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FEBRUARY 2024
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Navigating the Maze of Long-Term Care Cost
don’t qualify for Medicaid. This can leave them with very little money for other important things. In these cases, long-term care insurance can help cover care costs and protect their finances. Long-term care insurance policies typically cost between $5,000–$7,000 annually. However, it’s important to understand that the terms and conditions of these policies may change over time. Insurance companies may inform you about premium increases or benefit reductions, so making an informed decision is crucial when choosing your policy. One alternative worth exploring is hybrid policies, which combine long-term care protection with other financial products. There are four types of hybrid policies, including annuities and life insurance hybrids, each with pros and cons. Most often, understanding these policies requires consultation with a financial expert to know which policy is right for you based on your individual needs and situation. Annuities are financial products that can provide a steady income stream. If you activate an annuity for income, some policies allow it to double if you need long-term care. One thing to remember is that different annuity policies have different requirements for underwriting, which is the process of assessing your health and risk factors. Some policies require a thorough health examination, while others have minimal or no underwriting. When choosing long-term care insurance, you have different options to consider, and it can be confusing to figure out which one is best for you. To make the right decision, you must take into account your financial situation, health, and priorities. That’s why it’s often a good idea to get advice from a financial expert to help you make the right choice.
Insurance Can Help
As we age, the need for long-term care becomes a significant consideration, and its costs can be daunting. In Michigan, for example, the average monthly expense for long-term care is around $8,000. If you want to stay somewhere nice and closer to your family, it can cost even more — up to $15,000 each month! Many people believe Medicare will cover all their long-term care expenses, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, Medicare only covers up to around 100 days of long-term care. After that, the individual will have to pay for the care out of their own pocket. This can be a significant financial burden, especially if the need for long-term care continues beyond the 100-day limit. To qualify for Medicaid assistance, individuals must meet certain asset limitations. Single people are roughly allowed to have a house, a car, a funeral plot, and $2,000. For those who are married, the limit is higher at roughly $130,000. This often results in individuals having to spend a significant amount of their savings, leaving them in financial difficulty.
Many people in the middle class find it hard to plan for their long-term care needs. They may have to use most of their savings to pay for care if they
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If you want to learn which long-term care options would benefit your situation, I’d love to help you. You can always call me at 248-785-3734, and we can work together to design a personalized approach that works with your unique circumstances!
-Dan Casey President, Bridgeriver Advisors
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Discover 4 Captivating Board Games Welcome to the enchanting world of board games, where fun competition and family bonding intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Here are four new board games that offer unique experiences to spice up family game nights. Pandemic — Work Together to Stop the Spread Pandemic is an intense cooperative board game for 2–4 players in which players work together to stop the spread of four diseases. Players fight the viruses by drawing cards to stop the spread of the disease (with a cure, for example) or trigger a deadly outbreak with epidemic cards. Pandemic is challenging for young or inexperienced gamers but has introductory, standard, and heroic difficulty levels so all players can enjoy fighting back against fake COVID-19! Ticket to Ride — A Journey of Strategy and Collaboration Ticket to Ride transports players across continents via an enthralling railway adventure. In this strategic board game, collect train cards to build routes connecting iconic cities worldwide. Every player’s decisions can impact others, making it a great lesson in strategy and cooperation. As players traverse this make-believe world, they pick up geographic knowledge, making it educational and fun for the whole family. Azul — A Colorful Challenge for All Ages Dive into the artistic world with Azul. Players compete to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with ornate tiles. The game combines aesthetics with strategy, as players select tiles to complete patterns on their boards. Azul is a feast for the eyes and a test of tactical thinking, appealing to the young and the young at heart. Family Game Night Magic
7 Wonders Duel — A Dynamic Game for 2 7 Wonders Duel offers a compact but profoundly strategic experience, perfect for two players. You’ll navigate your civilization through various stages of development, engaging in scientific, military, and cultural pursuits. It’s an excellent way for siblings, friends, or a parent and child to engage in an intellectually stimulating and entertaining head-to-head challenge. These board games bring a new flavor to your family’s gaming collection. From mythical adventures to artistic endeavors and strategic conquests, they promise entertainment and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creating cherished family moments. Get ready to roll the dice and let the family fun begin!
