Financial Tip of the Month Jan 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Financial 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="January 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"]   By David S Edge [spacer height="04px"] Reason Not to Pay Off the Home Mortgage. [spacer height="04px"] In retirement… it’s all about cash flow. We see many folks who have decided to retire make the mistake of taking their retirement money, or 401K money out of income generating accounts, and pay off their mortgage in a lump sum. What they don’t realize is that they are now house rich and cash flow poor. They are also more likely to trigger a large income tax penalty for using a chunk of their taxable retirement cash for this lump-sum pay off. Bad dog! You just shot yourself in the foot twice! [spacer height="04px"] Keep your retirement money in play, making your income pay the monthly house payment so that when your house is eventually paid off, that same retirement money is now generating extra cash income for your household. In other words, saving for retirement is more important than paying off your house! [spacer height="04px"] You also have to keep in mind that during the last 10-15 years of your mortgage, most of the monthly payment is principal, not interest. So making extra payments during these years (if your income allows) is a better strategy. An extra payment at this point is reducing your principal and will pay off your home quicker. [spacer height="04px"] By paying off your house, you are also losing one of the last major deductions on your yearly income tax. Again, you lose. [spacer height="04px"] So taking retirement money to pay off your home, triggering a large tax bill, and losing a major tax deduction are the three stooges of paying off your home early! Make sure you get professional advice on your whole plan for retirement so you don’t hit one of these bumps in your road to a financially safe retirement! [spacer height="04px"] Call us! We are here to help! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture5.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" 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]

Medicare Minute Jan 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Time to Shop" 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="Medicare Minute Jan 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"]   Time to Shop [spacer height="02px"] By David S. Edge [spacer height="02px"] We have just completed the Annual Election Period where folks with Medicare Advantage plans and independent Part D Prescription Drug Plans can switch plans with their new selections starting January 1, 2017. There are lots of happy folks out there that are pleased with the research our staff was able to perform for them and their choices for 2017. [spacer height="04px"] So now what? [spacer height="04px"] If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement), did you know you can switch your plan or carrier any month of the year? Now I know what you are thinking, “why would I do that?” [spacer height="04px"] What you have to realize is that your monthly Medigap premium is based on age, smoker, non-smoker, and even your zip code. Every year you have a birthday, your premium increases as these plans are age sensitive. [spacer height="04px"] The government inspects these carriers usually once a year to ensure they are funded correctly. If the carrier’s Medigap fund is underfunded, the government, not the carrier will instruct the carrier to increase their monthly premium and get back to 100% funding. These reviews can cause the carrier to increase or even decrease their rates. [spacer height="04px"] Over the years, we have seen both increases and decreases from the annual reviews. [spacer height="04px"] So there are two ways you may experience a rate change with Medigaps. Having a birthday, may result in an increase, or the state’s Department of Insurance review where you can see an increase or decrease in your monthly premium. [spacer height="04px"] Point is, you should shop your Medigap plan and carrier to see if you need to switch to keep your money where it belongs, in your pocket! [spacer height="04px"] Remember, you must be healthy with no chronic conditions in order to switch. There is no doctor or medical exam, just a medical questionnaire you must answer in order to see if you qualify. [spacer height="04px"] If you would to like to check out your options to see if you can save money, give us a call! We’re here to assist you with your research! Now is the time to call and schedule your “Medicare Supplement Review” to see if you could be saving! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture2.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" 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]

