Building Relationships with Grandkids: Make the Most of Your Time with Them

Whether your grandkids live next door or states away, it is likely you will want to make the most of every second you spend with them. Spending quality time with your grandchildren can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life and well worth it! But if you are not used to being around young children, it can also be a bit daunting. How do you keep them entertained? What activities can you do together? Don’t worry, these tips can help!

Spending time with your grandkids is a precious gift that enriches your life and theirs. Our tips for making the most of time spent with your grandkids will help you create lasting memories and strong bonds. Grandparenting isn’t just about occasional visits; it’s about building experiences that your grandkids will cherish forever. Dive into these suggestions to make every moment count.

Plan Fun and Engaging Activities

Organizing activities that are fun and educational makes your time together memorable and meaningful. Consider making crafts, leading baking sessions, going fishing, or conducting simple science experiments when your grandkids visit. These activities not only entertain, but also provide learning opportunities. Tailor your plans to your grandkids’ interests and ages to ensure everyone has a great time. If you have hobbies that interest them, teach them how to do it so they can enjoy it with you.  They will feel special if you teach them to cook, crochet, garden, paint, play the guitar or pursue similar hobbies.

Share Your Stories and Traditions

Every family has unique traditions and stories. Sharing these with your grandchildren helps them understand their roots and feel connected to their heritage. Talk about your childhood, family traditions, or even your adventures. These stories can spark their imagination and give them a deeper appreciation of family time.  

If your grandchildren are too young to hear everything you would like to share with them, here is a way to continue to be a part of your grandchildrens' lives for decades to come. Check out this book's Amazon link: "Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now, Read Later, Treasure Forever." They will cherish these letters long after you are gone. (Ad)

Encourage Outdoor Adventures

Exploring the great outdoors offers endless possibilities for fun and discovery. Being outside encourages physical activity and curiosity, whether it’s a walk in the park, a day at the beach, or a hike in the woods. Nature provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying each other’s company away from screens and distractions.

Embrace Modern Technology

Staying connected with your tech-savvy grandkids can be easier than you think. Embrace technology by learning how to use video calls, social media, or even play online games together. Learning about the technology your grandkids use keeps you connected and shows them you’re willing to adapt and engage with their world.  They love it when I race them across the screen while playing against them on some of their games!  They are also delighted when they can beat me! 

Conclusion

Time with your grandkids is invaluable. Our tips for making the most of time spent with your grandkids are designed to help you create impactful and joyful experiences. Whether you’re sharing stories, planning activities, or embracing technology, these moments build lifelong memories.

Grandparenting is a journey filled with love, laughter, and learning—if you don’t feel like you have enough time to connect with your grandkids, it’s time to make a change. Families also have the option to pursue legal family time for grandparents, ensuring that these connections remain strong and uninterrupted. No matter how you organize your family time, you can enjoy every step, knowing that you are making a lasting impression on their lives.

As mentioned above, if you are looking for a way to continue to be a part of your grandchildren's lives for decades to come, check out this book's Amazon link: "Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now, Read Later, Treasure Forever." They will cherish them. (Ad)

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Retirement Accounts: Please Avoid These Actions!

 

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Planning for retirement is crucial to financial stability, but many individuals unknowingly jeopardize their future by making poor decisions regarding their retirement accounts. Understanding the complexities of these accounts is vital to ensuring they serve their intended purpose: providing financial security in your later years.

The rules controlling these accounts can be complex, and a single misstep can significantly impact your long-term financial health. Learning about the actions you should never take with a retirement account will help you maintain the integrity of your retirement savings account and secure a comfortable future.

Early Withdrawals

Making early withdrawals is one of the most detrimental actions you can take with a retirement account. Many face financial difficulties and consider tapping into their retirement savings to cover immediate expenses. Doing so can result in significant penalties and tax implications, damaging your investments. Instead, explore alternative financing options or consult a financial advisor to find solutions to your financial troubles without compromising your future.

Failing To Diversify Investments

Investing all your retirement funds in a single asset or sector is risky and can lead to devastating losses. Failing to diversify your investments means you are not adequately managing risk. It’s essential to spread your investments across various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and real estate, to safeguard your retirement portfolio. This approach minimizes risk and, potentially, enhances returns over time.

Overlooking Required Minimum Distributions

Retirement accounts become subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) as they mature, which mandate that account holders withdraw a certain amount annually after reaching 72 years old (although this age may be adjusted in the future). Overlooking these withdrawals can incur hefty penalties. Stay informed about RMD regulations and establish a strategy for withdrawing the required amounts on time. Understanding the 50 percent rule for retirement accounts can help you remain compliant and avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Ignoring Contribution Limits

Another critical mistake individuals often make is ignoring the contribution limits set for retirement accounts. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established specific yearly contribution limits for each type of retirement account, such as a 401(k) or an IRA. Exceeding these limits results in penalties and can complicate your tax situation. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the current contribution limits and ensure you remain within these bounds to optimize your financial planning for retirement.

