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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Financial Horizons Your Connection for Wealth, Lifestyle & Legacy
McBeathFinancialGroup.com 309.808.2224 Thank You for the Support! TOGETHER, WE WON AGAIN IN THE PANTAGRAPH READERS CHOICE AWARDS!
I would be surprised if you hadn’t already heard the news. Couldn’t you hear me shouting from the rooftops? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I was thrilled to learn that — once again — many of our supporters helped us secure first place in many categories for the Pantagraph Readers Choice Awards! For the fifth year in a row, we’ve been voted as the No. 1 Best Financial Planning Office in the area, and for the past four years, we have been named the No. 1 Best Investment Firm ! I was also incredibly honored to be voted No. 1 in a new category as the Best Individual Financial Planner !
displaying the trophies and awards. They are just numbers, and what’s really important are the people I serve. I don’t do this work for trophies; I do it for my clients.
That’s what makes the Readers Choice Awards more personal and meaningful. Every vote our clients, supporters, and readers cast is a representation of a person whose life I may have touched for the better. I see these kind people expressing their gratitude by taking the time to choose me for recognition. It’s an incredible honor to be chosen.
However, I’m not the one who deserves the recognition. I’m actually only propped up by the incredible people who are my clients, friends, and supporters. I wouldn’t be where I am without them — without you!
This is the kind of recognition that means the world to me and by which I measure my personal success. To me, it’s a reflection of the relationships we have built and have had the joy to nurture over the years.
I know we have a much different approach to financial planning and investments than many others. I’m certain we aren’t the largest firm in the area, and we don’t have the most customers, but that’s never been our goal. Our strength is in a personalized approach and a deeper commitment to those we serve. We are a boutique firm in every sense. That’s not to say our company hasn’t grown at a rapid pace. But what I have noticed from the very beginning in the financial advisory world is industry recognition is far too often based upon production. Advisors are ranked and recognized at annual award events based upon the dollars they sold in financial products or new investment money. These honors showcase the financial advisor, not the people they serve. Personally, while I’m happy with how such achievements are a reflection of service to my clients, I’ve never flaunted such industry accolades. In fact, over the past several years, I’ve stopped
The real victory of this recognition belongs to all of you. Even as I write this, I can’t help but picture dozens upon dozens of those who have touched my life. I truly wish I could make a huge collage of all these wonderful people who helped me and put it in a full page in the Pantagraph. They are why I’m here today, lifting me up year after year. So, yes, I’m proud and honored; I can’t help but tell everyone this news. But that’s only because I’m grateful for the people who voted for me. You make this possible. Thank you!
—Krista McBeath
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The Benefits of Positive Relationships GOOD FOR MIND AND HEALTH
Connecting with other humans in a positive way is one of the most profound experiences we have. That positivity is one of the greatest virtues — it’s contagious, and engaging in happy relationships with others is extremely important not only for our minds but also for our health. Longer Lives Studies have actually shown that when people are involved in positive relationships, they live longer. This is likely attributed to decreased stress, as stress can exact a toll on the entire body. Positive relationships can also encourage us to give up negative habits such as drinking or smoking, which cause many health problems and concerns. Healthy habits can help people live longer lives. Quicker Healing Positive people in our lives can distract us from pain, remind us to take medication, be our advocates, and simply reduce stress. And less stress means healing takes place faster. Those who have a support person feel more confident and prepared to undergo surgeries and fight illnesses as well. Boosted Immune Systems It makes sense — people who have less stress have stronger immune systems. During times of high stress, our bodies are more susceptible
to illnesses because our immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can also lower the number of
lymphocytes available to fight infection. However, when we are in a happy and loving relationship, our bodies produce oxytocin, and we are less likely to get sick.
Better Physical Shape Being in a positive relationship, especially a romantic one, can provide the motivation to be the best version of ourselves. This includes our physical condition, too! Having a friend or workout partner to encourage accountability and even push us out of our comfort zone a bit at the gym can keep us motivated. Being in a positive, healthy, and happy relationship means we listen to each other, offer advice, openly communicate without judgment, practice respect and trust, and engage in healthy activities together. So, it’s no surprise that positive relationships work wonders for our health and happiness.
Closing Your 2021 Financial Checklist New Year, Improved Finances?
