that equals mo bility. It is a catchy, overused word but mobility actually means something pretty magical. Mobility is the harmonious convergence of all the things that allow you to move freely and effortlessly through space and life. Isn’t that a beautiful definition? That’s how Kelly Starrett defines it in his book Built to Move. Everything is in sync; joints/muscles, tendons/ligaments, fascia/nerves and brain.

Is your body dynamic and making you feel energetically alive? Test it now. Take off your shoes. No, seriously take off your shoes. Now follow along. Stand in an area without too much stuff in the way. Cross one leg over the other (you pick). Without holding on to anything (if you can), bend your knees and lower yourself to the floor until you are in full crisscross applesauce. Good job. Now for the harder part. From that position lean forward with your hands out stretched in front of you for balance. Begin to rise up from the floor, if possible, without placing your hands or knees on the floor for support. How did it go? You just took the Sit-and-Rise Test featured in Built to Move.

Don’t worry if it didn’t go perfect. We don’t talk about this stuff in daily life but being able to get up and down from the floor unassisted is a good measure of your body’s overall mobility. In fact, if the Sit-and-Rise Test came easy for you, you already have a good foundation of mobility that will help you stay active for years to come.

But why? Being mobile enhances our ability for free and easy movement while improving our overall health. It primes the body for exercise, making workouts easier and less achy afterward. Working on mobility also gives us clues as to why we have a cranky shoulder and a sore right hip and may provide the tools to fix them. Just like putting today’s money in a Roth IRA, paying some time into the mobility account can pay off now and may be even better in the future.

Mobility work is not the same thing as traditional exercise (weights and cardio) and achieving good mobility does not necessarily equal needing to do more exercise. Doing tests like Sit-and-Rise can give you a window into what you may need some help with. Maybe the work looks like spending some phone scrolling time sitting on the floor, doing some soft tissue mobilization, (foam roller or power massage) during evening chill out time, or scheduling “3 minute get up from the desk breaks” (insert Elaine style dancing here!) There are more structured and more focused ways to work on mobility but start with small things that work effortlessly into your day. Those are the things that will stick!

Talkin’ Sports

By Justin Hanover

Sports

Not the Gridiron Endings We Wanted

The 2024-2025 football seasons have come to an end and that is not good news for our local teams. Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons all took part in roller coaster seasons and, unfortunately, went out in a whimper.

There was a lot of promise to this season here in the state of Georgia. The Yellow Jackets were in year two of the Brent Key era, the Bulldogs came into the season as the top team in the land, looking to win a third national championship in the last four years and the Falcons signed an experienced quarterback in Kirk Cousins who was finally going to help the franchise get over the hump and make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Well, we did have some really good moments and some realistic hope but when all was said and done the trio finished up feeling a little downtrodden.

Key’s Yellow Jackets definitely did build upon his first year’s success going 7-5 in the regular season. Tech opened the season beating a then top 10 Florida State team in Dublin, Ireland and on November 9th shocked many people in knocking off the undefeated Miami Hurricanes. The Jackets even went undefeated at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field for the first time since 1999 and in the regular season finale in Athens pushed the Bulldogs to the brink in that eight-overtime classic.

The Jackets earned a bid to the Birmingham Bowl against the upstart Vanderbilt Commodores looking for an eighth victory on the season. But it was not meant to be as Tech was missing some key cogs and just could not overcome Diego Pavia and the ‘Dores despite a furious late rally, eventually losing, 35-27.

Meanwhile, the Dawgs had an absolutely hellacious regular season schedule but still won another SEC Championship after downing Texas for the second time this season. Quarterback Carson Beck injured his elbow on the final play of the first half leading to the entrance of former Rabun County High School star Gunner Stockton. Stockton lit a fire under the team in helping grab the 22-19 come from behind overtime win. The victory earned UGA a playoff bye as Kirby Smart’s crew ventured down to New Orleans and into the Sugar Bowl and the national quarterfinal.

Unfortunately, the Dawgs ran into a very good defense in Notre Dame and Stockton wasn’t able to muster enough offense in falling short, 23-10. UGA had some deficiencies this season running the football and with wide receiver drops and it reared its ugly head once again in the season ending loss.

And now to the Falcons, oh those Falcons, what could have been and a broken record of sorts. This should have been “the season”. An experienced veteran quarterback, the missing piece, was paid 180 million dollars along with an entirely new coaching staff bringing in fresh ideas to win what was once again a very weak NFC South Division. Both Carolina and New Orleans were not expected to do much and they didn’t, so it came down to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dirty Birds.

