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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.
23 FEB
PROVIDING GUIDANCE
Helping Consumers Gain the Insight They Deserve
I consider myself to be a lifetime learner. I’m always looking for ways to improve, strengthen my abilities and team, and provide the best service to my clients. But I also enjoy obtaining as much knowledge as possible — it’s something I’m passionate about and love doing. However, I want to share my experiences and what I’ve learned with others. Sharing my passion and experiences stems from my vision — my march to a million. As most of you know, I am on a journey to positively impact one million people by 2030. My march to a million started a few years ago when I began to wonder what drives me to succeed in my goals and visions — my “why” factor. It’s never been enough for me to simply set financial goals. Instead, I wanted to know if my work was pursuing a dream I could believe in. My march to a million has evolved over the years. At first, it was a goal I was chasing on my own. Then, it became a goal for my team as we expand and grow. Now, I am taking my effort to a whole new level by creating The Wealth Solutions Network, a national network of financial advocate attorneys like myself.
in our service to you and bring new opportunities to you and your families.
I want to share the lessons that I will learn. So, I am happy to announce that
I’ve created the “March to a Million” podcast to chronicle this journey.
I expect to share strategies to use in your own lives and stories of those I meet along the way. I want the podcast to educate others and equip them with the resources and strategies they need to make a difference in their lives and impact their communities.
While wanting to share my and others’ experiences and knowledge was one of the driving factors to creating the “March to a Million” podcast, it wasn’t the only reason. My goal with the “March to a Million” podcast is not only to continue to impact people’s lives and network with others, but also to bridge the gap between professionals and consumers. For those of you who are fans of my “Your Financial Advocate” podcast, don’t worry, I will be continuing that show as well. We are currently in a production break while we gear up for our third season.
“People aren’t getting the guidance
In my experience and study of the financial industrial complex, I’ve observed a considerable gap emerging between professionals and consumers in the provision of unbiased, reliable financial guidance. This is a gap that is getting wider all the time. The Wealth Solutions Network is being established to help fill that gap.
they need — there isn’t a platform that provides this kind of guidance that people desperately need on these topics. But that is all changing with the ‘March to a Million’ podcast.”
This is a massive and exciting
challenge. I am attempting to
create a movement that could change the practice of law and improve
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us, and I’m
thrilled that you’ll be along for the ride.
the lives of …. millions? There is much to learn and challenges to overcome as I embark upon this journey. I also anticipate this process will lead to improvements
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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 print material for our administrative staff, 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 of my own, I’m managing 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: producing videos, writing blogs and landing pages, and designing print material. I find that 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. VICKY KIRKHAM, MARKETING COORDINATOR STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
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, and this could have a disastrous
effect on your estate plan. There also might be other estate planning tools out there that you aren’t aware of that could fit your needs and wants better. 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.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE PODCAST?
We want to use this space to express our gratitude to the following members of the community who have recently
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE with Greg DuPont
left us a review or have referred someone to our care. Thank you!
EPISODE 40: “Inside a Multigenerational Family-Owned Business with Don Kirkham”
Christine Ouellette Mike DiBlasi Tony Burgett Susan Burgett
Subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform:
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NEW CLIENTS: Let Us File Your Taxes for Half of What You Paid Last Year
When the IRS comes looking for more revenue, will they be looking at wage earners in the top 50% or the bottom 50%? You need to prepare now. In an effort to provide the highest level of service to our friends and clients, I wanted to make sure you knew of a valuable service we offer. In addition to DuPont Wealth Solutions, I also own a very successful tax preparation and comprehensive tax planning firm, Ohio Tax Advocates, Ltd. This company utilizes highly skilled tax professionals to protect you and your family from paying more than your fair share. We strive to level the playing field, and maybe even tilt it in your favor, legally and ethically. Ohio Tax Advocates isn’t your run-of-the-mill tax service. Our meetings go beyond such standard advice as “max out your 401(k)” and “contribute to an IRA.” We work with a carefully vetted team of tax professionals and CPAs from across the country to help proactively plan better tax outcomes for our clients. Through this effort, we can often lower future tax liabilities and, as a result, provide a more coordinated tax, estate planning, and retirement income planning process. We believe these three goals must work in harmony to achieve the best results. Wouldn’t you agree?
As government spending has climbed to an unprecedented level, the Internal Revenue Service is getting more aggressive than ever in its search for funds. Without proactive tax guidance, your income and savings are left vulnerable to Uncle Sam . Did you know … • The top 1% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $540,000) pay 40.1% of all federal income taxes. • The top 5% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $217,000) pay 60.3% of all federal income taxes. • The top 10% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $151,935) pay 71.4% of all federal income taxes.
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614-356-8647
taxplanningohio.com
614-356-8647
taxplanningohio.com
... continued from Front
This is a limited-time introductory offer. We are proactive planners and not last- minute firefighters. To take advantage of this reduced-rate offer, you just have to provide us with 15 minutes of your time and complete information for your return by April 1. With any request for us to file after April 1, we will file for extensions and charge our standard rates. Is potentially saving thousands of dollars in taxes now and in the future a priority for you? If so, call us at 614.414.3616 to get started now.
