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Taking the Right Path to Your Financial Future
I hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start! My year began on an interesting foot. During the holidays, we had an office get- together. After the party, I was putting a table away when it slipped and landed square on my left big toe. This was a 50-pound table, mind you. One trip to the emergency room and a consult with the podiatrist later, I knew why I was in so much pain. I had completely shattered the end of my big toe. The podiatrist did what he could the day after. There were some stitches involved, but he had one major concern: infection. As a result, he wanted to see the progression of my healing, which meant I’d be visiting his office regularly. Since then, I have been seeing my podiatrist every three days or so. He checks up on it, redresses the bandages, and makes sure it’s healing as expected. The reason I bring all this up has everything to do with my doctor’s process and the purpose behind his approach to care. In short, my podiatrist is extremely methodical. He wants to make sure there is no threat of infection or any other issue. This is why he wanted me to visit his office so frequently. An infection can set in remarkably fast if you’re not careful. Well, I got to thinking about his method, which brought to mind our process at Campbell Wealth Management. We’re always focused on keeping you on the right path, regardless of market conditions or other factors that may influence your retirement plan.
During the checkups on my foot, my
doctor mentioned something else that piqued my interest. He told me it was a good thing I was in shape and ate a healthy diet. This is important when it comes to healing.
He also said that if I were to develop any kind of infection, they would likely remove part of my toe. If I was prediabetic or diabetic, I wouldn’t have the option. He would have gone straight to recommending the amputation, rather than going through the motions of the healing process. Today, over 50 percent of the adult population in the U.S. is prediabetic — a concerning statistic. In that moment, I was thankful to be on the WildFit program, which I talked about in our January issue. The program requires me to eat a very healthy diet and has made me very aware of the food I consume, even though I was never particularly unhealthy before. Because of my nutritious diet, my body can heal itself better. Being aware of one’s health by staying active and eating right is so important. You never know what might happen in the future — unexpected illness, injury, and more. When you focus on better health and nutrition today, you and your body will be in a better place to handle whatever comes your way. Continued on Page 3 ...
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Speak From the Heart
Pastore that he’s created a show for children, saying, “I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health.” He doesn’t speak from the piece of paper in front of him; he speaks fromhis heart. Rogers shares with Pastore what he tells viewers at the end of each episode: “You’ve made this day a special day just by being you.” “I’d like to see this program,” Pastore says. Five minutes into the speech, he is transformed, just like anyone who’s seen Rogers’ show. “I’m supposed to be a pretty tough guy, and this is the first time I’ve had goosebumps for the last two days,” Pastore tells him. How has Rogers swayed the senator? He hasn’t waved a magic wand or given a dramatic performance, but Rogers’ passion is so palpable, even Senator Pastore can’t help being won over. After Rogers shares the words of one the songs he features in “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” Pastore has heard enough. “I think it’s wonderful,” Pastore declares. “Looks like you just earned the $20 million.” If you’d like to seeMr. Rogers' testimony for yourself, you can check it out at youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA . How Mr. Rogers Saved PBS
It’s May 1, 1969. As the war continues in Vietnam, people gather in the Senate Subcommittee on Communications inD.C. to fight for what they believe is critical to the American
public. Proposed budget cuts to Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) threaten the programs that have become dear to so many, and $20 million is on the line. For a public television station, this is everything. Over the course of two days, Senator John Pastore, chairperson of the subcommittee, has listened to speech after speech about why PBS should be awarded the funding. He’s tired of hearing the same bland data and is eager to have the ordeal over with. Then Fred Rogers, host of the newly syndicated series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” steps up to the microphone. Unlike his fellow speakers, Mr. Rogers doesn’t use numbers or research to persuade Senator Pastore. In the calm voice many of us associate with our childhoods, Fred Rogers shares with Senator Pastore the reasons why he’s concerned about what children see on television. Two minutes after Rogers has begun talking, Pastore’s demeanor changes—his face softens, and he can tell Rogers has something important to say. Fromhis work in child development, Rogers has come to empathize with and understand the worries and fears of children. He explains to Senator As you draft a will or living trust and your family grows, you may decide to add minor children as beneficiaries. The challenge many families face is one of age. Children under 18 cannot legally inherit property. However, there are options you can pursue to ensure your children or grandchildren have access to certain assets. Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) Through the UTMA, you can designate a custodian in your will or living trust to manage property intended for minor children. The custodian manages and distributes the property for the child’s benefit. Once the minor beneficiary reaches a certain age — 21 in most states — custodianship ends and remaining property is distributed to the child. This is a great, inexpensive option when younger children are involved. When older children are involved, a trust may be a better choice. Trusts Trusts are generally more flexible. Setting up a trust for your children or grandchildren is similar to setting up a UTMA custodianship. Your will or living trust designates a trustee to manage and distribute property you wish to leave to your minor children. The trustee has a fiduciary obligation
LEAVING PROPERTY TO YOUR CHILDREN 2 Major Options for Families
to follow the specific instructions in your will or living trust.
One major benefit of trusts is customization. You can designate the following: expenses covered by the
trust, like health, education, and support; at which age the beneficiaries will inherit the property outright; when distributions should be withheld, in instances of irresponsible behavior; and requirements for educational distributions, such as maintaining certain grades.
