Check out our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2025
GIVE US A CALL! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& WISE
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HOW PLAY TURNS PRACTICE INTO PASSION More Than Just Fun and Games
One of the best ways to learn, or even just to spend time having fun together, is to turn it into a game. While raising my kids, I could take almost anything they were doing and gamify it, whether hitting volleyballs down the line or throwing lacrosse shots left-handed. We would turn it into a friendly competition, and suddenly it wasn’t just practice anymore. It was a challenge to beat Dad (and I was having fun trying to beat them, too). Games are an important part of life, from the ones we create to teach life lessons to the ones we play at the kitchen table with some good-spirited smack talk. They have a way of bringing us together, helping us have fun, and preparing us for the real world. December 21 is Games Day, and it brings up many happy memories of spending time with my loved ones. Games have always been part of my family. Growing up, we had about three TV channels and no cellphones. We didn’t have the same distractions kids have today, so playing games was a big part of the weekends or family get-togethers. My mom’s favorite is Chinese Checkers. I doubt I could beat her at that one — even today. She never let us win. We had to earn it. Phase 10, a rummy-inspired card game, is a fan favorite in my house. I bet we’ve taken it on every vacation and camping trip for the last 20 years. We’re up for almost
any game as a group, whether a holiday activity or a night we’re just bored and end up pulling out the Yahtzee dice. For us, playing games is just a way to connect, leading to fun and laughter every time. When you can make something fun and bring a little spirit of competition, it helps the lessons stick. As my children learned their chosen sports, I regularly turned practice into a game session. It drove them to push themselves by taking something mundane or unexciting and making it fun because now you’re trying to accomplish and win something. I look back on those years and can’t help but laugh because I had so much fun during these covert lessons. The kids laugh about it, too, because I was never one of those parents who just let their kids win, a lesson I learned from my mom. It made finally winning feel fantastic and forced my children to always give their best effort and persevere. Eventually, the kids started winning more often. Case in point: My 19-year-old son started winning our golf games about a year ago and hasn’t given me an inch since! Gamification has become more common in the workplace today, and it’s a great way to get people involved. I remember at a previous job, we were rolling out insurance products for a group of people who had limited knowledge about life insurance.
Instead of going through a training binder, we developed a game with cards that had insurance facts. We played for about three hours, everyone laughing along the way, and by test time, at least 80% of them could answer significant questions on the topic. In a recent meeting, we used a game that involved spinning the wheel to reveal who was up to answer some fun questions. Comments afterward revealed the participants felt the material was memorable, engaging, and something they wanted to be involved in rather than just something required to sit through. Games prove that learning and connecting don’t always need to be serious to be meaningful. Whether at home, on vacation, or in the workplace, if you can make things fun, that joy will stick around long after the game ends.
–Jeremy Rafferty
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Calm Is Just a Chirp Away
LET BIRD SONGS LEAD YOUR MEDITATION
Imagine starting your day not with emails or phone screens but with the beautiful song of a cardinal, the flutter of wings, or the excitement of spotting a rare finch — or, any finch. Birdwatching is quickly becoming not just a hobby for people in their 50s and 60s; it’s an easy way to meditate. Grabbing a pair of binoculars and a birding guide has many benefits, like helping you reconnect with nature, create social connections, and improve your mental health. Get ready to find your calm out in nature! Birding Benefits Meditation is about being present and letting your mind shift into a state of peace. Birdwatching gives you an easy way to meditate, restoring focus and decreasing stress. Birds in their natural habitat can bring the outside to you. It’s especially helpful for people who have trouble quieting their thoughts or focusing. Bird songs can also put you in a better mood! One study in 2022 found that participants’ well-being was significantly better when they listened to bird songs. Finding Calm in the Chirp You don’t need prior experience with birdwatching or meditation to make this a regular practice in your life. Start close to home,
observing winged visitors that come to your yard or local parks. As you get more comfortable, start exploring national parks,
nature reserves, and known birding hotspots in your area. Birdwatching requires no fancy equipment, but a good pair of binoculars can make the whole experience more enjoyable. They will help you get a better look at the beautiful colors and make identifying different species easier. Keep a journal or birding log to track all the varieties you find. Take a mindful moment to jot down your observations and what each sighting means to you. Birding can be a solitary practice for stress relief, or if you join a local birding group, a great socialization opportunity.
