Thought of the Month...
"Great things are not done by impulse, but
by a series of small things brought together."
-- Vincent Van Gogh
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Did you know that...
recycling a six-pack of aluminum cans every week saves enough energy to power a TV for 936 hours? The recycling process uses about 75% less energy than using materials for the first time. Recycled aluminum is used in new cars, bikes, appliances and cookware.
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Referral Corner
We always love to have
new people become part
of our inner circle of
friends and family. If you
know of someone
looking for
insurance and investment
services, please send them
our way.
Simply send them this
newsletter, and have them
bring it in to the agency or
call our office and we will
give you $10 worth of NJ
Instant Lottery Tickets!
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Greetings!
Greetings! Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter. We hope you find the information we share here useful.
Please be on the lookout for an exciting and special announcement coming soon!
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SPECIAL ALERT:
A New Law Makes More People Eligible for Tax-Free Income!
There are two types of Individual Retirement Accounts: traditional and Roth. Preferably taxpayers would choose the Roth IRA, but they've been prevented by law which limits participants to people with income under $100k. Starting January of 2010, this requirement will be lifted for that calendar year. (Note: When converting a traditional IRA to a Roth, you will owe tax on the pretax dollars including any growth, because this money has never been subject to income tax).
There is good news - for conversions made in 2010 only, this taxable income can be divided equally between 2011 and 2012. So you can delay paying the tax or you can pay the full amount in 2010, when tax rates may be lower than in future years. The reason that Roth IRAs are so attractive compared to traditional IRAs, is that once you've had Roth for 5 years, all distributions are tax free, as long as you are 59 1/2 years old. Another advantage is that you do not need to take required minimum distributions regardless of your age.
Who should consider this conversion option?
- Someone in the low tax bracket.
- Someone who wants to leave these funds to beneficiaries.
Once the Roth is inherited, the heirs can take tax free
distributions.
- Someone concerned about higher future income tax rates.
Very distinct possibility, based on current economic
conditions.
If a conversion makes sense, pay the tax owed with money outside your IRA. This will keep your balance intact and if you're under age 59 1/2, you'll avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
You may also "bump the bracket". If you are in a low tax bracket, you may convert funds from your traditional IRA to your new Roth IRA up to the top of your current bracket. For example, if your current income is $25k below the next tax bracket, you may convert that amount and pay the income tax at your lower tax rate.
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For Your Health...
Foods that fight allergies. The following foods help battle airborne allergies...
Fruits high in vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, may help reduce inflammation. Year-round, eat two pieces of fruit daily. When you're especially congested, choose from these twice a day - 1 cup of strawberries, an apple, 1 cup of grapes or a med. sized wedge of watermelon.
Nuts, especially almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, which helps minimize inflammation. Eat a single one-once serving of any of these nuts daily year-round to prevent symptoms.
Cold-water fish (wild salmon, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines), as well as walnuts and flaxseed, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. Eat at least two servings of cold water fish each week year-round and three servings during allergy seasons.
Oysters, shrimp and crab, as well as legumes, whole grains and tofu are all high in zinc, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects that provide relief for immune systems overtaxed by fighting allergies.
Tea, whether green, white or black, is full of flavonoids, plant compounds that reduce inflammation. Tea also increases proteins in the body that fight infection. Enjoy one cup daily and increase to two when your allergies are a problem.
Horseradish, hot mustard, fennel, anise and sage also stimulate the cilia and acts as natural decongestants. Add a dash to food whenever possible.
(Source: Leo Galland, MD, founder of Foundation for Integrataed Medicine in New York City)
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Fun & Useful Web Sites
Flu update: Self-defense strategies...vaccine recommendations...school/business planning...medications. www.flu.gov
Halloween fun: Instructions for making costumes, decorations, edible treats, carved pumpkins, etc. www.allcrafts.net/halloween.htm
Online learning: Free flash cards and other tools for study in a variety of subjects. www.studystack.com
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