Atlanta won both meetings between the teams and jumped out to a 6-3 record around the midway mark of the season. That was good enough for a gargantuan three game division lead which should have been insurmountable, meaning a home playoff game was in the team’s future. Until it wasn’t.

Things went sideways and did so quickly and after losing four straight games and falling to 6-7 the Falcons found themselves in second place. Cousins was benched and rookie Michael Penix took over calling the signals. After the Bucs were upset in Dallas on December 22nd the Falcons actually would regain the top spot and control their own destiny with two games to play.

But history would repeat itself as the Falcons failed down the stretch losing those final two games and ending the season under .500 at 8-9. The franchise did improve upon the previous three straight seven-win seasons but truth be told this was just not good enough as the Falcons ultimately blew the division in not so grand fashion.

Oh well, let’s go Braves!

Endocrine Specialists of Georgia Receives 2023 & 2024 “Best of Georgia” Award for Excellence in Endocrinology

Dr. Francisco Puentes’ journey in medicine is marked by an international path of excellence. Few medical practices earn the “Best of Georgia” title, but for the third year in a row, patients have crowned Endocrinology Specialists of Georgia, LLC with the renowned Best of Georgia Award. Voted on by its appreciative patients, this practice won the Best of Georgia Regional Award in 2022, and then the overall Best of Georgia Award for both 2023 and 2024 – reflecting its passion to provide clients outstanding medical care.

Under Dr. Francisco Puentes’ distinguished leadership, Endocrinology Specialists of Georgia has become a sought-after medical provider, with thousands of Georgians turning to the practice for expert care and compassionate treatment.

Dr. Puentes’ journey in medicine is marked by an international path of excellence and dedication. He graduated with honors and obtained his medical degree from the University of Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 1990. Dr. Puentes’ early career was distinguished by a two-year internship and a subsequent role as a Research Fellow in the Renal Transplant Unit at the University Hospital in Venezuela.

40 Fox Chase / Cartersville, GA 30120

His scholarly pursuits led him to become an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Zulia, a position he held until 1999. Dr. Puentes started his Internal Medicine Residency program in 1994 and completed it in 1997 at the University Hospital in Maracaibo Venezuela. During this time, Dr. Puentes also earned his Doctoral degree in Medical Sciences and served as Treasurer of the Association of Medicine Professors of the University of Zulia.

In 1999, Dr. Puentes made a pivotal decision to relocate to the United States with his family, where he embarked on his Internal Medicine Residency Program at the esteemed Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. This journey ultimately led to his specialization in endocrinology, culminating in the completion of his Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Fellowship in 2004. Dr. Puentes’ leadership and achievements in endocrinology earned him a FACE honor from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

Today, Dr. Puentes is the driving force behind Endocrine Specialists of Georgia, LLC, a practice dedicated exclusively to Adult Endocrinology.

Board Certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism with over three decades of experience, Dr. Puentes offers unparalleled expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various endocrinological disorders, including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, Osteoporosis, Calcium Disorders, Obesity, Pituitary Disorders, Gynecomastia, Thyroid Carcinoma, Testosterone deficiency (Hypogonadism), and Menopause. The practice is also renowned for its thyroid ultrasound and biopsy services, ensuring accurate examinations and diagnoses.

Endocrine Specialists of Georgia has earned its stellar reputation through unwavering commitment to patient care and a deep-rooted trust within the community.

Winning the Best of Georgia award is a testament to the community’s appreciation and confidence in the exceptional services provided by Dr. Puentes and his team.

770-515-9566 / 678-400-2621

Fax 800-604-3410

Office Hours Tue-Thu 8:30am-5pm / Fri 8am-3pm Telemedicine Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we are on a mission to revolutionize access to professional mental health care, ensuring that everyone regardless of income can receive the high quality mental health care they deserve. We believe that healing begins with trust, which is why we establish fully functioning, clinical counseling centers in partnership with faith organizations to create safe, welcoming spaces for all. And we can have these counseling centers up and running in as little as 3-4 weeks.

In 2024, we proudly served over 500 clients, providing approximately $84,000 in counseling scholarships to those who otherwise might not have had access to care. In addition, CCC gifted 22 mental health trainings to our community. These numbers reflect our unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between need and accessibility, making mental health care an attainable reality for everyone in our community.