These services may benefit you regardless of whether you are a business owner, a W-2 employee, or a retiree. I have found that there are almost always tax planning opportunities for anyone who pays taxes — don’t let the fact that you get a refund hide the amount of taxes you have paid. At this time of year, many people are considering whether they should do their taxes themselves or perhaps change their tax preparer. If you are contemplating such a change, we would like to make a special limited-time introductory offer. Our team will prepare your 2022 tax return for half the fee you paid a professional preparer to prepare your 2021 tax return. If you prepared your 2021 tax return yourself, or if you used our tax services last year, we will prepare your 2022 federal, state, and local returns for $325. When that return is complete, we will also conduct a complimentary review to determine what, if any, changes could be made to reduce your future tax obligations. With a few exceptions, it’s too late to change your tax outcomes for this past year, but if you want to get a jump-start on THIS year’s savings, see us NOW.
P.S. As with all the services that we provide at DuPont Wealth Solutions and DuPont and Blumenstiel, our offers to you extend to your family and close friends as a courtesy to you. So, if you don’t think you benefit from this offer, but think you know someone who might, feel free to let us know and we will treat them with the same level of expertise and care you have grown to expect from us.
3 Ways You Can Prepare Financially Is Your Child Going to College?
FAFSA. When you apply for FAFSA, remember the username and password because you will have to log in to your financial aid account each year to apply for student loans. It’s also important to mention that if your child is filing as a dependent, they will need you and your spouse’s tax returns. The loans they receive depend on how much their family brings in each year. Your child can apply for loans before they receive their acceptance letters — they can fill in the college’s information later. ADDITIONAL TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE. One of the best things you can do is start early. Research universities and apply early. You can invest in a 529 plan years before your child begins college. FAFSA applications open around October each year, and the earlier you apply, the more loans you can receive. It’s also important to be organized and outline when deadlines are and the requirements for each school your child is interested in. But most importantly, ask for help when you need it. Your friends at DuPont Wealth Solutions will be happy to see what other financial strategies you can use and create a plan that works best for you.
In the next few months, your child may be hearing back from colleges and receiving acceptance letters. While you and your child may have to wait on the universities’ decisions, you can start preparing for college financially. In honor of February being Financial Aid Awareness Month, here are a few ways to get a head start preparing funds for your child’s college experience. UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES Some insurance policies allow you to use cash value components to pay for educational expenses. You can use these funds for anything — not just tuition and educational expenses. In addition, the money you save in life insurance policies won’t affect the amount your student receives in student loans from Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). INVEST IN A 529 PLAN. Adding money into a 529 plan will not only help pay for tuition, but you can also use these funds to cover the cost of housing, meal plans, textbooks, and technology. Additionally, when you invest in a 529 plan, you can receive 5% off state taxes. However, if you decide to use FAFSA, the amount you could receive in loans will be lower because financial aid is based on need.
SUDOKU
FETA CHICKEN BURGERS
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Try these delicious chicken burgers with a Mediterranean spin on the classic sandwich we all love. Featuring Greek-style toppings and seasonings, this recipe is refreshing and super healthy, too.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Greek seasoning 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
• •
• • • • •
BURGERS:
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper
•
1 tsp garlic powder
•
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat broiler and mix chopped cucumber and mayonnaise. 2. For the burgers, mix the red pepper, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, and black pepper. Add chicken and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick. 3. Broil burgers, remembering to cook both sides thoroughly. Serve on buns with cucumber sauce. If desired, top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!
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INSIDE
Listen to the March to a Million Podcast! PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Vicky Kirkham, Marketing Coordinator Our Podcast Episodes Client Appreciation PAGE 2 The Earlier You Apply, the Better Feta Chicken Burgers PAGE 3 Brushing Up on Cruise Etiquette PAGE 4
All Aboard!
KNOW YOUR CRUISE ETIQUETTE BEFORE SETTING SAIL
DON’T BE A CHAIR HOG. Everyone wants a prime spot on the sundeck, but you’ve got to rise early in the morning to get one. That’s fine if you can manage it, but “saving” a seat by putting a towel on it and then wandering away for breakfast or a mani-pedi is the best way to get on your fellow travelers’ bad side. Your cruise may also have a policy against it. Going to the bathroom is one thing; you’re only human. Otherwise, if you want the seat, stay in it. BE ON TIME. Treat your cruise ship like an airplane — if you’re not on time, it’s probably leaving without you. And if you are lucky enough to have the ocean liner wait, your fellow passengers won’t look at you kindly. Set your watch to ship time (not local time) and prepare to be back an hour before the deadline. That way, if you happen to be late, you’ll still be on time. You may miss out on
After a slump in 2020 and 2021, cruises are back in a big way. If you’re planning your first onboard adventure — or it’s been a while since you last set sail — now is the time to brush up on your cruise ship etiquette. Every passenger should read their cruise line’s policies to ensure they know all the specifics before climbing aboard. In the meantime, we’ve listed some of the most essential do’s and don’ts for the savvy traveler.
an extra drink or souvenir shop, but nothing will ruin your cruise faster than being left behind at the dock.
KNOW WHAT TO WEAR. Some cruise lines aim for a fancy
atmosphere, while others prefer a casual approach. Ideally, review the dress policy before you book your trip. Bring at least one formal outfit in your luggage for dinner, which tends to have an upscale vibe. The rest of your cruise wear should be casual but tasteful, leaving you looking put together. Most importantly, don’t overpack — the stateroom is smaller than you think.
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