GRAY MATTERS
Everyone faces the prospect of growing older. When it comes to aging, people’s primary concerns include aches, pains, and changes to their physical appearance.. But perhaps even more important is mental health. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your mind sharp as you age so you can enjoy your retirement. EXERCISE Working out is inextricably tied to wellness in all its forms. A simple, light workout now and then not only maintains physical health, but it also boosts your mental well-being. A 5-mile walk once per week can increase brain volume and prevent mental diseases, including Alzheimer’s. It’s no wonder exercise is the go-to solution for maintaining wellness. LEARN NEW HOBBIES Do you want to reduce memory loss by 40–50 percent? Dan Buettner, a researcher and best-selling author on studies about happiness and longevity, suggests learning a new hobby. Whether you learn to knit, paint, or discover a
new board game, you’ll enjoy improved mental health. Get your hands moving, and your mind will surely follow. (Note: Watching TV as a hobby doesn’t count! People who regularly watch TV may suffer up to 50 percent more memory loss.) SOCIALIZE If you want to maintain mental health, make socializing a priority. Having an active social life increases your resistance to mental diseases and improves your mood. Furthermore, a healthy social network of friends and family (and we’re not talking Facebook here) helps give you a support system to fall back on when times get tough. TAKE A BREAK Take a step back from your everyday life and enjoy the small things. Set aside time to sit down with a good book or another activity you enjoy. While on that 5-mile walk, why not take a few moments to slow down your pace and look at the world around you? As the famous saying goes, “Stop and smell the roses.”
PROTECT YOURSELF IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH
By Andrew Ceo, Ceo Wilson Insurance Group
When you think of a crash and the financial repercussions, what comes to mind? Most likely, you think of a dip in the stock market, real estate valuations, or income, correct? Those are things we haven’t had to worry about much during this market run, which is great news! However, too often we neglect to realize the detrimental impact of how a crash, such as a simple automobile crash, can significantly affect one’s financial future.
Quick question: Can you define “pain” or “anguish”?
Those broadly defined terms provide ample justification for bringing a case against another person. And believe me, it’s both entertaining and scary to read up on case law where people in our own state have been sued because of an automobile crash. Therefore, it is important to have proper barriers in place to protect not only current assets, but future income potential and anticipated windfalls from such a crash. Not only can someone seek damages to be paid from what’s already in your accounts, but lawsuits can also be satisfied by wage garnishment of up to 25 percent of your income for the rest of your life. Of course, when we talk about proper protection, we also must consider the scenario of someone crashing into you or your loved ones. What happens if that person is underinsured or uninsured completely and they have caused death, disfigurement, dismemberment, loss of wages, pain, anguish, etc. to you or someone in your household? It’s never recommended to leave fate in someone else’s hands, but you don’t have to if you have the right protections in place, which can also be done within your own policy.
No, I’m not talking about that $100 or $250 deductible …
In a no-fault state such as Michigan, many drivers have a false sense of security, not realizing that they could be brought into a lawsuit for many different reasons, including causing death, disfigurement, dismemberment, loss of wages, pain, anguish, and more to another party.
So, when looking at insurance, are you truly prepared for a crash?
2 • www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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