The Good Life Report 11/20/19

The World's Easiest Fish Tacos

• Frozen, prepared fish sticks (8 pieces)
   
• 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
   
• Lettuce
   
• Avocado

• ⅓ cup sour cream
   
• ⅓ cup mayo
   
• 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning
   

For the bean salsa:

• 1 can black beans
   
• 1 can sweet corn
   
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
   
• ½ cup red onion, diced
   
• Cilantro to taste
   
• 2 limes
   
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Cook fish sticks according to the package instructions.
    
2. While the fish is cooking, mix all the sauce ingredients together.
    
3. For the bean salsa, mix all the ingredients together.
    
4. To assemble, place one piece of fish onto a tortilla and top with bean salsa, taco sauce, lettuce, and avocado. Garnish with the remaining cilantro. 

It's Never Too Early to Start Thinking About 2020 Taxes

Even though it's only November, it's never too early to start thinking about your 
2020 taxes in April. There are a few things you can do to prepare early, including:

• Doing a paycheck checkup. We've recently talked about the importance of making sure your withholding status is correct, and if you haven't already done so, now's the time.
   
• Gathering your documents. You'll need your W-2 and Form 1099 from any other payer (and if you're self-employed).
   
• Confirming that your employer and bank have the accurate addresses. You should start to receive tax documentation in January.
   
• Setting up an e-Filing profile and signing up for direct deposit for a faster refund.

Remember, even though the filing deadline is April 15, you can always file your taxes before then as soon as you have all your documentation. The sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your tax refund. How early do you plan for the next year's filing?

* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov[7]

This Simple Trick Will Help You Eliminate Half of the Hole

Whether you tend to slice or hook your drives, where and how you set up your ball matters. You may not put much thought into where and how you tee up, but this tip will encourage you to think more about your setup. 

To eliminate half the hole and improve your chances of hitting a good shot, play off the tee in a way that will compensate for your swing trend. In other words, if you tend to hit a slice, tee your ball up near the right tee marker and address the ball so that both your stance and clubface point to ten o'clock. This effectively opens up the left side of the fairway visually for you and orients you toward that direction. Before you employ this tip, know your shot trend for the day. On the practice tee, for example, were you tending to slice or hook today? This way, you'll have an idea of which side to set up on. It's also important to note that with this tip, you're not trying to force a different swing (aka stop slicing). You are recognizing your swing trend for the day and wisely playing to that. 


Tip adapted from Golf Tips Magazine[8]

Healthy Holiday Eating: Part 1

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas close behind, it's that time of year to think about healthy holiday eating. It seems like everywhere you turn there's a dessert tray, beautiful spread, or cocktail waiting to be enjoyed. During the holidays, it's important to enjoy yourself and spend quality time with friends and family, but not overindulge. These tips can help!

• Budget wisely. If you think about calories like a budget, you'll better understand when to splurge and when to save. If you have a dish you absolutely love, save your calories and indulge in the dishes you really enjoy.
   
• Distance makes the stomach grow stronger. If you're at a holiday party, try not to position yourself right next to the food station. Standing too closely to a display of delicious holiday delights makes it easier to mindlessly eat. Instead, stand farther away and make a trip to the food only once or twice, filling most of your plate with healthier choices (like fresh fruit or raw vegetables) and only a couple small treats.This extra effort will help you to not overeat. 

We'll have more holiday eating tips coming your way in the next few weeks!

Tip adapted from Harvard Medical School[9]

DIY Rain Harvesting

Did you know that about 600 gallons of rainwater can be harvested from about one inch of rain if it falls on a thousand square foot roof? Harvesting rainwater is a great way to save water and take full advantage of Mother Nature this fall. Plus, you don't even need fancy equipment to get started. This article shares some DIY options. Here's what you need to know:

• You can calculate how much rainwater you'll harvest by using data points like how much it rains where you live and the length and width of your roof.
  
  
• Rainwater tanks can be as small as 55 gallons.
   
• Make sure to place your rainwater reservoir underneath a downspout.
   
• The main components of a rainwater harvesting system are a barrel, a transportation system for the water, and a filter.
  
  
• Even if you're not the handiest, some rain catchers are as simple as a garbage bin, a lid, and a filter.

Tip adapted from Morning Chores[10]

[1] www.wsj.com/market-data
[2] quotes.wsj.com/index/XX/990300/historical-prices

[3] www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-15/kudlow-says-phase-one-china-deal-down-to-the-short-strokes-k2zgbx0k

[4] www.foxbusiness.com/politics/u-s-china-trade-deal-near-but-trump-not-signing-yet

[5] www.marketwatch.com/story/us-retail-sales-rebound-in-october-but-a-small-group-of-stores-reap-most-of-the-gains-2019-11-15

[6] laurenslatest.com/the-easiest-fish-tacos/ 

[7] www.irs.gov/newsroom/not-too-early-here-are-steps-taxpayers-can-take-now-to-get-ready-to-file-their-taxes-in-2019 

[8] www.golftipsmag.com/video/driving/eliminate-half-the-golf-hole/ 

[9] www.health.harvard.edu/blog/12-tips-for-holiday-eating-201212245718 

[10] morningchores.com/rainwater-harvesting/