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CampbellWealth.com • (703) 535-5300 • 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 August 2024 AUGUST CHALLENGE Start Your Bucket List and Make Memories
Wow, it’s August already — the year seems to be flying by. August is one of the prime vacation months for Americans. Whether you’re hitting the beach, embarking on a family trip, or enjoying a staycation at home, August is the perfect time to unwind and relax. It really is amazing how busy we all have become — and I mean everyone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to newly retired clients who tell me they are busier now than when they were working. While I think it’s very important to have downtime, it’s equally important to have things to do, especially in retirement. Goals, a bucket list, hopes, and dreams are important at any stage of life. But I think they are even more important in retirement. While many of our clients in retirement likely have too much on their plate, I also encounter individuals who genuinely miss their work. For some, their employment was their life, purpose, and identity. But you can’t work forever. That’s why it’s critical to have these goals in retirement, and one of the best ways to have plans for the future is to write them down.
Some call it a goals list, and others refer to it as a bucket list, but the beauty of having a list is that it will keep you active. Most humans enjoy having lists — or should I say they love checking things off their lists. The process promotes feelings of accomplishment and achievement. From what I’ve found, the people who have a list and frequently review it are much more fulfilled in retirement than those without one. These are also the same folks I mentioned earlier with the full schedules. However, while it may be tough to fit more into their calendars, they are doing the things they always wanted to do, and they are able to do them simply because they wrote them down. So, as we dive into August, I challenge you to start your own bucket list. Get out a piece of paper and write down 10 things that you will commit to doing before the end of the year. You can add more later, but start with 10 — that’s a good number. But please, make sure they’re fun things. You shouldn’t include things like taking out the trash or doing the dishes. More importantly, jot down enjoyable and exciting activities like: • Take a guitar lesson • Hike the Billy Goat Trail (4.7-mile hike in Great Falls)
• Cook your all-time favorite meal • Take your grandkids to the circus
No matter what fun activities and plans you add to your list, make sure they are memorable! The great thing about having a bucket list is that once you get into the habit of putting things on it and checking them off, you will enjoy more experiences, create many more memories, and have much more fun. After all, isn’t that what your golden years are all about? So start your bucket list now and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Kelly Campbell
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Take a Literary Adventure THE KEYS TO A THRIVING BOOK CLUB
• Loan Calculator Apps collect, store, and report information from various savings and investment accounts, providing a single platform to track asset performance. • Spending and Savings Apps offer a wide range of activities, including “what- if” scenarios to help users better plan their finances. • Banking Apps provide FDIC-insured banking options, which may include faster direct deposits, bill paying, and other account management features. Criteria Once you’ve decided on a category, consider the following additional criteria: • Credibility: Not all information on the internet is reliable. For instance, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times are generally more credible than anonymous blogs. The same principle applies to apps: know who is providing the information. lists published by groups, like PBS Books Readers Club or the Seattle Public Library’s “Staff Picks for Adults 50+.” Others focus on a specific author, such as Jane Austen, and some clubs focus on a genre, such as mysteries or memoirs. If starting your own isn’t realistic, many public libraries host book clubs for seniors, and you can join at little to no cost (outside of finding a copy of the book, obviously). Check with your community library for groups in your area. Also, the AARP retiree organization sponsors a virtual book club called Senior Planet. The potential rewards are worth the effort. Reading opens the mind to new ideas and improves memory. Staying connected
and socially active can enrich your life in numerous ways, from improving your cognitive health to easing the negative effects of loneliness.
