Teaching Tuesday - Birthday's to Remember! First, yes, it is VERY important to remember your significant others birthday! :) Do you try to remember things like, "What age can I start taking money out of my retirement?" or "What age can I start collecting social security?" Here are some birthdays to remember! 50 - You can make additional "catch-up" contributions to your retirement accounts. 59 1/2 - You can take distributions from eligible retirement plans without a 10% early withdrawal penalty. 60 - Social Security survivor benefits may begin for eligible widows/widowers. 62 - Social Security retirement benefits may begin. If you start at 62, your benefit will be reduced compared to if you wait until a later age. 65 - You are eligible to enroll in Medicare starting 3 months before your 65th birthday. 66-67 - Full retirement age for social security retirement benefits. The age will vary based on the year you were born. 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. 70 - Social Security retirement benefits are at the maximum you can receive. 73 - You are required to take your RMD (required minimum distribution) from your tax-deferred retirement accounts. You must take your first RMD by April 1 of the year after you turn 73 and subsequent RMDs must be taken annually by December 31st. Remember to work with your financial representative and tax professional when it comes to any of these important birthday questions!

Do you have some gloves or mittens that you no longer use but are in good condition?! We are collecting them for the Little Free Tree that is hung outside my office! They can be clean, gently used or new for adult and children. I am sure many of you are thinking what about hats and scarves!?! We are blessed with amazing knitters that have been keeping the tree stocked. Feel free to drop off hats and scarves if you have them :) Thank you to everyone who has helped make this tree a success for so many years! Reach out if you have questions.

Teaching Tuesday - Reality We all know there are two things that are guaranteed. Death and taxes. Let's talk about death. I know, it's the conversation we all dislike. But it is something that needs to be planned for. Noone knows when it will be there time. I don't know about you, but I hope to be a great-grandma and watch my kids' kids be parents! That being said, I also plan for the unexpected. Yes, life insurance. I hear all the time, I am young. I am healthy. They can just re-marry. They will have my retirement. If you feel this way, have you ever thought about the emotional side of losing you. You may make it sound easy, but the reality is, it is hard. Truly think about what life would be like without your significant other. I can refer you to some people who have loss in their life if you need some real examples of how it can affect you! When will you or they go back to work? If you have young children, how will they cope? Will you or your significant other need to take extended time off because the kids are struggling, you, or your significant other are struggling? The bills don't change but income does, how will that affect your family? Will this add more stress on top of figuring out the new life without you? Are their unexpected expenses from the death? Medical bills? Here comes the teaching part! Life Insurance. We have a conversation. We talk about what is important to you. How much coverage do you need? $10,000, $5,000,000 or somewhere in between? We make sure it fits into your budget. There are options. We figure it out together! The life insurance benefit can be tax-free for your family to use as they need, to give them peace of mind. Let's not forget the kids! Did you know you can look at coverage for your kids or grandchildren for as little as $3-$5 a month? Give them this gift that has the opportunity to be with them for their lifetime. I know you are thinking, "But there is more." There is always more to talk about. Depending on your health and the amount of coverage you want, you may have to do medical, and underwriting may need to request medical records. Please don't let these things stop you from having the conversation!

Teaching Tuesday - Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Meet the staff of the chamber! Shannon Koele, Elizabeth Loomans and Tracy Propst. I joined in on the picture :) When was our chamber founded? 1913 What does our chamber do? Misson Statement: We promote engagement and collaboration for our community and membership. Vision Statement: We are the organization that drives the community forward through visionary and strategic partnerships. Who can be a member? Businesses, large or small Charities & Service Clubs Individuals - you are reading that right; you don't need to be part of a business to join! What can members expect? You are invited to join a bunch of networking events! Business After Hours, Breakfast Network, Business Power Hour, and more! So many ways to be active! Participate in, volunteer in, sponsor: Taste of Wisconsin, Wine Tour, Leadership Beaver Dam, Farmer's Market and more! As a small business, I can't express enough how being a part of the chamber has shaped who I am. It's more than just growing my business; it's meeting new people, growing relationships and making new friends! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out or check out their website https://beaverdamchamber.com/