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A Surprising Savings Tool for Retirees: Health Savings Accounts Triple Tax Power
TAX-FREE GROWTH Investments within an HSA grow tax-free. HSAs carry none of the “use it or lose it” constraints of their employer-run cousin, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Some investors use HSAs as a long-term vehicle to save for retirement. They contribute the maximum allowed to their HSAs each year and invest those deposits. Then, they pay medical expenses out of pocket while funds in the HSA grow tax-free, potentially serving as an additional cushion in retirement. LOOSER SPENDING LIMITS AT 65 AND OVER Before age 65, using HSA dollars for anything but qualified expenses results in a 20% penalty, plus regular income taxes on the amount withdrawn. At 65 and older, the 20% penalty is waived. However, withdrawals for non-qualified expenses remain taxable. If you’ve been counting, you may have noticed that HSAs offer a triple tax advantage. Your contributions come right off the top of your taxable income. Investments inside the accounts grow tax-free. And the funds you withdraw to pay qualified expenses are also tax-free. That is a combination that is hard to beat! Of course, there is no free lunch. To be eligible for an HSA, you must be covered by an insurance plan with a relatively high annual deductible, of $1,700 for an individual in 2026 or $3,400 for a family. Taxpayers are also ineligible if they are already enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B, Medicaid, or TRICARE, the U.S. military health insurance program. Nevertheless, the advantages of HSAs are worth exploring. To ensure your retirement portfolio maximizes available tax benefits while maintaining long-term stability, contact us for a complimentary consultation today. We would love to help you achieve a secure, panic- free retirement.
Investors sometimes have to hack their way through a thicket of acronyms to figure out what savings and investment options are right for them.
Here is an acronym that offers pretty amazing benefits: HSAs, or Health Savings Accounts.
HSAs are among the most powerful, tax-thrifty savings options available. They offer a tax-advantaged way to save and pay for medical expenses, while also serving as a tax-advantaged investment vehicle. But many people are unaware of their benefits. Here’s a rundown. NON-TAXABLE … BOTH WAYS Any funds your employer deposits in your HSA are in pretax dollars, and any contributions you make can be deducted from your taxable income. (HSA contributions for 2026 are limited to $4,400 for an individual and $8,750 for a family, but taxpayers 55 years and older are allowed to make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution.) That isn’t all: HSA withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free! These include copays, deductibles, prescriptions, hospital care, dental care, physical therapy, contacts, eyeglasses, bandages, and X-rays. And if your spouse didn’t work enough to qualify for free Medicare Part A coverage, you can use tax-free funds from your HSA to pay for that, too.
In addition, you are allowed a once-in-a- lifetime tax-free transfer from an IRA into an HSA, up to a maximum equal to your annual HSA contribution limit for that year. For example, if you’re hit by a $2,000 dental bill, your first thought might be to withdraw money from your IRA and pay taxes on the withdrawal. But if you transfer the money from your IRA into an HSA, then cover that bill with funds from your HSA, both transactions are tax-free!
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One Jar, Countless Smiles
AI Is Changing the Game THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN FAN ENGAGEMENT
Kick Off the New Year With Gratitude
The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal-setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar, scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. GETTING STARTED Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily. Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling. Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you’ll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm. Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud. Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.”
Gone are the days when fans had to settle for a quick autograph or a brief tweet. Today, celebrities are leveraging artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between stardom and personal connection. Technology is giving stars a supercharged way to engage audiences, from AI chatbots that answer fan questions in real time to digital avatars that can attend virtual events. As a result, fans feel closer than ever, while celebrities can scale interactions without sacrificing their connection to fans. This isn’t just marketing; it’s a digital revolution. AI ‘TWINS’ BRING STARS CLOSER TO FANS. Some celebrities take fan engagement to the next level by creating AI “twins.” Imogen Heap, for example, developed Mogen, an AI persona trained with her voice and artistic style. Fans can interact with Mogen, co-create music, or ask questions, and they receive responses that reflect Imogen Heap’s personality. This approach allows stars to maintain a 24/7 presence without stretching themselves thin. CONVERSATIONAL BOTS SCALE INTERACTIONS. AI chatbots are now integral to celebrity digital strategies. Projects like ChatNekoHacker enable real-time Q&A during live sessions, which increases fan engagement and loyalty. By automating thousands of conversations simultaneously, these bots make fans feel seen while freeing up time for the stars themselves. DIGITAL AVATARS BUILD VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES. Digital avatars bring a new level of immersion to fan interactions. Celebrities can license their likeness or voice to AI avatars, allowing fans to chat, receive personalized content, or even participate in virtual reality events. DATA-DRIVEN PERSONALIZATION WINS. AI is all about understanding fans. By analyzing social media, streaming data, and fan behavior, celebrities can craft content that resonates. From tailored posts to surprise merch drops, AI helps stars deliver the experiences fans want. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? AI engagement comes with challenges. Scams have already exploited celebrity likenesses to deceive fans. Platforms like Meta have faced backlash for unauthorized AI avatars, and celebrities like Celine Dion now warn fans about the risks of AI-generated content. IS AI THE FUTURE OF FAN ENGAGEMENT? AI tools are transforming how celebrities connect with fans, making interactions faster, more personal, and more immersive. Success comes down to balancing innovation with authenticity, privacy, and control. The stars who get it right will feel more present to their audience than ever without even being in the room.
Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family
in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds!
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A NONINVASIVE PATH TO HEALTHIER SKIN THE PROMISE OF RED LIGHT THERAPY
SUPPORTING RECOVERY AND SKIN CLARITY Because of its regenerative boost, red light therapy is often used to support recovery from scarring, sun damage, and even procedures like microneedling. It may also improve overall tone and smoothness by encouraging gentle cellular turnover, without the irritation common with peels or exfoliants. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND While the evidence is promising, it’s not conclusive for every claim. Results depend on consistency, device
In skin care, treatments often fall into two extremes: high-tech procedures or overhyped quick fixes. Red light therapy (RLT) sits somewhere in the middle. It’s noninvasive, increasingly accessible at home, and backed by growing research. While it won’t work miracles overnight, it offers a compelling blend of science and gentleness that’s tough to ignore. HOW IT WORKS ON A CELLULAR LEVEL Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Unlike UV rays, these don’t damage DNA. Instead, they penetrate below the skin’s surface and reach the mitochondria, the energy centers of your cells. By enhancing the way mitochondria process oxygen, RLT gives cells more energy to repair, regenerate, and function optimally. BOOSTING COLLAGEN AND ELASTICITY One of the most talked-about benefits is its effect on collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. Over time, collagen production slows, resulting in sagging and the development of fine lines. Red light encourages fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen and elastin, to ramp up activity. This results in firmer skin, improved elasticity, and a youthful texture. CALMING INFLAMMATION AND IMPROVING CIRCULATION RLT can also reduce inflammation, which affects everything from acne to redness and irritation. By promoting better blood flow, RLT can enable blood to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to skin tissue, supporting healing and repair. This dual effect of calming and nourishment can help skin look healthier and more even-toned.
quality, and treatment parameters such as wavelength and duration. Dermatologists generally see it as a safe, complementary step in a broader skin care routine, not a substitute for essentials like sunscreen or a balanced regimen.
SLOW COOKER BIRRIA TACOS
Take a Break
Ingredients • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
Directions
1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
The information published in this newsletter is educational in nature and is not intended to be a recommendation to sell or purchase an annuity or any specific insurance or financial product. You are strongly urged to consult with financial planning, tax, and legal advisors to determine if an annuity is suitable in your financial situation. The income doubler is not meant to replace Long Term Care insurance.
40900 WOODWARD AVE., STE. 150 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
INSIDE
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How HSAs Can Supercharge Your Retirement Savings End the Year With a Jar Full of Joyful Memories AI-Powered Stardom The Skin Care Secret Backed by Science Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
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The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Mastering Nutrition Labels
OUTSMART THE FOOD INDUSTRY
Master the Nutrition Label Game Reading nutrition labels can feel like trying to crack a secret code on the back of your favorite snack. However, once you know what to look for, you have the key to making smarter, healthier LIMIT UNHEALTHY NUTRIENTS. Certain nutrients are best consumed in moderation. Aim for foods with 5% or less of the Daily Value (%DV) for these ingredients:
choices in the grocery store. You can quickly spot hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium overloads, while also identifying the nutrients your body actually needs. Here’s the scoop! BEGIN WITH SERVING SIZE. The foundation of any nutrition label is the serving size. It tells you the amount of food the nutritional information is based on. Be mindful of how many servings you consume. For example, if a package contains two servings and you eat the whole thing, you eat double the calories and nutrients shown. CHECK CALORIES PER SERVING. Calories measure the energy in a serving. This number is crucial if you’re aiming to manage your weight or energy intake. Remember, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’re eating, so always check the serving size first.
• Saturated Fat: Often found in animal products and some plant oils. • Trans Fat: Often present in processed foods; even small amounts can be harmful. • Added Sugars: Excessive intake is linked to various health issues. • Sodium: High intake is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. GET ENOUGH BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS. Look for nutrients that support overall health, foods with 10% or more of the %DV for these nutrients: • Dietary Fiber: Aids digestion and can help lower cholesterol. • Protein: Essential for muscle repair and immune function.
• Vitamins and Minerals: These, like calcium, iron, and vitamin D, are vital for various bodily functions. WATCH OUT FOR MARKETING TRICKS. Terms like “fat-free,” “sugar-free,” or “natural” can be misleading. “Fat-free” products often compensate with added sugars or starches. “Natural” doesn’t always mean healthy. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list to get the whole picture.
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