Gold Star Taxes - January 2021

Gold Star Taxes - January 2021

JANUARY 2021

(517) 437-4646 GOLDSTARDIRECT.COM BEYOND THE NUMBERS

With My Family’s Vision Boarding Technique SMASH YOUR FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR

Referral TV Winners This Past Tax Season

For the last five years or so, my wife Robbie and I have started our New Year’s goals in December. I think most people who make resolutions sit down and spell them out in a notebook or planner, but we have a different tactic. Every year, we each create a vision board full of pictures that represent our goals and dreams for the next 12 months. Then, we hang the boards in the hallway of our home where we’ll see them every day. If you’ve never made or heard of a vision board, it’s basically a collection of inspiring pictures, drawings, and quotes that map out your “vision” for the future. Usually, Robbie and I search for photos online or cut them out of magazines and paste them on our boards old-school style. Seeing our goals every day has really helps us stick to them. Some of the photos on my vision board this year tie into my work at Gold Star Taxes Inc., but a lot of them are about losing weight and getting healthier. (I didn’t do so well on those goals last year). I also have photos up that represent things like budgeting, controlling my spending habits a bit better, adding to my retirement fund, and saving for a rainy day. The big goal that’s front and center for both me and Robbie, though, is paying down our debts. To become debt free someday is a goal we both share immensely. Does it surprise you that so many of my goals are financial? Even though I’m an accountant, I’m still a normal guy with a mortgage and credit cards to pay off. Over the years, though, I’ve learned a few tricks that have helped me meet my annual financial goals. Vision boarding is a big one because it puts my resolutions front and center, and since Robbie and I do it together, we can hold each other accountable. We also have two simple strategies for paying off debt that have helped us push forward.

in, a portion of the money goes straight into our retirement and savings accounts. This is great for us because it’s hard to miss the money when we don’t even see it, and we don’t have to deal with the hassle of writing a separate check. 2. Pay down the credit cards with the lowest balance first. Robbie and I pay off our credit cards one at a time using this method. It works for us because the little victories of paying off small balances really add up. It’s like climbing step by step up a ladder and out of debt, and seeing that progress is important to us. Of course, you can also prioritize paying off the card with the highest interest rate first if that works better for you. In 2019, CNBC reported that 99 million people were planning to make financial resolutions, and I bet that number is even higher this January. If you’re one of those 99 million, maybe my tips will help you out. If they don’t sound like they’d work for you, that’s fine too. Everybody is different and there’s no one- size-fits-all financial strategy. While you’re working on your goals, I’ll be here at Gold Star putting the business resolutions from my vision board into practice this tax season. My No. 1 priority is to make sure we’re doing everything as safely as possible. I want to get your concerns taken care of quickly and easily and ensure that you feel safe when you come in for an appointment or to drop off documents. Next time we talk, let me know how I’m doing on that goal!

Kody Rubin

Shane and Stephanie Lockwood

Vonda Cekander

Tyler Gonshorowski

Richard and Patricia Hawkins

Richard Lambright

Randy and Lisa Lane

Paul and Carie Shepherd

Thomas and Sabine Young

1. Set up automatic deposits to your savings and retirement accounts. When our paychecks come

–Saul Giminez

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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE ‘DERMATOLOGIST APPROVED’?

If you have aging or sensitive skin, you probably live by the term “dermatologist approved” when you’re searching for the best skin products. However, have you ever stopped to wonder what that term actually means and what it takes to even become “dermatologist approved”? How strict are the regulations on the many products you use on a daily basis? The truth is that there are currently no legal restrictions on what can be “dermatologist approved” except that it should be approved by a dermatologist. It doesn’t even matter if they test the product once or a hundred times — the product can get the label slapped on as long as it was approved. Because of this lack of regulation, the testing dermatologist may not consider the health implications of ingredients in any given product. However, certain ingredients can have serious long-term effects on your health and skin, such as parabens (may cause endocrine/hormone disruption), retinol (linked to tumor growth and DNA damage), and hydroquinone (potentially cancerous and toxic for your organs). And if you think any products labeled as “hypoallergenic” are any safer, you’d be wrong. The Food and Drug Administration’s website clearly states: “There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic.’” However, that’s not to say all brands that work with dermatologists are malicious liars. Some brands do hold themselves accountable to their claims of professional approval. For example, many CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists and are approved by associations like the National Eczema Association. Ultimately, talk to a dermatologist you trust. They should have a good sense of what your skin needs, what’s best for your long-term health, and what products actually work. Skin care marketing thrives off the fantasy of “fixing” your skin problems instantly, and, sadly, there’s a lot of room to stretch the truth. Make sure to do your research before deciding to buy!

Streaming services are booming right now, and there’s no shortage of entertainment between HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and more. But the important question is this: What are the best binge-worthy cooking shows? Here are four streamable culinary shows you’ll love. ‘The Chef Show’ Get cozy at home and turn on Netflix to watch Chef Roy Choi, the man responsible for bringing the food from the movie “Chef” to life, on “The Chef Show.” You’ll get incredible home-cooking tips while enjoying appearances from your favorite celebrities, like Tom Holland trying oysters for the first time. This show travels all over the world to explore recipes and honor the tradition of sharing good food. Four seasons are out now! ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ If you’re not familiar with the late Anthony Bourdain, you’re missing out on one of the most influential, internationally lauded chefs of the past few decades. “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” one of his longest-running TV shows, filmed 12 seasons over seven years, and all 12 seasons are streaming on HBO Max. The show follows Bourdain as he travels and discovers little-known places in order to celebrate diverse cultures by exploring their food and dining rituals. ‘Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted’ Want something a little more recent? Hop on Disney+ to watch Chef Gordon Ramsey of “Hell’s Kitchen,” who has seven Michelin stars, leap out of helicopters to take some of the most epic adventures you can imagine — ranging from the icy waters of Alaska to the plains of New Zealand — all while learning to cook local food along the way. The latest two seasons are available right now! ‘Great Chefs of New Orleans’ Whatever your favorite cooking show may be, it was likely influenced by this classic. One of the oldest cooking shows in the U.S., “Great Chefs” has aged like a fine wine. In this series, you’ll meet some of the best chefs in New Orleans and learn how they create and prepare an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Two seasons are available to Amazon Prime members! DON’T GET LOST IN THE SAUCE The 4 Best Cooking and Travel Shows

