[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" 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" title="Financial Tip" subhead="January 2018"] [/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"]
Remember to take your RMDs!
[spacer height="10px"]
By Marc Frye
[spacer height="05px"]
OK, I have a serious condition called CRS. I’m sure a lot of you suffer from this condition from time to time. The acronym is for Can’t Remember Stuff. We usually make sure that “to do’s” get on our calendar and put reminders on our phones, doors, and desks. Well, I want to make sure that our clients don’t forget a very important something. That’s to take your Required Minimum Distribution (or RMD) from your qualified retirement account.
[spacer height="05px"]
You must start making regular minimum distributions from your traditional IRA by April 1st following the year in which you reach age 70 ½. Failing to take out enough triggers one of the most draconian of all IRS penalties:
[spacer height="05px"]
•A 50% excise tax on the amount you should have withdrawn based on your age, your life expectancy, and the amount in the account at the beginning of the year.
[spacer height="05px"]
•After that, annual withdrawals must be made by December 31 to avoid the penalty.
[spacer height="05px"]
When you make withdrawals, consider asking your IRA custodian to withhold tax from the payment. Withholding is voluntary, and you set the amount, but opting for withholding lets you avoid the hassle of making quarterly estimated tax payments.
[spacer height="05px"]
Important note: One of the advantages of Roth IRAs is that the original owner is never required to withdraw money from the accounts. The required minimum distributions apply to traditional IRAs.
[spacer height="05px"]
If we at American Retirement Advisors can be of assistance, just give us a call. Stay warm, and I’ll write again next issue.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" 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" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Slide9.jpg"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Featured Story 2 January 2018
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" 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" title="The New Year is a Blank Page" subhead="January 2018"] [/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="10px"]
We all get caught up in the parties and dinners with friends and family for the holidays. As we wake up on January 1st of the New Year there are mixed emotions, as some of us have a hangover from a bit too much merrymaking, while others sleep in, and then there are the folks who can’t wait to get started on their list of New Year resolutions.
[spacer height="05px"]
Whatever your state of being (physically or mentally), we each need to realize the opportunity given to us to start with a blank page every year! This should be a time of reconciliation, of letting bygones be bygones, and just start fresh! Stop putting off projects that you know need doing, and start planning and mapping out what and when you’re going to get those pesky things done!
[spacer height="05px"]
Call or write that friend you’ve been meaning to get back in touch with. Get those photos organized that are still sitting in boxes. Clean out that closet that has clothes you haven’t worn in 20 years. Plan that garden you’ve been meaning to plant each year but somehow never get it done. Write down your projects, tasks, or things that need to get accomplished and make a date on your calendar and give yourself a deadline!
[spacer height="05px"]
Many folks after reviewing their “to do” list simply get overwhelmed and frustrated at the size of the tasks. Don’t fall into that trap! Take a small step each day and after a few weeks, you’ll realize that you are actually getting things done! How do you eat an elephant?
[spacer height="03px"]
One bite at a time!
[spacer height="05px"]
Make each January the springboard of your efforts to get your life and goals planned out for the coming year. It all starts with you, and believing in yourself! You are your own worst enemy or your own best friend! Resolve to be happy and make the best of the situation. If you don’t like yourself, become a different person!
[spacer height="05px"]
Decide what you would like to happen in your life this year and make it so!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" 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" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Feature-story-2.jpg"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Featured Story 1 January 2018
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="A Year in Preview" 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 2018"]
[/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="10px"]
“This is the year I’m gonna…” We have all said it before with a New Year’s resolution. The garage is going to get cleaned out. The closet will get cleaned out. The trunk of the car will get cleaned out. The swamp is gonna get cleaned out. Sorry, I had to throw that one in there. But here we are, nothing changed.
[spacer height="05px"]
So what’s the motivation, what’s the inspiration to make the difference? Perhaps a good book. A good movie where the underdog climbs to the top. Everyone has a different muse.
[spacer height="05px"]
Let’s start with something simple: I want to lose 10 pounds. (I don’t care if you must lose a hundred pounds, start with an attainable goal; then, move on to the next step.)
[spacer height="05px"]
I want to get out of town. (I know you are thinking that visiting the great pyramids would be great. How about a great old mining town 100 miles from Phoenix?)
[spacer height="05px"]
I want to make a million bucks. (That’s easy. But it starts with your first penny earned.)
What I’m trying to say is, if you break your lofty goals into bite-sized chunks, they are not only easily obtainable but really nice to check off your list of accomplishments.
