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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE 25 FEB
A Valentine’s Day Resolution for Connection SILENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES
Valentine’s Day often focuses on grand gestures, from chocolates and flowers to fancy dinners. But this year, let’s consider a gift that doesn’t come wrapped in a bow: listening. Recently, I had the chance to chat with my podcast co-host, who just wrote a book titled “Shut the F Up and Listen” (yes, really). His book dives into what he calls a “crisis of loneliness,” highlighting how we’re wired for connection but often fail to truly connect because we’re too busy talking and not nearly busy enough listening. Think about it: When was the last time you felt genuinely heard? For many, it’s rare. My co-host pointed out that this is a big reason why people turn to counselors. They want — no, need — someone to listen without distraction or judgment.
It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about making someone feel acknowledged, valued, and understood. As Valentine’s Day approaches, now is the perfect time to reflect on how we communicate with the people we love. Are we truly listening to them? Or are we nodding along while mentally drafting our grocery list or waiting for our turn to speak?
Be sure to check out “Shut the F Up and Listen” by Matt Halloran, available on Amazon!
strengthens connections, builds trust, and reminds us that sometimes the quietest gestures speak the loudest.
This year, my Valentine’s gift to my wife is simple: I’m going to try to be a better listener. (I’m not saying I’ll nail it, but I’m going to try!) Whether it’s pausing before responding, asking questions to understand better, or just sitting quietly and soaking in what she’s saying, my goal is to make her feel heard. Listening is a skill we can all improve. It’s not just for romantic relationships, either — it’s for friends, coworkers, and even strangers. When you make someone feel truly heard, you’re giving them a gift money can’t buy.
I’ll admit it: I’m not the best listener. My mind is often racing with work tasks, ideas, or what I want to say next. And I’m not alone — so many of us listen to respond rather than to understand. But as my co-host reminded me, effective communication begins with listening. He shared a story that really stuck with me. After returning from a weeklong counseling retreat, he spent two hours sitting on the back porch with his wife. He barely spoke — maybe three sentences in the entire time — but when they came inside, she said, “That’s the best conversation we’ve ever had.” The power of listening lies in the pauses, the patience, and the effort to simply be present. By being present, you create a space where others feel valued and understood. True listening
Paul Tillich said it best: “The first duty of love is to listen.”
Wealth Solutions: AdvocateWealthSolutions.com | Law Office: DandBLaw.com | 1
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MEREDITH SMITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
of any number of things from drafting estate planning documents, assisting with marketing mailings, checking in with current clients and prospective clients, making outbound calls, and assisting in estate planning meetings. I also help with marketing duties including any seminars that Greg may have. WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help people plan for the future and make sure their families are taken care of. I love to make lifelong connections with clients and touch base with them even about things going on in their lives that aren’t law or finance related.
I also find the work environment here at DuPont & Blumenstiel very satisfying and productive. I love working with my coworkers. The team we have here is amazing when it comes to working together and being there for each other. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE HESITANT ABOUT CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN? The most important thing I could say is to just do it. You never know how short life can be, and you never know what might happen to you or a loved one. Don’t wait 20 or 30 years from now to start the estate planning process. Get it done now. You can always come back and make a change later to the documents you already have in place.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT THE LAW FIRM, AND WHAT DO YOU DO HERE? I started working for DuPont & Blumenstiel in 2018 and have spent time in nearly every role here. My typical workday consists
WE APPRECIATE YOU
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE PODCAST?
We want to use this space to express our gratitude to the following members of the community who have recently
EPISODE 41: “Navigating Long-Term Care With John Broyles” EPISODE 40: “Mastering the Art of Listening With Matt Halloran” EPISODE 39: “Defined Benefit Plans: A Secret Weapon for Small- Business Owners With Brad Barlow”
left us a review or have referred someone to our care. Thank you!
Dave Betz Alex Kurtz Rebecca Strohl Greg Sutton Shankar Krishnamoorty Eric Robertson Kat Crowley
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2 | Wealth Solutions: 614-408-0004 | Law Office: 614-408-0529
Falling behind on retirement savings can feel overwhelming, but it’s never too late to take action. Whether you’ve been hit by unexpected expenses, started saving late, or didn’t prioritize retirement earlier, there are steps you can take to get back on track. Here’s a guide to catching up on your retirement savings and securing your financial future. ASSESS YOUR CURRENT SITUATION Start by figuring out where you stand. Take a detailed look at your existing retirement accounts, other savings, and expected sources of income, like Social Security or a pension. Determine how much more you’ll need to meet your retirement goals. This may seem daunting, but knowing your starting point is the first step to building a solid plan. MAXIMIZE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS If you’re over 50, you can take advantage of catch-up contributions. The IRS allows you to contribute more to 401(k)s and IRAs than younger individuals. For example, in 2025, you can contribute an extra $7,500 to your 401(k), bringing the total to $31,000. For IRAs, the catch-up limit is $1,000, allowing you to contribute up to $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older. Smart Moves to Boost Your Retirement Nest Egg Falling Short?
