DID YOU KNOW THAT JULY IS ULTRAVIOLET SAFETY MONTH?

To spread the word about the importance of sun safety, July is recognized as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. According to the experts at Johns Hopkins University, this month is a reminder that exposure to UV rays is the chief preventable risk factor for skin cancer. UV rays come from the sun, as well as from sunlamps and tanning beds. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone follow three straightforward measures when outdoors. First, seek shade whenever possible. Second, wear sun-protective clothing and head coverings. Third, wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Bottom line: It’s a great season to have fun in the sun as long as you do it responsibly!

SOURCES: American Academy of Dermatology Association and Johns Hopkins University

HOW WOULD YOU BENEFIT FROM LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE?

Planning for long-term care is an important part of getting ready for retirement, especially as healthcare costs continue to rise. Long-Term Care Coverage is designed to help cover expenses that traditional health insurance and Medicare typically do not. This includes assistance with routine daily activities, such as taking a bath or shower, getting dressed, or getting in and out of bed. Without this coverage, the financial burden can swiftly drain your bank account. Long-Term Care Coverage not only helps safeguard your savings by covering these out-of-pocket expenses but also gives you more flexibility when it comes to choosing the kind of care you receive. Most policies will reimburse you for care given in a variety of places, such as your home, an assisted living center, or a skilled nursing facility.

To learn more about this valuable safety net, reach out to me anytime by phone or e-mail.

SOURCES: SmartAsset and NerdWallet

WHEN SHOPPING FOR A SUN HAT, WHAT QUALITIES ARE IMPORTANT?

In addition to seeking shade and applying sunscreen, wearing sun-protective gear goes a long way in protecting you from harmful UV rays. However, when it comes to covering your head, dermatologists say that not all hats are created equal. So, what should you look for when choosing a hat specifically for sun protection? According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, it’s best to choose a hat with a brim at least two to three inches wide. Baseball caps and visors are not recommended because they only protect portions of your face, neck, or head. Also, choose a hat that you can’t see through. Straw hats, for example, tend to have large gaps in the weave. While that may make them more comfortable to wear, they’re not very protective. Look for materials with a tight weave that can be held up to a light source without any rays shining through. Finally, experts point out that hats in light colors reflect rays away from you instead of toward you, making them feel cooler on your head. Consider this advice for maximum protection and comfort in the summer sun!

SOURCE: MD Anderson Cancer Center

WHAT IS AN ANNUITY AND WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER ONE?

Under ideal circumstances, you’d never run out of money in retirement and you’d have enough resources to meet every essential expense and more. However, with the potential for market volatility and continuing inflation, many people are turning to predictable income strategies to help meet their retirement needs. That’s where annuities come in.

An annuity is a contract that turns your savings into future income. You pay either a lump sum or a series of contributions and, in return, your insurer agrees to provide income either immediately or at a later date, often for the rest of your life. You’ll also take advantage of tax-deferred growth, which means you won’t pay taxes until you start receiving payments. Annuities are arguably the best protection against longevity risk, the possibility of outliving your savings. There’s also no need to worry about market fluctuations. The payments you’ll receive will be stable and predictable.

If you’re interested in finding out more, click “reply” on this e-mail to send me a note or just give me a call. I can answer any questions and help you find an annuity that fits your needs.

SOURCE: Annuity.org

Good Taste, Good Health

WANT TO GRILL UP A SWEET TREAT FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER COOKOUT?
TRY THESE EASY GRILLED PEACHES WITH HONEY RICOTTA.

Peaches steal the show in this super simple dessert. If you’re hosting or attending a Fourth of July cookout, these are perfect to put out or bring because they look impressive, yet they’re no fuss! Plus, they’re delicious — caramelized peaches paired with a lightly whipped lemon-honey ricotta will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ripe peaches, sliced in half, pit removed
• 1 teaspoon of avocado oil or other neutral oil
• ½ cup of whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ a lemon, the juice and zest
• 1 teaspoon of honey, plus more for drizzling
• fresh chopped mint for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the halved peaches with oil.
2. Place the peaches on the grill flesh side down and grill for about five minutes, until they’re softened but still hold their shape.
3. Whip the ricotta with a hand mixer until it has a whipped cream-like consistency. Add the honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest and stir together.
4. Add about one tablespoon of ricotta mixture to each peach. Top each with a drizzle of honey and freshly-chopped mint, if desired. Makes four servings.

If you don’t have a grill, you can use the oven broiler. Heat the broiler to high. Place the peaches skin side down on a sheet pan. Place them under the broiler for two to four minutes until they’re slightly caramelized and browned on top. Continue with the remaining steps.

SOURCE: Sarah Gold Nutrition

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT JULY?

July 1, 1862 – President Abraham Lincoln signed the first income tax bill. Also on this day, the Bureau of Internal Revenue was established by an Act of Congress.

July 4, 1776 – The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress.

July 9, 1868 – The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It defined U.S. citizenship and prohibited individual states from abridging the rights of any American citizen without due process and equal protection under the law. It also barred those involved in rebellion against the U.S. from holding public office.

July 20, 1969 – A global audience watched on television as Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong took his first step onto the moon. As he stepped onto the moon’s surface, he proclaimed, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

July 31, 1790 – The U.S. Patent Office first opened its doors. The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins of Vermont for a new method of making pearlash and potash. It was signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

SOURCE: The History Place

JULY CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: Tom Cruise (July 3), Tom Hanks (July 9), Sandra Bullock (July 26), Sally Struthers (July 28), Laurence Fishburne (July 30)

SOURCE: Holiday Insights

WANT TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR FINANCIAL VOCABULARY? CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S SENIOR FINANCIAL GLOSSARY.

EQUITY is the remaining value of an asset or investment after considering or paying any debt owed. In real estate, for example, home equity is the property’s value minus the outstanding mortgage balance. The term is also used to refer to capital used for funding or a brand’s value.

GLOBALIZATION is the process by which countries, businesses, and economies become more connected through trade, investment, technology, and the movement of goods and services across borders. It can lower costs and expand markets, but may affect local industries.

A MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT (MMA) is a type of account that earns interest and combines features of savings and checking accounts. Available at credit unions and banks, MMAs usually come with checks and a debit card, but may limit the number of times you can withdraw money every month. MMAs are best for short-term financial goals rather than long-term financial planning.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Quote of the Month

“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”

Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States

View Last Month’s answers

SOURCE: BrainyQuote©

For information about Medicare or Claiming Social Security, please visit felicejohnson.myasbagent.net. Should you have any questions, please email me at felice.johnson@successfs.com or call 412-726-6450.