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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
We are getting $175 back. I checked with my agent before I clicked on the email link as I wanted to make sure it was legit.
Post: State Farm Dividend
Link to comment from September 3, 2026
It can't hurt. Sounds like a positive move to me!
Post: Let the Arrows Speak for Themselves
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
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