We all seem to do it. The end of a year makes us reflect, take stock of what we have accomplished and set plans to improve ourselves for the next year. This year may be one of the most powerful to reflect upon. Some of the lessons learned have been harsh realities while others have been inspirational stories of hope and perseverance. Regardless 2020 has left an impact of never before seen circumstances to grow from.
Some Lessons
#1. There is no way to be fully prepared for all possible scenarios we may face in the world. However, taking steps to combat foreseeable and possible circumstances is something we should do.
#2. Change is inevitable! It’s simply going to happen, how we cope with it makes ALL the difference.
#3. A strong family, friends and network of support is a necessary part of life making the difference when life hits us hard.
#4. The world keeps moving forward at the same pace though we may want it to stop or fast forward.
#5. There are heroes among us! Thank you frontline healthcare workers, first responders, firefighters, police and military personnel who braved the unknown.
Suggested Resolutions
#1. Health — it’s not just physical, which 2020 taught us is important, but it is also emotional, spiritual, support circle and financial health.
Physical: Take time for your own physical health. Maybe it’s a small change in diet, or walking 4 days a week. For the more adventurous, join and GO to the gym (once they are open). By completing intentional and planned physical activity your body and mind operate more effectively. Find the time!
Emotional: Seek out someone you can share your burdens with. But also, be the burden sharer for another. Being there for someone else is just as powerful for your emotional well being as having someone there to help you shoulder your burdens.
Spiritual: Find your center. Whether through organized religion, the practice of meditation and calming your mind, a combination of both, or another spiritual practice take time to escape your world-centered routine of work and family. Help a stranger, support a cause and find ways to impact the world for good.
Expand your circle of support: COVID-19 has driven us online. What an amazing resource we have today that wasn’t there just 30-years-ago. We have been hit hard by this but we have the tools, ingenuity and drive to get through this together. Make your “together” a larger group.
Financial: Obviously this is where Baker Wealth Strategies can come in and help. But if you don’t use our resources we encourage you to use someone. Finances play such a pivotal role in our mental state. The stresses surrounding money can negate many of the benefits of all other health related focuses. To help we’ve provided 3 opportunities or ways to engage:
#1. Watch the Movie: The Power of Zero: The Tax Train is Coming
This film is a major Hollywood documentary film with an all-star cast (George Schultz, Ph.D., David Walker, CPA, Ed Slott, CPA, Tom Hegna, Van Mueller, David McKnight, et al) that takes an in-depth look at how the U.S. National Debt is setting the stage for massive tax increases within the next 10 years and how they’ll impact a retiring generation of Baby Boomers.
This is the first movie ever to explore our nation’s looming debt crisis and the proactive measures Baby Boomers can take to protect their retirement plans from the crush of higher taxes. This PG-rated film played in theaters nationwide in the Fall 2018.
Click here to receive your passcode to watch the movie for free.
#2. Read the Book: The Five Retirement Myths, by Patrick Kelly
This 40 page book takes a look at 5 common misconceptions about retirement planning and serves as a great place to start when considering retirement planning options.
The five myths included in this book are:
1. BUY AND HOLD ALWAYS WINS
2. YOU CAN’T MAKE BIG RETURNS WITHOUT TAKING BIG RISKS
3. AVERAGE RETURNS TELL AN ACCURATE STORY
4. YOU CAN EFFECTIVELY MANAGE YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO
5. IF SOMETHING IS REALLY THAT GOOD, EVERYONE WOULD BE DOING IT
Patrick Kelly is the author of three national best-selling books, Tax-Free Retirement (2007), The Retirement Miracle (2011), and Stress-Free Retirement (2013). As a nationally sought after speaker Patrick’s strong counsel for advisors to practice a “client first” philosophy is the centerpiece of all his messages. One of his greatest passions is to help consumers understand they are able to step off the roller coaster of fear and loss and onto the peace-filled road of growth and stability.
Click here to receive your free book.
Shipping and handling is covered, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
#3. Set a 15-minute Discovery/ Virtual Coffee Chat
The reality is we would love to hear from you, learn about you and discover ways we can help. At the bottom righthand corner of the screen you can click on “Schedule An Appointment” button or click here to schedule your Discovery/ Virtual Coffee chat.
Happy New Year
As we all move into 2021 we at Baker Wealth Strategies and The Law Office of Justin Baker wish you all the very best. We look forward to connecting, chatting and meeting you in this coming year. For additional information please visit other articles below, our Facebook page or LinkedIn page. If you have a question you would like answered feel free to email: jenniferb@bakerwealthstrategies.net.
