Capital Advisory Group - December 2021

Capital Advisory Group - December 2021

THE WEALTH ZONE

December 2021

119 Old State Rd., Ellisville, MO 63021

CapitalAdvisoryGrp.com

We’re wrapping up another year, and you already know what that means: end-of-the-year tax changes! Keep This in Mind END-OF-YEAR REMINDERS TO FINISH 2021 STRONG Okay, so maybe that’s not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about the end of the year, but it’s certainly at the forefront of mine. Consider this your reminder to tie up any loose ends before 2021 is over. This includes maxing out your 401(k) contributions, making last-minute gifts, and tying up any loose ends that could cause grief in 2022. By doing so, you can make your 2021 tax season much more lucrative and easier. Start preparing now to avoid stress later. Speaking of preparations, in addition to finishing the year strong, this season always has me thinking about taking some time off from work. Like many people, I enjoy a few days of holiday vacation with my family, but it doesn’t come without guilt. When I’m planning a vacation, I often wonder how long it will take me to actually decompress from work, and then I wonder how stressed I will be when I return to work. It’s a never-ending cycle! I often gripe about whether vacations are really worth the expense, time, and stress.

general life events are vital to our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. So, while it may be difficult for me to admit this, I know time away from the office each holiday season is good. I always come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes our way! Regardless of how much time I’m able to take off this season, I’m grateful to spend it with my loved ones. This time of year reminds us to appreciate what we are given and those we have in our lives. It’s important that we show our appreciation to those who mean the most to us and remember to do so throughout the year, too. In fact, there’s even a December holiday that reminds us to do just that! Dec. 7 is National Letter Writing Day. Writing a letter is a powerful way to connect with someone. It not only fosters interaction, but it tells someone else that you wanted to take the time to physically write a letter, stuff it in an envelope, put a stamp on it, and mail it. It’s a form of communication and consideration we don’t take enough time to do these days. For a while, I’ve had a lingering goal to write and send out more letters. I’m hoping to make it a habit soon. Maybe writing it down and sharing it with all my readers will be the kick I need to finally make it a reality! So, as we finish this year, I hope you not only take time for yourself, but that you also make time to tell those you care about how much they mean to you. The holidays offer a moment of reflection during an otherwise chaotic year. (Just don’t forget to reflect on your taxes while you’re at it!)

Then, my logical side kicks in. Vacations really are valuable; we have to take vacations. Time off and away from work, stress, and just

Have You Heard Us on the Radio Yet? Tune in to KTRS 550 AM radio every Saturday from 3–4 p.m. as Jeff Zufall and Josh Gilbert discuss all things taxes and financial planning. From innovative strategies to optimize your benefits to breaking down proposed and current legislative measures, Jeff and Josh guide you through the most pressing topics in the financial world today.

Happy holidays!

-Jeff Zufall

(636) 394-5524 1

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Think about the sting you feel when you are proven wrong. It hurts, doesn’t it? Think Better With Adam Grant’s ‘Think Again’ A Better Mindset for Growth

How to Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro Creating a Holiday Masterpiece One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel." Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays! Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop. M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for cute little accents all over the house and yard. Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good- looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

But what if it didn’t have to? Better yet, what if it shouldn’t?

Regardless of our attempts at humility, humans’ egos have inflated, and we are all conditioned to believe that being wrong somehow equates to being a bad person. However, renowned author and psychologist Adam Grant challenges this notion in his New York Times bestseller, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.” With today’s divisive climate, Grant argues that we hold our beliefs up like a badge, illuminating them so brightly that we become blind to other truths or realities. Far too often, our mindsets focus on what is black and white, rather than understanding the gray nuances found in between. In “Think Again,” Grant’s third book, he argues that as rapidly as we get information in today’s digital world, we cannot be expected to fully know all of it. Being wrong is part of human nature, but as we gain more accessibility to information, we must be willing to do two things: rethink and unlearn. Grant challenges readers to stand in the discomfort of being wrong, celebrate that there is something new to learn, and challenge themselves to interact with those who propose a new way of thinking. By doing so, Grant asserts that we can speak and argue with conviction while actually engaging and listening to arguments as if we are wrong. This allows us to learn, engage, and grow.

In “Think Again,” Grant asks readers to consider better ways to approach their steadfast beliefs. Readers will find amusement in Grant’s real- world examples of turning skeptics into believers within a variety of topics. And, through these examples, readers will discover new ways to listen so they can gain a greater understanding of the world around them. You can pick up your copy of “Think Again” and other books by Grant from an independent book retailer or by visiting Amazon.com.

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THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE YOU NEED Our Newest Employee, Marushka, Checks All the Boxes

At Capital Advisory Group, our employees are invested in our client’s goals — in fact, they have to be! Our experts rely on their own expertise and your goals to create plans and financial tracking systems that best serve your needs. As a result, our hiring process can be a tall order. We have to find people who are knowledgeable, are skilled accounting and financial professionals, and possess the personable skills necessary to form partnerships with our clients.

Marushka was born and trained in South Africa. She has extensive experience in auditing work and assisting small and family businesses, which provides her with a unique approach to QuickBooks and accounting services. Marushka not only has the skills needed of great accountants, but she also understands how to properly input and organize >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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