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THE
DECEMBER 2019
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One thing that amazes me is that so many people still go to financial advisors who take cookie-cutter approaches. I’m talking about advisors who recommend their clients a bunch of products or investments that are not customized to their clients’ needs. These advisors don’t do research or bother to find the right products or investments. Even worse, they have no idea what rate of return their clients need so that their money will last them for the rest of their lives. Wouldn’t this be the first thing to consider BEFORE selecting investments? You must know the rate of return. It’s all about ensuring your money is there for you when you need it, which means it should factor in inflation, various savings or retirement accounts you may have, and changes to your Social Security benefits. Many advisors don’t take the time to figure this number out, which puts their clients’ money in danger. Of course, even if you know what rate of return you need, you need to consider a few other things as well. If you need a 3% rate of return every year to ensure you never run out of money, does it make sense to have 100% of your money in the stock market? If you’re nearing retirement and fully invested in the stock market, will double-digit returns significantly improve your retirement lifestyle? And keep in mind reward becomes risk because you’re also liable to see double-digit losses. If you look at the crash in 2000, we went through three years of losses, which decimated a lot of people’s portfolios. In 2008, the drop from the top of the market to the bottom was practically a loss of 50%. Again, this loss significantly reduced the portfolios of many people who were heavily invested in the stock market. If you were also taking income from this portfolio, you probably still haven’t recovered, and others will likely never recover. The Rate of Return You Must Have in Retirement Know Your Rate of Return
When you hire an advisor, it’s important to know there are advisors who are only licensed to invest your money into the stock market — and that’s it. Additionally, other advisors are only licensed to sell you insurance- based products. When you decide to work with an advisor, it’s important to understand how they’re licensed and what they can do with your money. At Bridgeriver, for example, we’re licensed in both. But more importantly, we’re not interested in putting your money into one or the other and walking away. I want to know what rate of return you need before we do anything else. When we know your rate of return, we can then invest accordingly, giving you confidence in the future of your money. Now, I’m not saying anything is necessarily wrong with investing fully in the stock market; you just need to be aware of the risk you’re taking on. If you’re a younger investor and the big drops aren’t a major concern, it might make sense to invest more heavily in the stock market. However, if you’re close to retirement or retired, investing heavily in the stock market — and taking on the possibility of double-digit losses — will put you in a bad position. It has the potential to destroy your portfolio, and then you face the prospect of completely restructuring your retirement. You’ll have to plan again and figure out how you’re going to stretch out your remaining money.
Again, it all comes back to your rate of return, which can help determine how your portfolio should be diversified. Always work with an advisor who is willing to determine your rate of return and which investments are right for you.
-Dan Casey
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YURT SWEET YURT GLAMPING IN BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS
Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. Falls Brook Yurts, New York For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small,
permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. Treebones Resort, California For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day.
LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet- clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your Kids Are Listening to You (Oh, Fudge!) They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. Kids Won’t Believe in Magic Forever Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas
season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. Sometimes ‘Disasters’ Lead to New Adventures Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion
when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world. Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
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HOW SANTA CLAUS BECAME POWERED BY REINDEER
We all know reindeer visit our rooftops every Christmas Eve, but what brings them there? Follow the unique and complicated history of Santa’s reindeer to find out. A visit from who on what night? In the 1820s, Clement Clarke Moore penned a holiday poem that became the foundation for a phenomenon still alive today. Commonly known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “A Visit From St. Nicholas” is a beloved story shared by every generation. It is in this poem that reindeer were first credited with powering Santa’s sleigh around the globe. Many popular songs, movies, and plays have preserved Moore’s vision of St. Nick, and his reindeer and their names are no exception. (Well, kind of.) Rudolph wouldn’t join the squad until a department store added him as part of their promotions in the 1930s. What’s in a name? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, and Cupid were all brought to life by Moore, but have you ever heard of Dunder and Blixem? Though we now know the duo as Donner and Blitzen, Moore originally named them Dunder and Blixem — the Dutch words for thunder and lightning — but publishing companies
wanted names that would rhyme better with the rest of the poem. Still, it was a few decades before Donner and Blitzen made their appearances in the version of the poem we know today. Reindeer burgers, anyone? Moore’s poem paved the way for Santa’s most famous form of transportation, but it was actually Carl Lomen, an Alaskan businessman, who mass-marketed reindeer as Santa’s companions. In the late 1890s, the Sami natives of Northern Europe, who were longtime reindeer herders, made their passage from Norway to the U.S. with a herd of reindeer to invigorate the Alaskan landscape and help their native neighbors. Lomen saw the reindeer as an opportunity and partnered with the Macy’s department store company to create a promotional Christmas parade in which Santa, led by his reindeer, a sleigh, and Sami herders, were prominently featured. Lomen’s goal was to promote his massive reindeer conglomerate for the production and sale of reindeer meat. Instead, a holiday story was born.
WHAT ABOUT DUNDER AND BLIXEM?
SUDOKU
Classic Roast Chicken
Inspired by Ina Garten
Ingredients
• • • • • • •
1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
• •
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed
1 lemon, halved
•
Olive oil
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Directions
3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme. 4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables. 3 248.785.3734
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing
giblets if included. Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string.
Solution
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INSIDE This Issue How to Avoid Running Out of Money in Retirement Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’ How Santa Claus Became Powered by Reindeer Classic Roast Chicken
Peyo the Therapy Horse
MEET A DIFFERENT KIND OF THERAPY ANIMAL
Horsing Around
Horses have been loyal and useful companions to humans for centuries. But unbeknownst to many who fear these long-legged, 1,000-plus-pound mammals, horses are also naturally intuitive and extremely sensitive to the moods of people around them. These traits make them excellent therapy animals for those with autism, cerebral palsy, chronic illnesses, and PTSD, among many more. In fact, there are dedicated horse-riding camps geared toward chronically ill children and adults all over the world. However, riding horses isn’t the only way to benefit from equine therapy; horses are also fantastic comfort animals that can relieve anxiety and promote a positive environment for bedridden patients — as long as the doorway is big enough. Meet Peyo, the 14-year-old “love stallion” from Dijon, France, who is cheering up chronically ill patients one nuzzle at a time. This accomplished artistic dressage competitor accompanies his owner, Hassen Bouchakour, on visits to hospitals and nursing homes, bringing joy with every clop of his hooves.
smiling while being nudged by his soft nose. He seems to have a keen sense for patients who are truly suffering, and though his handler is always nearby, Peyo often chooses which rooms to enter of his own volition. Having a horse in a hospital room may not sound very sanitary, but Peyo goes through a strict grooming regimen to be deemed hygienic enough to be around patients. His hooves are greased, his mane and tail are braided, and his entire body is rubbed down with antibacterial lotion before being covered by a blanket. Before Peyo became a therapy horse, he was almost put up for sale by Bouchakour, who had a hard time wrangling Peyo’s fiery personality. But, over time, when they traveled to shows and competitions together, Bouchakour noticed the horse was drawn to the injured and disabled and would instantly calm at their touch. “It is one of the most pure, honest, and sweet things,” Bouchakour says. “They like each other very much without asking for anything else.”
Patients suffering from all manner of ailments blossom when Peyo comes to visit, laughing and
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