Invest as you age

Financial investments should change as you move through the stages of your life. Contact Kyle Green 206-355-1315 or kyle.green@nw.com – Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative with needs or questions. During your 30s and 40s: These are years of increasing income and increasing demands for your money, particularly providing for your children. • Life insurance is relatively inexpensive at this stage of your life. Buying a policy also is a way of providing for your family’s future. • 529 plans offer tax-advantaged savings for your children’s education. For details, which vary by state, go to www.savingforcollege.com. • Annuities can be a good addition to an IRA or 401k retirement account, and usually have tax-deferred options and guaranteed life income. During your 50s: Prepare for a well-funded retirement during these years. • Remove all risks from your retirement plan. Think about a retirement date and your ability to meet that date. Reduce investments in such things as your employer’s company. • Take advantage of slowing expenses. You are at the top of your earning power, and big expenses, like children living at home, are likely reduced. Consider paying off your mortgage or increasing your investments. During your 60s and beyond: This is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. • Test living on projected income before stopping work. If your expected retirement income will be 70 percent of your current paycheck, set aside 30 percent now and see what it’s like to live on the rest. Apply for Social Security and Medicare. Visit these sites to help you make important decisions about these programs: www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov.

Growing Groceries

Have you ever considered growing your own healthy food using sustainable gardening techniques? The first Master Gardner program was developed by Dr. David Gibby of Washington State University in 1973. He understood the demand for education in urban horticulture and established the successful curriculum and training program in King and Pierce County which has now spread to all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces. There are over 95,000 active Master Gardeners who have provided over 5 million service hours per year to their communities. I have had the pleasure of touring a local Master Gardeners property in Des Moines. When you come across a yard like Peggy’s you can see the dedication and experience a Master Gardener employs. Growing your own food in an urban setting is nothing new. Many of us have an understanding of the famous victory gardens that Americans grew to support the war efforts. Post war community gardens became common and cities set aside uninhabitable land for gardeners. The Growing Groceries Program series is ideal for beginner to intermediate home gardeners and is crafted for the general public. They teach gardening practices based on current science for the Seattle’s maritime environment. Participants will become more successful in their home gardening outcomes and use more sustainable and environmentally healthy practices. Specific crop plants will be advised so you know exactly what to purchase to become the best farmer you can be. Nothing tastes better than fresh food from your garden. High-end grocery stores and farmers markets will not even come close once you have been educated by the Master Gardeners! Its spring so now is the time to plan your summer garden! www.mgfkc.org

Be Ready In An Emergency

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Some items are standard, regardless of who you are or where you live, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and multi-purpose tool. Consider the specific needs of those in your family and geographical location as well. Find pre-made lists and help in building an emergency kit at ready.gov/kit and redcross.org.

Outdoor Living

Making the most of your outdoor living space gives you more space for relaxing and entertaining. Here are some ideas to create your own welcoming areas for outdoor living this spring and summer. Add visual interest to an outdoor space with brightly-painted planters or colorful throw pillows. They’re easy to update when your favorite color changes, and small enough to add more whenever you like. Dual-purpose furniture is useful in a small outdoor space. For instance, bench seating that’s also storage and a table that has a planter underneath reduce the furniture footprint without sacrificing utility. Walkways invite exploration into a larger yard, and keep guests from accidentally stepping on seedlings. Curving walkways through trees or bushes can also create more intimate spaces for entertaining without overcrowding in one spot. Your indoor fireplace is probably a focal point, so why not give your backyard a similar treatment? Digging a fire pit into your lawn is an inexpensive option. If you don’t want to give up that space in your yard permanently, there are also movable fire pit units you can buy, allowing you to store them when they’re not in use. Creative outdoor lighting not only provides a warm glow, it also means you can use your outdoor space into the night. Simple DIY solutions include strings of outdoor globe string lights around the porch, small white fairy lights wrapped around tree trunks, or candles in Mason jars twinkling on tables. For an even bigger “wow” factor, wire a chandelier over an outdoor dining table. Combine outdoor lighting and pest control in one. Fill mason jars with fresh rosemary sprigs, slices of limes or lemons, and about 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Add water and a floating candle to the top. Mosquitos don’t like the smell, but you will.

