New Year a Good Time for New Approach

We frequently resolve to reinvent ourselves in the New Year — exercise more, eat healthier, read more or save more.

This concept of reinvention carries over to several aspects of the financial world as well, both personally and in businesses.

At a certain age, it’s common for people to put their materialistic desires behind them and focus on a more personal lifestyle. We grow up learning to want things, but after our income level reaches a comfortable level, we reflect on whether we have what we really want. At that point, our perspective can change.

If we can help you refocus your financial situation to match the type of lifestyle you want to lead going forward, we’re here for you.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Minimalist Living: When a Lot Less Is More,” from Time, March 15, 2015.]

[CLICK HERE to read the news release, “What Psychology Says About Materialism and the Holidays,” from the American Psychological Association, Dec. 16, 2014.]

Companies often find themselves needing to reinvent as a result of rapidly changing surroundings. Not long ago, Yahoo and Barnes & Noble were industry leaders. But, as new technology and competitors emerge, a period of poor sales or stock performance can put once-successful business models in need of a shakeup.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Is It Too Late to Reinvent Yahoo?” from Knowledge@Wharton, Jan. 4, 2016.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “How Can Barnes & Noble Avoid Borders’ Fate?” from Knowledge@Wharton, Dec. 18, 2015.]

An alternative method of reinvention is simply changing the impression presented to consumers through a rebranding. This could mean a new logo, a new look for brick and mortar stores, a new look for the website; basically good branding means creating a cohesive look across all customer touchpoints.

Does a new logo mean the service or product has changed? Perhaps. Sometimes companies rebrand to reflect changes, other times it’s just a new update to their look. While a fresh, new look could attract new customers in the short-term, if the product hasn’t improved, it won’t be long before it’s time for another overhaul.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “When’s the right time to reinvent your brand with a new logo?” from W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Jan. 4, 2016.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Three ways Fortune changed in 2015,” from Fortune, Jan. 4, 2016.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Goodbye, Moto(rola): Iconic brand name to be phased out,” from CNET, Jan. 7, 2016.]

The same can be true when it comes to reinventing our own situation. Sometimes we just “rebrand” ourselves, informing friends and family that we’ve joined a gym or started shopping at Whole Foods.

Truly reinventing ourselves requires commitment and discipline. We can’t just say we’ve made a change, we have to take the often painstaking steps to get there. If any of your reinvention plans involve your financial situation, remember that we’re here to help you develop a strategy and stick to it.

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

The information contained in this material is provided by third parties and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. 

If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference. 

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Brain Power Translates to Staying Power

We keep hearing about how life expectancy has increased, and today’s retirees are living longer than ever. However, longevity behooves that we (1) take measures to retain good health and mental acumen as we get older and (2) develop a long-term financial strategy to provide for ourselves and our loved ones in retirement.

We can help you with the latter, and here are some new studies that may help you with the former.

Recent research has found that the brain can actually grow new nerve cells through a process called neurogenesis. The hippocampus section of the brain — which is responsible for learning, memory, mood and emotion — generates up to 700 new neurons per day. In fact, scientists have discovered a clear link that patients given anti-depressants generate a higher level of new neurons, which are directly responsible for improving mood.

While neuron production tends to decrease as we age, there are factors we can control to help increase production: learning, physical activity and specific factors related to diet, such as restricted caloric intake, intermittent fasting, consuming flavonoids (found in blueberries and dark chocolate) and omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon). Soft foods (as opposed to crunchy foods) also have been found to promote neurogenesis.

[CLICK HERE to view the Ted Talk, “You Can Grow New Brain Cells. Here’s How,” from BCG Perspectives, October 2015.]

Other studies have demonstrated positive brain changes associated with higher levels of daily physical activity and fitness. In addition to keeping muscles and joints fit, exercise also improves oxygen circulation and the nerve processes that improve memory and brain functions as people age.

Scientists say it doesn’t take much; simply that we continue to be active throughout the day. For example, get up and move around every hour that you’re awake.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Getting closer to understanding how exercise keeps brains young,” from Harvard Health Publications, Sept. 4, 2015.]

Another phenomenon that impedes brain functionality is sleep deprivation, which is common among adults at every age. A sleep-deprived brain thinks slower, reacts slower and is prone to poorer decision making. Furthermore, lack of sleep can impact mood, and people who consistently lose sleep are more likely to experience depression.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Sleep and Melatonin,” from National Sleep Foundation, 2015.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Sleep and Sound,” from National Sleep Foundation, 2015.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Have Insomnia? Researchers Identify Brain Circuit Responsible for Wakefulness, Sleep,” from MedicalDaily.com, Dec. 26, 2015.]

Finally, you can help optimize your brainpower by cutting down on refined sugar consumption. While it’s well known sweets aren’t good for our waistlines, they can also be detrimental to mental sharpness and the ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Let’s face it: If we’re going to live a long time, we want to maintain a high quality of life. The decisions you make regarding health and nutrition are in your hands, but if you ever have questions about keeping your finances in good shape, feel free to give us a call.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “How Giving up Refined Sugar Changed My Brain,” from Fast Company, Sept. 1, 2015.]

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

The information contained in this material is provided by third parties and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed.

If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference. 

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