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844-44PANIC | PanicProofRetirement.com | January 2025
Protect Your Nest Egg From Long-Term Care Costs Shield Your Future
Paying for long-term care is a significant concern for many Americans. More than half of those age 65 and over will require long-term care services at some point, federal data show. Many middle-income Americans don’t qualify for government-funded care but lack the ample resources often needed to pay long-term care costs out of pocket, leaving a major gap in their plans for a secure financial future. The long-term care feature of some annuities is a powerful financial planning tool to help fill the gap. Individuals or couples who wish to guarantee a future income stream by purchasing an income annuity can select products that will increase their monthly benefit for up to five years if either spouse needs long- term care. An income annuity typically provides a guaranteed monthly payout for life, plus some kind of death benefit. That income stream is the magic number. If you are single and need long- term care, your monthly benefit would double. For married people, the payout will typically rise by 150%. Either spouse will receive that benefit, even if the annuity is funded entirely by the higher wage earner. This long- term care benefit will continue for a maximum of five years. Fewer than 5% of people aged 65 and over need long-term care for longer than that, federal data show.
That increased payout is not the only benefit of these plans. Investors do not have to undergo a medical exam to qualify. Insurance companies underwrite these benefits without an exam because purchasers of income annuities — people who invest a sizable amount of money to ensure their long-term financial well-being — tend to be relatively healthy. Why would you do that if you were terminal or having a lot of health issues? The trigger to activate the long-term care benefit is a doctor’s certification that the annuity holder can no longer perform 2–3 activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and restroom help. The benefit will cover care either in a recipient’s own home or in a care facility. A retiree’s risk of devastating long-term costs is real. The median annual cost of long-term care services nationwide is $108,000 for a nursing home and $62,000 for an in-home health aide. Fewer than 8% of Americans have purchased long-term care insurance policies, which have become costlier and less available in recent years. While the long-term care benefit provided by most income annuities may not be enough to cover catastrophic long-term care costs, the added income can be a much-needed support. These benefits have influential supporters. David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General and a recognized expert on fiscally responsible government, told me in an interview last year that he and his wife own an annuity product that includes a long-term care benefit. “The vast majority of us” who can neither self-insure against long-term care costs nor qualify for Medicaid have to worry about long-term care costs, Walker said. Income annuity products with a long-term care provision are an excellent way to ease those concerns. If you are interested in investment products that guarantee an income for life while also serving as a safety net in case you or your spouse needs long-term care, please contact us for a free consultation. We can help you find the right
product to ensure a steady income for as long as you live and the day-to-day care you might need.
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The Silent Healer
Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
High-Protein Grains That Can Transform Your Diet If you’re trying to build muscle or improve your overall health, you already know how vital ample protein is to your diet. Most people turn to lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and even dairy to add protein to their diet, but many don’t consider grains a great protein source. However, a few excellent high-protein grains can provide the same benefits as other protein sources while supplying us with more fiber and other essential nutrients. Any grain with more than 4 grams of protein per cup is considered high- protein. You can find most high-protein grains at any supermarket, but you should head to the closest Whole Foods for the best selection. If you’re unsure where to start, here are three high-protein grains you can easily incorporate into your diet. Oats You likely already have oats in your pantry. This all-purpose grain is gluten-free and packs 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per cup. You can add oats to breads, desserts, and various breakfast dishes. Quinoa This high-protein grain has grown in popularity significantly in recent years, and for good reason. One cup of cooked quinoa adds 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to your diet. Most people use it as a substitute for rice in soups and salads, but its uses go far beyond that. Some might even enjoy it as a hot cereal to replace sugary breakfast options. Sorghum If you haven’t heard of sorghum, get ready because it’s taking the country by storm. Sorghum is a staple in many Indian and African dishes. A cup of cooked sorghum will have around 7 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and all the B vitamins, iron, and magnesium you need to improve your overall health. Other high-protein grains worth investigating include millet, buckwheat, wild rice, and teff. Once you discover the power and magic of high-protein grains, you’ll wonder why you didn’t explore them sooner. GRAIN GAINS
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.”
Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment.
“I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
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Walt Disney World Without the Wallet Woes
YOUR GUIDE TO AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN
For years, a visit to Walt Disney World felt like an essential part of the American upbringing. There’s nothing quite like taking a picture with Mickey Mouse, the unique water smell in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, or the night-time fireworks spectacle over Cinderella Castle. However, the cost of a Disney vacation has increased significantly in
park, so consider taking advantage of that. Make a budget, research the restaurants beforehand, and have everyone pick out what they want to eat so you know exactly how much food will cost.
Avoid Disney hotels. Disney’s hotels have different price tiers. Deluxe resorts
recent years, and features that helped make the trip more magical, like free transportation to and from the airport, are a thing of the past.
like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge usually cost around $500 a night. Moderate-tier resorts like
Disney’s Coronado Springs can run anywhere from $250–$500, depending on the season. And the value resorts usually stay under $250 a night. However, if you were to stay at a non-Disney hotel, you’d pay a fraction of the price while still being close to the parks.
Many families struggle to save enough money to travel to Orlando to visit Disney World. Thankfully, cost-saving strategies can help get you and your loved ones in front of the castle. Have a plan for snacks and meals before arriving at the park. Disney parks are well-known for their
Consider hiring a travel agent. This might sound counterproductive if you’re trying to save money, but Disney works closely with various travel agencies to help park-goers cut costs and reduce stress. They will help plan every aspect of your trip and ensure you get all meal reservations and Lightning Lanes your family wants. They’re also the first to know when discounts go live, so they can ensure you get resort and ticket prices at the best value.
world-class restaurants and food options, but with good quality comes a higher cost. A soft pretzel shaped like Mickey Mouse with cheese sauce costs more than $8; buying more than one adds up quickly. Disney allows you to bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages into the One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Take a break
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth
• 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
40900 WOODWARD AVE., STE. 150 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
INSIDE 1
Safeguard Your Nest Egg With Long-Term Care Help
2
A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey
Surprising High-Protein Options for a Healthier You
3
Plan Your Perfect Disney Escape Without Breaking the Bank
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
4
Outdoor Play Power-Ups
Winter Wonders for Children’s Health Get Outside, Feel Fantastic!
Building a snowman outside in the cold air is much better than sitting in a warm room with a cellphone for maintaining a child’s physical and mental health in the wintertime. Although most people tend to stay indoors during winter, spending time outside on snowy days can give people of all ages a needed boost. Here are a few interesting facts that show how a winter wonderland can enhance our well-being. The Perks of Outdoor Play Did you know you’re more likely to catch a winter cold if you stay indoors? Although we instinctively huddle in close quarters when temperatures drop, hiding inside makes us more susceptible to germs that thrive in stagnant air. Studies have shown that being cold may trigger our immune systems, which means playing outside in the fresh winter air is often better for a child’s body than snuggling up in a warm living room.
Getting outside in winter also puts a child’s mind in motion. Although the sight of icicles and one’s breath in winter are old hat for adults, these seasonal events could inspire wonder and curiosity in young people, allowing them to learn new things about the world. Encouraging your child to design and build the ultimate snowman also stimulates their imaginations far more than watching TV indoors. Winter play also helps keep children’s senses sharp when inclement weather disrupts their usual routines like school and sports. The Dynamic Benefits of Vitamin D Sunlight is one of nature’s greatest gifts to our health, as it provides us with vitamin D. Getting outside when the sun appears on a winter’s day can do wonders for our mood, as increasing our vitamin D levels reduces anxiety and stress. Instead of letting our kids hide in dark rooms on snow days, let them venture outside and receive one of Mother Nature’s easiest cures for the winter blues!
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