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844-44PANIC | PanicProofRetirement.com | May 2025
Income Annuities Ease Seniors’ Golden Years Better Than a Pension
As the ancient philosopher Aristotle once said, knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
markets. Many members of the baby boom generation lost a lot of money when the dot.com bubble burst in 2000 and the financial crisis hit in 2008–2009. They know from bitter experience that having to withdraw money to pay the bills during a crash can devastate your portfolio. Life in retirement becomes scary when a bear market is crushing your nest egg, you are no longer working for pay, and you have a shrinking number of years to recover from losses. Awareness of Mortality I rarely meet married couples who are both completely knowledgeable about their finances. According to McKinsey research, men are the primary financial decision-makers in two-thirds of affluent households. Women have a 63% chance of outliving their husbands, and if they do, they typically survive an additional 12.5 years, according to a 2021 study in PLOS One. For a couple where the wife is 60 and the husband is 62, the wife is likely to live to the age of 84 and the husband to 82, leaving a substantial gap during which the wife will have to oversee her investments. This catches some wives off-guard, according to The Wall Street Journal. These widowed women are more likely than their husbands to prefer stable assets that offer principal protection. Creating a conventional investment portfolio of stocks or bonds to resolve retirees’ concerns during their golden years can be next to impossible. Filling Those Needs In what Forbes calls a Silver Tsunami, 4 million baby boomers leave the workforce yearly. Only 15% of private sector employees have corporate pensions. Instead, members
Many of the retirees I work with embody that kind of wisdom. They accept the changes that come with age and see the need to adjust their retirement portfolios accordingly. These changes include a declining tolerance for risk, a growing desire for financial stability, and a need to ensure loved ones will be financially secure after they die. If unmet, these issues can give rise to a thicket of worries. What if a market crash erases our life savings? What will happen to our nest egg if my cognitive ability begins to decline? What if the spouse who manages the household’s finances passes away first? Will the other spouse run out of money? Amid all these concerns, retirees need a principal-protected investment product that guarantees an income for life — regardless of what happens in the markets. Here’s why. Preference for Stability Numerous studies show that an investors’ risk tolerance decreases with age. Older adults tend to become less accepting of ambiguity and uncertainty, based on a 2017 British study of data from more than a half-million adults. While they benefit from wisdom and knowledge acquired over the years, changes in the prefrontal cortex can reduce their ability to reason and think flexibly. Also, for most people with dementia, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. This makes it even more difficult to process data quickly enough to keep pace with financial markets. Shorter Horizon Retirees also have fewer years remaining to bounce back from inevitable setbacks in the
of this generation must manage their own retirement income themselves.
Many of our clients find that income annuities can be a good fit for their evolving risk tolerance and changing personal needs. Income annuities provide income for life, just as corporate pensions and Social Security do. An income annuity basically enables seniors to create their own pensions, guaranteeing stability, simplicity, and income for life. I often work with couples while both are still healthy to put these key assets in place. These couples often tell me it’s nice to know their spouse’s income is guaranteed for life after the other passes. If you like the idea of an investment guaranteed to pay you no matter what happens in the market, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation retirement checkup. We can help you build a secure portfolio with principal protection and guaranteed income for life.
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Diet Deceivers
Shockingly Sneaky High- Calorie Snacks
For most health-conscious Americans, counting calories is the go- to method for keeping their bodies and eating habits in check. Unfortunately, even the strictest dieters may be defeating their goals without realizing it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, moderately active males aged 31–45 need to consume 2,600 calories daily to maintain proper weight and health. In contrast, moderately active females in the same age group need 2,000. Moderately active older adults need 2,400 and 1,800, respectively. Although these amounts seem to offer considerable wiggle room at first glance, you may be shocked to learn how quickly calories add up — even when your diet consists of “healthy” options.
We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress-free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But Mother’s Day breakfast doesn’t have to be an over- the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. Start with a menu she’ll love. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-tos like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a cup of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. Present it beautifully. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. Keep everything organized neatly, and include a handwritten card or note to add a heartfelt message to the meal. Make it a team effort. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, or folding napkins. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and premix the pancake batter. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. The holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life. Treat Mom to a Magical Morning The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Plan
Glaring truths about ‘good’ foods. First, let’s avoid the misconception that calories are the end-all,
be-all of a successful diet plan. Sure, you could keep your weight down by
eating nothing but 2,600 calories of Oreos every day, but your body would miss out on much-needed protein. For a healthy way to provide your body with this essential nutrient, reach for chickpeas instead — but keep in mind that a single 1-cup serving on top of a salad packs nearly 300 calories. To put that into perspective, that’s the caloric equivalent of pouring an order
of McDonald’s small fries and a packet of barbecue sauce on your leafy lunch. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: One cup of guacamole has about the same calories as a McDouble burger! Drinks you should ditch. Thirsty? No problem — just swallow 10 teaspoons of sugar! Sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s how much sugar you consume every time you drink a 12-ounce regular Coke, which also has more than 140 calories. Other drinks you may think are “healthy choices” really aren’t. Even though electrolyte drinks like Gatorade might seem like a great option after a workout, several brands are high in sugar, sodium, and other chemicals. A better choice? Coconut water, which naturally has electrolytes! Fruit juices are another tricky one. They may tout vitamins but are sugary and high in acid. You’re better off eating the actual fruit.
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STEP BY STEP Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day
Foundation offers an online step- by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves.
Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average
speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers,
and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude.
Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos
Take a break
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves. Directions
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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.
40900 WOODWARD AVE., STE. 150 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
INSIDE
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Golden Years Guarantee: Income Annuities Fill a Critical Gap Hidden Hazards to Your Health Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas to Wow Mom Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic
DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN SPRING FAMILY PICNICS MADE EASY
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and
finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
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