Issue 52.09

I have a friend who manages several billion dollars for one of the world’s largest money managers.  While most investors measure the daily movements in their accounts in hundred dollar bills, this man watches his accounts move enough each day to buy or sell several Las Vegas Strip hotels.  I asked him how he dealt with the stress of all that responsibility.  His answer was simple.  He said, “I don’t care where the price of a stock is going tomorrow or next month.  I only care where that company is going to be in five years.”

We often talk about having a compass to guide our life.  A compass gives direction by looking at a distant goal.  As our ship is tossed with the natural waves of the sea, the compass remains fixed on a non-moving point far beyond the horizon.  This man makes decisions every day that affect the life savings of thousands of people.  He makes those decisions by keeping his eye on the compass, while not being concerned about the waves.  His long-term view reduces stress in his job while providing a great benefit to his clients.

During the Christmas season I am often asked if I think we will have a “Santa Claus Rally.”  Of course next month it will be the “January effect,” then the “Spring bump,” and on it goes.  Traders who follow various almanacs are always happy to point out some trend tied to every day of the year.  The reality is, unless you plan on being a day trader, it doesn’t make any difference.  Like my friend who manages billions, where the stock market is going tomorrow has no bearing on whether or not you will be able to enjoy your retirement over the next several decades.

During the time of year when people are setting goals, take a look at your financial compass and make sure it is focused far off on a goal that is unmoved by the waves of the day.  Then you can truly enjoy the “Santa Claus Rally,” which is to rally around those things in life that really matter during this special time of year.  Merry Christmas.

Dan Wyson, CFP®  is author of the book “21 Financial Myths” and owner of Wyson Financial. 1173 S. 250 W #305 St. George 435-986-9525 – Securities offered through Linsco/Private Ledger member FINRA/SIPC

Issue 52.09

I remember when I was playing tennis over twelve years ago.  Somehow I injured my midback while serving.  Each time I went to serve, the intense pain immediately reminded me of what I had done.  That injury really limited my performance on the court and was very frustrating for the next several months while I slowly recovered.  I wish I would have sought treatment immediately instead of just hoping it would go away.

The sports of tennis and pickleball can bring not only a unique exercise experience, but also tremendous health benefits, such as reducing your risk of a heart attack, toning the muscles of your upper and lower body, burning calories, and improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and agility.  If you are already involved in the sports or looking to learn more, here are a few tips to help you avoid any potential injuries.

The grip of your racket should be thick enough for your hand to fit around it without having your thumb and fingers overlap one another.  The racket should be comfortably cushioned to absorb the shock that comes from hitting a tennis ball.  Don’t try to pick out a bigger racket just to give you a better chance at hitting the ball and with more power.  With an oversized racket, catching the ball on the extreme edges of the racket causes a greater force that can twist your hands and wrists beyond their normal range of motion.  If you have chronic wrist and elbow pain look for a normal-sized racket, with a hitting area of 105 square inches or smaller.

If you are a beginning player, take lessons.  They teach good habits and proper form, which will help take pressure off your wrists, spine and hips.  Certain strokes if done incorrectly (like a one-handed backhand) can cause elbow and wrist pain in a very short amount of time.

Even with the best preventive measures, pain and injury can be a fact of life with any sport.  If you experience pain or injury beyond simple muscle soreness, visit your doctor of chiropractic.  Doctors of chiropractic are uniquely trained to treat common tennis and pickleball injuries, such as tennis elbow, shoulder injuries, low-back injuries, sprained ankles, and knees.  They can also help you choose proper rehabilitation exercises and prevention techniques to get you back on the court and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors not only treat tennis injuries but are avid tennis players and understand the effect the game has on your body. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info – www.StGeorgePainRelief.com.

Issue 52.09

As retirees live longer, their portfolios need to be stronger.

Decades ago, the “typical” retiree left work for good between age 60-65 and typically passed away at about 70-75.  Retirement lasted 10-12 years for many Americans.  Now the picture has changed: some of us will spend 30, 40, perhaps even 50 years in retirement.  (Imagine retiring at 55 and living to be 105 … it is possible.)  We may live much longer than our parents, and if we do, we will need a lot more money.

A slight shift in outlook.  Years ago, retirees were urged to invest conservatively – often, very conservatively.  The idea was to build up your savings and net worth aggressively across two or three decades, and then adopt a risk-averse investment strategy for the “golden years.”  But the reality of a 20- or 30-year retirement has changed that mentality.

The new presumption is that today’s retirees should never retire from accumulating wealth.  Most Americans will not walk away from their careers with assets equivalent to 20 or 30 years worth of income.  If you have $3 million in assets today, you may think you’ll have $100,000 a year to live on for 30 years.  Sounds great, right?  But that may not be enough.  Questions of liquidity and taxes aside, what about the runaway costs of healthcare and eldercare?  What about the effect of inflation across 30 years – do you remember what a gallon of gas or milk cost 30 years ago?

A new reality.  You’re now seeing people in their sixties with the kind of portfolios that people used to have in their forties – portfolios with stocks, mutual funds, and other investments with appreciable risk.  Sometimes they have to invest this way because they haven’t accumulated sufficient wealth for retirement.  Or, they are simply being pragmatic about their long-term need to sustain wealth and keep their retirement assets growing.

What kinds of investments should you retire with?  The answer to that question can only be determined after you carefully consider some variables, such as the age at which you retire, the assets you have saved up, the lifestyle you want to enjoy, family and health considerations, and how comfortable you are with certain types of investment.  Be sure that you speak with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning before you make a decision to revise your investment portfolio.  Even if you are ten or more years from retirement or plan to keep working into your seventies, I think you will find it eye-opening and useful.  Most people underestimate their retirement income needs.

Scott S. Lovell is the founder of Lovell Hathaway, Your Retirement Specialist^SM , and is a registered representative offering securities and advisory services through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc.  Member FINRA and SIPC.  For additional information, Scott can be reached at (435) 656-2518.

These views are those of the author and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.

Issue 52.09

As I write this, it’s a week before Christmas.  Most of us are still scurrying around to purchase those final gifts for family and friends.  As I reflect on the meaning and sacredness of this holy season, my mind turns towards the spiritual gifts that Christmas offers us.   

One thought that keeps running through my mind is:  The best Christmas gifts are unseen.  We don’t find them under the tree or in “the stockings hung by the chimney with care.”   What are the intangible gifts of Christmas?

The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem created a spiritual shift in the universe and the gift of a new spirit was born in humanity.  This birth changed our relationship to God.  Through the birth of the Christ child, God expressed unlimited love and compassion for all of humanity.  The gift of this divine love fills us with joy as a new spirit is born in us.  We become aware that we are loved unconditionally by God. 

God loves us as His sons and daughters.   Living into the spiritual truth that we are one family in God, we experience the gift of peace.  As we practice the spiritual truths of Oneness and being one family in our daily lives, then “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all” can become a reality for us.  

With the birth of the Christ child, a new spirit is born in our hearts.  May the light of that first Christmas morning shine in our hearts where Christ is born in us today.  May all beings be filled with light and love.  And may all hearts be open and receptive to God’s gifts. 

These invisible gifts of Christmas are good reason for all of us to sing out: 

“Joy to the World!  The Lord is come.  Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing… the wonders of His Love.” 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and the minister of the Unity Church of Positive Living in St. George. 

Issue 52.09

What is Home Care and when is it appropriate?  When someone has trouble taking care of their daily needs, such as; bathing, dressing, regulating their medications and preparing meals, it might be time to consider utilizing the services of a Home Care Agency.  It is also important to consider if safety issues are involved.  If there is a danger of falling while getting in and out of the shower, dizziness or poor eyesight, periods of forgetfulness or an inability to process information, then getting help would be essential.

Home Care is the professional care of seniors in their home, and a wonderful alternative to assisted living when the senior just needs a little help, but can otherwise do fine.  Home Care professionals are able to help with the daily living activities, as well as dealing with transportation needs and companionship.

Sooner or later all of us will require some assistance in managing the things that we once handled very efficiently.  Chronic disease, physical ailments, loss of motor skills and weakened systems are all a natural part of the aging process.  But when it begins to happen, it is important to get the help you need to deal with the changes.  Some people require assistance sooner in life than others.

Most seniors prefer to stay in their homes as long as they possibly can, but in order for them to be safe it may be necessary for them to receive some help.  In many cases adult children, other family members, neighbors and friends can and do pitch in to help.  The problem with this is that it is often not enough.  Home Care is a paid alternative where a trained caregiver comes into the home to help with things like bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparation and shopping.

Admitting the need for help can be extremely difficult for some seniors.  But meeting with the staff members and caregivers can help alleviate the nervousness of having someone in the home.  Home Care Agencies hire staff members that are compassionate and caring, and are trained to deal with the special needs of the elderly.

Most Home Care Agencies hire and train their staff, providing them with Workman’s Compensation Insurance, cover their taxes, run background checks and have them bonded.  This eliminates the need for you to worry about employing a caregiver privately and having to file taxes as their employer.

If you find yourself in the position of needing help with your daily living activities give Heart to Heart Home Care a call.  We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual needs. 

Issue 52.09

Are you one of the millions of sons or daughters caring for an aging parent in your home?  Then chances are that you may be close to being physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted.  Especially if you are a member of the “Sandwich Generation” - caring for your elderly parent and your own children at the same time.  I know from personal experience caring for my father with Alzheimer’s the abundance of stresses you are living through.  Being a caregiver places you in a situation where you may feel physically exhausted, financially drained, emotionally depleted, seldom appreciated, or perhaps even have strong feelings of despair, grief and hopelessness.  Often the most frustrating part is that the more time and energy you devote to care giving the greater the progression of your loved ones illness.  Therefore, their health continues to decline in spite of all of your efforts.  The snowball effect of the endless demands and stresses can eventually result in “caregiver burnout”.  Simply put — caregiver burnout is the culmination of physical, mental, and emotional fatigue as a result of accumulated frustration that cannot be resolved.  Have you ever felt like just screaming?  Holiday times can be the most difficult to endure.  Understand that you are definitely not alone, and the best advice that I can give you is to recognize when you are at the point of needing help and then reach out for it.

The key to Caregiver Burnout is how you handle it — some utilize negative methods to deal with stress – using drugs or alcohol, overeating/binging, chain smoking, etc.  Others focus on positive methods to counteract their stress – eating healthy & exercising regularly, utilizing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, maintaining a strong spiritual life, or just spending quality time with other family members or friends. 

Next time I will focus on other options and available resources to help handle caregiver burnout.

At this time, our entire family at BeeHive Cottages wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Issue 52.09

How does one prevent well-meaning patrons from combining or recombining persons who are not the same but are often thought to be?  How do you notify them in a clear and concise way to consider evidence that will dissuade them from taking the action? 

How do you identify a record that has been incorrectly combined by the system to help prevent others from combining it?  If this record is combined with other records, even if it is the same person, it creates a looping problem.  Looping problems occur when a father is linked as his own son and this is usually caused by bad combinations of records.  Users must be careful when combining names especially when a son is named the same name as his father.

Questions like this cause a lot of frustration when using the New FamilySearch program.  You can find the solution to these problems by going to the Help Center on the home page of new FamilySearch.  Then simply type in what you want to know.  I heard the word “Quarantine” at the family history center the other day.  I didn’t know I could quarantine a record, so I went to the help center and checked it out.  It was talking about creating a “Do Not Combine With” notice, which is in theory a quarantine notice.  The help center referred me to document # 107805.

After we have uncombined the erroneously combined individuals, we can mark the record to hopefully stop the problem from happening again.  Step 1: Go to the Details page of the person.  Step 2: Click on Add Information at the bottom left of the page.  Step 3: Under Personal Facts, check the box by Other (fact type not listed) at the bottom right of the page, and then click Continue.  Step 4: Fill in the Title with such words as “DO NOT COMBINE WITH THE FOLLOWING…” and add the name of the person who, when combined, causes the problem.  Step 5: In the Description field, add something such as, “Do not combine with [name of person, birth or other date, and/or place].”  If it is not the same person, then give some evidence that they are different either here or in the Source box.  If it is the same person, but the record has already been separated out and still contains multiple names, spouses and/or parents, indicate that fact in the Description field.  Step 6: Click Done, and “Do not combine” will appear on the Details page under Personal Facts. 

This same procedure can be followed to make patrons aware of other important facts or situations in the records.  If you need help, while in the Help Center, click the tab at the top: Personal Assistance.

Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist.  For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com.

Issue 52.09

Can you think of one smell that signifies your memories of the past?  To me it is sagebrush-a pungent sweet distinct smell that always recalls UTAH and my childhood.  Moving to California as I did when 10 years old, I always looked forward to our trips home across the Nevada desert.  With my first smell of sage, I knew home was near and my loving grandparents.  We came to visit almost every deer season and I loved being in the outdoors as my family prepared to go hunting in the lovely fall weather or collecting pine cones from pinyon trees among the sagebrush.  Even today when I return from vacations, I get a thrill when I smell sagebrush as it starts to appear along the sides of the road, for my destination––my home is close.

Other distinct smells of the past were grandmother’s fresh homemade bread, rolls or pies hot out of the oven.  Just walking inside her house, I could smell her love in the aroma that greeted us.  It didn’t take long for grandma to serve her finest roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy––a traditional meal for family reunions or for any special occasion.  When I make dressing for turkey that same distinct sage smell fills me with longing for the good old holidays.

Lilacs are another smell that reminds me of the past.  It is a popular flowering bush that both of my grandparents had growing in their yards.  They are so pretty and so fragrant.  Then there was the cheap perfume from the dime store that my grandma always wore, and grandpa’s Old Spice aftershave.  Either of these smells nowadays takes me instantly back to earlier times.

Smells of Christmas are comforting.  Our family tradition was always to have our own fresh cut Christmas tree to decorate.  Hunting in the mountains of Utah for the perfect tree then cutting it down to bring home brought a wonderful holiday smell into our home that can’t be matched with today’s artificial trees and pine candles lit to give ambiance.  There were the holiday traditional dishes-homemade fudge, gingerbread houses, different types of cookies that made this time of year memorable with its wonderful smells that say stay home and enjoy some lovely homemade goodies.  Unless of course you’re diabetic then the challenge now is to cook with sugar free ingredients but it can be done and still smells great.  Happy holidays!

The perfect Christmas gift, a bound collection of these columns. Contact <lin@sunrivertoday.com>

Issue 52.09

Academy Award winner Patty Duke and the former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, David Kessler, M.D., have teamed with Social Security to launch a flu prevention public service campaign.  Ms. Duke and Dr. Kessler are featured in a new public service announcement letting people know some simple steps they can take to prevent the spread of the flu, as well as the fact that most business with Social Security can be done online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

You’ve probably heard some of the health tips they have to offer:

ü     cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and encourage those around you to do the same;

ü     wash your hands often with soap and water; and get a flu shot.

But Ms. Duke and Dr. Kessler have one health tip you may not have heard: go online to conduct your Social Security business.

If you need service from Social Security, you don’t have to visit an office.  Many of our services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov and by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

For example, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov to:

Apply for benefits;

·  Use the Retirement Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits;

·  Get answers to frequently asked questions; and

·  Get a replacement Medicare card.

Go online to www.socialsecurity.gov where you can view the new public service announcement yourself.  While on the website, you also can check out the online services for yourself by visiting “What You Can Do Online” (on the left side of the page).

So take some precautions this flu season.  Go online to www.socialsecurity.gov.  It’s just what the doctor and Patty Duke ordered.

Issue 51.09

Revocable “living trusts” have become increasingly popular in the past decade.  They allow heirs to avoid probate court proceedings.

But unlike a will, a living trust cannot be simply signed and filed away.  If an asset is never transferred to the trust, or is unintentionally removed from the trust, it will be subject to probate.

Over the past few years, as interest rates plunged, many homeowners refinanced their homes to reduce payments.  Unfortunately, many lenders won’t make loans on property held in a living trust.  They insist that the home be transferred back to the owners’ individual names before a loan is made.

After the new loan is made and the new deed of trust is recorded, the homeowners are free to transfer the home back into the living trust but lenders rarely assist homeowners with this final step.  (Some homeowners don’t even know their home was removed from the trust, since they signed many documents at once.)  The end result is that homeowners who properly transferred their homes into living trusts to avoid probate, may face probate anyway because their work was undone.

It is sometimes possible to obtain court approval to confirm trust ownership of a home that was never formally transferred to the trust.  However, it can be costly for a court to make such determination and defeats the purpose of the trust.

Anyone who implemented a “living trust” and subsequently refinanced their property should review the documents to make sure that the home is currently held in the living trust.  If not, the owner should have a new deed prepared.  The new deed should return the property into the trust.

If you are concerned that your living trust may not be properly funded, or if you have other questions about your trust, review your existing documents.  You should then make a list of questions and concerns to discuss with an attorney.  Delaying addressing these issues could be costly.  Many times all that is needed is a deed prepared and recorded or a simple amendment to modify small portions of a trust in order to accommodate changes in circumstances. 

Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney serving clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna, and Olmstead with offices in St. George and Mesquite.  If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, you can contact him at 435 628-1711 or jmckenna@barney-mckenna.com.