Austin TX - 7

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATES TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 11 - 17

MAR 18 - 24

MAR 25 - 31

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

+ Signature Event

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard +

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rico Open

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico GOLF

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship +

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, ESPN+

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATES TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship +

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic

Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic

TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^

The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

TBA Event

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition #

Le Golf National, Paris, France

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MARCH

MARCH 8 - 23 | RODEO AUSTIN

Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring Pro rodeo events, daily concerts, livestock shows and more. For more info visit: rodeoaustin.com

MARCH 9 - 12 | AUSTIN FLEA

We’re excited for this open-air market at one of the city’s top breweries that features award winning beers and delicious pizza and more! Just add our vendors of handcrafted goods and vintage wares and it’s a party! For more info visit: austinflea.net

APRIL

April 1 - 21 | Forest Faire

Sherwood Forest Faire is a locally owned medieval-style village nestled in the Lost Pines section of Central Texas. We have over 100 permanent buildings on 25 acres, including stages, pubs, merchant shops, wedding venues, a com-

plete castle, and more. So travel back in time with us and enjoy a medieval day of fun and adventure! For more info visit: sherwoodforestfaire.com

APRIL 19 - 21 | REGGAE FESTIVAL

A fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank, the event features three days of amazing reggae talent. In addition to all this great music, the Austin Reggae Festival includes more than 50 vendors selling a variety of delicious food, plus unique arts & crafts. There really is something for everyone! For more info visit: austinreggaefest.com

MAY

MAY 4 - 5 | STREET FESTIVAL

The Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest, and longest-running, arts & crafts and music festivals in the nation. The festival will feature 300 national artisan vendors, food concessions, 50 bands on three stages, a family friendly rides section and street performers. Enjoy

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

a family friendly weekend to start off this fall season! For more info visit: pecanstreetfestival.org

MAY 23 - 26 | HOT LUCK FEST

The Hot Luck: Live Food & Music festival returns to honor the soul, sweat and DIY diversity of the food and music world. The festival is an eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary knowhow, and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully created as the food on your plate. Come hungry, thirsty, and bring your dancing boots. For more info visit: hotluckfest.com

JUNE

JUNE 1 | STREET FESTIVAL

The streets of Old Town Leander fill with local and national artisans offering handcrafted creations. Texas bands and artists bring the stage to life, and family-friendly activities delight both adults and children. Food vendors provide both healthy and indulgent choic-

es, and local and regional wineries and breweries bring a special flair to Old Town. There really is something for everyone here! For more info visit: oldtownstreetfestival.com

JUNE 1 - 2 | TELEVISION FESTIVAL

ATX Festival is the first festival devoted to Television’s history and future. It functions like a traditional film festival with premieres of new series, current hits and cult favorites. ATX Television Festival also offers access to the industry’s leading professionals with cast and creator Q&A’s and panels focusing on innovation in both production and content delivery. For more info visit: atxfestival.com

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Famous for its vibrant music scene, Austin holds quite a few large concerts, parades, and fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. Festivities and music are heard on

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

every corner, and every neighborhood displays its best star-andstripe decorations. So come on by and celebrate America’s Birthday the right way! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3uOKiKr

AUGUST

AUG TBA | SUMMER CARNIVAL

A samba dance party celebrating African heritage and Brazilian, Latin and Caribbean music with DJs, guest musicians and plenty of spectacular costumes. For more info visit: austinsummercarnival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 6 | ZILKER RELAYS

The Zilker Relays is a 10-mile team race. Each participant runs a 2.5 mile loop. The team concept of the Zilker Relays is not unique, but the combination of a relay, festival home base, drinks and music, make this experience a favorite for runners of all calibers and ages. For more info visit: zilkerrelays.com

SEPT 7 | BAT FEST

What will you see at Bat Fest this year? 1.5 million Mexican freetailed bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk, 2 stages with live music, more than 50 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities. Enjoy this one of a kind festival with family and friends! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3wUnR88

OCTOBER

OCT 4 - 13 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

It’s that time of year again! ACL Festival features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 8 stages with over 100 performances.. The ACL Eats Food Court offers the most delicious festival food, drinks and sweets from Austin and the surrounding area’s favorite restaurants. There’s plenty to do in between sets, including a minifest for kids, photogenic spaces, sponsored giveaways and merch to bring home with you. For more info visit: aclfestival.com

on page 22)

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 22)

OCT 24 - 31 | FILM FESTIVAL

Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on both top-billed films and indies alike. For more info visit: austinfilmfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 - 3 | CELTIC FESTIVAL

See Celtic dancing, hear Celtic music, and watch as strongmen compete in traditional Scottish Highland games in the heart of Texas at the Austin Celtic Festival. This unique event offers plenty of fun and activities for the whole family! For more info visit: austincelticfestival.com

NOV 16 | FOODIE FEST

Welcome to Austin’s Premier Food Fest showcasing local restaurants, local eateries, local cafes and local food trucks! This festival is all about food so please come hungry. Our festival will stretch over 8 Hours with over 50 different participating vendors. Outside of

food there will be plenty of fun including Live Music from some of Texas best bands! For more info visit: austinfoodiefest.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 30 | TRAIL OF LIGHTS

The Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. Grab your family and some hot coco and enjoy a night full of great lights! For more info visit: austintrailoflights.org

JANUARY

JAN TBA | MLK DAY FESTIVAL

Enjoy a walk starting from the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the University of Texas campus to the south steps of the Capitol for a rally and ending the march at the historic Huston-Tillotson University for activities and events.For more info visit: mlkcelebration.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE AUSTIN

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY

Feb tba | Chili Cook-Off

Join us for a day of live music, cold beer and chili as we host our Annual Chili Cook-Off. Taste different types of chili from some of Austin’s best restaurants and amateur culinary talent.For more info visit: joscoffee.com

FEB TBA | OYSTER FESTIVAL

This is one tasty festival you don’t want to miss! The Oyster Festival is an annual hit among locals and visitors alike. Not sure which kind of oyster you prefer? Try ‘em all while enjoying a little live Cajun and “newgrass” music on the lawn! For more info visit: austinoysterfestival.com

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.