Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health
770-744-1855
HOW A SUMMER JOB AT 14 TAUGHT ME THE REAL VALUE OF WORK
Every summer, teenagers and young adults nationwide take a big step toward adulthood when they apply for jobs, interview, and begin working. This is an incredibly exciting time in their lives. I’m sure many of you have fond memories from past summer jobs, whether you mowed lawns in your childhood neighborhood, worked at a fast-food restaurant, or helped with the family business. Working helps teens better understand what their parents did to put food on the table, the importance of a strong work ethic, and how society operates. While many kids wait until they can legally drive to start working, I was incredibly eager to get a job. I wanted to earn money to buy whatever I wanted without having to go through my parents or another adult. I wasn’t going to wait until I was 16 or older to earn an income. Through my ingenuity, I got a signature on my work permit even though I was only 14. From there, Six Flags Over Georgia hired me, which proved to be a great experience. When I first started working at the amusement park, I was part of the grounds team. I would sweep up behind all the visitors, empty trash cans, clean out the bathrooms, and do all the other unappealing tasks
they threw my way. I made minimum wage, and after receiving my first paycheck, I immediately wondered how I could make more. I knew I had to work more, so I was at the park from when it opened until the last rides shut down for the day. I loved having that extra money because it gave me independence, which, in turn, boosted my work ethic — although I didn’t need much help in that regard. I’ve always been motivated and could easily hype myself up.
department, running the juice cart or other smaller concession stands. This proved to be a great change. Not only did I not have to worry about cleaning bathrooms anymore, but I was also making more money and doing less work. I wish I had asked about the different departments before starting work, but I was just too eager to jump in. While my first job is now nothing more than a memory and a handful of lessons learned, my daughter is preparing for her own first work experience. She’ll be helping out at gymnastics and cheer camps, which I know will be a valuable experience for her. If nothing else, she’ll make her own money for makeup or anything else she wants! If you have children approaching that prime first-job age, I highly recommend encouraging them to work as soon as possible. Work is a while giving them a greater appreciation for all you do and your sacrifices! –Duane Hamilton necessary part of life and will teach them many life lessons
Many people from my high school worked at or visited the park regularly. My wife used to see me pushing a big gray dumpster around, but she didn’t let that deter her from going on a date with me later in life. I think she, like many other women, appreciates a hardworking guy. However, after working the grounds crew for a while, I started looking into different departments and jumped over to food and beverage. I worked in the portables
1 770-744-1855
Passion Projects That Pay Off Hobby Hustles for Happy Retirees
Just because you’ve clocked out of work for the last time doesn’t mean you have to put your passion projects on hold! Retirement can be a perfect time to cash in on your craftiness or hustle with your hobbies. Whether you’re a master gardener, love to paint, or have an RV you rarely use, your favorite pastimes could pay off as side hustles. So, get ready to turn what you enjoy into a little extra income — and have a whole lot of fun doing it. START BLOGGING You can profit from your favorite hobbies without leaving the comfort of your home or favorite chair. Retirees can start blogging about the pastimes they love, whether that’s gardening, crossword puzzles,
dog walking, or knitting. A blog can be a handy tool to sell related items, like used puzzles or handmade scarfs, or you can even earn advertising revenue if you build a large enough fan base. Think of this as an online journal where you can share your niche expertise and joy while making extra cash. SELL YOUR CREATIONS If your hobby produces a product, like paintings, baked goods, or photography, you can sell your creations in various ways. Many retired artists sell their works at local coffee shops, art fairs, or other community spaces. You don’t need much computer savvy to set up a small shop online through sites like Etsy, which caters to handmade
and unique items. If you are a photographer, you can earn income from stock photography sites like Shutterstock, where browsers can use your images for a licensing fee. Every time someone downloads one of your photos, you get a little richer. RELAX AND RENT OUT Unused spaces or vehicles can also be surprisingly profitable. If traveling is your hobby but your RV has been sitting in the driveway for months, you can rent it out to other travelers. People are also lining up to rent unique spaces like swimming pools, homes, and even extra acreage for camping or room for their dogs to stretch their legs. So, that space you’re not using could be your next side hustle in disguise.
