Retirement Planning Strategies - April 2021

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APRIL 2021

HEALTHY, WEALTHY,

&Wise

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

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES AND LEARN AS WE GO That Lesson Informs 2021 and Beyond

Jane Fraser, CitiGroup’s CEO, gave an interview last year in which she said more customers adopted the bank’s online banking tools in the first six weeks of the pandemic than the bank predicted would in the next five years. But you don’t need to be the head of a major Wall Street financial institution to see that COVID-19 has caused us to flock to digital tools in record numbers. We’ve all gotten used to doing business remotely utilizing the now ever-present Zoom. A year into the pandemic, it has me thinking about the nature of change, new technology, and how things are going to continue to change in 2021 as vaccine access becomes more and more widespread. One thing I’ve noticed is that technology rarely becomes popular when released. Sure, the iPod was a hit from its beginning — but I didn’t start using email until 1999 or 2000, even though I got my first email account back in 1993. I know many people adopted it early, but I know more than a few “holdouts” who didn’t take email seriously until after 9/11. It’s been similar with Zoom. Zoom software had been around before the pandemic, because many schools and universities were already using it for their online classes. But why did Zoom become so popular when Skype was the more-established option for years? That’s the sort of thing we’d all like to figure out.

days. That hybrid model seems to work well for a number of reasons. If people online don’t like to ask questions, no problem. The ones in the room break the ice first, and then the questions flow from both groups! The agencies and individuals save on travel and lodging costs, which is a big factor for many! I’ve made more opportunities for training by customizing presentations, such as offering a two-hour remote talk that condenses the structure of my full seminar into smaller, but still complete, format. As nice as it will be to stand in front of a large audience once again, I doubt we will return to “the way things were.” Meetings, court hearings, and seminars like mine will have to offer remote options. And as those changes occur, it’s important you keep one thing in mind: What do you want and how do you want it to happen? As we’re making it through this period, we’ve learned more tech than most of us ever thought possible. But then again, we haven’t had much choice. This time around, we know change is coming. If you want to succeed and make that change work for you, then make the choice to plan ahead. 2021 is far from over. Let’s make the new “normal” we’re building one that works to our advantage.

As long as we roll with the punches and learn as we go, we will be alright. I doubt there’s anyone reading this in 2021 who doesn’t already know how to instinctually accept some degree of constant change. When COVID-19 restrictions first hit, I had to figure out how to continue to educate federal employees on the importance of planning for retirement. We could keep working with clients remotely and take care of business without much trouble, but the education part proved much trickier. I couldn’t do an all-day seminar in person anymore. Nor could I do the same thing on Zoom either: Seven hours is way too long for anyone to sit in front of a computer! We found solutions to these dilemmas through trial and error, and we kept moving forward. I always want to be in front of real, live people, so I was happy to have agencies send me 10 employees who they thought would most benefit from in-person instruction. I met in a room with those 10 people, and we did the seminar broken into two 3.5-hour segments stretched over two

–Ann Vanderslice

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The Benefits of a Bow and Arrow

HOW ARCHERY KEEPS YOU HEALTHY

FOCUS Archers benefit physically by strengthening their muscles, but the mental focus required to succeed in this sport also provides a lot of

The word “fitness” brings to mind a number of images: jogging, cycling, lifting weights — the list goes on and on. However, people rarely think of archery as a means to fitness. This activity has been around for thousands of years; a bow used to be a key weapon in hunting and war. Today, archery is often practiced as a sport, conferring many health benefits most are unaware of. EXERCISE Archery is a low-impact activity everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender, or ability. As with any sport, to perform well, archers need to practice consistently. Regular practice means regular use of their upper bodies and exercise that helps maintain overall fitness. What’s more, archers also get exercise by walking to and from the targets and the designated shooting area. STRENGTH It takes significant strength to pull a bow at full draw. In one motion, archers engage the muscles in their arms, hands, core, back, and chest. The more the motion of drawing and firing is repeated, the stronger these areas of the body will become. There are also many relatively easy exercises archers can do outside of this sport to build strength and improve their shot, including side planks, dumbbell exercises, and yoga.

benefit both on and off the archery range. Keeping a steady and unwavering sight on the target while ignoring all distractions is key to making a perfect shot, and this focus can also help increase productivity at work and improve relationships. PATIENCE Patience is another key component to archery: If an archer rushes a shot, they’re more likely to miss their target. Knowing when to take a shot is just as important as knowing how. Patience is also important when training the body for archery. Archers must be willing to perform the same task over and over to refine their aim. It’s important to keep in mind that archery can be dangerous when not practiced correctly. Talk to a professional or get a lesson from an archery instructor to learn how to properly handle a bow.

How Pets Improve Our Health and Happiness FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES

As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. THE BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP A lack of purpose can take a significant toll on anyone, but the sense of duty pet owners realize when caring for their animals helps them avoid this pitfall. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets experience less stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and more exercise than non-pet owners.

Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to

regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. FIND THE RIGHT PET Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which may not. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

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Don’t Think — Just Go Green!

3 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Living a sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle is all the rage these days. Celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Alba, and Emma Watson continue to make big waves by supporting eco-conscious causes and by boasting their eco-friendly

products, consider shampoo bars or refillable bottles for hair care products from companies like Plaine Products or EcoRoots.

EAT LESS MEAT We’re not saying you have to give up your cheeseburgers or ribs, but opting for fewer meat-focused meals could create big impacts on a global scale. According to the Center for a Livable Future, if just 32% of Americans opted for meatless meals one day each week, it would be equivalent to reducing the impact of emissions from 1.6 million cars each year. Swap meat for beans, tofu, cauliflower, squashes, or a vegetarian soup. Delish.com has a great selection of vegetarian- based meals if you’re ready to give it a chance. SHOP LOCALLY When you venture into “Meatless Mondays” or search for products that reduce your single-use footprint, consider shopping locally. According to Transport & Environment, shipping could contribute to 10% of all carbon emissions by 2050. One way you can help reduce the reliance on global shipping is by focusing on locally sourced products and foods. Shop for produce at the local farmer’s market, seek out local crafters for gifts and household accessories , and buy your clothes from local retailers who purchased the materials locally. Large store chains can also have local sections that make this endeavor easier! To get started, check with your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of shops to visit.

products. Not everyone has the budget or the ability to go as eco- friendly as our celebrity counterparts, but “going green” isn’t as difficult as you may think. This Earth Day, try adapting some of these easy eco-friendly tips into your daily life! REDUCE YOUR RELIANCE ON SINGLE-USE ITEMS Swap out items like paper towels, plastic water bottles, travel size shampoos and conditioners, plastic straws and bags, and other single-use products that fulfill a need for you once and then end up in a landfill. Instead, find creative ways to avoid single-use products and reuse or recycle other everyday items instead. You can cut up old shirts to use as rags, fill up reusable water bottles instead of buying throwaway plastic ones, and carry cloth bags instead of taking plastic sacks at the grocery store. If you’re looking for new

BRAIN! Train Your

Rhubarb Oat Bars

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until

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This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Investments in securities are not suitable for all investors. Investment in any security may involve a high degree of risk and investors should review all "Risk Factors" before investing. Investors should perform their own due diligence before considering any investment. Past performance and/or forward-looking statements are never an assurance of future results. Investment products, Insurance, and Annuity products are not FDIC Insured/Not Bank Guaranteed/Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency/May Lose Value. Securities offered through Cabot Lodge Securities, LLC, (“CLS”) member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through CL Wealth Management LLC, (“CLW”) a SEC registered Investment Advisor. Cabot Lodge Securities, LLC and CL Wealth Management, LLC (“CLW”) are affiliated entities. Retirement Planning Strategies is not controlled by or a subsidiary of CLS or CLW and is an unaffiliated entity.

issue INSIDE THIS

Roll With the Punches and Learn as We Go PAGE 1

Did You Know Archery Can Keep You Fit? PAGE 2

Go Green in 3 Easy Steps PAGE 3

Vacations That Pay PAGE 4

VACATION DESTINATIONS THAT WILL PAY YOU TO VISIT

THAI PARADISE Although it’s no longer the hidden destination it once was, there are still a lot of good reasons to visit Thailand. In addition to being an affordable place to travel, Thailand also has great food and an amazing climate. To make up for the financial hit due to suspended travel because of the virus, the Cape Fahn Hotel is offering incentives into 2021 including a complimentary upgrade to the next class of care, which gives economy spenders access to executive accommodations. Other incentives include free meals, round-trip airport transit service, and discounted beach picnics and boat tours. Check out CapeFahnHotel.com/offers for more information. WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Although this destination in British Columbia might be known for its winter activities, there’s a lot to love about Whistler in late spring and early summer! One great thing? The amazing array of money-saving options you can find here. The Riverside Resort, for example, is offering mountain-view cabins at a 3-for-2 discount — pay for two nights and get a third for free! Traveling to Canada can be tricky at the moment, but if you use a good travel agent, you can take advantage of some great deals. Other incentives in the region include free meals (or a per diem meal rebate) as well as discounts on guided tours.

In the wake of COVID-19, tourist destinations worldwide have been hit hard. To lure travelers back, some places are offering steep discounts and other incentives throughout all of 2021. With inexpensive airfare and great deals on accommodations, tours, food, and more, you can take a luxury vacation at greatly reduced prices this year.

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN Few words evoke the image of beaches, sun, and saltwater like “Cancun” does. This Mexican locale has become synonymous with leisure, as have other destinations in the Caribbean — beautiful places like Isla Mujeres or the Riviera Maya. Tourists can visit all of them at a steep discounted rate until

the end of 2021 thanks to promotions from the Hotel Association of Cancun and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion’s council. Head to En.Come2MexicanCaribbean.com to find vouchers for two free nights in a hotel for every two paid, steeply discounted airfare, and even options for free food and drinks.

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