Healthy eating and arthritis

  Healthy eating and arthritis

The information below has been written to address some common myths about food and arthritis. It provides general information about healthy eating and where to go for further information and advice. This sheet does not provide specific advice for people with other medical conditions or food intolerances.

Is there a diet to cure arthritis?No diet has been proven by research to cure arthritis. Be very cautious of special diets or supplements that claim to cure arthritis. The best diet for arthritis is a healthy, balanced one to maintain your general health and prevent other medical problems.

Do certain foods cause arthritis?There is very little proof that specific foods have an effect on arthritis. The exception to this is gout (see gout section below). Arthritis symptoms usually vary day to day. This makes it hard to know if a change in symptoms is because of a particular change in food or just coincidence. Some people with arthritis report improvements after avoiding certain foods. However this is usually due to individual food intolerances (see below).

                                                           

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I heard I should avoid…
• Nightshade foods: This food group includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and capsicum. There is no proof that these foods have any effect on arthritis symptoms. It is possible that this diet works for some people by removing a food to which they are intolerant.

• Acid-producing foods: Arthritis is not caused by eating ‘acidic foods’ like oranges, lemons or tomatoes. Very few foods are as acidic as our digestive juices. Foods termed ‘acidic’ are usually very rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial to the immune system. So avoiding these may do more harm than good.

• Dairy products: There is no proof that dairy products cause arthritis. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium, which is an important building block for strong bones. Many people  with arthritis are at an increased risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) so dairy products may be extra important to maintain bone health. If you have difficulties with dairy products, talk to your doctor about other high calcium foods or calcium supplements.

• Meat and meat products: There is mixed evidence about the effects of vegetarian diets on arthritis. These diets tend to increase your intake of vitamins as you eat more vegetables and fruits. Lower levels of fat in this diet may also help you to lose weight. These factors may help with arthritis symptoms. However a strict vegetarian diet may mean you miss out on other important nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12.

Food intoleranceSome people may have a reaction, such as an upset stomach, after eating or drinking certain foods. This may be due to a food intolerance. If you feel that certain foods are causing problems, talk to a dietitian or your doctor. They may suggest you be tested for food intolerances. Do not cut whole food groups from your diet without talking to your doctor as you may miss out on important vitamins and minerals.

Gout
For some people with gout, certain foods appear to trigger attacks of gout. These foods tend to have high levels of purine, a substance that can be made into uric acid in the body. Purine-rich foods include:

• sardines, anchovies, mackerel and herrings
• kidneys, liver and offal
• shellfish, such as prawns, and scallops
• yeast.

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 For more information see the Gout and diet information sheet.

Can certain foods help arthritis?Although most foods have no effect on arthritis, studies show that eating foods rich in omega-3 fats can help reduce inflammation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. While these effects are modest compared to medicines, omega-3 fats do not have serious side effects. They also have other health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease.

Foods rich in omega-3 fats:• fish: oily fish, such as sardines and salmon, have greater amounts of omega-3 fats. Try to eat fish at least two to three times a week.
• fish oil supplements: see the Fish oils sheet for more information
• ground linseeds and linseed oil (also called flaxseed)
• canola oil (also called rapeseed oil)
• walnuts.

Does weight affect arthritis?The simple answer is yes. Extra body weight increases the stress on many joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back. There is also a clear link between being overweight and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. If you are overweight, losing weight will decrease the stress on your joints, reduce pain and make it easier for you to move around.

                                                    

A guide to healthy eatingThe best diet for arthritis is a healthy, balanced diet. This can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of other health problems. Talk to your doctor or see the Australian Government’s Food for health booklet at www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications to learn about general healthy eating guidelines. You may also find it helpful to see a dietitian for advice that is tailored to your individual needs.