A new year is just a few calendar page flips away, and with this fresh start comes an opportunity to examine your finances. Consider this a starting point for your personal financial checklist to end the year. Start your taxes now. When it comes to taxes, procrastination is the enemy. While many tax forms are not available until January, you don’t have to wait until the new year to begin your taxes. In fact, starting now will allow you to begin tax planning for 2022, too! Start by gathering receipts and necessary documentation for items you wish to deduct from your taxes through itemization (as long as you don’t plan to use standard deduction rates). If, in the process of gathering your documents, you notice the need for last-minute changes, you will still have some — albeit limited — time to do so. (See the next point for a potential change you may want to consider.) Make gifts. There is tremendous value in making charitable donations while it’s still 2021. For starters, tax laws are very unlikely to change between now and the end of the year and will still impact 2021. This means any tax code changes made today and throughout 2021 will likely
impact gifting starting in 2022. So, it can be advantageous for you to give to organizations you wish to donate to while you are aware of what you can deduct from your 2021 taxes. Examine your retirement plans. Whether you retired this past year, plan to retire in 2022, or are still years away from retirement, the new year is an opportunity to thoroughly examine your plans. Start with what you are contributing to your retirement account. Could this be higher in 2022? Could you contribute the IRA max amount of $6,000? If not — or if you can save more — in what ways could you work to improve or bolster your savings plans? Then, consider the ways in which your retirement plans may have changed. The birth of grandchildren, new requirements at your job, and other transitions may cause you to push off retirement or retire early. If either is the case, you may have to reexamine how you save for retirement, when you withdraw (IRA withdrawal is required starting the year you turn 72), and the lifestyle you choose to live. Remember, there is no “magic number” in retirement. It’s about retiring at a time that’s best for you with a savings plan that has been crafted for your goals and dreams.
2 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
There are a few sights synonymous with the holidays. Twinkling lights, fresh snow, glittering Christmas trees, and neatly wrapped presents all evoke holiday spirit, but if you listen carefully, you can almost hear another distinct sign that the holidays are here. ‘Tis the season to see and hear bell ringers for The Salvation Army. If you carry cash or still shop in person, you may drop a few bills and coins into their buckets. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had regular donors reading this newsletter; I’ve learned over the years that my clients are generous people. I feel very fortunate to know and work with you. Year after year, I see my clients’ generosity displayed when we host the Toys for Tots collection bin. I’m overwhelmed when I see the boxes overflowing as they are collected by our local Marine Corps Reserve volunteers and distributed to children whose parents or guardians cannot afford to buy gifts. It’s an easy way to ensure the magic of Christmas is kept alive for everyone. We have anticipated this wonderful event since last year. Our faith and compassion for humanity compel us to help others whenever we are able to, and becoming a Toys for Tots drop-off location is one simple way we can do so. Whether you drop cash in The Salvation Army buckets, donate to Toys for Tots, or do something entirely different, the opportunities to give back are abundant throughout the holidays. But this doesn’t have to be the only time you give back — especially if you are retired. There is tremendous value to your happiness and community success when you volunteer in retirement. Age Wave, which examines aging populations, found that if every retiree volunteered just over three hours per week for 20 years, that could translate into an additional $6.8 trillion in efforts for society. How powerful is that? Their studies also found retirees want to do more! And let’s not forget the personal benefits that come with volunteering, including increased socialization and staying active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this can combat loneliness and isolation, which are categorized as major health concerns for aging populations and can exacerbate risks or symptoms of dementia, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Volunteering has also been shown to have mental health benefits and improve personal connection to the community. Regardless of how you choose to give back this holiday season, if you can, I hope you find a way to turn that action into a habit. Giving back is a strong way to create a better community and a greater retirement. Happy holidays! —Krista McBeath Try Volunteering! Want More Out of Retirement?
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I N S I D E
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Thank You, Pantagraph Voters, for Naming McBeath Financial No. 1!
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The Benefits of Positive Relationships
3 Must-Do’s for Your Financial Checklist
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The Power of Volunteering in Retirement
Take a Break
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Why You Should Visit New England for Thanksgiving
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Why You Should Visit New England Advisory services are offered through Landmark Wealth Management Inc, dba McBeath Financial Group, an Illinois Registered Investment Advisor firm. Insurance products and services are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC are affiliated. All content of this newsletter is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of McBeath Financial Group and our editorial staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual financial professional prior to implementation. Copyright 2021 McBeath Financial Group. DURING YOUR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Last year, travel restrictions kept many families from gathering together in their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, it appears that people will be able to travel freely to most locations. While a “destination Thanksgiving” might not be something you’ve ever considered, for some families, it can mean the perfect blend of quality fun and family time in an exciting new city. So, why not take advantage and bring your family to visit New England, the part of the country where Thanksgiving began?
As for what you could do when you’re in New England for your Thanksgiving weekend, there are a few popular destinations you just have to see for yourself. First and foremost among these are the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. When you visit, you’ll be transported back in time to one of the earliest settlements in the United States, where the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared the first Thanksgiving dinner.
Other fun destinations in that immediate area also include wandering the quaint historic downtowns of Ipswich,
Sturbridge, or several other colonial era towns. You can also find tons of fun shopping destinations in Beverly, Massachusetts. If you want your experience to be a little more rural, you can travel out to Lake Winnipesaukee
If you need more reasons than just the origin of a famous holiday, consider the scenery. If you’ve never visited New England in the fall, it’s something that every person should do at least once in their lives. The variety of colors on display in the trees throughout the quaint downtowns and nearby forests is
in New Hampshire, or Woodstock, Vermont, to experience a true traditional Thanksgiving celebration at Billings Farm and Museum.
Even though your family might not be used to traveling for Thanksgiving, how many opportunities will you have to visit Thanksgiving’s birthplace during the season? It’s the kind of vacation you don’t want to miss!
completely unique to that part of the country. There’s a reason that “visiting Boston in the fall” has become not only a popular vacation but also part of the American lexicon as well.
4 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
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