Principal Shield Financial - January 2021

Principal Shield Financial - January 2021

JANUARY 2021

WISE & WEALTHY NEWSLETTER

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ARE YOU READY TO MAKE 2021 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER?

3 Strategies for Accomplishing Those Dreaded New Year’s Resolutions

Are you as glad to put 2020 behind you as I am? I sure hope so. You know what that means, though? It’s that time of year again. It’s time to roll out those dreaded New Year’s resolutions. While I’m not a big fan of them, I appear to be in the minority. I think it’s just a sales tactic to sell gym memberships and fat-burning shakes. But, that’s the conspiracy theorist in me talking. To be honest, I dislike it because so many people take an approach that leaves them stressed out, depressed, and feeling like a failure. Generally speaking, there are NO unrealistic goals, only unrealistic time frames. And too many people set themselves up for failure. Take, for example, the 300-pound guy whose New Year’s resolution is to lose 100 pounds in six months. Or the guy who makes $100,000 a year and resolves to make $300,000 this year. Are these two goals possible? Absolutely. Are they probable? Not likely (as it relates to the chosen time frame). There’s nothing wrong with setting big goals. You just need to give yourself a realistic time frame to accomplish them. However, to give yourself the best chance at success, you’ll also need to build some momentum. The best

way to build momentum is to recognize and celebrate your progress along the way. And that’s where we typically run in to a wall. Too many people measure their progress against the accomplishment of the goal itself. And that’s the surest way to fail. To build momentum, it is imperative that you measure backward. In other words, measure where you are at any given time against where you started. It’s easier to see the actual progress you’ve made. Here are three strategies I use to help me achieve my goals. Hopefully, you’ll find something you can use. The Kaizen Way – Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that promotes incremental and continuous improvement. The Japanese believe it is less stressful and more productive to make incremental progress toward your goal(s) on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis versus relying on quantum leaps. You can learn more about it in the book “ One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way ” by Dr. Robert Maurer. To-Do Lists (yes, really) – The human brain is hard-wired to respond very favorably to making progress and completing things and to-do lists are one of the best ways I know to use that hard- wiring to your advantage. Think about how you feel when you check things off of a list you’ve made for yourself. I operate from several to-do lists because I create a to-do list for each project or goal I want to accomplish. But I also have a daily to-do (priority) list so I can be sure to get the most important things done each day.

I typically take it a step further by identifying tasks by their priority by labeling each task with an A, B, or C. And since I may have many of each, I label them further with 1, 2, 3, etc… (e.g., A1, A2, A3, B1, etc…). I love my to-do lists so much that I’ve caught myself going back and adding things I’ve already completed just so I can check them off because it’s ALL about progress, not perfection. This also helps me build the momentum I need to keep going. “The Pringle Effect” – The slogan for Pringles potato chips is “Once you pop, you can’t stop,” and if you’ve ever tried Pringles, you know how true that is. One of my mentors adapted this slogan to goal-setting. In a nutshell, he looks for the simplest first step he can take that will typically lead to a next step and a next step in the attainment of his goal. For example, knowing how challenging it is to start a new habit, such as going to the gym, he discovered that if he focused instead on putting on his gym clothes, he would put on his running shoes and then, almost reflexively, he would get in his car and go to the gym. Maybe this strategy can work for you. I know it works for me. I hope you’re able to put at least one of these simple strategies for accomplishing goals to work for you so you can make 2021 your best year ever. Do not underestimate the power of incremental and continuous improvement. That’s particularly true of financial resolutions. If you want help achieving your financial goals this year, start with the small step of reaching out to me to set up a 15-minute Discovery Call. I’ll help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of what you’re currently doing and help you chart a course for financial success.

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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

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INSIDE

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Are You Setting Yourself Up for Financial Failure?

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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 yearly goals. B.J. 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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Join Me for an Exclusive Online Event! Get Expert Tom Hegna’s Tips for a Happier, Wealthier Retirement

(You’re Never Too Young to Prepare)

What are the secrets to a happy, wealthy retirement? Tom Hegna knows them all, and I’m inviting YOU to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from him! What: The “7 Simple Steps to Dramatically Improve Your Retirement Security” webinar with Tom Hegna When: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST Where: Watch from the comfort of your own home on your computer, tablet, or cellphone.

This webinar will NOT be recorded. There will be NO replays! It is truly ONE NIGHT ONLY, and spots are going fast!

Tom Hegna Bestselling Author/ Retirement Expert

Register now at PrincipalShield.tv before it’s too late. Who Is Tom Hegna?

• Tom is a nationally known speaker, economist, retirement expert, and bestselling author of “Paychecks and Playchecks: Retirement Solutions for Life” and “Don’t Worry, Retire Happy! 7 Steps to Retirement Security.” • Over his 30 years in the business, Tom has helped thousands of families secure their retirement and now teaches advisors all across America to do the same. • “Don’t Worry, Retire Happy! 7 Steps to Retirement Security” was made into a nationally televised PBS program watched by more than 80 million people.

OVER, PLEASE

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There will be NO sales pitches or gimmicks. Tom will teach YOU ...

• How to maximize your Social Security benefits. • How to multiply your income with a hybrid retirement model. • Why success in retirement isn’t just about the size of your nest egg. • How to eliminate the key risks to your retirement security.

• Why CASH is NOT king (and what is). • How to convert your nest egg to guaranteed income. • How to avoid the silent killer that can unravel your retirement. • And much more!

Register for This Once-In-a-Lifetime Webinar Now! • Visit PrincipalShield.tv and select “Time.” • Click on the “Time Zone” link, and choose the time zone that applies to you. • Type in your first name, last name, and email address. Then, confirm your email address and type in your zip/postal code. • Go to the “Agent Referred By” drop-down menu and select “Shawn Perkins.” • Click the blue “Register” button. You’ll receive an email confirming your registration for the webinar with a link that you can use to join in on the day of the event. I’m sure you’ll save the date in your calendar, but in case you don’t, I’ll send reminders to make sure you don’t miss it! Still have questions? Call me at 619-994-1110 or email me at [email protected] . I can’t wait to see you there. Remember, there are NO replays — so don’t be late! This webinar will fill up fast. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event! There is NOTHING for sale and NOTHING to buy. REGISTER NOW