Give us a call! 303-922-4304 www.AnnVanderslice.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
APRIL 2020
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
&Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
DON’T LET TAXES GET THE BEST OF YOU Stay Up to Speed With Your Choices and Changes
Tax Day is July 15 this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so if you haven’t tackled taxes yet, you have a little more time to prepare. If you’ve finished, relax and enjoy any returns you might receive, but don’t get too comfortable because it’s never a bad time to start planning for things to come. There’s still a lot to consider for your future. I’ve been telling people that taxes are basically “on sale” right now. What I mean is that with the tax cuts that came in 2018, most middle-class Americans saw a 3% decrease in their tax obligations. That means if you’ve been thinking about opening a tax-qualified account of any kind, like a Roth investment retirement account (IRA) or 401(k), now is a great time to do so. Even if you don’t need the money today, it’s a great opportunity to plan ahead. When we talk about planning ahead, the focus is often on our family and our descendants and how we’ll be able to care for them after we’re gone. We talked about an important new feature this year in a previous edition of this newsletter, but it’s a big enough change that it’s worth repeating and well worth thinking about
beyond the pages of this newsletter. It’s the SECURE Act, and you need to know how it affects changes when it comes to taxes and providing for family later on. Remember that the SECURE Act has been in effect since January 1, 2020. So, while that means it doesn’t affect your taxes during this tax season, it’s still critical to think about it over the course of this year in preparation for the future. To refresh, this act changes how people and their beneficiaries can access retirement money. The age to begin taking your required minimum distribution has been raised to 72. You will also be taking those distributions at 3.91% of your tax-deferred accounts. But one of the most major changes to the SECURE Act is how it affects your beneficiaries. Before the act, if your beneficiaries inherited your traditional or Roth IRA, they could either accept the full sum of the inheritance at once and pay income tax on it or stretch the withdrawals for as long as they wanted and benefit from the tax advantage. But now, your beneficiaries are required to accept the entire inheritance and pay the income tax on it within 10 years. That means taking out much larger
sums of money over a shorter period of time, which leads to increased tax dollars.
In situations where the details of taxes and retirement accounts go through changes, people are often left wondering, “Well, does this really affect me?” The answer for many is that it usually does, at least in part. But if you fall into two specific categories, these changes impact you more. If you aren’t too dependent on your retirement accounts for income today, then opening a tax-qualified account like I mentioned is a great idea for your future. If you have kids or grandkids that you want to leave tax-free money to, then the SECURE Act is certainly something to take seriously and think about how it affects your plans for your loved ones. The current tax season will come to a close this summer, but just because it’s ending doesn’t mean you should stop making plans affected by it. Always do your best to stay up to speed with ongoing changes and plans for your accounts so that you can continue to make the best choices for your future.
–Ann Vanderslice
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Meet Barb Grimes
BUILDING MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Sometimes the best circumstances arise from the biggest changes. When Barb Grimes joined the Retirement Planning Strategies team, we were lucky to experience one of those circumstances. Barb has worked in financial services for many years, and when her most recent advisor retired, we were fortunate to add her to our team. “I was excited about the opportunity,” Barb says. “This team is quite notable in the field, but more than that, I’ve learned how upbeat and inspiring they
Our new office in Colorado Springs is in full swing and has a lot of ongoing plans on the horizon that Barb is helping implement. As our client services coordinator, she organizes and provides primary project support, business processing, and client interaction. “Making the transition to Retirement Planning Strategies was easy because the team is great but also because we brought on a lot of clients with whom I’ve already developed relationships,” Barb says. “I’ve worked with some of them for eight or nine years, and we’ll even go to lunch together sometimes. It’s just that kind of relationship and atmosphere.” Barb lives in Monument, Colorado, where it’s been a long winter. She and her husband are ready for the sunshine of spring. They have two dogs that travel with them on their frequent trips, and Barb is looking forward to her annual “sisters trip” to California. But what Barb and her husband are really looking forward to is dusting off their boat to cruise on the reservoir in Pueblo. They call it their “condominium on the water,” where friends and family can gather, grandchildren can enjoy some swimming, and they can make great memories like they do at this time every year. No matter where she is, Barb is all about people. It’s what makes her so great at what she does here at Retirement Planning Strategies.
are to be around. Each of them is very dedicated to what they do, and everyone defines and performs their roles very well.” Barb has been with Retirement Planning Strategies since January and has already brought so much value to us. “I’m really happy I ended up where I am. We truly are a team where everyone’s role is important.”
LEARN TO BREATHE BETTER
Title
TAGLINE Holistic Methods for Taming Seasonal Allergies
POKE THEM AWAY Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment method that pinpoints specific pathways crucial to the flow of energy throughout the body and reopens them through strategic needle placements. While studies have yet to prove that acupuncture can serve as a stand- alone treatment for allergies, it has been shown to aid in symptom management. Acupuncture can also decrease pain and release built- up pressure caused by congestion. DRAIN THEM AWAY Have you ever just wanted to open your nose and flush out all of your congestion? With a neti pot, you can! Simply create your own saltwater solution with filtered water — do not try this with unfiltered water, as deadly organisms can enter your body this way — and 1 teaspoon of salt. Some experts even suggest adding a pinch of baking soda to the mixture to soothe the bite of the salt. Next, pour the solution into the pot. Tilt your head to one side over a sink, pour the mixture from the pot into one of your nostrils, and let it drain out the other side. Repeat on the opposite nostril and feel the relief!
