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FEBRUARY 2023
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On Dec. 22, 2017, a few things happened when President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), or Trump Tax Plan. First, he got rid of personal exemptions, and second, he raised every American to one standard deduction to offset income. These changes stopped many people from itemizing their deductions because they didn’t add up to the standard deduction amount. This created an issue because people could not write off things like donations since the total amounts did not exceed their standard deduction. For example, the standard deduction amount is $27,700 for a married couple. However, if you donate $3,000–$4,000 each year to your church, you won’t be able to write those donations off because sometimes, even with mortgage and interest added, your deductions would not be more than $27,700. For 2023, the standard deduction amounts are $13,850 for those filing as single or married filing separately, $27,700 for married filing jointly, and $20,800 for the head of household. Meaning: to itemize your deductions for 2023, they would have to exceed the above amounts for your filing status. Open a Donor-Advised Fund! TIRED OF NOT BEING ABLE TO DEDUCT YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS?
If you’re thinking, “there’s no way my deductions will reach that amount,” there is still a way to get there. The strategy is to use a “Donor-Advised Fund” or DAF.
A DAF is simply an investment account that is only for donations. You can contribute cash, stocks, or other non-publicly traded assets to this account. The money is irrevocable, meaning it cannot be taken back and will only go to an IRS-qualified charity. While your assets are in the account, they have the potential to grow tax-free. So, what you can do to meet that standard deduction is use a Donor-Advised Fund to hold your donations for the next few years, all in one place. For instance, if you’re a married couple that donates $3,000 yearly to your church, fill your DAF with a few years’ worth of donations. Then, just continue donating to your church like you usually would, but just out of your DAF account. You could even choose to only use a fraction of that account over the next 5 years! The idea is that when it comes time to file, you’ll already have a large portion of your standard deduction amount covered by your DAF deduction. However, there are a few rules and limits to how much you can deduct. For example, if you put cash into your DAF, you can deduct 100%. But, you can only deduct 60% of your adjusted gross income in any given year. So if your adjusted gross income is $100,000, you’d only be able to deduct $60,000 that year, regardless of how much you have in your DAF.
BRIDGERIVER FEB. 2023 SEMINAR INFORMATION Filippa’s (Shelby Township)
1/31/23 & 2/2/23 6:30PM, More Income & Less Taxes with Dan Casey 2/7/23 & 2/9/23 at 6PM, Retirement Planning with Krisstin Petersmarck 2/15/23 & 2/16/23 at 6:30PM, More Income & Less Taxes with Dan Casey 2/28/23 & 3/2/23 at 6:30PM, Top 3 Annuities for Explosive Income & Safe Growth with Dan Casey Camp Ticonderoa (Troy) 2/7/23 & 2/9/23 at 6:30PM, 5 Tax Strategies with Dan Casey
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THE FANTASTIC BENEFITS OF MANICURES FOR MEN The idea of men going to a nail salon for a manicure or pedicure was taboo for decades, but in recent years, this pampering practice has become more popular with men. In fact, many beauty professionals recommend that men get a manicure at least once a month, if possible. If you or a man you know has been contemplating getting a manicure or pedicure, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the mental and physical health benefits you’ll experience. Improved Nail Health Have you ever experienced a painful hangnail or nail infection? They can be incredibly irritating. If you want to avoid experiencing them in the future, get regular manicures and/or pedicures. Manicures and pedicures strengthen your nails and keep them trimmed and clean, improving their overall health. If you’re planning to wear nail polish, be careful because it can dry out or discolor your nails. Stress Relief A popular de-stressing method for many people is to get a massage. Most nail salons will massage your hands and feet before manicures and
pedicures, which sends calming signals to your brain and allows you to unwind and relax. Hand massages can even decrease anxiety, help you sleep better at night, and improve your wrist and finger flexibility. This massage will also help improve blood flow, which can reduce soreness if you use your hands regularly throughout the day. Younger-Looking Hands We expect to notice the effects of aging as we grow older, but getting manicures can actually slow down the aging process in our hands. Many manicurists will apply lotion and other creams to our hands that benefit our skin health. They might not be able to remove any sun damage or liver spots altogether, but they will be able to reduce signs of aging. It might feel daunting to walk into a nail salon for the first time, but there is nothing unusual about it. Get ready to experience some amazing benefits and treat yourself!
LEARN VALUABLE LESSONS BY WATCHING ‘MIRACLE’
One of the Greatest American Sports Stories
In February of 1980, the U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team shocked the world when they upset the Soviet Olympic team 4-3 in the semifinals of the Winter Olympics. The Soviet team had won the previous four Olympic gold medals and had defeated the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden three days before the beginning of the Olympics. American head coach Herb Brooks and team captain Mike Eruzione inspired their team to go undefeated in the opening round of play, forcing a rematch with the Soviets. The American victory occurred when political and military tensions were high between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This victory proved meaningful in the Cold War’s grand scheme, though the players participating in it might not have realized it at the time. This fantastic story was immortalized in February of 2004 when Disney released the movie, “Miracle.” The film, starring Kurt Russell, explored the events involving the hockey team before and during the 1980 Winter Olympics. “Miracle” shows how Brooks built the team and persevered through challenging obstacles to help his team win the gold medal.
inspire others. He states, “Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight, one game. If we played them 10 times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” His powerful speech ignited the flame that led the Americans to victory and has been shown at sporting events worldwide during pressure situations to inspire great moments.
