Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE 24 MAR
A Positive Mindset Propels Success OPTIMISM IN ACTION
As the motivational speaker and author Brian Tracy once said, “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.” His observation has certainly proven true for me. As National Optimism Month rolls around this month, I have been thinking about the importance of optimism in all facets of life. Every day, my dog wakes up at the crack of dawn. The minute the alarm sounds, she is wagging her tail, ready to rock and roll and head outdoors. She is eager to welcome the new day and revel in a walk around the neighborhood. We could all learn a few lessons from her. How much better off would we all be if we all started our days with that kind of optimism? As readers of this newsletter know, I’m optimistic about my future. I believe I will live well past 100, with good health and a good life. Optimism is what gets you up off the couch saying, “I’m going to walk the dog today and get some exercise,” instead of, “Ehh, I can never be healthy.” It’s the fuel for making us human. A positive outlook is very important in protecting yourself against the forces of pessimism that bombard us daily in the media. That is one reason I invest in professional coaching and read self-help literature. I prime myself with examples of others who have used optimism as a launch pad to success. I believe that optimism plus action equals results. As the author Thomas Friedman said, “All great changes have been accomplished by optimists.” OPTIMISM IN BUSINESS. No one can succeed in founding and building a business without optimism. My personal optimism is the foundation for all of my work. This is especially true when making a transition, as I did, from being an attorney working for somebody else to founding my own fee-based financial planning firm. You simply can’t set out on your own and hope to build a lasting business without being optimistic about the future. As the late General Colin Powell said, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” That is how optimism has worked for me. TEMPERING ‘HOPIUM.’ As a fiduciary and advisor, I am optimistic in the long term about trends in the stock market. That optimism mustn’t make us blind, however. I sometimes have to temper
people’s optimism when it borders on what I call “hopium,” the irrational belief that the markets will always move to their advantage. I like to introduce realistic thinking about what could happen. Balance optimism with awareness of risk. There are going to be long periods when the market is down. Build diversification into your portfolio as a hedge.
Nevertheless, while we have gone through some rugged bear markets, history shows that over long periods of time, the stock market always grows. And sound financial planning helps people make the most of that growth, empowering them to age with confidence. As you move into National Optimism Month, consider starting the day like my dog — ready to rock and roll the minute the alarm sounds. How might that kind of optimism fuel positive change in your life?
Wealth Solutions www.DuPontWealth.com | Law Office www.DandBLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
MEREDITH SMITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
How long have you been working at the law firm, and what do you do here? I started working for DuPont & Blumenstiel in 2018 and have since become the go-to contact person for our financial planning clients. My typical workday consists of making outbound calls, checking in with current clients and prospects, and assisting in estate planning meetings. I also help out with marketing duties, including any seminars that Greg may have. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help people plan for the future and make sure their families are taken care of. I love to make lifelong connections with clients and touch base with them even about things going on in their lives that aren’t law or finance related. I also find the work environment here at DuPont & Blumenstiel very satisfying and productive. I love working with my coworkers. The team that we have here are amazing when it comes to working together and being there for each other. What would you say to someone hesitant about creating an estate plan? The most important thing I could say is to just do it. You never know how short life can be, and you never know what might happen to you or a loved one. Don’t wait 20 or 30 years to start the estate planning process. Get it done now. You can always come back and make a change later to the documents that you already have in place.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE PODCAST?
We want to use this space to express our gratitude to the following members of the community who have recently
EPISODE 16: “The Success of WSN’s Founder’s Club” EPISODE 17: “The Hidden Dangers
left us a review or have referred someone to our care. Thank you! Kareen Calma Robert and Jennifer Zapp Ken Sudol
& Benefits of Life Insurance Policies with David Kottler, J.D., C.A.P.”
Subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform:
2 | Wealth Solutions 614-408-0004 | Law Office 614-408-0529
Slash Your Tax Bill and Boost Your Savings Tax-Saving Tactics
Taxes are an inevitable part of life, but with strategic planning and smart financial decisions, you can minimize your tax burden and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a business owner, there are several effective strategies to explore that can help reduce your tax liability. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. Contributing to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or Roth IRAs can provide significant tax benefits. Contributions to traditional retirement accounts are typically tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income for the year. Additionally, earnings within these accounts grow tax-deferred until withdrawal, allowing your investments to compound over time. Roth IRAs offer tax- free withdrawals in retirement, providing tax diversification in retirement planning. UTILIZE TAX-EFFICIENT INVESTMENTS. Investing in tax-efficient vehicles such as index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs),
or municipal bonds can help minimize taxes on investment gains. These investments often have lower turnover rates, resulting in fewer capital gains distributions, which are taxable. Municipal bonds offer tax-exempt interest income at the federal level and sometimes at the state level, making them an attractive option for taxable accounts. MAXIMIZE DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS. Take advantage of all available deductions and credits to lower your taxable income, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions, and medical expenses. Additionally, tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit can directly reduce your tax liability, providing valuable savings. PLAN FOR HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAS) AND FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSAS). HSAs and FSAs offer tax advantages for health care expenses. Contributions to HSAs are tax-deductible, and withdrawals
for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, reducing your taxable income. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. Tax laws are complex and constantly changing, making it essential to seek professional guidance from a qualified tax advisor or accountant. A tax professional can help identify personalized strategies to minimize your tax burden based on your unique financial situation and goals. By implementing these strategies and staying informed about changes in tax laws, you can effectively minimize your tax burden and keep more of your money working for you. Remember, proactive tax planning is key to optimizing your financial success and achieving your long‑term goals.
SUDOKU
SESAME GARLIC RAMEN
Inspired by TheSaltyMarshmallow.com
This recipe will transform ramen into a main dish dazzler.
INGREDIENTS
2 6-oz packages of ramen noodles
1 tbsp brown sugar
• • • •
• • •
2 tsp of sesame oil
2 tsp Sriracha
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Chopped green onions, for garnish
1/4 cup soy sauce
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Toss the seasoning packet or save for another recipe. 2. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 3. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. 4. Remove pan from heat, whisk in soy sauce, brown sugar, and Sriracha until well combined. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness to taste. 5. Drain noodles and combine with sauce, tossing gently. 6. If desired, add your choice of cooked meat or tofu and mix thoroughly. 7. Garnish with green onions.
Wealth Solutions www.DuPontWealth.com | Law Office www.DandBLaw.com | 3
655 Metro Place South, Ste. 440 Dublin, OH 43017 614-408-0004 DuPontWealth.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE A publication of Advocate Wealth Solutions, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
INSIDE
From Vision to Victory: Celebrating National Optimism Month PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Meredith Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 Smart Tax Moves Sesame Garlic Ramen PAGE 3 Exploring Sintra, Portugal PAGE 4
This Beautiful City Is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
ADD SINTRA, PORTUGAL, TO YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!
As spring break nears, you might already have plans to travel to Punta Cana, London, Key West, Paris, or a similar destination city. One more to add to your travel checklist is Sintra, Portugal. This beautiful town rests on the hills of Serra de Sintra, just outside the capital, Lisbon. The two castles within the city are the main draws, and it’s easy to see why.
PENA PALACE AND GARDENS The National Pena Palace and Gardens are absolutely stunning. The palace is adorned in primary colors, with intricately carved yellow, red, and blue buildings. It’ll cost you 10 euros to explore the grounds and a couple of extra euros to go inside, but it’s worth it! The carvings include many styles, including Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. Everything is opulent, and you’ll have a great time as you take in the extravagance. Some rooms are painted as an optical illusion, with doors and hallways looking three- dimensional when they’re just flat. Once you head back outside, the rest of the grounds are just as lovely. The enormous gardens have many trails, marked and unmarked. You can get lost in the beautiful oasis, and we encourage you to put aside at least half a day to explore the gardens.
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA Quinta da Regaleira is the city’s second significant castle boasting beautiful gardens, but its main draw is the initiation well. This 80-foot-deep well is a wonder as it sinks into the earth with mossy walls. We suggest you go early, as this is another big attraction for those visiting the city, and officials try to keep people moving as they arrive, mainly as it’s one-way traffic on the steps themselves. Once on the grounds, you can explore many grottos by following their main paths. The castle itself isn’t as opulent as Pena Palace, but it’s still a lovely location to visit. Sintra is perfect for any vacation, and though these are the main draws for the city, by no means are they the only ones. We encourage you to check out this city and see if it fits your travel plans.
4 | Wealth Solutions 614-408-0004 | Law Office 614-408-0529
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator