The days grow shorter. The kids are back to the school. The sweltering summer heat gives way to crisp mornings and falling leaves. For many of us, autumn is a beautiful, magical time when the trees are ablaze with various shades of red, gold and yellow.

If you enjoy traveling to view the fall colors, here are four great places to consider:

Aspen, Colorado Known as much for its skiing as its foliage, the trees near Aspen turn a bright yellow in the fall, and shimmer like a yellow curtain in the breeze. The contrast with the pines and the mountains is said to be breath taking.

The Catskills, New York StateThe foliage in the Catskills is chock-full of reds, oranges and yellows.  The area is a year round destination. In addition to its beautiful foliage, the Catskill region features a wide variety of festivals and craft fairs.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Carved from the Cascade Mountains, this stretch of land features furs, cottonwoods, big-leaf maples and Oregon ash in their full fall glory.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee  This park, in one of the most densely wooded areas in the country, has over 100 varieties of native trees, including scarlet oaks, maples, sweetgums and hickories. 

For other areas, check out Road Trip America to help you find the perfect place. Taking a road trip to view fall foliage is one of the easiest ways to see some of America’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Enjoy!

On September 11th, 2001 the world was rocked when two planes slammed into the World Trade Center in New York. Another plane came crashing down on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while another crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day.

As we honor and remember those who fell, here are some interesting facts about Patriot Day, known to most Americans simply as 9-11.

• When Congress created it, the day’s original name was ‘Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorists Attacks on September 11, 2001.
• There was a unanimous vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to create this Day of Remembrance.
• The official name is no longer just Patriot Day. On September 10, 2012, President Barack Obama changed the official name to ‘Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.’

Here are some things we’re encouraged to do on September 11th:

• The American flag is to be flown at half-staff.
• Observe a moment of silence at 8:46 am Eastern Standard Time, the moment the first of the four planes crashed into the World Trade Center. Additional moments of silence can be observed at 9:03am for the second plane, 9:37am for the plane that hit the Pentagon, and 10:02am when passengers fought back against hijackers and forced their flight down short of its target. 

You can remember and serve together with friends and neighbors to make a positive impact in your community. Check out serve.gov to register your activity or find one near you.

You’ve jogged along the same path for months but still haven’t noticed much difference when you look in the mirror. You’ve done so many sit-ups your brain is starting to go numb. Is it time to invest in a personal trainer to achieve your fitness goals?

A good trainer can help you create a program that meets your needs and teaches you how to maximize your exercise time. At the very least a trainer should be educated and knowledge about both exercise programs and proper nutrition. A trainer can:

• Give you guidance on reaching your goals
• Educate you about the different types of exercise programs including strength training and cardio
• Motivate you to show up at the gym each session
• Provide accountability and help you track your progress

Trainers come in all varieties. Look for one that is certified through a reputable fitness program or talk to your doctor for a recommendation. A trainer should have an updated certificate in CPR and first aid. Try to find one that specializes in the area in which you want to improve. For example, if you want to cut your time in a one-mile run, look for one with a background in cardio or running. Make sure he or she is a good listener and clearly understands your fitness goals. 

It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

If you decide you want to hire a trainer, check out our individualized programs here. We offer assessments, consultations, and custom training to fit any need. Contact us by filling out our online form today!

As children age and become more independent, the issue of allowance is sure to come up. Giving an allowance can be a great way for parents to teach their kids important life lessons about the value of work and how to manage their money. But there can be some hidden pitfalls to consider.

To spend or to save?

An allowance can teach children about financial responsibility through choices. When they have to make decisions about whether to save or to spend, and decide if an item is truly worth it, they begin to view money differently. They’ll learn that finances are always limited and they have to prioritize.

Chores are important

The downside is that the child may start to view the allowance as their right, especially when it’s not tied to doing chores around the house or to good performance in school. Even if parents put conditions on their child’s allowance, things may still go wrong. The child may simply go through the motions to get a paycheck, rather than learning to appreciate how their efforts help the family. 

In addition, a child may not appreciate the value of things that don’t have a dollar sign attached to them. And, as they grow older, some children may even learn how to ‘negotiate’ a better deal. 

Even if you don’t feel comfortable giving your child an allowance, be sure to discuss earning and saving money, budgeting and other topics. With the right guidance, your child will learn important financial habits.

Remember the back-to-school ad with parents frolicking through a store followed by their unhappy children, while the song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is playing? Cute commercial, but for parents on a tight budget, back-to-school shopping can be anything but wonderful. Read on for some ways to keep your spending under control.

What do they really need?

Consider your budget and decide what supplies are absolute necessities and what items are luxuries. Contact your child’s school for the list of required materials. It’s also a good idea to check the school’s dress code to make sure your child is allowed to wear the clothes you buy.

Once you have your list, check the sale ads. If possible, try to avoid purchasing your child a designer backpack, as backpacks are one of the most commonly lost items.

Get your children involved

Encourage your kids to be a part of the whole process, not just with the shopping. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about budgeting, finding a great deal and how to tell between wants and needs. 

Shopping online

If you decide to do some or all of your shopping online, coordinate with a friend or neighbor.  Many online stores will offer free shipping with larger orders. 

Above all, try to have fun. Back-to-school shopping may be a hassle, but it’s also a chance to spend some quality time with the kids and pass on some valuable life lessons they can take with them as they grow older.

Summertime is here. It’s time to get out of the house and soak in some sun and fun. But remember it's important to take care of your skin. Sunburns can not only be painful, they can do lasting damage to your skin.

Here are 4 tips to help you enjoy the summer fun and avoid the summer burn:

• Avoid going out in the middle of the day. Depending on where you are, the sun is usually strongest between 10:00 am and 3pm.

• Choose your sunscreen carefully.Sunscreens have a rating system called SPF (sun protection factor) which refers to the amount of time you can theoretically stay out in the sun before you start to burn. It is usually better to use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. Reapply sunscreen more frequently if you are swimming or exercising.

• Don’t forget hard to reach places.Sunscreen only works if you apply it. Don’t forget about the backs of your knees, the back of your neck and your ears. Don’t leave your lips out of your plans either.  Strong sun can chap your lips just as quickly as a nasty winter wind. 

• Remember to dress appropriately. Hats aren’t just for farmers and baseball players. A beach cover-up or an umbrella can be your best friend during the summer months. Many stores that sell sports clothing offer fabrics that are comfortable and allow your skin to breathe. 

So enjoy the sun, but be smart and protect your skin.