1 | Week In Review
CPI and PPI hit numbers we haven’t seen in 40 years. How long will inflation stick around – and has GDP been affected? Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano and Derek Felske discuss.
2 | Poll
Do You Have A Morning Routine?
Some experts believe a structured morning routine is a key part to success. In our recent poll we asked readers, “Do you have a morning routine?”
The majority of respondents say they have some form of a morning routine.
“Yes, I have the same routine every morning.” (48%)
“Somewhat. My routine differs, based on what I’m doing that day.” (46%).
Tim Ferriss, bestselling author and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, credits his success to a strict morning routine. It looks like this:
- Make bed
- Meditate for 20 minutes
- Drink some strong tea
- Journal for 5-10 minutes
- Eat a small breakfast
- Exercise for 20-90 minutes [1]
While Tim’s routine feels extreme, others are less involved. Nearly all peak performers in business, arts, entertainment, and sports credit a routine for setting the tone of their day.
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates starts each day with exercise. Specifically, running on the treadmill while watching a show or movie. [2]
Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple, shared that he asked himself the same question in the mirror every morning: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?” [2]
Actor, comedian and singer, Jamie Foxx says his first move in the morning is texting encouragement to the people he loves. [3]
Author and speaker Tony Robbins begins each day by plunging into a 57-degree Fahrenheit cold-plunge pool. [4]
Other morning routines are more about what you don’t do.
Arianna Huffington, author and cofounder of the Huffington Post, says upon waking up, she avoids checking her smartphone for the first 30-60 minutes. [4]
Actress and author Cameron Diaz skips the coffee. Instead, she starts each day by getting up, brushing her teeth, then drinking a liter of water. [2]
If you are one of the 6% of respondents who said you start the day by simply rolling out of bed – we get it. But it’s never too late to try something new. Set up a morning routine that works for you, and you might just start having more productive, focused, and energetic days. It’s worth a shot!
1. https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-ferriss-morning-routine-2017-1
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2020/12/13/5-morning-habits-of-highly-successful-people/?sh=1fa2277c5ec6
3. https://tim.blog/2018/06/04/the-tim-ferriss-show-transcripts-morning-routines-and-strategies/
4. https://medium.com/personal-growth-lab/12-morning-routine-habits-from-highly-successful-people-c6c56e4e0473
BACK TO TOP ↑
3 | Client Exclusive
Martin Luther King Day.
What can we do to celebrate?
Tomorrow is an important day in our shared history – a day that represents hope for a brighter future, and one that we can work towards together. In our world today, the messages that MLK promoted still hold true: peace, justice, hope, strength.
So, on MLK day this year, what can we do to celebrate the vision that Dr. King tirelessly worked to pursue and to renew the sense of hope that was at the root of King’s movement and fight for change? Here are a few ways to celebrate and reflect on all that Martin Luther King Jr. said and did, and how we can continue to learn from it to this day.
1. Read or reread one or more of MLK’s many speeches. Though the most famous, Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech given in 1963 in Washington is not his only great one. In fact, that historic speech was a culmination of sermons and previous speeches of his that took the powerful rhetoric of each and combined them.[1] Among many other thought- provoking, passionate, and historic speeches is Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize address – often seen as another, but lesser known, important address that can and should be read by those seeking to understand more about what Dr. King was fighting for. [2]
2. Watch an MLK film or documentary. Leading a life fighting for change and equality, both documentaries and films are abundant surrounding the life and goals of Dr. King and his cause. An engaging way to tell stories, film often allows us to visualize the world the MLK inhabited and understand more about our history and why the movement was so important.
3. Pick up an MLK related book – they have them for all ages! From simple kids books with a powerful message to full length non-fiction accounts of the history of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and journey, learning more about his story and impact on society can be accessible for all.[3] Public libraries are also a great place to check for MLK related events, geared mostly towards kids to learn about the impact and importance of grasping the historical significance of the life and movement being remembered.
