Congratulations! You’re finally at the finish line. Your years of hard work are coming to an end and your days of freedom are here. Although a huge weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, there are a few blunders to avoid in order to maintain bliss in retirement.
- Breaking your budget – You may find a trip to the Caribbean or a new Chevy enticing, but were they a part of your original budget? Just like your working years, you’ll also need to have a budget and stick to it during retirement especially when you don’t expect to work. It’s key to have an understanding of what your monthly expenses look like versus what income is flowing in. Sure, there might be some wiggle room, but you’ll want to take account of unexpected expenses and emergencies that may arise. Do you have an emergency savings fund and are you aware of the rise in healthcare costs?
- Taking Social Security too early – Many retirees collect their benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount you’ll receive is 30% less than what you’d receive at full retirement age. Every year you wait after full retirement age, your benefit increases by 8%. For maximum benefits, you may hold off until age 70.1 And when Social Security benefits aren’t enough to meet your needs or to support your lifestyle, you may want to consider an annuity for supplemental income.
- Letting yourself be bored – Finding happiness in retirement isn’t all about numbers, it’s also about your mental wellness. If you find yourself with nothing to do, it may lead to boredom and ultimately, depression. Fill up your days adequately with new activities such as volunteering a local organization, checking out the new spots in town, working on projects you didn’t get to before, finding a new hobby, or simply catching up with friends.
Start off your golden years on the right foot. You certainly have earned it. Contact us at 651.414.0016 (Woodbury Office) or 715.808.8981 (Hudson Office) and we’ll work with you to map out your course to help ensure satisfaction and happiness in retirement.
Spiced Crab and Shrimps with Potatoes
Toss your utensils aside and dig in! There’s no better way to enjoy fresh seafood than in an old-fashioned crab boil. Round up your whole family and friends for this delicious recipe that can feed a crowd for a picnic, tailgate or other outdoor festivity.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons dill seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons white peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 3 bay leaves
- 10 sprigs thyme
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- 1 head garlic, cut in half horizontally
- 4 leafy stalks celery, halved crosswise
- Kosher salt
- 12 live jumbo blue crabs or 6 Dungeness crabs
- 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes
- 2 pounds extra-large shrimp (unpeeled)
- Melted butter, for dipping
Directions:
- Combine the dill seeds, dried dill, mustard seeds, chili powder, paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, celery seeds, red pepper flakes and bay leaves in a small bowl. Transfer to a blender or spice grinder in batches and pulse until coarsely ground.
- Fill a large deep pot with 8 quarts water. Add the spice mixture, thyme, parsley, garlic, celery and 1/4 cup salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover, reduce the heat and simmer, 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, put the crabs in a large colander in the sink. Holding each crab with tongs, run under cold water to wash away sand. Transfer to a large container of ice water and soak 15 minutes. (This relaxes the crabs and helps remove the grit.) Remove the crabs and discard the water. If the crabs are still sandy, repeat.
- Bring the spiced broth to a boil over high heat. Wrap the potatoes in cheesecloth and tie closed. Add the crabs to the broth, then the potatoes; cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until the crab shells are bright red, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the potatoes after 15 minutes.
- Transfer the crabs to a platter or newspaper with tongs, letting the excess liquid drain into the pot. Let sit at least 5 minutes before eating.
- Meanwhile, add the shrimp to the pot, stir once and cook until the shells are pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Season the crabs, shrimp and potatoes with salt. Serve with melted butter and the broth, for dipping.
The Balancing Act
At the foundation of every good golf swing is a good balance. A balanced swing allows you to have better control of the club for better delivery and accuracy. To create a balance for a powerful swing, it begins with your stance. Your heels should be slightly wider than your shoulders. On the backswing, shift your weight from the left to the right, but the key is not letting your weight slide outside your right foot. Swaying outside the right foot can cause shots to steer off to the right. If you can do this without losing a step, you’re on your way to a balanced swing.
Start Your Day with Uplifting Music
Music is known to evoke all kinds of emotions and can be used to affect your mood. To set a positive tone for the day, make a playlist of your favorite uplifting songs and blast it in the morning while you’re getting ready or while you’re driving to work.
Listening to happy songs:
• Improves mental focus
• Soothes and relaxes blood vessels
• Makes you happier
• Reduces stress levels
• Gets dopamine flowing
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