You also learn about teamwork, as there were no true stars on the team. They were a group of college-aged amateur players who were able to compete with the greatest hockey force in the world. Without every player’s hard work and dedication, the Americans would never have made it as far as they did.
If you’re looking for an inspiring movie to watch with the family this winter, give “Miracle” a try.
You can learn plenty about leadership and teamwork by watching “Miracle.” Herb Brooks’ pregame speech shows how powerful words can
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HOW IS TOM BRADY STILL COMPETING IN THE NFL?
A STRICT DIET AND FITNESS ROUTINE
Football fans have speculated on Tom Brady’s retirement for years, so when he announced he was retiring at the end of last season, few were surprised. Then Brady shocked the world when he announced he was coming out of retirement just 40 days after hanging up his cleats. In doing so, Tom Brady became the oldest player in the NFL for the 2022 season at 45 years old. Many wondered how Brady would be able to compete when the average NFL player was 20 years younger than him, but he proved his physical well-being was of no concern. And it’s all thanks to Brady’s fitness program, The TB12 Method. In 2017, Brady released a book called “The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance,” which gave fans an insight into his diet and workout routine. The basic tenets of his program have remained the same for years, but remember that even Brady participates in cheat days from time to time. Tom Brady’s diet consists almost exclusively of organic, locally grown, seasonal, whole foods. He avoids all processed foods, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, caffeine, MSG, alcohol, iodized salt, dairy, nightshade vegetables, most oils, and nearly all foods containing soy or gluten. He
doesn’t combine fruit with other food and won’t combine high-protein foods like meat and fish with carb-heavy foods, such as brown rice or bread. Brady also tries to drink half his body weight’s worth of water (more than 2 gallons) each day and won’t eat within three hours of going to sleep. Sounds easy enough, right? The diet is only one part of Brady’s wellness routine. He also pairs it with two fitness routines, one for the football season and one for the offseason. Brady wakes up each morning at 5:30 a.m. He then gets a four-minute, pre-workout massage before doing a 40-minute resistance band workout. From there, he moves to movement drills like squats, lunges, and planks.
He finishes each workout with another massage and then participates in 15 minutes of online brain exercises to help with his visual precision. Brady will do this at least 4–5 times a week during the offseason. If you ever wanted to diet and exercise like Tom Brady, now you know how. You might not win any Super Bowls if you try it, but you’ll be well on your way to improving your physical health.
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Chai-Spice Butternut Squash Smoothie
If you decide to put a noncash security into your Donor-Advised Fund, the most you can write off in one year is 30% of what those assets are worth, regardless of how much their total worth is inside your DAF. You can use those remaining deductions over the following years, so you’re always starting the year closer to exceeding your standard deduction amount with a DAF. This strategy works well because it allows you to stay one step ahead. At Bridgeriver Advisors, we manage the account for you. We’ll research any charity you choose to ensure your donations are deductible. We’ll also continue to grant your funds on a schedule that suits your needs. If you want to keep sending donations once a month, we can do that for you. We’ll monitor this account to verify that you’re always maximizing your deductions while giving back to a cause you care about. Call Us
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Ingredients
• 1 ripe banana, frozen
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk • 1 tbsp almond, cashew, or pecan butter (do not use peanut butter, the flavor is overpowering)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cubed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
butternut squash, cooked and frozen
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
at 248.785.3734 to learn more about what a Donor-Advised Fund can do for you.
• 1/8 tsp allspice
Directions
1. In a large, high-powered blender, add all ingredients and blend on high for 1–2 minutes or until all ingredients are well combined. Add more milk if necessary to thin and blend again.
-Dan Casey President, Bridgeriver Advisors
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INSIDE
This Issue How Donor-Advised Fund Can Help You Reach Your Standard Deduction
3 Benefits of Manicures for Men
Learn Life Lessons Watching Disney’s ‘Miracle’
Tom Brady’s Wellness Routine
Chai-Spice Butternut Squash Smoothie
3 Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities
SPENDING VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE FAMILY?
Try Out These Activities
Valentine’s Day demands most of the attention in February. This holiday is designated for couples to share their love and do things they greatly enjoy together. While this usually consists of dinner dates, a movie, and possibly even dancing, some parents have a difficult time getting away. Maybe they can’t find a babysitter, or one of the kids is ill, causing them to cancel plans. You might think there’s no point in celebrating the holiday if you can’t do so with just your significant other, but you can turn Valentine’s Day into a family- friendly event. Here are a few activities to try if you’re spending Valentine’s with the kids this February. Write love notes to each other. Valentine’s Day is all about love, so what better way to celebrate it than by sharing your love with those closest to you? Take a moment and have every member of your family write love notes to each other. Encourage your kids to share their happy memories and explain why they love each person. This can be a fun and educational activity for your kids as you can help them with their spelling and grammar.
Have a fancy dinner. You don’t need to go out to have an extravagant Valentine’s dinner. You can make one at home by incorporating the same ingredients as the dishes you would get at a restaurant. Or you can order from your favorite restaurant and pick it up. Use a fancy tablecloth, light some candles, and have fun with it. Don’t forget to include a special dessert; you can even make mocktails to amp up the fun. Finish the night with a movie. Valentine’s Day is often one of the busiest nights of the year for movie theaters, but you don’t have to go out to enjoy a movie during the holiday. Head to your favorite streaming service and find some family-friendly romantic comedies to watch together. “The Princess Diaries,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and “Gnomeo and Juliet” are all great options.
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