Retiring at 50: Could You Follow This Woman's Extreme Savings Plan?

Here's the story of Marlene Konkoly, who found creative ways to spend less and save more so she can retire at 50. This story is the first in our series about Extreme Savers.

  Americans may be living longer, but our retirement plans aren’t keeping up. Which means people are living longer with smaller bank accounts. But Marlene Konkoly will retire at age 50. How did she do it? She contributes a whopping 45 percent of the gross annual income she earns as a procurement officer for an automotive finance company to her retirement—all while owning a home and remaining debt-free. Konkoly is actually well ahead of the retirement savings curve compared to many of her fellow Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fewer than half of Americans even know how much money they would need to retire. And nearly a third of employees who had access to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) did not participate…

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Sewickley Public Library Looks to Improve Security

Increased security measures are being explore to prevent thefts in response to recent attempts.

The Sewickley Public Library is exploring additional security measures that go beyond tracking overdue books and unpaid fines, according to a representative on the library board. Quaker Valley School Director Gianni Floro told the board last night that two attempted break-ins have prompted discussions about adding security systems, such as video monitoring. In one case, Sewickley-area police responded to the library for an alarm and found that someone pried open a door. No one was found inside the building during the November incident and police said everything appeared to be in order except for a door with noticeable pry marks. In addition to its inventory of books, DVDs and other materials, Floro said the library has some great artifacts…

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Quaker Valley Hires Communications, Food Services Directors

Both administrators are expected to begin effective July 1.

Quaker Valley School Board approved the hiring of two new administrators Tuesday night. Tina Vojtko of Ross Township was hired as director of communications and development and Jennifer Reiser was hired as director of food services, both effective July 1. Vojtko, who will be paid a salary of $65,000, is leaving behind her post as communications coordinator and open records officer in the North Hills School District. Vojtko fills the vacancy of Martha Smith, communications director, who retired earlier this year after having worked for the district for 12 non-consecutive years since 1994.  According to Quaker Valley officials, Vojtko has more than 11 years experience in public school communications and 10 years in nonprofit development.  …

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Cheers Owners Announce Retirement, Store Closing

Practically everything is on sale at 436 Beaver St., Sewickley, where owners say March 24 will be the last official day.

After nearly 40 years in the community, Cheers Gifts, Antiques and Interiors will close when the owners officially retire in March. Tom and Jeanne DeFazio said they had been talking for awhile about closing the store at 436 Beaver St. and came close to it last fall, but the DeFazios said they believed the town needed as much business as possible and decided to stick around.  “Now is the right time for us,” the store owners said. “The town is looking great with many new shops and restaurants, and it’s time for us to relax, maybe travel a little and enjoy our grandson, Evan, plus by this summer, he will be a 'big brother' when his mother delivers our second grandchild.” Jeanne DeFazio has undergone treatment for amyloidosis, a rare disease. …

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Larissa Dudkiewicz

3:26 pm on Monday, January 30, 2012

Thanks for that interesting tidbit. I agree, best wishes to the DeFazios. They are great people.   more ›

Sen. Pippy Won't Seek Re-Election

Pippy was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2003.

Pennsylvania Sen. John Pippy (R-37th District) announced today he will not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania Senate. Pippy's office released a statement this afternoon about his retirement: "I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 2012. Since 1997, I have had the pleasure of serving and working alongside the constituents of the 37th Senatorial District and 44th Legislative District. Over the years, I have met many wonderful and dedicated people in the public and private sectors and am grateful for the support and encouragement of so many. It has been truly an honor and privilege to serve the people of Pennsylvania, and I will be forever grateful for that opportunity." Pippy, 41, of Moon, …

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Fashion Maven

Goodbye to Bailey & Bailey

Open since 1995, retiring owners of the Sewickley boutique plan to close shop Friday.

At the end of September the doors to a Sewickley staple will be closing for good. While lovely crops of new shops are popping up everywhere, it is always sad to see an old favorite go. At the same time it is a happy new beginning for the storeowners. The ladies at Bailey & Bailey are moving into retirement and getting to begin a whole new chapter of their lives. For 16 years, owners Elsa Cabiya and Holly Miller have cultivated the perfect blend of sure-to-be favorites all in one spot. One could always find designer denim, the perfect pant, charming accessories, literally everything from a basic tee to evening wear. Swoon-worthy names graced every space in the shop. The trademark fashion drawings that graced their ads, invitations and store…

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