Banks and Brokers Need Review

Lately, I have been doing a lot of reserach on the fees that both the banks and the brokers charge. There is a tremendous difference with each broker. The biggest bargains are trading online. For example, Scott Trade only charges $7 per trade, and if they do the trade, $27. Contrast that with Wells Fargo. They want nearly $200 for each trade depending on the broker that you talk with. It pays to take the time to find out the facts before you select the firms you use. Also, banks have recently added extra fees for small checking accounts. Fancy Nancy Says: Do your homework before you select your bank and your broker. You will save money!

Fun Class In Writing

Today we had a nice group for my other writing class held at the Park in Naples. There was a lively discussion and everyone enjoyed sharing his writing. I was lucky to get a dentist apt. since I had lost a filling. I find that I am connected to more than one dentist, since dental offices are often too busy to take you .You have a better chance if you are a patient at several offices. Fancy Nancy Says: We all need two of everything. If you lose something or one thing does not work, then you have an immediate replacement.

Final Spanish Class

Today was my last Spanish class for this season. The teacher is excellent. I find it easier to read the language than to speak it. I do enjoy learning. In class the teacher uses the first part of class to teach. Then she has all the students interacting with each other to practice. This part is tough for me. When all the students are speaking at the same time, my hearing implant picks up all the conflicting sounds. I often skip the second part of class for this reason. Fancy Nancy Says: Do the best you can with learning. Whatever you pick us is a bonus!

Fancy Nancy Has A Scary Day

Today, my wonderful car decided to lock me inside. I was really scared since the horn kept blasting and the car must have thought that I was breaking in. Finally, a neighbor told me to start the car with the key, and it released and allowed me to open the door. I was very upset, so now I think it is time to look into a cell phone. I do not hear well on them, but I will try to find one that I can text on it. Fancy Nancy Says: You never know what a new day will bring.

A Wonderful Breakfast Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico

I recently discovered a nearby hotel with a dining room that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. I have a lovely neighbor , so the two of us went and enjoyed the beautiful scene. She also has had back problems and she suggested I get a heating pad with moist heat. Marty got one today at Walamart and I will try it to see if it helps. Fancy Nancy Says: You can always learn something new if you open your ears and listen1

One Day At A Time

Last week I pulled my back and it is still healing. I find that you have to give your body healing time. I did some errands today and Marty helped me carry in the groceries. I need some new body parts. Any suggestions where we can get them? One day at a time!

Fancy Nancy Says: Listen to your body, your body wins!

A Fun Last Class

Today one of my classes ended for the season. I really enjoyed the two ladies that I taught in class. I will be working with one until I leave on a barter system. She is teaching me trading online , and I am helping her write a book. It is so nice to see her progress.

Fancy Nancy Says: Your are lucky when you enjoy your work. Why not!

Physical Therapy and Common Sense

Today I started physical therapy for a pulled muscle in my back. The therapist gave me only one exercise and told me not to swim yet, and lay low. I took a nap this afternoon, and my 3pm apt. just canceled. I will take it easy until my back eases up. My mind works fine, but I think I need some new body parts.

Fancy Nancy Says: Be good to your body, it is the only one you have!

Learning To Trade Online

Today a lovely student of mine came to my house to help me learn to trade online. I made just one trade online, and it was executed. This is a learning situation for me. I will help my student out writing her book. We will barter with each other.


Fancy Nancy Says: Bartering pays off . Folks did this years ago and now it is time to do it some more. It makes good sense.

Listen To Your Body

Mother Nature always wins. Last week I played tennis when I felt okay. The prior week I had a bad back. Well, guess I was on the court too soon. Yesterday, and the past few days my back was really bad. Yesterday I saw a doctor and he gave me a muscle relaxer to help my back.

I am better today, for now NO TENNIS!

Fancy Nancy Says: Mother Nature gives you a message. If you don't listen to your body, then you will not feel well. Fancy Nancy needs to listen!

Fun Family Dinner

Fancy Nancy enjoyed a fun, family dinner with her daughter and family. It is always a joy to connect with them. Rebecca , my grandaughter will be graduating college soon. This is a transition time for her. Lots of decisions to make. It may be confusing to her, but she has the gift of tenacity. I know she will figure out what will work best for her needs.