There is no diet that can cure arthritis. A healthy, balanced diet is best.                                                                                                                        http://goo.gl/HYO39c

For more information

To find a dietitian, talk to your doctor, contact the Dietitians Association of Australia on (02) 6282 9555 or use the ‘find a dietitian’ service at www.daa.asn.au 

                                                  

Books
Rayman, Margaret & Callaghan, Alison 2006, Nutrition and arthritis, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford.
Westcott, Patsy 2000, Rheumatism and arthritis: Recipes and advice to stop the pain, Octopus Publishing Group, London.
Bauer, Joy 2005, The complete idiot’s guide to total nutrition, Alpha Books, New York NY.

Websites: Nutrition Australia www.nutritionaustralia.org



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Five Reasons People walk for Diabetes.



(BPT) - Nearly 30 million Americans are affected with diabetes and, if trends continue, one in five Americans are projected to have diabetes by 2050, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, thousands of people around the country are deciding to act and take change into their own hands by walking to stop diabetes. People walk for many reasons: for family or friends, as a challenge to themselves or in memory of a loved one, but the following five reasons unite most participants’ motivation to Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.
Exercise — Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and a central part of diabetes management. Because of this, the American Diabetes Association developed the Red Strider Program to encourage people who live with diabetes to get out and walk in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Red Striders showcase the courage it takes to live with diabetes and demonstrate how one can lead a full, active lifestyle with diabetes.
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Empowerment — The first steps toward managing diabetes and sharing lifestyle changes with friends and family take courage. In walking to stop diabetes, participants walk with heads high and are encouraged by fellow walkers every step of the way. “Two years ago I couldn’t leave the house, go in public or be around people,” says Jacinta Pericola, a participant in Step Out: Prescott, Arizona, living with type 2 diabetes. “Look what I did today. This has given me a purpose, given me a mission and I am so happy.”
Community — When people with diabetes participate in a walk, they join people from their town, county and state who are working to manage their diabetes every day. Red Striders join a community they might not have known previously existed. Friends and family can show their support by joining in and walking alongside their loved ones for a cause.
Fundraise — The power of Red Striders to motivate and inspire others living with diabetes can be astonishing. The result of walks across the country has been a hugely successful, raising almost $24 million annually to support the Association’s mission to prevent, cure and improve the lives of people affected by diabetes.
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Family Fun — Anyone can join a walk, and sometimes the youngest participants are the biggest leaders. Take Cooper, diagnosed with type 1 as a child, who has turned his local walk into a family affair, “Team Cooper was the number one family and friend team and Cooper was the top fundraiser for Chicago last year,” says his mother, Valerie Christensen. Cooper proves that no matter what their age, everyone can make a difference.
Each year thousands of individuals get out and make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others through the simple act of walking. Find out more at diabetes.org/registernow.
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The dangers of a low salt diet