So, look to the trees and let your worries take flight. Let every bird’s song and flash of colorful wings be a reminder that inner peace is just a few bright feathers away.
PLANNING FOR A HEALTHY, WEALTHY FUTURE RETIREMENT MISTAKES EVEN CAREFUL SAVERS MAKE
Income Planning One mistake people make when retiring is not having a plan for withdrawing money or an income strategy. This could lead to spending too much money early on and causing insecurity later. People are living longer today. You may risk outliving your assets if you don’t ensure your retirement income can last 30–40 years after your final paycheck. You must also consider external factors (like the economy) because a market downturn can significantly impact your retirement portfolio and thus your financial future. Reacting too quickly to a downturn, selling investments, or taking distributions from a depleted portfolio can cause permanent damage to your retirement savings. Other Financial Pitfalls If you don’t do any tax planning in retirement, you may have to share more of your assets than you would like with Uncle Sam. Failing to plan withdrawals
After years of dedicated service, retirement is a major reward you’ve likely been working hard to achieve, but it can bring unexpected challenges if you don’t plan correctly. Even careful savers can make some of the most common mistakes, like financial missteps, failing to prepare for their health and longevity, or underestimating how long their savings need to last. Here are some retirement pitfalls you should be aware of to get the most out of your benefits.
can result in higher taxes or Medicare premium increases. Strategies like spreading your income across years, offsetting higher deductions, or using a Roth IRA can all help lower your tax burden. Though it comes from a place of love, retirees may also want to give a little too much to their adult children without considering the financial strain that might incur. Health and Legacy Retirement isn’t just about dollars and cents. Often, people forget to think about their purpose in life after years of working in a career that brought them meaning. Similarly, people don’t always think about how physical activity, physical and mental wellness, and meaningful socialization can affect their financial future. If you aren’t planning on how to stay active, your health costs may add up over time. Contact us today if you want to know more about any of these and how to maximize your benefits.
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Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding TRACKS AND TREASURES
international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its live entertainment and remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, goes over bridges and through tunnels allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers
in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate experience, opt for Alaska Railroad’s Gold Star Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in an up close and more personal way? With trips via railway, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous
Train Your Brain!
Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/4 tsp salt • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 oz feta cheese, packed in brine, cut into 4 pieces • 1 tbsp hot honey • Basil leaves, for garnish • 4 slices toasted whole-wheat country bread, optional, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, combine tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. 3. Drizzle with 5 tbsp of olive oil and stir gently. 4. Add feta pieces 2 inches apart in the mixture and drizzle with remaining olive oil. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst. 6. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with basil leaves, and serve with toast if desired.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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Give us a call! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com FAX: 303-416-4358 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
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PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787
Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company (FBMS), is an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. Insurance products are offered through the insurance businesses FBMS and E.A. Buck Financial Services. FBMS is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through Buck Wealth Strategies (BWS), a Registered Investment Advisor. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. FBMS is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. MAS is not affiliated with FBMS, E.A. Buck Financial Services, or BWS. FBMS, E.A. Buck Financial Services, and BWS are affiliated by common ownership. In California, we are known only as E.A. Buck Insurance in all solicitations of insurance. CMP-61834 - 12/25
INSIDE THIS ISSUE page 1 Finding Joy in a Little Friendly Competition page 2 Why Birdwatching Is a Stress-Buster Secure Your Income, Health, and Legacy page 3 3 Train Trips to Take Today Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet page 4 Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind- Clearing Tips
HIT PAUSE WHEN YOUR BRAIN WON’T STOP TALKING When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we likely can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling and interfering with sleep, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being.
Breathing exercises also works wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and out through your nose to expand your belly. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes.
Challenge your thoughts. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what
So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. Turn down the mental volume. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded. Try diving into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you.
ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking
small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise.
And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
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