Financial Focus Ring in some new year’s financial resolutions Now that 2011 is almost here, you


may want to make some New Year’s resolutions. Planning to volunteer? Go to the gym more often? Learn a new language? All worthy ambi- tions, of course, but this year, why not add some financial resolutions as


well? Which resolutions should you


make? Here are a few ideas to con- sider: • Boost your retirement accounts.


No matter how old you’ll be in 2011, one thing is certain — you’re a year


closer to retirement than you were in 2010. And that’s why you’ll want to increase your contributions to your retirement accounts. If your salary is going up in 2011, boost the amount you defer for your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan,


Blackrock Ridge now protected Te Southern Appalachian Highlands Conser-


vancy (SAHC) recently closed on the purchase of Blackrock Ridge, a prominent peak near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Te property will be permanently protected as a nature preserve. SAHC’s purchase of the ridgeline coincides with


the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tis national icon opened in 1935 and continues to provide visitors to our region unparalleled access to hiking trails and mountain views. SAHC purchased the 60-acre Blackrock Ridge in


order to protect it from the risk of development. It is located in the Plott Balsam Mountains, just north of Sylva in Jackson County. Te Plott Balsams are one of Western North Carolina’s significant moun- tain ranges, visible for miles around Sylva and Waynesville. Te property can be seen from the summit of Wa-


terrock Knob, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It adjoins the Nature Conservancy’s 1,595-acre Plott Balsam Preserve and is also very near to the Sylva watershed park, which is protected by a conserva- tion easement and connected to the watershed by trails maintained by Western Carolina University students.


“Landscape-scale protection is not only impor-


tant for maintaining breathtaking scenic views, it is also key for rare and endangered plants and animals,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC’s executive director. With elevations climbing to 5,600 feet, the prop-


erty is home to unique plants and animals that require a high elevation habitat. Among these are spruce-fir forests and the Carolina Northern flying squirrel. Located within the Yellow Face/ Blackrock Mountain State Natural Heritage Area as well as the Plott Balsams Important Bird Area, the prop- erty has significant conservation values. Adding to the ecological significance of the tract is its cultural heritage significance. Te Cherokee consider the ridges in this vicinity sacred. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on


the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 6,292 feet, it is the 16th highest peak in the Eastern United States. Te sum- mit can be reached from a hiking trail located at the Waterrock Knob overlook. Te hike is 1.2 miles roundtrip and provides great views of some of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains


Tis special to the Tribune. March of Dimes 2011 campaign Sabrina Miller WNC president


for Bank of America, will lead the charge for the 2011 Buncombe County March for Babies, the March of Dimes biggest fundraiser. Miller has volunteered countless hours serving many non-profit or- ganizations in Buncombe County and is personally committed to helping achieve the 2011 fundrais- ing goal of $150,000 to support research and community programs to help moms have full-term preg- nancies and babies to begin healthy lives. Premature births are the lead- ing cause of newborn death and a major cause of lifelong disability. “In order for the March of Dimes


to continue to support efforts in our community, our participation in March for Babies is more impor- tant than ever,” said Sabrina Mill- er. “I challenge all of Buncombe County’s community and business leaders to join me in raising much needed funds so that all babies have the chance to be born healthy.” A kickoff breakfast will be held


from 8 am to 9 am on Jan. 11 at the Hilton-Biltmore Town Square.


24 THE TRIBUNE/LEADER - December 30, 2010 - January 5, 2011 www.weavervilletribune.com


Tose interested in being a part of this fun event are encouraged to at- tend by calling 258-1234. “We are honored to have Sabrina


Miller take on the leadership of this event.” said Jonathan Bailey, March of Dimes Board Chair. “When community leaders champion a cause they support, they demon- strate the value of volunteer service and community involvement.” March for Babies is the March of


Dimes’ premier fundraising event that benefits all babies in Bun- combe County. Te walk, which will be on April 23 at Pack Square


Park will bring together families, companies and volunteers, for one day and one voice to help babies. Mission Hospital is the 2011 pre- senting sponsor. Te March of Dimes is the lead-


ing organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nation- wide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, go to marchofdimes.com.


Tis special to the Tribune.


such as a 403(b) plan (if you work for a school or other tax-exempt organi- zation) or a 457(b) plan (if you work for a state or local government). With tax-deductible contribu-


tions, tax-deferred growth of earn- ings and several investment options, these types of plans are tremendous ways to save for retirement. And try to “max out” your traditional or Roth IRA, too. • Look for opportunities. With the


uncertainties in the economy and the volatility of the financial markets, many people decide to head to the investment “sidelines” for a while. Yet, this environment may actually be a good one for investors with pa- tience, discipline and the ability to look beyond yesterday’s headlines. For one thing, many quality securi- ties are now good values. Also, we’re still seeing low inflation and low in- terest rates — factors that may lead to greater economic demand and improved strength in the financial markets. • Don’t over-react to market swings.


Over the past few years, we’ve seen plenty of sudden, sharp swings in the financial markets, and you’re likely going to see more of them in 2011. Don’t over-react to either the “ups” or the “downs” of the market.


Over-reacting leads to short-term thinking — and successful inves- tors are the ones who can maintain a long-term perspective. • Reduce your debts. While the


sluggish economy of the past couple of years has obviously been a cause of concern for everyone, we have seen one “silver lining” in that many peo- ple, concerned about over-spending, have shed some of their debt load. Te less money you have to spend on your debts, the more you’ll have available to invest for your future, so do what you can to cut down on what you owe. • Maintain adequate cash levels.


As an investor, you’ve got at least two good reasons for maintain- ing enough cash in your portfolio. First, having adequate cash available means you’ll be ready to act quickly to take advantage of good invest- ment opportunities. And second, by having a cash cushion, you won’t be forced to liquidate long-term invest- ments to pay for short-term needs such as a major car repair, a new fur- nace, a big doctor’s bill, and so on.


Tis article was written by Ed-


ward Jones for use by Bill Bough- ton, Weaverville’s local Edward Jones financial advisor.


HAPPY


Bill Boughton, AAMS® Financial Advisor


.


61 Weaver Boulevard Weaverville, NC 28787 828-645-0341


www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC


NEW YEAR!


New Year’s is a time to reflect on the year past. It is also a time to set goals for the future, and Edward Jones can help you do just that. We’re in your neighborhood and avail- able to help you take steps now to help meet your long- term financial goals.


Call today to set up a complimentary portfolio review.


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