Retirement Planning Strategies - August 2021

Retirement Planning Strategies - August 2021

Give us a call! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F

AUGUST 2021

HEALTHY, WEALTHY,

&Wise

1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225

WHAT IS YOUR VISION STATEMENT? UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF VISION IN COMPANIES, AGENCIES, AND BEYOND

What is our company’s vision for the future?

expand my original vision for Federal Benefits Made Simple. For example, they’ve committed to adding a federal benefits professional to every office they open around the country. That means as the days pass, more and more of the 2.6 million federal employees my team and I aim to help will have access to a professional they feel comfortable contacting for help. That’s a huge win for our original vision! The book Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool for Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future by Cameron Herold and the podcast “Capability Amplifier” both helped me clarify my thoughts on this topic. Vivid Vision walked me through the visioning process and helped me identify our company’s goals and dreams. Herold, the author, is sometimes called “The CEO Whisperer” because of his business wisdom; he helped take the business 1-800-GOT-JUNK? from a $2 million to a $106 million brand. He really knows his stuff, and his book helped me create an inspiring company mission statement. A recent vision-themed episode of “Capability Amplifier” also resonated with me. Two ideas in particular stood out.

I hadn’t considered that creative people have their own way of doing things and might feel boxed in by KPIs, SOPs, and all of the other government acronyms. However, it makes sense that restrictions don’t help creative juices flow! The vision itself is often more important than the method of achieving it. 2. People can copy your methods, but they can’t copy your drive. The feeling behind your vision can’t be written down in a manual. That’s why it’s impossible to replicate someone else’s life or business from the methods alone — the secret sauce is missing! These two ideas have helped me better understand my company’s vision. They have also inspired me to craft my own personal vision statement. After all, visions aren’t just for companies and agencies — they’re for people too! Everyone can create a visions; if you’re a manager, you can create one for your team, or create one for yourself or family. If you’d like to chart your personal course toward success, I’d highly recommend reading Vivid Vision. It inspired me, and it may do the same for you. –Ann Vanderslice

That question has always been important to me, but it rose to the forefront this spring when Federal Benefits Made Simple joined with E.A. Buck. Suddenly, we were part of a larger company and big, exciting things were in the works for us. I had to wonder, “Did this partnership change our vision, or are we the same company we’ve always been?” I have an answer to that question, but before I delve into it, I think it’s important to clarify what “vision” means to me. I think the vision of a company or agency is its guiding light — the principle that reminds everyone working there of who they are in the organization and why they do what they do. It’s a vital part of planning. Without a vision for the future, you might wander off your path and end up somewhere you didn’t intend to be! The vision of Federal Benefits Made Simple has always been to be a go-to for federal employees to give them access to resources they might not be confident in or clear about getting from their own agencies. When I started this company, I wanted to be THE place federal employees felt comfortable turning to for help. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized this vision hasn’t changed.

1. Creative people don’t always

appreciate new methods. I thought this was an interesting perspective.

Rather than changing who we are, E.A. Buck’s mission has allowed me to

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Rocking Through Retirement MICHAEL LEFT THE WORKFORCE AND PICKED UP THE GUITAR

When our team connected with Michael, he had just put down his bass guitar. “I was playing some Allman Brothers,” he told us. “It was pretty fast, so I might be a little amped up!” Michael retired from his job at the Department of Veterans Affairs three years ago. Every day since, he has spent a big chunk of time in what he calls his “music room” — a tricked-out space in his Colorado home filled with amplifiers, guitars, keyboards, microphones, mixers, a rack-mounted sound system, and recording equipment. “For decades, all I had was the acoustic guitar. It’s a 1976 S.L. Mossman and was handmade by Stuart Mossman in Winfield, Kansas. I bought it new in 1978 and took it to the Gulf War several times,” he says. (Did we mention that Michael is also a 22-year Air Force veteran?) Other gems in his collection include a reissued 1963 Gibson guitar in cherry red and a gorgeous 1997 Stevie Ray Vaughan Fender Stratocaster.

“Every piece of my equipment has a story. I spend a lot of time on classic rock, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll out of the ’60s and ’70s, but I will touch on just about anything that sounds good to me,” Michael says. When asked about what brings him to the music room each day, he quoted The Who’s classic song “Pure and Easy.” “There once was a note/ Pure and easy/ Playing so free, like a breath rippling by”

“In our time together, Fran and I have never argued. She is my best friend. She has taught me so much about life, and she is just an incredible person,” he says. Now that Michael is retired, he and Fran spend more time together. They hike, bike, snowshoe, and explore Colorado’s mountain towns on foot with Rocky. Fran is still working, but

“When it comes to music, that is a quote that I live by, because I can just play one note and let it ring out, or I can add other notes to it,” says Michael. “It just sort of fills my room!” Michael’s wife, Fran, sometimes joins him in the music room. On other days friends come by to jam, and without fail, his Akita pup, Rocky (“85 pounds of lap dog”), sprawls at his feet. Michael credits Fran and Rocky for helping him truly enjoy his retirement. Since he and Fran got married at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2002 (which is another story entirely), he hasn’t had a single PTSD episode from his time in the Air Force.

