Safe Money News: Volume 8, Issue 3

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3, DECEMBER 2019

ESTATE PLANNING ISN’T JUST FOR THE RICH

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR RETIREMENT IS STABLE

DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME LONGEVITY RISK QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR NEW DOCTOR

SAFE CREDIT DURING THE HOLIDAYS DREAM COMPLETION

TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAYING IT SAFE

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WOULD YOU PREFER YOUR RETIREMENT TO BE STABLE OR FLUCTUATE?

By Dr. Jack Marrion

PERSONAL FINANCE

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ESTATE PLANNING IS NOT JUST FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS

By TMA Small Business Accounting

SAFE RETIREMENT

12 14 16

DREAM COMPLETION

By Raymond J. Ohlson, CLU, CRC, LACP QUESTIONS TO ASK A NEW DOCTOR

By Leo LaGrotte LONGEVITY RISK AND THE ONLY ANSWER: ANNUITIES!

by Kim O’Brien, MBA

SAFETY PINS

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SAFE CREDIT IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Steve Dinnen

SAFE FOR LIFE

22 26

HOW TO DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME

By Sean Tienhaara from Life Transitions TWELVE HOURS

By Norm Wilkens

PLAYING IT SAFE

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WOULD YOU PREFER YOUR RETIREMENT TO BE S TABLE OR FLUCTUATE?

By Dr. Jack Marrion Would you prefer your retirement income to: Be stable or to fluctuate?

Never go down or is it okay if it can go up and down?

Last as long as you live or is it okay if there’s a chance it will end before you do?

Wall Street financial writers try to frame retirement planning as creating a large enough pile of investments to last through retirement. This approach has merit if the retirement goal is to leave money to your heirs, but the typical main goal in retirement planning is to have enough income. Since Wall Street manufactures investments, their go-to solution to generating retirement income is to withdraw a percentage of your investments and hope it lasts.

The problem is there are no guarantees with this withdrawal approach, so the suggested withdrawal percentage keeps getting lower. For years, the suggested “safe” withdrawal rate was 5%. This was generally reduced to 4% about two decades ago, but even at 4% the risk of running out of money early is as high as 32%*, so several advisors suggest that taking out 3% might be a better idea – or even limiting withdrawals to 2% from your investments each year would be prudent. The problem is most people saved for retirement with the expectation that the $500,000 they managed to put away would get them $25,000 a year and now they’re being told they should tighten their belt and settle for $10,000 in retirement income, to lessen the chance it becomes $0 down the road.

The odds that you won’t run out of

Would You Prefer Your Retirement To Be Stable Or Fluctuate? - CONTINUED

money – even when taking out 4% a year – are still on your side. Based on the computer simulations that Wall Streeters like to run, in most scenarios not only does your income not go down but it increases. However, the question that remains is how big of a gambler are you?

The insurance world approaches retirement in a different way. Wall Street is all about managing the amount of risk the retiree retains; insurance companies transfer away the risk of income loss from the retiree to the insurer. They do this through an annuity in many different ways. Income choices from an annuity produce stable income that does not go down – even if the stock market or interest rates do – or can even automatically increase the income each year during retirement. The retiree can choose annuities where they have access to the cash value of the account and at least ensure that they (and any heirs) will get back all of what they put in. And these income choices guarantee that the income will last as long as the retiree does. These are the reasons that

millions of retirees own annuities.

This is not saying that a retiree should place all of their money in annuities, but it does mean one should look at their personal situation and determine how much stable income they desire and whether an annuity income choice might be prudent. * Finke, M. Pfau, W, & Blanchett, D. 2013, “The 4 Percent Rule Is Not Safe in a Low-Yield World,” Journal of Financial Planning, 26, 6: 46–55.

About Dr. Jack Marrion Dr. Marrion’s research on senior decision making and the financial world have been featured in hundreds of publications including: Business Week, Kiplinger, Smart Money, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of six books and a frequent media guest.

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PERSONAL FINANCE

ESTATE PLANNING IS NOT JUST FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS

By TMA Small Business Accounting Nearly everyone should consider updating his or her estate plan. This is smart advice even if you’re not currently exposed to the federal estate tax. Year end can be a convenient time to reflect on major life changes and plan for the future, including devising strategies to minimize taxes.

include changes in marital status, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a loved one, the launch of a business venture, the acquisition of new assets (or debts) via a purchase or inheritance, and even a lottery windfall. Here are some steps to consider.

Reasons to Review Your Plans

Establish Your Will

For 2019, the unified federal estate and gift tax exemption is $11.4 million (effectively $22.8 million for married couples). Thanks to these generous exemptions you may not currently be exposed to the federal estate tax.

First and foremost, it’s essential to have your last will and testament drafted. If you die intestate (without a will), the laws of your state will determine the fate of your minor children and who will inherit your assets. A written will makes your wishes known.

However, there’s a distinct possibility that today’s favorable estate and gift tax exemptions won’t last. They’re set to expire in 2026 under current law, unless Congress extends them. However, some lawmakers have expressed interest in ending them sooner, along with other unfavorable tax changes. So, depending on what happens in Washington, you could be exposed to the federal estate tax in the near future, after all. Plus, lower exemption amounts may apply at the state level if you live in a state with a death tax.

You also might need to update your estate plan for nonfinancial reasons. Examples

1. There are three main purposes for putting together a will: 2. To name a guardian for any minor children and other nonchild dependents, 3. To name an executor (and an alternate executor, in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve) for your estate, and 4. To specify which beneficiaries (including charities) will get which assets.

SAFETY PINS

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Estate Planning Is Not Just for the Rich and Famous - CONTINUED

The guardian’s job is to take care of your nonchild dependents (such as a disabled sibling) and your kids until they reach adulthood (age 18 or 21 in most states).

The executor’s job is to pay your estate’s bills, including any taxes, and deliver what’s left to your intended heirs and charitable beneficiaries.

Create a Living Trust For people with significant assets, a fundamental estate planning goal is to avoid probate, if possible. Probate is the court-supervised process of: Identifying and valuing the assets of an estate, Paying off the estate’s debts (including any federal estate tax, state death tax, and unpaid federal and state income taxes), and Distributing the remainder to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries.

Probate can potentially involve multiple court appearances by the estate’s attorney, lots of paperwork and lengthy delays before an estate’s assets can be distributed. The process can be expensive, time consuming and frustrating for heirs.

A living trust can help avoid probate.

Here’s how it works. You establish the living trust and transfer legal ownership of assets for which you wish to avoid probate, such as your primary residence and vacation property.

Note: You should also have a so-called “pour-over will” drawn up. This document stipulates that assets that aren’t officially owned by the trust still belong under its umbrella. Items such as vehicles, artwork, jewelry and collectibles may be covered.

will get which assets from the trust and when. Because a living trust is revocable, you can change its terms at any time, or even unwind it completely, as long as you’re alive and legally competent.

For federal income tax purposes, the existence of the living trust is completely ignored while you’re alive. As far as the IRS is concerned, you still personally own the assets that are legally held by the trust. So, you continue to report on your personal tax returns any income generated by trust assets and any deductions related to those assets (such as mortgage interest on your home).

For state-law purposes, the living trust isn’t ignored. That’s why, if set up properly, a living trust avoids probate.

When you die, the assets in the living trust are included in your estate for federal estate tax purposes. However, thanks to the unlimited marital deduction privilege, assets that go to your surviving spouse aren’t included if he or she is a U.S. citizen.

Important: If you set up a living trust, you must transfer to the trust legal ownership of the most important assets for which you wish to avoid probate (typically homes and other real property). Many people set up living trusts and then fail to actually transfer ownership of their assets. When this happens, the probate-avoidance advantage is lost unless your estate’s executor can argue that the problem is cured by your pour-over will.

Update Your Beneficiary Designations A will or living trust document doesn’t override beneficiary designations for:

Life insurance policies, The trust document should 1) name a Annuities, trustee to manage the trust’s assets after you die, and 2) specify which beneficiaries

SAFETY PINS IRAs and other tax-favored retirement accounts, Employer-sponsored benefit plans, 529 college savings accounts, and Bank and brokerage firm accounts.