Fancy Nancy Says: Tenacity is a wonderful gift in life. Tenacity leads to success! Go Rebecca!

New Trading Account

I am not very good with computers, but I decided it was time to try to learn to trade online. I have a lovely student who encouraged me. Today I opened an account. In class we decided that I would help her with her writing, and she would help me with my new account. Bartering has been going on for many years, and why not. We each know something that could help the other person. Time will tell if this works. In any case, try something new in your life. Why not!

Fancy Nancy Says: Perk up your life and try something you have never done before. If it does not work out, so what! If it works, then you will have a new skill. I am doing just that. Let me know what you will try next.

Enjoy Each Day !!!

Today I learned some sad news. A friend of mine lost her husband. Life is a gift and we do not know how many years you can enjoy. Tell you family and your friends how important they are in your life. Don't wait to say, " I love you". Tomorrow it could be too late.

Fancy Nancy Says: Our lives are a gift. Each day is a blessing!

Spanish, Interview, and Swim

Today I had my Tues. Spanish class. After three years, I know about three words. Hola, Adeios, and Gracias. I enjoy learning even though I don't retain many of the lessons. You need to use a new language to retain it.

Next, I interviewed a young , new , broker. She would not work out, but like all the others, she is overworked, and does not give any discounts and does not love her job. I will have to learn how to do my own trades online.

After a nap which I need, I did a swim and then talked with a dear friend.


Fancy Nancy Says: As we get older we start to lose our friends. It is hard to have that loss due to illness and old age. Enjoy your family and friends now. Time marches on too quickly.

A Wonderful Massage and Fun Lunch

Today is Monday and I enjoyed a wonderful massage in the morning.I think that a nice massage is a great way to start the day. The woman I use is from Russia and she used to be a doctor there. She runs a spa and works very hard. She gives an excellent massage and I find that it really makes you feel good.

In the afternoon, I took a friend to lunch. My friend has undergone several operations, and she is doing well. She has been very brave and now although her knee is healing, she is having back problems.


Fancy Nancy Says: We need to appreciate life when we are out of pain.

Somtimes You Need Somthing New

One of the assignmentw that I often give to my nursing home students is to add something new to your life. I think we all benefit by an addition that makes sense. I hope to learn more about online investing to perhaps avoid the need for the stockbroker. In any case I like to learn and why not.

Fancy Nancy Says" Open your world and learn something new. Try it, it could be fun for you.

Learing About New Forms of Investing

Lately, I have spent a lot of time interviewing brokers. They don't want me since I only have a small account. I am learning that I may not need them. My daughter suggested I look into an index fund. My friend suggested I could set up a small account online and run it myself. I have to do more homework to find out what will work for me.


Fancy Nancy Says: If is is going to be, it is up to me. Yes, I need to learn more to find out what will work for me, even if it does not work for the broker. This theory applies to many things in life. Do your homework.

Another Fun Teaching Day

A delightful class today. My students are so interesting. It is a pleasure to do what you enjoy for work. If you enjoy it, it is pleasure , not work.

Had a lovely conversation with my daughter . She is a speech pathologist and she is great at what she does.

We are lucky when we have a nice family I am proud of my three kids and my six grandkids. It is so nice to see them achieving and enjoying a good life.

Fancy Nancy Says: Count your blessings!

A Rainy Florida Day

I enjoyed working with a student who is writing his life story. Although the weather was not good, I did not notice. I was working with a student most of the afternoon.

I am lucky to enjoy my teaching and helping new students with their writing projects.

Fancy Nancy Say" In life, do what you enjoy for work. When you do that, it feels more like play".

Teaching Today Was Fun

A former student joined our class today, and it was great. It is so nice to see students help one another. I just noticed that the editing function on my computer posts is not working correctly, so please forgive any errors. I am unable to edit at this time.

Had a nice lunch with a friend and then came home to swim, since my back was hurting. Swimming is good for back issues.

It seems that I learn from my students.

Fancy Nancy Says" I am lucky to have nice students and enjoy teaching.

Busy Day Banking and Spanish

Hola- After two or three years of Spanish that is one word I know . I don't remember lots of other words. Oh well, the teacher is lovely and there are three more clases to go.

