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JULY 2017
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
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1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
National and Personal Independence W hen I was growing up, Fourth of July was a day when the entire community got together. As I mentioned THEIMPORTANCEOFPROACTIVEPLANNING
last month, I was raised in a small town, and on Independence Day we gathered at the football field for fireworks. These celebrations are etched in my memory, and they bring me back to my childhood. These days, I can’t help but relate Independence Day to the importance of preserving your own independence during retirement, whether that be financial security or the freedom to spend your days how you want. The best advice I can give people to achieve this goal is to develop a plan. This may seem like a given, but most people haven’t really done proactive planning since they’ve been in school. A lot of us think about retirement in terms of absence, in particular the absence of work, but I urge you to contemplate it in a positive way.
What will my days consist of? How much money do I need? Have I planned for unexpected events like illness and long- term care? Only after you envision your retirement lifestyle can you properly tailor a savings plan to achieve your goals. We all want a comfortable, enjoyable, and secure retirement, but that doesn’t happen by accident. You’ll notice one common thread to these questions: They assume you’re in control. Sure, you can’t predict illness, but you can ensure you have insurance in case it happens. Too often, we dwell on things we can’t control. Recently, I’ve received many calls about proposed budget changes. I’m not saying these considerations don’t affect planning, but they shouldn’t be your primary concern.
www.AnnVanderslice.com | 1 – Ann Vanderslice As a federal employee, you’ve weathered more change than you probably realize. The next change always seems the scariest, but things are always scarier on the horizon than they are when they arrive. Change, whether we like or not, is a fact of life. Discussing this reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from author John C. Maxwell: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” With that in mind, let’s dedicate this summer to focusing on the aspects of life we can control and setting our sights on growth. Our forefathers fought tirelessly to gain independence from Britain and protect our freedoms. The work to protect your own independence might not be quite as historic, but it does make a significant difference.
Everyone should ask a few specific questions as they approach retirement.
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Budget BARBECUE ON A
Nothing says summer quite like gathering around the grill for a delicious meal with friends and family. If you’re not careful, though, your summer barbecue can end up putting a big dent in your wallet. You don’t need to break the bank to host an awesome get-together. Here are a few money-saving tips for your next cookout. Make Smart Protein Choices Meat is the most expensive food you’ll purchase. You can save a lot, however, if you make smart choices at the butcher counter. Not only are chicken thighs and legs cheaper than boneless breasts, but they’re also less likely to dry out. Flank and skirt steak are great alternatives to pricier cuts of beef. If you want some seafood on the menu, buy what’s fresh and on sale. Don’t Forget to Grill Some Veggies Your grill isn’t just for searing meat. Vegetables, from corn and asparagus to zucchini, are delicious when cooked over a flame, and they are cheap and readily available during the summer. In addition to filling stomachs Sharon West may not live close enough to commute to our office, but she has no trouble making her presence felt. Sharon joined the Retirement Planning Strategies team in 2011 as a consultant, and her contributions have been invaluable. Sharon spent many years working for the VA, so she brings along expert knowledge of benefits that will improve our clients’ lives. “I actually met Ann at one of her classes, and let her know I would love to lend a hand if she ever needed it,” Sharon says. Ann reached out a few months later, and it’s been a perfect match ever since. “My favorite part of the job is working with Ann,” Sharon notes. “She’s a rare talent and never fails to inspire.” Sharon is the textbook example of a people person, so she excels at communication of all types. Those skills often come in handy, as she does some editing for us in addition to consulting and
freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons ground coriander seed, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Sprinkle on meats and vegetables. Really, it’s that easy. Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup dark molasses (plus more to taste), 1 small onion, grated or diced, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (plus more to taste), 2 teaspoons hot sauce (plus more to taste), and 2 tablespoons spice rub. Simmer and whisk until sauce coats the back of a spoon. You can store cooled sauce in your fridge for months after your party. Follow these tips, and you’ll shrink the cost of your summer cookout. Spending an afternoon by the grill is a summer tradition, but it doesn’t need to end with your money going up in smoke.
for a lot less, you’ll add some options for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
Minimize Waste If you’re not careful, a lot of your barbecue budget will end up in the trash — or evaporating into thin air. Ditch the disposable plates and utensils in favor of cheap, reusable options. Another common waste is fuel overuse, whether that’s charcoal or gas. If you have a gas grill, turn off the propane as soon as possible. If you use charcoal, you don’t need to dump a full 10-pound bag into the grill. A few pounds should do the job just fine. DIY Rubs and Sauces Don’t waste money on premade barbecue rubs when you likely have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet. Barbecue sauce is also simple to make — and much healthier when you know what’s in it. Check out these recipes that work wonders on grilled foods. Rub: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup paprika, 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup kosher salt, 4 teaspoons ground mustard, 2 teaspoons marketing. “I love interacting with other federal agencies,” she says, “and helping clients achieve their retirement goals.” When she’s not working, Sharon has no trouble leading a busy, purposeful life in northern Arkansas. “One of my favorite books is called ‘Outlive Your Life,’” Sharon says, “and that’s what I try to do. For me, life is about purpose and adventure and every day is a blessing.” To that end, Sharon is involved in her community through her church, and makes a positive impact on those around her. You can also find her fishing, hiking, frequenting local flea markets, and gardening. When we spoke to Sharon for this profile, she had just finished up a kayaking trip. “We live right by the Buffalo National River,” she tell us, “and we enjoy exploring the outdoors as often as we can.”
A Consultant With a Purpose
SPOTLIGHTINGONSHARONWEST
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Be Prepared for Everything The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care
the potential cost of long-term care makes a huge difference. When you’re healthy, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you could, one day, become ill or incapacitated. Not considering the possibility at all, though, can wreak havoc on your savings.
are best made early and thoroughly. The last thing you want is to be forced to rush such an important and expensive decision. You may also want to factor asset protection into your long-term care plan. Diversifying your retirement assets will leave you less reliant on the volatility of the market and may offer you the best chance of meeting your financial retirement goals. There are a number of ways to protect assets from contributing to long-term care payments, and exploring your options thoroughly will give you security and comfort. If you are considering long-term care insurance, we can help you set up the plan that makes the most sense for you and your family. You don’t want illness to jeopardize all of the work you’ve done earning and saving money, and sound planning is the best way to avoid this fate.
ACCORDING TO GENWORTH FINANCIAL, one of the leading long-term care insurance providers, the cost of long-term care has risen steadily over the past 13 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Most people associate the phrase “long-term care” with nursing homes, but there are actually a wide variety of care options. When planning for the future, factoring in
You may want to plan ahead for these potential expenses, especially considering you would have to reduce your financial means before Medicaid will pay for long- term care. Neither your employer group health insurance nor major medical insurance will cover long-term care, either. Decisions regarding this type of coverage
Train Your
SIMPLE SUMMER BROWN BUTTER AND CORN PASTA
BRAIN!
Grid n°3516 easy
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There are a lot more ways to enjoy fresh summer corn than just on the cob. Try this simple, delicious pasta dish and up your summer game!
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Recipe inspired by goodhousekeeping.com.
INGREDIENTS:
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 medium ears corn • 1 pound pasta • 6 tablespoons butter
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¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
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DIRECTIONS:
to medium, add corn, and cook about 2 minutes, or until corn is heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. 3. Drain pasta and return to pot. Add corn mixture, Parmesan, basil, and reserved cooking water. Stir until combined and adjust seasonings as needed. Enjoy!
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut kernels off ears of corn; set aside. 2. Cook pasta according to package instructions and reserve ¼ cup cooking water. While pasta cooks, melt butter on medium-high in 3-quart saucepan. Cook 3-4 minutes, swirling frequently, until browned and very fragrant. Reduce heat
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issue INSIDE THIS
National and Personal Independence PAGE 1
Barbecue on a Budget PAGE 2
A Consultant With a Purpose PAGE 2 Prepare for Long-Term Care PAGE 3 Simple Summer Brown Butter and Corn Pasta PAGE 3 The World’s Happiest Vacations PAGE 4
The Happiest Country in the World Denmark has long been the standard-bearer in this category. This year, it relinquished the title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world- famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th- century waterfront. Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation. DESTINATION: HAPPY PEOPLE Visit the Happiest Places in the World — It’s Contagious
Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local populace that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals.
The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long. Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature.
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