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LIFESTYLE ADVOCACY FAMILY FINANCE LAFF is a publication of DuPont Wealth Solutions and The Law Offices of DuPont and Blumenstiel, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
24 JAN
CRAFTING YOUR DAVID IN 2024
The Art of Chiseling Away
This past summer, while I was attending a professional training seminar, the mentor mentioned a quote from Michelangelo and his creation of the famous David statue. Michelangelo was asked how he came up with this masterpiece, and his response was, “I created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.” Especially as we welcome 2024, this mindset is incredibly applicable to each of us as we continue to shape our lives. As I wrap up my 31st year in the legal profession, I find inspiration in Michelangelo’s philosophy. The idea of creating a vision and then chiseling away everything not aligned with that vision resonates deeply with me. Looking forward to the next phase of my career, I feel a surge of excitement to continue evolving, learning, and most importantly, helping more individuals along the way.
In carving away the unnecessary, I find myself confronted with the need to let go of a significant part of my identity. For the better part of the past 31 years, I served as a representative for numerous Ohio counties in mental health hearings. This role was not just a source of revenue; it provided a sense of security and familiarity. However, as the
“Life is a journey of continual refinement and self-discovery — a journey that promises a masterpiece uniquely your own.”
And so, I ask you: What will you chip away at in your life’s sculpture? For me, the focus is on taking deliberate steps to construct my life according to my aspirations. This year offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the elements that no longer serve our vision and diligently carve them away.
demands on my time grow and new directions beckon, it’s time to bid farewell to this anchor.
Similarly, the evolution of my company demands a symbolic carving away. Formerly known as DuPont Wealth Solutions, the company is undergoing a rebranding process and emerging as Advocate Wealth Solutions. The shift signifies a departure from a singular focus on me and embraces a collective approach. It’s a step toward acknowledging the contributions of our growing team across the country. If you’ve been reading my newsletter for some time, you’ll know I intend to live to see 150, and I’m only halfway through my career. Some might question the math that places me working until I’m 90, but the truth is, I relish the prospect. With each passing year, I find myself not just working but getting better at where I am. The masterpiece is not complete; it’s a perpetual work in progress.
Life, much like sculpting, allows for a single chance to create our masterpiece. So, as we step into the canvas of 2024, let’s be intentional about the strokes we make. How will you build your David this year? What will you carve away to reveal the true masterpiece within? Life is a journey of continual refinement and self- discovery — a journey that promises a masterpiece uniquely your own.
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VICKY KIRKHAM MARKETING COORDINATOR STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
What does your typical workday look like? My typical workday consists of doing a variety of different tasks. I’m responsible for keeping our websites up to date, prepping printed marketing material, crafting emails, managing the multiple different contact systems we have, and managing our social media accounts. I also meet with Greg and Braden, the partners of the firm, on a regular basis to go over marketing analytics, plans, and strategies. When I’m not creating content, I’m communicating with our vendors and partners. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is all the creative work I get to do like producing videos, writing blogs and landing pages, and designing print material. I find the day always goes by quickly when I’m doing something like that. I love working in
Adobe Creative Cloud and learning new techniques and new programs. What would you say to someone who is seeking help with estate planning or litigation? If you’re thinking about getting a will or trust drafted, I would highly encourage you to get the help of a professional. There are many legal nuances in do-it-yourself programs that you might not catch or fully understand, which could have unintended consequences down the road. Other estate planning tools out there might fit your needs and wants better, and we can help you learn more about them. If you believe you have a litigation case, such as an auto accident injury or a will contest, I encourage you to surf around our website a bit before calling an attorney. We have many resources that explain how the litigation process works and may even help you determine if you need to reach out to an attorney or not.
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Strategies to Safeguard Your Savings and Investments The Inflation Dilemma
To protect your savings and investments from inflation, consider the following tips:
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DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO Spread your investments across
Inflation can significantly impact both savings and investments. As the cost of goods and services rises over time, the real value of your money may be affected, impacting your financial stability. Understanding the implications of inflation and implementing strategies to protect your accounts are crucial steps in preserving and growing your wealth. One of the primary challenges posed by inflation is the erosion of the real value of money. If the rate of inflation outpaces the return on your savings or investments, your money’s purchasing power diminishes. For example, if inflation is at 3% and your savings account earns an interest rate of 1%, you effectively experience a 2% loss in purchasing power annually. Traditional savings accounts, known for their liquidity and security, may be particularly vulnerable to inflation. The typically low interest rates may not keep up with inflation, leading to a gradual reduction in the real value of your savings. Relying solely on
these accounts may result in diminished purchasing power over time.
various asset classes to reduce risk and increase the potential for returns that outpace inflation. EXPLORE INFLATION-PROTECTED INVESTMENTS Consider investments specifically designed to adjust to inflation, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected bonds, which can provide a reliable hedge. REGULARLY REVIEW AND ADJUST Periodically reassess your financial portfolio, adjusting your strategy to align with prevailing economic conditions and your long-term goals.
Investments, however, offer opportunities to potentially outpace inflation and achieve real growth. Diversifying your investment portfolio with assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate can help mitigate the impact of inflation. Historically, stocks have outperformed inflation over the long term. Yet, not all investments are immune to inflation. Fixed-income securities, such as bonds, may face challenges as their fixed- interest payments may not keep pace with rising prices. Real assets, like real estate or commodities, can act as valuable hedges, potentially increasing in value with inflation. Adapting your investment strategy to align with economic conditions is crucial. Reviewing your portfolio regularly, adjusting asset allocations, and exploring investments with inflation-protected characteristics can be proactive measures.
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By understanding the challenges posed by inflation and implementing strategic measures, you can safeguard your finances and ensure your wealth not only endures but also grows in real terms over time.
SUDOKU
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon! BAKED SALMON WITH GARLIC AND LEMON
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs salmon fillets
1 tsp dried oregano
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4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
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Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy! DIRECTIONS
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INSIDE
Carve Your 2024 Masterpiece PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Vicky Kirkham, Marketing Coordinator Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 Strategies to Outpace Inflation’s Impact on Your Finances Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon PAGE 3 Innovative Ideas to Cut Your Vacation Costs PAGE 4
5 Proven Strategies for Cost-Effective Travel Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also be costly. Many people dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we’re here to share five practical tips to help you save money while enjoying your trip. experiences like spa treatments or outdoor activities.
TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS. Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights,
PLAN AND BUDGET AHEAD. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. CANCEL UNNECESSARY SUBSCRIPTIONS. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you won’t use while you’re away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund. LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for
hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and less-crowded travel experience. USE LOCAL GROCERY STORES AND PACK SNACKS. Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!
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