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119 Old State Rd., Ellisville, MO 63021 CapitalAdvisoryGrp.com
MAR 2019
It’s the final countdown — in more ways than one. March Madness comes to Missouri this month for two preliminary NCAA games. Are you planning to see either of them? Even just catching them on TV is plenty exciting.The tournament should make for a fun month! In the world of taxes, we’re gearing up for the busiest time of the year. With about a month to go until tax time, it really is March Madness for us.This time of year, we feel like we’re in a tournament of our own — each step we take to help you prepare your taxes gets us closer to the Final Four. It’s go time for us! It doesn’t have to be “madness” for you this month, though. On your side of things, you may have already completed the tax prep that allows us to file your taxes. You’ve likely gathered your documents — like W2s and receipts — and turned them over to us. For those of you who have passed everything on to us and have your taxes in order, it might be time to celebrate! Sit back and enjoy the real tournament on TV. You can also think about engaging in some spring-cleaning. How great would it feel to have that extra room finally converted into an office? Any of you who have seen Marie Kondo’s Netflix special (or read her book) have an idea of the joy that deep cleaning, and especially THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
organizing, can spark. Is that spare closet full of old coats really living up to its potential? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could actually park the car in the garage? Beginning to sort through and decide which items are staying and which can be donated is an important first step to finding more space, both mentally and physically. As far as tax documents and other items you regularly keep on file, one of the best ways you can keep them in order year-round is to have a designated space for them. Maybe it’s a whole file cabinet; maybe it’s just a drawer — whatever makes sense to you. Use labels and designated spots for each category. Receipts and previous statements can likely be organized in their own folders or files since the IRS suggests keeping these documents for three years. Don’t
forget: when you make a charitable donation, hang onto your receipt so you can include it in your 2019 deductions. Once you’ve sorted through your home, we’ll be ready to help you with spring- cleaning during Shred Day 2019.There’s nothing like purging those outdated documents and getting your office looking clean again, is there? Make like Marie Kondo and embrace the joy of spring. Join us on April 27 from 10 am to 12:30 p.m for Shred Day 2019. Like last year, we’ll be ready for you with the shred truck and snacks; all you have to bring is your outdated documents for secure shredding. We look forward to seeing you here! Until then, have a happy March! -Jeff and John Zufall
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3 SPRING CLEANING TIPS INSPIRED BY MARIE KONDO
Employees are the backbone of any business, big or small. If you’re looking for a way to give thanks to your hardworking staff, there’s no better time than now. Employee Appreciation Day is a non-official holiday that takes place on the first Friday of March. However, this holiday doesn’t have to be confined to a single day, nor does it have to be expensive. HISTORY In 1995, the idea came to Dr. Bob Nelson — also known as the “Guru of Thank You”— and he put it into action. Dr. Nelson is a founding Recognition Professionals International board member, head of Workman Publishing, and author of “1,001 Ways to Reward Employees.” His goal was to create and bolster the bond between employee and employer in all industries. OBSERVING EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY An employer can use many different methods to give thanks to their employees. To celebrate, employers across the country throw office parties, buy lunch for the whole office, or give their workers part of the day off. Other ways to celebrate on that day, month, or throughout the year include: • Organizing an after-work gathering • Buying surprise snacks for the entire office • Practicing flexibility in the office • Giving thank-you cards to your staff • Creating an encouraging environment • Praising team efforts and accomplishments • Celebrating birthdays • Giving rewards • Recognizing team and individual achievements publicly THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRECIATION No matter where they work, employees want to be treated like human beings. When they’ve reached a personal or professional goal or they accomplish a feat for their team, they want to be recognized. And when that recognition is given, employees feel proud of their work and valued as individuals within the company. It doesn’t take much effort to give that praise, and when you do, it affects the whole company in a positive way. Taking the time to value people for the work they do will create a happier and more productive workplace. Let this year’s Employee Appreciation Day be the first day of many to celebrate the efforts of hardworking employees. CELEBRATING EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
For anyone who’s seen Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” you’ve experienced at least a virtual dose of her calm, joyful spirit. Kondo manages to pass tranquility on to even the most chaotic households. We may not all have Kondo making a visit to our homes in person, but we can harness her can-do spirit and find joy in tidying. Here are a few strategies taken from Kondo that can help you put your home in order this spring. 1. USE CLEAR CONTAINERS For storage purposes, choose clear containers.The benefits of these are clear to see. Because you can view what’s inside the container, you’ll be more likely to keep only what you use and use what you have instead of buying the same items over and over again. 2. GOTHROUGH LIKE ITEMS ALL AT ONCE If you’re tackling clothes, for example, pull out every clothing item and create a big pile. Go through the pile one by one — it might be daunting, but take your time — and decide which items will stay. Repeat this pattern in other areas of your home for toys, kitchen appliances, and so on. 3. GET RID OF ANYTHINGTHAT DOESN’T SPARK JOY Say goodbye to the coat that’s home to a family of moths and sayonara to the desk that’s covered in a layer of dust in the attic. Kondo encourages you to contemplate each item, deciding whether or not it sparks joy. If it doesn’t, thank it for serving you, and say goodbye. Here’s a pro tip: Call a donation center before you start cleaning so they can be ready to pick up items you’re donating on the same day. Speaking of getting rid of things, this is an ideal time to let go of outdated documents. As you finish up your taxes, say goodbye to those piles of papers that no longer serve you and introduce them to the shredder.We’re making it easy for you: April 27 is Shred Day (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.). We’ll bring the shredder and light refreshments, you bring the outdated documents. Get a jump-start on your spring-cleaning initiative and begin the season right. Marie Kondo would be proud.
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SET SAIL FOR VACATION Take Your Next Trip Offshore
If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes.The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60- foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply. TAKE A DAY SAIL Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option. DO A FULL CHARTER Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights
is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.
If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation. START SMALL For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies.These one-sail, beach- launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride.
Ingredients • 2 quarts water • 1 cup kosher salt TAKE A BREAK HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF Inspired by Food Network
• 1/2 cup brown sugar • 2 tablespoons saltpeter (potassium nitrate) • 1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns • 8 cloves garlic • 8 whole allspice berries • 12 whole juniper berries • 2 bay leaves, crumbled • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 2 pounds ice • 1 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed • 1 small onion, quartered • 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped • 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
Directions
1. In a large stockpot, combine water, garlic, and all herbs and spices to make brine. Cook over high heat until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in ice. 2. Once water temp reaches 45 F, place brisket in a 2-gallon zip-close bag, pour in brine to cover, lay flat in a large container, and store in fridge. 3. Brine for 10 days, checking daily to make sure brisket is fully submerged and brine is stirred. 4. After 10 days, remove brisket from brine and rinse under cool water. In a large pot, cover brisket, onion, carrot, and celery with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours. 5. Remove, slice across the grain, and serve.
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119 Old State Rd. Ellisville, MO 63021 CapitalAdvisoryGrp.com
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Taxes and March Madness
page 1
Employee Appreciation Day!
page 2
Getting Into Spring Cleaning
page 2
How to MakeYour Sailing Dreams Come True
page 3
Homemade Corned Beef
page 3
Three Life LessonsWe Learned FromDr. Seuss
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ForThe Love Of Reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS!
“I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam I Am!” Few of us can hear those lines without thinking of the inimitable children’s author Dr. Seuss. March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and it is now celebrated as National Read Across America Day. In honor of the occasion, here are three lessons the author and illustrator’s books imparted to us. COMPASSION In tales like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Seuss taught us what it means to care for someone besides ourselves.The Grinch is set on putting a stop to Christmas until Cindy Lou Who shows him what it feels like to look beyond himself. Much to his surprise, the Grinch discovers he is capable of caring — even loving — others. “In Who-ville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day!”
SPEAKING UP FORTHOSE WHO CAN’T “Horton Hears a Who” echoes the Grinch’s message about compassion when the kind elephant Horton stands up for the tiny Whos that no one else believes in.They may be the size of a speck of dust, but as Horace reminds us, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” “The Lorax” introduces a slightly more curmudgeonly character, but one who cares for others as passionately as Horton does. When the creatures who live in the valley are threatened, the Lorax is their voice. As the book reminds us, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” THE JOY OF READING Only the Cat in the Hat could teach us a love of reading through an upside down
book. As he teaches Young Cat to read, The Cat in the Hat shares with him this wisdom: “The more that you read, the more things you will know.The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Whimsical stories like “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins” bring joy to the act of reading. Seuss manages to conceal moral lessons in these stories while making them a delight to read. What we remember is the fun we had reading them, thanks to the author’s bright, imaginative illustrations and clever rhymes. Pay tribute to the author this month by sharing Seuss’ books with your children or nieces or nephews (of course, you’ll probably find you enjoy the whimsical stories just as much as they do).
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