CUT EXPENSES AND REDIRECT SAVINGS Take a close look at your budget and identify areas where you can possibly cut back. Redirect those savings into your retirement accounts. Even small sacrifices, such as eating out less or canceling unused subscriptions, can add up over time. DELAY RETIREMENT (IF POSSIBLE) If you’re able to work longer, even a few extra years, it can significantly boost your retirement savings. Delaying retirement allows more time for your savings to grow and increases your Social Security benefits! INVEST STRATEGICALLY If you’ve been investing conservatively, consider rebalancing your portfolio to include more growth-oriented options, like stocks. While risk is a factor, a well-diversified portfolio can yield better returns over time. Falling behind on retirement savings doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With a proactive mindset and a clear strategy, you can still work toward a secure and enjoyable retirement
SUDOKU
SKILLET CHICKEN IN CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO SAUCE
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp butter
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• • • • •
•
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp herbes de Provence
2 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 cup pine nuts
• • • • • •
3/4 cup canned sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
1 cup spinach
Fresh thyme, for topping Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream
• •
Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE A publication of Advocate Wealth Solutions, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
INSIDE
Talk Less, Listen More PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Meredith Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 How to Turn Your Retirement Savings Around at Any Age Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce PAGE 3 Your Guide to Mardi Gras 2025 PAGE 4
The Cultural Essence of Mardi Gras Much like Coachella or the NFL draft, Mardi Gras is one of the year’s most anticipated events. The vibrantly colored beads and masks represent more than just a celebration — they’re a cultural phenomenon that captures the essence and history of New Orleans. evolved into a unique melting pot of Creole, African, and European influences. More than 50 countries around the world now celebrate the festival, including the largest Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. back to the late 1800s, those participating in the many Carnival parades, especially in the French Quarter, throw beads out into the crowds of revelers. Many masked parade WHY EVERYONE NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AT LEAST ONCE
participants, known as “krewes,” create spectacular floats and elaborate costumes to mimic the Venetian Carnival of ages past. The parades are held throughout the week before and on Fat Tuesday. THE TRADITIONS OF YEARS PAST During Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday lives up to its name. The local cuisine is among the best in the world. Whether you are looking for traditional fare like gumbo and crawfish etouffee or local favorites like lobster pizza and king cakes, restaurants serve these options and more day and night. If you want to check out the cocktail scene, ask about the Hurricane . Pat O’Brian’s bar served this local libation during World War II (when whiskey was hard to find) and is still popular today!
THE FESTIVITIES OF THE CARNIVAL SEASON Carnival commemorates the season before Lent, the 40-day period of abstinence leading up to Easter. In a tradition that dates
If you want to celebrate spring with unparalleled revelry, extravagance, and tradition, pack your bags for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s on Tuesday, March 4, this year, the day before Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar. Find out why everyone should experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans at least once in their lives. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS Mardi Gras is the French term for Fat Tuesday, with celebrations dating back to the 1700s and Renaissance Europe. The traditions of this celebrated holiday are deeply rooted in Italy and France but have
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NEW CLIENTS: Let Us File Your Taxes for Half of What You Paid Last Year
When the IRS comes looking for more revenue, will they be looking at wage earners in the top 50% or the bottom 50%? You need to prepare now. In efforts to provide the highest level of service to our friends and clients, I wanted to make sure you knew of a valuable service we offer. In addition to Advocate Wealth Solutions (aka DuPont Wealth Solutions), I also own a very successful tax preparation and comprehensive tax planning firm, Ohio Tax Advocates, Ltd. This company utilizes highly skilled tax professionals to protect you and your family from paying more than your fair share. We strive to level the playing field, and maybe even tilt it in your favor, legally and ethically. Ohio Tax Advocates isn’t your run-of-the-mill tax preparer. Our meetings go beyond such
As government spending has climbed to an unprecedented level, the Internal Revenue Service is getting more aggressive than ever in its search for funds. Without proactive tax guidance, your income and savings are left vulnerable to Uncle Sam. Did you know … • The top 1% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $540,000) pay 40.1% of all federal income taxes. • The top 5% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $217,000) pay 60.3% of all federal income taxes. • The top 10% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $151,935) pay 71.4% of all federal income taxes.
standard advice as “max out your 401(k)” and “contribute to an IRA.” We work with a carefully vetted team of tax professionals and CPAs from across the country to help proactively plan better tax outcomes for our clients. Through this effort, we can often lower future tax liabilities and, as a result, provide a more coordinated tax, estate
planning, and retirement income planning process.
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614-356-8647
taxplanningohio.com
614-356-8647
taxplanningohio.com
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but if you want to get a jump start on THIS year’s savings, see us NOW. This is a limited-time introductory offer. We are proactive planners and not last-minute firefighters. To take advantage of this reduced rate offer, you just must provide us with 15 minutes of your time and all information needed for your return by March 31. With any request for us to file after March 31, we will file for extensions and charge our standard rates. Is potentially saving thousands of dollars in taxes now and in the future a priority for you? If so, call us at 614-356-8647 to get started now.
We believe these three goals must work in harmony to achieve the best results. Wouldn’t you agree? These services may benefit you regardless of whether you are a business owner, a W-2 employee, or a retiree. I have found that there are almost always tax planning opportunities for anyone who pays tax — don’t let the fact that you get a refund hide the amount of taxes you have paid. At this time of year, many people are considering whether they should do their taxes themselves or perhaps change their tax preparer. If you are contemplating such a change, we would like to make a special limited- time introductory offer. Our team will prepare your 2024 tax return for one-half the fee you paid a professional preparer to prepare your 2023 tax return. If you prepared your 2023 tax return yourself, we will prepare your 2024 federal, state, and local returns for $350. When that return is complete, we will also conduct a complimentary review to determine what, if any, changes could be made to reduce your future tax obligations. With a few exceptions, it’s too late to change your tax outcomes for this past year,
P.S. As with all the services we provide at Advocate Wealth Solutions and DuPont and Blumenstiel, our offers to you extend to your family and close friends as a courtesy to you. So, if you don’t think you will benefit from this offer but think you know someone who may, feel free to let us know and we will treat them with the same level of expertise and care you have grown to expect from us.
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