April 2021
Strong, Calm, Confident Kelsey
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
An exclusive publication for the residents of Lawrence Township
Letter from the Publisher
Expert Contributors Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
Medical Center RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC
1 Hamilton Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690 609-586-7000 www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-hamilton/
Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Micalah Taylor Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC.
Home Remodeling Lawrenceville Home Improvement
Jodi Viaud, Partner & Advisor Bill Stolow, Medicare Specialist 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100, Pennington, NJ 08534 609-216-7440 www.knoxgrovefinancial.com I Info@knoxgrove.com
Contributing Writer: Peter Bialkowski Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
James Russo - Owner 2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 0848 609-882-6709 lawrencevillehomeimp.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Lawrence Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 or at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
Top Ranked for Quality and Safety.
NCI
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: November 25.................................January December 25................................February January 25........................................ March February 25.........................................April March 25..............................................May April 25................................................June May 25.................................................. July June 25............................................August July 25...................................... September August 25......................................October September 25 ��������������������������� November October 25................................ December Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. ©2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Lawrence Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
2
22715610 HAMILTON Recognition of Excellence Ad_7.5x5_m1.indd 1
2/22/21 9:23 AM
April 2021
Lawrence Neighbors
As we say goodbye to snow days and winter clothes, we welcome sunshine and new life heading into April. It represents a time for spring cleaning: our homes, workplaces, and most importantly – our minds. Our cover story this month is one that perfectly encompasses the importance of mental health and how it can impact every aspect of our lives. Kelsey Buckholtz, author of Strong, Calm, Confident You embodies the true meaning of “being your best self.” This idea is certainly something we can all learn from; Letting go of the cold worries of the past and letting in the warm rays of the future. That is exactly what Kelsey is about, and she explores this idea in her new book. This month’s feature not only addresses mental health, but motivation as well. Kelsey talks about her writing process during the pandemic, and how although it was a challenge, she was able to persevere and create something that is helpful for us all. Many people see therapy as a sign weakness, or something to be ashamed of – but it isn’t. Mental health is just as important as our physical health and should be treated as such. I hope you enjoy Kelsey’s story and can reflect on why mental health is important to you. Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
I, for one, cannot wait to read Kelsey’s book. Although she wrote it with women in mind (and the idea of women having to “do it all"), I highly encourage readers of all ages and genders to consider the sentiment she puts forth: that working on ourselves in order to become the best versions we can be will actually benefit those around us, and is not selfish at all. Spring is the perfect time to let go of past negativity and look ahead to better days yet to come. It’s been a year since we shifted into our new, pandemic-driven lives, and we could all use some inspiration. Let Kelsey’s story (both her personal one and her professional one as a writer motivated during quarantine) bring you some light this month. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
Local businesses need you more than ever. PLEASE SHOP LOCAL. Our advertisers bring you this publication. Please tell them you saw their ad in Lawrence Neighbors. 3
CLEAN, PROTECT & BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WINDOW CLEANING | PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING | WINDOW TINTING | AND MORE!
Ask about o Multi Se ur r Discounvice t!
The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ
WindowGenie.com/Princeton | GetNeighborly.com
Wilson-Apple Funeral Home Robert A Wilson, Owner NJ Lic # 2520
609-737-1498
The thoughts/opinions presented here are Dr. Dauber's and do not necessarily reflect that of the Lawrence Board of Education.
Wilson-Apple Funeral Home
R.Asher Wilson, Manager NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766
609-737-1498 Cromwell-Immordino Memorial Home Joseph A. Immordino, Jr., Manager NJ Lic # 4231
609-466-0233 Timothy F. Reeg Funeral Director
Timothy F. Reeg, Manager NJ Lic # 3982/Pa Lic # FD-013977-E
609-392-1039
WE PROVIDE GUTTER CHECKUPS WITH EVERY EXTERIOR SERVICE
Lawrence Intermediate School Through a Student’s Lens By Alyson Fischer, Tom Toohey, Sharin Rello, & LIS administrators Column by Dr. Jonathan Dauber | Board Member, Lawrence Township Board of Education
www.WilsonApple.com
FREE PHONE ESTIMATES AVAILABLE! 609-917-4338
Educational Spotlight
Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
▶ HEY, SPORTS FANS!
The students in Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS) are fortunate to have a unique opportunity to begin the journey together in fourth grade, when students from the four elementary schools join as one graduating class. LIS is a large building with over 800 students in grades 4, 5 and 6, and it offers a rare ability for students to grow from the elementary model into middle school students. While the building is large, the school feels like a small family thanks to the robust House System and an amazing staff that works hard to create connections in their classrooms. We asked students to help us tell the story of their LIS experience. House time came up as our student’s favorite thing often. What is house time? It is time each week where our specialists (music, art, technology, library, health/physical education, and Spanish teachers) lead each grade through activities that engage students in character-building, relationship-building, and fun experiences. Each week has a different theme, and this year our students have participated in art lessons, escape rooms, poetry, beatboxing lessons, historical trivia and much more during House Time.
DOWNLOAD THE BVM SPORTS APP AND: • ENJOY local and national sports content all from the palm of your hand! • CREATE an account to keep up with all your favorite local and national teams. • SHARE your favorite sports content via social media, text or email with just a few clicks.
When asked about house time, students said: • I enjoy how the LIS teachers and students share fun time together like playing quizzes, Kahoot, jokes, poetry and escape rooms.
Have everything sports right at your fingertips. ▶ ▶ Download the BVM Sports App today! ◀ ◀
4
April 2021
Lawrence Neighbors
The transition from the four smaller elementary schools to the larger intermediate school can be overwhelming for students and their families. What we find is the anxiety of the transition is quickly erased once students enter the building, meet their teachers, and get to experience all of the great aspects of LIS! We asked our students to tell us their biggest fear about starting at LIS, and they said:
“Celebrating education in Lawrence with insight and inspiration; connecting readers to our students, schools and educational community.”
• One thing I enjoy about house time is the great fun activities we all do. I enjoy the activities from house time because the activities aren't just fun they are educational and they teach you a lot about life and things you will need to do when you are older.
BVM Sports: One Place. All Sports.
• House time is great because I get to meet a lot of students.
• My biggest fear was having no friends in my class but now I know that it was easy to make new friends at school with the help of my teachers. • One fear I had was not fitting in and not knowing things like division but when I got in my class I knew that I would fit in just fine and that the teachers would teach me if I did not know something. • I was scared I would get lost going everywhere and not know anybody in my class, but I found out how to get to my classroom and I made a lot of new friends! A recent LIS house time focused on poetry, and the student’s responses were outstanding! Their poetry encompasses the LIS experience from their lens. At LIS we love and support each other At LIS it’s ok to make mistakes At LIS we have fun and are kind to each other At LIS we love it here
At LIS, we strive to give students the opportunity to grow and become leaders in their own learning. We are proud of our students and can truly say they live up to our school motto, “At LIS, we let it shine, by leading the way, every day, and YOU can make a difference.”
5
Expert Contributor
Community Spotlight
Celebrating Local Farms By Peter Bialkowski
Six Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid this Spring By Nick Pirone | Owner, Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape
April is the time of year when we put away our snow shovels and bring out the flowerpots. This period of new life and growth is the perfect time to celebrate one of the most important jobs in the world – farming. Farming and agriculture are vital professions around the globe. In New Jersey, farming ranks third for the importance of our state’s economy. Not only does it support the economy, but it also creates jobs and ensures a healthy food system. Between 2012 and 2017, the agricultural industry in New Jersey grew to $1.1 billion, and the number of farms hit 10,000, proving its undeniable value to our state. The Garden State has been a home to farming since the early 1600s. Immigrants from Sweden were the first farmers, preparing soil in the south part of the state. It expanded to Cumberland County until the 1700s and was wiped out during the American Revolution. The farms were rebuilt after the war, and became a respected way of providing food. The oldest farm that is still working today is the Sayre-Howell farm in Cedarville. It was started in 1697 by Joseph Sayre and became the oldest family-owned farm in the state. Today, New Jersey promotes farming and agriculture through the Jersey Fresh campaign, a business that provides locally grown fruits and vegetables. It supports farm families and businesses all from the Garden State. They believe that eating locally is better for the environment, our nutrition, and most importantly – tastes better. The Jersey Fresh logo is used to inform consumers that the produce is from New Jersey. If you find the logo on one of your fruits or vegetables, you can be sure it was grown in the Garden State! One part of New Jersey that is rich in agriculture is none other than Mercer County. The Mercer County Agricultural Development Board (MCADB) was created in 1983 to help better the movement of the Farmland Preservation Program. It consists of members who are active in farming, those who are not active but are passionate for the cause, and members from the Mercer County Planning Department. They have open Zoom webinars throughout the year to attend; just contact the Mercer County Planning Department at 609-989-6545. Not only home to the MCADB, Mercer County is also home to several active farms, one of the most popular (and one of our favorites) being Terhune Orchards. Only a ten minute drive from Princeton University, Terhune Orchards is a yearround, pick-your-own produce farm that offers contactless pickup. You can enjoy the fresh produce on the farm, or from the comfort of your own home. Terhune Orchards is one of many farms Mercer County has to offer, but all of them believe the same thing: local food is just better. Agriculture has a rich history in the state of New Jersey, and it deserves to be recognized. Supporting our local farms is not only a great way to give back, but a way to taste where we come from.
6
April 2021
Now that it is April, spring is fully upon us. This season is a favorite of many gardeners’ and landscapers’, for good reason: everything begins to bloom and come to life. Exciting as this is, it is easy to make a mistake that could damage your yard and garden. Here are six common mistakes that I see in my profession that you should keep in mind. Not weeding enough Weeding can be overwhelming, but it’s important to make sure to keep up with this tedious task. Weeds suck up nutrients from the soil, sometimes causing your plants to wither and not grow properly. Try weeding a little bit every day instead of attempting to weed your whole garden all at once.
how they will drink up the water and receive proper hydration. It can be easy to just water the top of the plant, especially if you’re in a rush. Please contact Nick, owner of Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape, for all your outdoor needs. There’s still time to set up a lawn care service package that will suit you and your lawn’s needs. Go to www.ce.land or call Nick directly at 609-356-3465.
Forgetting what and where you’ve planted After planting your seeds and bulbs, it can be easy to forget what you planted and where you’ve planted them. Be sure to record the date you planted as well as marking where so you can take proper care of the area. This will help you avoid overcrowding your plants, too. Cutting your grass too short Not everyone knows it’s possible to cut your grass too short; doing so can put your lawn at risk of heat damage, weeds, drought, and insect/wildlife invasion. The ideal height for your grass is about 2.5 inches. Ignoring the light Often, we envision where we want our flowers and plants to be, but it is important to take into account the light requirements for what we are growing. Think about how much of your yard is in the shade versus the sun, and do your research on what will work best. Not digging deep Anyone can garden, but it is important to dedicate the time and energy to doing it properly. If you don’t dig deep enough with the proper tools and leave enough space between your plants, they will not grow as well as they should. Watering just the foliage Be sure you are soaking the roots of your plants, as this is
