Articles written by Claire Count

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About me - Claire Count

Talents: Copy writing, web styled writing, editorials, proof reading, business writing

Areas of Expertise: Financial, Arts and art history, Theater, Film, Food and Wine, Gardening - organic and heritage, Environmentalism and Conservation, Psychology - especially

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Personal Finance > Financial Planning Choosing the right estate planning advisors: 1 of 7
The most heartbreaking thing I have dealt with as a financial advisor is in trying to explain to someone who has lost a spouse, that I cannot release funds to pay the mortgage, or even tell them the balance of the account. Without a clear estate plan, your finances are frozen, until the courts make the decisions for you. If ... More..
Personal Finance > Bonds Why bonds fluctuate in value: 4 of 21
A prudent investor who does their homework can be comfortable in their investment in bonds and earn a nice return on their investment. Bonds can be a stabilizing and income producing element in a portfolio. A bond is a debt contract with a company or public institution. The bond issuer needs money and will pay interest to bo... More..
Arts & Humanities > Making Art The challenge of learning Chinese calligraphy without knowing Chinese: 1 of 4
As an artist, I can say it is easier to do calligraphy when you don't know the language. When doing calligraphy in my native language I find my normal habits slipping in, changing the font and the style. The word meaning is not important to learning the art of the Chinese calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy is beautiful painted... More..
Health & Fitness > Fitness Basics The benefits of strength training for women: 10 of 37
Too often one looks at going to the gym as something you should do - like eating your cauliflower or calling your in-laws. But strength training does not have to be a tedious chore. Personal training is pampering your body, sculpting your figure, building your confidence, and of course improving your health. How much of the ... More..
Home & Garden > Gardening (Other) City garden: True stories about urban gardening: 16 of 48
When there is a will, there is a way. I love gardening. I am happiest out in the warm sun getting a little dirty and helping things grow. But I live in a townhouse in Atlanta. I have no yard. So I can't. Hmmph Will I let that separate me from my love. Not one minute. I do high density, container gardening in my little urban ... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues Is it morally OK to wear fur?: 18 of 37
Fur is soft and seductive. No artificial product feels like fur does. But there is an ethical way to buy and wear fur. Your choices do impact the animals slaughtered in a year. You can have your cape and wear it too. Use 100% of any animal that is raised for human use. Use fur, make leather, and follow the entire nose to tai... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Ways to save energy this winter: 13 of 17
Creativity, thinking outside the box can help you save money year around but it seems especially noticeable in the winter. Americans have tremendous hubris sometimes and expect nature to adjust to them, instead of vice versa. If it is cold, layer up. Wear a sweater, socks, long pants and long sleeve, a fleece sweatshirt. As ... More..
Personal Finance > Taxes Expediting a tax refund: 11 of 14
How to get your tax refund faster and with less stress, Avoid Delays 7 Steps to a Faster Refund 1)Be accurate. Make sure you put in your name as listed on your Social Security registration. Put in the numbers accurately. Entering a wrong SSN will absolutely delay your refund. 2)Be complete. A number of refunds are delayed be... More..
Education > Homework & Testing Do children receive too much homework?: 25 of 28
When children need backpacks on wheels to carry home their nightly work, homework has gone out of hand. When children are getting back strain from carrying kickbacks, it has gone too far. There is more to learn than your ABC's and 123's. A familiar management adage is " You get what you measure." Standardized testing is to b... More..