4. Plant a tree or grow a house plant. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for this nation was one of growth, of hope, and of a future worth fighting for. What better way to symbolize those same ideals than watching a plant grow and thrive under your care? It takes work and dedication to fight for something that is right, good, and life-giving. This simple practice can not only serve as a reminder of these things Dr. King fought for but can help to root these same ideals into something practical that you can be reminded of every day.[4]
[1] https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/i-have-dream
[2] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/meaningful-ways-celebrate-martin-luther-king-day-ncna960351?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&stream=science
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/meaningful-ways-celebrate-martin-luther-king-day-ncna960351?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&stream=science
[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/meaningful-ways-celebrate-martin-luther-king-day-ncna960351?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&stream=science
BACK TO TOP ↑
4 | Did You Know?
The IRS has updated the Uniform Lifetime Table and Single Life Expectancy Table for 2022.
These tables are used to calculate the required minimum distribution (RMD) each year from qualified retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s. Each of these tables are made up of life expectancy factors. Effective January 1st, 2022, these factors have increased slightly. What does this mean for account holders?
Well, it’s good news: RMD amounts will be slightly smaller than they were under the old tables. These new tables apply to anyone who is taking RMD’s from their qualified retirement account, even someone who started RMD’s years ago under the old tables.
Oftentimes, RMD’s are left to be taken towards the end of the year. There are several reasons you may wish to take your RMD earlier in the year. First and foremost, taking your RMD early means checking an important task off your to-do list and avoiding the 50% penalty that occurs if an RMD is not taken prior to year-end.
Also, let’s say you wish to execute a Roth conversion to take advantage of an unexpected market decline. To do this, it’s important to note that the IRS requires that your RMD must be satisfied before a Roth conversion can take place, so taking it early can set you up for this strategy.
Lastly, taking your RMD early makes it easier on your beneficiaries in the event that you pass away during the current year – saving them from having to deal with the matter while grieving.
RMD’s are a necessary obligation to plan for. Contact your Wealth Manager to determine when to take your 2022 RMD based on your unique situation.
BACK TO TOP ↑
Ask Us A Question!
7 | Annex Radio
Top Stories: United Airlines, Tax Season, & Tesla
Top Stories: Inflation & Holiday Spending Report
Know The Difference: John & Valerie’s Testimonial
BACK TO TOP ↑
Events & Webinars
Annex Wealth Management has always been committed to client growth and education. Planning and saving can be demanding. We’ve found that when our clients master key concepts, it often enhances working together to reach their goals. Because these are not sales presentations, our clients benefit from a truly informative experience.
WEBINAR | Annex University: Social Security Basics
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Social Security is a milestone – you’ve worked hard to get here! Navigating the labyrinth of Social Security information can be daunting. As your financial planning firm, we know this can be difficult. Because we know how complex Social Security can be, we are inviting you to a workshop on some general Social Security concepts.
If you have not yet begun to collect Social Security (SS), this informative session is for you. We will cover:
- What does it mean to collect SS early?
- What are the rules for spousal benefits?
- How do you start collecting your SS benefits?
- How is SS taxed?
R E G I S T E R →
WEBINAR | Annex University: Medicare Basics
Thursday, February 10, 2022
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Medicare enrollment is a milestone for each of our clients.
We understand the complexity and anxiety that can go with making a selection, and Annex Wealth Management is here to help.
We will help you:
- Understand your healthcare needs as you reach Medicare age
- Approach Medicare enrollment with confidence
- Navigate Medicare’s complicated rules and deadlines
R E G I S T E R →
WEBINAR | Annex University: Estate Planning Basics
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
Because we know how complex Estate Planning can be, we are inviting you to a workshop on some general Estate Planning concepts.
We will discuss:
- The various documents that are key elements of every estate plan
- Reasons you should do estate planning
- Lifetime planning and asset distribution planning at death
- Should I avoid probate and if so, how
- How do beneficiary designations and asset titling impact an estate plan
- Who should I name as fiduciaries
- How to communicate with family about your estate plan.
R E G I S T E R →
IN-PERSON | Women & Wealth: Investigating Investment Myths
Thursday, January 20, 20226:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
Join us as we investigate “Rules of Thumb” around investing, honing in on actionable guidelines for our own personal situations. Join us as we debunk common myths such as investing is saving, being in the stock market is gambling, de-risking means to be mostly invested in bonds, and more in this lively, in-person, interactive workshop.
R E G I S T E R →
Annex’s Women & Wealth Retreat: Sedona, AZ
Monday, April 25th to Friday, April 29th, 2022
R E G I S T E R →
BACK TO TOP ↑