Taking a summer vacation can be a magical experience for the entire family. There’s nothing better than watching your loved ones light up with excitement as you approach your destination, drop your luggage and belongings off wherever you’re staying, and head out to take in the sights and sounds. However, traveling can come with stress and worry, especially if you drive a long distance to somewhere you’ve never visited. Here are three tips to remember if you’re heading out of town this summer. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Now that GPS is readily available, many people simply plug their address in and hit the road before doing any additional research. Figure out what route you’re taking beforehand to be prepared for any areas with chronic traffic or construction. This will help you determine how long the drive will take so you can plan accordingly. You should also utilize Google Vacation Vibes Start With Smart Drives Travel Tips for a Safer Getaway
Street View around your destination and where you’re staying; you’ll get a feel for the area before you even arrive! GET COMFORTABLE. Are you planning to fly to your destination and rent a car? If so, take some time to get used to your temporary vehicle. It likely feels different behind the wheel than your daily driver at home. Before you take a rented vehicle onto crowded roads, practice driving it on less busy streets or parking lots. Get a feel for how quickly it picks up when you press the gas, the sensitivity of the brakes, and the vehicle’s size. STAY FOCUSED, SOBER, AND AWARE. It may be your vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can drive recklessly. Keep your attention on the task at hand, follow the rules of the road, and drive defensively whenever possible. And never get behind the wheel after having a few too many drinks. The last thing you want is to get a ticket, experience an accident, or have the unimaginable occur while on vacation.
2
T ogether A gain
Plan the Perfect Family Reunion
Spending time with family is a blessing, but too many of us don’t get to see our families regularly. We may have fallen out of touch with one another, moved across the country or internationally, or struggled to keep up with each other while dealing with life’s many responsibilities. To ensure they visit one another annually, many families have family reunions. Since these events usually happen in the summer, July is National Family Reunion Month!
When families come together for a reunion, they can embrace their heritage, reflect on shared experiences, and reconnect with loved ones. However, these events don’t just happen on their own. Someone has to plan and put the entire event together. When planning your family reunion, the best place to start is to reach out to your extended and immediate family. You should do this about a year in advance to ensure everyone can attend. You don’t want to pick a date that coincides with another big occasion, like a birthday or graduation, so be sure to find a date that works for everyone involved. Once you talk with everyone and choose a date, set a budget and pick a location. This depends on your family’s size and who is willing to pitch in. If you
have a smaller family, you could host the reunion at someone’s home and cater it with a local favorite. If your family is large, you may need to go to a campground or rent a location to accommodate everyone. You may also need to consider a potluck if catering is too expensive or out of the question. Now that you have the vital logistics squared away, it’s time to decide on entertainment. You don’t want everyone to sit in silence! Keep in mind what the family likes to do, whether sports or entertainment events are ongoing, or nearby attractions could make everyone happy. Reunions are a special occasion, so enjoy them to the fullest. Planning the reunion may seem overwhelming, but once you get in a rhythm, it will be smooth sailing for future events!
C heesy T omato -B asil S tuffed C hicken
Call us at 770-744-1855 or scan here to schedule your call. F ind the right I nsurance plan !
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
3
770-744-1855
1201 Peachtree Street NE Building 400, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30361
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
770-744-1855
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2 2 3 3
Teen Jobs, Real Lessons Unlock the Earning Potential of Your Favorite Pastimes Safe Driving Tips for Summer Travel Plan a Stress-Free Family Reunion Everyone Will Love Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Inexpensive and Memorable Grandparent-Grandchild Activities
4
spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask! UTILIZE COMMUNITY RESOURCES Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals. BUILD AND CREATE Look out for free classes at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where kids can engage in projects like building a birdhouse. These workshops promise a good time and give the kids something to take home and be proud of. HOMETOWN TOURISM Lastly, don’t underestimate the joy of simple activities. A picnic in the park, flying a kite, or a day playing board games can be just as exciting and meaningful as any expensive outing.
EXPLORE NATURE TOGETHER Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low-cost access, and they’re great places to hike, learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!). SHARE YOUR HOBBIES Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn! Sharing your hobbies can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention
COST- CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS
Fun and Frugal Ideas for Grandkids
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget.
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator