Retirement Planning Strategies - December 2021

Retirement Planning Strategies - December 2021

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DECEMBER 2021

HEALTHY, WEALTHY,

&Wise

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

WANT TO THROW A PUNCH? THINK TWICE! THIS SEASON, WE CAN ALL MAKE BETTER CHOICES

As I write this, I’m sitting in the Denver airport. Just a few weeks ago, a fistfight happened right here in this terminal. I wasn’t here to see it, but apparently, the confrontation sparked between two people whose flight was canceled. They didn’t know each other, but they were stuck waiting together in a long line. Maybe something was said or a glance was thrown. That’s all it took for frustration to bubble up into violence! To me, that fight seems like an expression of a pretty common problem these days. Instead of looking for the good in each other, we’ve all gotten into the habit of looking for the bad. It’s a global issue, but federal employees are as guilty as anyone.

This holiday season, I’m working hard to see the good in others and give people the benefit of the doubt. I’ve found that I have dozens of opportunities every day to do this. Just a few weeks ago, I was standing in a long line at the grocery store — and I mean really long, to the point that it was snaking down an aisle — when someone snuck in from the side and cut in front of me.

I hope that if you find yourself in a similar situation this month, you try to take that same

pause. Focus on your own actions and motivations instead of everyone else’s. The holidays are always hard, but they’ll be even harder this year with labor and supply shortages getting in the way of everyone’s Christmas presents. At least we’re past the days of fighting over toilet paper! If you have the time and ability, you might also consider giving back during the holiday season. As I write this, my team and I are a few days away from doing just that. We booked a morning of volunteering for a Food Bank of the Rockies mobile food pantry. I think it will be a great reminder of how good we have it, even if our Christmas presents are late or our flights are canceled.

“MAYBE SOMETHING WAS SAID OR A GLANCE WAS THROWN. THAT’S ALL IT TOOK FOR FRUSTRATION TO BUBBLE UP INTO VIOLENCE!”

“I don’t like so-and-so’s politics.”

I could have made a big stink about it and shamed them back to the end of the line. But instead, I paused. “Is this really a big deal?” I asked myself, “Will losing one minute out of my day kill me?” I decided that it wouldn’t. I also reminded myself that maybe the person who cut in front of me was in a hurry to get home to a child or a sick relative. How would I know? My assumption that they were a jerk was just that — an assumption. A few deep breaths later, it was my turn at the checkout, and we all went home happy.

“The U.S. Postal Service is so slow!”

“The IRS is out to get us.”

I understand. It’s tempting to judge someone based on what they post on Facebook or to write off a whole organization because of one bad experience. But is it ever healthy to give into temptation? Is it ever wise to make a snap judgment? I don’t think so!

Happy holidays!

–Ann Vanderslice

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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! M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute little accents all over the house and yard. Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering HOW TO DECORATE YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE LIKE A PRO

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!

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.

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!

SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS ALONE? Boost Your Mood With These Tips

PLAN AHEAD.

Many Americans spend the holidays alone every year, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for people to see their loved ones, as travel has become more restricted and strenuous. If you’re one of these people who are spending their first holiday season alone this year, here are a few strategies you can try to make the situation a little easier.

If you know in advance that you’re going to be spending the holidays alone, planning ahead can prevent negative feelings. While being spontaneous can sometimes keep things fresh, it could leave you with a feeling of hopelessness about what to do next. There’s no need for your list to be extensive or highly detailed, but even just planning to watch a movie or cook some of your favorite dishes can give you something to look forward to.

DON’T HOLD YOURSELF TO THE USUAL STANDARDS.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

One of the best things about spending the holidays alone is that you can do things your way. You don’t have to worry about meeting everyone else’s standards. Instead, you only have to make yourself happy. Simply telling yourself that you are not going to have the usual holiday environment can slightly help, but redefining what the holiday means to you can remove a huge weight. Trying new things or looking toward the future are great ways to reduce the stress of spending the holidays alone. Keeping up with old traditions may remind you of what you’re missing out on, so it can greatly help to create your own traditions.

Just because you’re not seeing people during the holidays does not mean you should forgo your basic needs. Stick to your regular hygiene habits and do not let them get away from you. The same goes for eating and sleeping. Staying clean, well-fed, and well-rested goes a long way toward improving your happiness. As with all mental health advice, what works for some does not work for everyone. Do what you think will work best for you and help you keep your thoughts happy.