Home Inspection

A home inspection is not mandatory when you purchase a house, but I recommend that you have any home you’re planning on buying inspected by a licensed inspector. In fact, I’d insist upon it. A home inspector has the training and expertise to provide an objective opinion about the condition of the home. The inspector will carefully examine the home’s structure, roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and cooling system, and appliances. He or she will provide a written assessment of the house’s condition. The inspection will tell you what repairs might need to be made before buying. The inspection can alert you to any serious problems the house may have—before you buy the house. There’s a period after a contract is accepted when you can have the inspection completed. Fees are paid to the inspector by the buyer. If there are problems or repairs that need to made, you can request in writing during the specified period that these repairs be made as a condition of the sale.

Got Clutter?

Author Peter Walsh says do the trash bags tango! Have your family go around the house with three trash bags in hand. Place items to throw away in one, recycle in another and items to donate in the third.

Donating Clothes And Accessories

Is it time for a wardrobe facelift? Before hauling your old clothes away to the same secondhand store or tossing them in the trash, consider these options. Blue jeans: Old blue jeans donated through bluejeansgogreen.org will be turned into insulation in communities that need it most. Shoes: Both soles4souls.org and oneworldrunning.com accept gently worn shoes to donate to people in need around the world. Wedding and formal dresses: Most people only wear formal clothing a few times, so if your wedding dress or formal gowns are still in great condition, pass them on! Soon-to-be-military brides are on the receiving end at bridesacrossamerica.com, and Project G.L.A.M. (wgirls.org) provides teenage girls with prom dresses. Eyeglasses: If you’ve updated your prescription lately, donate old frames and lenses to new-eyes.org, where they’ll be passed on to someone who can’t afford new eyeglasses.

Drive the North Cascades Hwy this Spring

Spring weekends are a great excuse to take road trips. If you have time and find a sunny day jump in the car and go for it! SR 20 closes every winter sometime in November depending on snow depth and does not generally reopen until April or May. The pass is 5,477 ft. above sea level! It is one of the state’s oldest highways; it was roughed out in 1897. Before that is was a well-used Native American trading route. It is the states northernmost route across the mountains and was the 1st designated National Scenic Highway in the United States. From Marblemount to Winthrop you will want to stop several times to take pictures. The most scenic drive starts in the North Cascades National Park and is absolutely spectacular past a turquoise Lake Diablo and crystal blue Ross Lake. I have taken the drive once and will not forget it! You will want to consider staying the night or plan on a full day. Winthrop offers many great restaurant and lodging options. Enjoy the trip!

Perfect Timing to Visit Kubota Gardens

Kubota Garden was started by Japanese emigrant Fujitaro Kubota in 1927. He was awarded the Order of Sacred Treasure in 1972 by the Japanese government and tended the garden until his death in 1973. Kubota Garden was protected and integrated into the park system in 1987. Located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood it is an exceptionally rich collection of unique and mature plantings, waterfalls, ponds, rock formations, and artworks. The 20-acre park is fun to visit any time of year but is especially beautiful in the spring. Enjoy!!

Golf Instruction

The golf industry has undergone a significant resurgence this last year. Tee times are had to come by on weekends. I really noticed the change on rainy days when courses were empty now tee boxes are still full. As a lifetime golfer I am super pleased to see so many new golfers and more rounds being played. The fall / winter of 2005-2006 I took over 20 lessons to improve my game and it stuck. GOLFTEC is the nations recognized leader in golf improvement with over 9 million lessons given and a 96% satisfaction rate. Their training program will start you on a path to a lifetime of better golf. They begin with a swing evaluation; confirm proper club fitting, provide instant video feedback, technology in the training bays, and a personal coach. The dedicated personal coach understands your success is their success and will stand by you to help you achieve your personal goals. They also offer enhanced putting lessons, short game clinics, and on the course personal instruction. They offer a wide variety of pricing packages starting at $100. www.golftec.com

Maintain Strong, Healthy Bones

Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis. By 2024, half of all citizens over 50 will be at high risk for developing the condition. In a recent report, “Bone Health and Osteoporosis,” U. S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona outlines important measures you can take to maintain strong, healthy and happy bones for life. One of the most common myths, he says, is that only women need to worry about bone health. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. By age 75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women! Are you at risk? The first symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture. Other risk factors include: low calcium/vitamin D intake, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, body weight less than 125 lbs, long-term steroid medication like prednisone or cortisone, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, and early menopause. How to maintain strong bones? First, while bone weakness is evident in older Americans, strong bones begin in childhood. Here are four steps you can take today to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong, healthy bones: 1. Get the recommended amount of daily calcium by drinking milk and eating green leafy vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, and cheese. (1,000 mg of calcium per day). 2. Exercise 30 minutes per day for adults; 60 minutes a day for children. This can be walking, running, or any weight-baring exercise. 3. Get Vitamin D (200 IU), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun. It’s also found in fortified milk and cereals 4. Your doctor can order a bone density test (DEXA), which measures bone density at the spine, hip, and wrist where most fractures occur. For more information on osteoporosis, call 1-866-718-BONE, or go to www.surgeongeneral.gov.

