November 2019
Here's Why You May Need to Update Your Estate Plan

Estate planning - the process for how you transfer your wealth to heirs and others - can be very important for anyone who wants to be certain that their loved ones are adequately provided for and taken care of. When does well, estate planning aims both to allow you to pass on your assets as you see fit, and to minimize the state and federal tax bite that often accompanies the transfer of significant wealth.

Even if you are not subject to estate taxes or don't have family, estate planning can potentially enable you to decide which people and charitable organizations will receive your wealth at your death. Failing to plan can mean that you will let the government make those decisions - and we find that few people are fond of that choice!

But if you think that your current estate plan is up to those tasks, you might want to think again. Here's why your estate plan may need to be refreshed - and some ideas on how to do it the smart way.

2019 Last-Minute Year-End Medical and Retirement Deductions:
 
  1. Establish your 2019 retirement plan before December 31.
  2. Convert to a Roth IRA.
  3. Reimburse your 2019 Section 105 or other health reimbursement account (HRA) medical expenses now.
  4. Implement a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
  5. Ensure that you take your S corporation health insurance deduction correctly.
  6. Claim the tax credit for the health insurance you give your employees.
 

John Halterman shares his thoughts on the US House passing a minimum wage bill that will increase minimum wage federally to $15 an hour.
As of July 2019, unemployment in West Virginia has been the lowest it has ever been since October 2008. West Virginia is now leading the nation in personal Economic Growth. Why is West Virginia in such a good place right now? John Halterman says: leadership, focusing on being a state that policy is designed around Economic Growth, and it's workforce being higher skilled and more educated are the reasons why.
Happy Retirement, Dave Martin!

Join us as we congratulate Dave Martin, along with his fiance Betty, on his retirement from Dominion.

In retirement, Dave plans to vacation down in Florida but also watch local sports with Betty. Dave also enjoys working on his farm and spending time with his family.

Wishing you all the best, Dave!
Get Your Daily Does of Vitamin D, Even in the Winter

Vitamin D is the vitamin we produce when our skin is exposed to UV rays from the sub as well as certain dietary sources, and many people are actually vitamin D deficient (even if they live in a sunny part of the country). As winter approaches, it might seem hard to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to get this important nutrient.

Eating vitamin D-rich foods is the best way to get the nutrient during the winter months. These foods include fatty fish (like salmon), mushrooms, eggs, and milk (and milk alternatives, such as soymilk) fortified with vitamin D. Just 4 ounces of salmon have 265% of the dietary references intake (DRI) of vitamin D, which means that just 2.5 servings of salmon a week would get you all the vitamin D you need. If you don't like fish, milk and eggs are another great option.

If you are concerned that you might have a vitamin D deficiency, call your doctor and talk to them about how to get checked for one. They can provide you with more information and alternate methods to increase your blood levels of vitamin D, if needed.

Tip adapted from Healthline.
WWII "Soldier Kisses" Cookies

These super simple cookies date back to WWII and are just as delicious today.

Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients: 

Donuts:
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 cups of walnuts, finely chopped


Directions: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. Beat the egg whites until light and frothy.
  3. Beat in the sugar slowly until combined.
  4. Continue to mix until the mixture is thick and shiny.
  5. Lightly fold in the walnuts.
  6. Scoop teaspoon-sized cookies onto the cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes.

Recipe adapted from All Recipes.
The Brian Tracy Show
Jack Canfield's Hollywood Live
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