Not Taking Advantage of Employer Matches

Neglecting to take full advantage of employer-matching contributions could be detrimental to those with employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k). Many employers offer to match a percentage of your contributions, effectively giving you free money for your retirement. Failing to contribute enough to receive this match is like leaving money on the table. Evaluate your employer’s matching policy, and prioritize contributing enough to significantly maximize this benefit to enhance your retirement savings.

Learning the actions you should never take with a retirement account can effectively safeguard your savings and enhance your overall financial health. Proactive financial planning protects your future and empowers you to enjoy your retirement years without the stress of financial uncertainty.

One thing you DO want to do is get a good retirement book. You might want to use this Amazon link to "Suze Orman: Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+." (Ad) You will find good, current information in her book to help you.

            

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Essential Tips for Improving Your Golf Game

Golf is a great game for people of all ages and it is definitely something to look into if you are retired and find yourself with some extra time. A lot of retired people find it as a great hobby to keep them active and moving, two things that retired individuals can struggle with. Regardless, no matter how long you've been playing or even if you are just starting out, it is always nice to have a few best practices under your belt.

Golf is a blend of skill, strategy, and precision. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a budding enthusiast, there's always room for improvement. 

If you've recently retired and are looking forward to spending your newfound freedom on the links, these five essential tips for improving your golf game can help you master your swing and lower your score. 

1. Get a Grip

Your grip is the foundation of your golf swing. Without a solid hold on the club, even the best technique can fall flat. A proper grip ensures better control and power during your swing.

Spend time practicing your grip before hitting the course. Use a mirror to check your hand placement and ensure consistency. Over time, a proper grip will become second nature, leading to more accurate and powerful shots.

2. Master Your Stance

A good stance is crucial for balance and power in your golf swing. The way you position your feet, legs, and upper body can significantly affect your game.

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and distribute your weight evenly. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your upper body should tilt forward from the hips, keeping your spine straight. This position allows for a more fluid and controlled swing.

3. Work on Your Short Game

Golf matches are won and lost in the short game. Mastering putting and chipping can make a significant difference in your overall performance.

At the range, practice chipping onto the practice green from different lies and distances. For putting, create a practice routine that includes various lengths and breaks. Consistency in practice translates to consistency on the course.

4. Sharpen Your Mental Saw

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Developing strong mental strategies can help you stay focused and perform under pressure.

Before each shot, take a moment to visualize the ball's flight and landing. Picture a successful shot in your mind. This practice can build confidence and reduce anxiety. Remember, every golfer faces challenges, and how you respond sets you apart.

5. Stay Fit

While honing your skills on the golf course is essential, maintaining your wellness off the green is equally important to enhance overall performance. Engaging in physical fitness routines aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and endurance can significantly benefit your game.

Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, hydration, and the right nutrients to fuel your body. Consider incorporating exercises such as yoga or Pilates to improve balance and core stability, which are crucial for a consistent swing. In addition, exploring how chiropractic care can make you a better golfer will help you keep going long into your glory years. My chiropractor often says that he can cut strokes off the game of the average golfer.

Start Seeing Improvements in Your Performance

Improving your golf game takes time, practice, and a willingness to learn. By focusing on these practical areas, you can see significant improvements in your performance. Remember, golf is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Keep practicing, stay patient, and, most importantly, enjoy the game.

It may also help to make sure you have the right equipment when you play, such as using the Calloway Supersoft golf balls!  (Ad) They can make a real difference in your success!  

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Veterans: Relieve Stress & Inform Your Family About Your VA Benefits

More than 6 million Americans receive earned benefits for military service - including disability compensation, education benefits, caregiver assistance, burial benefits and more. It is critical for spouses and caregivers to know how veterans benefits are accessed and what could happen when or if a veteran dies.

Consider this scenario. A veteran has not told his spouse much about his veteran’s benefits.  The veteran dies suddenly. His spouse grieves and plans a funeral, which she pays for out of pocket. The $2,500 tax-free payment from the VA for her husband’s disability compensation has stopped being deposited into their bank account, which her spouse managed. Now she struggles to meet her expenses and is afraid she will have to sell their home.

Ultimately, she realizes she must connect with the VA to try to access survivor benefits. As she works her way through the bureaucracy, she struggles to understand what she may be eligible for and knows little about what her husband was receiving. This can be overwhelming during the best of times, but during this period of loss, it adds more stress.

Surviving spouses facing this situation are often approached by agents who offer to help them with VA benefits in return for payment. Faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation, some agree, even though paying for help is not necessary as many free resources are available to assist them.

Here are some tips to help veterans prevent this types of scenario from befalling their loved ones.

Organize veterans benefits paperwork and information in a binder, and/or in a special digital folder that you share with your family. Carefully organize all the documentation related to your military service, your application for benefits, and the decision letters describing service connection. Store paper copies in a fireproof cabinet or safe. It is ideal to scan or photograph paper documentation and to also store it digitally on a computer or thumb drive.

Explain your current veterans benefits to your family. Schedule a day and time to talk one-on-one with your family about the benefits you receive. Get out your binder and digital files and explain to them how the information is organized. Help them understand the situation as it is today.

Discuss what happens to these benefits after you die and what additional benefits the family may receive. Disability compensation payments stop after a veteran dies. Additional  survivor and burial benefits may be available after a veteran’s passing. You can learn more by  checking online at VA.gov or with a veterans service officer (VSO).

Plan ahead for possible financial shortfalls. Even if a survivor benefit is awarded to a widow or widower by the VA, the payment for this benefit will typically be lower than the disability compensation the veteran received while alive. One way to address this income shortfall before the veteran dies is to purchase life insurance that will provide additional income for the spouse.

Give your family contact information for your VSO. Ideally, your spouse should be introduced to the VSO, so the spouse knows who can assist with applying for survivor and burial benefits after the veteran dies.

While these conversations can be tough for many, they can better inform and relieve stress for our families in the future. You want for the people you love to be taken care of after you are gone, so do not delay having these conversations.

Author: Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” (Ad) published in 2023, which is available for purchase through Amazon. If you are a veteran, you may find this book to be extremely helpful. 

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Four Ways to Leave a Legacy to Your Loved Ones

As you get older, leaving a legacy may become increasingly important to you. It's rather comforting to know that a part of you will remain after you are gone. Your family and friends will never forget you, but if you have a "legacy," that is something which can go beyond basic family memories.

If you want to ensure that your family has what they need to feel safe and cared for after you pass on, this guide will help you understand what leaving a legacy means and what you can do to ensure you are remembered fondly.

First let’s start with "what exactly is a legacy?" In short, a legacy is something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past. It could be financial, something you create, or as a result of the people you have touched while alive. The good news is there is still time to start building a legacy which will outlive you in the years ahead.

Leaving a legacy for your family is a powerful way to ensure that your values, memories, and wisdom continue to influence future generations. Considering how you wish to be remembered will help you create meaningful connections which transcend time. Here are a few ways to leave a legacy for your loved ones that resonates with them.

1. Create a Detailed Will

Creating a detailed will and testament, as well as a trust, is one of the most impactful ways to leave a legacy. A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes while providing clear, legally binding instructions for your loved ones.

These assets may include cars, homes, investments, jewelry, art, trinkets, and any land you own. If you want to leave land to family members, consider hiring a company for multigenerational land management to handle finances and organization.

Take the time to include personal messages or instructions for each family member. Your parting words add a personal touch to the document, reminding your loved ones of the values and memories they share with you.  We told our daughters in our will that their continued friendship they felt for each other was far more important than any financial assets they would receive from us, and to work hard to maintain those relationships. We sincerely hope they do.

2. Share Your Life Story

Sharing your life story, lessons, and values is another meaningful way to leave a legacy. Consider writing a memoir or recording interviews where you discuss significant moments in your life and the lessons you have learned along the way. Sharing life events helps you come to terms with the past and strengthens relationships with family members.

If you are unsure of how to write a memoir, consider using this helpful guide: "The Memoir Workbook." (Ad) It will take you step-by-step through the process. 

3. Establish a Family Tradition

Creating a family tradition serves as a living legacy for future generations. These shared practices help family members feel like they belong and ensure they participate in maintaining the legacy you have established.

For instance, you could start a family volunteering day, where every year, your family gathers to contribute to a local charity or community project. Giving back to the community is a great way to establish a strong tradition and ensure your family connects to others.  Your family might like it so much that they continue the tradition for generations to come.

4. Invest in Their Education

Investing in the education of your loved ones is a lasting way to show them you care about their future. Set up trust funds or contribute to education savings accounts to provide them with financial support for their future learning endeavors. Whether college tuition or vocational training, they will appreciate the investment in their interests.

There are many ways to leave a legacy for your loved ones. It’s a way to ensure your values, memories, and lessons live on long after you are gone. Take the steps outlined above and create a legacy which benefits your family financially and enriches their lives emotionally.

 

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Photo and post credit to: Logical Position