The season of sniffles and sneezes is upon us, but you don’t have to let your allergies stop you from enjoying gorgeous April blooms and fresh spring breezes. Try these natural solutions to help combat your allergies and breathe a little easier this spring — though if your allergies are persistent, seek professional medical help. EAT THEM AWAY Food is often overlooked as a method to fight your allergies, but make no mistake: The nutrients in some foods can do wonders for your body! Use this to your advantage by choosing ingredients proven to fight the sniffles. Raw, local honey has the ability to soothe scratchy throats, which protects the airway passage from further damage. ( Warning : Children under the age of 1 should never consume honey.) Also on the sweeter side, the naturally occurring enzyme in pineapple, bromelain, has been shown to ease inflammation and swelling, while quercetin, found in tea, red wine, and apples, can act as a natural antihistamine. If you’re looking for something more savory, spicy foods can light a fire under your mucus, break it up, and clear your nasal passages.
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Ready to Take Up the Nomadic Lifestyle After Retirement?
HERE’S HOW TO PLAN FOR IT
You’ve worked hard for years to arrive at this moment: retirement. Now that you’re free of your 9-to-5 job, you have a lot more time for activities you enjoy. That extra time is what leads many people to turn to a nomadic lifestyle after retirement. Touring in an RV, sailing around the world, or even just retiring to a cabin in a remote locale are all popular options for new retirees. If the spirit of adventure is calling you, here are some financial tips to set you on the right path. DOWNSIZE BEFORE YOU GO Some folks choose to sell their home and use the income to fund their travels, staying in apartments and rentals as they go. If that seems too drastic, downsizing to a smaller home is also a good option, especially if you plan to travel in intervals but want a home base. This also gives you the option of renting your home while you’re away and using the money to continue traveling. ASK OTHER NOMADS Crowdsource advice from friends and family members who’ve made the leap. Lots of other people have shared your dream and made it a reality. Many have turned their experience into books or blogs,
like Lynne Martin, who’s been traveling around the world with her husband, Tim, for the last three years. The Martins used the sale of their home to finance their travels. They also take cruises to cut down on travel costs and often dine in to save money. DO YOUR RESEARCH If you have a specific place in mind for your retirement, like Hawaii or Texas, look at rental costs and other lifestyle changes that can affect your budget. For example, Hawaii’s cost of living is less expensive than other popular retirement states, like Florida, but basic commodities may be more expensive. If a boat or RV is more your style, be sure to add repair, insurance, and fuel costs into your budget. As you go about researching and planning, be sure to consult with your financial advisor so they can help you look at your current situation and make adjustments. With the proper planning, you’ll be living your nomadic dream in no time.
BRAIN! Train Your
Easy Deviled Eggs
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard • Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste • 12 large eggs, hard-boiled • Fresh parsley, minced, and paprika for garnish
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 2 tbsp milk • 1 tsp dried parsley flakes • 1/2 tsp dill weed • 1/2 tsp fresh chives, minced
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, parsley flakes, dill, chives, mustard, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. 2. Cut eggs lengthwise and remove yolks carefully to preserve egg whites. 3. In a small bowl, mash yolks. 4. Mix mashed yolks with mayonnaise mixture. 5. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley and paprika. Refrigerate before serving.
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PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787
This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Investments in securities are not suitable for all investors. Investment in any security may involve a high degree of risk and investors should review all "Risk Factors" before investing. Investors should perform their own due diligence before considering any investment. Past performance and/or forward looking statements are never an assurance of future results. Investment products, Insurance, and Annuity products are not FDIC Insured/Not Bank Guaranteed/ Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency/May Lose Value. Securities offered through Cabot Lodge Securities LLC New York, NY 10281-- Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services offered through CL Wealth Management LLC-- SEC registered. Retirement Planning Strategies is not controlled by or a subsidiary of Cabot Lodge Securities LLC or CL Wealth Management LLC
issue INSIDE THIS
How to Take Advantage of Changes to Taxes PAGE 1
Spotlight on Barb Grimes PAGE 2
Fight the Sneeze With These Holistic Remedies PAGE 2 How to Make the Most of a Nomadic Lifestyle After Retirement PAGE 3
The Best Locations for Spring Blooms PAGE 4 SEE SPRING BLOOM In These Beautiful Locations Spring is here, which means beautiful flowers are finally showing themselves after a long winter. Here are some of the best places in the U.S. to see flower blossoms and welcome the season. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across North Carolina and Tennessee, and while its scenery is beautiful year- round, the park is especially alluring to nature enthusiasts during the spring. Through this season, miles of lady’s-slipper orchids, irises, cardinal flowers, and lilies dot its lush green landscape. It’s dubbed “Wildflower National Park” throughout this time of year, and you can experience it by car or on foot. Before visiting, check NPS.org for updated information on park closures due to COVID-19. CRESTED BUTTE Crested Butte, Colorado, is best known for its winter sports and summer hikes. But recently it has drawn the attention of flower enthusiasts for its unique pink, orange, and gold alpine wildflowers that appear in the spring. This natural phenomenon even inspired the creation of the annual Wildflower Festival in midsummer, which features nature walks, art, photography, culinary experiences, and
more. For a truly unique experience, you can even ascend the town’s titular Crested Butte to spot some rare alpine sunflowers next to the picturesque West Elk Mountains. ANTELOPE VALLEY The California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, California, is a 1,780-acre park that features sloping hills covered with fields of vibrant orange, yellow, and red poppies in the spring. Warm temperatures and heavy rainfall across Southern California during this time of year create a brief period of thick blooms as far as the eye can see. And while the poppies can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, the best way to experience them is to walk the leisurely Antelope Loop Trail for a breathtaking, up-close adventure. Visit Parks.CA.gov for the latest information on visiting the parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring flora is gorgeous and naturally attracts large crowds of people every year. If you plan to visit any of these destinations, just remember that their ecosystems are delicate. Respect park signs, stay on designated trails, and do your part to make sure these flowers return year after year for future generations to enjoy.
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