People of all ages crave human connection, and book clubs are an increasingly popular path to that common ground. Book clubs bring together people with common interests and offer opportunities to build friendships through discussion. If you want to be in a book club, one of the best ways is to start one yourself. Setting guidelines for how your club will work can take time and discussion with prospective members. Some groups focus on the month’s bestseller, while others select from Many book clubs take on a character all their own, such as a monthly wine-and- cheese party with a little casual reading on the side. Social media influencer Katie Iwanski illustrated this option in a hilarious TikTok video. Among the 11 guidelines she posted for her book club, she included the following: Everybody brings a bottle of wine; guests choose a food theme, such as “crostini night”; and discussion devolves from discussing the book and making cast picks for the movie version to opening more wine and letting the night end in chaos. And a good time was had by all! FINANCIAL FREEDOM AT YOUR FINGERTIPS BEST APPS TO CONSIDER
Technology is amazing and only getting more helpful every day. So, why not take advantage of the many financial and investment apps available to assist with your personal finances? This leads to an important question: What should you look for in a personal finance app? Category First, consider what type of financial app would be most useful for your needs. There are five basic categories: • Budget Tracking Apps allow users to record expenditures as they occur, helping to monitor bank balances and budget categories. Some also let users create budgets and track how closely their spending aligns with them. • Financial Assistant Apps collect, store, and report information from various savings and investment accounts, providing a single platform to track asset performance.
• Security: Before using any financial app, read its privacy or security statement. This is typically found at the bottom of the company’s web page or in the “About” section. Contact the company to request a copy if you can’t find one online. • Clarity: A good personal finance app should provide easy-to-understand information. While some apps offer detailed charts of stock performance using various financial analyses, the app may not be useful if you don’t understand the analysis. • Relevance: Consider the relevance of the information provided. A mutual fund company may offer great investing advice but may be less useful for tax management information. By asking yourself these key questions and considering these criteria, you can select the app that best fits your personal finance needs.
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A FLUFFY GUARDIAN ANGEL How a Dog Saved Its Foster Family From Disaster
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth
the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat. “If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said. The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today.
program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured
“What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said. Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad
INGREDIENTS Chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil
Inspired by PureWow.com
Corn and poblano salad • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 poblano peppers, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 14-oz can of corn • 4 scallions, minced • Juice of 2 limes • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro • Salt and pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 tsp black pepper • Zest of 1 lime • 8 chicken thighs
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 3. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, and lime zest. Dredge chicken in the mix to coat. 4. Add chicken, skin-side down, to skillet, then place skillet in the oven for 30–35 minutes. 5. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and add poblanos. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. 6. In a bowl, add poblano mix, corn, scallions, lime juice, and cilantro, toss and serve with the chicken.
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CampbellWealth.com | (703) 535-5300 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400 Alexandria, Virginia 22314
INSIDE Your Bucket List Starts Now! Launch a Successful Book Club Financial Apps 101 — Categories and Criteria for Success Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad The Ultimate Beach Retreats to Visit This Year
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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. Our firm does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your situation.
JET-SET TO PARADISE Discover 2024’s Top Tropical Getaways
Palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and intimate jungle views — if you’re ready to fly off to a tropical paradise in 2024, this year’s trend is small beach resorts and private retreats. If you want to book a tropical trip, you should check out these destinations that travel experts can’t stop talking about. Grab your sunscreen and a sense of adventure because these three destinations are sailing atop the charts! Costa Rica There’s a reason Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica the best destination in 2024. Known worldwide for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and unique biodiversity, this peaceful nation is a haven for nature lovers. You can explore the jungle and view native animals by visiting one of the country’s volcanoes, nature preserves, or the
Térraba-Sierpe Wetland, Costa Rica’s largest mangrove swamps. If you want the most luxurious experience possible, the Nayara Tented Camp is one of the newest hot spots for a glamping trip. The resort is made up of private tents at a spot with incredible views and offers five-star amenities. Panama If you want a mix of old-world charm and modern splendor, Panama has established itself as one of the “it” destinations for travelers. This country offers a little bit of everything, from rainforests and beaches to vibrant cities. Whether you want to stroll down the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo and marvel at the architecture or visit one of its museums, Panama gives guests a mix of activities and chances to spoil themselves.
Saint Kitts The island of Saint Kitts is a nature-lover’s paradise in the West Indies. With rainforests, mountains, and serene shores, you can explore by land or relax on the beach. Catch a glimpse of elusive green vervet monkeys at Mount Liamuiga or step back in time by visiting the Brimstone Hill National Fortress. Snorkeling and golf are popular pastimes in this growing hot spot of the Caribbean. As you plan for your next great tropical escape, set sail for one of 2024’s hottest destinations. Whether you want to traverse nature or lounge on immaculate beaches all day, your seaside oasis awaits you!
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