Michael says she’s no longer stressed about having enough money in retirement.

“She was actually afraid of it! … But over the last year and a half Fran has found herself at ease and is now looking forward to retirement,” he said.

“Every day I wake up with a smile on my face. I have no stress,” he says.

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Stay Sharp as You Age

While you may be happy for the years of wisdom you’ve gained since being in your 20s and 30s, you might be missing the mental sharpness you once had. Why not have the best of both worlds? Scientists have found that the human brain changes with age — neurons fire more slowly, for example, and short-term memory recall can be more challenging — but that we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. However, new research is showing that older adults who’ve committed to immersive study of a new subject show brain function akin to someone 30 years younger. This goes beyond the tired advice to do a crossword puzzle or work a sudoku puzzle every day. The participants in this research study were learning entirely new-to- them subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art.

starting to cater to an older crowd with lifelong learning programs. One example is the Osher Lifelong Learning

Institute at the University of Washington (UW). UW’s program offers a full course schedule on subjects in the arts, sciences, and current events taught by qualified faculty and provided at an affordable rate. There are over 100 such programs at universities across the U.S. Have a longtime dream to write children’s books? UC San Diego Extension has a certificate program for that! If you’re looking to dive into a single subject or perhaps you’d like to continue working in retirement or shift gears later in your career, certificate programs are a great option. No previous education is required. Most certificate programs are open to all, typically run for less than a year, and easily accommodate part-time learners.

Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources.

Most colleges are designed with the traditional, 20-something college student in mind, which may not appeal or be a great fit for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. But many universities are

Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.

BRAIN! Train Your

Summer Vegetable Greek Salad

Inspired by CookieAndKate.com

INGREDIENTS

For the vinaigrette: • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved • 1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled • Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil For the salad: • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

DIRECTIONS

3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired).

vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.

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Give us a call! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com FAX: 303-416-4358 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F

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PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787

Our firm is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency.

We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

issue INSIDE THIS What Is Your Vision Statement? PAGE 1

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance services offered through Ann Vanderslice. MAS and AEWM are not affiliated companies with Ann Vanderslice or E.A. Buck Financial Services. 954629- 6/21.

Michael Is Rocking Through Retirement PAGE 2

Going Back to School Later in Life

Summer Vegetable Greek Salad PAGE 3

Want to Save on Your Next Vacation? PAGE 4

WANT TO SAVE ON YOUR NEXT VACATION?

Are you excited to explore the world again? Or maybe you’ve just gotten back from your latest vacation! In either case, the economic challenges of the pandemic might require travelers to plan their trips a little smarter. Here are five tricks to do just that. 1. Consider your budget while choosing your destination. Any destination heavily impacted by tourists is going to be more expensive to visit. So, consider taking a tour through various French countryside towns instead of Paris! Not only could it be more culturally immersing, but it may even be more relaxing and less stressful than visiting a dense area. 2. Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights. One of the most important parts of booking an affordable vacation is booking it at the right time. Scott’s Cheap Flights will track all the cheapest flights at an airport of your choice — you’ll get over 50%–75% savings on highly rated airlines. This will get you stress- free travel for a much lower price! 3. Travel in a group. If you travel with friends, your expenses become a lot more manageable. Let’s say you and a partner travel with two other

couples — renting a swanky cabin at $200 a night will only cost around $33 per person. Plus, you will create some amazing memories together!

4. Plan your meal budget ahead of time. Looking forward to eating certain dishes? Find local menus and prices to ensure you don’t spend more than you planned. If you want an authentic and homestyle culinary experience, consider signing up for a peer-to-peer dining experience through Traveling Spoon or Bon Appetour, which is tax-free as well! 5. Consider volunteering for vacation. Want to go on a self-discovery trip? Why not cut your expenses in half by volunteering? For example, Habitat for Humanity offers a nine-day Mexico trip for $1,200 with lodging, food, and activities included. You’ll get to build structures and create something permanent for the local community.

Traveling on a dime is no sweat with the right tools. Best of luck, traveler!

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