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October 23-24, 2009
Show Hours:
Friday-5:00 to 9:00pm
Saturday- 10:00am-4:00pm
Fashion Shows:
Friday-7:00pm
Saturday-12:00pm and 2:00pm
February 19-20, 2010
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-skip the long registration lines at check-in.
-automatically be entered to win all the fantastic door prizes offered by the vendors.
-receive pre-printed labels with your wedding information to make it easy to register with vendors of your choice inside the show.
-instantly have access to thousands of dollars in coupons on this web site.
To learn more about our Bridal Shows and for Vendor information Visit :
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Mexico Fact Finding Trip
May 28, 2009
Grand Rapids, MI - Karen Laux and Teri Yonker of Witte Travel & Tours were among an exclusive group of Midwest travel agents recently invited by Apple Vacations to explore Mexico's Riviera Maya and learn more about the region's many travel offerings. Apple's top selling, or Platinum level, travel agents attended the trip, which took place May 11-16.
"With all the news about travel to Mexico in recent months, I appreciated the opportunity to experience Mexico myself. I'm happy to report that we didn't experience any delays in the airport, and the medical checks to keep any sickness at bay were handled smoothly and professionally. The resorts are open and there are incredible, never before seen prices at the resorts, " said Yonker.
"The chance to actually visit a destination, even one that I have been to many times before, gives me the opportunity to see the unique characteristics of each resort and to speak firsthand with my clients about the vast differences between the many resorts in the region. This helps my clients choose the resort that suits their personality and fits within their budget," Yonker added.
While in Mexico, Yonker had the opportunity to conduct hotel site inspections of Secrets Maroma Beach, Riviera Cancun, Occidental Grand Xcaret, Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya, Barcelo Maya Palace, Secrets Silversands and Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. She also received updates from Apple Vacations and local travel suppliers on the current status of the Mexican tourism industry. Mexican tourism officials were also on hand to promote the travel agents' visit to Mexico.
On May 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention downgraded its travel warning for novel H1N1 flu in Mexico to a travel precaution, opening the door for tours and cruises to again include Mexico on its itinerary.
Witte Travel & Tours is a retail vacation travel agency and an international tour operator. The company, locally owned and operated by Henry I. (Henk) Witte, was established in Ada, Michigan in 1975. Witte's staff includes over 35 travel professionals with a combined experience of over 360 years. Witte Travel is a member in good standing of many business and professional organizations and associations; among them the West Michigan Wedding Association, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan, the National Tour Association, the American Society of Travel Agents, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, the International Federation for Choral Music and the Cruise Lines International Association. In addition, many of Witte Travel's staff members have earned Certified Travel Consultant and Destination Specialist designations from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.
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www.WestMichiganWeddingassociation.org |
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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
If you know someone fighting a blood cancer the LLS has financial aid to help with milage and co-pays, patience can recieve up to $5,500 per fiscal year....please call 1-800-306-4139 ext 202.
For more information www.LLS.org
 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk is an annual event to raise funds for cures. It's the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of patients and their families. Funds raised through Light The Night Walk support the work of hundreds of the world's best and brightest researchers in their search for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Anyone can take part-children, adults and seniors are all welcome. This is a casual Walk with no fitness requirements. Not only will you be helping find cures, but there are incentives that can be earned for different fundraising levels. Learn more about Walk incentives.
Please bring help and hope to thousands of people battling cancer.
For more information www.LightTheNight.org
Register to walk with the WMWA www.LightTheNight.org/WestMichiganWeddingAssociation
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We are excited to continue to bring you expert advice from our members!
Each quarter you will receive the newsletter with wedding related articles and advice from our Association's Members.
If you no longer wish to receive our newsletter please use the unsubscribe icon and you will be taken off the newsletter list!
Warmest Regards-
WMWA
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Life Event Financial Checklist: Marriage
When you get married, it's important for you and your spouse to make financial deisions together. Use this checklist to help align your financial goals.