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BRAND-NEWTRENDING LUXURY BRANDS IN 2021

Gucci and Marc Jacobs aren’t the only names in the fashion game now. While the pandemic has left a significant mark on the luxury fashion industry, there are brand-new companies that are thriving and adapting to 2021 needs and trends faster than anyone else. ARJÉ If you’re looking to add timeless classics to your closet, ARJÉ’s products might be what you’re looking for. As a see-now, buy-now luxury brand, the company releases three collections a year, and you can buy pieces as soon as two weeks after the first showing! Husband-wife duo Bessie Afnaim Corral and Oliver Corral run the brand. Check out their website at Arje.com

to discover beautiful luxe shearling coats, oversized knits, and wardrobe essentials for both men and women.

Cecilie Bahnsen As a graduate of the Danish School of Design and freelancer at Christian Dior, Cecilie Bahnsen is an award-winning designer who has taken the fashion world by storm. Traditional techniques inspire her decadent yet elegant designs, but she uses them in new, innovative ways. Bahnsens’s embroidery and fabric combinations demonstrate that she is not only accomplished in design but also excels in craftsmanship. Look at her latest creations at CecilieBahnsen.com . Peter Do Looking for a simple yet stunning outfit? Vietnamese designer Peter Do’s designs are the epitome of minimalist elegance in 2021. Even the website’s bio is humbly understated: “The brand has always put family first through its commitment to creating a brand that is rooted in kindness and mutual respect.” Once you see their beautiful, flattering boots, jackets, and unique outfit accessories, you’ll understand why the restraint perfectly suits this designer label. Take a peek at PeterDo.net . Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or someone curious about what’s “in” right now, you’ll adore the designs by these new luxury brands. Any piece from these brands could be a beautiful gift in the future or just a wonderful little treat for yourself, especially after a year of such uncertainty and change.

ARJÉ

SLOWCOOKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

TAKE A BREAK

Ingredients

Directions

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8 chicken thighs or drumsticks, lightly salted

1. In a large frying pan, heat oil and fry salted chicken on high until brown. 2. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker. Add flour and stir. 3. In the frying pan on high heat, fry the onion, celery, carrots, leeks, and potatoes until lightly browned. Add garlic and fry for 30 seconds. 4. Transfer vegetables to the slow cooker and add the stock, rosemary, and lemon zest. 5. Cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or until chicken is tender. 6. Check seasoning and add lemon juice to taste. Top with parsley before serving.

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1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 onion, finely sliced 2 celery sticks, thickly sliced

2 carrots, thickly sliced 1 leek, thickly sliced

1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks

2 garlic cloves, sliced 14 oz chicken stock

1 sprig rosemary

Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

12 N. Howell, Hillsdale, MI 49242

INSIDE

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The Secret to Smashing Your Financial Resolutions This Year Don’t Miss These Cooking Shows! What Does It Take to Be ‘Dermatologist Approved’? Brand-New Trending Luxury Brands in 2021 Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Why Habit Tracking and Daily Resolutions Could Transform Your Life

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WHY HABIT TRACKING AND DAILY RESOLUTIONS COULD TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE

exercise time, eat healthier foods, or work on getting better or more sleep.

action became automatic was 66 days! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day, but know that sticking to a new habit is serious work, so starting small might help you out. Another important aspect of forming new daily habits is rewarding yourself. Bad habits, like smoking, have an inherent reward. However, healthy habits can have rewards too! Try consuming a bit of dark chocolate after a workout or treating yourself to a fresh beverage or relaxing to a podcast after tackling an important task. Find ways to reward yourself, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your new habit. Certain daily resolutions don’t have to be related to exercise or diet to majorly improve your life. For example, having a gratitude journal might boost your long-term happiness by 10% and improve your blood pressure. Don’t hesitate to improve your quality of life! Just start small, and you’ll be amazed by how far you’ll go.

Luckily, sticking with these habits might be as easy as making daily resolutions to complement your year goals. BJ Fogg, a Stanford University professor and author of “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything,” notes that tiny habits can make a new habit easy to implement into your daily ritual. For example, taking a short daily walk could lead to an exercise habit, or keeping an apple in your bag every day could encourage healthier snacking. It’s important that you stick with it because habits take a long time to create. One study published by the European Journal of Social Psychology asked people about a simple habit they wanted to form, like drinking water at lunch or taking a walk before dinner. They found that the average amount of time it took before the

Yearly resolutions are so last year … if they’re your only resolutions, that is.

Having long-term goals isn’t a bad thing, but do you have a daily plan to reach them? The huge boost of motivation in January isn’t always enough to sustain you all year long. That’s why there are major benefits to starting new healthy habits, whether you increase your weekly

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