Check out our December newsletter!
Did you know the average family needs $4,000 more in income today to keep up with prices since Jan. 1? Our Panic Proof Retirement IncomeMAX Strategies helps protect you by offering ever-increasing income. Here’s what makes us different: • 200% more income for Long Term Care Costs with no underwriting • Match on your funds of up to 15% from IRA and 401(k)s • Historical double-digit annual returns that are locked in and protected Then, “What if you lost 30%? Would that change your retirement decisions?” And, of course, the answer is yes. Life in retirement becomes pretty scary when a turbulent bear market is destroying your nest egg, and you have no more money coming in. Given the sharp increase in market volatility in recent years, it’s no wonder that many retirees’ risk tolerance has declined. Investors have suffered through six stock market crashes in the past 20 years — the same number as occurred in the preceding 63 years. When stocks rise, it’s wise to remember how you felt when the market crashed. Perhaps a bull market is a good time to take some risk off the table. One of my favorite sayings goes like this: In the stock market, bulls make money. Bears make money. And pigs get slaughtered. In a bull market, you can make money, and some people can even make money in a bear market. But if you’re a pig about it and try to hold out for bigger and bigger profits, you are likely to lose your profit and more. If your stock portfolio has benefited from a rising market and you’re nearing retirement, don’t get greedy. Those stock- market gains will only be safe if withdrawn and invested elsewhere. That’s why all the products I recommend in my Panic Proof Retirement portfolios are principle-protected. If you are interested in investments guaranteed to pay you, no matter what happens in the market, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation retirement checkup. We can help you guard against investment risk and ensure a safe, secure retirement for as long as you live.
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In a first meeting with an investment advisor, investors are typically asked, “What is your risk tolerance? On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you fall?” A little-noticed fact is that investors’ answers typically depend on stock-market trends at the time. In a roaring bull market, investors tend to boast, “I have a really high tolerance for risk. I totally understand the stock market!” But when the market swings wildly and crashes, as it inevitably does, they change their tune: “I didn’t know it was going to be that bad!” Investors’ risk tolerance is not as stable as many investors and their advisors believe. According to a 2018 study of more than 800 individual investors, it is shaped by both the direction of the market and the degree of volatility. When stocks are relatively stable and rising, individual investors tend to think they are good at handling market volatility and take on riskier investments. When markets are volatile and falling, however, investors see their risk-taking as harmful and pull back, the research shows. Planning for retirement shouldn’t work that way. Your risk tolerance should be the same — whether the market is up or down — and in retirement, most people’s risk tolerance tends to be low. I explain this to clients by posing two hypothetical questions. “If you have great returns in the market and your account is up 30%, will that change your retirement behavior?” Most clients say no: I won’t go out and buy a Mercedes just because I made 30% this year. Turbulent Markets Can Crack Your Nest Egg The Risk Tolerance Riddle
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TOP THRIFTING TIPS Sift Through Cast-Offs to Discover Gems
The U.S. thrift and resale market for second-hand goods will likely hit $50 billion this year, driven by shoppers’ passion for bargain-hunting and reduced prices. Combing through racks, shelves, and piles of donated items has become a popular pastime for millions of consumers. As thrifting grows in popularity, veteran bargain hunters have honed some useful strategies for separating junk from gems. Here are a few tips from seasoned thrifters. Diversify Your Search Leading thrift chains run by Goodwill Industries, Disabled American Veterans, The Salvation Army, and other large organizations have expanded. Still, small local thrift shops operated by churches, hospital foundations, and other local charities often have the best prices. One Reddit poster claims to have found a Coach bag and wallet for $3 at a church-run thrift shop. This thrifting local strategy is rewarding beyond the money saved — it lets you take pride in supporting worthy local causes.
elegance to your home, and that vintage dresser might make a fine living room hutch to hold your TV. When items look expensive or antique, look for a brand name. And use your sense of touch. If you shop for clothing or linens, consider whether the fabric feels weighty and the seams are well-made. If so, the item is probably high-quality and will last. Dress for Try-Ons Bring a tape measure to size up potential purchases and help avoid trying on garments that won’t fit well. Many donated items have lost their size tags, and a quick measurement of bust, waist, and hip circumference can help you minimize fitting room frustration. Also, wear close-fitting tights or slacks and a T-shirt on your thrifting adventure so you can easily slip garments on over your clothes without trekking to a fitting room. Be Patient An axiom of thrifting is that shoppers must work a little harder because many stores fail to display items in an orderly way. Discovering a real find often requires exploring the entire store. You might find crop tops and baby tees in the kids’ section and kitchenware mixed with bath items. Also, you need time to consider whether that colorful but too-large tunic might look great on you with a belt or scarf.