Our licensed therapists bring diverse expertise to address a wide range of mental health needs, including:

TRAUMA THERAPY: Helping clients heal from past pain through evidence-based methods like EMDR.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT): Equipping individuals to reshape negative thinking patterns and foster emotional resilience.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING: Strengthening bonds and improving communication within families and couples.

CHILD & ADOLESCENT THERAPY: Providing tailored support to help young people navigate challenges and thrive.

FAITH-BASED COUNSELING: Integrating Christian principles for clients seeking a spiritual perspective in their healing journey.

Mental health challenges do not discriminate, and neither do we. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating life’s transitions, we are here to walk alongside you. Our services are designed to meet clients where they are emotionally, spiritually, and financially because everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered.

Accessible mental health care is vital for a thriving community, and our vision is to create a world where professional mental health care is as ubiquitous as physical health care. Through partnerships with faith organizations and the generosity of donors, we aim to make that vision a reality.

We invite you to join us in this mission, whether as a client seeking therapy or a community member supporting our work. Together, we can create a healthier, more connected community.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit us at cumberlandcenters.org

Let’s begin the journey toward lasting healing—together.

Husband-and-wife duo Amy and Tony Bae—bring the heart of traditional Korean barbecue to Atlanta with a modern, elevated twist. Lucky for me, I received a personal invitation to pop in for dinner, so of course my husband and I eagerly accepted. Full disclosure, I have never been to a traditional Korean barbecue so needless to say I had no idea what I was walking into…WOWZER, it was not “just a dinner” but a fully immersive dining experience.

While the space itself is stunning, the full SsamJang experience is quite impressive. It’s a premium, traditional Korean barbecue, where we indulged in top-tier meat like prime ribeye, brisket, and lobster tail, all grilled tableside using the innovative Cookzen electric roasters. These state-of-the-art grills, equipped with AI-based automatic temperature control and smoke filtration, ensure perfectly seared meats without the heavy smoke or lingering odors. (so ladies no worries, your hair will not smell of smoke when you leave).

You can choose to cook your own food independently, however our waiter Tim saw the clueless looks on our faces, stepped in and saved the day! Clearly he enhanced our experience by allowing smooth transitions between courses, ensuring a perfectly cooked and flawless meal. We also enjoyed a curated selection of traditional Korean side dishes like Ssambap, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Jumukbap, alongside a variety of flavorful sauces, including the restaurant’s namesake, SsamJang. It was so delicious! And of course, complementing the elevated dining experience is a cocktail program that’s been carefully crafted with the same attention to detail. The owners’ passion for beverages shines through in each thoughtfully designed drink, from premium spirits and signature cocktails to seasonal creations. You can explore a variety of flavors, including artisanal craft beers, refreshing soju, and zero-proof options, ensuring that every palate is catered to.

Friends, if you are looking for an amazing meal and a fun night out, grab your favorite “peep’s” and check it out for yourself! As a matter of fact they have an incredible Valentine’s special this month.

Hidden along the exterior of Cumberland Mall, SsamJang Korean BBQ invites diners to step into a sleek and sophisticated escape from the everyday. This Korean-owned restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Spanning 4,700 square feet, the interior integrates style and innovation effortlessly. In addition to the projection wall, an open kitchen gives guests a glimpse of the action behind the scenes, while the vibrant bar area offers plenty of seating and sleek flatscreen TVs, providing a stylish backdrop for casual meetups and lively celebrations alike.

“We set out to create an unforgettable experience with every visit, where guests can celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a relaxing night out in an atmosphere that’s sophisticated yet approachable,” said Tony Bae. “Our hope is that SsamJang elevates the traditional Korean barbecue experience while staying true to the authentic flavors and traditions of the cuisine we love and grew up with.”

Valentine’s Day Package

$120 serves 2 people:

Choice of 6 of the following protein:

- Brisket

- Bulgogi

- Hawaiian Steak

- salt marinated beef

- Prime Ribeye

- Marinated Chicken

- Marinated Intercoastal

- Marinated Shrimp

- Spicy Pork

- pork belly

- thin pork belly

- Galbi

- lobster tail (extra $15)

Choice of 4 hot side dishes:

- stew

- steamed egg

- corn cheese

- spicy rice cake

- honey rice cake

- fried dumplings (veg or beef/pork)

- pork cutlet

- ramen

*The meal is finished with 6 cold side dishes that will also be served with dessert.

