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844-44PANIC | PanicProofRetirement.com | August 2025
A TAX-WISE STRATEGY FOR LONG-TERM CARE PLAN AHEAD, PAY LESS LIVE SEMINAR DO YOU KNOW THE 3 KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT & INVESTMENT PLAN?
An ancient philosopher once said that the only constant in life is change. While he was describing the ebb and flow of the natural world, the principle applies just as well to the needs of retirees today. Even the best-planned portfolios must sometimes be realigned to meet changing needs. Long-term care costs loom ever-larger as retirees grow older. The average annual cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is almost $115,000 — a hit big enough to crush many older adults’ nest eggs. And only 7.5 million Americans have some form of long-term care insurance. Many retirees are looking for more flexibility to cover long-term care costs, if and when they arise. Withdrawing cash from nonqualified annuities — that is, those funded with after-tax dollars — is one way of doing that, but it’s not a tax-savvy move. Distributions from nonqualified annuities are generally taxable. A Tax-Free Option Under provisions of the federal Pension Protection Act, however, annuity holders have a smarter, tax-free route to pay long-term care costs. The law allows annuity holders to do a tax-free exchange of a nonqualified annuity for a comparable annuity with a long-term care rider attached. That means earnings from the original annuity can continue to grow, tax-deferred, in the new annuity, and the new annuity can continue to generate an income stream. However, the holder also gains a safety net against potentially crushing long-term care costs. If the annuity owner becomes ill or too frail to care for themselves, they can tap benefits under the long-term care rider in the new annuity without having to pass medical underwriting. This is significant because medical underwriting is the obstacle to many Americans’ obtaining long-term care insurance. In one industry survey, nearly 20% of applicants in their 40s and more than half of those over age 75 were rejected by long-term care insurers for health reasons. Instead, the Pension Protection Act allows retirees to use cash from the annuity to pay long-term care expenses as soon as they arise, or any time after they have been certified by a licensed health care provider as chronically ill. This is defined as being unable to perform at least two activities of daily living, such as
Join us for this complimentary program and learn how to avoid the most common financial mistakes and how to make sound decisions. Wednesday, Aug. 20 or Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. Great Oaks Country Club, Rochester, MI Register today! Seating is limited. Call toll-free: 833-863-0542 or Scan This Code Be sure to enter code TEDREK when you register.
bathing or eating, or requiring supervision because of a cognitive impairment. And distributions under the long-term care rider are tax-free!
While these provisions took effect in 2010, they have drawn increasing attention recently amid a multiyear boom in annuity sales.
These annuity swaps are called 1035 exchanges, based on the section of tax law that allows them, and the rules are complex. If you would like to explore this option, it’s wise to get professional advice to ensure you don’t run afoul of the IRS. Among essential steps, take a close look at the terms of your annuity. Only nonqualified annuities — those purchased with after-tax dollars — are eligible. Also, see whether you would be subject to early-surrender charges if you take cash out. If you want to learn more about your options for improving long-term care protection, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you find the right combination of products to ensure the income you need, plus peace of mind if you need extended care!
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SCROLL SMART A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Social Media Social media is a huge part of growing up today. From sharing pictures to keeping up with friends and family, it’s become a daily routine for many kids. But it also comes with serious risks. Here’s how to help your kids use social media wisely. How old should they be? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to be at least 13 before opening a social media account. But that is not an absolute: Some kids may be ready at 13, others not until 16. Research has identified serious negative effects on children under 13, such as not enough sleep, poor body image, and cyberbullying. Start the conversation on your terms. Before your child opens their first account, ensure they know social media isn’t just likes and filters — it’s a public space where people share their lives and opinions. Help them understand the permanence of what they post. Even if something “disappears,” screenshots and digital footprints last forever. Chat about privacy. Privacy settings are your child’s first defense, but they are not perfect. Explain why it’s important to protect personal information. Ensure they never share things like their school name, home address, or phone number online — even with people they think they know. And never become “friends” with anyone they don’t know in person. Remind them that kindness counts. The internet can be a harsh place, but it doesn’t have to be. Teach your kids to treat others with kindness online, just like they would in person. If they wouldn’t say it face-to-face, they shouldn’t post it. It’s also important to talk about how what they post today could impact them in the future, from college applications to job opportunities. Be a good role model. If you constantly scroll or overshare, kids will think that’s normal. Show them what balanced, thoughtful social media use looks like. Put the phone down. Enjoy time offline.