[spacer height="05px"]
Realistically, when was the last time you looked at your auto insurance, your homeowners' insurance? No, we don’t sell that stuff. But seriously, when was the last time you compared 5 companies to see if you had the lowest rates? If the company you have is on TV all the time, you are probably not getting the value in your pocketbook.
[spacer height="05px"]
Health insurance for under-age-65 folks in Maricopa County is not pretty if you have an income above $60,000. Our only suggestion is the faith-based programs. Visit our website for a whitepaper on the subject, called “Understanding Faith-Based Alternatives for Healthcare” http://bit.ly/2j4Ce65
[spacer height="05px"]
Your life-long savings is a touchy subject. For some folks, they know more than everyone put together; for the rest of us we are kind of anxious to discuss the subject. I completely understand. That’s why we offer FREE classes on Social Security and Retirement Income Planning. It’s easy to come to a class with an open mind to education and no pressure to do anything but learn. If you are paying fees on your entire portfolio or own mostly mutual funds or just want to learn if there are alternatives, call the office and get into a class. You can register online as well at www.123EasyRetire.com or www.123EasySocialSecurity.com.
[spacer height="05px"]
I wish you all the success and good health and a clean garage in the new year.
[spacer height="05px"]
Respectfully,
[spacer height="05px"]
David P. Schaeffer
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Feature-one-DS.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 December 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Success Story" 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="December 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="05px"]
Hospital Co-Pay! Ouch!!!
[spacer height="05px"]
Bernice was very happy with her Medicare Advantage Plan. All her doctors were in her network and she got to see her primary doctor with no co-pay anytime she needed too.
[spacer height="05px"]
Then she got some not-so-good news. Her primary care physician saw something unusual on one of her labs and referred her to a specialist in her network to get a more specific checkup on a potential ailment. The specialist wasted no time and scheduled additional labs and diagnostics and within a few days, they met again.
[spacer height="05px"]
“You’re going to need surgery” he explained after reviewing the results of all her testing. Bernice was now not only concerned about the upcoming surgery, but the more expensive co-pays associated with a hospital stay.
[spacer height="05px"]
She made sure that not only was the hospital where she needed to go in her Medicare Advantage network but also that the surgeon and anesthesiologist were. Satisfied, she pulled out her Summary of Benefits booklet on her plan and started to pencil out what this entire operation and hospital stay was going to cost. After doing the math, her plan had a $250 per day hospital co-pay, and it was all inclusive, so there would not be any additional co-pay.
[spacer height="05px"]
But she was told she would be in the hospital for at least five days. Wow, she thought … five days at $250 a day, that’s a total of $1,250.00. Yet, that’s better than the $25,000.00 she would have to pay if she didn’t have an Advantage plan.
[spacer height="05px"]
But wait! She remembered something her advisor had reviewed with her at the time she signed up for her plan and that she had purchased an additional coverage plan that paid hospital co-pays for her. This extra coverage was only costing her $25.00 a month! She pulled out the coverage policy and it would pay her hospital co-pay 100%! Great!My surgery will cost me nothing! She was so glad she had bought the extra coverage and thankful that her Advisor had reviewed it with her at the time she made the decision to sign up for her Advantage plan.
[spacer height="05px"]
She could now rest easy on any financial worries and concentrate on getting healthy from the planned hospital visit!
Do you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and do you want your hospital co-pay covered? Ask us, we can help! 602-281-3898.
[spacer height="10px"]
“She remembered something her advisor had reviewed with her at the time she signed up for her plan and that she had purchased an additional coverage plan that paid hospital co-pays for her.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" 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]
[spacer height="05px"]
By David S. Edge
[spacer height="05px"]
The Christmas holidays are finally upon us and we are already probably sick of the Christmas commercials we’ve been seeing since Halloween. But keep the cheer and remember the reason for the season!
[spacer height="05px"]
Are you Merry Christmas, Mazel Tov, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Boxing Day, or even a Happy St. Nicholas Day? Countries all over the world celebrate different ways of welcoming the holiday spirit.
[spacer height="05px"]
Christmas trees, the lighting of the Menorah candles, placing wooden shoes outside your door- all of these traditions are celebrated and you learned to celebrate the traditions of your family.