It’s a New Year.. Jan 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="It's a New Year Jan 2017" 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"] [/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"] By David Schaeffer [spacer height="10px"] I’m always optimistic, that’s just how I am wired I guess. [spacer height="04px"] There are so many great things to be thankful for in America. We have the highest standard of living in the world. The media may say otherwise… We have food in abundance, our economy is recovering, and overall our health is improving. I think it’s a great time to be a resident of this great nation. [spacer height="04px"] Sure, we have things to fix. Sure, it’s not perfect. Look at the alternatives. I think I’ll stay and make the best of it. My perspective is different than most; I make my own success. I never rely on status quo, what “they” say or push my concerns on other folks. [spacer height="04px"] This year will be as we make it. If everyone is exuberantly optimistic, and pitches in to help our fellow neighbor, we will have a great year. [spacer height="04px"] Hopefully, gone are the days where we need to watch what we say in fear of reprisal, for not speaking politically correct. Hopefully, we will usher in accountability for our public welfare systems. Hopefully, we will remove regulations that will allow businesses to offer their products and services profitably as to increase employment and prosperity. Hopefully, we will continue the good things of previous administrations and make appropriate adjustments for sustainable good service to our communities. [spacer height="04px"] The good news is, we are here, and we have a front row seat to watch or even participate in keeping our nation great! [spacer height="04px"] Happy New Year! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture1.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" 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? Jan 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Why Am I Me - Jan 2017" 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"] [/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"]   Me Time! As we go about our busy lives we sometimes seem to think that there just isn’t enough time. Well, time for what? [spacer height="05px"] Running errands is almost a constant for most of us. The non-stop list is something like this; Grocery store, pick up the cleaning, drug store , stop and get gas, we’re almost out of pet food, and don’t forget the doctor or dentist appointments! Oh, and the adult kids called and needed something that took your time to advise them or do something for them. You hear things like, “it’s ok, they are retired and have the time to help with whatever”. You can fill in the blank on that last one. But the point is you may find yourself without any “me time”. [spacer height="02px"] Working or retired you need to make sure there is some me time in your schedule. You know, that time where you can simply sit down and read a few chapters in that latest best seller, or see that movie you wanted to view? Or for Pete’s sake just lie down for a nap in the middle of the day if you feel like it! [spacer height="02px"] Point is you can fill your daily life with all sorts of things if you allow other outside forces to control or affect your daily life. At times you need to sit back and ask yourself, “now what would my kids or friends do if you weren’t there to handle that task or chore for them”? You can bet your bottom dollar that they would find another way to get that task done without your assistance. You may need to realize that the easy answer for your kids and friends can’t always be, to make you the answer to their problem. [spacer height="02px"] We recently took a few days off and went to the beach. We’re planners and each day was planned to the max to where we would go, what we would do, which restaurants we would eat at. At some point in the middle of the second day, we realized that we had planned everything except time for us to relax. After mentioning this to my bride of 34 years, she realized it was true. We put the brakes on in time to enjoy a day of just letting things be. We slept in one morning, had a late breakfast, walked to the beach, and got comfortable as we both read a few chapters of our books we had brought. Sitting there with the ocean breezes, listening to the roar of the surf as the waves rolled in with the tide, I merely closed my eyes and was thankful that we realized what we needed before it was too late. [spacer height="02px"] What you do with your schedule only needs one decision maker, you.Allow yourself time for what you want, and when it would be convenient for you to do something. Don’t allow others to dictate your free time. Now before anyone goes off the deep end of the other side, I’m not suggesting that we all turn into totally selfish, regimented self-centered people. But we do have to strike a balance with taking time out for yourself and not being afraid to say “no”. Because no is an answer, and it helps you make some “me time”. [spacer height="02px"] How you balance and juggle all the things in your life and make personal time for yourself, makes you…well, you! [spacer height="03px"] Oh by the way, when is the last time you looked at how you are spending your time? Make sure you’ve planned your retirement for all contingencies, so you do allow yourself “me time”. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture4.