Dawson Living November/December 2022

put a smile on your face

EFFECTIVE AND MARGINAL TAX: KNOW YOURS!

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO TAX RATES

The tax code is filled with terms we rarely use in everyday con versation. Two of the more common are Marginal Tax Rates and Effective Tax Rates. Knowing what they mean can help you think differently about your potential tax obligation.

Marginal Tax Rate: This is the tax rate applied to the next dollar you earn. Since income tax rates are progressive, the next dollar you earn could be taxed at as little as zero or as high as 37%.

Effective Tax Rate: This is the tax rate you actually pay. It is total taxes paid divided by your total taxable income. Said another way, after taking your income and then applying taxes, deductions, credits, exemptions, and other adjustments, you are left with the true tax obli gation, which is a percent of your income.

Consider two single people: Joe Cool who earns $50,000 and Chuck Browne who earns $500,000. If we had a flat tax of 10%, Mr. Cool would pay $5,000 in tax and Mr. Browne would pay $50,000 in tax. Both of their Effective Tax Rates would be 10% and their Marginal Tax Rates would also be 10% because each additional dollar they earn would be taxed at the same 10%.

But it’s a different picture when you apply our progressive tax rates: If we use the 2022 U.S. tax table for a single filer, Joe Cool pays $6,617 and Chuck Browne pays $148,753 in federal tax. This is because tax rates applied to Joe Cool’s income are (10-22%) while Chuck’s income over $50,000 gets Marginal Tax Rates of (22-35%).

Calculating Returns. The true return you receive on any taxable investment will be determined by your Marginal Tax Rate. A $500

profit from a new investment could cost Joe Cool 15% in federal tax, but it could cost Chuck Browne 35% in federal tax.

Phaseouts can provide a dramatic impact on Effective Tax Rates. The simple examples above do not account for income limits applied to many tax benefits. Additional income could have a very dra matic impact on Joe Cool if it triggers losing things like an Earned Income Credit, or Child Tax Credit. This could increase Joe’s Effective Tax Rate while not touching his Marginal Tax Rate.

Extra work can help the taxman more than you. There have been cases where adding a second job can cost you money by not under standing the impact of the income on your Effective Tax Rate. This is especially true for retired workers receiving Social Security benefits. That extra job may make your benefits taxable.

It’s not that simple. In addition to all the different income phaseouts for credits and deductions, your Effective Tax Rate could be impacted by the elimination of itemized deductions, the Alternative Minimum Tax, and the marriage penalty.

So look at last year’s tax return and calculate your Effective Tax Rate. Look at your income and determine the Marginal Tax Rate to be applied on your next dollar of income. Finally, if you anticipate an increase in earnings, consider forecasting the impact on your Effective Tax Rate.

Christine Hinton, CPA | www.ChristineHintonCPA.com | 706-522-3025

at GDE Aesthetics helps restore confidence

difference in

burnout in

this Pumpkin Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread

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FEATURE: GDE Aesthetics

Graham Ehmann, owner of GDE Aesthetics, and his staff provide unique services to help clients look and feel their best. Some of the services offered include anti-wrinkle treatments, micro needling, dermal fillers, laser treat ments, hydra facials and chemical peels.

PUBLISHER

Woody

ADVERTISING SALES

Anderson

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Pike

CREATIVE SERVICES

Claudette Keeley, April Seymour, Chelsea Sunshine

PHOTOGRAPHY Vicki Alsup Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Colosimo, Sudie Crouch, Erica Jones

DAWSON LIVING

A Division of Dawson County News Dawsonville, GA

A Metro Market Media Inc. property www.dawsonnews.com

@dawsonnews

On the cover: From left, massage therapist Brian Fraser, owner Sue Gantick, manager Brian Gantick and aesthetician Maddie Tapp. Photo by Jeremy Coleman

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Going skin deep

GDE Aesthetics Redefines the Injectable Industry

Story by Jennifer Colosimo | Photos by Vicki Alsup Photography

It’s officially the holiday season. Whether that means you started playing Christmas carols while eating your Halloween candy, or you’re savoring every pumpkin spice and present wrapping detail on their own, one thing is cer tain — there are going to be lots of pictures.

Parties, holiday cards, memories… there are plenty of upcoming reasons to want to look and feel our best; so as we talk about what we’re going to wear, and who’s bring ing what to the family dinner, give some thought to the often unmentionable.

Because what goes on behind the scenes — well, under the skin, in this case — may be just the thing to capture the most out of this merry season.

Born and raised in Rome, Georgia, Graham Ehmann BSN, RN, CCRN, VA-BC has more than three decades of medical industry experience.

GDE Aesthetics offers anti-wrinkle treatments, micro needling, dermal fillers, laser treatments, hydra facials and chemical peels.

‘Whether you’re a seasoned vet, or wanting to get in the shallow end, we offer a vibe that we’re just regular people doing really good work, building beauty and confidence.’

- Graham Ehmann, BSN, RN, CCRN, VA-BC, owner of GDE Aesthetics

He spent many years as a critical care and emergency room nurse learning to treat various physical ail ments, but what stuck was the desire to help heal something not so con crete — people’s confidence. He completed an apprenticeship under a master injection specialist, and has never looked back. In 2017, he wel comed his first client into GDE Aesthetics, and has (quite literally) been changing lives ever since.

The success of GDE rests heavily in the expertise of Ehmann and the way he has carefully trained his staff, but it’s also because of how they’ve honed their craft into something truly unique for the industry. Instead of starting a consultation with a recom mendation, they begin by listening.

Extended appointment times allow space to ask many detailed questions where they can identify the client’s goals based on their concern areas, and then rank those areas before talk ing about treatments. Because of the individualized, patient-centered approach, they gain a clear under standing of goals and expectations, and can then apply their eye for aes thetics to customize the treatment plan.

“We wanted things to feel a little different here,” Ehmann said. “The experience they have is one thing, but it also feels different in here. I did that purposefully, so clients would feel comfortable and relaxed, but still luxurious and cared for. Whether you’re a seasoned vet, or wanting to get in the shallow end, we offer a vibe that we’re just regular people doing really good work, building beauty and confidence.”

They are also not brand specific, so clients can be confident in the fact that treatments are tailored to their goals. Ehmann reiterates that each treatment has its own nuances, and having them all available gives his staff more tools in the belt to help cli ents reach their goals.

Those goals include everything from tightening and hydrating to replenishing and smoothing, sculpt ing and clarifying, and just about anything in between. GDE offers anti-wrinkle treatments, micro nee

dling, dermal fillers, laser treatments, hydra facials and chemical peels.

They also provide services for men. In Dawsonville, Ehmann has curated a team that includes injection special ist Danielle Devito, laser technician Lea Williamson and two customer service concierges, Grayson Patterson and Elizabeth Barr. They boast two other locations, in Rome and Carrollton, that house equally talent ed techs.

“Our goal is not to be known for one particular thing,” said Ehmann, who can’t actually escape his reputa

tion for lips with natural shape and size that complements each person’s face.

“The overarching thing for GDE Aesthetics is that, truly, we are known most for our quality of work. That is based on feedback from new people who’ve seen our work, heard about it and want to visit us because of it. It’s also a direct correlation to the time we take in the dialogue with our patients. As a result, our custom ers sell it for us.

SPONSORED

“Really, what we sell is confidence,” he added. “This industry requires a lot of trust from our clients. It is allowing someone to enhance the way we look, and that is super important, because it’s our face, our beauty and, ultimately, our confidence. Looking and feeling more beautiful makes us feel more confident, and that’s what we’re after. I’ve learned from my experience that many injectors think they know best for the patients, but if their way doesn’t line up with the con cerns of the person in the chair, that’s not a win,” he said. “That’s how we’re different. I know what I think would look best, but if that doesn’t match up with their goals and expectations, it doesn’t matter.

In thinking of the holiday season, Ehmann said that doing a Dysport or Botox anti-wrinkle treatment is the big gest bang for your buck; that bang being smooth skin across your forehead and brows that allows makeup to ride better, and keeps your skin less oily.

The cooler temps are also the ideal time to do laser treatments or chemical peels that smooth, hydrate and add glow to the skin while you’re not out in the sun as much.

To read more about Ehmann and his staff, visit them online. Consultations are always complementary, and right now new customers can enjoy 10% off their first treatment. Every customer can enjoy the unique, compassionate crew on staff, and GDE Aesthetics is open six days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., mak ing appointments convenient and easy to make.

The only thing left is to put that party on the books and let the picture season begin, because confidence is just about the best gift you could get.

— Sponsored content

GDE Aesthetics

Contact information

Where: 1100 Old Dawson Village Rd Suite 110, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Contact: (706) 512-6360, www.gdeaesthetics.com

Prepare your estate now for loved ones, heirs

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is a significant milestone in world history.

However her position as Queen of England calls attention to how English law and tradition are firmly intertwined with ours in the United States.

The Queen’s passing triggers many of the same issues facing the “common people.”

She, like other people, had prepared a will for her estate, and passed property both real and personal to her heirs.

The probate process in England, like here in Georgia, involves judges and executors to administer an estate to carry out the last wishes of the person who died.

Unlike the Queen, many people never meet with an attorney to set up how they want their estate to be distributed or administered.

Without a will, the probate court fol lows the statutory scheme on how an estate will be handled.

While people are alive, they need to look at, and possibly revise, wills and bank accounts.

This process should be a continuing pro cess as careful plan ning can assist indi viduals and their families on how to distribute property while the grantor is in good physical and mental health.

A common misconception is that a power of attorney can be a substitute for a well drafted will.

Most people do not realize that a power of attorney does not exist unless the person who granted it is alive. Once that person has departed, the power of attorney departs with them.

In my practice, we often assist clients

in establishing an estate. This is typical ly done to preserve claims for pain and suffering.

We also need to do that in order to bring an estate claim when a person dies from the negligence of another.

With the crowning of a new King, Americans wish him well. They also should be grateful for the common heri tage that English and American law have.

The establishment of decedent’s estates and the way they are run, are an example of how English law still runs through our legal system.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.”

— Sponsored content

Steven Leibel

Consider these 13 gratifying Thanksgiving facts

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on one’s blessings. In 2022, Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on October 10, while Americans celebrate on November 24. In anticipation of these holidays, here are some interesting facts about the Thanksgiving celebration.

1. American Thanksgiving is largely modeled on a 17th century harvest feast shared by the English settlers and the Wampanoag tribe.

2. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. It is based on European harvest festivals.

3. The National Turkey Federation says around 45 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, which equates to about 720 million pounds of turkey being consumed (with the average turkey size being 16 pounds).

4. The Butterball hotline answers roughly 100,000 calls every year on its turkey ques tion hotline.

5. In 1953, the Swanson company overesti mated the number of frozen turkeys it would sell for the holiday season by 26 tons. Rather than waste the meat, Swanson sliced it up, repackaged it and created the first frozen TV dinners.

6. Thanksgiving in America may be older than many recognize. While Thanksgiving is largely tied to the 17th century settlers, the National Parks Service says in 1565 Spanish settlers in St. Augustine (now Florida) cele-

brated with a meal to which they invited the native Seloy tribe. The Spanish served pork stew, sea biscuits, red wine, and garbanzo beans. Some say the Seloy contributed turkey, venison and maize.

7. Thanksgiving didn’t become a civic holiday until Abraham Lincoln made it one after the Civil War tragedy. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on October 20, 1864.

8. The Pilgrims did not refer to themselves as “pilgrims.” They used the word “separatists” as they were separating themselves from a larger belief system.

9. In addition to Canada and the United States, Grenada, Liberia, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, and the Netherlands celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving.

10. Each year, the American president “par dons” a turkey from slaughter on Thanksgiving. This tradition dates back to when Abraham Lincoln’s son was upset that his family’s turkey that was going to be killed for Thanksgiving dinner.

11. According to the U.S. Calorie Control Council (CCC), an average American may consume 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day.

12. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. People line the parade route in New York City or tune in to watch the parade on television. It originated in 1924 and the famed balloons were added in 1927.

13. Apple pie is the pie of choice for Thanksgiving, even though pumpkin pie is prevalent this time of year.

BURNOUT

What are the symptoms. How to avoid hitting that wall.

By Sudie Crouch | Health & wellness columnist

Isat there and stared at my computer screen for what felt like an eternity, unable to know where to start with my work or even how to respond.

I had re-read the same message numerous times, but my brain felt disconnected from everything as if I couldn’t focus. I was exhausted, even though I had slept my usual eight hours; if anything, I felt just as tired when I woke up as I had when I went to bed. Even though I know what the symptoms were, I didn’t think I was expe

riencing burnout, but that’s exactly what it was.

It can be hard to identify the problem when we’re smack dab in the middle of it, and even more so when our environment doesn’t really give us the opportunity to ask for or receive support.

Burnout is something that we often hear about, espe cially when discussing certain professions – health care in particular – but it’s something that can be experienced in any field.

BUT WHAT IS BURNOUT EXACTLY?

The World Health Organization recently updated the definition of burnout, expanding on it from being classified as a stress syndrome to being a “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

This change creates a subtle yet important distinction that this is a chronic condition which has been occurring for a substantial time and there’s not much hope that it will improve. And when burnout is not addressed, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other conditions which can have a negative impact on our professional and personal lives.

An increased risk of depression and anxiety can also cause us to neglect our health and habits, which can open the door to other health issues – increased drinking or self-medicating with either prescription or recreational drugs can occur as well as poor sleep quality and emotional responses.

Employees in retail/food service, social workers, educators, and emergency workers/public safety experience the highest rates of burnout.

Feeling overwhelmed while also feeling a disconnect can make it difficult to maintain relationships. We’re exhausted and getting through the workday can feel like an extra effort.

Talk to loved ones about how you feel so they can help. Since leaving a job is not always an option, advocating for yourself can be one of the most helpful steps.

Talk to your supervisor, especially if burnout is affecting your job performance. Also explore any wellness initiatives and resources available to you at work.

SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT CAN MANIFEST IN DIFFERENT WAYS. SOME OF THE SIGNS INCLUDE:

• Lack of concentration/unable to focus. Not able to engage with work; just going through the motions.

• Increased anxiety, panic attacks, stomach distress can be sign of burnout.

• Disrupted sleep routines. Exhaustion from work stress causes an inability to turn our brains off and sleep, which leads to a further state of exhaustion.

• Lack of enjoyment in other areas of our lives and increasing feelings of cynicism and detachment. We can start to feel resentful of work and how it consumes our lives.

OTHER STEPS TO HELP PREVENT OR ADDRESS BURNOUT INCLUDE:

• Stress management: Some strategies include exercise and relaxation techniques.

• Mindfulness: Be present in the moment.

• Maintain social connections: This can pro vide an outlet outside of work and help us engage in activities that take our mind off work.

One thing to keep in mind is that burnout is not overcome or corrected with just one day of rest or even a weekend. If you have paid time off, make sure you use them.

Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches.

Considering how we spend most of our time at work, burnout can spill over into other areas of our lives.

Pumpkin Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread

By Erica Jones

Each year when the weather outside starts feeling like fall, this is my go-to recipe to ring in the season with. The balance of pumpkin and spices blends so well with the tastes and textures of the cranberries and chocolate chips — you’ll have to pace yourself not to eat a whole loaf in one sitting!

INGREDIENTS

all purpose flour

sugar

ground cinnamon

baking soda

salt

ground ginger

nutmeg

cloves

pumpkin

vegetable oil

semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cin namon, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Combine the eggs, pumpkin and oil and stir into dry ingredients until combined. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips

Helena Yankovska, unsplash

Pour batter into two greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from pans.