Lawrence Neighbors
7
T
Resident Feature
his month, I had the chance to speak with Kelsey Buckholtz, local resident and author of Strong, Calm, Confident You, a book that will be available on Amazon (both print and e-book) beginning March 1. “Strong, Calm, Confident You is for every woman who feels pressure to ‘do it all’ and be all things to all people—the perfect wife, mom, employee, friend, daughter and more,” says Kelsey. “In the pursuit of helping others, I share the intimate details of my journey to stop the endless cycle of pleasing, perfecting and performing. Once I broke free from the cycle, I realized the women around me were struggling too.” Kelsey shares with us insight into her journey as an author, what the writing experience was like, and how she turned a worldwide quarantine into the opportunity to create something beautiful. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @Strongcalmkelsey and Twitter @Strongcalmkels, and can sign up for her email list at strongcalmkelsey.com. Have you always been drawn to writing? When did you decide you wanted to write a book? I have always been a writer - from short stories to now blogging and self-help. I was that kid who actually liked writing essays in school, and often helped all my friends with writing assignments. And that love of writing carried over into my professional career in corporate communications and public relations. Writing a book and becoming a published author has been my dream since I was a little girl writing short stories in my journal. How did the idea for Strong, Calm, Confident You come into being? What inspired you? I lived with undiagnosed anxiety for most of my life. It wasn’t
"
I realized I would never be truly happy or fulfilled until I learned to love myself as I was Kelsey
until my mid-twenties that I hit my rock bottom and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I was only a few years out of college and I was burning out. I was working for a Fortune 500 company in PR, in a job I loved, but I didn’t feel worthy of it. I ran on positive feedback, to validate my self worth, which made me say “yes” to every project and keep hustling. I was also living with my boyfriend for the first time, and was unknowingly playing a game of house. I had this idea of what a perfect woman was built up in my head, so I came home from work burnt out and made dinner with resentment, banging the kitchen cabinets. But when you’re doing “nice” things for people with resentment, they can feel that and it pretty much negates the act of kindness. I realized I would never be truly happy or fulfilled until I learned to love myself as I was. As I started to go through this healing process, I realized the women around me were stuck in the cycle of pleasing, perfecting and performing too and I wanted to help them. That’s where the idea for the book came from. Can you expand on this idea of women having to “do it all”? How does this impact women’s lives?
Savings around the corner. Let us help you save on car insurance and more.
Chris Cline 825 Route 33, Hamilton 609-530-1000 | geico.com/mercer
Strong, Calm, Confident Kelsey By Catherine Bialkowski | Photos by Benoit Cortet
8
April 2021
Lawrence Neighbors
9
Kelsey with her husband, Chris
Resident Feature I think women in particular often put a lot of pressure on themselves - to be the perfect mom, wife, partner, friend, employee, and on and on. Women are raised to be people pleasers and perfectionists. We’re taught to be good girls and to take care of others first - while men are often taught to be tough. We refuse to ask for help and we take everything on ourselves because we think we’re supposed to, because we think no one can do it as good as we can. We try to become this “perfect selfless woman” that we’ve built up in our minds and often neglect ourselves in the process. What have you learned since “breaking free of the cycle”? Have you found freedom in this? My biggest lesson through my own healing journey was that the problem wasn’t anyone else - it was me. We perceive external pressure from our jobs, our spouses, our kids and our families to be perfect, but these pressures are actually internal. This is called socially-oriented perfectionism, or the perception of high expectations from the people and the world around you. Once I realized this, I stopped blaming others and started working on myself. When your car is under a quarter tank of gas, it actually takes more energy to run and is less efficient, and the same goes for you. Can you talk a little bit about the format of the book, and how its content works?
