As retirees look ahead to a retirement with uncertainties, they need to have an adequate, dependable, and long-lasting stream of income. With an unpredictable stock market, grim outlook on Social Security and pensions, and a continuous rise in healthcare costs, an annuity can provide the financial security that retirees need to enjoy their retirement years without the fear of outliving their assets.
- Here are 5 life situations when buying an annuity makes a lot of sense:
- You want guaranteed income for life. One of the biggest fears of retirees or people nearing retirement is the concern about running out of money. With the right annuity suited to meet your needs, it can help you cover all of the necessary expenses for as long as you live.
- You want to avoid investing in the markets. No matter how poorly the markets are performing, your principal balance is protected from losses.
- You want to protect your retirement assets from taxes. One of the main tax advantages is that the money you invest in an annuity grows tax-deferred.
- You want control of your assets. With an annuity, you’ll have control over the accumulation phase as well as the distribution phase of the annuity. You can still choose how and where to invest your funds in the annuity and make changes as desired each year as rates are adjusted annually.1
- You want to leave a legacy. One of the many desires of retirees is being able to pass on a legacy to their loved ones. In the event that you pass away prematurely, your beneficiaries will inherit your assets.
Decades ago, Americans relied on guaranteed governmental benefits to fund their retirement. Today, very few enjoy this level of financial security. If any of the above applies to you, then an annuity could be your solution. Contact us today at 885-987-8888. Let us help you further understand the ins and outs of annuities and determine whether it’s suitable for your retirement strategy.
Avocado Soup
During the summer heat, we crave cold swims, iced beverages, and cool refreshing salads. However, you may want to consider beating the heat with this hot and flavorful soup that’s guaranteed to deliver a kick. Sounds counterintuitive but eating hot food will trigger your body’s receptors to cool you down. On the days for when it’s hot, try cooling off with this delicious soup!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large white onion, chopped, divided
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, divided
- 2 jalapeño peppers, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon powder
- 3 large firm-ripe avocados, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, or to taste
Directions:
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add chicken; boil until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 7 minutes. Drain.
- Run cool water over chicken to speed cooling process. Shred or finely slice chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 onion, lime juice, 1/2 cup cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and garlic until onion is slightly greenish in color, about 5 minutes.
- Combine 4 cups water and bouillon powder in a small bowl. Pour into the pot. Let cook until just heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir chicken into the pot.
- Ladle soup into 4 bowls. Top with remaining 1/2 onion, 1/2 cup cilantro, avocado, and queso fresco.
Recipe adapted from AllRecipes2
One of the great things about golf is that you don’t have to be strong in your arms or have great upper body strength to hit the ball a long way. A good player generates power with his or her lower body. To power the club with your body instead of your arms and hands, put the club behind the ball at address, with your body in a dead-stop position. Without taking a backswing, try to drag the ball into the air. You’ll find that once you start moving the club with your body, you’ll begin to get the ball in the air more consistently.
Tips adapted from Golf Tips Magazine3
Plan Your Meal Around Veggies
When it comes to meal planning, we often focus around meat and proteins instead of vegetables. Let them be a star of your plate by filling at least half of your plate with non-starchy veggies such as spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and eggplant. To bring out more natural flavors, oven roast or sauté your veggies.
By balancing your plate more, it can result in quite a few positive changes. You may notice that you’re:
- Saving money as meat tends to cost more
- Trying new recipes more frequently to explore new ways to cook veggies
- Feeling better and becoming more productive
Tips adapted from The Kitchn4