SsamJang is open from 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Every Friday diners are invited to enjoy All-You-Can-Eat lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 2860 Cumberland Mall, Ste 1109, Atlanta, GA 30339, SsamJang offers complimentary valet parking. For more information or to make a reservation, visit ssamjangbbq.com, and stay connected on Instagram @ssamjang_kbbq.

THE DALLAS THEATER

CINDERELLA

The Main Street Players

FEBRUARY 28th thru MARCH 9th

$12-$14 Showtimes online!

THE RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAIN

FEBRUARY 8th / 7PM

$22 - $24

7 PM / $20 - $22

UPCOMING CLASSES +WORKSHOPS

FEB 13 or APR 16

Improv Workshop (adults 18+)

MAR 11-MAR 27

Acting I Class (adults 18+)

FENCES THE

GARTH BROOKS TRIBUTE APRIL 26th 7 PM

Lights, Camera, Faith: The Rise of The Film Academy at MBCA

magine the excitement of a live film set: Cameras roll, lights flash, and the buzz of creativity fills the air. But there’s a twist! These aren’t seasoned professionals—they’re students from The Film Academy at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy in East Cobb. With remarkable skill and energy, they’re bringing a film to life, working like a seasoned crew. This is no ordinary scene; it’s the next generation of faith-based filmmakers in metro Atlanta—the Hollywood of the South—shaping the future of cinema.

The Vision Behind The Film Academy

Founded in 2022, The Film Academy was born with a bold vision: to equip students in grades 6–12 to develop professional filmmaking skills, and to do so from a Biblical perspective.

“From the start, our goal has been to build a program rooted in a biblical worldview, grounded in the truth of the gospel,” said Film Academy Director Stephen Burton. “We knew we couldn’t do it alone—but we trusted God. And as we stepped out in faith, He opened doors, giving our students real-world experiences and internships with film industry professionals.”

Spotlight on Young Talent: The Eagle Wings Film Festival

This Spring, the Film Academy is proud to host its second annual Eagle Wings Film Festival, exposing students to the transformative power of faith-based filmmaking. This program continues to shape students creatively and spiritually, helping them grow into storytellers who impact the world with their faith and talent. In 2024, actor and director Justin Sterner was the festival’s keynote speaker, and this year, the Academy is honored to welcome writer, actor, producer, and director, Shari Rigby.

Eagle Wings, open to filmmakers across the country, fosters community among student filmmakers seeking to glorify God. It’s one of the few festivals dedicated to showcasing Christian works. On Saturday, April 26, from 5-8 p.m., the Eagle Wings Student Christian Film Festival will come alive as the school community, student filmmakers, and VIP guests—working professionals in the industry— come together to celebrate the creative work of young filmmakers. Attendees and participants will walk the red carpet to kick off an unforgettable evening, watching their work on the jumbo screen in the style of a Hollywood premiere! The festival is open to the public, so grab your tickets and settle in for an evening in front of the silver screen.

“Last year’s film festival was an amazing experience,” said student Drew Infante. “Seeing everyone’s work showed the power of storytelling, and I love how we came together through film.”

The 2024 event was a tremendous success, bringing Hollywood glamour to MBCA’s Upper School campus. With over 200 short films, screenplay, music video, and PSA entries, the festival celebrated incredible student talent. Prizes were awarded in each category, marking the achievements of these storytellers.

Drew’s classmate, Abby Garrett, agreed. “The festival was unreal,” she said. “I’m excited for this year because it pushes us to improve our filmmaking and storytelling skills.”

Lily Lobree, 11th grader, is “beyond excited for our second Eagle Wings and cannot wait to hear Shari Rigby speak and see all the amazing projects my fellow filmmakers create!”

From Classroom to Camera

Breaking news! The Film Academy at MB is thrilled to announce its involvement in the feature film Southern Cross! Produced by and starring the incredibly talented E. Roger Mitchell, known for his role in Outer Banks, this project is a game changer for The Film Academy students. The script was written by MBCA’s own Stephen Burton, and Film Academy students will have an exclusive experience as production assistants, getting front-row seats to every step of the filmmaking process. From first shot to final cut, they’ll be immersed in the magic of Hollywood-level production. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best! This is a major endeavor with a significant production budget. If you’d like to support The Film Academy and help bring these incredible projects to life, please use the QR code below. Donations are tax-deductible.

The Future is Bright at MBCA

The Film Academy is not the only avenue of excitement at MBCA. Construction is nearing completion on the 20,000 square-foot T. Scott Calvert Student Center on the Upper School Campus, which will house athletic facilities, offices, flexible learning spaces, special event and worship spaces.