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Rudolph, You’ll Go Down in History

BEHIND THE EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

You know Dasher and Dancer, and you definitely know Rudolph. Everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer was first born as a 1939 short story, but he truly shot to fame when his tale was adapted into a song by Gene Autry in 1949. Rivaling even the song’s fame is the Rankin/Bass stop-motion special that airs like clockwork every year around Christmas. Generations have now grown up with Rudolph, so it may be surprising to learn that his journey to the small screen started as a General Electric promotion. The company had a running television special on NBC called the “GE Fantasy Hour,” which they used to market their products directly to viewers. The better the story they told, the more viewers they got — and the more toasters they could sell. The script introduced crucial new characters like Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the prospector, and of course, Bumble the abominable snowman. GE hired innovative Japanese animators to create the film using stop-motion techniques that were highly advanced for the time. GE invested the modern equivalent of $4.5 million into the production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and the special first aired in 1964.

Those who are familiar with the film know that it ends with Rudolph enlisting Santa to save the Misfit Toys from earlier in the movie — but it didn’t originally. The version that aired in 1964 concludes with Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh but forgetting all about his homeless friends. The backlash was swift, and viewers wrote in to express displeasure at the heartless resolution. GE decided the special had to be corrected and played again with the proper ending in 1965. And so, a tradition of annual airings was born. Today, “Rudolph” is the longest-running Christmas special in history, and our favorite misfit deer shows no signs of slowing down after 57 years. The movie has transformed into a marketing bonanza, with new Christmas decorations, figurines, and toys being produced each year. Though it’s somewhat shocking to our modern sensibilities to see Santa bullying his reindeer employees and their children, fond childhood memories mean that parents continue to pass the special down to their kids. Even as we recognize its flaws, the dazzling animation and famous songs continue to bring joy and Christmas spirit to households around the country. Just as sure as Santa comes every year, so does Rudolph.

BRAIN! Train Your

DIY Holiday Eggnog

Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com

INGREDIENTS

• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time.

4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy

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Ann Vanderslice Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company is an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or any governmental agency. E.A. Buck is an independent financial services firm, offering investment and insurance products to consumers. 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 Federal Benefits Made Simple an E.A. Buck Company. MAS, AEWM, and Ann Vanderslice Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck company are all separate entities. 1129531–12/21.

issue INSIDE THIS

A Lesson From the Denver Airport Fistfight PAGE 1

Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro

Tips for Spending the Holidays Alone PAGE 2

How Rudolph Became a TV Institution

DIY Holiday Eggnog PAGE 3

Why You Need to Replace Your Furnace Filter PAGE 4

WAIT, WHY DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY FURNACE FILTER? Read This, and You Won’t Forget

It’s easy to forget that the air quality in our home isn’t just magically clean! Dust, contaminants, and allergens can easily circulate in your home. Luckily, your furnace filter is your first line of defense — but it won’t clean your home’s air if you don’t replace it often. A dirty filter can even cause expensive utility bills and damage your HVAC equipment.

Dust-heavy filters can cause your equipment to run at a higher temperature, and it might overheat and shut off. Even though it might cool down and start up again, the cycle will continue in the same short bursts, thus “short-cycling.”

CHANGE THE FILTER REGULARLY.

This varies from home to home. With more people living in the house, especially those with allergies, and a few furry friends, you may want to consider replacing your filter more often. However, a great way to determine how often to change it is to look at what type of filter you have, categorized by thickness:

UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH ABOUT FURNACE FILTERS.

Furnace filters are designed to trap airborne contaminants to prevent them from entering your heating and cooling system! So, when you forget to change your filter, the delicate components of your heating and cooling equipment suffer. For example, imagine your filter is dirty and clogged. Your HVAC system might continue to run, but air won’t circulate properly. Your system has to expend more energy to operate, and you’ll probably turn up the heat because it’s not working as efficiently. Your equipment is working twice as hard for half the result.

For 1–2-inch filters , replace them every 1–3 months.

For 3–4-inch filters , replace them every 6–9 months.

For 5–6-inch filters , replace them every 9–12 months.

If you need more help, try calling your local HVAC professional and get their opinion! They may even give you further information and insights about keeping your home’s air quality healthy.

Many other problems can occur when furnace filters aren’t changed, including “short-cycling” your HVAC equipment.

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