Federal Benefits Made Simple - April 2024

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR A HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER YOU

You matter. It’s an easy thing to forget with the overwhelming obligations and responsibilities most people have, but you matter. Everyone, including you, must practice self-care to ensure their happiness and peace of mind. Disconnect From Technology The connectivity provided by technology comes with several benefits, but they

have just as many drawbacks. Companies design phones to be addictive. Your brain releases a little dopamine whenever you get a notification, not unlike a slot machine. That’s why we constantly check our phones, even when they don’t ring or vibrate. Meanwhile, studies correlate heavy social media usage with profound feelings of loneliness and depression. Everyone needs to distance themselves from technology every so often. Try leaving your phone at home when you go outside or set a specific no-screen time. Better yet, dive into nature. Practice yoga in the park or hike through the woods and breathe in the fresh air instead of scrolling. Dream More Our bodies demand that we spend about a third of the day sleeping, and it does so for a reason. Almost every cell needs time to refresh and renew. But many people continue to shrug off sleep, which falls to the bottom of their priorities.

Take the time to increase your sleep quality. It helps almost every part of your body, from brain to toe. To do so, implement positive sleep habits. Don’t watch TV before bed, keep your bedroom dark, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” Indulge Yourself It’s all too easy to devote our lives to other people, but taking time for ourselves is essential. Some me-time lets you get some perspective through joy. Once a month, push the responsibilities away and spend the day doing what you love. If you want a spa day, get a massage. If you’d prefer to paint figurines in your basement, that’s all you.

We spend most of our time in our heads, preoccupied with our thoughts and focused

on our obligations. It’s not good for our mental health. The sheer weight of life is heavy on our shoulders and minds. Ease those worries and anxieties by putting the phone away, getting a good night’s sleep, and spending quality time with ourselves. 9 FINANCIAL TIPS TO BE RETIREMENT READY

Get Financially Ready for Your Golden Years

5. Have a Social Security Strategy: Delaying Social Security benefits can increase your monthly income. Strategize the best time to start receiving payments, taking into consideration your health, financial needs, and benefits for your spouse. 6. Create an Emergency Fund: A robust emergency fund should cover unexpected expenses, aiming for 3–6 months worth of living expenses. This fund can help you avoid dipping into retirement savings prematurely. 7. Plan for Inflation: Inflation can erode your purchasing power over time. Consider investments that offer inflation protection, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) or certain types of annuities. 8. Update Estate Planning: Make sure your wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are accurate. Estate planning helps protect your assets and ensures your wishes are followed. 9. Continue Learning: Financial literacy doesn’t stop when you retire. Stay informed about tax laws, investment opportunities, and retirement strategies to make the most of your retirement years. These are foundational steps toward a comfortable and secure retirement. Our team is here to support you in making these decisions and ensure you are well-prepared for the next chapter of your life.

For us, Financial Literacy Month is our time to shine! It’s a period of reflection, learning, and planning for the future that ensures a smooth transition into the retirement you’ve always dreamt of. To help you get started, our team has collected the top financial tips that soon-to-be retirees need to know. 1. Understand Your Retirement Needs: Retirement planning is more than just saving money; it’s about understanding your future needs and lifestyle desires. Experts suggest aiming for at least 70% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living in retirement. Yet, it’s crucial to consider your needs for the best plan. 2. Maximize Your Retirement Savings: If you’re still working, now is the time to max out your contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. You can also take advantage of catch-up contributions if you’re over 50, allowing you to save additional funds. 3. Eliminate Debt: Entering retirement debt-free, including mortgages, credit cards, and loans, can significantly reduce your financial stress and lower your monthly expenses. 4. Plan for Health Care Expenses: With rising health care costs, planning for medical expenses is crucial. Consider health savings accounts (HSAs) and understand your Medicare options and supplemental insurance needs along with long-term care insurance.

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