Once construction is complete this May, the community will be invited for a ribbon-cutting and open house, where visitors can tour the new facility and learn more about the Academy’s Building Up Capital Campaign. This summer, the Academy will break ground on a new academic building, dining hall, and gymnasium. It’s a momentous time of growth for MBCA!

Founded in 1998, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is an independent, Christian preparatory school serving 700 students in Junior Kindergarten – twelfth grade. The school has two campuses located in east Cobb County. The mission of MBCA is to provide a truly Christ-centered education for our children through an environment which develops and encourages academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love and desire for learning.

MDo knowyou “Sadie”?

By Evie Love

y school is having its first ever Sadie Hawkins dance where the girls ask the boys to be their date. Some girls in my school are appalled, some excited and some are super nervous, to be expected…

The funny thing is, I asked my mom and dad if they had a Sadie dance and both said yes, yet neither of them knew who she was, that there was an official Sadie Hawkins day, when it was or the story behind it. Then you have people who think it’s “not lady-like” for a girl to ask a boy. Then others who are all “women’s lib” and into gender equality and are offended because women/girls don’t need a day to ask men/boys, that should be everyday-WOW!

Well, I figured I’d take a minute and get to the bottom of it.

1st: Who is Sadie Hawkins and where did she come from?

Sadie Hawkins is a fictional character from the Li’l Abner comic strip. She was first introduced on November 15, 1937. Sadie was the name of a day in the strip when unmarried women would chase and “marry” bachelors. The day is also the name of a dance where women ask men to the dance.

2nd: What is Sadie Hawkins day?

Definitely November but the actual day varies, most say November 13th. Some say, the 15th when she was introduced in the comic strip and the Farmers Almanac says it changes year to year but always the 1st Saturday in November.

“The concept of Sadie Hawkins Day quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon. It was seen as a way to empower women and challenge traditional gender roles.

In November 1938, the first “girls-ask-boys” Sadie Hawkins Day dance happened and became popular. In 1939, Life magazine reported that more than 200 colleges had held Sadie Hawkins Day events. The holiday was embraced by many communities, and schools and colleges started organizing Sadie Hawkins dances and events”. -Almanac.com

But not everyone agrees… What do you think?

I decided to embrace it and have fun with it. Why take everything so serious ly, life is serious enough, am I right? So with help from my mom, I made a pro posal poster and went for it!

And you know what, he said… YES! As a matter of fact, in the spirit of the night, I am even driving. How about that for equality.

Evie is a Cobb County high school student who plays varsity volleyball & soccer. She has achieved heads honor roll and is an Ambassador for her school. She is kind, funny, determined, hardworking and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Financial Wellness Tips for 2025

ByAndresSandate

The new year is a great time to review your personal finances. Take time to review my checklist of basic steps towards creating a better financial future. Achieving financial wellness is crucial for a secure and stressfree future. Here are some essential tips to help you manage your finances effectively in 2025:

Save Smarter: Set clear savings goals and aim to save 20% of your income. Automate transfers to make it effortless. By setting specific targets, you can track your progress and stay motivated. Automated transfers ensure that you consistently save without having to think about it.

Consider the 50/30/20 Budget

Rule to Get Organized:

50% of your income goes to things you need (food, housing, utilities), 30% goes to things you want (dining out, subscriptions, that new baseball bat), and 20% to savings (remember to pay yourself first!).

Build an Emergency Fund: Save three to six months’ worth of expenses as a financial cushion. An emergency fund acts as a safety net during unexpected events, such as job loss or medical emergencies, ensuring that you can cover your essential expenses without going into debt.

Budget Wisely: Use budgeting apps to track income and expenses, helping identify areas to reduce spending. Budgeting apps provide a clear overview of your financial situation, making it easier to spot unnecessary expenses and adjust your spending habits accordingly.

Practice Financial Literacy: Understand the basics of investing, credit, and debt management for more informed decisions with your money in 2025. Financial literacy empowers you to make better choices, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your financial potential.

Teach Your Kids Financial Wellness: Start early with simple saving and budgeting lessons using everyday tools. Start a daily chore chart at home and help your kids understand compound interest. Teaching children about money from a young age helps them develop healthy financial habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Review Subscriptions and Phones: Check your subscriptions and cellphone plan. Carriers often have new promotions, and switching can save you money. Regularly reviewing what you really need to live versus having the latest ‘stuff’ can keep money in your hands.

