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May 2019
A Foreign Worker & Undocumented Alien Aid Program THIS IS MY TURN
On top of that, we would not need to build a multibillion-dollar wall. Countries would stop illegal immigrants from coming to America to protect their foreign aid funding. We would deduct the amount spent to care for
How can we fix the state of immigration in our country?While it is a complex subject with countless opinions, there are steps that can be taken to change things, especially as they relate to taxes and health care. What do I mean? Consider the following. All migrant and foreign workers must obtain a Social Security card for a nominal processing fee of $50 from their local county clerk’s office, which would have a state abbreviation attached. For example, in Michigan, the “MI”would be followed by the same set of numbers issued by the Social Security Administration (for instance, MI6-55-5555). The county clerk would forward this information to the Social Security Administration, including name, country of birth, picture, and a right-hand thumbprint. This allows the worker to gainfully work in this country and pay all appropriate taxes, including Social Security tax, while alleviating the burden placed upon business owners to document workers. Additionally, the business owner would be required to fill out and retain an employment application for workers and maintain a copy of the worker’s Social Security card on file. The foreign worker would supply an additional right-hand thumbprint on the employment application. The worker also pays into Social Security. However, they are not eligible for Social Security benefits until they become a citizen of the United States. Once they become a citizen, all wages from that point on would qualify them for normal benefits and would only be paid as long as they resided in the United States. This would shore up Social Security, and supply agriculture and other industries would get needed migrant workers. At the same time, it would not allow foreign workers to vote — a right of all U.S. citizens. Medical Aid for ForeignWorker Undocumented Alien Program Once a person fulfills these requirements and has a Social Security card, they are eligible for necessary medical treatment at any certified medical facility. The medical facility would treat the worker and bill the standard Medicare rates directly to the federal government. The federal government would deduct costs from the foreign aid we give to the country of origin of the worker. This would reduce insurance rates by reducing free medical costs.
their citizens from their U.S. foreign aid, saving our health care programs millions of dollars and directly recouping from their country of origin foreign aid. Driver’s License for ForeignWorker Undocumented Alien Program This allows a foreign worker who has the Social Security card to apply for and be issued a driver’s license under all the normal state regulations. This is important because without a valid driver’s license, they cannot get insurance. Without insurance, unlicensed foreign workers are a detriment to those who get into an accident and sustain losses. This alleviates a portion of the automobile insurance rates and protects U.S. citizens from these uninsured drivers. The standing argument is they are here illegally, which is true. However, they are still here. The U.S. spends billions of dollars to track, deport, and log illegal aliens who are, for the most part, following our societal laws. We wouldn’t need as much money directed to these issues, and the resources could be put to better use at the border. The border patrol would be better used for the interception of illegal goods, drugs, and to stem the cash flow to those who would try to bring in illegal aliens for cash or human trafficking. This program has its flaws. The trust of illegal aliens to participate is a major component. With our history of raids and deportation of illegal aliens, support of this program by undocumented and illegal aliens will take time. But once the precedent is established, alien workers would flock to the program. This is just my take. What’s yours? The only way to make a real difference is for us to change our current laws and develop a program that is good for all, not just a few! –Gary Mattson
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HOW BEING OPEN TO GROWTH LEADS TO SUCCESS THE POWER OF ‘MINDSET’
If you’ve ever said “I’m just not good at math” or “I’m not a natural leader,” you’ve fallen into the fixed mindset trap. If you believe there’s nothing you can do to change your circumstances, you’ll never strive to improve them. The same is true of positive fixed opinions of yourself. Dr. Dweck points out that those who believe themselves to be “a great boss” or “an amazing athlete” are also doing themselves a disservice. Once you think your skills are tied to who you are as a person, you’ll avoid challenging them for fear they might be found wanting. This leads your talents to atrophy as you seek detours rather than facing challenges head-on. Dr. Dweck argues that, instead of falling victim to the pessimism and self-delusion that defines fixed mindset thinking, we need to recognize that the path to success lies in open-minded perseverance. “A person’s true potential is unknown (and unknowable)” she says. “It’s impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of passion, toil, and training.” Not only
In this issue we’re diving into an old clFor decades, Dr. Carol S. Dweck studied the phenomena of success. How is it that some people are able to grow their business, stay fit, or achieve their personal goals while others in similar situations stall out? “Mindset” is Dr. Dweck’s answer to this question. Subtitled “The New Psychology of Success,” this book chronicles the Stanford psychologist’s findings, which suggest an inseparable link between belief and achievement. According to Dr. Dweck, people tend to think about the challenges in front of them in one of two ways. They either have a “fixed” mindset — believing that their talents and abilities are static, intrinsic properties of who they are — or a “growth” mindset — believing they can improve every aspect of themselves with practice and perseverance. Those who approach life’s hurdles as an opportunity for growth are the ones who find long-term success.