The book is divided into three sections. In the first section we explore the topics of people-pleasing and perfectionism, why women are prone to these tendencies and how they can impact your mental health. In the next section, I take readers through my own personal journey to stop the endless cycle of pleasing, perfecting and performing by learning to love my body, mind and soul. I share my stories as well as practical exercises and journal prompts. The book also comes with a free digital workbook that you can download to put the concepts into practice. I believe this is where the magic happens. In the third section, with the foundation of self-love in place you will learn how to embrace your authenticity. As a recovering people pleaser, you may have been living by other people’s values and priorities for so long that you don’t know yourself anymore. What was the actual writing and publishing process like? The book writing process took me about a year. Last March when I started working from home due to the pandemic, I began to spend 1-2 hours every morning working on the book. The first, and very important, step is to outline the chapters and concepts you want to cover. Next you begin the “messy first draft.” During this stage you set a word count, based on your genre and goals, and just write! I worked with a writing coach who encouraged me to focus on quantity not quality during this beginning stage. My goal was to write 30,000 words. For me, once I got started this was the easy part. The hard part was editing. I didn’t spend as much time outlining as I probably should have, so I spent a lot of time moving things around and trying to figure out the right order. But it was well worth it! Once I was happy with the first draft, I shared it with about a dozen early readers for feedback. I also hired a professional copy editor who provided additional feedback, and then lastly I hired a proofreader for grammar and punctuation. The last few months I have been working on the Amazon publishing platform, trying to get the formatting just right and also doing some work to promote the book ahead of my official launch on March 1. It’s been a wild but amazing journey! You used the extra time you were given during lockdown to write this book, making “lemonade out of lemons” in a sense. How did you find the motivation? When my company started working from home in March 2020 due to the pandemic, I knew this was finally my time to write my book. I continued to wake up at 5:30, like I did when I went into the office, but I spent the first two hours of my day writing before I logged onto my day job. Mornings are my most creative time so I knew I needed to maximize that time before work. Knowing that was my time got me out of bed each morning. One thing that I talk about in the book is mind monsters - those negative voices in your head that tell you you aren’t good enough. When you start doing something new and scary, those voices get louder. But I’ll give you the same advice my writing coach gave me: “The monsters are trying to keep you safe, but you don’t want to live there anymore.” I had to fight those voices many times throughout this process, but I knew I had something to share that could really help other women and that kept me going in times of doubt.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact Rachel Donington at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
10
April 2021
Lawrence Neighbors
11
Coach's Corner
Eviction Moratorium Extended By Bianca A. Roberto, Esq. | Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law
Showing Up
Now that we are well into 2021, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania renters are facing eviction this year. The residential eviction moratorium instituted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was set to end on January 31, 2021, but the Biden administration extended the eviction moratorium to March 31, 2021, and requested that Congress earmark $30 billion to assist those at risk of eviction. The Executive Order also set aside $25 billion in funding for rent relief. In order to qualify, renters must meet certain income limits.
By Leslie Conover | Life & Health Coach, The Ladybug Lands
“Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyways.” –Glennon Doyle Melton
It’s not a cop-out or a pas. It’s true. We are all survivors, and that took a monumental effort, no matter what our situations were.
Along with feelings of excitement, anticipation, satisfaction and gratitude come feelings of vulnerability, anxiousness and unsteadiness. These feelings could come with the start of a new job, an ending of a relationship, my 31-year-old son living at home for a while, or just putting myself out there, writing this. I could be judged. There is a part of me that wants to run, run away.
I want to applaud myself and everyone for showing up even if we feel less than perfect. “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” –Bene Brown
The thing that has come to mind and is my morning mantra is, “Just show up, Les.” Just show up to yourself, your family, friends, business associates, work—and be yourself, your best self, although you may not always feel this way.
In New Jersey, Governor Murphy extended the state of emergency to February 19, 2021. The state eviction moratorium is set to end on April 19, 2021.
TY LIBER
P AMTours C In-Person by Appointment Y A ED K A L or Virtual Tours Online TY LIBER P M AY CA D E K LA
In Philadelphia, the Municipal Court has put a hold on the service of writs of possession and alias writs in residential eviction cases. In November 2020, that court directed that any writs previously issued in any residential case could not be served until after December 31, 2020. However, with a showing of good cause, landlords could obtain an exception to the Order, a landlord will have to file a petition supported
your business +
TS ™ PA R E N cols
Proto • Safety ion nsportat a r T s u B • nds New Frie g in k a •M s + Snack • Lunch Successfully Opened During Summer 2020
12
Even with the protections provided by the CDC, tenants seeking to stay in their homes must certify that they cannot pay their rent because of the loss of a job, payment of outstanding medical bills, or having their hours reduced at work, and that the tenant sought public assistance to help meet their obligations. A residential landlord can seek to evict a tenant for reasons other than non-payment of rent as those claims are not protected by the CDC’s order. Restrictions have been extended for a limited amount of time in the new year. How the prohibitions and protections will be treated going forward will be revealed in the coming months.
