Check out our Nov/Dec newsletter!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
Financial Horizons Your Connection for Wealth, Lifestyle & Legacy
McBeathFinancialGroup.com 309.808.2224 Sustain the Magic of Christmas for a Lifetime WITH A BIT OF HELP FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING
Christmas came early to our home this year. In August, our 9-year-old daughter, Jillian, told me and my husband that she was already planning her letter to Santa.
Discovering the truth about Santa Claus is a rite of passage for every child. At some point, Jillian will surely realize that Robert and I are the real “Santas.” Last year, she asked if we could set up a camera to catch Santa in the act of delivering presents, which just added to the magic. While she slept, we slipped in our own photo — but Robert can’t keep photoshopping Saint Nick into our living room forever! One day soon, Jillian will find out that the true wonder of Christmas stems from the birth of Christ, the celebration of family, and the joy of giving. That joy will never disappear. Even when Jillian finds out the truth, Robert and I won’t stop giving her presents. I think as parents we are always giving to our children, whether through material gifts or in other ways.
“I’m only going to ask for one thing,” she said, looking up at us with big blue eyes.
At first, I thought this must be a sign of maturity. Typically, children have an entire list of requests for Santa Claus when the holidays arrive. Then, I realized the truth: The “one thing” on her list will likely be the most expensive iPhone on the market! Jillian is only 9, but we’re already teaching her the financial basics. I’m sure she assumes even Santa Claus is working within a budget.
you leave a financial legacy and provide for your children and grandchildren well beyond your lifetime. You can think of it as your step-by-step guide to remaining “Santa Claus” even as your kids and their kids grow up. If you’d like a copy of my book, simply call or email our office. We’d love to send you a complimentary one as a special Christmas gift from our team so that you will have something life-changing to read as you curl up in front of the fire. The book also makes an excellent stocking stuffer. Of course while financial planning is vital, it’s not the most important part of the holiday season — or even the best gift we can give our children. Above all, we must offer them our love, time, and attention. The best legacy you can leave behind is a lifetime of wonderful memories. I hope you make plenty this year!
“Jillian is only 9, but we’re already teaching
This conversation with my daughter was bittersweet for me. On one hand, it’s
Once our children reach adulthood,
her the financial basics. I’m sure she assumes even Santa Claus is working within a budget.”
wonderful that she still believes in Santa Claus at 9 years old — or at least gives us that impression. She appears just as excited to
financial gifts become more common. Perhaps you’ve given to your kids by paying for college tuition, funding a family vacation, or
write her letter, bake cookies, and lay out carrots for the reindeer as she was at age 3. (In our house, we also leave a pickle on the reindeer’s plate. They are Dasher’s favorite treat.) On the other hand, I can’t help but wonder whether this year will be the last for those sweet family traditions. Is the magic about to disappear?
assisting with the purchase of a home or car. In a way, we all continue to be “Santa Claus” even after our children grow up — and with comprehensive financial planning, you can do so even after you pass away.
Happy holidays,
–Krista McBeath
My book, “The Generational Wealth System,” includes a range of strategies that will help
309.808.2224 1
Thanksgiving Is About More Than Food IT’S ABOUT SHOWING GRATITUDE
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving feasts, Thursday night football games, and Black Friday shopping, take some time to show gratitude for those around you and for what you have. Here are a few ways to practice gratitude this month. APPRECIATE EVERYTHING. Get into the habit of being grateful for the little things in your life. It can be easy to acknowledge the “big” things, but nothing is too small to be thankful for. You can be grateful the weather is nice and sunny, that you received the package you’ve been waiting for, or that you got out of bed today. Don’t leave out anything when practicing gratitude. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of what’s happening around you. So, instead of being overwhelmed by what you need to do tomorrow or next week, focus on the present moment and enjoy the time you spend solo or with your loved ones. Live in the moment and take one day at a time. Tomorrow will surely come, and you only have a limited amount of time in the present. CELEBRATE YOUR CHALLENGES. Sometimes struggles and battles in our lives can weigh us down. But when you persevere and continue to push forward, you will find
success. Challenges help you improve your abilities and resilience, so celebrate the progress you’ve made. Showing gratitude for challenges and negative experiences allows us to
acknowledge humility and appreciate growth in our lives.
KEEP A JOURNAL. Writing down the things you’re grateful for will remind you of all the
great things you have when other things aren’t going so well. So, keep a journal about what you’re grateful for each day or week — even if it’s just small things at first. Your perspective on life will change, and it will get easier to see the good things and to feel grateful for things you were likely overlooking. Showing gratitude is something we should do every day, all throughout the year — not just during the holidays. So, try to practice mindfulness and gratitude using these tips! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Couples That Plan Together Stay Together! A Simple Step to a Happier Marriage
All over the world, married couples fight about the same thing: money. Almost half of the couples questioned in a recent Bankrate.com survey reported arguing over finances, and 60% said they weren’t happy with their partner’s spending habits. The closer you get to retirement, the more contentious
Financial planning can get emotional, and that’s okay! In fact, in our experience, the more couples share with each other (and with Krista), the happier their marriages become. As a couple, it’s vital that you agree on important issues like your budget, how you’ll allocate your resources, where you’ll live in retirement, and how you’ll divide your legacy among your children and other beneficiaries. Even if one spouse is more financially savvy than the other, you must both participate in this discussion to reach an agreement you’re happy with. There is only one Discovery Meeting, but the happiest couples we know are those who continue to plan together in the months, years, and decades that follow. These couples have a shared vision for their retirement, discuss it regularly, and communicate with each other and Krista when their goals change. If you’re already a client of McBeath Financial Group, you likely have regular “dates” with your spouse at our office. This is something we recommend for new clients, too! Consider scheduling a “date” with us to review your financial planning and relieve marital stress,
these battles can become — which is why one of our top priorities at McBeath Financial is keeping couples on the same financial page.
