Washington
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A Lifestyle Magazine
COMPLIMENTARY Volume 56 Issue 1
omen’s ournal
WojoTalk.com
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters Page 5
Turn Thursdays into together time healthy recipes to try rules to Re-design your shower
Contents
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Featured Story Health & Wellness Decor & Rccipes Business
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Hosting guests?
easy
steps
To Prep Your Home Fast tips to protect your home when hosting guests
H
osting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories. Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared, but thanks to some quick tips from Minwax(R) spokesperson, Bruce Johnson, they’ll remember how great your home looked, too. To prepare your home for guests, no matter how long they plan to stay, consider these 9 easy tips:
to use cleaner that will gently remove dirt and grime, without leaving a soapy film behind.
Mats and rugs: The sand and dirt on the bottom of guests’ shoes act like 60-grit sandpaper, wearing away your floor’s finish as they move from room to room. Protect your floors with fresh doormats and colorful rugs on each side of your doors. Plus, new rugs add a welcoming touch while instantly refreshing your space.
Directions: Finicky furnace? Touchy toilet? Microwave with a mind of its own? Ease guests’ stay by posting a small note card with directions for anything that might not be obvious. You’ll make them feel at home!
Fill furniture nicks: Make furniture look new again by filling in marks and scratches the easy way with Minwax(R) Stain Markers(TM). Available in a wide range of wood tone colors, Minwax Stain Markers have a convenient felt tip that delivers stain precisely where you need it, making your worn furniture look virtually new again. Move fragile objects: Hosting can mean extra activity throughout a home and accidents can easily happen. Rather than a friend accidentally bumping into your grandma’s heirloom porcelain vase, opt to store it for a while. Breakables are best put away when guests are over, especially when hosting large parties. Clean hardwood floors: Keep your floors looking great for company with Minwax(R) Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It’s an easy
Protect finishes: A great way to preserve and protect the finish on any of your wooden furniture is with a coat of Minwax(R) Paste Finishing Wax, in either natural or special dark. Rub it on, let it begin to dry, then buff with a soft cloth to a semi-gloss sheen.
Set out guest towels: Overnight guests will need to shower and prepare for the day. Set out extra towels and washrags for their use either by the guest bathroom sink or on their bed. Not only is this convenient, but it also encourages guests to wipe up wet messes which will eliminate future mold and mildew growth. Protect tabletops: To avoid unintended white rings and water spots on wooden surface, apply a coat of Minwax(R) Wipe-On Poly a few days before your guests arrive. Then, set out coasters and trivets for easy use so guests stow drinks safely throughout your home. Quick Cleanup: No need for a full cleanup after an event, but basic steps can help avoid long-lasting damage. Make sure to visit each room and pick up plates, cups, napkins and glasses. These often have moisture or food under them which can damage furniture (and smell) if left overnight.■ January - February 2017
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FEATURED STORY
Turn Thursdays into Together Time
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Commit to making Thursday evenings special throughout the year. Instead of trying to do one more thing on the weekend, organically fit together-time into Thursdays, and fill the evening with your closest friends! Make it a movie night. Whether you choose a timeless classic or the hottest new release, an evening of movie watching can break the stress and monotony of the week. You can opt for something kid-friendly and let the kids stay up a little bit later, or put them to bed on time and settle in with more sophisticated viewing fare. Pair the movie with your favorite takeout (instead of popcorn) and a warmth-inspiring seasonal beverage.
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Serve a wholesome, organic meal. Invite friends to each bring a dish for an evening potluck. Eating together is a favorite way to share the spirit of the season, and serving organic fare communicates your values and caring. You can find plenty of seasonal recipes that incorporate organic ingredients at www.simplyorganic.com.
Host a holiday appetizer and cocktail dinner. Instead of serving a big meal of foods that everyone’s going to overindulge in this holiday season, an appetizer gathering can be a fun, creative alternative. Whip up appetizers and seasonal cocktails (liquor optional) to capture the spirit of the season.
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Stage a baking party. You probably planned to do some holiday baking this season, so why not turn it into a fun event? Invite one or two good friends over, and ask them to bring their favorite treat recipe to make. Pool your efforts - and results - to expand your holiday baked goods menu this year. Be sure to get an ingredients list from everyone ahead of time!
Try these two festive recipes from Simply Organic: Vanilla Clove French 75 Cocktail This French 75 cocktail takes a well-spiced twist with organic vanilla beans, cloves and cinnamon sticks. This recipe makes enough simple syrup for 32 cocktails. Ingredients: 4 Simply Organic Cloves Whole 1 Simply Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans 3 Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks 2 cups water 2 cups sugar Rind of 1 orange 6 fluid ounces prosecco, chilled 2 fluid ounces apple brandy Juice of 1 lemon 2 orange or lemon rind twists Directions: To make the syrup, fill a small pot with water. Bring to medium and slowly add sugar, cloves, vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks and orange rind. Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes, until it is a golden orange color. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove cloves and orange rind. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. To make cocktails, divide prosecco into 2 champagne flutes. Split apple brandy and lemon juice between flutes, then add 1/2 fluid ounce simple syrup into each flute. Stir with a long spoon, then serve with orange or lemon rind twist.■
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters Butternut squash soup turns shooter in this recipe featuring organic squash and curry powder. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Simply Organic Curry Powder Simply Organic Crushed Red Pepper 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 4 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup) 3 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped 1 3-pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 5 cups) 1 teaspoon salt 5 cups vegetable broth (or a water and broth combo, if desired) 1 cup canned coconut milk fresh cilantro, for garnish cooked chickpeas, for garnish Directions: In a large stock pot, over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the oil. Add the onion and celery. Cook for four to five minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables “sweat.” Stirring frequently, add the garlic and cook for one minute, until fragrant. Add the butternut squash, salt and curry powder. Stir. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the butternut cubes are soft when pierced with a fork. Into the soup, stir coconut milk, then remove the soup from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Serve in shot glasses with a garnish of cilantro, chickpeas and red pepper flakes.■ January - February 2017
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Submitted By Dr. Net Tesfayohannes
Georgetown Pain Management 7500 Greenway Center Dr., Suite #940, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (301) 718-1082 / Fax: (301) 718-1084 / www.gtpain.com 6
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By Alan Weiss, M.D.
The Gastrointestinal Tract:
Health
The Surprising Key to
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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
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Exercise & Breast Cancer
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pproximately 11.1 million cancer survivors are alive in the United States. Healthcare provider continue to support survivors with activity prescriptions based on evidence as to whether exercise during or after treatment results in improved health outcomes? Current evidence on exercise demonstrates significant improvement in baseline fatigue, physical functioning, and cardio-respiratory fitness; Preliminary evidence suggests exercise also contributes to improvements in body weight and composition, metabolic risk factors, and immune function. Additionally, exercise may also influence disease-free and overall survival in selected populations with a diagnosis of cancer. The specific benefit from physical exercise both during and after treatment may vary related to the stage of the disease, the nature of the medical treatment provided and lifestyle of the cancer survivor. As such, a robustly designed Progressive Resistance training (PRT) regimen throughout
the various phases of breast cancer treatment is warranted to ensure that exercises are individualized and specifically designed based on the stage, complexity, and patient needs as determined by the history and physical exam to effectively manage symptoms, dysfunctions, decrease pain level, prevent seroma formation and promote wound healing for optimal improvement in upper extremity strength and function at the appropriate timing. Current evidence suggests many health benefits from physical activity during and post cancer treatments. Dr. Diallo of EZ Rehab Solutions, a comprehensive outpatient physical therapy practice in Greenbelt, Maryland recommends that breast cancer survivors visit their physician and therapist to help prescribe, design and train on simple exercises to reduce pain, decrease upper extremity and trunk stiffness, and improve overall upper body function. Please visit www.ezrehabsolutions.com to contact us with questions on how to help you or your loved one with breast cancer.â–
Dr. Diallo, the Owner and Director of EZ Rehab Solutions provide courteous, professional and effective services to treat various maladies and dysfunctions. He also specializes in providing patient education seminars, and wellness programs related to Back Pain and Sciatica. 301.446.1724
Host a livestream show on Wojotalk 200.00 per month with 4 hours a month or 300.00 with 8 hours per month. Free qtr page ad in magazine to promote your show and web advertising Contact us at Info@wjwomen.com 8
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HEALTH & WELLNESS When it’s not just the flu: “Too often, children with Kids with Type Type 1 diabetes end up in 1 Diabetes Often the emergency room with soaring blood sugar levels.” Misdiagnosed Due to the Rapid Onset of Common Symptoms