When your head hits the pillow, are you counting sheep but not catching any z’s? It’s time to hit snooze on nights of tossing and turning and wake up refreshed with a better sleep routine! Getting the proper amount of rest every night is crucial to living a healthy life and can even help prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A sweet slumber starts with the proper routine. Here’s the dreamy plan to wake up feeling your best. Bedtime Boundaries Consistency and bedtime boundaries can help your body and mind get into a regular rhythm to reach REM sleep. Try to go to bed around the same time every night to train yourself to get sleepy regularly. It doesn’t matter what time you choose as long as you stick as close to your sleep schedule as possible. You should also select a time before bed when you consistently turn off your phone, computer, and other devices. The blue light from electronics makes your mind think it’s daytime and can distract you from dreaming. Relax, Rewind, Rest You can use many tools to help relax and unwind from the day and prevent intrusive thoughts and tension from keeping you up at night. Listening to gentle music before entering the bedroom can put you in a sleepy state of mind. Journaling or writing a to-do list before it’s time to nod off can remove lingering stresses or racing thoughts. Try meditation or yoga to ease your muscles, focus your mind, and eliminate anxious feelings. Dine Right, Sleep Tight Though a late-night snack or a delayed dinner might seem harmless, it can make drifting off difficult. Your digestive system takes time and energy to break down food, which can keep you awake if you eat too late. Eat light, healthy suppers so your stomach can take a snooze with you, and avoid eating anything several hours before you plan to hit the hay. Prep for Your Best Rest Yet Pillow Talk
Keep the conversation going. Social media is always evolving, and so are its challenges. Let your child know they can come to you if something makes them uncomfortable or if they’re unsure about what to do. Being smart on social media is a life skill. With the right guidance, kids can enjoy everything it offers, without falling into the pitfalls. A frank conversation now can make a big difference later.
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WHY FITNESS FANS ARE FLOCKING TO BONE BROTH
The latest viral fitness trend comes from an ancient source: a nutrient-rich broth as old as time. Bone broth — a soup typically produced by boiling chicken, turkey, or beef bones for 12–14 hours — is gaining attention on social media as a “bonus food” that aids recovery after workouts and delivers abundant proteins and electrolytes. Endurance athletes have long guzzled bone broth at aid stations during long- distance competitions to deliver the necessary sodium and energy boost. Now, the tasty brew is appearing on more supermarket and grocery-store shelves as professional athletes, weekend warriors, and health-conscious workout devotees learn about its benefits. What are the benefits? While typical chicken or beef stock might simmer for a couple of hours, the animal bones used in bone broth must be simmered in water for 12–48 hours to extract all the bones’ nutrients. Nutritionists claim that bone broth can be a high-value addition to the diets of athletes and casual exercisers alike. People who work out hard need electrolytes to replace those lost in sweat, and this brew has plenty of them, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Bone broth also contains collagen, a protein that helps keep tendons and ligaments strong. A Drexel University nutritionist interviewed by Outside magazine calls it “Nature’s Gatorade.”
Of course, health-food fads can explode and flame out with dizzying speed. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider before gulping down bone broth.
Is it just another fad? While it has many supporters
among nutritionists and dietitians, the benefits of bone broth have not been
proven in peer-reviewed research. Adherents must use it consistently to reap its full benefits. Bone broth also lacks adequate protein to meet a
person’s total needs. Plus, it may contain heavy metals leached from animal bones and can interfere with some medications, such as blood thinners.
Nevertheless, humans have consumed bone broth since ancient times, and it’s still a staple in many cultures. Consumers should check with their doctors before adding it to their diets. As food fads go, this one may have some promise.
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Take a Break
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • Fresh ground pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
The information published in this newsletter is educational in nature and is not intended to be a recommendation to sell or purchase an annuity or any specific insurance or financial product. You are strongly urged to consult with financial planning, tax, and legal advisors to determine if an annuity is suitable in your financial situation.
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INSIDE
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A Smarter Way to Fund Long-Term Care — With a Tax-Wise Annuity Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Social Media World Your Guide to Dreamy Sleep Habits Fuel Like a Pro: Why Athletes Love Bone Broth Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza Host the Perfect Late-Summer Bash Before Fall Rolls In
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Your Guide to the Ultimate End-of-Summer Party
Feature a Curated Playlist Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a playlist that starts with mellow tunes during dinner and transitions to more upbeat tracks as the evening progresses. This progression keeps the energy lively and encourages dancing or sing-alongs — the best way to entertain guests. Arrange Themed Decor Choose a theme to tie your party together. A tropical luau, garden party, or rustic picnic theme can guide your decorations, attire suggestions, and menu choices. Incorporate elements like themed tableware, centerpieces, and signage to reinforce the vibe you’re opting for. Choose Engaging Activities Plan interactive games or activities to entertain guests. Popular lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or a ring toss are crowd-pleasers. Or, you can get creative and set up a photo booth with fun props — those always promise a fun time. Remember, hosting a late-summer party is a great way to celebrate the last few months of the season. With thoughtful planning, your party will be a hit!
As summer winds down, there’s still time to host a memorable late-summer gathering that captures the season’s warmth and joy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable party any guest would enjoy! Embrace the Golden Hour Schedule your party in the late afternoon so your guests can enjoy the sunset and cooler evening temperatures. Enhance the party vibe with lanterns, string lights, or candles to create a cozy atmosphere as daylight fades. Serve Refreshing Beverages Set up a self-serve drink station featuring a variety of options to cater to all guests. Include a signature cocktail, such as a fruit-infused sangria or a sparkling mocktail, citrus-infused water, and sodas and juices. This approach keeps guests hydrated and adds a festive touch. Pick a Seasonal Menu Opt for a menu that highlights all things summer. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light proteins like chicken or fish are great choices. For dessert, try a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar or fruit skewers with yogurt dip.
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