Serving Baltimore City & Baltimore County
W
J
A Lifestyle Magazine
COMPLIMENTARY Volume 57 Issue 2
omen s ournal Relax & Rejuvenate
NEHA
THREADING
salon ● spa ● wellness
WojoTalk.com WojoTalk.com
Contents
3 10 12 14
Health & Wellness
Healthy Meals
Home Decor
Business
With over 32 years of experience, The Women’s Journal is a brand you can trust. It is a primary resource for women. Each edition is published bi-monthly and distributed free of charge. You can find a copy of the journal where savvy women shop. The journal also has subscribers that pay to have the journal delivered to their home or business.
Business Development Tara Pannell DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS Wendy Ward GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fina Florez To Advertise, please email Info@wjwomen.com 2
wjwomen.com
Neha Salon and Spa Experience Luxury Neha’s Salon and Spa offers 5 star spa luxury right in your neighbor. We have everything you envision for your personal rejuvenation from head to toe. Neha Gupta has been part of the Baltimore community for over 18 years. Over the years, Neha and her professional staff have expanded their offering of cutting edge wellness treatments and beauty services; supported by the highest quality of products such as Biotique and Bioelements skincare lines.The services include eyebrow threading, hair, massage therapy, facials, manicures/pedicures, spa packages, couples packages, spa parties, makeup for all occasions, henna tattoo and more! Each treatment offers specialized services, customized to meet the client’s individual needs. At Neha Salon and Spa whether you are coming in for a facial, body treatment, shampoo and style, an amazing cut and color, extensions, highlights, Brazilian BlowOuts or any haircare service, our goal is to provide exceptional service.
Spa Parties
For 5-10 People. Spend the day at Neha’s Spa. You can reserve the Spa Level for you and your friends to be pampered with Facials, Body Treatments with our Vichy Shower, Massages and/or Spa Manicures and Spa Pedicures. We provide light refreshments and a glass of champagne for each guest. For more info, please go to www.nehathreading.com Pikesville Location: 1501 Reisterstown Road Pikesville MD 21208 Phone: 410-653-BROW (2769)
Canton Location: 2931 O’Donnell Street Baltimore, MD 21224 Phone: 410-675-BROW(2769)
E-Mail : neha@nehathreading.com / www.nehasalonandspa.com
Gift Certificates Available
NEHA THREADING
salon ● spa ● wellness
January - February 2017
3
4
wjwomen.com
By Alan Weiss, M.D.
The Gastrointestinal Tract:
Health
The Surprising Key to
W
HEALTH & WELLNESS
e live in a day where the medical system and physician training fosters viewing the human body as composed of seemingly unrelated parts. One doctor looks at one part while another looks at another part. What is very surprising is how connected the various parts of the body are. There is no better example of this then the profound effects that the gastrointestinal tract has on overall health. In many of my patients who have chronic illnesses I very commonly find that when they also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as reflux, pain, or chronic diarrhea; it is only when their GI symptoms are treated and resolved that they begin to get better. The GI tract is not just a tube. We all know how critical the GI tract is for digestion and absorption of nutrients. People are often unaware that up to 80% of the body’s immune tissue that protects us from infections is located in the intestinal wall. As well there are ten times as many microorganisms (bacteria) in the intestines than there are cells in the human body. These bacteria are critical to achieving optimal health. The body uses these bacteria to produce Vitamin K, to optimize the immune system, and to produce hormones. Disruption in the healthy bacterial balance can often result in disease. Diseases that can result from bacterial gut imbalances include inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. I have patients who experienced significant reductions in mood disorders (depression and anxiety) after treating gut imbalances and eliminating foods they were sensitive to. Food intolerances and allergies are another topic of gut health that is underappreciated. Many very young children with colic, chronic ear and sinus problems and rashes often suffer from undiagnosed food allergies. The most common sources of food allergy is dairy and wheat, as well as allergy to a wheat protein called gluten which can result in Celiac Disease. The health effects of these food allergies can often extend beyond the GI tract. For instance, even in the absence of significant GI symptoms, Celiac disease can cause thyroid illness, osteoporosis, and neurological problems. Another example is a deficiency of stomach acid, which is critical for digestion. Most people know of acid reflux, but probably as common is a low level of stomach acid. This can result in chronic bloating, bacterial and yeast overgrowth, as well as poor absorption of food an nutrients, which can in turn result in osteoporosis, neurological issues, rashes, and muscular weakness. There are many more examples of the wide-ranging effects of GI problems such as histamine intolerance and leaky gut syndrome.
“GI tract is for digestion and absorption of nutrients.”
So where does one begin? It is important to bring to your physician’s attention any chronic symptoms you have and ask if they can be connected to other health issues. It is useful to do food allergy testing, cultures for infections, and measurement of stomach acid. Hunting for hidden bowel infections can often pay off handsomely in health benefits. Use of probiotics, which can restore normal bacterial balance, and prebiotics which can nourish and return to health the intestinal cells and membrane, can often make a big difference.■
Dr.Weiss completed his undergraduate work at University of Virginia and is a graduate of McGill University Medical School; he completed his Internship at the University of Hawaii and Residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. As head of Annapolis Integrative Medicine, Dr. Weiss specializes in preventative health, alternative approaches to wellness, and treating complex issues including CFS and Fibromyalgia. January - February 2017
5
5
HEALTH & WELLNESS
simple steps
to Boost Your Immune System Now
W
hether it’s battling the rampant germs of cold and flu season or maintaining wellness throughout the year, the immune system is your main line of defense. In order to feel good as often as possible - and recover quickly when you don’t - it’s important to keep your immune system strong. “The immune system is the part of the body that monitors both internal and external environments,” says Dr. Chris Oswald, certified nutrition specialist and chiropractor in Hudson, Wisconsin. “It’s important to understand that both too much immune response and too little immune response, including inflammation, is not good, so maintaining that happy medium is the name of the game.” To achieve that “happy medium,” Dr. Oswald recommends incorporating five simple steps into your daily routine: Support natural sleep cycles “Sleep is the time when our bodies repair and rejuvenate, so it is something to not be taken lightly,” Dr. Oswald says. “Generally speaking, the older we are the less sleep we need, but for adults 7-9 hours is usually the sweet spot.” He says a good way to know if you are sleeping well is if you fall asleep within 30 minutes of lying down and you are able to wake at approximately the same time every day without an alarm clock. “It is also very important to maintain regular hours as our body’s circadian rhythms do not like to be disrupted,” he adds. Eat fermented and unprocessed foods Dr. Oswald says the body’s microbiome health has a huge impact on the immune system. The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal tract, creating a mini-ecosystem. “Every bite of food we eat impacts microbiome balance, so it is important to eat foods that promote its health,” he says. “I like fermented foods and foods that are minimally processed or as close to their form in nature as possible. When the wrong foods are eaten, certain microbiota are able to ‘gain strength’ and offset the health promoting benefits of other more beneficial organisms.”
6
wjwomen.com
He adds that dietary fiber is also very important to maintaining the health of the microbiome. Additionally, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA help boost the immune system. Use supplements to support digestive health “The digestive tract is a barrier to the outside world which selectively allows molecules to pass through,” says Dr. Oswald. This is why a healthy gut is a big part of overall health - it filters out the bad while keeping in the good. Eating plenty of probiotics in foods like yogurt and kefir helps maintain digestive health, but it can be difficult for the average person to get enough to make an impact. “Supporting digestive health with a comprehensive probiotic supplement such as Nordic Naturals Nordic Flora Probiotic Daily is a great foundational health strategy for everyone,” Dr. Oswald says. Move your body “Higher levels of fitness are definitely associated with improved immune function,” says Dr. Oswald. He recommends high intensity interval training (HIIT), where you alternate short periods of intense exercise with brief rest periods. “I like people to choose any activity they like and have a nice gentle 5 minute warm-up followed by up to six 100 percent work intervals for 30 seconds with 60 seconds of rest,” he says. “Once complete with the circuit, a five minute cool down completes your workout in 19 minutes or less.” Embrace mindfulness and meditate Dr. Oswald says both acute and chronic stress have an effect on the immune system, which can potentially decrease your resistance to illness. One easy way to combat stress is to try to meditate every day. “Meditation is a very powerful option and I firmly believe that all should find some way of increasing mindfulness,” he says. “It is important to remember that meditation is different for everyone.” Meditation can be sitting quietly with eyes closed, staring at a flame, walking in the woods, etc. Try something that feels right to you that allows you to relax and be mindful of the present.■
Tackling Heart Health Head On: One Woman’s Journey to Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
I
n 90-degree heat and with her heart pounding, Shawna Dukes was in her happy place as she sprinted up and down stadium stairs during the annual University of Texas women’s football training clinic. With determination in her stride, the physically fit, 58-year-old Texas native looked like she could take on anything. However, just a few short months prior, Dukes came toe-to-toe with an opponent she didn’t know how to tackle - coronary artery disease (CAD) - which led her to a coronary stent procedure to help re-open a 90-percent blocked artery and restore blood flow to her heart. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that Dukes is just one of the 15 million Americans affected by CAD. The disease causes the blood vessels that feed the heart to become narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart, according to the Heart Foundation. The AHA reports that CAD is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. A recent AHA study found that, for women specifically, heart disease takes more lives than all cancers, respiratory diseases and Alzheimer’s disease combined. Despite these staggering statistics, only 42 percent of women aged 35 and older are concerned about heart disease. Dukes had been diligent about seeing her doctor regularly, exercising and eating a healthy diet, so heart disease was far from her mind, until one day when she began to experience excruciating chest pain that made her struggle to catch her breath. As plaque builds in the coronary arteries of people with CAD, potential signs and symptoms may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, nausea or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic. The AHA study also found that for some women, indications of CAD can be unpredictable: nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of women who die suddenly from CAD have no physical warning signs. As her symptoms persisted, Dukes visited multiple doctors who recommended typical first-line treatments, including aspirin or blood thinners, beta blockers and nitroglycerin tablets, but nothing seemed to help alleviate her pain. Unable to enjoy her daily walks with her dog or participate in exercise classes, Dukes continued to research her symptoms and ask questions, refusing to give up her active lifestyle and let this debilitating condition be her new normal. Her persistence led her to seek out the advice of interventional cardiologist Dr. Colin Barker at the Houston Methodist Hospital. Upon her first clinic visit, Dr. Barker performed
HEALTH & WELLNESS
