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• Local horse trainer to hold vaulting camp this summer

• Researcher's effort reveals high butterfly count in Lodi

• Regional Roundup

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

• Chase ends in crash

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

November 17th, 2009

• Clarification

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• Regional Roundup

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

November 13th, 2009

• What to expect with new homebuyer tax credit

• Lodi Muslim: Local mosque not involved

• Regional Roundup

• Mayor Larry Hansen points out Lodi's economic progress

• First phase of Lockeford park by 2011?

• Lodi veteran recounts close calls in Vietnam

• Burglary suspects are under arrest

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (151)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (66)
• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise (55)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (48)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Lodi Flames slim playoff chances vanish in setback to Tracy Bulldogs (25)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Nightmares about America's future (23)
• Tokay Tigers blow late 27-point lead in loss to Wolf Pack (22)

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Financial planner offers tips to save cash and avoid debt

Tom E. Burns started in the field of financial planning in 1994 after graduating with a degree in finance.

He believes financial planning is for everyone, even if you don't have a lot of money. Peace of mind is priceless, he says.

During these tough economic times Burns says don't overreact or panic, continue to save and watch your spending habits.

Burns offered this and other tips to News-Sentinel staff writer Amanda Dyer via e-mail.

What do average people use financial advisers for?

A financial adviser can help with all aspects of a person's financial life. The most common needs include retirement planning and income strategies, investments and overall strategic financial decisions. Other areas include tax and estate planning, education and protection planning.

Do you need a lot of money to use a financial adviser?

No, but most advisers who have experience will have minimum requirements and some charge more than others. Interview several who have been in business for a while, and be careful of high fees and/or high commissions.

Realistically, how soon should you start planning for retirement? Is it ever too late?

It is never too late to start saving for retirement. Most people will say they wished they had started saving sooner.

What's the best way to deal with credit card debt? How do you stop creditors from calling you?

Don't use credit if you can't pay it off, that will keep the creditors from calling. Or, shop around for the best rates and pay (it) off ASAP.

Who has a harder time with finances, men or women?

Men and women both have different financial issues and habits but neither is harder than the other.

I've heard about people getting cash by borrowing against life insurance policies. How does this work and is it advisable?

Due to the high cost of insurance I'm not a big fan of it but yes, you can borrow from certain policies that are set up for it. I don't recommend using insurance as a savings tool.

What are some common financial pitfalls that people fall into?

Not saving enough and waiting too long or getting advice from friends or neighbors rather than a financial professional.

Can you recommend some good books people could read to get smarter about managing their personal finances?