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The Value of Planning as Retirement Approaches

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klotzNot long ago, “retirement” for many people meant living on a combination of Social Security and a fixed pension. Today, retired people are living longer and better, and many plan to enjoy their golden years. The problem is that those fixed pensions, for many, have disappeared–which has put much more emphasis on the importance of pre-retirement planning (which, for our purposes here, refers to a plan for an individual’s transition to retirement).

Retirement Is Not Predictable

Today, many people transition into retirement gradually over a period of months or even years. Unfortunately, for many, this transition occurs abruptly and unexpectedly, through either a layoff or disability. Few can predict with certainty which day will be their last on the job.

In the absence of predictable retirement dates, many people put off the serious planning that should take place before retirement. Instead of planning for the changes in their lifestyle that their changed financial circumstances may require, they wait until it’s too late to properly plan. This can lead to hasty, ill-conceived decisions, and a rocky start to their golden years. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to start serious retirement planning at least one year before the transition period begins. This allows adequate time to obtain professional help, understand the many choices available, and make well-thought-out decisions.

Key Issues and Decisions

What issues and decisions should you evaluate in this pre-retirement planning process? Consider the following:

• Investment asset allocation

• Income from investments

• Social Security benefits

• Health benefits

• Retirement distributions

• Estate planning

Don’t wait until you’ve reached the point where you feel pressured to make major retirement decisions. Be sure to obtain the information and guidance you need to calmly consider all your choices well ahead of time. Competent financial and legal professionals can help you chart a course for retirement, as you try to project the levels of income and assets you’ll need to maintain your desired lifestyle. In pre-retirement planning, you will make some of the most important financial decisions of your lifetime. Don’t make them in haste–or on your own.

Prepared by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The information contained in this article is for general, informational purposes only. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

Michael Klotz is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), supervised from 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573 914.288.8800. Securities, products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS a registered broker dealer and investment advisor. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Strategies for Wealth is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.PAS is a member FINRA/ SIPC.

For a complimentary planning consultation, please call (914)288-8959

Healthy Holiday Eating

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briones• Keep moderation in mind and find healthy holiday foods. Many holiday recipes have healthier versions made with low fat ingredients and sugar substitutes.

• Wear form-fitting clothes. Don’t be uncomfortable, of course, but people who wear loose clothing are more likely to overeat without realizing it.

• Mingle away from the buffet line. Socializing away from the central food location will make it easier to resist constant grazing.

• Keep your hands busy. Holding onto a drink or purse will keep your hands occupied and make it more difficult to grab for appetizers and fatty finger foods.

• Use the small plates. The smaller your dish, the less food you can pile on and eat. Remember that half of your plate should be filled with vegetables and the other half can be divided with proteins and healthy holiday starches.

• Avoid high calorie drinks; choose sparkling water.

• After your parties or big holiday dinners, take the family out for a walk to check out the neighborhood displays and work off those extra calories.

brionesweightloss.com

Amanda Kraus to Dance as Sugarplum Fairy

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Amanda Kraus

Amanda Kraus, a junior at Horace Greeley High School, will be dancing the coveted role of Sugarplum Fairy in the Greenwich Ballet Academy’s production of The Nutcracker, which in past years has been danced by Principal dancer Irina Dvorenko of American Ballet Theater.

“I am so honored to be given this opportunity–I really can’t believe it!” said Amanda. Amanda has danced in four different Nutcracker productions, in various roles, including ‘Polichinelle’ with the NYC Ballet, and ‘Clara’ with the SUNY Purchase Conservatory.

Amanda’s ballet training began at age 7, and at age 9, she was accepted into the School of American Ballet, where she danced every children’s role with the NYC Ballet. She danced competitively for four years at Westchester Dance Academy, winning a national title.

Greenwich Ballet Academy offers pre–professional training in Vaganova technique with small class sizes and Russian faculty.  Along with Amanda, first year GBA students,  Allison Chen, a 6th grader at Seven Bridges Middle School, will be dancing ‘Marzipan’, and 1st grader Meredith Lee will be a mouse.  The Nutcracker will take place December 7 and 8 in the Greenwich High School Auditorium.  Online ticket sales begin November 10. greenwichballetacademy.org

The No. Westchester Food Festival Raises Funds to Fight Hunger

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1402072_421586627943054_1581029987_oThe Northern Westchester Food Festival Raises Funds for Mazon* to Fight Hunger.