(BPT) - Salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for life. In fact, no mineral is more essential to human survival than sodium because it allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses, helps your muscles stay strong, and keeps your cells and brain functioning. However, sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be eaten.
The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. You may have heard that this is too much, but according to new research, it may actually be on the low side of the healthy range. A 2014 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested sodium consumption in more than 100,000 people in 17 countries. The study found that the healthy range for sodium consumption was between 3,000 and 6,000 mg per day. Eating more than 7,000 mg per day of sodium increases your risk of death or cardiovascular incidents, but not as much as eating less than 3,000 mg per day. The low salt diet was significantly more harmful than the high salt diet.
Salt has many health benefits.
The other component of salt, chloride, is also essential to survival and good health. It preserves acid-base balance in the body, aids potassium absorption, improves the ability of the blood to move harmful carbon dioxide from tissues out to the lungs and, most importantly, it supplies the crucial stomach acids required to break down and digest all the foods we eat.
Because the level of salt consumption is so stable, it is an ideal medium to use for fortifying other essential nutrients such as iodine. Iodized salt first produced in the U.S. in 1924 is now used by 75 percent of the world’s population to protect against mental retardation due to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Iodine is an essential element in healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don’t get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development may be impaired. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a child to develop learning disabilities and mental retardation as well as developmental problems affecting his speech, hearing and growth.
Salt is also a vital component of hydration. After exercise, it is critical to replace both water and salt lost through perspiration during exercise. That is why all athletes make sure they are consuming sufficient salt during and after a workout. Expectant mothers and seniors, in particular, need to guard against under-consumption of salt. Higher-salt diets have also been used successfully to combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Asthma sufferers, particularly in Eastern Europe, are often treated by having the person spend time in salt mines or salt caves. This is because the unique microclimate, containing ultrafine salt particles helps clear the lungs.
Low salt diet myths
Low salt diets can be especially harmful for the elderly. In older people, mild hyponatremia (low sodium concentration) is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance in the blood. Indeed, several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits. Elderly people on low salt diets often experience lack of thirst which leads to dehydration and they experience loss of appetite that leads to a host of health problems.
Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people older than 65 fall at least once every year. Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. More than 5 percent of all hospitalizations in people older than 65 years are due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, the research shows that in assisted living facilities where almost all residents are given low-salt diets, the rate of falls and fractures are three times as great as in the normal home environment.
Salt and life expectancy
It is well documented that the Japanese and the Swiss enjoy some of the longest life expectancy rates of anyone in the world. It is less known however, that they also have among the highest rates of salt consumption. A review of peer-reviewed medical research around the world indicates that if people were to actually consume the low levels of salt recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, they would put their health at risk. Fortunately, most Americans — including the elderly — when left to their own choice consume salt within the healthy range.
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Aging Well Tips

5 simple time-tested tips for aging well

(BPT) - A health renaissance is taking place in America as more people are embracing aging well and being proactive rather than reactive about their well-being. Prevention has become the focus, and many aging Americans are turning to time-tested methods for keeping their bodies and minds healthy so they can live longer, higher-quality lives.

Kristen Johnson, certified personal trainer, registered dietician and nutrition expert at

                                                     

www.ontargetliving.com points out five time-tested strategies for aging well:

Daily exercise

“Daily movement is the real fountain of youth. It keeps us healthy from the inside out,” says Johnson.

She notes that quality over quantity is what really matters.

“When it comes to improving overall fitness, high-intensity exercise for a short amount of time may be much more beneficial than low intensity for a long amount of time,” Johnson says. “Research suggests that fat-burning hormones like human growth hormones and testosterone are stimulated by high-intensity exercise, while fat-storing hormones like cortisol may be lowered. Try increasing the intensity and frequency of your exercise, while decreasing the time spent.”

Superfoods

The foods you eat influence how you look and feel, from glowing and confident to lethargic and sick. Selecting foods that people have eaten historically as nutritional powerhouses can help boost overall wellness.

“Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, ancient grains, healthy fats and lean proteins,” says Johnson. “These foods naturally contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which all contribute to healthy aging.”

A few to focus on:

* Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial for eye and skin health, thanks to high levels of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A.

* Any brightly colored fruits and vegetables will have an abundant amount of antioxidants, and these help prevent oxidation and cell damage. Examples: raspberries, kale and cabbage.

* Carbohydrates like healthy grains, beans and potatoes help you produce serotonin, a calming and satiety hormone that helps fight stress and anxiety’s negative effects.

                                                                                                              

                                                              

Nutrients

Supplements help fill nutritional gaps, especially as the aging body requires greater amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Johnson points out the importance of omega-3s for aging well.

“Omega-3 fats are essential for getting you healthy from the inside out, all while helping improve hormonal balance, brain health, weight loss and metabolism,” she says. “Omega-3 fats are also extremely helpful for healthy skin, hair and nails.”

Her favorite? Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil. “This contains EPA and DHA, both of which contribute to a healthy heart and brain,” she says. “Cod liver oil also helps improve cellular function, energy and mood. Did you know cod liver oil can actually taste good? Try their delicious orange flavor.”

Sleep

“Chronic lack of sleep is one of the fastest ways to age the human body,” Johnson says. “Lack of sleep can have a huge impact on the appearance of skin, causing fine lines, wrinkles and dark under-eye circles. Not getting enough sleep can also cause your body to release a stress hormone called cortisol.”

She notes that adequate sleep can positively influence cognitive ability, mood, weight loss and skin rejuvenation, so it should be a top priority for an aging-well routine. While the right amount of sleep will vary between individuals, the goal for most adults is around 7 to 8 hours a night.

Social activity

Human interaction can decrease as people age, but it’s more important than ever to form and maintain bonds with others. Participating in social activity is a fun way to enjoy life and reap real health benefits.

“The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause for more than 60 percent of all human illnesses and diseases,” says Johnson. ‘“When you are socially active and surround yourself with people you enjoy, you may be less likely to feel lonely, unhappy, or unfulfilled, all of which can cause unwanted stress.”

Finally, there’s no need to become overwhelmed; start an aging-well routine by taking one small step and building healthy habits over time. This is what will lead to long-term success.

“Remember that it’s never too late to start living a healthy and happy life,” Johnson says. “Give yourself more reasons to smile and laugh! Did you know research suggests that happy people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives?”

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The following is something that I absolutely believe in that has changed and improved my life and I want to share it with everyone. 

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Are you Losing Your Home? Behind in Payments?

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You want an outcome that is Good for You and Good for Your Family-- That's what we want, too. Our overarching objective is to solve your Mortgage and Real Estate Issues in a manner that fits your needs and at a cost you can afford. It's a Tragic Fact! The government has put in place financial programs that will allow millions of families to save their homes, lower their payments, wipe out tens of thousands of dollars on their mortgages... What's the Tragedy?    Actual statistics show that 75% of these MILLIONS of families who are struggling and losing their homes actually qualify for this life changing program but continue to into foreclosure while vainly attempting to make outrageous house payments...  They are fighting and losing their homes simply because they don't know help exists or don't know they qualify.  THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS A SOLUTION! True Story of a True Recent Client: One of our recent clients, Stuart S, due to our weak economy like millions of others: Lost his job Got behind on his payments By the time he found another job... it was for less money, so... He was was unable to make up the back payments, and.. no longer earned enough to even afford his normal monthly payments, let alone make up the arrearages! He contacted his lender and went through all the steps to attempt to have his loan terms adjusted.  Because it was new to him and he was unfamiliar the proper steps, programs and strategies, it was denied and he resigned himself to losing his home. Then a friend of his, one of our members told him about ASN services.  Even though skeptical because he had already been turned down, he contacted us.  What was the result? WHAT WAS THE RESULT? We were able to: We reduced his mortgage payment from $1,500 per month to about $800 We were able to postpone his next payment for an additional 30 days. We rolled his past payments back into his loan balance, making him current without a penny out of pocket. Even with the arrearages added back into the loan amount, we were able to reduce his mortgage balance by more than $50,000 dollars! We were able to stop foreclosure, save his home, postpone his next payment, cut his monthly payments almost in half, and reduce the amount owed by more than $50.000 dollars!... WHAT WERE OUR FEES? Even though other companies charge from $3,500 to $5,000 or more for this type of service and require full payment up front, we did all of this for only $1,500 and we even let him to make payments. At ASN, we have a saying... "A solution you can't afford, is not a solution" We truly are here to help. If you or someone you know is burdened with unaffordable house payments. If you are buried and owe thousands more than it's worth... If you or someone you know is in need... LET US HELP! 877 604 6636  Ext 601 or Click Here http://goo.gl/sxHkM0 When calling, please reference Service ID # IO31484

How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate.