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" 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 Jan 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Health Tip Jan 2017" 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"] [/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"] By David S. Edge Don't forget to enjoy life! [spacer height="02px"] While we assist lots of folks with their initial financial planning, we often look forward to seeing them for their plans annual review. It’s a chance to catch up on their lives and make any minor corrections to their financial plans if something has changed. [spacer height="02px"] It’s amazing to find out how they are enjoying their retirement. [spacer height="02px"] Here is just a short list of retirement activities they have told us they enjoy. [spacer height="02px"] 1) Do something you did as a kid. [spacer height="01px"] Often in my monthly articles of “Why Am I Me”, I relate experiences for people to think about, that made each of us, us! What were you good at or what did you have a passion about while growing up? What is keeping you from enjoying that “thing” now? Get re-engaged with that hobby or skill! [spacer height="03px"] 2) Don’t make excuses! [spacer height="01px"] Once retired, you are in command of your time. Ensure you have no one else telling or demanding your time unless you want to do it! Our grown kids are really good at using guilt on us to watch the grandkids, or to do something that you may not want to do. Don’t allow others to manipulate your schedule. [spacer height="03px"] 3) Don’t waste time! [spacer height="01px"] When saying “NO” it gives you time for what youwant to do.While you have this time, do something with it!!! Spend more time with people you like and who like you. Grumpy people only drain your positive energy and those people are always unhappy about something, sometimes anything. Stay away from Negative Nellies. Embrace fun people. If you don’t know any, go find some! One of the biggest opportunities in your retired years is to make new friends. Ever wanted to learn square dancing? Ride a horse? Learn to knit? Scuba dive? Go for it! [spacer height="03px"] 4) Go back to School! [spacer height="01px"] Keeping your brain active will assist you in fighting off memory loss, and keep you sharp. Go to class, start earning a new degree, learn a new skill, or even teach your skills to someone else. Point is, stay active and keep your brain active. And yes, even a daily group card game helps! [spacer height="02px"] “Being retired doesn’t mean you’re tired!” [spacer height="02px"] Part of being healthy is staying active! Biking, walking, wine making, volunteering at a local school to assist in teaching kids to read. Or, volunteer to work at your local hospital, shelter, or library! Get a part time job! The list is endless! You just have to make up your mind that you are going to stay vigorous doing something! That something will help keep you healthy! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Picture3.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" 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 – Dec 2016

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Why Am I Me - December 2016" 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"] [/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"] Did You Make it? As we grow up and learn stuff, we are exposed to all sorts of ways and techniques on what to do and how to do them. It could be the way your Mom or Grandmother made a quilt from scratch, or possibly the way your dad or grandfather made a piece of furniture from just rough cut lumber? Or perhaps it was the shop teacher who taught you how to use power tools? Whatever, whenever, or whoever, you learned how to make or do something, and those skills made you, … well…you! [spacer height="10px"] One of the things that make us unique in this world is our skillsets. While one person may be a brain surgeon, it doesn’t necessarily make that surgeon a good accountant. That great mechanic you like so much, they can’t cook a lick to save their lives! [spacer height="10px"] While we are all good at something, it may also mean that we are terrible at something else! Even getting your medical care means that you see you Primary Care Doctor first, and then if needed, you get a referral to see a specialist. [spacer height="10px"] So as you think about it, what is your special gift? Or maybe you have several? I know in my neighborhood many of my neighbors know I’m knowledgeable about our local desert critters. There has been more than one occasion where I got a knock on my door requesting help with the dreaded rattle snake that was in their back yard! Only to find that the snake was just a local harmless whipsnake or Sonoran ground snake. “These are good snakes that eat the bad rats and bugs”, I would gently coach as I picked up the intruder with my bare hands. Our local non-venomous Gopher snake is a great neighbor and actually eats rattle snakes! Talk about a special skill! [spacer height="10px"] Some of us are handy, and some of us have trouble just changing a light bulb. Others are good carpenters, while others are great at math and accounting. Point is that we all have some type of gift that makes you, you. [spacer height="10px"] Now we all need to be less bashful about asking for help. Certain things are just not in your inventory of knowledge. So, if you’re selecting Medicare coverage, long-term care, reviewing your financial plan for improvements, or anything that has to do with retirement, call us! We’re here to help using our special skills for you! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/WhyamIme_December2016.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="200px" 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 of the Month – Dec 2016