Review your designations at year end. If you need to make changes, your financial and legal advisors can help you complete the appropriate forms.

Important: It’s also important to consider naming one or more secondary (contingent) beneficiaries to inherit these accounts in the event the primary beneficiary dies before you do.

As a general rule, whoever is named on the most-recent beneficiary form will get the asset automatically if you die, regardless of what your will or living trust document might say. So, if you’ve failed to update your beneficiary designations, don’t assume that your will or living trust will protect your heirs. Fix the problem now while it’s on your mind.

Beyond ensuring that your money goes where you want it to go, another advantage of designating beneficiaries is that it avoids probate. That’s because the money goes directly to the beneficiaries you’ve named by operation of law.

In contrast, if you name your estate as your beneficiary and then depend on your will to parcel out assets to your intended heirs, your estate must go through the court-supervised probate process. Your intended heirs, those you intended to get little or nothing, and other interested parties can make objections and create roadblocks during this process. Probate can become time-consuming, expensive and downright ugly.

Review Real Property Ownership Owning property (like your home) with another party (such as a spouse) as

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joint tenants with the right of survivorship (JTWROS) also protects the property from probate in case one joint tenant dies.

For example, John owns a home with his adult daughter Jane as JTWROS. John unexpectedly dies. The surviving joint tenant (Jane) automatically takes over sole ownership of the property — without becoming embroiled in the probate process.

If you haven’t already established JTWROS ownership, contact a real estate attorney to discuss whether this type of ownership makes sense for your situation.

Contact Us Things change. You may win the lottery, lose loved ones to death, and gain children or grandchildren. Such events could require changes in your estate plan.

Plus, the federal estate and gift tax rules — as well as the state death tax rules — have proven to be unpredictable. For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of reviewing your estate plan at the end of each calendar year. Your financial and legal advisors can help you make changes as needed.

The TMA Small Business Accounting, P.C. staff have been delivering professional services to small businesses in Central Indiana for over 20 years.

Having worked with hundreds of small business clients, we have significant expertise with a wide variety of service businesses in Indiana. We have especially strong experience and expertise in working with businesses in the healthcare (medical, dental, etc.) and foodservice (restaurants, caterers, etc.) industries.

Contact Info: (317) 571-8080 info@tmasba.com: tmasmallbusinessaccounting.com

SAFE RETIREMENT

DREAM COMPLETION

By Raymond J. Ohlson, CLU, CRC, LACP

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I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of things in my financial services career. I’ve been involved in buying insurance companies both here and in Europe. I’ve had the opportunity of serving as president of the US insurers, and had marketing responsibilities for the Luxembourg and Bermuda companies. And, I was able to be involved in the excitement of taking the holding company public on Wall Street.

Boy, what can beat that? Simple... being a life insurance agent (Boy could that statement clear out a room or empty a party). But, that’s the truth. Yes, I’ve had a financial planning firm and sold a lot of securities but nothing can do what a life insurance policy can do. A life insurance policy is guaranteed “Dream Completion.”

Let’s explore…

The life insurance policy assures that people can complete their dreams, regardless of premature death, hurricanes, stock market crashes or acts of terrorism. A piece of paper, a drop of ink, and a premium builds an estate and nest egg that we all want to accumulate. Think about it this way: if people are dependent upon us, shouldn’t we guarantee their security... even if we are not around? I am sure that you would agree with a resounding yes. But, maybe I am talking to the wrong crowd. Let’s see.

I am confident that you have been very fortunate in your careers. Some of you reading this are retired and some still out there kicking butt. But, should you die tomorrow and the person dependent upon you lives for many more years, will your financial holdings be enough to guarantee that person the security that you wish for them? If the answer is no, then you should be happy to purchase an additional policy, pay the premium and guarantee that the dreams will be completed. Yes, it is magic.

