Can you believe the weather

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Can you believe the weather" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="May 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] By David P Schaeffer [spacer height="03px"] Arizona is really awesome! The first quarter of the year has been exceptional; the weather has been mild, and there is an exuberance in the air. Ok, maybe it’s pollen, but folks just seem to be happier. [spacer height="03px"] The parking lots at our local shopping and dining establishments appear to be full on the weekends. People are out and about. Our snowbird tourists are still here enjoying our hotspots. They are keeping our hotels and golf courses nicely busy, and movie theaters are full. It’s just a great time to be in Arizona. [spacer height="03px"] I stopped watching the news because there seems to be only one topic…if I recall, something about a guy with blond hair that vacations in Palm Beach every weekend. [spacer height="03px"] The markets are in decline a bit as profits are skimmed from the DOW, S&P, FTSE and Nikkei. My guess is we have to wait a bit more before we see significant adjustments. But who knows? Gold is having a good year so far. Brent crude over the past 12 months is creeping upwards; I heard we should expect a 30-cent increase in the next quarter at the pump. It would be great if we could all pre-purchase at low prices and fill up later! [spacer height="03px"] As you can tell, I am always optimistic. I guess I’m wired that way. We are launching a new company; www.EasyLife.com will be launched in mid-summer! It will service the basic estate planning needs of folks in their 50s. We have hired our first two employees and I look to add at least 30 more folks in the next 12 months. There is a great need to help folks plan for their futures when they are younger. Leverage is a great thing when it is in your favor. Compounding only works its magic if you give it the time it requires. The new website and initial infrastructure are actually up and running. As we phase into full operation, we will launch sections of the online services gradually to ensure a great client experience. When up and running, we will offer customer service experiences that are not yet available in the industry. Stay tuned. [spacer height="03px"] So, what else? Under age 65 individual health insurance, has had new rules finalized by the Health and Human Services Administration. (Actually, to allow insurance companies to make a profit.) I mean, to offer insurance again. My guess is, under age 65 individual health insurance may be a business again in November of this year. Looks like the new final “market stabilization” rule will allow companies to offer larger deductibles, higher premiums, and perhaps bring back the old networks that had all our doctors. Hmm. Hopefully, the “faith-based” healthcare programs will remain a viable alternative. [spacer height="03px"] More good stuff. Our business is thriving. We continue to grow and serve our client’s needs. Our Medicare planning practice is seeing clients enjoy great options and one major insurance company should see a nice rate decrease this summer. The estate planning team is bustling with clients getting their affairs in order. Retirement planning is doing a fantastic job ensuring our client’s income will last as long as they need it and then transfer to their heirs when they no longer have a need for it. The long-term care planning is busier than I have seen in years. People are getting their plans in place while they are healthy, just in case they need extra help in later years. [spacer height="03px"] I think you can tell we love what we do, and we appreciate the nice folks that are kind enough to allow us to serve their needs. [spacer height="03px"] Just wanted to say thank you! “Thank you!” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2-featured-story.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Featured Story May 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="It's May!" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="May 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] By David Edge [spacer height="03px"] The old adage “April showers bring May flowers” is pretty right on the mark in Arizona this year. We are having a bumper crop of desert flowers blooming this spring! But besides this little childhood ditty, other important holidays are in May. [spacer height="03px"] Mother’s Day falls on Sunday the 14^th this year, so make that phone call and send that card, or better yet… flowers! You only have one Mom, so cherish her, or her memory. [spacer height="03px"] Are you a horse lover? Don’t forget the Kentucky Derby on Saturday the 6^th. If you go ladies, don’t forget your hat! The Derby has become a big spring event with ladies and gentlemen dressing up for this once a year extravaganza! In addition to the day’s race and fun, you quite possibly just might get to sip a delightful mint julep! [spacer height="03px"] Mexico’s Independence Day, better known as Cinco de Mayo is May 5^th, and it is almost more popular in the USA than in Mexico! Everyone likes an excuse to party, and who doesn’t like Mexican food? Viva la Mexico! [spacer height="03px"] We also celebrate our national Day of Prayer on the 4^th.There are several religious holidays in May such as Ascension, St. James and St. Phillip, Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzma’ut, and Shavuot, as well as the beginning of Ramadan and Lailatul Barat. Don’t know what some of these holidays are? Take a few minutes and get educated about our friends with different beliefs and religions. [spacer height="03px"] We remember our military heros with National Armed Forces Day on May 20^th, as well as Memorial Day which falls on the 29^th this year. So, let’s salute our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard military members who are currently serving or are veterans, for protecting us and our wonderful country. If you like our freedom, thank a Veteran! [spacer height="03px"] There are also some fun national days we recognize in May with groups and events for World No Tobacco Day, National Brother Day, National Teacher Day, and National Burger Day, amongst others. [spacer height="03px"] So, Happy Spring! Pick the holiday of your choice; there is certainly something in the month to celebrate for everyone! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Mays-Feature.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Success Story of the Month April 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Success Story of the Month" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="April 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] By David S Edge [spacer height="03px"] Veteran’s Administration Benefits & a Medicare Advantage Plan. [spacer height="03px"] Dale and Sherrie were comfortable with their plans for their upcoming retirement, but Sherrie was worried about Dale’s health care. Dale was a veteran, and while he didn’t use the VA medical services very often, he felt that in retirement he would just continue to use VA, not recognizing the need to get anything else for medical coverage. [spacer height="03px"] Sherrie, like many other folks, have seen all the media with negative stories about the status of health care at the VA hospitals and was concerned about any major medical issues Dale might encounter in the future. [spacer height="03px"] Sherrie had an appointment to meet with us, seven months before her 65^th birthday about her Medicare options. She gently urged her husband to come with her to learn about all the possibilities that are available to him in addition to his VA medical services. [spacer height="03px"] At their meeting, we reviewed all the Medicare options available in their zip code. Sherrie had a general idea of services, as she had already attended one of our Medicare workshops. Dale was amazed at all the different choices that were also available to him via Medicare. [spacer height="03px"] What we were able to convey to Dale was that he can always keep his VA medical services, but why not sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan in Maricopa County? This would give him access to an entire medical network besides VA at no monthly cost. [spacer height="03px"] After reviewing several Medicare Advantage plans, he was delighted that one of his old doctors was on a network that he could join and rekindle that doctor patient relationship. [spacer height="03px"] Twenty-seven of the thirty-four plans have a $0 monthly premium, he can see his Primary Doctor in his network for free, and just pay co-pays for other services. He would also have the ability to get his prescription medication at VA or through his Medicare Advantage plan. This way he can use VA or his private Medicare Advantage plan for medical services. [spacer height="03px"] Sherrie breathed a small sigh of relief and now had some piece of mind that Dale had alternative medical coverage should the need arise. [spacer height="03px"] Know a veteran that might need assistance with reviewing Medicare plans as an addition to Veteran’s Administration benefits? Give us a call we can help! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Success-Story.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Financial Tip April 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Financial Tip" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="April 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] How can I budget? [spacer height="04px"] By David S Edge [spacer height="04px"] We get lots of folks who simply ask how they can make a budget. They tell us that they never seem to have money to save for retirement. They also say that they feel like all they do is pay off bills with what money they do having coming in each month. While this can seem difficult, there are some basic rules that anyone can apply to help them decide what to do when it comes to spending their money. There is what some folks call the 50/30/20 Rule. [spacer height="03px"] As a general guideline, you should never spend more than 50% of your income on fixed costs. This includes rent or mortgage, utilities, phone, car, groceries, insurance, etc. Stuff you have to have on a monthly basis. No frills, just the basics! By reviewing your fixed cost, this allows you the opportunity to get rid of some of these items that may have been necessary a few years ago, but are no longer necessary. Get rid of unnecessary services! House cleaner, pool guy, pet walker, yard guy, are these some services you could do to save some monthly expenses? Are there home deliveries you currently use that you really don’t need? [spacer height="03px"] Financial goal payments should be in the 20% range of your income. It’s the old adage of “Pay yourself First!” If you take the savings cash out of circulation, it isn’t there to spend. Take a percentage every month to put into an IRA, Roth, or your company’s 401K or 403b. Many of these vehicles make you leave the cash alone and let it grow, and if you attempt to use it there is a penalty. Think of these penalties as a small slap on your hand to leave it alone and let it grow for retirement. Keep your hand out of the retirement cookie jar! [spacer height="03px"] With approximately 30% left over, now you can decide where you want to spend this discretionary income. This flexible spending covers what you really care about. While your monthly budget of fixed cost includes a food budget, your flex money would allow eating out or picking up some additional goodies in the food budget. Other unessential items in this category would include hobbies, sports, entertainment, beauty salon visits, etc. [spacer height="03px"] This last 30% is where you need to get tough with yourself and your family. Instead of going out for a movie, stage a family game night. Pull out playing cards, board games, or charades. Not only can this be fun, but it can rebuild relationships or reconnect you with your loved ones! [spacer height="03px"] Working towards your retirement, you must have a goal if you want to live in retirement at your expectation! Even if it’s late in the game of your working years, revising how you spend your money can help prepare you for those years where your income will be reduced. [spacer height="03px"] Don’t delay! Now is the time. Need help? Call us! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Financial-Tip.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Health Tip April 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Health Tip" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="April 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] Beware of the Silent Killer! [spacer height="02px"] By Sharon Groves [spacer height="03px"] What is this “silent killer”? It’s also known as High Blood Pressure because it has no noticeable symptoms. Nearly one-third of all American adults have it. This is when your blood pressure is higher than normal for an extended period of time. [spacer height="02px"] Many people have this problem for years without knowing it until diagnosed by a doctor. If any symptoms occur, it is only when blood pressure suddenly spikes and is extreme enough to be considered a medical emergency. This is known as hypertensive crisis. Some symptoms are severe headache, severe anxiety, shortness of breath, and nosebleed. That is why frequent blood pressure monitoring is vital. [spacer height="02px"] The exact cause is not known, however, heredity does play a part in this. Some causes and risk factors, like age and gender, cannot be controlled, but others like diet and exercise can be managed. Other risk factors are your ethnicity, being overweight or obese, family history, smoking, diet, and stress. Home remedies such as meditating, listening to soothing music or enjoying the companion-ship of a pet have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. [spacer height="02px"] Should I be worried? If left untreated, it can lead to a greater risk of stroke or heart attack.It can also result in major organ damage such as to your brain, heart, kidneys and even the small vessels in your eyes. [spacer height="02px"] What the Numbers Mean… Systolic is the top number and Diastolic is the bottom number. [spacer height="02px"] If your blood pressure is 120/80 or less, your blood pressure is normal. [spacer height="02px"] If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90: You’re at risk for high blood pressure and have what is referred to as prehypertension. Lifestyle modifications are important and could be recommended by your doctor. [spacer height="02px"] If your blood pressure is: 140 and above for systolic or 90 and above for diastolic, your blood pressure is high. Lifestyle modifications and high blood pressure medicines are very important and could be recommended by your doctor. This can be especially true if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease. [spacer height="02px"] If your blood pressure is 160 or higher over 100 or higher, you are in Stage 2 of HBP. If your numbers are 180 or higher over 110 or higher, you are in crisis! [spacer height="02px"] So what can I do? You should take it seriously! Managing your high blood pressure should be part of an overall health program that also includes managing or preventing problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, preventing blood clots, making dietary changes, such as limiting salt, and lifestyle changes that include quitting smoking and increasing daily exercise. Best advice? Talk to your doctor. [spacer height="02px"] The good news is, this is treatable… “if” you take it seriously. We live in beautiful Arizona with near-perfect weather, so get out, walk, bike, hike or anything that will get you exercising. Don’t forget your bottle of water. As the saying goes…. [spacer height="02px"] “Stop and smell the roses along the way.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Health-Tip-April-2017.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Why am I me! April 2017

Good old Golden Days

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By David Edge

[spacer height="05px"] As we begin to solve a problem, we often find ourselves going back to the basics. What is the root of the problem and what is the best course of action to resolve it? [spacer height="03px"] Sometimes we make a list of the pros and cons of the issue so that we can review a written version and start eliminating ideas, one at a time, as we think through the solution process. You take that sharp pencil and draw a line through it. There! One more decision made, bringing you that much closer to a solution. [spacer height="03px"] But going back to the basics is what made you, you! [spacer height="03px"] Just what were those basics that we were taught those many years ago? Can you remember sitting in that small wooden desk in first grade? There were chalk blackboards (sometimes they were dark green), and dusting erasers, learning to count, memorizing your multiplication tables, ABCs, and how to use a pair of scissors and glue. Somewhere in the classroom was the American Flag, a map of the USA, and usually a globe. Is the picture getting clearer? [spacer height="03px"] The teacher handed out practice sheets of problems or tests, and those copies were printed on a mimeograph machine! Remember the purple ink and the smell? There were pop quizzes, and recess, and snacks. After lunch there was a nap! But the nap time was for first graders; by the time second grade rolled around we were big boys and girls. [spacer height="03px"] Those were simple times with simple solutions as we look back to that period in our growing up years. But some things were just ingrained into our small grey matter during that period. Can you remember that first grade teacher? Even to this day I can…….. Mrs. Lambert. [spacer height="03px"] We are a product of the total experiences of our lives. Each event, experience, teacher, coach, or boss, has shaped us into what we are today and has affected the way we make decisions. [spacer height="03px"] When going back to the basics, determine your objective. This should be the first order of business when making a decision on any subject. Gathering information is the second step to your process. Be careful with this one because there is such a thing as paralysis by analysis of too much information. Self-evaluation of your skills and ability to make this decision is next. If this is a complex issue you have to ask yourself, “do I need outside help with this decision making issue? Selecting help is next. I’ve always explained to clients, “you have to like the people who are going to help you”. Never be afraid to check around and review several sources before deciding who you want help from. Remember the old adage “two heads are better than one”. When resolving the issue, keep in mind that you will have personal likes and dislikes about the answer you are trying to reach. Subjective thinking is the like or dislike of a personal preference, but you must maintain an objective thought process to reach the most appropriate decision. [spacer height="03px"] One last note on this topic; Procrastination is your biggest enemy when making decisions. Work through the process until it’s complete! Whether it’s creating your retirement financial plan, a medical decision, setting up a Will, Trust, or a fund for that grandchild’s college education. You sometimes just might need a cheerleader or a task master to get you to finish the process. We know where you can find such a person! Call us, we can help!

Feature Story April 2017

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Market Exuberance, Individual Healthcare, & tune into News at 11.

[spacer height="04px"] By David Schaeffer [spacer height="04px"] We all know when the market moves up, frowns turn upside down. Good news for pension funds, school endowments, and our clients. Many of our clients saw great returns in both their brokerage accounts and insured savings programs. Some day we may even see a viable market for bonds like we saw from 1970 until about 2007. Just remember what goes up must… (unless you have an insured savings plan of course.) [spacer height="03px"] The Affordable Healthcare Act was really a great idea, just poorly executed. For healthcare to be affordable, doctors need to get paid, patients need access to consistent quality care, the lawyers need to stop suing every drug company, and the insurance companies need to be allowed to make a small profit. I know that is a long sentence but that is what needs to happen. [spacer height="03px"] Doctors in the past (Primary Care Physicians) had multiple streams of income. They received their payment for seeing patients, stipends for recommending drugs, stipends for recommending labs and diagnostics, and referral fees for sending patients to specialists. Most of those sources of income vanished with the Affordable Care Act. Lawyers love to create class action suits against pharmaceutical companies. Many cases cost millions to litigate and who usually gets the lion’s share of the settlements? Not the consumers who must burden the higher costs, not the drug companies that spend less on research and more on legal defense, and not the small percentage of folks that were actually harmed by the side effects of the drug. Our local non-profit, Blue Cross Blue Shield, lost $221 million dollars on the block of business serving individuals and families both on and off the healthcare exchange. They were promised, if they participated, that the government would reimburse excess losses. The government failed to cover the losses. You have to agree that a non-profit company formed to offer insurance would really like to sell insurance. Under the constraints placed on companies by the ACA, that is not possible in many counties in the United States. [spacer height="03px"] Changes are coming to individual, under-age 65, health insurance, of that I am sure. But they will not be what folks are thinking. Costs for premiums will increase, subsidies are in question, and the networks will likely have to be constructed from scratch as they have been every year since 2014. [spacer height="03px"] So I can’t say, “Tune into news at eleven.” Whether you watch FOX or CNN, both sides are so biased it is difficult to get a real understanding. We will let you know the REAL facts as they unfold directly from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and from the insurance companies. April 2017 feature -2

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April Fools 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="April Fools" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="April 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] By David Edge [spacer height="05px"] April is usually the greeting for spring weather, but April is also known for “April Fool’s Day.” There are some who wonder, “How did this day of pranks, jokes, and gags begin?” Well, there are many stories of the origin of this goofy day, which in itself makes for a funny story. [spacer height="03px"] If we look historically, a prank was first written in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales from 1392. A fox tricks the proud rooster, Chauntecleer, on “syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.” Now we know there are not 32 days in March, so was he thinking April 1^st? This is the first hint of a foolish day. [spacer height="03px"] April 1^st soon became an international day for gags. Whether gags were simple or elaborate, they always end with “April Fools” being shouted at the victim. [spacer height="03px"] Some of the earliest April Fool’s jokes were started in where else, but England! The trick would start with a sealed envelope being given to a trusted friend on an important errand. “Please go to (another trusted friend) and deliver this important message!” Upon arrival to the friend, they opened the envelope only to find the message told them to tell the errand person that this grave matter involves another friend, thus placing the same message in another sealed envelope so that the messenger was still clueless about the message. The errand person might see several friends with the message until someone would finally save him from the important” errand. [spacer height="03px"] Other countries celebrate by placing a paper fish on someone else without them knowing. But, some pranks are truly inspirational. The BBC ran a story about the Swiss having a bumper crop from the spaghetti plants with film showing farmers harvesting spaghetti. The BBC was flooded with calls from people wanting to know how they could get a spaghetti tree! [spacer height="03px"] Burger King ran a commercial touting the left-handed hamburger. Hundreds of customers asked for this burger! Taco Bell announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell and renamed it the Taco Liberty Bell. Outraged Americans called the White House and wanted to know if it was true! The White House press director (who also had a sense of humor) added that they had also sold the Lincoln bedroom to the Ford Motor Company and it would now be called the Ford Lincoln Mercury bedroom. [spacer height="03px"] Of course all of these were later revealed as the hoaxes that they were, and the nation had a good laugh! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/April-Fools-2.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Health Tip of the Month

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Health Tip of the Month" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="March 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] Water, water everywhere… how much should I drink? [spacer height="02px"] By Sharon C. Groves [spacer height="02px"] Water is one of the most important resources on earth. All plants, animals, and living beings must have water to survive. 71% of earth’s surface is covered in water, with our oceans holding approximately 96.5% of all earth’s water. If there was no water, there would be no life on earth. [spacer height="02px"] We must constantly add fresh water to our body in order to keep it properly hydrated. An adequate amount of water daily can be a cure for some problems like headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. It can even affect our ability to focus and perform simple tasks. Water lubricates our joints and muscles for better movement and plays a very important role in nearly every bodily function. We can go for weeks without food, but only three days without water. [spacer height="02px"] Water is essential for absorption of nutrients and proper digestion which carries waste from our bodies. It’s important for proper circulation in the body and to carry oxygen throughout. The more oxygen in our bodies, the more fat it will burn for energy and the more fat will be flushed from our systems. [spacer height="02px"] Interesting water facts: [spacer height="02px"] Removes toxins & fat. If you’d like to shed some extra pounds, drinking a lot of water is a MUST [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Health-tip-2-.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Success Story of the Month

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Success Story of the Month" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" header_fullscreen="off" header_scroll_down="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" content_orientation="center" image_orientation="center" custom_button_one="off" button_one_letter_spacing="0" button_one_use_icon="default" button_one_icon_placement="right" button_one_on_hover="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" custom_button_two="off" button_two_letter_spacing="0" button_two_use_icon="default" button_two_icon_placement="right" button_two_on_hover="on" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" subhead="March 2017"] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"] More for Less? [spacer height="02px"] By David Edge [spacer height="03px"] While recently meeting with a client who was a young grandmother with three beautiful grandchildren, she was lamenting the fact that she wished she had more to leave the grandkids when she passed. I pressed her for more information on exactly what was she concerned with? She replied that while she was OK with her retirement income she only had a small amount of money in a bank savings account and that each child would only get about $10,000 when she passed. [spacer height="02px"] I was glad she brought it up so that we could have the opportunity to help her with this dilemma. [spacer height="02px"] “How would you like to leave them $20,000 or maybe even $30,000 each?” I asked. [spacer height="02px"] “Impossible!” was her immediate reply. “Au contraire”, I said. “There are ways to make the money worth two or even three times the face amount”. I could tell I had her undivided attention. [spacer height="02px"] There are insurance products on the market that you can purchase with the cash in your savings account that are guaranteed to pay out upon your passing to any beneficiaries you direct. The cash in your saving account is paying you pennies on the dollar in a low -yield bank account while it just sits in your bank. Let’s look at some ways to make that cash more valuable. [spacer height="02px"] We then had a discussion on a Single-Premium life insurance policy. This is a product that will take your one-time payment, and guarantee you a payout larger than your one-time payment. There are factors that affect exactly how much of a multiple the payout will be upon your passing. These factors generally have to do with qualifying for the policy and usually only have a simple blood test by a nurse who usually comes to your office or home. [spacer height="02px"] But for a simple example, you take the $30,000 that’s in your savings account; purchase a single-premium life policy that would have a guaranteed death benefit of $60,000. This is what legacy planning is all about. You are making decisions now that will affect your family later. Your three grandchildren will get $20,000 each instead of $10,000. It would take your bank savings account around 30-35 years at 2% interest to grow to that amount of money. Instead, you’ve doubled the money by just purchasing a policy, instantly. [spacer height="02px"] What’s great about this policy is that the money is fully funded, it’s safe and secure, as an efficient way to transfer wealth. It’s flexible, as many of these policies have value added living benefits and liquidity features with access to the death benefit or cash values should the policy holders’ financial needs change. [spacer height="02px"] She was stunned that these products existed and her family financial planner had never discussed this with her before. I merely reminded her that at American Retirement Advisors we look as all aspects of your retirement and not just sell you products. Grace was more than just a little happy as we reviewed her new options. [spacer height="02px"] Concerned that the small amount of money in a savings account isn’t going to be very much to pass along to your family in the event something happens to you? Call us we can help! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sucess-story-of-the-month-2.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]