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My name is Francine Duke and I'm a recently retired Financial Planner. I was the founding principal of Aqua Financial Planning, LLC, an independent fee-only Registered Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Firm. I have a B.S. in Finance and over thirty years of high level experience in the financial and insurance industries with an extensive background working with both individuals and small to mid-size businesses. I served on the board of the Financial Planning Association, North Shore Council in various roles including President and Chairwoman. I still enjoy everything financial and obviously have a keen interest in retirement related matters.
Checks and Balances
40 replies
AUTHOR: hitekfran on 1/27/2026
FIRST: David Lancaster on 1/27 | RECENT: hitekfran on 2/11
Risky Business - Challenging Times
25 replies
AUTHOR: hitekfran on 4/6/2025
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/6/2025 | RECENT: DAN SMITH on 4/12/2025
A Taxing Situation
22 replies
AUTHOR: hitekfran on 2/18/2025
FIRST: Dan Smith on 2/18/2025 | RECENT: Randy Dobkin on 2/20/2025
Ten Important Security Tips
15 replies
AUTHOR: hitekfran on 11/9/2024
FIRST: mytimetotravel on 11/9/2024 | RECENT: Martin McCue on 11/19/2024
Comments
Excellent!
Post: New to building a CD or Bond Ladder?
Link to comment from March 8, 2026
We have money in VTAPX which is a short term TIPS fund. The shorter term reduces interest rate risk. This type of investment is best kept in an IRA rather than a taxable account.
Post: New to building a CD or Bond Ladder?
Link to comment from March 8, 2026
Very helpful post, Dan.
Post: New to building a CD or Bond Ladder?
Link to comment from March 8, 2026
My rating for FreeTaxUSA is A+. Excellent software. I didn't bother uploading anything. Federal and state returns complete in no time!!!
Post: Checks and Balances
Link to comment from February 11, 2026
Quick survey- Did anyone upload their 1099's etc into FreeTaxUSA or did you enter the data yourself?
Post: Checks and Balances
Link to comment from February 11, 2026
That’s my plan also. You answered my question perfectly.
Post: 2025 Tax Return Time – Overview of Changes
Link to comment from February 10, 2026
I haven't had a chance to file yet and am planning to use FreeTaxUSA as I previously mentioned. Glad to hear you also recommend it. One question I have for those who use it is whether you uploaded your 1099's and last year's return or simply entered the data yourself into their software.
Post: 2025 Tax Return Time – Overview of Changes
Link to comment from February 10, 2026
We don't need to call anyone out for making a typo. Interesting info about uploading your forms.
Post: Checks and Balances
Link to comment from February 1, 2026
Thank you, Brian. It seems like Turbo Tax is making lots of changes. I'll post my thoughts as to FreeTaxUSA once I give it a try!
Post: Checks and Balances
Link to comment from January 31, 2026
AI is fascinating but like anything else online these days, it's not always accurate. I cringe at the thought of people making medical or financial decisions based on AI info. I still stand by my article from 2024 called "Ten Important Security Tips". Lock things down with dual factor authentication, etc. I hope you have a great trip, Dan
Post: Planning a Trip
Link to comment from January 30, 2026