Over 400 people from the community came together to celebrate at Temple Beth El’s first “Northern Westchester Food Festival: We Feed the Hungry.”  Over 30 local restaurants offered their signature dishes and people savored samples from restaurants that they frequent but many were introduced to other restaurants from surrounding areas. “It was wonderful to see new and old faces participate in a community event for a good cause,”says Susan Pecker, a Vice President at Temple Beth El. “Due to popular demand, we will be having it again next year.” *Proceeds of the event were earmarked in a donation to Mazon, a national nonprofit organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.

Fresh turkey helpings, compliments of Crabtree’s Kittle House
Fresh turkey helpings, compliments of Crabtree’s Kittle House
Ed Wechsler of La Mer Gourmet Seafood brought in fresh shrimp cocktail and scrumptious quesadillas.
Ed Wechsler of La Mer Gourmet Seafood brought in fresh shrimp cocktail and scrumptious quesadillas.
Jennifer and David Nable with their beautiful little girl bundle, Talia
Jennifer and David Nable with their beautiful new baby, Talia
Bistro 146 served delicious lobster risotto.
Bistro 146 served delicious lobster risotto.
Rachel Rosin, Julie Dickens of Beascakes and Ronni Diamondstein
Rachel Rosin, (left) Julie Dickens of Beascakes in Armonk and Ronni Diamondstein
Gail-Patricks
Soup’s on!

 

 

Remembering a very Special Chappaqua Fall

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Festivals Galore and a Stand Out “Making Strides Boutique”

By Grace Bennett

Winner for a delicious caramel crusted apple bundt cake was Emily Haft Bloom (middle), here with her spouse Don, and Grace.
Winner for a caramel crusted apple bundt cake was Emily Haft Bloom (middle), here with her spouse Don, and Grace.

I was feeling very proud of our town all through an especially spectacular fall with so many merchants and mom and resident volunteers too…working so hard to create a sense of vibrancy and excitement about this New Castle neighborhood we call home.

First, there was Community Day, an always fun event sponsored by the Rotary Club. Then, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, which was positively epic and reported on in our last few editions!

On the heels of that came the ICD Jewelry 2nd Annual Fall Festival on October 26 sponsored by the Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce–also drawing visitors to town from near and far. Being an apple cake and pie lover, I was thrilled to participate as a judge of the apple pie contest.

“Shop for a Cause”

As I strolled through town after, up and down Greeley and onto lower King Street, my ultimate goal was to make my way into the 5th annual Houlihan Lawrence, “Shop For A Cause-Making Strides Boutique.” The real estate office was transformed into a boutique atmosphere decorated in pink; vendors displayed their wares as Chappaqua residents shopped to support this important fundraising effort.

Brendan Preston and Chris Cordani serving cotton candy outside the boutique.
Brendan Preston and Chris Cordani serving
cotton candy outside the boutique.

Local area merchants generously donated raffle prizes. This year the raffle prizes included gift certificates, gift baskets, an Ipad Mini, 39” flat screen tv, jewelry, and this year’s grand prize:  a one-week vacation stay at Stonegate Cottage, Block Island.  “We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It was our pleasure to help raise money for such an important cause” remarked Real Estate agent Wendy Nolan. She and husband Michael own the Block Island property. This year, over $7,600 was raised from the boutique. Social media also played an important role to help spread the word about the event. Agents reached out to their clients and friends via 
Facebook and Twitter. “When someone thanks you for the opportunity to support such a worthy cause, you know you are making a difference,” notes Jeanne Coon. If you would like to be a part of the Boutique next year, write to: jcoon@houlihanlawrence.com

Apple Pie Contest Winners

Cake/Tart:
1st: Emily Haft Bloom
2nd: Francis Baccay

Crumble:
1st: Stephanie Puszka
2nd: Hannah Rosenberg
3rd: Satchel Davidson

Traditional Pie:
1st: Grace Baccay
2nd: Teresa Shen
3rd: Gabby Resnick

Making Strides Boutique Grand Prize: A Block Island vacation week!
Making Strides Boutique Grand Prize: A Block Island
vacation week!

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