Bonus Health and Wellness Tip: Read Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD (and then do the workbook)! This book can change your life, and I highly recommend it to everyone I meet who is serious about creating the life they really want.

One of the reasons I became a financial advisor is because I saw a lack of financial planning happening around me across all income levels, particularly amongst families with young children. Empowering families with basic financial literacy, education, and tooling is a gift that can continue in families for generations. Let’s get started today!

I wish you and your family a wonderful 2025!

Maximize Employer Retirement Contributions: If you have an employer retirement plan, contribute enough to get the full employer match. Taking advantage of employer contributions is essentially free money that can significantly boost your retirement savings.

Consider Debt Consolidation: Look for ways to consolidate debt to lower interest rates and make payments more manageable. Debt consolidation done right can simplify your finances and reduce the overall interest you pay, making it easier to become debt-free.

Negotiate Credit Card Rates: Even if consolidating isn’t the right fit for you, reach out to credit card companies and ask for reduced interest rates. Lowering your interest rates can save you money on interest payments and help you pay off your debt faster.

About the Author: Andres Sandate is a Financial Advisor at Gramercy Park Wealth Advisors, LLC. Andres hosts the ATLalts podcast and is a Sales Executive with Our Town Monthly. Originally from Newton, Kansas, Andres and his wife Heidi have called Smyrna home since 2006. Andres and Heidi have three kids, Frankie (12), Renzo (10), and Maximo (8). Andres is an active volunteer in local Smyrna public schools, proudly coaches multiple youth sports teams, and is a member of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church

Andres Sandate Financial Advisor 404-550-8081 andres@gpwealthadvisors.com www.gpwealthadvisors.com

When To Book Travel

A question I am often asked by my clients is when is the best time to book their vacations.

While there isn’t one answer to this question, the simplest answer is as early as possible. Booking early means that you will get the best selection of hotels, rooms, flights, and activities and you will typically get the best prices, which allows you to have your ideal experience for your vacation. You also get peace of mind knowing that your trip is already planned, so you can check vacation planning off your to-do list, relax, and count down the days until your trip.

There are recommended booking timeframes that are better to ensure good options and better prices. While timeframes vary depending on when and where you’re traveling, there are some general guidelines for planning travel that I recommend. Here are my recommended ideal planning times:

By Destination:

• Africa – 14-18 months out

• Antarctica – 12-16 months out

• Europe – 8-10 months out

• Central/South America – 6-8 months out

• Asia – 8-10 months out, earlier for Japan (especially during cherry blossom season) and busier cities

• Australia/New Zealand – 6-8 months out

• Caribbean/Mexico – 5-7 months out

• U.S. Continuous 48 – 3-4 months out, earlier for busier cities/destinations

• Alaska – 9-12 months out, summer cruises especially tend to book up far in advance

• Hawaii – 9-12 months out

For Peak Travel Times Throughout The Year:

Spring Break – all of March through mid-April is peak spring break season, which means prices are higher and hotels, resorts, flight, and activities book up faster. To maximize your options and lock in the best prices, the ideal time to plan is at least 6-8 months prior to travel.

Summer – this is peak season in Europe as well as certain domestic destinations like Florida and Alaska. For Europe and domestic travel to the continuous 48, allow for an extra month or two of planning time in addition to the guidelines above. The one exception would be the National Parks. Those need to be booked as early as possible, ideally 9 months or more out.

Festive Season - this is by far the busiest time of year for travel, as well as the most expensive, for most destinations. Festive season is generally considered to be any time around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Ideally, festive season travel should be booked at least 12 months in advance.

Since airfare prices have been incredibly expensive across the board, these days it feels like there is never a ‘good’ time to purchase airfare - but there are better times to buy airfare.

• Domestic travel – 1-3 months prior to travel

• International travel – 6-9 months prior to travel. Prices for international flights tend to be best closest to when the fares are released (which is 331 days out from your return date for most airlines) but you can always keep an eye on the prices for a little while to see if they improve before purchasing.

The one caveat to the guidance above is if you are planning a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip. Those should always be planned as far in advance as possible to ensure that you get your top choices for absolutely everything.

And if you aren’t able to plan far in advance, don’t stress. If you have some flexibility with dates, accommodations, and activities, you can still have a fantastic vacation.

Happy traveling!

I wish you the best in 2025!

Heather Meliski is a travel agent specializing in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, cruises, theme parks, and more. She lives in Smyrna with her husband two sons.

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