New Year and A Better You

an elderly man with a beard and headphones is holding a boombox .

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet

Whether you believe in keeping a New Year's resolution or not, each new year brings new beginnings. 365 days of opportunity for growth, new adventures, habits, relationships and memories. To help you have a fresh start in 2021 (especially after the year we've all had), we’ve come up with a few tips to help you get up and get moving throughout the coming year.

Out with the old.

Taking on clutter is a safe way to gain some control in your life and can go a long way for your comfort level and improved well-being. Being organized reduces stress, boosts your self-confidence and can help you become more productive. Popular Netflix series like “The Home Edit” and “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” share ideas on how to get your home in tip-top shape. A great place to start is with paperwork, organizing important documents like a will or preplanning information and storing them in a place that is easily accessible will make things easier when the time comes that those documents are needed.

Try it – you might like it.

Sushi, mushrooms, pineapple on pizza – What’s the one meal you have never tried but always wanted to? Cooking a meal or trying a new restaurant with family or friends is a great way to connect with others. As you try new foods and find ones that you enjoy, you will have more options to choose from. This can help you mix up your menu if you find yourself cooking the same meals or eating at the same restaurants repeatedly.

Plan it, book it and GO!

When you travel, you meet new people, cultures, experience new things and embark on all sorts of adventures. Because you are learning and gaining information from new places and people, travel can also shape you into a better, more well-rounded person. Traveling lets you disconnect from your daily life, try amazing foods, and create lifetime memories - memories that you can share with family and friends to inspire them to travel. Here’s hoping that 2021 can bring more opportunities for us all to get out there!

Turn up the tunes!

If you want to firm up your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music. Music wields a powerful influence on human beings; research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory.

A penny saved.

It's always nice to have a little cash tucked away for everything from emergencies to vacations, to holiday shopping. But saving money is HARD. Yearly money-saving challenges are very popular right now. With advice from people like Dave Ramsey and the trendy “ money envelope ” challenge which can help you save over $5,000 in one year, paying off debt or saving up to treat yourself has become a focus for many.

Feeling good and looking good.

Set a wellness routine that makes you feel great inside and out. Improve your mental and physical wellness by incorporating items and habits that boost your self-care routine. Start by creating a morning ritual. This can consist of meditation, breakfast, journaling, and stretching – it is important to create a routine that works for you. End your day with a bedtime ritual - take this time to unwind from the day by doing things like enjoying a cup of tea, taking care of your skin, reading, and making sure to get those Zzz's.

The most important thing in any lifestyle change is to give yourself a little grace. Simply having a goal to change habits to improve your health or lifestyle is a great first step. You deserve to make 2021 your best year yet. Think about what you want to do, take a deep breath, and go do it. At your pace, on your terms.

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Pre-Planning Checklist

January 12, 2026

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone. Choose the Type of Service You Want Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices. Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service. Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…). If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried. Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns. If you decide you want to be buried, choose clothing options. Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside). What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice? Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service. Choose which songs you would like played at your service. Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary. Choose Who You Want to be in Charge Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need to do. Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will. Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service. Designate someone to be your power of attorney. Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions. Choose To Pay In Advance Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pre pay for: Cemetery services, burial plot All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services

Veterans Benefits FAQ's

By Shelly Zipperle • January 8, 2026

Frequently-asked questions and answers about Veterans benefits.

What to Wear to a Funeral Service

By Tukios Websites • July 24, 2025

Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear? While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear. 1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option. Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones. Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise. Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance. 2. Dress Modestly and Neatly Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative: For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer. For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate. 3. Footwear Matters, Too Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service. Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors. 4. Consider the Location and Weather The setting of the service can influence your outfit: For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel. Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice. In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season. 5. Keep Accessories Simple This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering. 6. What About Children? Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service. 7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support. What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most

How to Plan a Funeral or Cremation

By Tukios Websites • July 14, 2025

Planning a funeral or cremation—whether for a loved one or preplanning for yourself—can feel overwhelming. There are many decisions to make, all while navigating the emotions that come with loss. But with a little preparation and guidance, the process can be meaningful, healing, and manageable. Whether you're planning ahead or handling arrangements after a loss, this guide walks you through the key steps of planning a funeral or cremation service. 1. Decide Between Burial and Cremation One of the first decisions to make is whether the individual will be buried or cremated. This choice often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences. Burial typically involves a casket, a graveside service, and a cemetery plot. Cremation may still include a funeral or memorial service and allows for more flexible options such as scattering, keeping an urn, or burying cremated remains. Some families choose direct cremation (without a service) or direct burial and hold a memorial at a later time. 2. Decide on the Type of Service There are many ways to honor a life, including: Traditional funeral service (usually with the body present) Memorial service (typically after cremation or burial) Celebration of life (a more personalized, informal event) Services can take place at the funeral home, a place of worship or outdoors. Choose what best reflects the person’s life and what brings comfort to those attending. 3. Select the Details You’ll want to personalize the service with details such as: Obituary and newspaper or online notices Casket or urn selection Music, readings, or spiritual elements Photos, videos, or displays of personal items Flowers or charitable donation options Who will speak, perform, or participate Many families also choose to include military honors, religious traditions, or cultural customs. 4. Consider Final Resting Place Options For burials: Choose a cemetery and purchase a plot if one isn’t already owned Decide on a headstone or grave marker For cremation: Decide whether ashes will be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a niche Some families divide ashes among keepsake urns or jewelry 5. Handle Legal and Practical Matters Don’t forget the necessary paperwork: Obtain a death certificate (you may need multiple copies) Notify Social Security and financial institutions Handle wills, trusts, and estate matters If applicable, coordinate with veterans’ services or insurance providers Funeral directors can help guide you through most of this, but having documents organized in advance can ease the burden. 6. Consider Preplanning Preplanning your own arrangements relieves your loved ones of decision-making during an emotional time. You can: Specify burial or cremation preferences Choose the type of service and location Prepay or set aside funds Record personal touches you’d like included Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed—and it brings peace of mind to everyone involved. While planning a funeral or cremation is never easy, it is an opportunity to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life. Whether you’re planning for the future or coping with a loss today, take each step at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or trusted loved ones for support.