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Financial Tip - December 2016" 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"] [/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"] At the end of each year there are deadlines for giving, so that you can reduce your taxable income when you file your taxes. Here’s a short list of gift-giving to consider![spacer height="5px"] * Charity begins at home. Got that favorite group that you’ve got a soft spot for? As long as the group is a 501c 3, you can give up to $800 maximum for couples and $400 for single filers for a State of Arizona tax deduction using State Form # 321. Visit www.AZDOR.gov where you’ll find a list of forms for all sorts of donations! There are many options when you donate to organizations that offer assistance to working poor.[spacer height="5px"] * Donate to your favorite school![spacer height="5px"] * Are you employing National Guard members? There is a tax credit for you![spacer height="5px"] * When you make a donation do you all of a sudden get flooded with request from other organizations? These organizations often swap names and contact info, and sometimes they even charge each other as a way to increase income. If you are tired of getting these notices, make sure that you check the box on the donation form that you do not want your information shared. Otherwise, you will need to contact each charity and request they stop contacting you. Want additional help? There is an organization that can help to make your mail requests disappear or be greatly reduced. Contact www.DMAchoice.org.[spacer height="5px"] * Remember to itemize, you can’t just state that you made a donation to a particular organization. If you give cash, get a receipt![spacer height="5px"] * You can donate property!  It’s a double win, in that you don’t have to pay capital gains and you get to discount the fair market value of the item. Remember, you have to own the property for at least one year.[spacer height="5px"] * These charitable donations must be made before the end of the year. If you donate by check, as long as it’s given before the end of the year, it can be cashed after the first of the year by the organization.[spacer height="5px"] * Many employers offer charitable giving via your paycheck at work. Keep an end-of-year paystub for proof of your deduction for your tax return.[spacer height="5px"] Keep in mind that you can’t donate your time for a deduction, nor can you exceed 20% of your Adjusted Gross income. There’s a lot of rules on this, so get advice from your tax preparer. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/present.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="150px" 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]

Oh Tannin Baum, Oh Tannin Baum

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Oh Tannin Baum, Oh Tannin Baum." 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="Dec 2016"]   [/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"] Where did these Traditions come from?[spacer height="5px"] Christmas trees have long been associated with traditional Christmas decorations but haven’t been around as long as some people think. Named after the Christian holiday, these decorated trees first appeared in Strasbourg Germany in the 17th century, just some 300 years ago.[spacer height="5px"] But… what some folks don’t know is that the tradition of a tree at Christmas was started much earlier in medieval times and was used to tell the story of the bible, from creation to the birth of Christ. Priests used “Jesse Trees” to tell a visual story of the bible as a way to help the masses of people (most who could not read or write) understand and educate them on religion. The tree was used to show the branches of people in the bible and how they related to each other, such as Jesus being a descendant of David, or a “branch” reflecting a new life of the line. Most of these trees had 25 cards or windows that were associated with the bible and had distinct stories and lessons. Jesse Trees have turned into the more modern version of the Advent Calendar.[spacer height="5px"] The word Christmas comes from the “Mass of Christ”, or sometimes called Communion or Eucharist. This Mass of Christ was held at midnight and thus eventually became the shorter Christmas that we know today.[spacer height="5px"] There are many different theories on how Christmas started being celebrated on the 25th of December. An early Christian belief is that Mary was told by an angel on March 25th that she would bear the son of God, and nine months later was December 25th! March 25th is still celebrated with “Annunciation” services. March 25th also has other significant meaning to religions as it is thought to be the day that Jesus died on the cross and another that it was the date that the world was created.[spacer height="5px"]Oh, and the red and green colors that are associated with Christmas? Bishops robes were red so guess what Santa’s suit color is today? Red of course! Other traditions in history blended into modern Christmas. Holly and Ivy with red berries were brought into homes during winter to brighten up home interiors during the long cold dark nights. This was added to the traditions that red was the blood of Christ, and the holly represented the evergreen born again through the blood of Christ.[spacer height="5px"] There are other traditions during the holiday season, such as Hanukkah, that is also rich in traditions. Hanukkah is often represented by the color blue. This is because the color blue was special because in medieval times the color blue was a very expensive dye and often more expensive than the color gold. So, in many cases only wealthy folks could afford blue and it became very revered; Hanukkah was represented in blue as a way to show importance. Blue has since become the traditional color of Hanukkah.[spacer height="5px"] There are many more traditions to explore! So have fun researching the history of the holidays! There are dozens you will find fascinating as well as educational![spacer height="5px"] Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/admin-ajaxresize2.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