CLUBS: NOT JUST FOR HIGH SCHOOL
The Best Way to Stay Active in Retirement
While it’s great not having your nose to the grindstone nine-to-five, leaving work also means leaving behind a lot of daily activities and social interaction. Eventually, having nothing but free time goes from relaxing to isolating, and that can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. When planning for retirement, it’s important to plan ways to stay active and engaged. Joining a new organization or club can be a huge benefit. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay active in retirement. Enjoy Your Hobbies Did you spend years dreaming about hitting the golf course every day? While it can be nice to spend some time alone on the green, consider joining a golfers club if you want to mix things up. Enjoy scrapbooking? Check for get-togethers at the craft shop. If you’ve always wanted to try pottery, look for a class at the rec center. It’s easy to find groups dedicated to just about any activity. Get Involved Think of the causes you’re passionate about and get involved! Animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for volunteer help. Book lovers of all ages can join their local Friends of Libraries chapter. To make a difference through politics, help with fundraisers or join an active campaign. If you want to stay closer to home, check out your local homeowners association. There are plenty of ways to engage with like-minded people while making a difference.
Try Something New Don’t know where to start when looking for a group to join? Start online! Try searching “groups for retirees” and see what comes up. You might discover a travel group and start planning your trip to Asia. Or maybe you’ll have more fun mentoring young people in your professional field. Don’t be afraid to spend your retirement doing something new! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your alone time, but don’t let your alone time turn into a lonely retirement. Joining a group can help you broaden your social circle, stay active, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.
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LEAVING A LEGACY OF GIVING
does “Mindset” drive this point home with well-documented experiments and studies, but it also provides a workshop to help people break free of their fixed mindset and find success.
Making Charity a Part of Your Estate Plan
Your estate plan is far more than just a set of documents. It’s a declaration of what you find most important and a roadmap of the legacy you’d like to leave. Not only does a proper estate plan ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of when you’re gone, but it also allows you to make an impact on the wider world through charitable giving. Many avenues exist for making planned gifts to nonprofits, but here are some of the basics on how to make giving a part of your plan. Name a Charity in Your Will The most basic way to give to a charity is by naming it in your will. Simply name the charitable organization you wish to support among your beneficiaries, and specify the assets you wish to give. If estate or income taxes are a concern, ensure your chosen organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. These are the charities the IRS deems tax-exempt. Match the Assets to the Charity Almost all charities will accept cash bequests, though it is always a good idea to notify an organization about what you are planning to give. Smaller philanthropies may not accept complex assets, such as stocks or real estate. On the other hand, some charities may specialize in specific assets. For example, if your home is considered a historic site within your town, you may want to gift it to a preservation society so that it stays properly maintained. Decide How to Give There are different ways to structure a charitable bequest, giving you the flexibility to make sure your estate planning goals are met. If you have a set sum of money or a particular asset you wish to leave to a charity, you can make a specific bequest in your will. However, if you want to ensure your loved one’s needs are met before giving a portion of your estate to charity, you can make what’s known as a residuary gift. With a residuary gift, once debts have been paid off and your other beneficiaries have received their bequests, a specified percentage of your remaining estate will go to a charity of your choice. Other Avenues Depending on your income level and the kinds of assets in your estate, more complex means of making a planned gift may be available to you. Talk to your estate planner to see if creating a charitable trust or establishing a foundation is the right move for you.
SHRIMP SAUSAGE SKEWERS ALLISON’S FAVORITE
These shrimp skewers are a quick way to add some surf and turf to your cookout. Pair them with a vinaigrette salad for a side dish that compliments without overwhelming the main event.
Ingredients
Creole Seasoning Ingredients • 2 tablespoons paprika •
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1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon onion powder 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
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1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2- inch cubes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
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Directions
1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
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SAVE THE DATE! MAY 3 — “SHOWUS WHAT YOU GOT!” VINTAGE CAR FIRST FRIDAY EVENT FROM 3–6 P.M. AT OUR KENTWOOD OFFICE JUNE & JULY —NO FIRST FRIDAY EVENTS JULY 13 — ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT, “A MAGICAL NIGHT IN SHANGHAI” MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! AUGUST 2 — “SHOWAND SHINE!” MATTSON CAR SHOW FIRST FRIDAY EVENT FROM 3–6 P.M. AT OUR KENTWOOD OFFICE
3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
This is My Turn — Making Changes to Immigration
1
How Being Open to Growth Leads to Success Which Club Is Right for You?
2
Shrimp Sausage Skewers Making Charity a Part of Your Estate Plan
3
How to Travel Sustainably
4
**Reminder: If you have any changes to your financial situation, please notify us as soon as possible.
Investment advisory services are offered through Mattson Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Michigan. Insurance products and services are offered through Lakeview Financial Group, LLC. Mattson Financial Services, LLC and Lakeview Financial Group, LLC are affiliated companies.
GO GREEN
Get Out There With These Eco-Tourism Tips
Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. Travel Green When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! Stay Green Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and
they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world. Do Green Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.
Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.
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