THE
NOVEMBER 2019
Egg
The indexed annuity often gets a bad rap. In brief terms, it is a type of annuity that offers principal protection as well as an interest rate tied to a market index, such as the S&P 500 index, the Nasdaq composite index, the Dow Jones industrial average, and many others. They may even guarantee a certain level of income if you option for certain riders. Because index annuities offer protection during down markets — you won’t lose money — they can serve as a safe way to turn retirement savings into reliable retirement income. With that said, a lot of negative things have been said about indexed annuities. Ken Fisher, a well-known investment analyst and founder of Fisher Investments, said this about annuities: “I would die and go to hell before I would sell an annuity.” He says this, in part, because he manages money in the stock market — something he charges a fee for. This is pretty standard. Even I manage money and charge a fee for the service. But, when it comes to annuities and their bad rap, here’s my take: Bad advisors sell bad annuities. Indexed annuities aren’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t tie up all your money in annuities, but it can make sense for some of your money. Most indexed annuities don’t even charge a fee. Instead, you earn a percentage based on how the index is performing (whether it’s the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, or any others the insurance company may be invested in). The good news is you won’t lose anything if the index drops to zero or into the negative. This makes indexed annuities appealing to retirees. There’s no fear of losing money. If you’re invested in the stock market and you go through a couple years of negative returns, or if there’s a recession, you can lose a significant portion of your investments. During the 2008–09 financial crisis, the U.S. market plunged almost 50%. A lot of people couldn’t retire when they planned. If A Deeply Misunderstood Investment That May Be Worth Your Time Figure 1
we enter a recession in the next year or so, as many economists are predicting, your
money would be protected in an indexed annuity.
On the flip side, if the market goes up, you might see 60–70% of that return. One client of mine saw a 10.4% return so far this year (see Figure 1.) The
bottom line is indexed annuities are good products for retirees who want principal protection and decent gains. No, you will probably not outperform the market, but without suffering losses, you may be ahead of the game. If anything, they offer reliability, and you won’t lose money in a down market. Some indexed annuities do have fees, but you almost always get something extra for that fee. It might be a boost in returns. But you can still find decent indexed annuities with zero fees that put 100% of your money to work for you with no losses.
-Dan Casey
1
248.785.3734
ENGAGE YOUR KIDS ON THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is an excellent time to teach children about gratefulness. By planning some fun, gratitude-themed games, you can impart
it in a bowl. Then, at the dinner table, have each person draw a random slip and read what it says without saying the name while everyone else tries to guess who wrote it. While Pictionary may get your kids talking about what they are thankful for, Guess Who? will tune them into what others around them are thankful for too. Pick-Up Sticks Like regular pick-up sticks, the goal is to remove a stick from a haphazard pile without disturbing the others. However, by using colored sticks that represent different kinds of thankfulness — such as places, people, or food — you can make players think outside the box. This will ensure you get a wide range of creative, thoughtful answers whenever the kids pick up a stick. These modified games are great for helping your kids realize how much they have to be thankful for. Use these to spend some fun, educational, quality time with your family this Thanksgiving.
a valuable lesson and spend some quality family time together. Get your kids in the holiday spirit by adding a Thanksgiving twist to these classic games. Pictionary Want to bring out your kids’ creative sides? Pictionary is the perfect way to encourage artistic expression and grateful thinking. Try adding a rule where players have to draw something they’re grateful for. This will get your kids thinking beyond turkey and stuffing and give them an imaginative way to express their gratitude. Plus, who doesn’t love a good art contest? Guess Who? To play gratitude-themed Guess Who?, have each participant write down their name and something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and put
YOUR VOTE MATTERS, AND, SOMEDAY, YOUR KID’S WILL TOO!
The 2020 presidential election is heating up, but Election Day 2019 still requires citizens’ voices to decide the fate of their cities, counties, states, and judgeships. As the U.S. enjoys a relatively quiet election day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, use the opportunity to teach your children about their civic duty and the power of voting. For the Young Kiddos There’s no reason why children can’t be involved in local elections. Let your kids tag along to the voting area, and ask for help from city workers and local representatives to answer your kids’ questions. You can even set up your own family election by holding a vote over what to have for dinner or where the next family vacation should be located. If you’re looking for bedtime books to feed their curiosity, try out fun reads like “O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words” by Sheila Keenan. Various websites, like KidsVotingUSA.org, also have ample resources for educators and families. For New Voters Turning 18 comes with the newfound responsibility of voting for our country’s leaders, and, for new voters, the system, ballots, and restrictions can be confusing. Start by walking your teen
through the registration process, which can be done in person at your municipality’s office or online at USA.gov or Vote.org. Next, talk with your teen about what’s at stake in the upcoming election. Be careful not to seed your language with opinions so your teen can develop their own view. Direct them to resources like Ballotpedia.org, where they can find information, practice voting, and see local sample ballots. And, of course, when Election Day rolls around, celebrate their first vote!