And so it begins

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off" transparent_background="on" allow_player_pause="off" inner_shadow="off" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" custom_padding_last_edited="off|" padding_mobile="off" make_fullwidth="off" use_custom_width="off" width_unit="on" make_equal="off" use_custom_gutter="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="And So it Begins" 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="Dec 2016"] [/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"] For the first time since Andrew Jackson, we have elected a business person, not a career politician. As my friend that owns a pizza shop says, “I still get up in the morning and go off to work.” For most of us life will be the same. So what do we have to look forward to? What does the future hold? [spacer height="5px"] I wish for opportunity and prosperity for all people, America, and the rest of the world. [spacer height="5px"] I wish for jobs for those that want to work hard for themselves and their families. [spacer height="10px"] I wish for healthcare for all Americans at a reasonable cost, and the ability to see all providers. Medicare has provided amazing levels of quality and service for many years. The “not so” Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, but poorly implemented. The results for the insurance companies was devastating, because the government failed to reimburse for the enormous losses. I hope it is fixed in 2017. [spacer height="5px"] I wish for less regulation and less burden on small business. Small business employs more people in America than the mega corporations. Small business is the American Economy, not Wall Street, not the oil companies, not the media companies, not Hollywood. It is made up of companies that employ less than 100 people. These little American dreams are the coffee shops, insurance agencies, local ad agencies, massage therapists, and hair dressers. It’s the private duty nurses and doctors and dentists in private practice. It’s the rural mail person and Fed Ex ground delivery people. The Uber and Lyft drivers. It’s you and me. [spacer height="10px"] I wish for a reasonable tax assessment. Reasonable for everyone, not just the poor or wealthy. “47% of Americans do not pay income tax.” Remember those words? While accurate, it’s not a complete statement. Those on Social Security only, don’t pay taxes. Those on State assistance only, don’t pay taxes. Kids in school don’t pay taxes. Folks working for American companies living outside of the US don’t pay taxes. Many illegal folks do pay taxes, they just use someone else’s social security number. Warren Buffet openly states he pays too little in taxes, but less than .05% of Americans have his income. [spacer height="5px"] I look forward to a great future for my family, my wonderful clients, and the great country we call the United States of America! [spacer height="5px"] If we don’t like the new President, we can certainly use a phrase he coined, “YOU’RE FIRED.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/FeatureStory_December2016.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="150px" 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="Dec 2016"] [/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"] This month’s success story is for all the folks who reviewed their Medicare advantage plans and made the correct decision on what to do for the next year! Each of you is a success story.[spacer height="05px"] (Sing along to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas)[spacer height="10px"] On the first day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a Medicare Advantage plan for free.[spacer height="05px"] On the second day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, tier-two drugs for cheap.[spacer height="05px"] On the third day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, three-month bill for Part B.[spacer height="05px"] On the fourth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free flu shots.[spacer height="05px"] On the fifth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a once-a-year-well-ness checkkkkkkk![spacer height="05px"] On the six day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, my doctors on my network.[spacer height="05px"] On the seventh day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free gym membership.[spacer height="05px"] On the eighth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, a great newsletter for free.[spacer height="05px"] On the ninth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, nine nurses caring.[spacer height="05px"] On the tenth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me ten doctors deliberating.[spacer height="05px"] On the eleventh day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, free doctor visits.[spacer height="05px"] On the twelfth day of Christmas, Medicare gave to me, twelve months of worry-free healthcare.[spacer height="05px"] Here’s hoping that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, filled with love and laughter. It has been an honor and a privilege to help you with your needs throughout the year, and we look forward to continuing to do so in 2017! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SuccessStory_December2016.png" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" animation="left" sticky="off" align="left" max_width="150px" 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]