No other, I repeat, no other financial instrument will do what a life insurance policy will do. So, why is it that some people say that they don’t like life insurance? What they really mean is that they don’t like paying for life insurance, but they like what life insurance does. So, in closing, I would challenge you to have a life insurance review with a member of The Safe Money Places Agent Network and see if you feel comfortable with the amount that you own.

We all still have dreams... regardless of our age. Don’t you want to ensure that they are completed? It’s real simple and you have the power to do it. Be a “dream dealer” today and complete those dreams with life insurance.

About the Author: Raymond J. Ohlson CLU, CRC, LACP CEO & President of The Ohlson Group, Inc. and SMP International, LLC Mr. Ohlson entered the insurance business while completing his Bachelor of Science Degree at Ball State University. He quickly qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) of which he is a Life Member. He also received his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ohlson, a former life insurance company president, currently sits on college and hospital boards and is a published author. Raymond J. Ohlson can be reached at: Email: rohlson@ohlsongroup.com.

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SAFE RETIREMENT

QUESTIONS TO ASK A NEW DOCTOR

By Leo LaGrotte

In the same way aging is a part of life, so is keeping up your health. Whether your regular doctor has retired, you’ve moved to a new area, or you need additional doctors to treat specific conditions, there are some helpful questions to pose to a new doctor as a senior citizen. Read on to find out how to evaluate your new physician.

“WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?”

them up about their college years and what drew them to medicine. Find out if they’re board certified or their opinion on the doctor-patient relationship. In addition to inquiring about their educational background, you can find out more about their areas of specialty. You may find a sense of comfort knowing that your current physician spent time working in the ER. “HOW WILL THIS FIT INTO MY CURRENT CARE PLANS?”

It’s never a bad idea to get a sense of how your doctor ended up where they are. Ask If this new doctor is a specialist, it’s

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important to understand how their treatment will integrate with the care you currently receive. Will you still see your primary care doctor, or are they taking over? Do they communicate or confer with your other doctors? Are there any interactions – either from medications or treatments – that you should be aware of?

They’ve undoubtedly been briefed on your care up to this point, so don’t hesitate to ask they provide a clearer picture of how their care will impact your day-to-day life.

“AM I ON THE RIGHT MEDICATIONS?” When we think of doctors prescribing medications, we generally imagine these decisions as infallible. However, mistakes do happen. According to studies, preventable medication errors affect 7 million patients each year. Even if a prescription doesn’t lead to adverse effects, there may be better options that exist for a specific condition or set of illnesses. It never hurts to ask for a second opinion, especially when your health and healthcare are changing.

“WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE POLICIES?” No one likes waiting around at the doctor’s office. These delays are not only irritating, but they can cause serious concerns about the physician’s dedication or attention. A new study found that 1 out 5 patients have switched doctors due to long wait times, and the same research showed that 30% of patients have actually physically left an appointment after being stuck in the waiting or exam room. It’s helpful to understand the setup of a new doctor’s office.

Some specific questions to ask are: 1. Is this a group practice or will you be seeing the same doctor each time?

2. What about if you can’t get in touch with the doctor?

3. How will you be notified if there’s a change in appointment?

4. What are your hours?

5. Do you perform house calls?

All these questions will help to set a reasonable expectation for your visits.

In younger years, heading to the doctor was usually reserved for being sick. But as we grow into those all-important golden years, healthcare becomes not a luxury but a necessity. If you’re preparing to see a new doctor or begin a search for a better one, keeping these five questions handy can be helpful in making sure you find the best care possible.

Case Study: Dave and Joyce bought life insurance when they were younger to protect their childrens’ futures. Joyce lost her battle with cancer last year and the kids are all grown. Dave no longer needs his coverage. Dave’s investment advisor told him he could sell his unwanted life insurance policy for an immediate cash payment. Dave sold his life insurance policy and used the proceeds to pay off medical bills and check off a few boxes on his bucket list.

