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THE WEALTH-BUILDING POWER OF CONSISTENT RETURNS Slow but Steady
A big bull market in stocks has been likened to a relentless vacuum cleaner that eventually sucks everybody in. Who can resist reaching for 20%–30% gains in their investments? Actually, investors who are well-schooled in the hazards of market volatility are likely to resist that trap. The extreme ups and downs often accompanying bull markets can damage an investor’s returns over time. A better long-term strategy for many investors is to aim for modest but steady gains and hang on to the profit you already have. In other words, slow and steady wins the wealth! A Silent Killer The threat lurking in the wings of any bull market is a pattern called volatility drag. Sometimes referred to as “the silent killer,” volatility drag is the adverse effect of market swings on a portfolio’s performance over time. Because of volatility drag, a portfolio invested in a volatile market will require a higher return to preserve wealth than one invested in a stable market. That is because volatility erodes the compound growth rate of your portfolio over time. For example, if one of your investments declines by 50%, then rises by 50% the following year, you might assume you broke even. But that isn’t the case because the 50% market recovery came on a smaller capital base. The price of that investment needs to rise even more than it fell the preceding year to make you whole.
decline in the next. Its value is $105 after one year, and $99.75 after the second year, outperforming the more volatile portfolio. These losses loom large when compounded over many years of market volatility. In another example, let’s say you start with the same two portfolios and invest Portfolio A in instruments that deliver a 15% gain one year, and a 5% decline the next. Meanwhile, you invest Portfolio B in an instrument that returns a steady 7% yearly. Tallying up your returns after two years, Portfolio A is grinding along at $109.25, while Portfolio B, free of volatility drag, has grown to $114.49.
Volatility drag can mount to damaging levels during periods of prolonged market volatility.
The Fear Factor Another threat to investors’ returns in volatile markets is psychological. As Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman explained in his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” investors feel losses more keenly than gains of the same size. This pattern, known as loss aversion, can lead nervous investors to dump assets impulsively. These investors often wind up selling at market lows and then try to jump back in at higher values.
The key to building wealth is not always to score the biggest percentage gains possible, but to focus on steady gains and keeping what you do make. This will likely result in more wealth over the long term and more contentment! If you’d like to build a retirement portfolio suited to your needs and appetite for risk, contact us today! We would be glad to help you design a plan that is a perfect fit for you.
For example, if you buy 100 shares of XYZ Corp. at $10 each and their price falls by 50% to $5, XYZ shares must rebound by 100%, or $5 a share, to return your holdings to their original value of $1,000. In another example, assume you own two investment portfolios, A and B, valued at $100 each. Portfolio A is invested in a highly volatile market sector, and posts
a 10% gain in the first year and a 10% decline the next. Its value is $110 after the first year, but only $99 the following year. Portfolio B, invested in a more stable
sector, posts a 5% gain in the first year and a 5%
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Full Fridge, Happy Wallet Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half With These Helpful Hacks
Is your grocery bill eating up more of your budget than you planned? You’re not alone. Shoppers today are looking for smart savings in the aisles without missing out on their favorite meals. Thankfully, you can keep your cart and wallet full with six clever hacks. From buying your staples in bulk to skipping delivery, these tips will help slice your receipt in half without cutting out the good stuff. Shop in-store. These days, you can have groceries delivered right to your front door without ever leaving your couch, but the convenience will cost you. Whether you’re using Instacart, Amazon, or another third-party app, delivery fees, tips, and markups on certain products can add up quickly. Skip delivery and shop in-store instead. If you are tight on time or don’t want to be tempted by extras you spot on the shelves, curbside pickup is a much more affordable option. Many major grocery stores offer free or very cheap pickup options. Buy in bulk. If you go through specific items frequently or faster, buy them in bulk to save money. You can get the most out of this cost-saving strategy by stocking up on eight weeks’ worth of shelf-stable items when they are on sale, so you don’t have to wait out another price drop. Though the item may
cost you more at the register, you’ll save money overall, making each item cheaper than you would pay individually.