After having an introductory phone call, if a new client is moving forward with financial planning, Krista will set up a Discovery Meeting to begin the planning process. This meeting can be done over Zoom or in person. Either way, when a couple is involved, the most important thing we ask is that both spouses attend. The Discovery Meeting includes discussions about financial and retirement goals, resources, and estate-planning options. Sometimes we joke that these meetings are “couple’s therapy” because so many hopes, wishes, dreams, and points of contention rise to the surface.
2 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
Protect Your Family From Heartbreak
SUDOKU
Battling in the Face of Alzheimer’s
When I was a small child, my grandmother was one of my favorite people. I’ll never forget the excitement I felt every time she appeared on our doorstep to pick me up for a night or weekend with her and Grandpa. She always kept me entertained, whether cooking, endless hours of playing dress up, or helping her tend to her garden. Afterward, if I was lucky, she would sit down at her piano or organ and bless me with her incredible skill. I wish I had more of those moments with my grandmother. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and entered a fight for her life. Her memories of our precious days together slipped away, and eventually, she did too. I was heartbroken to lose her. But not long after she passed, a client walked through our doors who I think was heaven-sent. His name was David Myers, and he’d recently lost his wife, Cheryl, to Alzheimer’s. David is truly inspiring. Instead of collapsing under the weight of Cheryl’s passing, he threw himself into activism. He joined the Alzheimer’s Association as a volunteer, organizer, and leader and even helped start a support group specifically for husbands of wives with Alzheimer’s. Through the process of working with David after the loss of his wife, I became an impassioned supporter of the Alzheimer’s cause. Since then, I’ve had to assist others battling Alzheimer’s in an attempt to get their financial affairs in order. This is a delicate process because a person in severe cognitive decline may not have the capacity to make their own financial decisions. In some cases, we must bring in family members to act as witnesses, which can be emotionally taxing for all involved. Those difficult meetings remind me how important it is that we get our financial affairs in order before a health crisis like Alzheimer’s occurs. Cheryl was only 47 when she was diagnosed. These things can strike at any time. November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and I would encourage you to connect with the local Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org to find resources as well as volunteer and donation needs. Additionally, this is an excellent reminder for us to proactively secure a legacy. If your assets are already in order, consider sending your friends or family to us for help. We can create a financial plan for them before it’s too late.
SOLUTION ON PG. 4
–Krista McBeath
309.808.2224 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
203 Landmark Dr., Unit A - Normal, IL 61761 - 309.808.2224
INSIDE
1
How to Remain ‘Santa’ for a Lifetime
2
It’s National Gratitude Month!
How to Retire Happily With Your Spouse
3
How to Protect Your Legacy From Alzheimer’s
4
Getting Outdoors Despite the Cold
SOLUTION
Advisory services are offered through Landmark Wealth Management Inc, dba McBeath Financial Group, an Illinois Registered Investment Advisor firm. Insurance products and services are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC are affiliated. All content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of McBeath Financial Group and our editorial staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual financial professional prior to implementation. Copyright 2021 McBeath Financial Group.
Come Out and Play
STAYING ACTIVE IN COLD WEATHER
Winter is almost here, and as the weather gets colder, many people use it as an excuse to stay inside and on the couch. But if you don’t want to wonder what happened to your fitness goals when spring comes around, now is the time to start preparing. Here’s what you need to know to comfortably enjoy outdoor exercise in low temperatures.
for a moisture-wicking material as your bottom layer, then add a warm insulating layer, followed by a wind and water-resistant jacket on top. Remove items as you get warmer so you don’t trap sweat. Also, remember the wool socks, gloves, and hat.
Another way to keep yourself comfortable during an outdoor workout is to warm up longer before beginning. Exercise in cold weather makes strains and sprains more likely, and a warmup will keep you
First, there’s good news: Your chance of frostbite in 5 degree F weather is less than 5%. So, outdoor exercise is perfectly safe most days of the year. Just stay inside when there’s a particularly nasty wind chill and don’t exercise on icy surfaces. But while you probably won’t be hurt by outdoor winter exercise, there’s no denying it can be unpleasant if you aren’t prepared.
safer. Plus, the additional movement before heading outdoors will help the temperature change feel less jarring.
You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh air. One of the best ways to do that is by staying hydrated. Though it sounds obvious, many people feel less thirsty when exercising in the cold and don’t drink enough water. Also, moisturize regularly and protect your nostrils and lips from the wind with petroleum jelly or Carmex. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen — if skiers can get
One school of thought suggests there’s no bad weather, only poorly chosen clothing. So, if you want to exercise outdoors in the winter, you must set yourself up for success with the proper gear. Dress in layers and put them on in the correct order. Opt
a sunburn, so can you!
4 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator