April 2023 Newsletter

Happy springtime! Enjoy good weather and warmer temperatures. Our newsletter features articles on getting ready for retirement, daytime napping, and stress relief.

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Stress Relief

Many seniors experience stress-related symptoms.

That's especially true during periods of transition — such as going into retirement.

In recognition of the dangers of stress, April is designated national Stress Awareness Month. Here are some expert tips for dealing with stress.

• Pinpoint the stressors in your life (and possibly avoid them).

• Keep moving, Stay active.

• Maintain strong social connections.

• Take a break from your "normal" life.

• Laugh.

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If you think stress is harming your health, it may be time to seek professional help.

Daytime Napping: "Pros and Cons"

Experts say that daytime sleeping is a normal part of aging. Further, reports say napping during the day is a good way for seniors to enhance their brain power. 30- to-90-minute naps in older adults appear to have brain benefits.

Overall, napping is seen in a positive light. But, some researchers have reservations. Naps over a half hour in length are believed to cause grogginess that's called, among other things, "sleep drunkenness" (JAMA).

Also, "excessive" napping has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, reports say.

Experts say it's best to nap before 2:00 p.m.

Good Taste, Good Health

Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Dinner

This is a simple, hearty, adaptable, one-skillet meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 package (12 oz) fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1-1/2 lb red potatoes (about 5 medium), thin sliced
• 1 package (10 oz) frozen corn (or similar veggie)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1-1/4 cup, vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or similar leafy green)

DIRECTIONS: In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, sauté sausage and onion until the onion is tender. Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute.

Add potatoes, corn, pepper and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted.

Source: Taste of Home

Senior Financial Glossary

An unweighted index is comprised of securities with equal weight within the index.

The underwriting cycle refers to fluctuations in the insurance business over a period of time.

To unwind is to close out a trading position, with the term tending to be used when the trade is complex or large.

Uptick describes an increase in the price of a financial instrument since the preceding transaction.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Are You Ready to Retire?

Retirement means different things to different people.

For some, it's about traveling the world.

For others, it's about heading to the yard and tending the garden.

But for anyone to have a positive retirement, you've got to be ready for retirement — financially and emotionally prepared.

Here is how to tell if you are ready to retire (U.S. News and World Report):

• You are financially prepared.
• You have eliminated debt.
• You have a plan to cope with emergencies.
• You have health insurance.
• You have a social network.
• You have something else to do (a hobby, for instance).

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If retirement is coming soon for you, or if you're already retired, please contact me. We can discuss how to make the most of your best years.

Did you know this about April?

• The cruise ship Titanic sank on April 14-15, 1912.
• The American Revoluntionary War began on April 19, 1775
• Starting April 6, 1896, the first modern Olympics was held in Athens, Greece.
• The birthstone for April is the diamond.

Famous Birthdays: Eddie Murphy (April 3), Billie Holiday (7), Emma Watson (15), Kareem Abdul Jabbar (16).

SOURCE: Famous Birthdays

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Should you have any questions, please email me at brian.goldman@successfs.com or call 412-897-0760.