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April 2023
It’s All About Perspective How Contentment Leads to Better Financial Decisions
Understanding money is more about psychology than economics. Advertisers and Hollywood have conditioned us to believe a new _____ (car, house, job, spouse, etc.) will make us happy. And sometimes it does but never for long. When it comes to money, our behavior follows our beliefs. The problem isn’t that we’re not rich. It’s that we don’t feel rich. Instead of counting our blessings, we focus on what we don’t have. It’s no wonder we feel discontent. Even John D. Rockefeller (widely considered the wealthiest American ever), when asked how much money is enough, said, “Just a little bit more.” If those who have it all lack security and peace of mind, what hope do the rest of us have? Actually, more than you’d think. As it turns out, happiness is a choice, not a condition. According to researchers at UC Berkeley, our circumstances only account for about 10% of our happiness. About 40% is under our control. The key is engaging in intentional activities, like counting our blessings. If you find yourself falling into the scarcity mindset, here are some ways to stay (or get back) on the right track. Gain perspective. The first step to overcoming the “just a little bit more” mindset is recognizing you already have enough. The Global Wealth Report 2022 shows the average American is wealthier than 85% of the rest of the world. While you may not be the wealthiest person in America, you’re undoubtedly rich when compared to the rest of the world. The problem is that most of us have no idea where our money goes. By simply tracking her spending, one client discovered $1,989.25 a year was going to Starbucks. How many Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espressos does one person really need? Cutting back to one a week saved her over $1,700 a year, and she found she looked forward to it and enjoyed it more! Apps like Mint, Goodbudget, and EveryDollar make it easy. Create a budget. I’m not going to tell anyone how much money they should live on each month, but everyone should have (and periodically review) a spending, savings, and giving plan.
It’s okay to start by saving just 1% of your income and giving 1%, too. Just like you wouldn’t jump out of bed one day and expect to run the Boston Marathon without preparation, you won’t be ready to make significant changes to your financial habits overnight, either. When creating a budget, the biggest thing to understand is that if you’re unhappy with what you have now, you won’t be satisfied with more. Don’t give yourself a larger spending budget just to keep up with the Joneses. Maintaining emergency savings and paying off debt is more important than the hottest gadget on the market right now. Live within your means and focus on the small things you can do daily to move closer to your goals. Leave a legacy. Lastly, the biggest downfall of the scarcity mindset is it only lives in the now. There’s no long-term outlook regarding what you’ll need in the future because you want immediate gratification. And by doing so, you leave yourself and your family vulnerable to the financial consequences of an unexpected death, disability, or extended care situation later in life. Remember, the best estate plan in the world won’t help if there’s nothing left to protect. Whether you leave behind a little or a lot, your financial values and life lessons are priceless. Your contentment, no matter your circumstances, sets a powerful example for your descendants. If
you need help planning your family’s financial future, call 803-746-7000 for a meeting. We’ll help you feel secure with what you have so you can stop worrying about outliving your money and enjoy the rest of your life.
Whoever loves money never has enough, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Ecclesiastes 5:10
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outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Cheese and desist! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
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TAKE A BREAK Buds Conservation Diamond Easter Lily Planting Refund Regrowth
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Shower Sweets Taxes Volunteer
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed Ingredients
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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803-746-7000 www.planningyourlegacy.com 100 Stone Village Dr Ste 208 Fort Mill, SC 29708
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Financial Pitfall of ‘Just a Little More’
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Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
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Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
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Sip … but You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
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