Last year, in Pennsylvania, moratoriums put into place by Governor Wolf ended in September. Thereafter, the federal government’s hold began. At that point, commercial landlords were able to move forward with proceedings to regain possession of real property. Residential landlords were permitted to proceed with evictions in limited cases.
Someone said to me that she felt 2020 was a waste. She has been home for a year and has done nothing. I asked her to describe “nothing” and she said: “well, I’ve done a lot but nothing significant.” I asked her if she showed up everyday to whatever task was at hand (she has been the sole caretaker for her 69-year-old sister and also works full time). She said, “Sure, but that doesn’t count.” My response was that everything counts. You showed up every day...and you survived a pandemic.
LO
While the federal government has instituted additional protections, state governments are not required to provide the same safeguards. However, many states are providing similar defenses to residential tenants facing eviction during the pandemic. In many instances, tenants are required to make supplemental certifications in support of their claim of inability to pay rent. Further, the prohibition against eviction under some states’ laws do not cover evictions for breach of a lease term other than non-payment of rent – for instance, causing damage to the leased premises.
by exhibits and sworn affidavits or declarations that establish that the landlord has good cause to serve the writ. The bases for good cause are: (1) the tenant has already vacated the property; (2) material breach of the lease terms; or (3) another compelling basis. A material breach does not include habitual non-payment of rent, late payment of rent, or non-payment of utilities. The issuance and service of an alias writ were suspended between March 16, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Thereafter, the court ordered that lockouts stop through January 31, 2021.
BVM micr -targeted marketing
OUTDOORS + SCREEN FREE!
=
genius! LibertyLakeDayCamp.com • 609.499.7820 April 2021
Lawrence Neighbors
Contact the Publisher of this magazine for more information.
Bianca A. Roberto, Esq. broberto@stark-stark.com 267.759.9662
Bianca A. Roberto, Esq. is a member of Stark & Stark’s Litigation, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, Employment, Beer & Spirits, and Business & Corporate Groups, concentrating her practice in all areas of civil and commercial litigation. www.Stark-Stark.com • 1-800-53-LEGAL 993 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
13
Expert Contributor
• Jot down and prioritize some short and long-term personal financial goals. Involving the whole family can make this more entertaining!
Growing with the Grove
• Contact a financial adviser to put a plan in place
Financial Advice from Our Family to Yours By Jodi Viaud, CFP® & Christina A. Nash, CFP® | Knox Grove Financial, LLC
Optimize your Financial Fitness How savvy are you and your family when it comes to managing your money? That is the question everyone should ask themselves this month. April is Financial Literacy Month and an ideal time to evaluate your current level of financial aptitude and consider expanding your fiscal knowledge. It’s also a perfect time to get a handle on and improve your personal finances. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 62% of U.S. adults have carried credit card debt in the last 21 months, more than 1 in 4 admit they do not pay all their bills on time, and nearly 6 in 10 find it difficult to minimize their debt primarily due to unexpected financial emergencies. A 2020 survey found that nearly 69% of Americans would experience financial difficulty if their paychecks were delayed by a week1. So how do we turn that around? Statistics show that making financial literacy a priority at a young age can affect how money is managed in adulthood. The Council for Economic Education found that young adults who receive financial education are less likely to carry credit card debt and more likely to apply to and receive grants for financial aid. And yet, less than 17% of students were required to take at least one semester of personal finance in high school. According to Rock the Street, Wall Street, 80% of teachers self report that they are not competent teaching financial literacy. We can all do more to promote financial literacy for our youth through organizations like the Jump$tart Coalition for Per-
sonal Financial Literacy. Just taking some time to discuss the importance of financial education and reviewing the financial basics with your children can get them started on a path to learning the important life skill of being able to manage their own finances. At Knox Grove we have always believed that providing tools and resources to our clients to help them better understand their personal finances is the first step to achieving financial wellness. Through our new website, newsletters, market updates and videos like Tuesday’s Tip under Two Minutes, we provide information on topics that can help you become a confident investor. Our financial planning clients also have access to an online platform that consolidates all their financial accounts making it easier to understand their full financial picture. Of course, there is no better way to set yourself up for success than by assessing your financial situation and having a plan. Working with a financial adviser that can help you develop, implement, and keep you on track with that plan is how you stay in control of your money. You can empower yourself and be well on your way to improving your personal finances starting with a few simple steps.
