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Looking Back and the Future

ByMichael

Looking Back on Tuesday

Like many of you, I took time on Tuesday to go and vote.  For the Tannery’s voting, is a family affair.  While Tina left early Tuesday, voted and snagged incredible cookies at the Mohawk Elementary Bake sale, I met “The Girls” for lunch before we all went together and voted.

Did we all vote alike, I doubt that we did as each of us has our own opinion of what is important in our lives, much like families across the United States.  Yet, the force of our family all showing up to vote was noted by the poll workers as we signed in and took our ballots.

I heard one remark, “That’s pretty awesome that the entire family voted.”

While the choice to vote is instilled in our family DNA, I must admit there is some weight to be given to the dark chocolate brownies and the rice crispy treats that were available in the bake sale towards getting our attendance.

Did all the candidates I voted for win?  No, but while I would have liked for my choice to be the winner, the action of voting is of the most paramount importance to making our country the greatest.

Tuesday evening, unlike most Americans, I sat down and read a book.  No TV for me.  I was exhausted from the months of campaigning and news reports.  I would find out the next morning what America had collectively decided.  I will admit to scrolling through Facebook and having a sense of what was occurring, but I remained convicted to my book and waiting for the morning light to bring my results.

The Future

We now face the next 70 days of transition as the Obama-led White House makes way for the Trump presidency.  Speculation and anticipation will run amuck as the 24 hours a day news cycle continues to pollute our mind with every speck of real and imagined information.

Thankfully, it is only 13 days until Thanksgiving and then another 31 days till Christmas.  There must be enough days of Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday, UPS or FEDX packages stolen from your porch (Ship them to your office) and will Dak leading the Cowboys to the promise land to keep you somewhat occupied.

What Should I DO NOW

The question of what action do I need to take considering the election is the question I have been asked the most often since the Trump victory.

MY TOP FIVE ACTIONS TO TAKE

  1. Read Speaker of The House, Paul Ryan’s A Better Way, In my opinion, this is a preview of actions that might be taken.  (emphasis on the might)
  1. Consult with your CPA or tax professional to determine the actions you need to take prior to December 31, 2016, that may impact your business and personal income tax planning.
  1. Give Regularly is the fifth action item in The Financial Olympian’s™ Creed. There is no better time than now to act and give to others.  If you need a suggestion, then pick out a toy and drop it off at Pampillonia’s Jewelry in Richardson.  They are supporting the NETWORK of COMMUNITY MINISTRIES in the annual Toyland Express Program through November 19, 2016.  More information can be found on their Facebook Page.  Give them a like for all they are doing for our community.
  1. Year-end Portfolio Management – The awareness of tax-efficiency is integral to managing a portfolio. Vanguard research has shown that, of all the expenses investors pay, taxes can take the biggest bite out of total returns. Most mutual fund managers are not concerned with the tax implications of their trading. The key is to manage a portfolio with taxes in mind.  Consult with your CPA or professional tax advisor and consider a joint meeting to utilize the expertise of both your tax professional and your investment professional.
  1. Take 3:26 of your day to watch, listen and hear the words of “What a Wonderful World” by Tony Bennett and kd lang. Life is precious and you and I should never forget the joy we have in our life.

Have an incredible Fall weekend and don’t forget about the SUPER MOON on Sunday, November 13 and Monday, November 14, 2016

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Michael Tannery CPA CDFA® AIF® ●  CEO
Registered Principal

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    Wasted Time

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    What is wasted time?
    Unscheduled, unplanned time doing the simple things of life
    As kids out summers were spent riding our bikes, playing in the creek or playing any game we could make up. All of this was outside and required very little parental supervision.
    Ain’t it funny how the best days of my life was all that wasted time
    – lyric from Keith Urban’s song – Wasted Time
    Today, I observe adults and children over scheduled with activities and over connected with every electronic device possible. Wasted time is where creativity is created.
    We are the “Attachment Generation”.
    Based on my observation about us becoming the “Attachement Generation”, I began to pose this question to friends and clients in my conversations.
    “What is your daily routine and how connected are you”.
    The #1 answer was – immediately when I get up or I take my phone to bed with me.
    I would get the answers and ask my favorite question – why?
    Why do you have to keep your phone with you, even taking it to bed?
    Why do you immediately look at it when you wake up, no matter the time of the night?
    They answered with various reasons that attempted to make the attachment to their phone seem normal.
    This simple idea of not having your smart phone with you 365/24/7 caused people stress.
    “When people are so plugged into their devices around the clock, they often lose the ability to be fully present to themselves and to other people,” says Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., director of Life Management ar Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. “It negatively impacts our peace of mind and relationships with others.”
    When is the last time you had “Wasted Time?”
    If “I can’t remember” is your answer then you have become part of the Attachment Generation. It is time for a digital detox and some “Wasted Time”.
    Take my seven steps toward finding your Wasted Time.
    1. Let go of the phone – start with taking it out of the bed. Your phone needs to sleep in the other room, not in the bed or on the bedside table. I made this change and the results are positive. (the phone was on the bedside table)

    2. Don’t touch your phone for the first 30 minutes of your day. Let your mind and your body refresh from the night’s sleep.

    3. Eliminate all of the “push” notifications on your phone and your desktop. This also includes your watch. I see many people distracted and looking at their smart watch for the text notifications during a meeting. It is unprofessional and inconsiderate.

    4. Drive your car without looking at your phone at stop lights. (No texting should not even be mentioned)

    5. Stop using your phone to occupy all of your free time. If you are standing in line at the grocery store, it is Ok to let your mind be unoccupied.

    6. Meals are Digital Free.

    7. Plan some wasted time each day without a screen in front of you. That includes a TV. Go workout, take a walk or have a conversation with your spouse, your children or take a bottle of wine and go visit a neighbor. I prefer reds however a chilled white will work this summer.
    Be honest
    You probably use your smartphone way more than you should, but you’re far from alone. It’s addictive checking social media, playing games and of course just staring down at it when you’re in a socially awkward situation.
    Try either taking the Apps off your phone or try one of these six apps to break your addiction.
    Tell me about your results of finding your Wasted Time.

2 Comments

  1. Mike,

    Recently heard a friend had and was continuing to take Neiman’s to task
    because of TERRIBLE service….both online and in stores. She had ordered 3 gifts and all went awry and it’s been happening for quite a while. She took it all to Facebook and oh, the responses.

    I RARELY shop at dept. stores and haven’t for a long time due to lack of service, knowledge, efficiency – to name just a few things lacking. The salespeople are MORE interested in talking with co-workers and/or on their PERSONAL phones. I will NOT beg a store to let me spend $$$$ with them!

    Much more to say on this subject, yet it’s a waste of valuable time…..

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