I spent the afternoon at two banks. Since my account is small they are all suggesting that they don't want it and I should go online and do my own investments.

My plan: I will open a new bank and call it The Small Investors Bank. I will help all the accounts like mine that no one wants. What do you think of the idea??? Soon based on what is happening , not only will be pump our own gas, run our own bank accounts, but while you have some time do your own surgery as you drive through Mc Donald's for lunch. No wonder there are no jobs in the US.

Fancy Nancy Says: We need to rethink some of these "Do it yourself programs" . What happened to customer service??? Gone!

Book Order Arrived Today. A Nice Surprise

I have written a book called HEARING LOSS AND WINNING SOLUTIONS. I know a lot about the subject , since I am deaf and wear a cochlear implant in order to hear. I was thrilled that a Florida newsletter included information about my book and today I got an order.

It is always exciting to know someone wants a copy of my book. If anyone reading this blog would like to know more about the book, send me an E-mail: Nshu4@aol.com. I would be happy to send you a copy of the book review and answer any questions as well.

The book retails for $18 which includes the shipping. I donate part of the proceeds to the national hearing association to help with their projects. Let me know if you want a copy and I can ship one to you as soon as you mail your check. Kindly send me an E-mail if you need more information. If you send your E-mail and want a copy, I will give you the details for your order. Thanks!

Fancy Nancy Says: Enjoy every day . Each one counts!

Finding An Accurate Broker is A Trick

It is not easy to find a good broker, if you are a small account. Today, the brokers only want large accounts. They suggest you trade yourself online. I really don't want to do that. As a result, I have been interviewing new brokers, since the ones I have been using are often inaccurate.

Yesterday, two of my students gave me some names. I will have to set up apts. to meet the people they suggest. I used to enjoy investing in the market. My problem is that I need someone who is accurate to correctly fill my orders. So far , the systems I am using are lacking in accuracy. One day at a time.

I played fun tennis today, and enjoyed meeting a gentleman who married a girl from China that he met last year online. One never knows what the future has in store for us.


Fancy Nancy Says: Your broker will help you go broke!

A Roller Coaster Day

My daughter , Lynn, says ," Life is like a roller coaster." I agree. Today was that kind of a day. In the morning , I loved having a relaxing massage. Then I went to the bank and discovered I have a new broker who has no experience with some of the things that I buy . He did point out that I owned certain things that I did not know I had. Not all was good news.

The day improved as I had a delightful class with two wonderful ladies. One wants to write a book and the other wants to do her life story. They gave me names for new brokers. I will take their advice and do more interviews. They were very helpful, and I hope I helped them. One lady was most interested in a new book about her zoo.

I look forward to working with both of them.

Fancy Nancy Says" Life is a great adventure. Some days have wonderful things happen, and some days include things that are not fun". The trick is to try to enjoy whatever the day offers. I am getting better at keeping cool when things go wrong. It is a discipline that Fancy Nancy is learning.

Some Define Education With Limits

I just learned that in Rhode Island a program that I suggested for the Learning in Retirement would not run. Since they were not offering the course last summer, when students asked where they could take it, I shared that information. I thought education included sharing resources and ideas. Evidently, the curriculum committee wants the exclusive rights to their ideas and their programs. To me this is censorship and not what education is all about. Too bad, their loss!


Fancy Nancy is learning: Even educators guard and censor information. To me that is a narrow view of what education is about. I define education as sharing information not restricting it.

A Fun Day Teaching

I enjoyed meeting a new student today. I never know who will attend class, but it is always a nice surprise to have a new student arrive.

I also took care of some business and then we had a lovely evening of bridge. We never win, but who cares. We meet new folks who are fun.

Fancy Nancy Says: It does not matter if you win at a game, just enjoy playing.

Hooray! Delivered My Tax Papers

Hooray. Today I delivered my tax papers to my accountant. With all the work I put in, I feel that I should get another diploma. It took many hours of my time to get things organized. Thank goodness, the next job is for the accountant to do her work. Tax time is always a lot of work. This year it was even tougher. Merrill Lynch was really late in getting out the annual statement. They were created many problems ! I am glad to be done with them.

Fancy Nancy Says: Start your tax work early. It will take more time than you realize.