Any new skill can be improved with the help of someone who has the experience and expertise. That’s where financial advisers provide enormous value. Once you’ve made the commitment to take the lead and gain control of your personal financial journey, work with an adviser you like, one who understands you and your family and knows how to take the stress out of managing your money. This year make the most of Financial Literacy Month by getting started on your path to financial wellness.
Campus shared with St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center
1. American Payroll Association “Getting Paid in America” survey
Christina A. Nash, CFP & Jodi Viaud, CFP ®
®
Founding Partner & Financial Adviser
Partner & Financial Adviser
Morris Hall Senior Care Communities includes: • St. Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Center • Morris Hall Meadows Skilled Nursing • St. Mary’s Assisted Living • Grace Garden Memory Care • New Palliative Care Unit at St. Mary’s
Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 KnoxGroveFinancial.com
vvv Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced
Located in Lawrenceville, NJ For more information, please visit us at www.morrishall.org or contact us at mhadmissions@morrishall.org or 609.895.1937
• Commit to assessing your current financial situation starting with a review of your budget, savings, and emergency fund plans. • Gather all your financial documents (bank, credit card, mortgage, 401(k) statements, etc.) Visit the KGF website Resources page for a full document checklist.
Summer Study
April is National Financial Literacy Month! Challenge yourself to live your best life by improving your financial know-how and taking control of your personal finances.
Academic Enrichment 9am-12pm Grades K-12
At Knox Grove Financial we provide the knowledge and resources that help our clients establish and maintain healthy financial habits.
Executive Function 1-3pm Grades 6-10
YOUR PATH FORWARD
From Investment Portfolio Management to Comprehensive Living Plans, we work hand in hand with you to develop a financial roadmap that will serve you throughout your lifetime. Visit our NEW website at www.knoxgrovefinancial.com YOUR PAT H FORWARD
June 28th - July 23rd
Reading Intensive 1-3pm Grades 3-5
Adventure Club 1-3pm Grades K-5
DOORS I SIDING I WINDOWS I BLINDS Christina A. Nash, CFP® Founding Partner and Financial Adviser
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
Jodi Viaud, CFP® Partner and Financial Adviser
TheCambridgeSchool.org
2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 882-6709 www.lawrencevillehomeimp.com
To schedule an appointment to talk about your financial future, call our office at 609-216-7440 Knox Grove Financial, LLC | 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 | Pennington, NJ 08534 P: 609-216-7440 | www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Info@knoxgrove.com
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
14
We are dedicated to providing quality health care in a loving, spiritual and caring environment, to help every resident experience life to the fullest. In addition, we provide a support system for families and friends involved in the care of the resident. The health and safety of our residents is very important to us and we adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health. We invite you to learn more about our community.
April 2021
Where Children Who Learn Differently Thrive Lawrence Neighbors
Ⓡ
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1952 LIC#13VH00230500
15
2951
FAMILY FARM for 45-YEARS!
TER�UNE OWN WINE Virtual Wine Tastings