Thrive Well --- A fresh take on longevity, education and community.

Did you know the average American saves only a small percentage of their income each year?  Imagine if you could double that rate—with small lifestyle changes. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 practical and creative ways to ensure savings in 2025. From smart spending hacks like fueling up at Costco to enjoying budget-friendly experiences in the Greater Sacramento area, this is your roadmap to saving more and living well. How Much Are People Saving?  Let's look at the number to get a clearer picture.  The Average American : On average, Americans save about  5-10% of their income , though this can fluctuate based on economic conditions and individual circumstances. Many of us are living paycheck to paycheck, with minimal emergency savings. Did you know? : Globally the average savings rate hovers around  20% of income , reflecting varying economic conditions around the world and cultural attitudes toward saving. Top 20% of Americans : The highest-earning and top-savi...

Interested in building wealth through Real Estate? Here's some valuable information for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest in homes. As we step into 2025, there are some important things to know about the market. I’ve picked up some great insights from real estate data experts at MBS Highway, and I’m excited to share them with you! Home Prices Are Going Up Experts predict that home prices will grow by 4% to 4.5% this year . This is great news for homeowners! For example, if you own a $500,000 home, its value could go up by about $20,500 in 2025. Over the next five years, home values might increase by 30% to 35% , adding $150,000 to $175,000 to the price of a $500,000 home. What’s Happening with Jobs and Inflation? Jobs: The unemployment rate may rise a little, from 4.2% to 4.5% . This means some people might have a harder time finding work, but it could also lead to lower interest rates. Inflation: The Core PCE, which is a measure of prices going up, is expected to drop f...

Cultivating a Positive Outlook in 2025: Lessons from Science and Jerome Appleseed As we embark on the new year — 2025, many of us may be looking on what tweaks we can make to improve the quality our lives. One obtainable quest is for one to observe their own thoughts, and label them as they are, good, ok or bad thoughts. This exercise is a practice of mindfulness and also Inspired by Marcus Aurelius’ wisdom—“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”—we are reminded of the profound impact our mental outlook can have on our well-being. Let’s delve into the science behind this idea and uncover timeless lessons from the real story of Johnny Appleseed. The Science of Positive Thinking Scientific research strongly supports the idea that the quality of one’s thoughts can shape the quality of one’s life. Positive thinking has been shown to improve both mental and physical health: Enhanced Resilience and Satisfaction : Studies reveal that individuals who cultivate pos...

Elk Grove is on the map in more ways than one, and its future looks incredibly promising. We recently heard  City Council Member of  (District 4), share exciting updates about new developments, growth initiatives, and improvements that are coming to our community. I couldn't help but to start to take notes to share with the community. District 4: A Quiet, Growing Community District 4 covers areas from Elk Grove Boulevard to Whitelock Parkway and Rancho Verde, a newly developing neighborhood with quiet surroundings and great potential. New Developments That Will Elevate Elk Grove Project Elevate : A transformative mixed-use development that will include shopping, a hotel, and even rooftop dining—similar to the vibrant feel of downtown Sacramento. With two investors ready to bring the project to life, this space (near District 56 and Raw Sushi) will be a major community hub. The New Zoo : A massive project in Elk Grove with a 30-year bond and a $300 million price tag for its ...

The real estate market in Elk Grove, particularly for duplexes and triplexes, has been dynamic and promising for buyers in search of multi-family investment opportunities. Between 2023 and 2024, nine duplex and triplex properties were sold in the 95624 zip code, offering valuable insights into the current market. Key Market Insights     1.    Average Price of Duplexes Based on recent sales data, the average sales price for duplexes and triplexes in Elk Grove (95624) is $577,444. This figure reflects the diverse pricing of properties ranging from $650,000 to $725,000.     2.    Median Price The median price for these properties is $690,000, highlighting strong demand and competitive pricing in this area.     3.    Quick Turnover With all but one of the properties selling in under 30 days, it’s evident that these homes are in high demand, making them a valuable option for buyers looking for both primary residence and investment o...

Understanding the Benefits of Working with a Military Relocation Specialist (MRS) Navigating the real estate market can be challenging for anyone, but for military families, the stakes are often even higher. Frequent relocations, unique financial considerations, and emotional transitions can make the home-buying process daunting. That’s where a Military Relocation Specialist (MRS) comes in—an agent equipped with the knowledge and skills to support military families through these unique challenges.  Contact a Military Relocation Specialist What Is a Military Relocation Specialist (MRS)? The Military Relocation Specialist certification is awarded to real estate professionals who have undergone specialized training to understand the intricacies of serving military clients. During this course, agents learn about various critical aspects, including: Housing Allowance for Service Members : MRS agents understand the different housing allowances that military personnel receive, enabling th...