tests to confirm a CAD diagnosis and told her she would need an immediate medical procedure to re-open her blocked artery. Within two hours of meeting Dukes, Dr. Barker initiated a minimally-invasive procedure called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a new stent, called the SYNERGY(TM) Bioabsorbable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent System. “The primary goal in treating coronary artery disease is to open arteries that have become clogged and restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible,” Dr. Barker says. “For Shawna, I chose the SYNERGY Stent, which is the only FDA-approved coronary stent with a bioabsorbable polymer - a special coating which dissolves along with the drug in about three to four months following implantation. Reducing the amount of time polymer stays in the vessel can prevent chronic inflammation and associated complications that patients can experience years after receiving a stent with permanent polymer.” One week after receiving the SYNERGY Stent, Dukes was back to taking five-mile walks with her dog. Then, just a couple of months after her procedure, she was able to participate in the grueling six-hour, high-intensity women’s training clinic hosted by the University of Texas football coaching staff. Now Dukes uses her exercise classes to do more than stay in shape. She regularly engages groups of women in conversations about heart health by sharing her story and encourages them to talk to their doctors about available treatment options. “My experience inspired me to educate others, especially women, about the importance of being an advocate for their own health care,” Shawna noted. “I often tell people, ‘Don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion and do your own research. Asking questions could save your life.’” Top questions to ask your doctor about Coronary Artery Disease/preparing for a stent procedure 1. What is coronary artery disease (CAD) and how is it treated? 2. Do treatment considerations differ between women and men? 3. What makes a patient a good candidate for coronary stenting? 4. What are the different stents and procedures available, and what are the benefits and risks of each? As with any medical procedure, there are risks that should be discussed with your physician as some are serious in nature. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonscientific. com/SYNERGYPatient to learn more about heart health and the SYNERGY Stent.■ January - February 2017
7
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mother Knows Best New Options Let Women Choose the Pregnancy and Delivery Plan That’s Right for Them
8
wjwomen.com
Expert tips to help
Spark a Conversation About Women’s Health Issues
E
xercise, eating well and getting more sleep are all leading health goals for women. However, there are many health concerns that women overlook for numerous reasons. Some they feel aren’t a priority and others are simply too difficult to talk about. One commonly overlooked example is women’s sexual health, despite the fact that it’s an area that affects many aspects of a woman’s overall well-being. Research suggests the benefits of sexual wellness may extend beyond the bedroom. In fact, sexual health can affect self-esteem, body image, performance at work and interaction with peers and family. This is why it is extremely important for women to talk to their partners and health care providers if they are having any sexual concerns. If you are experiencing any issues with sexual problems, it can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. According to research published in the journal of Obstetricians and Gynecology, nearly 40 percent of women experience sexual troubles at some point in their lives. Furthermore, recent survey data shows that 48 percent of premenopausal women age 21-49 say their sex drive is lower now than in the past. Additionally, 93 percent of women believe that having low sexual desire can put a strain on their relationship according to a Harris Poll survey of 2,501 women conducted on behalf of the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). If sexual problems are persistent and cause personal distress, it may be a medical condition called female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The most common type of FSD is low desire, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which may impact as many as 4 million premenopausal women in the United States. Even though many women may have FSD, it is still underdiagnosed and undertreated, and talking about it can be difficult. To elevate the conversation and educate about FSD, ASHA has partnered with leading experts in women’s sexual health - with support from Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC - to launch the Find My Spark educational program. You can visit www.findmyspark.com to learn more about FSD, take an interactive quiz to help identify potential common
HEALTH & WELLNESS
sexual troubles, review tips to open up a dialogue with your healthcare provider or therapist and more. Taking the leap and having that conversation about your sexual troubles is often the most difficult part. From there, you can move forward and determine a plan to improve intimacy and other potential troubles. Three smart tips for talking to your partner about sexual health concerns: • Choose the right time: Bumper-to-bumper traffic or at the diner where you may be interrupted aren’t the best places to talk FSD. You want to give both yourself and your partner enough time to hear and be heard without any distractions. So set a date and time. • Don’t rush the conversation: This isn’t a quick conversation. You’ll have a lot to say, as should your partner. Remember, the conversation might require a series of talks so both of you can communicate your thoughts clearly. • Seek outside help if necessary: You and your partner don’t have to do this alone. If you don’t feel comfortable talking about it one-on-one, therapy can help. A therapist can help create an environment where both you and your partner may feel more comfortable sharing feelings and coming up with solutions. Don’t suffer in silence. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to talk about next steps so you can create a plan to address your sexual health.■ Ellicott City: 9501 Old Annapolis Road, Ste. 305 Ellicott City, MD 21042 Laurel 8317 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD 20707 Phone numbers: 443-380-0060 / 410-730-7722
Dr. Okasi January - February 2017
9
Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
Yogurt Pancakes
INGREDIENTS Prep time: 15 mins / Cook Time: 5 mins / Servings: 12 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons. baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 Eggs (large), lightly beaten 2 cups (16 oz.) plain yogurt 1/4 cup water PREPARATION:
1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder
10
wjwomen.com
and baking soda. 2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt and water. 3. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. 4. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray. 5. Turn when bubbles form on top and cook until the second side is golden brown. 6. To freeze, arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on baking sheets. Freeze overnight or until frozen. 7. Transfer to a re-sealable plastic freezer bag (May be frozen for up to 2 months). 8. To use frozen pancakes: Place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate; microwave on high for 40-50 seconds or until heated through.â–
Healthy Meals
Lemon Molten Cake Ingredients: Prep time: 15 minutes/Cook time: 25 minutes/Serves: 8
Cakes 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter 1 (4-ounce) white chocolate baking bars, broken into chunks 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 4 Eggs (large) 4 to 5 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large), yolks only 3/4 cup purchased lemon curd 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest Topping 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 cup fresh raspberries Mint sprigs, if desired
PREPARATION:
1. Heat oven to 425°F. Grease 8 (6-ounce) custard cups. Place onto ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside. 2. Place butter and baking bar in bowl. Microwave 1 minute; stir. 3. Continue microwaving, stirring every 15 seconds, 60-90 seconds or until melted and smooth. 4. Stir in flour and powdered sugar; mix well. 5. Add eggs, egg yolks, lemon curd and lemon zest; beat with wooden spoon or whisk until blended. Pour evenly into prepared custard cups. 6. Bake 14-16 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is puffy and just beginning to set. Let stand 10 minutes. 7. Run tip of knife around edge of custard cup to loosen. Invert onto individual dessert plates. Shake to loosen. Sprinkle tops with powdered sugar. Serve with whipped cream. 8. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs, if desired.■
January - February 2017
11
HOME DECOR COMMUNITY
Trend alert:
Wood Planks Warm up Ceilings & Walls
F
or centuries, hardwood planks have been the ultimate material for residential floors. Combining exceptional durability with unrivalled good looks, oak, walnut, cherry or other solid-wood floorboards add value and beauty to any home they grace. But these days, handsome timber planking is not only found underfoot, but also on the ceilings and walls of many stylish houses, whether newly built or freshly renovated. “Timber beams and wood paneling have always played important roles in historical and contemporary residential design, and continue to do so,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com. “But in addition to these classic applications, we’ve seen a strong trend toward the use of floorboard-style wood planks on ceilings and walls. Homeowners are finding it’s a great way to create interiors that are clean and modern yet still have a traditional warmth.” New York-based interior designer Laura Bohn agrees. “I’ve installed wood-plank ceilings in many projects, both in the city and the country,” she says. “The ceiling is often a forgotten surface, but I like to think of it as the fifth wall in a room - a blank canvas that can enhance the architecture of a space.” A case in point is a vacation home in Aspen, Colorado, where Bohn used tongue-and-groove red oak planks on the floors and living-area ceilings. “It’s a big, sprawling house,” Bohn says. “Using the same materials underfoot and overhead gave the spaces added unity.” In some rooms, the wood ceilings extend past clerestory windows to create covered porches that link the interior of the house to the mountain landscape outside. More drama is provided by the natural light that streams through the clerestories and across the ceilings, changing the look of the red oak boards throughout the day. Rebecca Ascher, principal at Ascher Davis Architects in New York and Newport, Rhode Island, points out that only large, high-ceiling rooms can accommodate such visually distinctive overhead treatment without being overwhelmed. “This is especially true if you’re using strongly characterful hardwoods like walnut or hickory,” she says. “In smaller, lower spaces, a plank ceiling with too much personality can feel oppressive. In those situations, I would probably specify something simple like
12
wjwomen.com
poplar beadboard finished with a light, natural stain. That would look crisp and airy, adding visual interest while remaining pleasingly low-key.” Home renovators discovered that installing new wood floorboards overhead is not only a surefire way to refresh an interior - even change its character entirely, if so desired - but also an effective method of covering old, damaged ceilings with relative ease. “Tongue-and-groove can be installed directly over drywall, plaster, and other ceiling materials,” Ascher says. “Just make sure it is securely attached to the joists underneath.” Similar decorative and architectural transformations can be achieved by covering existing walls with wood planking. A feature wall clad in honey-colored oak or some other distinctive hardwood can give a room focus, bringing a sense of organization and intention to what was previously an amorphous or confused space. It can also add warmth, color and texture to sleek, modernist interiors that can sometimes feel chilly or austere. That is what Texas-based Cornerstone Architects did in a contemporary Austin residence. The decorative temperature of the master bedroom - a coolly elegant arrangement of steel and glass, polished concrete and white plaster - was raised a degree or two by turning the entire wall behind the headboard into a magnificent expanse of burnished walnut boards. Installing hardwood planking on existing walls has become even easier in recent years with the development of self-adhesive boards. “All you need is a wall surface that has been primed or painted and is clean, dry, and relatively flat,” says Jack Shannon, III of Rustick Wood Co. in Tennessee, one of a growing number of manufactures producing sustainably grown, stick-on hardwood boards. “Our solid wood boards are available in a variety of finishes, ranging from the refined to the rustic, to fit different styles of home décor.” The 5-inch wide planks come in lengths between 2- and 5-feet and can be applied in many possible patterns - classic end-to-end horizontals and verticals, graphic herringbones and chevrons - the homeowner’s imagination is the only real limit. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about residential design trends and other applications and products using American hardwoods.■
Tackle Your DIY Projects with These 3 Multipurpose Tools
D
IY projects are surging in popularity right now and it’s easy to see why. A successful DIY project can fix a problem or make a much-needed improvement to your home, while also providing you with the satisfaction of a job well done. Best of all, it allows you to save money over hiring a professional contractor to do the work. But is it possible to conquer several DIY projects in a short period of time? Sure, you just need the right multipurpose tools for the job. Below are three tools you can pick up at any hardware store, and each will allow you to tackle a slew of projects with just one purchase, making each tool the perfect project time saver. Add these three multipurpose tools to your lineup today: Multipurpose tool 1: Stain A staining project is an easy, cost-effective way to completely recreate a look in your home. You may purchase one color of stain or several, depending on how many staining projects you plan to do and the proximity of your projects in your home. When you purchase your stain, you can use it to: • Stain your front door. Your front door is a focal point in your home and staining it gives the face of your home a completely new look. • Stain your wood floors. Darker floors are growing in popularity and a fresh coat of stain can give your home that look without an expensive replacement. • Stain a table or other piece of furniture. Whether you want it to be an accent piece in your room or you’d like it to match your new décor, a fresh coat of stain saves you from having to replace a cherished piece. Multipurpose tool 2: GREAT STUFF(TM) Multipurpose Black Insulating Foam Sealant Sealing the gaps and cracks around your home will save you money by making your home more energy efficient, while also increasing your home’s comfort. In fact, one can of GREAT STUFF(TM) has a multitude of uses in and around the home, including:
HOME DECOR
• Seal gaps and cracks around attic doors. This will prevent your home’s heat from escaping during the winter and will better control the temperature in your home. • Seal areas around vents and duct work. In addition to helping better regulate the temperature in your home, these projects can also ward off pests and vermin that are looking for warmer temperatures inside. • Tackle other jobs as well. The capabilities of GREAT STUFF™ Multipurpose Black Insulating Foam Sealant apply to projects outside the home as well, so whether you have a project in mind or one arises along your journey, it’s always handy to have a can on hand. Multipurpose tool 3: Degreaser If you have a heavy duty cleaning project to tackle in your home, a good degreaser can help. Degreasers dissolve water-insoluble substances and they can help you: • Clean stainless steel and appliances. Grease and oil collect naturally in any kitchen and their particles can linger on kitchen equipment. Applying degreaser can remove them quickly and cleanly. • Remove adhesives. Whether the sticker was supposed to go there, it was an accident or the subject of child’s whim, applying degreaser can clean the spot good as new. • Eliminate heavy buildup around bike chains and engine parts. Buildup is a natural product of use, but it also jeopardizes efficiency. Apply degreaser to these areas to have your favorite objects running like new. Your mind is already full of DIY projects you’d love to tackle, you just need to find the time to do them. Efficiency is key and the more projects you can tackle with one tool the better. Add these tools to your next home goods trip and you’ll have your DIY project start off on the right foot. To find more projects you can tackle with GREAT STUFF(TM) Multipurpose Black Insulating Foam Sealant, visit greatstuff.dow.com. January - February 2017
13
BUSINESS
The Surprising Way to Stretch
Your Retirement Savings
T
he temptation to start collecting monthly Social Security checks at age 62 is hard to resist, but claiming the benefit too early can have damaging consequences for your overall retirement funds. According to Kiplinger. com’s October list of “Financial Decisions You Will Regret in Retirement,” taking the money as soon as you are eligible at 62 is actually considered one of the worst mistakes you can make in your lifetime by many advisors. That’s because the longer you wait to claim benefits, the more money you are eligible to receive in your monthly check. The Social Security Administration says the increases from delaying your benefit can be large and explains that a worker would receive $750 a month if she starts her benefit at age 62, but $1,000 a month at her full retirement age of 66. Or, if she delays until age 70, she would receive $1,320 a month. There are obvious advantages to waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security, but for individuals who can’t or don’t want to continue working that long, it might not be so easy to defer the monthly cash benefit. Certified financial planners Neil Krishnaswamy and Tom Davison say older adults do have options for filling the financial gap until they are eligible for their maximum benefit at age 70. Both experts outlined strategies that incorporate housing wealth early on in retirement instead of using home equity as a last resort option, which has been the conventional wisdom until recently. This can be achieved by either selling the home and downsizing or, if you plan on staying in your current home for many years, using a reverse mortgage to convert part of the home’s value into a liquid asset. Setting up a reverse mortgage with a term payout that lasts eight years is one idea to consider in this scenario. The loan proceeds can help bridge a homeowner’s finances by replacing all or a portion of the income Social Security would have provided during the interim. A reverse mortgage can also make sense for affluent retirees in high tax brackets seeking to maximize their Social Security benefit. Davison, a wealth manager and researcher in Columbus, Ohio, wrote a 2014 case study, “Delay Social Security: Funding
14
wjwomen.com
the Income Gap with a Reverse Mortgage” that showed how using a reverse mortgage line of credit to bridge the gap can dramatically improve a retirement financial plan. Instead of spending down an IRA or other investments where withdrawals are taxed, withdrawals from the line of credit, which are not taxable income, can be used to pay expenses. This allows the investment portfolio to grow until the first required minimum distribution at age 70, the same year the retiree can claim the maximum Social Security benefit. Davison emphasized the long-term benefits of the reverse mortgage line of credit if the borrower is able to put money towards voluntarily repaying it over time. The reverse mortgage line of credit will grow at a reliable rate and can be used to support spending later in life when fewer borrowing options are available. A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners that are generally 62 or older to use part of their homes’ equity to obtain cash proceeds that can be used in many ways, without giving up ownership of the house. Borrowers may choose to draw their funds as a lump sum, as a monthly term or tenure payment, or they may choose to create a line of credit that can be drawn upon on an as-needed basis; borrowers may also choose a combination of a monthly payment and a line of credit. The loan does not have to be repaid until the last surviving borrower or remaining eligible non-borrowing spouse passes away or permanently leaves the home, or fails to meet loan obligations that include paying property taxes and insurance, and keeping the home maintained. There is no penalty for repaying all or some of the loan early, and as Davison stresses, repaying the line of credit when expenses are low will enable it to grow and make funds available later on when you need it.■ About Our Firm Our firm is dedicated to providing you with quality estate planning resources, so you can become familiar with all of the existing options. When you visit or call our office, we want you to feel comfortable discussing such an important issue concerning both you and your family. We want to arm you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your family’s future. 410.573.4818/301.970.8080.
Your Business ad could be here For more information, contact the
Women’s Journal at 866-517-5049
January - February 2017
15
Call 1(866)730-0545 $99 charge for parts and installation. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Termination Fee applies. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP). Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Certain packages require approved landline phone.