April = TAX TIME!
By Renee Leon
April = TAX TIME! Along with laboring over our taxes, we are all faced with the reality of our financial situation - how it looks NOW and how it will look in 10, 15, or 20 years.
Edgar and I have had many lively finance discussions with our good friend, customer, and First Command Financial Advisor, Sandy Wade, about various investing strategies. Today I’m sharing Sandy’s list of Top 8 Mistakes to Avoid in Pursuing Your Financial Goals. If you’d like a copy of the full, super-informative brochure from Sandy, you can contact her by clicking on this link: Sandy Wade: Financial Advisor in Aurora, CO (firstcommand.com). The brochure is a quick way to “check your work” and re-engage with your financial picture!
Top 8 Mistakes to Avoid in Pursuing Your Financial Goals
MISTAKE #1: RELYING EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUR WORKPLACE BENEFITS
Workplace benefits are only individual pieces of a much larger personal financial picture. You need to recognize how your savings, insurance and mortgage connect to the big picture to understand how/if they serve your needs and goals.
MISTAKE #2: NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH YOU NEED FOR RETIREMENT
Too often, people fail to address this question until they’re nearing retirement – then discover they must adjust their expectations to meet the reality of their financial situation.
MISTAKE #3: FAILING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS
Most employees who contribute to a 401(k), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or other tax-advantaged retirement plans can earn matching contributions from their employer by contributing a required percentage of their income. But contribute less than that required amount, and you’re leaving money on the table.
MISTAKE #4: NOT HAVING AN INSURANCE STRATEGY
As part of a financial plan, an insurance strategy that includes the right kinds and right amounts of life, home, auto, liability and disability insurance can help protect you and your loved ones against financial misfortune due to a loss of life, property or income.
MISTAKE #5: FAILING TO PLAN FOR GOALS OTHER THAN RETIREMENT
We all hope to retire one day but, in the meantime, we want to take vacations, pay for college tuitions, or pay for big life events, like a wedding or a child’s college education. And what about the possibility of unpleasant surprise expenses? A financial advisor can help you organize the big picture and how you can be prepared.
MISTAKE #6: WORRYING ABOUT THINGS YOU CANNOT CONTROL
A host of factors can influence rate of return. Focusing too much on fluctuations in the value of your investments can lead to counter-productive behavior like trying to time the market. Selling low and buying high as you chase performance could lead to paying unnecessary fees and taxes as you move your money around.
MISTAKE #7: ASSUMING YOUR INVESTMENTS ARE ADEQUATELY DIVERSIFIED
Effective diversification is less about the number of investments than the TYPES of investments you own. A qualified financial advisor can help you build a balanced portfolio that aligns with your individual investment objectives.
MISTAKE #8: RELYING ON FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR THE MASSES
Popular media pundits are found across the internet and most offer good, general advice. They are helpful for gathering ideas and questions to present to your financial advisor who can assess your specific goals and develop a customized financial plan for pursuing them.
Financial planning is simply a way to organize your financial life so that you can effectively pursue your goals. And knowing that you have a plan and making steady progress can be exciting! If you don’t already have a plan, take the first step today by talking to an experienced and knowledgeable financial advisor.
What’s New at the Shop
April 1, 2022 is Aurora AutoPros’ 9th Anniversary! In 2013, we had one unit and just Edgar and Renee’ running the show. We learned a lot that year and continue to learn as we grow. We are beyond grateful to our incredible team for working with us to provide quality service to our amazing customers!
Many of our long-time customers have been asking when we’ll resume our Annual Customer Appreciation event. In pre-Covid times, we picked a Saturday, usually around our anniversary date, to treat our customers to a free lunch (Salvadoran pupusas) and free giveaways. We intend to resume this annual event NEXT year, our 10th Anniversary! We’ll announce it early 2023 so you can save the date!
Save $$$ with our March Specials!
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Community NEWS
Don’t miss the Selfie @ Stanley, March 4th-April 17th at Stanley Marketplace! Create the perfect selfie! This fun, interactive, immersive art pop-up includes 25+ different photo backdrops. Bring your phone (or camera) and snap away. Perfect for friends, families, dates, and professional photoshoots!
We are HIRING! Join our team by visiting the link HERE
What Our Customers are SAYING about US
“Took my car in for check engine light and a brake/caliper issue. Hands down the easiest experience I have had. Not only were they calling me they were texting me. Were patient when I didn't have the best cell reception and stayed on the phone with me until we could hear each other better. They were honest and did not up sell me on things that I didn't need to do. ” - KC
“So happy to finally have a mechanic I trust! Aurora AutoPros has mastered the balance of providing the auto expertise I need WITH the outstanding customer service I want. ” - Renee M.
Read all the reviews at https://auroraautopros.com/reviews
The Funnies
Friend:
Why do eggs like April Fools’ Day?
Me:
They love practical yolks!
Cooking with the Aurora Auto Pros
Credits: Photo from Taste of Home
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups hot cooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, zucchini and mushrooms; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender. Add bean sprouts, spinach, water, soy sauce and chili sauce; cook and stir just until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat; keep warm.
Place 2-3 in. of water in a large skillet with high sides. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, 1 at a time, into a small bowl; holding bowl close to surface of water, slip egg into water.
Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water.
Serve rice in bowls; top with vegetables. Drizzle with sesame oil. Top each serving with a poached egg.
You can access original recipe HERE.
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Supporting LOCAL Artists
You don’t need to leave Aurora to experience fun, thought-provoking art and FREE entertainment! Aurora has incredible public art! I highly recommend you spend time seeking out some of the pieces that make Aurora interesting and cool!
Aurora's 240 city-owned public artworks are located throughout the city in facilities such as fire stations, recreation centers and libraries; in the Aurora Cultural Arts District; and in parks and open spaces. Aurora’s Art In Public Places has a handy tour here!
There is a great audio/driving and walking tour of the Colfax Mural Canvas! Check it out here!
In my experience, engaging with the arts, in EVERY form, stimulates creativity! If you ever feel “stuck, I recommend tapping into the arts. Theatre, dance, murals, museums, painting, poetry, culinary, etc - it REALLY helps!