Written By: Leo LaGrotte Life Settlement Advisors 4630 Lisborn Drive | Carmel, IN 46033 llagrotte@lsa-llc.com 317-863-5936 www.lsa-llc.com

SAFE RETIREMENT

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Longevity Risk and the ONLY Answer: Annuities!

by Kim O’Brien, MBA Almost two years ago last month, Americans for Annuity Protection gave this speech at the United Nations Global Economic Summit. We were thrilled and awed by a dozen other speakers with their messages. They are as relevant today, if not more. Here was ours…

Longevity is rapidly changing our nation and the world. We are at the midst of the global longevity revolution. A revolution that will have a bigger impact on society and culture than the industrial revolution and the technology revolution. It is something that has never occurred in human history. What is the impact on our nation and the world as the global birthrate drops and the life expectancies continue to extend? The remarkable 20th century breakthrough in medical sciences has given us a society that is living longer than ever before but now we don’t know how to finance longer life spans?

Today in America, someone is retiring every nine seconds. That means, every nine seconds someone is applying for entitlement benefits. Can we afford it?

Can we afford longevity?

Are we prepared for an aging nation, and

an aging world? How do we live longer lives that are better lives considering the rising healthcare costs, low interest rates, less from Social Security and increased taxation? Between this year and through 2030, the 65 plus population will grow by more than 70% while payroll taxes will grow by less than 10%. Where is the money going to come from?

Between 1991 and 2007, bankruptcy filings have increased 125% for people between 65 and 74 and 400% for people over 75. The bottom-line is, millions won’t have enough money for the comfortable retirement our parents and Grandparents enjoyed.

We are simply facing a national retirement crisis in America. Millions will find that they are too old to return to work and have too little in savings. Half of today’s private sector workers don’t have any employer sponsored retirement plan and over 2.5 Million Boomers have less than $1000 in their net lifetime of assets saved.

The Great Recession saw a decline from pensions and savings of over five trillion.

Today most have recovered but could we survive another economic catastrophe?

Longevity Risk and the ONLY Answer: Annuities! - CONTINUED

Especially if millions are relying on a monthly income that’s got to last until their last breath.

Americans need a lifetime income, free from the unpredictability of the turbulent storms of Wall Street. I’m an advocate for a solution, that I’ve made it my life’s work and is my passion to educate Americans about it. It’s the truth and remarkable magical use of Fixed Annuities.

You see, based on the issues I’ve just discussed, Annuities make sure you don’t run out of money as long as you live no matter how long you live, AND they also make sure you don’t lose any money when the markets do Annuities provided solid retirement confidence in an uncertain world and Annuities can make sure extra expenses like education, long term care and medical expenses are paid. You can even provide for an educational or additional income for your Children or Grandchildren.

In a recent landmark article, which appeared in the Harvard Business

Review called, “The Crisis in Retirement Planning”, by the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. The author is a distinguished Professor of Finance at MIT. Dr. Robert Merton eloquently stated, “Our approach to saving is all wrong: We need to think about monthly income, not net worth”.

He further states, “Investments cannot deliver security in terms of income”.

If we don’t sound the alarm and educate consumers, the crisis will become a tragedy on a massive scale.

Unfortunately one would think the Government would boldly embrace Fixed Annuities but instead the Department of Labor is attempting to damage the consumer’s ability to secure private commercial solution. The effect will be, increased costs, Government red tape, not consumer protection as it is disguised.

This has led me and my colleagues to form a National Advocacy non-profit called, “Americans for Annuity Protection”.

It’s a 501(c) based on the fact that

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Americans are in danger of losing a vital part of their financial heritage and liberty because of a lopsided campaign against Annuities and their market place, which have thrived and served the public nobly for centuries.

The Longevity Revolution is in progress.

The natural essential companion is the only vehicle that provides certainty, security, guarantees and a solid predictable income for life with market protection...the Fixed Annuity. Let’s not fail society when the solution is and has been successfully managing longevity risk for the last hundred years.

Today annuity advisors strive to always put customers first. Addressing longevity risk is just one of the many risks they address and work to minimize or eliminate. Annuities provide an incontrovertible and unprecedented protection from longevity risk that no other financial product can achieve…

guaranteed income that will last as long as you do. Americans for Annuity Protection is dedicated to securing AMERICANS prosperity through guaranteed insurance solutions using annuities. Ask a Safe Money Advisor for more information today!