Draw Inspiration From Mark Wahlberg Fitness Knows No Age
sunrise workouts or hitting the gym after work, consistency matters most. Work Smarter, Not Harder Wahlberg’s secret isn’t about spending countless hours at the gym; it’s about high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest. It’s an efficient way to burn calories and build muscle without feeling overwhelmed, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned gym-goers.
motivated doesn’t require superhuman determination, just achievable goals and believing in yourself. Visualize your success, big or small, and watch your confidence grow. Nourish Your Body Wisely Fitness is more than just exercise; nutrition also plays a crucial role. Wahlberg focuses on balanced eating: lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Staying hydrated is just as important. Good nutrition and proper hydration are the fuel that powers your fitness journey. Wahlberg’s routine isn’t limited by age; it applies to everyone, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed or pressured. Take it one step at a time, embrace the process, and work toward your fitness goals at your own pace. These practical yet effective tips can unlock the secret to staying in great shape. So, lace up those sneakers and join the club — it’s an adventure worth pursuing!
Achieving a healthier you is within reach, regardless of age or fitness level. Mark Wahlberg, the Hollywood icon renowned for maintaining impeccable physical fitness over the years, has a routine that can help you. So, grab your sneakers, lace up, and explore the path to achieving fitness like Mark! Rise and Shine Wahlberg is known for his early morning workouts, but there’s no pressure to set your alarm for dawn. Morning exercise has many benefits, including boosting your metabolism and mood, but the key is finding a routine that suits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer
Keep It Varied and Enjoyable Variety is essential to make fitness fun. Wahlberg keeps things interesting by
incorporating weightlifting, boxing, yoga, and swimming into his routine. You don’t have to try every exercise in existence; the goal is to find activities you enjoy. Make exercise a part of your life that you look forward to. A Positive Mindset Wahlberg’s journey is about more than physical strength; it’s about mental resilience. Staying
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With Regenerative Gardening GET ‘BACK TO EDEN’ IN YOUR YARD
Regenerative gardening, often called the “Back to Eden” method, is a game-changer for gardeners. This approach harnesses the power of nature to create a thriving, sustainable garden with minimal effort. We’re here to share what regenerative gardening is, why it’s an excellent choice for gardeners, and how to implement it yourself. What is regenerative gardening? Paul Gautschi’s documentary “Back to Eden,” featuring his transformative garden, put regenerative gardening on the map. The concept is based on replicating natural ecosystems within your garden by following three basic steps: Wood Chip Mulch: The garden bed is covered with a thick layer of wood chips, mimicking the forest floor. This mulch conserves moisture and slowly breaks down, providing nutrients to the soil. No Tilling: Unlike traditional gardening, regenerative gardening encourages minimal soil disruption. No digging or turning of the soil is TAKE A BREAK
needed, reducing weed growth and preserving beneficial soil organisms.
Natural Composting: Instead of chemical fertilizers, composting is used to enrich the soil naturally. Nutrient-rich materials are added on top of the wood chip mulch, allowing rainwater to help leech the nutrients into the soil. Why choose regenerative gardening? It’s low-maintenance, serving as an effective weed barrier and moisture retainer, reducing the need for constant weeding and watering while maintaining soil health. Additionally, this method promotes sustainability by removing chemical additives from your garden. The gradual decomposition of wood chips enriches the soil naturally over time, yielding impressive harvests without synthetic fertilizers. How to Get Started Clear existing weeds to prep the garden, then apply a substantial layer of chemical-free wood
chips, at least 4–6 inches deep. Adding a layer of compost atop the wood chips will initiate the natural decomposition process. For planting, create holes or trenches within the wood chips and place your seeds or seedlings directly into the compost layer. To maintain your garden, top the wood chip mulch layer as needed, and continue adding compost annually to nurture your garden. Regenerative gardening is an innovative approach that can transform your green space into a thriving, low-maintenance oasis. Embark on your regenerative gardening journey and witness the magic for yourself!
MARRY ME CHICKEN
Ingredients
Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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INSIDE
This Issue Long-Term Care Insurance Solutions for Your Unique Needs
Family Game Night Magic
Mark Wahlberg’s Fitness Tips
The ‘Back to Eden’ Method for Your Garden
Marry Me Chicken
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three
ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine.
deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels.
Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your
Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight
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