Should you establish a trust, you have two primary options: a family pot trust or separate trusts for each child. A family pot trust can benefit all the living children and stay active until the youngest child reaches a certain age. In separate trusts, you can tailor each trust share based upon a child’s individual needs. Some children may require more than others. It also allows you to divide and distribute your property equally.
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Embracing ‘Spendophobia’
3 WAYS TO INVEST IN YOURSELF AFTER RETIREMENT
We at CWM want you to be financially healthy, too. A big part of what we do is make sure you’re in a good monetary position at all times. We work to address issues or respond to the market and keep you out of harm’s way. That way, you don’t have to worry when those unexpected events pop up. Going into the new year, I feel good about where we are, what we’re accomplishing, and how well-prepared our clients are for any of life’s situations. We hope you feel the same way! If you agree or feel differently, let us know. We want to hear your thoughts. Feedback of every kind is welcome and helps us do better by you and your family. And if you have any friends who don’t feel as confident about their financial situation or the advice they’re currently getting, let us know! There’s no reason they shouldn’t be in good standing while going into the new year. After all, if they’re important to you, they’re important to us. You’ve spent your entire life being told to save, save, save. Now you’re finally retired, so it’s time to spend some of that money — but you’re scared! This is only natural because it means breaking a lifelong habit of socking away money and refusing to touch it. You’re not alone. A recent study of retirees’ spending habits showed many people actually spend less than they can afford to. They’re scared of the “what ifs” that come with living on a fixed income. However, at age 70 1/2, you have to start taking the required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA and 401(k) whether you want to or not. Instead of stressing over the fact that you’re pulling money out of these accounts, embrace the opportunity to do something for yourself. Travel It can be tempting to hold off spending money as long as possible. After all, who knows how long you need your savings to last? Travel, however, is one thing you can indulge in early without feeling guilty. Even the most leisurely trips can be physically demanding, so it’s better to see the world at 70 rather than wait until you’re 90. To keep yourself on track financially, use the bucket system to set up a separate savings account just for travel. Invest in Your Home Once you no longer have to work five days a week, you’ll be in your home more often, so why not make it amazing? An in-ground pool or a private tennis court might be outside your budget, ... Continued from cover
but new kitchen countertops or a deeper tub will add a touch of luxury to the space you spend the most time in.
Upgrading your home is almost always a good investment because it adds equity, which will pay
off down the road. That extra cash will come in handy if you decide to sell later on in order to downsize or you plan to enter assisted living. Don’t forget to set aside money for ongoing maintenance, such as a new water heater or roof repairs. Go Back to College It might sound counterintuitive to go to college when you’re not planning to go back to work, but continuing your education after retirement offers many benefits. Many individuals find themselves with more time on their hands than they’re accustomed to, and without a plan to fill this time, it’s easy to become depressed or isolated. Numerous studies have shown that continuing to exercise your brain has a positive impact on cognitive function, so taking a few classes can be the perfect way to stay busy and keep your mind sharp. Attending school late in life is also a great opportunity to indulge your passions and learn more about subjects you’ve always been interested in. Many colleges offer free classes or reduced tuition to seniors, so check with your local schools and see what classes or programs they have available.
Spicy Salmon Tartare
Ingredients • 1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon lime zest • 1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced • 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced • 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated Directions 1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve. • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • Crackers or chips, for serving
Kelly Campbell
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Inspired by Epicurious
700 S. Washington St. Suite 220 Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (703) 535-5300 CampbellWealth.com
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CampbellWealth.com (703) 535-5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 600 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Inside
Do You Have a Financially Healthy Future? How Mr. Rogers Saved PBS Leaving Property to Your Children 3 Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Spicy Salmon Tartare 3 Ways to Improve Your Memory
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Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Campbell Wealth Management, LLC (CWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and CWM are not affiliated entities.
Tips to Keep Memory Sharp and Improve Cognitive Function STRENGTH OF MIND
Irish poet Oscar Wilde once called memory “the diary that we all carry
Get Physical Taking care of our physical health has also been shown to help brain function. According to a study by Sydney University in Australia, aerobic exercise is particularly good at jogging our memory. The researchers note that “aerobic exercise acts by preventing the usual decrease in neurogenesis associated with aging, thus resulting in greater retention of neural matter — particularly in the hippocampus.” In short, exercises like swimming and running keep the part of our brain responsible for memory from shrinking. Spend Time With Friends and Family Humans are social creatures. Many studies have shown that being a part of a supportive social group can significantly benefit our physical and mental health. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health reports that people who have daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia and mental impairment almost in half. Our mental diaries may be longer and fuller than they were in Wilde’s day, but if we fill those pages with hobbies, exercise, and close friends, our memories will remain sharp and vivid for the rest of our days.
about with us.” Of course, in Wilde’s time, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years old. As modern medicine continues
to enable people to live longer, these “diaries” tend to become muddled. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract the natural dulling of our memory that comes with time. Puzzle Yourself Just like any other muscle, our brain needs a workout in order to stay strong. As Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson of Harvard Medical School writes, “Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells.” Activities like solving puzzles, learning a musical instrument, or picking up a new hobby work wonders to keep your mind active and your memory sharp. These mental exercises are especially important after retirement, often to make up for the loss of stimulating challenges that work used to provide.
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