About the Author: Kim O’Brien, MBA Kim O’Brien is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Americans for Annuity Protection and the Founder of AssessBEST. She has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, beginning in 1981 as office manager for an insurance agency.

Kim O’Brien received her BA from Ripon College, her MFA from the University of Northern Colorado, and an MBA with a double emphasis in Economics and English from Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin.

SAFET Y PINS

SAFE CREDIT IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Steve Dinnen

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On a recent trip motoring through Greece, we pulled into a service station and gassed up. I handed the clerk my credit card.

1. “PIN?” he asked.

2. “No.” 3. “No PIN?” 4. “No, no PIN.” This conversation wasn’t moving much.

But he understood the situation enough and was able process the payment using just the chip embedded in my US-issued credit card.

To combat fraud, European credit card issuers have opted for a two-stage security process. In addition to sticking a microchip in the card that is read when it is scanned, the cardholder also needs to have a PIN. He or she enters it when the transaction takes place.

If that card is lost or stolen, the new possessor is likely out of luck without that PIN. It’s anyone’s guess as to why the Americans haven’t adopted this measure, since they just spent billions of dollars to issue new cards nationwide that carried the chip. Couldn’t they have added the PIN feature at the same time? Debit cards use them, so why not credit cards?

Unless we all move to Europe, though, we’ll have to make do with the cards currently in our wallets. They’re getting safer year by year, but trouble seems to lurk around every corner where billions of financial transactions are concerned.

If you’re buying online with a credit card, look for an “S” to be tacked onto the “HTTP” in the web address line. This stands for “secure,” and indicates that the merchant is scrambling communications between its website and your browser.

That should keep the bad guys at bay.

(HTTP, btw, means Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, which is the protocol over which data is sent).

Most merchants these days also will ask for your CSC – card security code.

This is a three-digit numbers group that is separate from your account number.

Thanks to these transactions taking place at the speed of light, the merchant is transmitting your data to the card issuer and instantaneously halts the purchase should those numbers not match.

Of course, anyone who holds your card and isn’t blind also knows that CSC (thus, the PIN is to my way of thinking a better idea).

Now, if you’re at a restaurant or department store and use your card, you’re going to get a receipt to sign. Bank of America advises that if you see any blank lines on that receipt, draw a line through it to make sure no one can come in after you and pencil in some fresh numbers.

If you have a choice between a credit and debit transaction with the same bank card, experts say you should choose credit.

There are stringer fraud protections with credit cards. And if something bad does happen, a credit card liability is capped at $50. With a debit card it’s $500, or in some cases more.

Plus, bear in mind that your debit card is linked to your bank account. Not so with a credit card. Have a merry, safe shopping, holiday season.

About the Author: Steve Dinnen

University.

Steve is a freelance writer specializing in financial and travel news. He received his Bachelors Degree from Drake University and his Master of Journalism from Oklahoma

Mr. Dinnen served as Sr. Business Reporter for the Des Moines Register, Business News Editor for the Indianapolis Star and served as Editor (freelance) for the Christian Science Monitor of its weekly personal finance column.

Email: paudel2001@msn.com.

SAFE FOR LIFE

HOW TO DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME

By Sean Tienhaara from Life Transitions

I look back with fondness on the years we spent visiting my mother-and father-in law in my wife’s family home. My father-inlaw was the city attorney and his wife was the editor for the local newspaper. The Christmas after Jan and I were engaged, I received a Webster’s Dictionary with a handwritten note that said, “I read a letter you sent to my daughter. I hope this dictionary can help”. I used that dictionary many times during my undergraduate studies and even into graduate school. A few years later we were concerned when Jan’s mom began to miss editing mistakes at the newspaper. Shortly after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. During the next seven years, we helped oversee her care and she was able to spend her last days in their home with her husband of fifty years by her side. After her passing, Jan’s dad came to live near us and our five children in Fishers, Indiana.

The one huge problem we were left with was what we were going to do with their home filled with 50 years of treasured belongings.

This task was daunting, and more so because we lived in another state. After successfully navigating the difficult and emotional journey of downsizing their home, my wife and I asked each other if there were any resources to help people through this experience. Seeing an important, unfilled need in society, we founded Life Transitions, originally Senior Life Transitions, in 2009. In the last 10 years we have helped over 5,000 families with their downsizing and transitions needs. We would like to share with you a

few tips that we have learned along the way. Hopefully they will help you in your own journey.

It is never too early to start the downsizing process.

For many of us, the idea of downsizing causes anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. Simply put, sorting through possessions collected over a lifetime makes us face our own mortality. Peter Walsh, host of TLC’s Clean Sweep says, “It is so emotionally charged because this is not about the stuff, it is about dealing with fundamental issues of families and growth, and loss and love.” I remember one 95-year-old client who needed to move to an assisted living community. I could hear crying before we even entered her home. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “This was not the plan.

I was supposed to go through that door in a casket.”

Downsizing can be an opportunity to redefine your life.

It can help you create a “best of the best” lifestyle. I have witnessed hundreds of people at the front end of their downsizing process who were overwhelmed, stuck or resistant to the idea, but in the end said, I wish I would have started this earlier.

I feel so much more free. One of our clients said to us, “I have been saving all my best stuff for special events. I’m now going to use my best for everyday”. Her downsizing has created a new liberty to use the best of her best.

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How to Downsize Your Home - CONTINUED

Set reasonable goals for sorting.

important for getting rid of chemicals, paints, etc. Goodwill, Salvation Army, Whether you have two weeks, two months Habitat for Humanity, and Big Brothers or two years to downsize, set clear and and Big Sisters will sometimes come to reasonable goals. When sorting, ask your house to pick up items you want to these questions: Do I love it? Do I need it? donate.

Will I use it? If you don’t “say” yes to one The more you give away the less there of these, the items go. is to sort & downsize. Jan and I recently Start with the room you use the least and spoke at the Home Economics Guild are not as emotionally attached to. recently and one of the ladies told us about her “Blue Light Special” give away.

For example; a pantry, a closet, a guest This creative home economist would room. This will strengthen you to tackle use holiday gatherings at her home as the area you’re more attached to. Mark opportunities to bring out all the things Brunetz, one expert on living clutter free she wanted to downsize. She would says, “The more you do, it and the easier place it in one room and invite family and it gets. It’s like a muscle that’s been friends to take freely. Giving things away dormant. Use it and it gets stronger.” As to family and friends can be an enjoyable you work your way through one area, you experience. will see progress and gain the confidence Challenging categories. Some items to go onto the next. Be patient with yourself. You can absolutely do this. that are tough to let go.

Purge early and often!

Tao Te Ching chapter 63 says, “Confront the difficult while it is still easy, accomplish the great task by a series of small acts.”

Trash costs a lot of money to get rid of in bulk – so start taking a few things out to the corner each week. Watch for your community’s HAZMAT days – these are

Jan’s parent were avid readers, belonged to book clubs and had lot collected many books. Books can feel like family. One place to donate books is your local library, used book store or charity. Last month we took hundreds of books to be sold at Half Price Book Store. All the books earned a little over $200, the exception was one Bible that sold for $1000.

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Many of us have too many clothes.

Remember the rule; Need, wear, love.

Do you love how it looks? Do you wear it? Most people wear only 20 % of the clothing they own. Most times when downsizing to a smaller home, closet space is at a premium. Measure your new closet space. Measure what you have in your current home.

Regarding family photos, Peter Walsh says “photos have a particular power and importance that make it feel like sacrilege if you throw them away.” This was one of the most emotionally difficult parts of downsizing Jan’s family home. Choose the best one or two and have the rest to be digitized for easy storage and easy access. This new technological age, all important documents can be scanned and stored.

Start a conversation with your family.

Have your kids tell you what they want.

Most people believe that their children and grandchildren will want their prized possessions, but that is often not the

case. Author Marni Jameson says, “Keep what you love and what nurtures you.

Hold dear your memories along with a few treasures from those who loved you and whom you loved. Leave a few treasures for those you love to remember you by… hold on to a heartful—not a houseful—of memories.”

You don’t have to do this alone.

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Article Written By: Sean Tienhaara Life Transitions 317-748-4633 sean@lifetranstions.today www.srlifetransitions.com

SAFE FOR LIFE

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T W E LV E H O U R S

By Norm Wilkens

In the scheme of things, one of the most significant twelve-hour periods in a year occurs on the first Tuesday of November-from six a.m. to six p.m. in most of the United States – Election Day. For this half-day in the majority of our fifty states, from dawn to dusk, a series of important events are put into motion that affect our future and our very existence.

For many years, it was my duty and honor as well as my job to play a role in the process of electing various officials to city, county, state and national offices. In those years, I helped elect, through advertising and public relations, men and women who would serve as our leaders. As I reflect on those campaigns, they assume even more responsibility today than I had imagined since I was engrossed in day to day operations involved in the election process.

Please understand, I knew the importance of our efforts at those critical times, and was certainly not alone in the electioneering . Often, there were many people who were engaged in campaigning. In fact, the process required dozens of professionals and well as volunteers. However, it was easy to become personally enamored with the personalities of those seeking the various offices, becoming emotionally carried away, as we toiled through the hours of meetings, polling, slogans, production sessions and arguments that were always a part of every election.

All of our efforts culminated in one twelvehour period. The weeks, months and in some cases, years of toil boil down to half a day in November. In the earlier days of my campaigning, most often the investment in time was not matched with dollars spent. Even the most important Mayor, Congressional and Senatorial races didn’t generate even close to the millions of dollars invested today. In a number of campaigns for Mayor less than fifty thousand dollars was invested.

It wasn’t unusual in the early 1950s and ‘60s to find under one hundred thousand dollars allocated on a Congressional Campaign. Today, less than a million dollars would not be considered worthy of the effort. That begs the question, “What does a candidate really expect to receive when the investment in time, talent and dollars are so significant?” Hopefully, there are still a number of individuals who are altruistically motivated to seek an office, and are genuine in their desire to serve their fellow men and women. I sincerely hope so.

Back to my original premise. The twelve hours that are provided to select those representatives of our desires and wishes for the future are often taken lightly and do not generate the demand and attention deserved. Many of those November days see light turnouts at the polls. Having watched intently the returns as they pour in during the evening hours of an Election Day, I can attest to the fact that I often felt relief or enormous pain depending upon

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Twelve Hours - CONTINUED

in during the evening hours of an Election Day, I can attest to the fact that I often felt relief or enormous pain depending upon the results. However, I always wanted a heavy turnout. Let the majority rule. On the other hand, there is nothing in my life that compares with losing an election after hundreds of hours of demanding day in and day out effort. That is particularly true when you sincerely believe in the person or persons you are representing.

Over the years, I have worked for men and women of both Democratic and Republican Parties. In my analysis of those efforts, I believe I can justify my time spent on their behalf. There were a few, very few, that I did not believe were worthy and deserving of my total attention and commitment. When adding up the years those people served in the various offices attained, I believe their efforts and mine were merited.

About the Author: Norm Wilkens A nationally recognized speaker and writer, Norman Wilkens has traveled to forty-seven of the fifty states speaking on topics of marketing, advertising and public relations.

His most noteworthy subjects include: Healthcare Marketing; Multi-generational travel and Baby Boomers - their contribution to society and economics. He is presently serving as Midwestern Contributor to California’s AAA WESTWAYS Magazine.

Among Wilkens’ current activities are the Butler University Alumni Board of Directors; Butler’s Central Indiana Alumni Chapter Board; Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the new Communication College of Butler; Board of Directors of Ruth Lilly Educational Foundation; Salvation Army of Indiana Advisory Board and as an Elder at Second Presbyterian Church of Indiana.

Email: NormWilkens@aol.com

Do not take the responsibility of your vote for granted. In our great nation, it is a right paid for through the generations by men and women who were willing to give their lives for the privilege of seeing our way of government grow and flourish.

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