Don’t Forget About You! Voting is a right and privilege that comes with U.S. citizenship. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard. Learn more about your local election by visiting Ballotpedia.org or contacting your municipality, and be sure to register to vote if you haven’t already. Remember, your kids learn by watching what you do, not just by listening to what you say. Inspire them to get involved and, when the time comes, exercise their right to vote!
2 www.BridgeriverLLC.com
Animals have acted as companions to humankind for thousands of years. They’re a near-constant source of companionship, comfort, and aid. Unfortunately, military animals don’t often get the recognition they deserve. One horse, in particular, was essential to the success of her regiment during the Korean War. Meet Sergeant Reckless. Bought for $250 in 1952 by a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant at a Seoul racetrack, Sergeant Reckless was trained to carry ammunition for the 5th Marine Regiment. Her name was a play on the “recoilless” rifle ammunition she carried and a nod to the daredevil attitude of the soldiers who used them. Reckless was pivotal for her regiment in more ways than one. As Robin Hutton notes in her book “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse,” “Because horses are ‘herd’ animals, the Marines became her herd. She bonded so deeply with them that Reckless would go anywhere and do anything to help her adopted family.” THE LEGEND OF SERGEANT RECKLESS
Sergeant Reckless’ greatest achievement occurred
during the final stages of the Battle for Outpost Vegas. During the bloody
five-day campaign, Reckless made 51 trips to resupply guns over the course of a single day. By the end of the battle, she had carried 386 rounds of ammunition by walking 35 miles through rice paddies and mountain trails. After dropping off the ammunition, Reckless would then bring wounded soldiers back to safety. Reckless was trained to lie down when under fire and avoid barbed wire, and her ability to do so without needing human command saved many lives during the battle. Reckless would close out her war career with two Purple Hearts and the rank of staff sergeant. She spent the rest of her years at Camp Pendleton in California. To learn more about this legendary mare, be sure to check out “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse” by Robin Hutton.
THE GREATEST AMERICAN WAR HORSE
SUDOKU
The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• • • • • •
2 slices sourdough bread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 slices Swiss cheese
• •
2 tbsp leftover gravy
1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce 1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing
1 tbsp butter, room temperature Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
Directions
1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides.
3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
Solution
3 248.785.3734
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
40900 WOODWARD AVE., STE 305 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
248.785.3734 WWW.BRIDGERIVERLLC.COM
INSIDE This Issue
The Most Hated Investment
Gratitude-Themed Games for Kids Teaching Kids the Power of Voting The Legend of Sergeant Reckless The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Adventure Like a Scandinavian
There’s ‘Snow’ Place Like Scandinavia
EMBRACE WINTER LIKE A PRO
Dress for Warmth There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor gear. The Fins embrace this mentality wholeheartedly by trekking in subzero
Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark have long topped lists of the world’s happiest people. This may seem strange considering these countries can spend half the year in darkness; dusk sets in around 2 p.m. for some Nordic cities in the wintertime. The Scandinavians’ positive outlook on winter likely contributes to their happy demeanors year- round. Instead of looking at the winter months as something to endure, these folks embrace the season and find ways to enjoy it. Here are a couple ways to emulate their attitude. Try Nordic Skiing If you’re a seasonal runner but it’s too cold to enjoy your go-to activity this winter, it’s time to diversify. Skiing isn’t the only wintertime option, either. There’s ice skating, ice climbing, and snowshoeing, to name a few. If your knees can’t take downhill skiing or snowboarding anymore, give Nordic skiing a try. It’s less stressful on your body but still a challenging, fun way to enjoy a beautiful day outside.
temperatures. The key is proper layering. Start with warm base layers that retain heat while allowing air to circulate. Skintight spandex isn’t very effective, so try thermal underwear or wool instead. On top of your base layer, add fleece and then down. If you’ll be somewhere with a lot of moisture, make sure your down is synthetic and waterproof. Your extremities get cold the quickest, so keep them warm with a buff, cozy gloves, hats, and wool socks, layered as needed. One Word: Sauna Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you need to be too. A day on the slopes would not be complete without a sauna. In Finland, Sweden, and other Nordic countries, taking a sauna is considered a daily ritual for its purported health-boosting and mood-boosting benefits. Age and Ageing health journal has found evidence linking sauna use to a lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
4
www.BridgeriverLLC.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook HTML5