[spacer height="05px"]
Many folks get a misunderstanding from the names of certain holidays. One example is Boxing Day, which is celebrated in the U.K., as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Now, before you imagine people putting on boxing gloves and hitting each other - that’s not what Boxing Day is at all. In those countries, there are several theories of how Boxing Day came about. One of the most popular is that local churches opened the “Poor Box” the day after Christmas to distribute money that had been donated for the less fortunate; hence “Box Day”. Another theory was that servants had to work Christmas Day and that employers would then give them the day after Christmas off, so they could shop and enjoy their families.
[spacer height="05px"]
St. Nicholas Day is in celebration of a priest who roamed the countryside helping people in despair; many children still place a wooden shoe outside their doors in hope that St. Nick will leave them a small toy or treat.
[spacer height="05px"]
Hanukkah, sometimes known as the festival of lights, is the 8-day celebration of the dedication of the Second Temple in 165 BC. The ruler at the time had outlawed Judaism and confiscated the temple. But the Jewish people revolted and got their temple back. The Temple needed cleansing. The lamps lasted 8 days and this is why the Menorah has eight candles with a ninth spot for a candle in case you needed to see or to light the others. Tradition has it was used by Moses to hold religious ceremonies while the Jews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after their freedom from the Egyptians.
[spacer height="05px"]
The holidays and the many traditions are very interesting and it’s fun to find out all the various and fun ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday!
[spacer height="05px"]
Happy Holidays!!!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/HealthTip_December2016.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 December 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="December 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 Sharon Cobert-Groves
[spacer height="05px"]
Have a Healthy and Safe Holiday. Someone once said, "there are no calories during the holidays". I put that to the test many, many times over the years, but alas, that statement is totally false. I have various sizes of sweatpants to prove it. Here are a few tidbits we've all learned through the years.
[spacer height="05px"]
Rather than trying to lose weight over the holidays, just try to maintain your weight. Focus on smaller portions. This alleviates the stress and allows one to enjoy the time with friends and family.
[spacer height="05px"]
Keep active. Don't fixate on the missed workouts. Instead, head to the mall for last minute shopping or just walk laps. Want to see Christmas lights in the neighborhood? Walk instead of driving. By the way, whatever happened to the caroling as we used to walk through our neighborhood? Maybe they've gone by the wayside like a one-horse open sleigh?
[spacer height="05px"]
Don't skip meals, especially before going to a party. You'll be ravenous, tend to overeat and even possibly drink too much. I'm sure you know that drinking on an empty stomach can stimulate a quick buzz. But remember rule #1 and # 2: Don't drink & drive and don't let others drink & drive.
[spacer height="05px"]
Admit it, not all holidays are the epitome of a "Norman Rockwell" Thanksgiving or holiday. Give yourself a break so you don't feel stress, overwhelmed or out of control.
[spacer height="05px"]
Lastly, always practice fire safety. Don't leave fireplaces, space heaters, burning candles or food cooking that is unattended.
[spacer height="05px"]
We thank you for your patronage throughout the years and wish that the New Year fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Slide1-1.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 December 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="December 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 Marc Frye
[spacer height="05px"]
Managing your portfolio… a tricky subject!”
[spacer height="05px"]
Things aren’t always what they seem to be. Take magic for example. What looks like an amazing trick is usually just well-executed sleight-of-hand or miss-direction. Let’s shed some light on this.
[spacer height="05px"]
When talking with your advisor from “ABC Investments”, does he or she ever tell you that he or she manages your portfolio? Now, think about this; do they see clients while the market is open? If so, who’s managing your portfolio? How can they be in two places at once? Nice trick if it’s your broker.
[spacer height="05px"]
Does your advisor ever use mutual funds or other investment products that have the name of the investment firm on the name of the investment? Do you think that investment is the best they can offer or is it the one that the firm tells them to push?
[spacer height="05px"]
This is my first contribution to the American Retirement Advisors’newsletter. My name is Marc Frye. I’ve been in the financial services profession continuously since 1987. My job, for a large chunk of that 30 years, was to help brokers from all of the major wire house brokerage firms as well as national banks with high-net-worth clients and complicated estate and retirement planning cases.
[spacer height="05px"]
The “tricks” that I’ve referenced above were witnessed day after day in every firm. Luckily, I was able to help and advise, without the constraint of the will of the firms.
[spacer height="05px"]
So, what do we do different here at American Retirement Advisors? We are independent. We don’t offer any proprietary products. We don’t have a parent company telling us what to sell. We have a fiduciary relationship with our clients. That means that we MUST do what’s most appropriate for you.