                                                 
For the average small real estate investor, http://goo.gl/sxHkM0 outright ownership of an office building, a local shopping center, a warehouse, or even an apartment complex is a dream that will go unrealized.
However, there is an investment vehicle that does allow smaller investors to participate in the commercial marketplace by buying an interest in those property types, without the hassle of daily management responsibilities, while providing great potential for a passive income.
Those vehicles are known as real estate investment trusts http://goo.gl/sxHkM0 (or REITs). Created by Congress in 1960, REITs allow anyone to invest in a variety of commercial real estate, depending on the type of property a particular REIT specializes in.
"While the Internet has made it easier for investors to find and buy commercial real estate, these transactions are still more complex and certainly more expensive than a typical residential property purchase," says Rick Sharga, executive vice president at Auction.com, an online real estate marketplace.
"Real estate investment trusts may be a viable option for investors who'd like to diversify their portfolios by adding commercial real estate, but aren't comfortable with the complexity or can't meet the capital requirements that buying commercial properties involve," he says.
From hotels to apartments to assisted living facilities, office buildings, industrial space, retail space and more worldwide, REITs are mandated by law to be widely held and to distribute most of their income as dividends to shareholders. And because investors can purchase shares on the stock market, REITs are considered to be a very liquid asset.
"REITs provide mom-and-pop investors with instant liquidity. By owning REITs they have the ability to enter and exit on a daily basis," says Samuel Sahn, a portfolio manager in the New York office of Timbercreek Asset Management, who currently manages $800 million in REIT stocks.
Additionally, Sahn says REITs are a good risk mitigator that provides diversification to a household's portfolio.
"Mom-and-pop investors have the ability to purchase REITs. It provides them with real estate exposure they can't get on their own, plus access to the best assets in the world," he says. "It's tough to buy a storage unit or a hotel along with having the expertise and time to manage those assets."
Equity versus mortgage REITs. According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), 90 percent of all market capitalization in the REIT industry is focused on equity REITs. Their business model is that of a real estate company http://goo.gl/sxHkM0 that buys specific types of commercial properties. Investors' capital gets pooled together and then the REIT's management team purchases the type of properties the REIT specializes in.