Joint Financial Goals
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Discuss and identify short- and
long-term financial goals.
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Determine the amount that needs
to be saved or invested each month
to achieve your short- and longterm
goals.
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Develop and adhere to a monthly
budget.
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Save six months' worth of living
expenses for emergencies.
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Discuss and decide when a joint
decision needs to be made (i.e.,
large purchases with a defined
dollar amount).
Financial Considerations
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Regularly schedule family
financial meetings.
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Create a combined financial
statement of net worth.
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Discuss whether to merge existing
financial accounts.
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Decide who will manage the dayto-
day family finances (e.g., paying
bills, record keeping).
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Review credit reports to identify
and correct any errors that may
exist so there are no surprises
when you make a large purchase
(e.g., car, home) together.
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Determine where you will live.
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Review credit accounts and other
debt. Eliminate debts with high
interest rates.
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If you own a home, consider refinancing if one or both of you have a good credit score, and plan to live there for at least five years.
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Make sure you each have at
least one credit card account
in your name.
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Discuss any school loans and
consolidate, if possible.
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Consider participating in any
employer-sponsored retirement
savings plans - at least enough
to earn the employer match
(if applicable).
Medical and Disability Insurance
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Evaluate any health insurance plans
to decide which is more economical
and comprehensive.
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If appropriate, change coverage
accordingly.
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Discuss disability insurance and
make sure appropriate coverage
is in place.
Investment Review
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Meet with a financial advisor to
learn about investing.
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Consolidate investment accounts
when possible.
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Review/update beneficiaries to IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, annuities and other accounts.
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Identify retirement goals, and
choose investment options that
can help you achieve them.
Income Taxes
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If changing your name, update
your Social Security card, driver's
license and tax forms.
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Adjust your tax withholding
on Form W-4 to reflect your
marital status. Submit to your
employer's human resources
department.
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Ask your tax professional which
filing status (individual or joint)
is better considering your marital
status.
Estate Planning
Work with an attorney to determine
which of the following documents
may be appropriate for you:
Will
Living will
Durable health care power
of attorney
Health care power of attorney
Trust
About the author: Chad E. Zagel, is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Contact: 616.233.9472; chad.zagel@edwardjones.com
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October 23-24 Bridal Show
The West Michigan Wedding Association's Bridal Show takes place on the 23rd and 24th of October at the DeVos Place, downtown, Grand Rapids. The show is open to brides and guests from 5pm to 9pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. "This Bridal Show is the perfect place to plan your wedding, with everything imaginable from catering to limo services and everything in between" says Kristen Fowler, intern for the West Michigan Wedding Association (WMWA).
Take a seat and relax at one of our three Fashion Shows; 7pm on Friday and Saturday at 12pm and 2pm. The shows will feature fashionable wedding dresses, as well as, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, along with Tuxedos. The WMWA Bridal Show will be fun for the whole family and a great way to collect ideas for your special day.
Some helpful tips to consider when attending a large Bridal Show include:
*Pre-register
*Bring mailing labels including contact info and wedding date for easy prize registration (all pre-registered brides pick up your labels at the show)
*Wear comfortable shoes
*Bring a notebook and pen
*Ask the vendors questions
*Take your check book along, many vendors offer day of show specials
*Bring along friends and family
*Have Fun!!
to get your $1 off coupon for the Show.
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About the West Michigan Wedding Association (WMWA)
Celebrating its fifth full year, the mission of the WMWA is to produce two Bridal Show events per year; October 23-24, 2009 and February 19-20, 2010. The Association strives to assist their Members with networking. We are also honored to present the WMWA Wedding Business of the year at our annual Honors Banquet. This Black Tie occasion is used as a time to raise money for our charity of choice the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of West Michigan. Currently there are more than 160 Association Members. Additional information is available at:
www.WestMichiganWeddingAssociation.org
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