Download the apps. Most stores offer apps that provide exclusive discounts and even points toward rewards. These include digital-only coupons, loyalty programs, and chances to score free products. Along with the app for your favorite store, many third-party apps can help you compare prices or earn cashback or rewards for scanning your receipt. Don’t drink your dollars away. While you don’t have to eliminate your favorite drinks completely, smart swaps can help you save on beverages. Instead of buying containers of iced tea, buy a whole box of tea bags that can make multiple pitchers for the same price. Skip bottled water and invest in a filtered pitcher or bottle to get clean water straight from your tap. Making your own drinks at home or choosing water is less expensive and usually healthier. Clip coupons. Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic. Clipping coupons is still a great way to save on your grocery bill. You can flip through any weekly circulars you receive in the mail or look for coupons right in the aisles of your favorite store. The store’s app will also have digital coupons you can load onto your digital loyalty card or phone to scan at the register. Stick to your list. Go in with a plan. When you create your shopping list ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to grab items you don’t actually need. It’s also smart to shop with meal prep in mind, as it can save you money in the long run. Fill your list with ingredients to make multiple meals you can eat throughout the week. Make sure you have a snack or lunch before you head to the store, because it’s harder to focus on your list if your stomach is growling. You don’t have to sacrifice your go-to meals and favorite foods to save money on your grocery bill. Planning ahead, taking advantage of sales, and cutting out expensive delivery fees can keep your kitchen stocked and your wallet balanced.
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Your perfume can make a bold and aromatic statement when you enter the room, but why settle for one when you could create a signature scent all your own? Perfume layering is the art of mixing and matching fragrances to create something uniquely you. Whether you want to pair delicate florals with a hint of smokiness or re-create one of your favorite desserts with vanilla and strawberry aromas, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to spritz on the next level of self- expression with this spray-by-spray guide to make your fragrance stand out. Appreciate the power of pairs. Simplicity is key when mixing a new perfume potion. Focus on just two scents that will work well together. Generally, you should start with smells in the same family, vibe, or mood. Decide if you want to create something woody, floral, fresh, citrus, or sweet. If you’re unsure where to begin, vanilla, musk, and most citrus aromas are safe go-tos for layering, bringing out subtle notes that can make a big impact. The more scents you add, the harder it is for any of these notes to shine, so stick to two. Layer like a pro. Start with heavier products, like lotion or oil, to create a good base for layering lighter sprays. Using thicker creams helps make your one-of-a-kind perfume last longer, giving you more mileage from your creation. If you only use spray perfumes, spritz on whichever has a stronger or richer smell first, then layer lighter scents. While a 1:1 ratio is an easy way to combine these products for scentful success, play around with it. Every time you try it out, add an extra spray of vanilla or a little extra musk until you find the perfect blend. WHIFF WIZARDRY Perfect Your Perfume Into a Signature Statement
Allow your skin to decide. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and how a fragrance interacts with your skin might smell different from how it does on a sample paper or when sprayed into the air. Test combinations on your arm to see how your natural scent blends with your chosen fragrances. Give each layer time to settle into your skin before adding another layer.
Ingredients • 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting CLASSIC ITALIAN TIRAMISU
Take a Break
• 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup brewed espresso • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 5 large egg yolks, cold
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled • 28 hard ladyfinger cookies
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Inspired by WhatsGabyCooking.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
1
When Saving for Retirement, the Steady Climb Builds Real Wealth
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Simple Ways to Cut Costs in the Aisles
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Fragrance Layering Made Easy Classic Italian Tiramisu
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The Body’s Natural Reset Button
Inhale the Facts
DEEP BREATHING IS YOUR SCIENTIFIC SHORTCUT TO STRESS RELIEF
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. A deep inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle.
minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help your parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness. To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to
feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you. So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental state; it can also ease
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