Angela Tague

Wordsmith. You hear the word tossed around in chatty writer’s groups and on sassy author profiles. But, what the heck is that exactly, and are you one? Well, maybe. Let’s dig into the definition and history of this popular writer’s moniker and how we can use it in our own wordy-world.
What is a wordsmith?
Merriam-Webster says…
A wordsmith is someone who works with words, or an especially skilled writer. Based on this definition, I think any writer who hones their craft and makes a living from...

Confused about what role your circadian rhythm plays in helping you sleep better and wake up energized? Keep reading for more on what it is and how to track it to improve your sleep quality, boost immunity and regulate metabolism.
If groggy mornings and sleepless nights are the norm for you, it’s time to chat about circadian rhythm, or your body’s internal clock. The magical, intuitive nature of your body’s cells can tell when you need sleep — and how much.
So can we bypass sleep issues if we...

If your online writer’s bio is a bit yawn-worthy, let’s jazz it up. After all, playing with words is what we writers love to do, right? Give your bios a browse. Look at social media, your writer’s CV and your website blurbs.
Do you use the words ‘writer’ and ‘freelancer’ ad nauseam? It’s OK, it’s who we are and what we do, but there are oodles of other ways to convey our festive wordiness in fresh ways.
7 synonyms to use in lieu of “writer” or “freelancer”
Let’s crack that thesaurus (and our ...

I’m in goal-setting mode again. Every year as fall transitions to winter I audit my writing business… and reflect on my personal life. What needs to be revamped? My exercise routine? My meal planning? My trauma healing?
All of the above?
Like most, I’ve adopted new ways of going about my days to accommodate pandemic life. I’m avoiding large crowds, staying home more, stocking up on washable masks and getting into more of a DIY at-home mindset. I’m also realizing that I’m in my second or third...

It’s audit time. Each fall I sit down to evaluate my writing business and determine if I’m meeting my goals… and doing the work I want to do. After all, who starts a business to be purely driven by client needs and income goals?
This annual reflection ensures I’m getting more than a paycheck out of my career by making decisions that fuel my personal interests and help me grow as an individual.
So, what questions do I ask? Well while doing the usual analysis of income, website visitors and soc...

What you put on your bed can hinder or enhance your sleep quality. Believe it or not, your bedding may be to blame for your nighttime sweats and chills.
Self-proclaimed hot sleeper Kristen Hicks makes reducing heat at night a priority, otherwise insomnia sets in for her.
“It’s less about when I crawl into bed though and more about getting hot or staying comfortable throughout the night,” she notes.
If your evening ritual includes being mindful of temperature too, you’re not alone. In fact, 80...

It’s time for an upgrade. As you dream about getting behind the wheel of a new vehicle, know that you have options. Will you buy a car? Or, will you lease a car? With either choice you’ll likely require an auto loan from the manufacturer or your preferred financial institution, unless you have enough cash on hand to pay for the vehicle outright, which isn’t very common. Here’s what you need to know before browsing the dealerships and chatting with private sellers.
Things to do before car shop...

Our daily routines, including income flow and spending habits, have shifted. As we learn how to manage this new way of living, we might find that it’s a good time to evaluate how we juggle our finances and pay for everyday needs. If you find yourself reaching for your credit card, you’re not alone.
The Experian 2019 Consumer Credit Review* explains the average American carried a $6,194 balance on their credit cards in 2019. Here in Colorado, that number is a bit higher with the average credit...

We often dream about the freedom of retirement. Perhaps you hope to travel the country by RV, purchase a seaside cabin or gift your grandchildren funds for college. But have you thought about how to make these wishes happen? It’s never too early (or too late) to start thinking and planning for your retirement.
Work through the six questions below to put the wheels in motion toward financial security after you collect your last paycheck.
6 Questions to Ask Yourself to Plan for Retirement
Our r...

It’s time. You’re ready to plan how you will save for retirement, or finally do a spring cleaning of your current investments to ensure they’re actually working for you. Perfect! In addition to the program your employer offers, know that you can take control of your financial future by independently setting up accounts to better manage your wealth.
Here at Elevations Credit Union, you can work with a CFS* Wealth Management Advisor to assess your retirement needs, identify long and short-term ...

The team of Wealth Management Advisors through CUSO Financial Services, LP (“CFS*”) at Elevations Credit Union helps our members prepare financially for the future, no matter where they are in their life journey. Learn more about Jorin G. Bale, CLU®, ChFC®, and how he’s assisted Elevations members for the past eight years with their financial planning.

Establishing lasting relationships is a priority for Jorin G. Bale, CLU®, ChFC®, a CFS* Wealth Management Advisor at Elevations Credit Union.

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When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re in charge of all business details — including finances. By taking the time now to think about the future, you can intentionally set your business up for financial security beyond the day-to-day flow of income and expenses.

You don’t need an employer to prepare for retirement, get insurance or create a secure income flow. You can seek these financial planning options independently and create a portfolio that complements your career path as your business grow...

It’s not even 9:00am, and I’m groggy. Like, fall asleep wiped out, tired. This is what it feels like when my autoimmune conditions (I’m never sure which one) decides to rev up inside my body and unleash waves of fatigue. I get it. It’s my body signaling for me to rest. It needs to do its thing and heal, so it’s pushing the pause buttons on my physical and mental energy.
The thing is: I never know when autoimmunity is going to fire up.
It can literally flare at any time, with little to no warn...