Wolf Retirement Navigation January 2018

Wolf Retirement Navigation January 2018

904-232-8760 www.wolfretirement.com MONTHLY RET IREMENT NAV IGAT ION

January 2018

THE RIGHT BEGINNING FOR A NEW YEAR Your Personal Trainer of Retirement

Approximately half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but that number has been on the decline. Research from the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K. found that 88 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail. Who wants to start something doomed to fail? This statistic becomes more discouraging when you think about how a vast majority of New Year’s resolutions revolves around health and fitness. Every January, a lot of people set out to improve their health, and most of them fail. if you’ve ever tried to find workout tips on the internet, but let me tell you, it’s the Wild West out there. Each new blog post has conflicting information, and no one seems to agree on whether cardio is more effective before or after weightlifting. I believe people who make health-related New Year’s resolutions would have a lot more success if they had someone else on their team. You can see this plainly when it comes to personal trainers. This month, you can walk into any gym and find it packed with people. Some face the treadmills and complicated equipment alone, while others have a personal trainer guiding them through a personalized workout. Can you guess which folks are more likely to be on track It’s not easy to start a new habit, especially when you try to do it alone. I don’t know

making progress come March? Research from the University of North Texas Health Science Center shows it’s the people who have hired personal trainers. In addition to helping people get started, a personal trainer will educate his or her clients about fitness, advise them on realistic goals, and create personalized plans to help meet those goals. In a lot of ways, a financial planner is like being a personal trainer. I meet with clients to discuss their personal goals, look at where they are now, and use my knowledge and experience to advise them on where they need to go. And much like how a personal trainer can tell a client when to do cardio, working with a financial advisor means you don’t have to learn about strategies and products through hours of tedious research. In fact, I encourage my clients to call me to ask me questions about their financial future. Recently, a lot of people have asked me how the tax bill could impact their retirement planning. Most will have lower overall tax bill starting in 2018. The new law needs to be reviewed and applied individually. That is why we focus on tax savings strategies and offer tax preparation services for our retirement planning clients. Tax planning is becoming more important today then ever before.

In addition, one thing is sure to remain the same: It will still be necessary to save and plan for retirement. There is a chance the best strategies will need tweaking, depending on your tax bracket and future plans. But it’s my job as a financial planner and retirement specialist to learn what those changes will be, similar to a personal trainer’s job to know the best way to help a client meet his or her goals to train for a marathon or safely lose weight. Whatever happens in 2018, the most important thing for you to do is continue prioritizing your retirement savings. And if you haven’t started yet, the new year is the perfect time to get your retirement plan up and running! It might seem overwhelming, and maybe you don’t know where to start, but that’s all right. It’s my job to be here and set you on the right path so you can enjoy the retirement of your dreams. –Adam Wolf, CPA, CFP ®

www.wolfretirement.com | 1 a. Investment Advisory Services offered through Retirement Wealth Advisors, (RWA) a Registered Investment Advisor. Wolf Retirement Navigation LLC and RWA are not affiliated. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. This information is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, it is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Wolf Retirement Navigation LLC and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney. Annuity guarantees rely on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. Any comments regarding safe and secure investments, and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way to securities or investment advisory products. Fixed Insurance and Annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Retirement Wealth Advisors. 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island.

Ready to Book Your Dream Vacation?

ADVENTURE IS WAITING

Globe Aware Have you ever wanted to travel the world and help make the planet a better place? Then it’s time to consider “voluntourism.” Take the international trip you’ve always wanted by donating your time in a meaningful way. The experts in “aging with attitude” at Senior Planet celebrate Globe Aware for its success in catering to the adventurous and the generous. Learn how you can volunteer with orphans or help clean up coral reefs at globeaware.org. There will never be a better time to take the trip you’ve dreamed of for years. Adventure is out there; don’t keep it waiting any longer.

Are you ready to set out on a grand adventure? Many people spend their entire lives thinking about the exotic locations they want to explore, only to let the opportunity slip

lessons, visits to neighborhood schools, and home-hosted meals with local families, all of which allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you’ve been dreaming of a nautical adventure, Grand Circle Travel also boasts an impressive fleet of small ships for ocean sailing and river cruises. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting gct.com. Road Scholar Looking for an adventure that will also quench your thirst for knowledge? For over 40 years, Road Scholar has dedicated itself to creating memorable and educational global travel experiences. Road Scholar crafts vacations that match your interests, group size, and desired activity level. Go on a maritime expedition with your grandchild in Hawaii or enjoy a solo adventure to the ancient ruins of Egypt or Greece. It’s like taking a semester abroad in college, but with fewer essays to write. Start planning your dream vacation at roadscholar.org.

through their fingers. Stop dreaming about

adventure and make it a reality with these top- of-the-line travel

companies.

Grand Circle Travel Established by AARP founder

Ethel Andrus, Grand Circle Travel specializes in affordable tour packages that let travelers focus on a true local experience. Your tour can include language

THANK YOU!

Tune in every Sunday for the “Sunday

TUNE IN!

Morning Money Report” on CBS 47 at 9:05 a.m.

for financial news and retirement tips in just two minutes.

Tune in every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to noon for “4 Your Money” on River City Live on Channel 4, The Local Station. Re-airs Mondays at noon on Channel 17, WCWJ “The CW,” and again on Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. on “The CW.” Tune in to NBC 12 on Tuesdays for Jacksonville’s Retirement Coach, Adam Wolf, on First Coast Living, from 11:00 a.m. to noon and again from 2–3 p.m.

Every day, we’re grateful to our clients who continue to trust us as we help them navigate the road to financial security. It means a lot when you introduce your friends and family to us so we can help them, too!

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2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island.

A Strong Team for a Strong Year

Welcome to the Wolf Retirement Navigation Family, Eileen!

The new year holds endless possibilities. It’s impossible to know what 2018 will bring, but when you have a great team on your side, it’s easy to be optimistic about the future. As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to have such an incredible team, including a newcomer we’re thrilled to have on board. In November 2017, Eileen Ybanez joined our team as the newly appointed director of client services. For over two decades, Eileen has made her name in the industry, specializing in the banking field, financial services, and mortgage lending. This experience qualified her to handle back-office services and “behind the scenes” tasks in areas encompassing retirement financial planning. Eileen’s focus has and always will be professional and exemplary client service. Over her career, she’s been presented with numerous awards in recognition of her customer service achievements. She excels at dedication. Whenever you need to consult with her, whether in person at the Jacksonville office or via written communication, she makes focusing on you, our valued client, a priority by delivering outstanding service.

Each day, we remember and adhere to our fiduciary duty to you, protecting your interests — legally, ethically, and morally — and placing them first and foremost in every decision we suggest and execute on your behalf. Eileen and her husband, a Jacksonville native, have lived in Jacksonville since 2000. They have three grown boys and three grandchildren.

Please join all of us as we warmly welcome Eileen to our family. Remember, our doors are always open, so please take a moment to visit our Jacksonville office to meet Eileen sometime soon. Her dedication to her chosen career and to you, coupled with her enthusiasm and compassionate nature, are why we know she is a perfect addition to our Wolf Retirement Navigation team.

Working alongside Adam to familiarize herself with each of you, Eileen is aware of the responsibility her position demands.

On behalf of all of us, we wish you many blessings in this new year!

Sudoku

There’s nothing like curling up under a blanket with a warm mug and a novel that finally came out in paperback. Break out the slow cooker and let the sweet aroma waft through your living room as your start Chapter 1.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup white chocolate chips • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk • 2 cups heavy cream, divided

• 3 cups milk (any variety will do) • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 4 tablespoons raspberry liqueur or syrup

DIRECTIONS

1. In a slow cooker, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, 1 cup cream, and milk. Cover and heat on low about 2 hours. 2. In a large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. 3. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. 4. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with about 1 tablespoon of raspberry liqueur or syrup to taste and a dollop of whipped cream.

Solution

(Recipe inspired by SlowCookerGourmet.net.)

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

904-232-8760 www.wolfretirement.com 4230 Pablo Professional Court Ste. 101 Jacksonville, FL 32224

INSIDE

• Achieve Your Retirement Resolution PAGE 1

• Adventure Is Waiting PAGE 2

• Thank You! PAGE 2

• Welcome Eileen! PAGE 3

• Slow Cooker Raspberry White Hot Chocolate PAGE 3

• The Time Is Right for Nicaragua PAGE 4

Escape to

Nicaragua

Tips forYourTripBack inTime

After the hectic holiday season, many of us feel like we need another vacation just to unwind. Luckily, January and February are two of the best months to travel. Flight prices plummet and crowds thin out after the Christmas rush. If you’re looking to escape the dreary winter weather, there’s no better place to visit this season than Nicaragua, the “Central American country that has it all,” as Condé Nast Traveler puts it. Whether you’re looking to explore the rainforests surrounding the Río San Juan or get lost in the quirky-yet-beautiful architecture of Granada, there’s something for everyone in this tropical wonderland. One must-see destination is the Cerro Negro volcano. Just a baby at 150 years old, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It only takes about an

hour to scale its smoking, black gravel surface, and the verdant forests surrounding the peak are a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can

board down the side, reaching ludicrous speeds as they teeter and try not to fall. In fact, it’s almost impossible to travel anywhere in the country without seeing an “I boarded a volcano” T-shirt. If relaxing on a pearlescent beach is more your speed, take a short boat trip out to the Corn Islands. There, you can amble around the small towns bordering the shockingly blue Pacific, visit a number of laid-back seafood restaurants, get scuba certified for a fraction of the price anywhere else in the world, or just read your book as you swing in a hammock by the waves.

You can also visit the gorgeous, alabaster Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in “new” Léon. The biggest church in all of Central America, this unique Baroque and neoclassicist structure was built in 1814. Visitors can climb onto its roof (as long as they don’t wear shoes) and bask in the view of surrounding volcanoes (including Cerro Negro). If you’re planning on heading to Nicaragua, it’s best to do it soon. Neighbor Costa Rica often overflows with tourists, and instead of wading through the crowds there, many travelers are catching on to what Nicaragua has to offer.

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2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island.