Senior Couple Walking With Pet Bulldog In Countryside
March 17, 2025
 | 
Written By:
Brian Goldman
 - 
Retirement Specialist, Financial Adviser

March 2025 Newsletter

March is associated with transformation and new growth. That's because the Vernal Equinox – on March 20 this year – marks the beginning of spring. Plus, it's the month where we "spring forward" with the return of Daylight Saving Time. Wrap up the winter and celebrate the new season by learning about National Reading Month, the effects of uncontrolled high blood pressure, the facts about a common Social Security misconception, how to easily make a yummy appetizer perfect for your next gathering, some interesting trivia about March, and much more.

LTC or STC: To Protect Your Savings, Which One Is Right For You?

Did you know that Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) and Short-Term Care Insurance (STC) are designed to protect you in the event of an accident, an unexpected illness, or disability? Without coverage, your savings will take a catastrophic hit since Medicare doesn't fully cover you in these cases.

LTC and STC cover services that are needed when someone is unable to take care of themselves, such as stays in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, services offered by home aides, or even certain prescription medications.

As the names suggest, STC covers a shorter period of time than LTC. The costs and qualification processes are often different as well. So, which coverage is right for you? That depends on many factors including your age, your budget, and your health concerns.

I can work with you to sort through the differences between LTC and STC and find coverage that's best for you and your future. There is no cost or obligation. Simply reply to this email or give me a call anytime.

SOURCES: CBS News and Steadfast Insurance

Did You Know That March Is National Reading Month?

As American author Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) once said, "You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book."

In fact, in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, March is designated as National Reading Month. This month serves as an opportunity to encourage reading every day for people of all ages and to foster a love of books for children across the country.

Reading can be an important activity because, according to Reading is Fundamental, it may increase cognitive function, improve comprehension and analytical skills, and foster imagination. Consistently reading this month could help develop a beneficial habit that will last all year long!

SOURCES: Reading is Fundamental and National Today

What Happens If High Blood Pressure Is Left Untreated?

According to a new report published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, fewer than half of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control. High blood pressure that isn't controlled can cause long-term health effects, such as an increased risk of heart attack, dementia, and kidney failure.

Since high blood pressure doesn't cause symptoms in the majority of cases, many people are untreated. It's the slow and consistent impact of day-to-day high blood pressure that leads to major health issues. To try to combat this, it's recommended that you monitor your blood pressure regularly and talk to your doctor about your risks.

SOURCES: The Journal of the American Medical Association and KYW Newsradio

Should You Worry About Outliving Your Social Security Benefits? The Answer Is No!

For retirees, collecting Social Security benefits is an important part of any financial strategy. However, this program can sometimes be complex to understand. So, unfortunately, myths about Social Security are common. One such myth is that you can actually outlive your Social Security benefits. This is not true! Regardless of when you choose to start taking benefits, you will receive payments every month until your death. Unlike other income streams, it currently has the backing of the federal government and is designed to keep pace with inflation.

Want to learn more about the facts of Social Security? I can help debunk all the myths and advise you on how to best utilize the program's benefits. Contact me anytime!

SOURCE: Ameriprise Financial

Good Taste, Good Health

White Bean Crostini

White Bean Crostini

SEARCHING FOR AN EASY APPETIZER THAT LOOKS IMPRESSIVE AND TASTES DELICIOUS? TRY THIS WHITE BEAN CROSTINI RECIPE!

Whether you're gathering friends for March Madness … hosting a Saint Patrick's Day happy hour … or just throwing together a fun gathering, add this white bean crostini recipe to the menu. The creamy white bean spread pairs perfectly with the bite-sized crunchy baguette. Plus, the garlic, thyme, and balsamic pack in the flavor. They're not messy to eat and are vegetarian friendly.

INGREDIENTS:

For the White Bean Spread:

  • 2 cups of canned Cannellini or Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons of water
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Crostini:

  • 8 1/2 inch baguette, (4 ounces total), sliced into quarter-inch slices
  • 1 garlic clove
  • olive oil spray
  • extra fresh thyme for garnish
  • balsamic vinegar, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the quarter-inch slices of bread on a sheet pan with a little bit of olive oil spray. Toast them in the oven turning once when the first side appears toasted.
  3. Once both sides are toasted, remove the sheet pan from the oven and lightly rub each piece with one garlic clove that's been cut in half.
  4. Pureé the beans, extra virgin olive oil, water, thyme, one clove of garlic, salt, and pepper in a small blender or magic bullet. If it seems too dry, add a little more water.
  5. Top each piece of bread with two teaspoons of the white bean mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
  6. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic immediately before serving. Makes about 17 servings.
SOURCE: SkinnyTaste

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT MARCH?

March 1, 1961 -- President John F. Kennedy founded a nonprofit volunteer organization known as the Peace Corps.

President John F. Kennedy founded a nonprofit volunteer organization known as the Peace Corps.

March 10, 1876 -- Alexander Graham Bell made the first-ever phone call.

March 10, 1913 -- The suffrage movement took off in Washington, D.C. with a march down Pennsylvania Avenue to advocate for women's right to vote.

March 31, 1889 -- France's Eiffel Tower opened to the public and was ascended (on foot!) for the first time.

SOURCES: Howell and History Extra

March Celebrity Birthdays: Billy Crystal (March 14), Bruce Willis (March 19), Reese Witherspoon (March 22), Diana Ross (March 26), Celine Dion (March 30)

SOURCE: Holiday Insights

Senior Financial Glossary

A BUDGET is an estimation of revenue and expenses used by governments, businesses, and individuals of any income level. It is a financial plan for a defined period of time with the goals of managing finances and enhancing the success of a financial undertaking.

An ENDOWMENT is a gift to a nonprofit organization to be used for a specific purpose. This term is also used to refer to the total investable assets of a nonprofit institution.

VESTING is an incentive program for employees that gives them benefits (usually stock options) when they have contractually fulfilled a specific term of employment. It is a way for employers to keep their top-performing employees.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Quote of the Month

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."
- C.S. Lewis, British author

View Last Month's answers

SOURCE: BrainyQuote©

For information about Medicare or Claiming Social Security, please visit briangoldman.myasbagent.net. Should you have any questions, please email me at brian.goldman@successfs.com or call 412-897-0760.  

Brian Goldman
Retirement Specialist, Financial Adviser
412-897-0760brian.goldman@successfs.com