[spacer height="05px"]
All of our plans are custom-designed by our planning team, following the model created by the firm’s founder, David P. Schaeffer. The model even has a patent application. Our Certified Financial Planner Practitioner® manages our clients’ portfolios. Their job is not to sell. Their sole function is to manage market securities uniquely designed to your specific goals, needs, and wants.
[spacer height="05px"]
Our mission at American Retirement Advisors is to provide our clients a retirement plan with guarantees and certainty, not theories and guess work.
[spacer height="05px"][spacer height="05px"]
If you have a financial topic that you would like for me to visit, please drop me a note to marc@AmericanRetire.com or call me at 602-281-3898.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Slide6-1.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 december 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Why Am I me" 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="December 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"]
What if?
[spacer height="05px"]
By David S. Edge
[spacer height="10px"]
With the Christmas season upon us, I always look back over my life; I revel in the warm memories of Christmas of past and present. Of course, it’s nothing of the sort of stuff of Dickens on’s Scrooge or “Miracle of 34th Street” or even “It’s a Wonderful Life”. But, somehow for me, the elements of these books and movies make my memories a combination of all three.
There was the boss that made me work Christmas Eve until late to finish all the work that had to be done before I could take off Christmas day, but he left early to enjoy the Eve with his family (Scrooge). There was the time when a wonderful miracle happened and money arrived just in the nick of time to make Christmas presents happen at the last minute. And, of course, there have been many incidents of what would have happened, that particular Christmas if I had not been there? We’ve all had these situations occur…and these occurrences, the actions we took, and the memories we made are what make each of you…you!
[spacer height="05px"]
When I was a young teenage boy, our church wanted to do something to make Christmas special. As most churches do around this time of year, any money was used to assist our more needy members of the congregation with food and medicine before any leftover funds could be used for “extra unnecessary activities”. So we kids put our brains to work to try to figure out a way to make something out of nothing. I was taking an art class at the Jr. High and we had been making small paper Mache figures and I had an epiphany! “We can do a live manger scene in the front yard of the church every night the week of Christmas”. The whole town can drive by and view it’! There were the usual objections of ‘we have no money for building a manger’ and ‘how would we do this or that when it costs money we don’t have.’ ”We can build it all for free”! I had everyone’s attention. We make full-size paper Mache animals! We just need newspaper, flour, and water.
[spacer height="05px"]
We visited a local building site and asked the contractor if we could have all the scrap lumber, we asked church members to donate used newspaper, and a local grocer donated a few 5 lb. bags of flour for the glue. We were off and running! We made wooden frames for the animals. There was, of course, a donkey, a cow, and a few sheep. But our pride and joy was a full-size camel for the wise men! We nicknamed him Clyde.
[spacer height="05px"]
Each wooden frame was covered in chicken wire and then molded with the paper Mache into incredible likenesses. After some of the men in the church saw what we kids created, they got involved and came and built a simple wood frame that could be surrounded by bales of hay to make the manger. All that was left was bathrobes and towels for headdresses and a few floodlights. We had our live manger scene! To help us keep warm, some the church ladies brought hot chocolate each night for the live kids to keep us warm as we were posing as the shepherds, wise men, Joseph, and Mary. There was even a live angel above the whole affair with a star. Our little production was a big hit and the church continued this live manger scene for years to come as each generation of teenagers took the helm and made it happen.
[spacer height="05px"]
Years later while I visiting my Mom at Christmas, we decided to go to Christmas Eve church service. As we drove into the parking lot, to my amazement there were all the animals we had built some dozen years before when I was a young teen! I was immediately overcome with emotions that something we created out of nothing was still being used each Christmas all these years. It was my personal “It’s a Wonderful Life” moment!
[spacer height="05px"]
I’m sure you have a Christmas story to tell… and these are what make you…you!
[spacer height="05px"]
David S. Edge
[spacer height="02px"]
V.P. of “Paper Mache”
[spacer height="02px"]
Healthcare & Retirement Planning Professional
[spacer height="02px"]
Utilizing fact-based decision making to protect your retirement lifestyle!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Slide3-1.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]
Feature 1 December 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="As we put 2017 to bed..." 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="December 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="05px"]
Can you believe it? 2018 is almost here! What a year! We have seen the markets perform with zest. Our little company has seen double-digit growth again! Yes, we are down from quadruple and triple-digit growth of years past. As my son says, ‘we are becoming a mature company where 40% annual growth is rare.’
[spacer height="05px"]
We look to our future with opening a Las Vegas office in January. Marc Frye, my original mentor, has come full circle and has joined our firm. He will be heading up the advisory team covering all of Nevada. American Retirement Advisors will offer all four of our core practice disciplines in the new office: Medicare planning, Long-Term Care planning, Legacy and Estate planning, and Retirement Income Planning. Marc has over 30 years of experience in helping people solve their financial challenges and has extensive expertise in business succession as well as estate planning.
[spacer height="05px"]
Also on the horizon is a licensing agreement to share our proprietary Medicare planning and Retirement Income planning processes to advisory firms in Colorado, Texas, and Washington states (only if they cheer for the Cardinals, of course!) My son, Ian Schaeffer, joined our firm over a year ago to head up our engineering department. He has impressed clients and staff alike. He will maintain his responsibilities as head of our Client Care Department as well as our Human Resource Department as he expands his responsibilities to run the new firm that will oversee our national expansion. We may even open another office in Mesa or Peoria. Who knows?
[spacer height="05px"]
Instrumental in our continued growth is Nancy Monaco-Ball. She makes all our financial clients happy. Aside from the day-to-day management of the entire income planning team, she also took on the role of Managing Director of our Arizona brokerage firm. Next time you see her running around the office (probably in her socks), give her a hug and say thanks for all the amazing work she does for our firm, and, more importantly, our clients.
[spacer height="05px"]
Two years ago I asked my wife to help during the Annual Election Period. She agreed but was very clear this was a part-time seasonal commitment. She was not going to work for the firm. I agreed. Roll forward to this morning. She is still here. She manages Client care, Human Resources, and Marketing and Events. She took on 3 full-time jobs! She even gets to the office before me. Folks say I’m a hard worker, but they haven’t met my wife, Thea. She is amazing. Thanks to her talent and dedication, we have more HAPPY folks to serve than we could ever imagine.
[spacer height="05px"]
As for me, I’ll be at my desk helping folks as I do every day. I’ll keep educating and eliminating worry and concerns aboutMedicare, Long-term Care, Legacy and Estates, and, of course, keeping an eye on our outstanding retirement income planning team.
[spacer height="05px"]
Every day, I thank our team of administrators, advisors, client care, data management, engineering, marketing and most importantly, I thank you, our clients, for allowing us into your lives.
[spacer height="05px"]
Thank you for letting us help you.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Slide2-1.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 November 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="November 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 Sharon Cobert-Groves
[spacer height="10px"]
Be a Copy Cat.
Do stretching exercises when you wake up like our pets do. It boosts circulation & digestion.
[spacer height="05px"]
Don’t skip breakfast. This is one of the most positive things if you’re trying to lose weight. A balanced breakfast is a fresh juice, high-fiber cereal, low-fat milk or yogurt, whole wheat toast, and a boiled egg.
[spacer height="05px"]
Exercise your brain. Activate your brain by bringing new pathways to the brain which strengthens circuits. An example is if you’re right-handed, brush your teeth with your left hand. Try performing tasks with your opposite hand. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer’s and mental decline.
Love those crossword puzzles.
[spacer height="05px"]
A glass of red wine a day is good for you.
Blueberries rival grapes in concentration of
Resveratrol, which is the compound found in
red wine. Resveratrol is believed to help
protect against heart disease and cancer. Maybe
Neil Diamond was right when he sang about
“Red, Red Wine”.
[spacer height="05px"]
Tomato/Tomatoes? They are superstars! Tomatoes contain Lycopene which is a powerful cancer fighter. Another benefit is
they are rich in vitamin C. Even if they’re cooked, they are still as nutritious as ever. The British Thoracic Society advises that both tomatoes and apples can reduce the risk of chronic lung diseases.
[spacer height="05px"]
Remember “An Apple A Day”? Apples contain the antioxidant Quercetin which reduces the risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Eat 5 apples a week or a tomato every other day.
[spacer height="05px"]
Workout with weights first. Experts say weight training should be done first because it’s a higher intensity compared to cardio. Your body handles weight training better early in the workout because you’re fresh and you have the energy to work it. Experts also advise cardiovascular exercise should be the last thing you do at the gym because it helps your body recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles and flushes out lactic acid, which can build up in the muscles while you’re weight training.
[spacer height="05px"]
Cool off without a cold beer. Don’t eat carbs for at least an hour after exercising. This will force your body to break down body fat, rather than using the food/beer you ingest. Stick to fruit and fluids during that hour and avoid the beer.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Image" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Slide1.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]