Happy Saint Patricks Day

May you be at the gates of heaven an hour before the devil knows you're dead. Here's to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one. May neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angles protect you and heaven accept you. May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, and may your pockets always have a coin or two inside. May the enemies of Ireland never meet a friend. May the roof above never fall in and those gathered beneath it never fall out. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May misfortune follow you for the rest of your life, and never catch up. May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Washington Park Arboretum

Many people have lived their whole lives in the Seattle area and have never spent time at the tucked away Arboretum. Located between Montlake and Madison Valley it is easily accessed from Hwy-520. Over 400 acres of land owned by The Puget Mill was split in 1920. Half went into development of the private Broadmoor Golf Club; designed by the famous Irish immigrant A.V. Macan. (I have played it once) The other half was given to the University of Washington and City of Seattle. Washington Park Arboretum opened in 1934 featuring miles of footpaths, a Japanese Garden, stunning wetlands, and many unique trees have been cultivated by the UW. This is the time of year to see Azalea Way! Offering a vivid contrast to the thick foliage the Azalea bushes bring out the amateur photographers in droves. This is such a nice time to get out and enjoy our beautiful parks. It’s Free!

Outdoor Adventure Websites

Why sit inside when a world of adventure waits out your front door? www.rei.com – In addition to selling gear, REI offers an array of classes (many of them free) to help prepare you for everything from cycling and hiking to camping and climbing. www.geartrade.com – Gear can be pricey, but you can buy it used for a fraction of the price at this site. www.nps.gov – Find a U.S. National Park near you to begin exploring today.

Player Profile Russell Wilson

If you are like me you are happy and proud to have Russell Wilson representing the Seahawks and Seattle! I just Liked him on Facebook and enjoy getting his posts. He is very active in the community and has an impressive foundation www.whynotyoufoundation.com Pass the Peace! His on field awards are simply amazing for a 11 year player, but for me it’s more about the man than the game. He is an excellent role model for us all! Born Nov. 29th 1988 in Cincinnati Ohio / drafted #75 out of Wisconsin / drafted and played minor league baseball / lost his father in 2010 due to Diabetes / 8X Pro Bowl / NFL Rookie of the Year / Steve Largent Award / PFWA Good Guy Award / Rose Bowl QB / Super Bowl Champion / NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award / 21 Rushing Touchdowns / 101.7 Passer Rating

Russell Wilson Quotes To Live By…

“I truly believe in positive synergy, that your positive synergy gives you a more hopeful outlook.” –Russell Wilson “When we are battling with something, or struggles, or at our highest point as well we want somebody to there for us and to say well done. That’s Jesus!” –Russell Wilson “My dad used to wake me up at 5:30 in the morning and hit me ground balls and tell me, don’t be afraid to excel. Don’t be afraid to be great.” –Russell Wilson “My thing is, and I’ve always been this way – to get to know as many people as I possibly can on a personal level, so that way, when you get on the football field, you’ve got your buddy right beside you and you’re ready to go.” -Russell Wilson

Ways to Live Well

We all want to feel better, look better, and live as if we are a finely tuned instrument, or well-maintained vehicle. Here are some tips I’ll share to get you started on the road to feeling, looking, and living better and increasing your chances for enjoying life. Your age is just a number fight, fight, fight!! 1. Smile. Researchers at Harvard found that people with positive attitudes are more likely to have fewer heart ailments. 2. Take Monday Off. Researchers in New York found that missing a few days of work lowers your risk for stroke by 30 percent…not to mention most heart attacks occur on Monday morning! 3. Eat Oatmeal Cookies. University of Connecticut researchers found that eating oat-bran cookies daily can lower your LDL cholesterol by 20 percent. 4. Go To Bed Early. People who are fatigued have high levels of fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein that reduces blood flow to your heart and brain. 5. Wash Your Hands. German scientists found people with high levels of antibodies from fighting infections also had more clogging of their arteries. 6. Read A Good Book. Need I say more? 7. Meditate 30 Minutes A Day. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found meditation may reduce depression and anxiety by up to 25 percent. 8. Drink Cranberry Juice. People who drink 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day increase their HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent…reducing heart risk by 40 percent, according a New Jersey study. 9. Bike Your Blues Away. Biking was found to be as effective at relieving depression as antidepressants reported Duke University researchers. 10. Join A Group. People who have a circle of friends handle stress better and have less heart disease, according to University of Chicago researchers.

Preventing Head Injuries

Did you know that up to 85% of head injuries to bicyclists can be prevented just by wearing a helmet? With more and more people riding bicycles for exercise and fun, it’s a sport that’s not just for kids anymore. Here are four important tips that can help make your next ride a safe one. 1) Your bicycle helmet should have a snug fit, but feel comfortable. Select a helmet that is recommended by the National Standards Institute, www.ansi.org. 2) Wear appropriate clothing. Clothing should be light and close fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle’s moving parts. 3) Make sure your bike is adjusted properly. Check that all parts are secure and working. The handlebars should be firmly in place and turn easily. The wheels should be straight and secure. 4) Check tires for proper pressure and make sure there are no bulges or cracks. For more information on bicycling and bike safety, go to www.bicyclinginfo.org

Alternatives to Bottled Water

You’ve likely heard that bottled water has major environmental consequences, but how bad is the problem? Here are a few facts from thewaterproject.org that illustrate the severity of the situation: • Approximately 80% of single-use water bottles in the U.S. become “litter,” and one bottle takes more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade. • U.S. landfills have two million tons of discarded water bottles in them. • It takes three liters of water to package one liter of bottled water. In response to the bottled water problem, some cities and businesses have banned it, but what can you do? • Skip the single-use water bottle, and invest in a reusable water bottle. If you forget it, buy multiples to keep in vehicles, the office, and your gym bag. • Drink tap water. Several studies have been done to show municipal tap water is usually just as safe as bottled water. • Refrigerate water. Cooling tap water helps remove the chlorine taste many people feel is in tap water. • Boil water if you are concerned water might be contaminated.

Prevent Pain While Standing

Do you stand all day in your job? That can cause low back pain. Try these tips: • Sit down when you can, but use good posture when standing: keep your back straight and don’t slouch. • Do standing stretches: put one leg behind you or reach down and touch your toes for 10 seconds to stretch your hamstrings. • Shift your weight often from one leg to the other. Or use a footstool to rest one foot, then the other. • Wear cushioned shoes. And massage your feet at the end of the day.

Yoga!

Interested in trying yoga for the first time but don’t know where to start? Ease in with these simple steps: • Choose a beginner or basic yoga class. Avoid “open level” classes. • Most yoga classes offer mats. Contact the yoga instructor or studio if you have questions about instruction level or equipment. • Be on time. Better yet, be early. Introduce yourself to the instructor and let him/her know you are new to yoga. Instructors can offer modifications to suit your skill level. • Breathe and enjoy. Listen to the instructor and work through the yoga poses at your pace and ability level.

Signs Your Parents Need Help

The elderly population is expected to double by 2025. It’s a fact of life we have to face sooner or later: At some point, one or both of your parents, as independent as they seem to be, are going to need extra help at home. Approach the situation carefully, but keep an eye out for these early signs you may notice when you visit them.  Difficulty getting around. Are they having trouble with the stairs or getting in the shower or bathtub? There are adjustments you can make to their home to make it safer, such as removing small area rugs, installing grab bars in the shower and using nightlights to light the path to the bathroom.  Physical health issues. Are they making their doctor appointments? They may be limiting their social activities because they can’t hear or see as well as they should. Do they keep a list of their medications? Some older people are, in fact, over-medicated. Offer to go with them on one of their next appointments.  Forgetfulness. Do they remember things you talked about? Do you see unpaid bills on the table? Is the house clean and is the dirty laundry under control? Is there food in the refrigerator? Work with them on solutions, such as hiring a cleaning service or considering a meal delivery option. There are many resources available to help you help them. Check out sites such as the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org), www.care.com and www.agingcare.com. To engage their minds and keep them (or anyone over 50) up-to-date on aging issues, take a look at www.aarp.org.

Recycle Your Gadgets

Did you just buy a new smartphone, but don’t know what to do with your old one? You can get money for it (or other items like iPods and gaming consoles) from such sites as www.gazelle.com or www.nextworth.com. The more current the device (in good condition), the better deal you’ll get.