Timing Matters Consider shopping off-season to pick up affluent donors’ end-of-season castoffs. Throughout the year, Mondays can be great shopping days for getting first dibs on weekend donations. Also, tune in to thrift stores’ sale days. Ask thrift store employees to clue you in on regularly scheduled sales, such as “color
Bring a List Have an idea of what you want or need. Setting out to find the perfect vintage lamp or distressed jeans can help you avoid impulse purchases that strike your fancy but disappoint after you bring them home. Additionally, you should set a budget and stick to it. Getting carried away with thrift store purchases can defeat the purpose of shopping there. And if you don’t find a good fit for your needs or an item that delights, it’s okay to leave empty-handed!
days,” when all items tagged in a specific color are discounted, or “half-off Saturdays.” Hone the Art of the Scan Train your eye to survey tables, shelves, and display racks and notice fine materials, target colors, or beautifully designed products. That eye-catching ceramic crock pot on a top shelf might bring
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SLEEP STEALERS
AVOID THESE FOODS FOR BETTER SLEEP
For the estimated 1 in 3 Americans who struggle with insomnia, avoiding sleepless nights is a top priority. Most people know to ease into relaxing activities and avoid blue light from digital devices for at least an hour before bedtime. However, avoiding certain foods that can keep you awake is just as important. Here are four of the worst culprits. Rhythm Wreckers Cheese lovers, beware! Tyramine, an amino acid found in fermented and aged foods, including cheese, tends to trigger the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that can raise blood pressure. Alcohol also is believed to interfere with circadian rhythms by disrupting the body’s sensitivity to natural sleep cues, such as waning light in the evening. Acid Igniters For the estimated 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from acid reflux, the food and drink consumed
before bedtime are pivotal to sleep quality. Foods that trigger this gastrointestinal disorder include spicy items and high-fat dairy products like ice cream. Sadly, popular party fare, which includes cheese, tomato sauce, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, also can trigger heartburn. Tummy Troublemakers As enjoyable as carbonated beverages may be, they can cause gas, bloating, and general stomach discomfort, preventing you from settling into sleep. Other potential triggers of stomach problems include citrus fruits, which have a high acid content that can fuel stomach acid. Citrus also acts as a natural diuretic, prompting you to awaken in need of a bathroom at night. Hidden Caffeine Avoiding the caffeine in coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks is a no-brainer, but certain teas can disrupt sleep, too. While even the highest- caffeine teas, including yerba mate and black
tea, have less than half as much caffeine as a standard cup of coffee, all true teas — so defined because they are made from the Camellia sinensis plant — still have enough caffeine to disturb sleep. Only herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus brews are caffeine- free. And chamomile, in particular, contains the added benefit of a plant-based compound called apigenin, which calms the brain.
Ingredients • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD
Take a break
Inspired by EatingWell.com
• 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions
1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
40900 WOODWARD AVE., STE. 150 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
INSIDE 1
Volatile Markets Call for a Flight to Safety How Skilled Thrifters Discover Bargain Treasures Foods to Avoid for a Good Night’s Sleep Chicken Caprese Salad Mix, Measure, and Make Memories
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WHISKING UP FAMILY FUN Festive Kitchen Adventures — Kid Edition
Could your child be a future celebrity chef? Could your baby be a world- class baker in waiting? Help transform your toddlers or school-age kids into tiny tastemakers by following these three simple tips. Use your space as a skill zone. It takes more than just a love of food to make delicious meals and treats, as cooking and baking put all five senses to the test. Helping in the kitchen enables small children to heighten their awareness of smells, tastes, sounds, and textures while learning new words. Having them measure ingredients and pour them into bowls is an easy way to refine their motor skills, and your guidance behind the counter will encourage them to follow directions. If your kitchen companion is a baby, you can still involve them by describing the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding them and letting them touch some of the food — all great tools to assist in developing their connection to the world. Kid-proof your meal prep. Before taking your child on a culinary journey, check that their countertop travels won’t endanger them. It’s obviously a big no-no to rest a sharp knife on a cutting board that small hands can reach, but little things like toothpicks can also pose a risk. If your small assistant is old enough to cut up ingredients, a plastic utensil will be less painful than steel if the blade misses its mark.
Keep family flavors flowing. Want to give your elderly mom or dad a holiday surprise they’ll never forget? Present them with a meal based on one of their famous recipes that their grandkid(s) helped prepare! Holiday gatherings are great for sharing the details and delicacies that shaped your family’s history — and a wonderful opportunity to pass down those special traditions to the next generation. With the holidays upon us, now is a perfect time to introduce little ones to the joys of baking and cooking by turning your kitchen into a safe space for learning and bonding.
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