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t is a common scenario: your child is nauseous, vomiting and very tired. It could be the flu, and that’s probably all it is. But it could also be Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body does not produce a hormone, insulin, which it needs to get energy from food. Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes is often not considered until your child is severely ill. About one in every 600 children in the United States develops Type 1 diabetes. While the disease accounts for only about 10 percent of diabetes cases in the country, it’s one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Too often, children with Type 1 diabetes end up in the emergency room with soaring blood sugar levels. This serious condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. It occurs when the cells of a person with diabetes do not receive the glucose they need for energy, and start to burn fat and muscle instead. When this happens, leftover molecules called ketones are produced, and ketones begin to poison the body. This, in combination with extreme dehydration, can lead to diabetic coma, or even death, if not caught and treated in time. DKA can cause emotional burden on caregivers and family members, as well as a financial burden on the family and healthcare system. And it’s all too common: based on a recent survey performed by the T1D Exchange, 41 percent of people with diabetes were in DKA when they were diagnosed. The good news, however, is that DKA is completely preventable. A simple urine test or finger prick are used to diagnose the condition. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes that most often go undetected can come on quickly, and should be brought to a doctor’s attention as soon as possible. Early symptoms may include increased thirst or a very dry mouth; frequent urination; extreme hunger; and unintended weight loss. Furthermore, a child may be in
DKA and should go immediately to the emergency room if he or she is experiencing: * Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Difficulty breathing * Fruity odor on breath * Extreme fatigue * Dry or flushed skin * Difficulty paying attention, or confusion Education and awareness can lead to proper diagnosis of diabetes and potentially save a life. For more information about the Omnipod System and how to better manage diabetes, visit www. myomnipod.com and talk with your doctor.■ Frederick Corder, MD FAAP Dr. Corder attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine and graduated in 1977. He is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Corder was formally the Chief Health Officer for Prince George’s County and the medical Director of several health plans. Dr. Corder has been in Pediatric practice for over 35 years. Dr. Corder, his wife Dr. Marilyn Corder ad their daughter Adrienne Corder started the Corder Pounders Youth Fitness program and the Family Fitness Center. Bowie, MD • (301) 805-2229 / Cheverly, MD • (301) 341-7494 Children’s Medical Center: Washington, DC – T: 202-291-0147 January - February 2017
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Happy Healthy feet Tips by Dr. Barbara Puplampu
A practicing podiatrist with over 22 years of experience
1. Check your feet everyday. (Do an inspection for cuts, bruises etc.) 2. Keep your feet dry. 3. Wear properly fitted shoes and socks.
Remember your feet carry you Treat them with proper respect !
Accepting New Patients 3321 12 St. NE. Suite 2 Washington, D.C. 20017 Call for an appointment: (202)726-5387
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HOME DECOR
Simply sleek:
How to Create Today’s Top Shower Design
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ove the look of sleek, elegant shower spaces featured in popular home-improvement magazines and TV shows? You don’t need to be a design expert to update your favorite bathroom with touches of modern luxury and influences of European simplicity. To create a fashionable, functional and fabulous shower, follow these three rules. Rule 1: Create clean lines A design aesthetic that embraces clean lines is at the heart of sleek shower designs. Skip complicated patterns and ornate details in favor of polished designs that produce a beautiful, finished look. In shower spaces, consider the surround and flooring transition. Explore joint systems and find one that is seamless and low-maintenance. Consider flat walls rather than traditional curved varieties. Be aware of the visual impact a shower has when viewed both internally and externally. Clean lines, simple transitions and smart design are keys to creating a timeless sleek shower that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Rule 2: Think beyond tile More homeowners are looking for tile alternatives to create sleek shower designs, and Kohler’s Choreograph collection is a popular solution. The collection features Serica material, a proprietary composite material that precisely combines crushed stone and fiber reinforcement to create unparalleled durability and beauty. The Serica walls are available in a variety of decorative op-
tions - from simple solid colors to fresh textures, as well as stonelike decorative natural options - all with a matte finish to provide a honed look and textured element. Optional accent panels add visual emphasis or contrast to the overall shower design. Additionally, the walls can be trimmed in-field to allow installers to cut to the exact dimension of the shower space. Installation is much simpler than with tile, meaning the job can be completed in less time while providing homeowners with an equally beautiful space. Rule 3: Use functional design Today’s shower spaces are too often cluttered, which isn’t just uncomfortable - it’s also unsafe. A sleek shower space is enhanced by thoughtful details that make it easy to stay organized. Start by thinking through your daily routines to help shape the vision of an ultra-functional bathroom space. Keep in mind, sleek design doesn’t necessarily mean minimalist design. The right storage solutions and built-in features will adapt to your routine without overwhelming the space. The Choreograph collection is ideal for creating a sleek, functional space. The collection includes a variety of decorative walls, a joint system, in-wall storage, on-wall storage and seating in different styles, colors and finishes to create traditional, transitional and contemporary spaces that fit both the functionality and aesthetic needs of homeowners. Sleek shower designs may be hot, but experts predict this is one trend that is here to stay. By following these three guidelines, you’ll create a stunning shower space you’ll enjoy every day.■ January - February 2017
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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
Skillet Chickpeas & Broccoli Rice
INGREDIENTS Prep time: 10 mins / Cook Time: 25 mins / Servings: 5 12 oz broccoli florets 2 15.5oz can chickpeas 1 large clove garlic or 2 small cloves, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 cup greens of choice (I used kale/spinach!) 2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoon lemon juice 3 Eggland’s Best eggs (large)
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PREPARATION: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Add broccoli florets to a food processor and pulse until it resembles rice. 3. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add greens, broccoli, chickpeas, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Then add in garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and remaining olive oil. Stir to combine. 4. Cook for about ten minutes or until broccoli is tender. 5. Break three Eggland’s Best eggs over mixture. Do so carefully so that the yolk stays in tact to the membrane. 6. Place skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. 7. Remove and garnish with fresh herbs of choice.■
Healthy Meals
Brie & Vegetable Strata Ingredients: Prep time: 30 minutes/Cook time: 45 minutes/Serves: 12 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 large sweet red pepper, chopped 1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 loaf sourdough bread (1 pound), cubed 1 round Brie cheese (8 ounces), rind removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese 8 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large) 3 cups 2% milk 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon pepper PREPARATION: 1. In a large skillet, saute the onion, red pepper and potato in oil until tender. 2. In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer half of the bread, onion mixture, Brie and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. 3. In a large bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; pour over layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 4. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. 5. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. 6. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. ■ January - February 2017
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BUSINESS
Where There is a Will, There’s Peace of Mind
W
hat’s the state of your estate? There are compelling reasons for having an estate plan, and three core documents you’ll need to create one: a power of attorney, a living will or health care proxy, and a will. Power of attorney A power of attorney is the document designating someone to make financial decisions for you, whether you’re out of the country for a long period, have a physical injury preventing you from conducting business in person, or are mentally incapacitated. A power of attorney can be “springing” - going into effect upon your incapacity - or “durable,” meaning it goes into effect immediately. The challenge with a springing power of attorney is it can be subject to disagreement and dispute between the holder of the power and another family member. One solution is to require the incapacity be certified by a physician, although even those findings can be disputed. With the durable power of attorney, there’s no basis for contesting whether the holder of the power can act. The risk is the holder has the immediate right and ability to access and take action with respect to the financial assets subject to the power. One possible strategy? Limit the power to specific assets. This won’t help if the grantor if the power is totally incapacitated and the holder may need access to all of the grantor’s assets. A durable power of attorney is arguably less problematic, provided you are comfortable with the person you’re choosing. The holder of the power has a legal obligation, as a fiduciary of the grantor, to act in the best interests of the grantor and not in his or her interests. Living will and health care proxy A “living will” ensures your health care wishes are acted upon if you are unable to make such decisions. It lets you describe the types of treatment you do or don’t want under specific circumstances. For example, if you have a terminal illness, you may not want extraordinary measures taken to save your life. The challenge is it’s almost impossible to anticipate all possible scenarios to indicate what health care treatment you’ll want. An alternative to a pure living will is a “living will and health care proxy,” wherein you designate an individual to make health care choices for you. The living will portion describes in general terms your health care philosophy, and the health care proxy allows you to name an individual to make health care choices for you consistent with that philosophy. The choice of such an individual is important, and you should make sure you are comfortable he or she understands and will act consistent with your wishes. 14
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You should have a living will drawn up as part of your basic estate planning. Again, the alternative is a costly legal process for someone - maybe not of your choice - to get appointed as your proxy to make health care decisions on your behalf. Last will and testament A “last will and testament” serves several important purposes, including determining how your assets are distributed, who’ll care for your minor children and who’ll invest and distribute property held in trust for your children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. The basic function of a last will and testament is to ensure your assets are distributed as you’d want. Absent a will, your assets will be distributed in accordance with applicable state law. You’ll also designate the legal guardian, and possible successors, for any minor children who survive you and your spouse. This is one of the most important and difficult decisions for parents - so difficult that it sometimes can hold up the entire estate plan. But agreement by the parents is important and avoids the possibility of someone else being court-appointed who may or may not share your child-rearing views. Think you don’t have a large enough estate to warrant setting up trusts for your beneficiaries? Consider even the most basic estate when you own a house, have retirement assets and maybe additional investments or property. Given the total value of these assets, you’d probably want to hold them in trust for minor heirs. If there’s life insurance, a trust for younger beneficiaries will almost certainly make sense. Although federal estate tax is no longer a significant consideration for most individuals, you may want to consider the cost of state estate tax. The state exemption is sometimes less than the federal exemption, and state estate tax can take a meaningful bite out of what you expect to leave to your beneficiaries.■ 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.
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things life insurance
BUSINESS
Companies don’t Always Tell You
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ife insurance isn’t the answer to all of life’s financial challenges, especially if you buy a policy without fully understanding how it works, or what life insurance can and can’t do for you. Here are five things your life insurance company won’t always tell you about life insurance: 1. Not everyone needs life insurance. While most people can probably benefit from having life insurance, it’s not for everyone. For example, most financial experts agree the majority of people don’t need to buy life insurance for their kids. The purpose of life insurance is basically to: replace lost income (most kids have no income); pay final expenses (they’re likely to be manageable); or accrue cash value. You may think a whole life policy could give your child money toward his or her education once the policy matures. However, there are other ways to save for a college education that offer tax benefits a whole life policy doesn’t. Likewise, if you’re a young worker with no dependents and no debt, you might not need life insurance right now. You could put what you’d spend on premiums into your retirement savings. Or, if you’re older with no dependents and already have a legacy set aside for your descendants, you might choose other types of investments. However, anyone who has debt and dependents could probably benefit from having life insurance protection. 2. Online tools can help you figure out how much life insurance you really need. Years ago, people relied on their insurance agent or company to advise them on how much life insurance to buy. The internet has made it easy to know exactly how much death benefit you really need. Online tools and “robot advisors” have become very useful resources for helping consumers figure out how much life insurance is appropriate for their unique circumstances. A quick web search for “life insurance calculator” will yield numerous results, including calculators not provided by insurance companies or anyone in the insurance industry. For example, personal finance websites Yahoo Finance and Nerd Wallet both offer life insurance calculators. 3. No single “best” type of policy fits everyone. Life insurance comes in three basic types: term (the cheapest kind, it has an end date), whole (costs more, has no end date, accrues cash value and premiums are fixed) and universal (also
permanent and accrues, but with premiums that can vary). Insurance agents are happy to sell you any kind of policy, but of course their commission rewards are greatest when they can sell you more expensive policies. Each type of life insurance has advantages and drawbacks for different people, depending on a lot of factors like your age, health, why you need life insurance, and how long you need it. To ensure you’re getting the best value, understand the policy and how it works for you before you buy. 4. Your term life policy doesn’t (always) have to end. Term life is cheapest because it has a definitive end date. Term life aims to provide insurance for when you most need it, such as until your kids finish college. However, most term policies sold today are convertible - at the end of the initial term you can either continue with a new term (at a higher rate), or convert the term policy to whole life (also at a higher rate). 5. You may be able to sell your term policy for cash. If you’re a senior and you own a convertible term policy that will soon expire, you may think your choices are limited simply because there was no “cash value” built up in the policy over the years. Your life insurance company is unlikely to tell you otherwise and, in fact, many insurers prevent their agents from informing you of any alternatives to either letting the policy expire or converting it to a more expensive new policy. But the truth is that you may be able to unlock the value in your policy by selling it to outside investors for a lump-sum cash payment.■ Wiseman Funeral Home, established in November 2008, is a full service funeral care provider, specializing in earth burials, cremations, memorial services, national and International shipping and receiving of human remains. The company is well versed in the practice of funeral pre-planning as well as funeral trust and Medicaid spend downs. We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve you professionally with utmost respect. 7531 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Maryland 301-899-2005 / michelle@wisemanfuneralhome.net
January - February 2017
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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.