Take a look at our newsletter this month.
www.SharpFirm.com 512-407-8800
JUNE 2020
Lessons From the Graveyard Shift What Jack in the Box Taught Me About Being a Lawyer
This time of year always makes me a bit nostalgic. When you’re a kid, summer is a big deal and you anticipate it for months, but once you hit adulthood, a lot of the magic goes out of the season. Still, I find myself reminiscing more when the weather gets hot. This month, I’ve been thinking back a lot to the very first summer job I had as a teenager: working the register at Jack in the Box. Is there anything more quintessentially American than schlepping fast food as a 16-year-old? I don’t think so! Of course, when I got hired, what I really wanted was to spend my shifts flipping burgers, but management stuck me on the register because I was the one guy who could count. It was fine, but I remember being annoyed that they wouldn’t let me cook — it sounded a lot more fun than what I was stuck doing. After I paid my dues, though, I did get to work the grill. That’s because all of a sudden my boss decided that at 16, I was responsible enough to work the graveyard shift, and on three of the five nights per week that I worked, I was the only guy in the place. It was a weird feeling being all alone in the restaurant as a kid, but they paid me an extra $1.50 per hour to work from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m., so I wasn’t complaining. When all of this was happening, I didn’t think about it as a formative life experience or look at my day-to-day grind as a learning opportunity. I was a kid focused on kid stuff. I liked to make myself a few burgers to chow down on when things were slow and play my favorite music really loud while I cleaned up the kitchen and moved boxes of meat and veggies around. Looking back, though, I did learn some valuable skills that summer.
The biggest thing I learned was how to approach and communicate with all kinds of people — customer service is hard in the middle of the night when rolling down the window feels a bit like playing Russian roulette. That ability to talk to anyone really stuck with me, and it’s a skill I still use today as a lawyer. Working alone at the restaurant also taught me how to manage my time. As I went on to other customer service jobs like waiting tables and working the register at a gas station (I wasn’t mechanical at all, so I ended up putting my counting skills to work again), that came in handy. Working as a waiter was another important experience for me. Even more than the Jack in the Box job, it taught me to work hard and be patient with people. Waiting tables was fun — I made good money and had a good
time — but as a waiter, you have to learn how to roll with your customers’ whims and do everything you can to deliver exactly what they want. I mastered that, and it has been a valuable skill ever since. It’s funny to think about, but I really never got out of the customer service business. Of course, as a personal injury lawyer, I have a lot more responsibility than I did working in fast food, but I’m still providing a service to my clients and working hard to make sure they get what they need. At my core, I’m the same hardworking guy I was at 16. Not much has changed over the decades, and I’m happy with that — I love the work I do!
–Lance Sharp
www.SharpFirm.com | 1
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
ABOUT TO RETIRE? CONSIDER THESE LOW-RISK, HIGH-RETURN INVESTMENTS
As you age, it’s wise to make some changes in order to stay healthy, like your diet or your workout routine. Likewise, your portfolio should be adjusted to reduce risk and protect your financial health. After a bad turn in the market, it can take up to a decade to make your money back. If you want to retire in the next five years, then can you really afford that risk? Reducing your risk doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on high-return investments, though. Here are some low-risk, high-return investments to consider adding to your portfolio as you approach retirement. PEER-TO-PEER LENDING Otherwise known as P2P lending, this investment takes place online. Borrowers are matched with investors for loans that benefit both parties — lending without the bank. Your risk and potential returns depend entirely on which loans you choose to invest in. The two most popular P2P lending platforms are Lending Club and Prosper, and you can start investing in either platform with as little as $25. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS When you invest in real estate investment trusts (REIT), you’re investing in mortgages or direct equity positions in various properties. When the stock market is in decline, REITs are a good investment because they’re not corrected with stock exchanges. Plus, their yield is usually higher than the dividends investors get from stocks.
FIXED INDEXED ANNUITIES When it comes to low-risk, high-return investments, fixed indexed annuities (FIA) are the most attractive option for retirees. In 2018, renowned economist professor Roger Ibbotson conducted research into the return history of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, government bonds, FIAs, and stocks. Unsurprisingly, stocks offered the highest returns historically, but Ibbotson was surprised to find FIAs came in second, beating out bonds and conventional wisdom.
Historically, these investments have produced great returns for individuals who are in retirement or who are about to retire. However, remember that everyone’s circumstances are different. Before making any changes to your portfolio, talk to your financial planner about your options. TIMES THE OLYMPICSWERE CANCELED And the Postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games
In late March, amid the global spread of COVID-19, the International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. They were slated to take place in Tokyo, Japan, this summer, but they will now happen in the summer of 2021. While this is an unprecedented decision, it’s not the first time that major global events have affected the Olympic Games or which countries participated. Since the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, they have been outright canceled three times — 1916, 1940, and 1944. The first cancellation of the Olympic Games happened duringWorldWar I. The German Empire was supposed to host the games in Berlin, but by the time 1916 rolled around, Europe was deep in the trenches of WWI. Many nations had sent their athletes to fight in the war, so the games were canceled.
WorldWar II caused the next two cancellations. The 1940 Olympics were initially scheduled to be held in Tokyo. It would have been the first time the games were hosted by a non-Western country, but Japan forfeited the right to host when they invaded China in 1937. The games were then rebooked for Helsinki, Finland, but after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and startedWWII, those games were scrapped as well. Since the fighting hadn’t ceased by the time the games were supposed to happen in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 1944, the Olympics were canceled again. Though the Olympics have happened on schedule since the end of WWII, the United States has not always participated. In 1980, when the U.S. boycotted the Olympics that were held in Moscow, Russia, in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, 64 other nations followed suit. However, those games still went on as planned and 80 countries participated. The fact that major global conflicts are the only other events that have been catastrophic enough to affect the Olympics might be distressing and elevate anxiety about our current global health crisis. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Olympics have only been postponed this time, not canceled. We’ll still get to cheer on our favorite Olympians next year.
2 | 512-407-8800
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A STAYCATION
3 Ways to Replace a Canceled Vacation
Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need. TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original vacation, like a souvenir you can find online. CREATE A ‘FAMILY MUSEUM’ Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get creative and make their own contributions, too. Have everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds. BRING YOUR TRIP HOME You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity. Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together.
GRILLED BASIL CHICKEN AND TOMATOES
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.
Ingredients
•
2 tbsp olive oil
•
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
•
1 clove garlic
•
8 Roma tomatoes
•
1/2 tsp salt
•
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
•
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions
1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling.
2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade.
3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade.
4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.
www.SharpFirm.com | 3
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
512-407-8800 www.SharpFirm.com 3307 Northland Drive, #302 Austin, TX 78703
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Lessons From the Graveyard Shift
Best Investments for Retirees Have the Olympics Ever Been Postponed Before?
2
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes 3 Enriching Staycation Ideas
3
4
Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times
THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES
VOLUNTEER In a time of social distancing, some volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. The Central Texas Food Bank needs volunteers to help sort and distribute food to those in need with drive- in service. You can also participate in a virtual food drive by donating money online. Call 512-282-2111 or visit CentralTexasFoodBank.org for information. ADVOCATE Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now. DONATE While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most.
4 | 512-407-8800
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker