Success Story April 2018

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Widow's benefits ...

Marge called us in tears and let us know that she had lost her husband of some 40 years; she was confused about what to do and where to start. After expressing sorrow and condolences on hearing the news, we began a dialog of making a list of things for her to start to work on. Since her husband, George, was already taking his Social Security benefit checks at 71 years of age, one of the first orders of business was to inform Social Security of his death. This would entail going to the local Social Security office and presenting them with (1) A marriage certificate, and, (2) an original death certificate. Marge had been a stay-at-home mom most of their marriage and, while she worked from time to time, she had not paid into Social Security very much over the years; her Social Security monthly benefit check was only about $500 a month. “I can’t live on $500 a month,” she cried. We responded to her to not worry, that she would be eligible for George’s Social Security benefits, which was a much larger benefit check, at $2,900.00 per month. After giving Marge a sigh of relief, we then explained exactly what she needed to do to collect the benefits she was entitled to as a widow. When you lose your spouse, you may be eligible for Widow/Widower financial benefits, and you need to call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to start the process of your Spousal benefits. You must have been married at least 10 years and not remarried. You can claim monthly benefits under the deceased spouse and defer your personal Social Security benefits until age 70 while your benefits grow at approximately 8% per year. Your Social Security benefits may grow to be worth more than your widow/widower benefits using this method. Another option is that you can claim your benefits and Social Security will also pay you the difference between your benefits and your deceased spouse if their benefits were a larger amount. Basically, you receive the larger of the two benefit amounts for you or your spouse. Point is, call Social Security and find out what you are eligible for and when. Social Security will not offer advice and you must be diligent in asking specific questions. We recommend that you write these questions down before you visit your local Social Security office. Your questions should be focused on your financial benefits such as: 1) What are my current benefits and what are my options? 2) At what age can I receive my most financial benefits? 3) If I take my widow/widower benefits now how much will I receive? 4) If I take widow/widower benefits now and suspend my personal benefits until age 70, what will my benefits then be? What you are trying to ascertain is the way in which you will receive the most financial benefits in the long run. The Inspector General’s office recently performed an internal audit and found that Social Security regularly underpaid widow and widowers’Social Security benefits due to not informing them that they have options. This same report added that, based on the review, this group of beneficiaries was estimated to have missed out on some $132 million dollars in added benefits. Don’t miss out on what you are due and what you and your spouse have paid into the system for all your working careers. Call or visit your local Social Security office and ask questions! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Success Story January2018

[et_pb_section bb_built="1" fullwidth="on" specialty="off" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_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="Success Story" subhead="January 2018" /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" admin_label="section" prev_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial"] Spouse Retirement Option [spacer height="10px"] By David S. Edge [spacer height="05px"] While meeting with Kevin, he was concerned about what to do with the choices on his company retirement plan. There were several choices and he was confused about which one was the most appropriate for him and his spouse. They had met with another company who advised them to take the lump sum distribution for the advisors to invest. [spacer height="05px"] His wife was pushing him to take the monthly lifetime payout that would continue for her lifetime if anything happened to him. Her reason was either one of them would have this lifetime monthly income guaranteed. [spacer height="03px"] We reviewed his options on his retirement plan. [spacer height="03px"] His choices were: [spacer height="03px"] 1) Take a lump sum payout and invest the money himself. [spacer height="03px"] 2) Take a monthly payout for just his lifetime. [spacer height="03px"] 3) Take a monthly payout for him and spouse that would continue in the event he passed away. [spacer height="05px"] The issue as Kevin saw it was the monthly payout for just him was higher than the option of the payout for life with him and spouse. He would get about 25% less money in the monthly payout if he took it for both of them. Also, if anything happened to the both of them, their kids would get nothing. [spacer height="05px"] We were able to look at the financial implications of him taking the lump sum payout and what investments were available that would generate income for him and his wife. After careful review, we revealed that his lifetime payout on his pension for Kevin and Irene was the most appropriate selection for them financially. [spacer height="05px"] After discussing the options with him and his wife, Irene, they were both excited about getting lifetime income from his pension. This allowed us to make recommendations with their other retirement funds that not only created additional monthly income but would also leave something for his kids when they passed. [spacer height="05px"] At American Retirement Advisors we see our success as helping each and every client get the facts about any retirement issue so that you can make a “Fact-Based Decision”. Call us! We can help! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Success-story.jpg" animation_style="slide" animation_duration="500ms" animation_intensity_slide="10%" animation_direction="left" show_bottom_space="on" _builder_version="3.0.101" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Why Am I Me January 2018

[et_pb_section bb_built="1" fullwidth="on" specialty="off" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_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="Why Am I Me" subhead="January 2018" /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" admin_label="section" prev_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial"] Why Am I Me? [spacer height="10px"] By David S. Edge [spacer height="05px"] Ok, Ok,…we’ve all done something goofy in our lives. And taking that inspirational moment to be silly or goofy is what can make you….you! What was that moment you did the deed and what was your inspiration? Were you showing off for that potential girlfriend or boyfriend? Was just you and some pals goofing off? Or was it a dare or a bet? Now just what made you do it? [spacer height="05px"] Currently, I have a picture on my computer screen saver that is a picture of me with a large Iguana on my head. Now, this is no small Iguana, in fact, that bugger probably weighed 15-20 pounds, (think small dog). Its tail was about three feet long and it was green and black.Many clients who see the screen saver picture can’t believe I let that ugly thing touch me. I just laugh as it was another life experience that was unexpected. [spacer height="05px"] As I recall we had just finished a business meeting and we were walking down to the beach where a local kid was renting surfboards. As we got closer we realized he had a pet Iguana. As we approached I asked the kid if I could take a picture with the Iguana. Now what I expected and what happened were two different things Now what I expected and what happened were two different things. I thought the kid was just going to stand next to me and we pose with his Iguana. Instead, the kid promptly plucks the large lizard off his shoulder and places it on mine!!!! Yikes! [spacer height="05px"] But instead of just sitting on my shoulder, lickety-split …. the darn thing crawled up to the top of my head! Thank goodness I was wearing a baseball cap! I just froze and my partner David Schaeffer (the other David in our office) was laughing so hard I didn’t think he could take the picture! But take the picture he did and now I’m the proud owner of a wonderful goofy moment in my life! [spacer height="05px"] So, what was your goofy or silly thing you did in your past? Because that thing (or in some cases many things or many moments for some of us), is what made you, you! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="off" use_overlay="off" align="left" max_width="250px" force_fullwidth="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" use_border_color="off" src="https://americanretirementadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Why-am-I-me.jpg" animation_style="slide" animation_duration="500ms" animation_intensity_slide="10%" animation_direction="left" show_bottom_space="on" _builder_version="3.0.101" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Health Tip 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="Health 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"] The Flu has arrived in AZ [spacer height="10px"] By Sharon Colbert-Groves [spacer height="05px"] On the local evening news, I learned that an elementary school girl has died from influenza in Maricopa County. The 2018 strain of virus is called the H3N2. It is cause for concern for younger children and older adults. The news went on to say that our current flu vaccine does protect against at least 3 different flu viruses including the H3N2, the H1N1, and two influenza B viruses. The arrival and duration of the flu vary, but it often begins in October and peaks between December and February. [spacer height="05px"] Symptoms of Flu in adults usually start with that achy/feverish/chills feeling, although some people say their first indication was a cough or a sore throat. Either way, it usually escalates into a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and tiredness. [spacer height="05px"] What can I take for the flu? Tamiflu is a pill and Relenza is an inhaled powder. Both can cut 1 or 2 days off bedtime. These 2 prescription drugs can also keep you from getting dangerously ill, especially if your health is impaired. For most effectiveness, both must be taken within a day or so of your initial symptoms. Talk to your doctor about these meds. [spacer height="05px"] To relieve slight fever or pain, try ibuprofen and acetaminophen, found in Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, and others. If you have asthma, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, please check with your doctor before taking them. Since flu can cause dehydration, the Health and Human Services Department recommends plenty of clear fluids such as water, broth, or sports drinks.My mom always made me sip through a straw if my stomach was upset. Don’t know why, but it seemed to work for me. Drinking fluids can ease a sore throat, as well as using cough drops. [spacer height="05px"] What can I eat with the flu? I’m sure all our moms made us wonderful chicken noodle soup. It was their ‘go to remedy’. It is not just an old wives’ tale; it can aid your support system, clear nasal congestion, and have a mild anti-inflammatory effect to ease symptoms. It keeps nasal passages moist and prevents dehydration as well as fights inflammation in the throat. How long am I contagious? You’re contagious from 24 hours before “YOU” have any symptoms. You remain contagious for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. Kids are able to spread the virus even longer. [spacer height="05px"] Should I go to the hospital? Yes, if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Definitely, if you have chest pain or severe pain in your abdomen, confusion, dizziness, or severe vomiting that won’t stop. [spacer height="05px"] If you’re fit and healthy, usually you may not need to see a doctor unless your symptoms worsen, are severe and unrelenting. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm, and drink plenty of liquids. Gargling with warm salt water can also soothe your sore throat. The rest of us will thank you if you please stay home from work, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. [spacer height="05px"] Remember to cover your mouth if you sneeze. [/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/Slide1.jpg"] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Financial Tip January 2018

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]

Feature 2 December 2017

[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="on" specialty="off"][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label="Fullwidth Header" title="Feature #2" 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"]

‘Tis the season

[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]