After expenses are paid, the bulk of the REIT's annual income is distributed to investors/shareholders as dividends. Any capital appreciation from the sale of properties is also distributed in the dividends.
On the other side are mortgage REITs . In this scenario, investors are putting their money into the debt financing side of the business. The business model for mortgage REITs is to invest in real estate mortgages (mostly single-family home loans) or mortgage-backed securities. Investors in turn earn income from the interest paid on those investments and the sale of mortgages.
Long-term returns. Whether the investor chooses to go with equity REITs or mortgage REITs is an individual decision that should be based on the investor's long-term investment goals and strategy.
Unlike the quick double-digit rates of return veteran investors are accustomed to as either owners of rental units or as flippers, buying shares of REITs is a more conservative play that has the proven potential for a more sustainable rate of return, albeit over a long period of time.
According to data compiled by NAREIT, over the past 25 years equity REITs based in the U.S. have outperformed the Standard & Poor's 500 index in terms of income and total returns combined.
"Looking at the current dividend yield is not enough," said Brad Case, senior vice president of research and industry information for NAREIT. "You want something that will give you a strong dividend yield and appreciation in value. It needs to be supported by a long track record."
NAREIT data shows that listed equity REITs had an average total return of 12.14 percent per year for the last 20 years without the reinvestment of dividends, while reinvesting dividends yielded an average total return of 17.60 percent per year.
Long-term yields are an important factor, particularly for investors who are looking for a stable income stream to assure they have funds when they are ready to retire.
"As an investor, you should be looking for investments that will pay the bills and also grow your wealth so you're not running out of money," Case says. "That's one of the greatest things most retirees are worried about."
Economic factors are important to valuation. Like any other investment vehicle, the value of REITs -- and their return on investment -- are tied in large part to economic factors such as interest rates (which are of particular concern to investors in mortgage REITs), unemployment, inflation and many others.
Although he can't predict whether REITs will continue to outperform the stock market over any particular time period, Case notes that the average real estate cycle is much longer than the average stock market cycle (18 years for real estate versus four years for the stock market).
Given those numbers, Case believes that the current real estate market cycle is a bull market that is not even halfway along and has several years of strong returns to go. So while the nation's overall economy does have an impact on the market for REITs, Case recommends that investors have a well-diversified exposure to the real estate cycle and that REITs be a part of every portfolio.
"My basic recommendation is that you should always have a significant piece of your portfolio in REITs. It you don't currently have it, there's no reason to think it's a bad time," he says. "I can't tell you that the returns between now and the end of the year will be good, but I can say that in the next eight years it is more likely to be good than bad." Plus the investor can start off small because a lot of REITs have no minimum buy-in, Case says.
While there are some global markets  http://goo.gl/sxHkM0performing well, Sahn believes the U.S. has the strongest economic fundamentals to support today's REIT market, which will translate into the strongest earnings growth of any of the developed markets in the world.
Options for selecting REITs. For investors who like to be actively involved in selecting assets and managing their own portfolio, there is nothing stopping them from selecting and buying shares of REITs individually through a stock broker, financial advisor or financial planner.
Whether their interest lies in storage units, retail malls, multi-family apartments, or any other type of commercial property, for investors who understand where they are putting their money, REITs offer an opportunity to actively manage a diverse portfolio.
However, for those who are not so confident in selecting particular REITs or property types, there is the option to buy as many or as few shares as they want through either a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund, such as those available through Vanguard, Fidelity or JPMorgan Chase & Co., along with many other providers.
Then there are actively managed funds that research the REIT market and strive to build portfolios of REITs that will outperform the market,http://goo.gl/sxHkM0  Sahn says.
"They pick the market and the property type based on where they find the best underlying fundamentals," he says. "You can have the same property type, but depending on the geographic location you can have different fundamentals."
No matter which way an investor decides to go when it comes to choosing REITs for investment potential, as always it is good to get a financial advisor involved to address any concerns before putting up the money. http://goo.gl/sxHkM0
By Joel Cone

It's time to talk about money: 5 steps to get you started

(BPT) - Money is a taboo topic — we’re taught not to talk about it from the time we’re kids. But research shows it’s also a source of stress, anxiety and tension for most Americans.
In fact, 64 percent of adults experience stress about money, ranking it a higher source of stress than work, family responsibilities and health according to a recent study by the American Psychological Association. And it’s affecting our health — 66 percent of all doctor’s office visits last year were due to stress-related health issues.
“People commonly deal with stress by avoiding what makes them anxious,” says Eve Callahan, executive vice president of communications for Umpqua Bank. “While avoiding your finances can create more anxiety in the long term, the good news is that having a simple conversation with someone you trust is a powerful step forward.”
How do you start?
Money and finances are an essential part of our lives. They dictate countless decisions large and small, from where we live and work to the cars we drive and the foods we eat. In short, the way we approach our finances determines how we’re able to grow and reach our full potential.
The fact is, dealing with money doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few small steps, it’s possible to change the way we think and talk about money, creating new possibilities for financial and personal growth along the way. Click Here:  http://goo.gl/T37RdV

