NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

She told me recently, she feels like an A MESSAGE FROM KIRK, “adult” now because she had to pay her first utility bill. What it would be PAUL, & JOSH like to be 19 again! Ilana is taking her The Cassidy’s: Trae started school with high school classes online. Her favorite a Hybrid model. The virtual days are class, AP Psychology. Who would have long; however, he’s pulling all A’s. He’s thought? She recently made the Varsity been training for baseball with hopes Volleyball team at Skyline High School, of playing DI College Baseball. He’s ranked 3rd in the state last year. Pretty working with Harrison Wenson (former awesome for being 5’1” tall. Michigan Catcher and Burlington Bees The Jackson’s: Catcher which is the A League to the We officially have a 1 Los Angeles Angels) and enjoying year old. She celebrated as any 1 year KIRK CASSIDY PAUL METLER old should, with a few different cakes every minute of it. Sam is finally able to President, IAR President, Psy. D, train full time in gymnastics. We opted and some ice cream. Even though the MBA, IAR days are getting shorter and the weather for homeschool this year due to the Phone: uncertainty of school and she’s training is turning, she still loves to be outside as much as possible. Now that she’s 866-211-1904 in the gym 21 hrs. a week. Both kiddos Fax: are thriving and enjoying a change in mastered walking, she continues to find pace. We’ve all been healthy and look more things to get into which keeps us 248-327-0845 forward to returning to NORMAL. very busy. We’re not looking forward Email: to the cold weather when she will have [email protected] The Metler’s: Even though the to stay inside all day; prayers for a pandemic has made college difficult, smooth Fall and Winter are very much Mara was excited to go back to U of M appreciated. and to share an apt. with her friends.

SENIOR PLANNING ADVISORS WWW.SENIORPLANNINGADVISORS.COM RICK REED, MLB #23 Remembering a Hometown Boy... We at Senior Planning Advisors extend in the Appalachian League in 1973. Another big thrill for Reed was our condolences to Rick Reed’s wife, Rick began his MLB career in appearing in “For Love of the Game,” a Cindy, and their family. Rick was a the , and went on to 1999 movie that featured Kevin Costner client and a friend. become an MLB umpire crew chief in as an aging Tigers pitcher. Rick had a 1999 until he retired in 2010. He spent speaking role as the home plate umpire. Rick was a guy, a graduate of almost 30 years wearing number 23, Osborn High and Eastern Michigan working 3431 games. After he retired, for several years Rick University, and son of a long time continued to work for the league office, Detroit policeman. Sadly, the Detroit Rick was behind the plate for Game observing umpires, and was a regular News reported on July 20th of this 6 of the in which in the press box. He year, “Rick Reed, a Detroit native and Kirby Puckett hit the walk-off home run also oversaw local officiating for the longtime major league umpire who to send it to Game 7. He also umpired Summit League in college basketball. worked the last game at Tiger Stadium in two All Star games and multiple Most recently, lazy cottage days in in the fall of 1999 and the first game post season games. He was on the field Oscoda, Michigan, where family at Comerica Park, Opening Day 2000, when Dave Righetti of the Yankees and and friend times flourished, filled his died last Thursday. He was 70.” Joe Cowley of the White Sox threw no- summers. hitters, and George Brett got his 3000th Rick first got interested in umpiring career hit in 1992 as Kansas City shut For Rick, it was always about the love while a student at EMU in the 1970s. out the Angels. of the game. As a hometown boy... He His professional umpiring career began represented us well.

Advisory Services offered through Strategic Investment Advisors. An SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications and Advisors Excel. We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies and should not be construed as financial advice. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the 2 desired reference. That’s a reputation the National Club Association (NCA) is hoping to change.

In an article, the NCA president and CEO reiterated reasons why country clubs became popular in the first place. He touts common interests among friends, philanthropic and community leadership, social activities that bring families together, an appreciation of beautiful acreages of well-preserved land and traditional THE GOOD LIFE architecture, as well as the value of in-person interactions among family and friends.2

America’s Country Club Culture 1 Charles F. McElwee. City Journal. June 7, 2019. “Death of the Country Club.” https://www.city- Some say the Great Recession killed membership rolls are no longer following journal.org/country-clubs. Accessed Aug. 10, 2020. the country club. Between 2005 and in the footsteps of their parents.1 2 2015, the number of golf courses and Henry Wallmeyer. National Club Association. July 31, 2018. “5 Myths About Private Clubs.” country clubs dropped by 5%. Money isn’t the only reason country https://www.nationalclub.org/news/2018/07/31/ clubs are on a downslide. Fewer young home_news/5_myths_about_private_clubs/. Despite having higher levels of couples are opting to have children, Accessed Aug. 10, 2020. education, many millennials are and there are a lot more options financially disadvantaged with lower now for recreation and exercise than wage growth, high housing prices and golf and tennis. Plus, there is the student loan debt. perception that private clubs represent an elitist, exclusionist lifestyle. This means the up-and-coming generations that generally backfill club HOW TO ... Discover Your Priorities Through Spending Habits

Take a look at your past 30 days of spending and see if you spot any patterns. Our spending usually reflects our priorities — and you may be surprised to discover yours. How much do you spend in these areas: • Convenience — precooked meals, • Technology — phone, tablet, food delivery, personal trainers, house computer, headphones, video cleaning, yard maintenance, etc. games and equipment • Entertainment — cable TV, • Education — tuition, online classes, streaming channels, music, dining tutors, certifications, degrees, books out, season tickets, books, craft • Homemaking — cooking, supplies, toys, etc. gardening, decorating, furniture, • Recreation — fitness and sports flooring, window dressing, painting equipment, classes, camping gear, • Grooming — apparel, shoes, salons, season passes, club memberships, etc. hair products, cosmetics • Travel — airline tickets, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars, taxi and Uber rides 3 DOLLARS & SENSE Pros & Cons: Pension or Lump Sum Payout? The 2020 pandemic has resulted in economic strain for many American corporations — even long-established entities. Therefore, it’s important for would-be pensioners to consider their • Pros: Guaranteed income for life • Cons: Market risk/risk of loss, employer’s long-term financial stability • Cons: Risk of guarantor financial variable income, risk of running out in light of the country’s circumstances. instability (and reduced benefit), no of money hedge against rising inflation, no Note that while the federal Pension death benefit for heirs As you can see in this hypothetical Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) example, a conservative rate of return may offer relief when an employer Lump Sum, Invested could work as long as the investor dies becomes insolvent, this guarantee works When offered a lump-sum option, by age 82. If he lives beyond that age, it much like filing for bankruptcy. In other the amount is generally lower than would be necessary to achieve a higher words, it may pay out only a certain 1 the expected total of lifelong benefits. sustainable rate of return. In today’s percentage of promised benefits. However, a lump offers the opportunity market, it can be tricky trying to find a to invest for a higher return over the long high-yielding income vehicle without The following hypothetical example haul. Note that if the retiree doesn’t direct taking on too much risk. gives you a snapshot of what you could the lump-sum distribution into an IRA or expect in terms of risks and benefits other qualified account, he’ll owe taxes Whether it’s best to take a lump sum or when deciding between pension income on the full amount in the year received. take pension income depends on your and a lump-sum payout. In this scenario, personal circumstances, and you should a single pensioner qualifies for $1,625 a Age 65, Lump Sum Distribution: speak with a qualified professional to month for life, or a one-time, lump-sum $300,000 invested for $19,500 annual help you make that decision. payment of $300,000. withdrawals ($1,625 per month)3 This is a hypothetical example provided Pension Income 1% average annual return for illustrative purposes only; it does not Pension income has been a less attractive Death at 80 Total payout: $292,500 represent a real-life scenario, and should not option in recent years due to sustained Death benefit: $31,262 be construed as advice designed to meet the low interest rates, which yield a lower Death at 90 Total payout: $323,880 particular needs of an individual’s situation. It does not illustrate any specific investment pension benefit. Also consider that Run out of money by age 82 few pensions offer a cost-of-living product and is not an indication of past or 4% average annual return future results. adjustment. While some pensions offer Death at 80 Total payout: $292,500 spousal benefits, typically there is no Death benefit: $134,205 1 Sarah O’Brien. CNBC. June 11, 2020. “Pandemic death benefit for heirs. Also note that Death at 90 Total payout: $445,427 creates pension plan tension: Take the lump sum most pensions are funded with pre-tax Run out of money by age 88 or trust lifetime payments.” https://www.cnbc. dollars, so payments are usually taxable com/2020/06/08/pandemic-creates-pension-tension- 6.5% average annual return take-lump-sum-or-trust-lifetime-payments.html. as ordinary income. Death at 80 Total payout: $292,500 Accessed Aug. 10, 2020. Death benefit: $269,349 2 Rob Williams. June 28, 2019. “Lump Sum vs. Age 65, Annual Pension Income: $19,500 Death at 90 Total payout: $487,500 Annuity.” https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/ ($1,625 per month)2 insights/content/lump-sum-vs-annuity-1. Accessed Death benefit: $225,360 Aug. 10, 2020. • Pros: Invest for growth opportunity, 3 Total pension payout control and flexibility, take Dinkytown.net. Aug. 10, 2020. “Savings Distribution Death at age 80 Calculator.” https://www.dinkytown.net/java/savings- $292,500 distributions as needed, potential distribution-calculator.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2020. Death at age 90 $487,500 death benefit for heirs 4 THE SCOOP Technology Connections

It wasn’t that long ago when the idea of 2030.2 They also anticipate using artificial talking back and forth with an electronic intelligence (AI) robots to augment the device to retrieve information would have skills, knowledge — and limitations — of been an impossible scene out of a science human employees.3 other robots, resulting in progressive fiction movie. Now, Alexa, Siri and other and immediate access to crowdsourced personal digital assistants are prevalent in Individuals will be able to use machine- 5 both households and business offices. based personal agents to manage information and innovation. household functions. For example, What’s on the horizon? Much more duties may range from making dinner 1Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/ of the same. By 2030, tech-enabled reservations, to shopping and comparing perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=2. Accessed innovations will connect us to even prices, to soliciting quotes for renovation Aug. 10, 2019. more time-saving conveniences. For projects. Smart appliances, such as a 2 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/ example, city planners are looking to washing machine, will negotiate with perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=1. Accessed incorporate wireless networks as part of other household appliances to prioritize Aug. 10, 2019. their infrastructure to provide universal hot water use, detect maintenance issues 3 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected 4 Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/ internet access to citizens. In addition to and summon a repairman when needed. perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=0. Accessed other uses, this will allow all students to Aug. 10, 2019. have access to online learning whenever Robots will be used for social 4 Ibid. 1 convenient or necessary. engagement interactions, such as 5 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected answering questions and researching Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/ perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=4. Accessed Half of U.S. business leaders believe they information. What one robot learns will Aug. 10, 2019. will be commuting via driverless cars by be uploaded to a broader network for

BRAIN GAMES 521 67Str8ts 423 Game Rules

3 Rows and columns are divided into compartments of white squares. Use 7 1 single numbers to complete a straight for each compartment. A straight is a set of 86 3 numbers with no gaps and in any order. No single number can repeat in any row 85or column. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and 3 9 column,45 and1 are23 not part of 687any straight 5423 798 Example 782 4 341625 23 54 7 1 9 8657 3142 © 0 Syndicated Puzzles 9672853 3 958746 5 798 2 6354 687 459 23 It’s been a whirlwind of a year, but it’s nally almost time to put 2020 in the past and start fresh. A new calendar brings new possibilities! Some cultures around the world believe celebrating Jan. 1 can bring you good fortune for the rest of the year. Right or wrong, it can’t hurt to try your luck at these worldly traditions. Happy New Year!

spain denmark austria

As the clock strikes midnight, The Danes love to jump into the Austrians believe pigs are lucky. Spaniards eat one grape for each new year — literally. Right at So, during New Year’s, they eat of the 12 bell tolls, making a wish midnight, people all across pork and bake many pig-shaped for each grape. It’s recommended Denmark can be found jumping sweets, or “Glücksschwein,” for to prep your grapes ahead of time o chairs and landing in the new good fortune. — 12 seconds goes fast! year.

what are your family mexico colombia traditions? Our holiday traditions are what It’s traditional for Mexicans to Want to travel in 2021? Take this make us unique. Whether you’re cook and eat tamales on New tip from Colombians: Carry an practicing old family traditions, Year’s Day. Often, the tamales are empty suitcase around the block like baking speci c recipes, or served with a soup called at midnight to bring hope for safe making new traditions with “menudo,” which is said to be travels in the new year. your grandchildren, pass it on. good for hangovers.

Share those memories with loved ones to ensure the fun continues for years to come. CENTER STAGE

BELOW: Birthday girl enjoying her special day!

ABOVE: L to R: Ilana, Paul, & Mara

RIGHT: We’ve raised over $19,000 just from our clients alone!

RECIPE cut here "

BRAIN GAMES PIMIENTO CHEESE CRACKERS

INGREDIENTS ANSWER KEY: • 12 oz. sharp cheddar, coarsely grated • ¼ cup chopped jarred pimiento peppers 451 23 687 • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 5 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut in pieces 5423 798 • 1½ tsp kosher salt • 3 tbsp sesame seeds 341625 • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 23 54 7 1 8657 3142 INSTRUCTIONS 9672853 1. Pulse cheese, flour, salt and cayenne in a food processor 7. Wrap dough in plastic and chill at least 4 hours 3 958746 2. Pulse in pimiento peppers until mixture turns orange 8. Place a rack in the middle of oven; preheat to 350° 798 2 6354 687 459 23 3. Pulse in butter until largest pieces are pea-sized 9. Unwrap dough and slice into thin rounds, 1/8” to ¼” thick 4. Pulse in 2 tbsp cold water until dough sticks together (2-3 10. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet about 1” apart times) 11. Prick each cracker with a fork 3 times 5. Transfer dough to a work surface and form into a tightly packed 12. Bake 25-30 minutes, rotate halfway through 2” diameter log 13. Cool on baking sheet until crisp 6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over surface and roll log over them until completely coated Livonia Office 38695 W. Seven Mile Road Suite 125 Livonia, MI 48152

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TONOVEMBER VIEW A LIST OF UPCOMING1 DAYLIGHT SAVING CLASS DAY DATES &3 ELECTION LOCATIONS DAY PLEASE VISIT RETIREMENTPLANNINGEDU.COM11 VETERAN’S DAY 26 THANKSGIVING

DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS 31 NEW YEARS EVE