1. Get inspired.
Getting started can be the hardest part. Inspiration is a powerful motivator — and it’s all around us. Look for creative expressions of growth that inspire you at your favorite museum, outdoors or online at websites like:   http://goo.gl/T37RdV  which is chock-full of compelling content and stories of overcoming challenges.
2. Dream big, act small.
Whether your dream is to spend a year in Thailand, turn your love of cooking into a business or pay off your credit card debt, each dream begins with a first step. Break your dream into smaller actions to make the mountain smaller. Set deadlines along the way to give yourself the satisfaction of achieving milestones. Setting small goals and deadlines will help you stay motivated to keep going.
3. Adopt the buddy system.
Finances are like fitness — having a support system in place before you start can make all the difference in your success. Find a friend or loved one in a similar financial situation and open up about your financial challenges, hopes and dreams. Consider creating a community group with others to share tips and learnings with one another.
4. Talk leads to action.
Get out there and talk about it. For too long, money has been a forbidden topic that we’ve been conditioned to avoid. Seek out someone you trust — a friend, family member, your bank — and dive in! Looking for an example to get you started? Podcasts are a great source of inspiration. Open Account with SuChin Pak is a great example of open and honest conversations about all aspects of money and life.  http://goo.gl/T37RdV
5. Find a partner that believes.
You’ve opened up, now what? Find a bank that’s dedicated to helping customers realize their full potential. Build a relationship with a financial advisor that understands your dreams and can help you reach your goals. Set up regular check in meetings to discuss progress, challenges and opportunities. The right partner will listen to your goals and identify tools and resources to help.

Tax tips for newly married couples

(BPT) - In most parts of the country, the months of June, August, September and October are the most popular for weddings. Whether recently married or anxiously counting the days until you tie the knot, there are some important tax implications that you and your spouse can’t afford to overlook.
“In between the flurry of wedding planning, dress shopping and bridal showers, few engaged couples stop to think about how getting married will affect their income taxes,” explained TaxAct spokesperson, Shaunna Morgan. “While it’s important to understand the tax consequences, keep in mind that you can still do your own taxes. TaxAct, a leading DIY tax solution, asks simple questions about life events like marriage to guide you through the tax implications and help you get all of your deductions to maximize your refund.”
Name changes
Your name(s) and Social Security number(s) are critical elements of your tax return. Both identifiers must exactly match the information the Social Security Administration (SSA) has on file. That means if you legally change your name after you get married, the SSA needs to know about it.
To get a Social Security card with your new name, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a marriage certificate, fill out an application and either mail it or deliver it in person to your local SSA office.
You’ll want to do this long before you file your income tax return.
New address
If you’re moving, remember to report your new address to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The fastest way to make the change is to complete Form 8822 available on the agency website at www.irs.gov.
New filing status
Once you’ve said, “I do,” you’ll have the option to claim one of two filing statuses on your tax return: married filing jointly or married filing separately. If you and your spouse each earn an income, you might consider running the numbers to determine if you have a lower combined tax by filing one way versus the other. Some tax software packages do the calculations for you so it’s easier to make an informed decision when selecting a filing status. TaxAct Deluxe, for example, gives users a Joint vs. Separate Analysis report that does all the calculations so you can see your estimated refund amounts for each filing status. For many couples, married filing jointly results in lower income tax liability.
Keep in mind that no matter when in the year you get married, you are considered married for the full year. Even if your big day is December 31, you will have a married status in the eyes of the IRS for the entirety of that tax year.
Changing your tax withholding
Any time you have a life change you should revisit your Form W-4. Getting married is definitely one of those times. If both you and your spouse work, you’ll likely have a higher combined income, which may put you into a higher tax bracket. In order to ensure the right amount of tax is withheld from your paycheck, you’ll want to update your Form W-4 to ensure you aren’t having too much or too little tax withheld.
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Affordable Care Act premium tax credit
If you or your spouse receive health insurance through a government-sponsored marketplace and receive advance payments of the premium tax credit to help offset the cost of your premiums, you’ll want to review your coverage after the wedding, and notify the marketplace of your newly married status. Reporting this change will help you avoid having too much or too little premium assistance paid and ultimately, help you steer clear of owing additional money or getting a small refund when you file your taxes. If you elect to keep your coverage “as is,” separate from your spouse, or wish to add your spouse to your coverage, you should notify the marketplace of your special changes in coverage. If you elect to go under your spouse’s health plan, be sure to cancel your marketplace coverage.
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