The Good Life Report 2.5.20
Good Ol' Chicken Soup
Serves 10
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, about 3 lbs.
- 4 carrots, halved
- 4 stalks celery, halved
- ½ potato, diced
- 1 cup of green peas
- 1 large onion, halved
- Water to cover
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp. chicken bouillon granules (optional)
Directions:
- Place chicken and vegetables (except potato and peas) in a large pot.
- Cover contents with cold water
- Heat and simmer, uncovered, skimming foam now and then.
- Once cooked to point where chicken easily falls off bone.
- Strain the broth, remove all other contents, and set aside.
- Season broth with bouillon, salt, and pepper.
- Add potatoes and peas to broth.
- Pick chicken meat from bones and return meat to broth.
- Chop vegetables and return to broth.
- Once potatoes and peas are fully cooked, serve.
Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com[2]
Do You Know the Difference Between Taxable and Nontaxable Income?
All income you receive is taxable unless the rules explicitly state that it isn't. According to the IRS, taxable income includes earned income, like wages, as well as any income earned by bartering or the exchange of property or services. Rental income is taxable, as are other forms of unearned income, like interest and dividends or Social Security.
Some income is not taxable unless certain conditions are met. For example, life insurance proceeds are usually not taxable to the beneficiary unless you redeem a life insurance policy for cash. Any amount you receive above the cost of the policy is taxable. State and local income tax refunds may be taxable and should be reported on your federal taxes.
There are also some forms of income that are usually not taxable:
- Gifts and inheritances.
- Child support payments.
- Welfare benefits.
- Damage awards for physical injury or sickness.
- Cash rebates from a dealer or manufacturer for an item you buy.
- Reimbursements for qualified adoption expenses.
* 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[3]
A Two-Piece Ball or a Multi-Layer Ball?
Besides the construction, what differentiates a two-piece golf ball from a multi-layer golf ball? Do the two different types of cores suit different types of golfers?
In a general sense, yes. Different golfers have different swing speeds, and multi-layer golf balls are a response to this reality. A two-piece ball just has a skin and a large core, so it can easily absorb power transferred from a slower swing. A golfer who consistently shoots in the seventies or eighties probably has a faster swing and can likely shape a shot better than a high handicapper. A hard, fast swing (think 280-yard drive) will activate all the layers in a multi-layer ball; a less forceful swing (think 40-yard soft pitch) will just activate outer layers, allowing a really good golfer more control, backspin, and feel on such a shot. If you consistently break 90, you should play a multi-layer ball.
Tip adapted from TGW.com[4]
Show Your Heart Some Love
This February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S., accounting for 25% of all deaths. While genetics and family history are primary risk factors, some lifestyle habits are associated with better heart health. But first, make sure to discuss any medical concerns with your health care provider before beginning any dietary and fitness regimen; this information is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Manage your blood pressure. And get it checked regularly. Hypertension is often asymptomatic.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase disease risk.
- Eat well and exercise. Both are associated with lower incidence of heart disease.
- Drink less alcohol and don't smoke. These habits are harmful to your cardiovascular health.
- Sleep well and reduce stress. Lower cortisol levels may reduce your risk.
While not all disease risk factors are controllable, some are. The list above, however, is not comprehensive. Give your heart some love this month and talk to your doctor about the best ways to care for it.
Tip adapted from MedlinePlus.gov[5]
Swap Paper Towels with Cloth
Many items in your kitchen have environmentally friendly replacements that can make a big difference over time.
One of the biggest things you can do is to replace your paper towels with cloth ones. You'll have to wash them more, but you'll be able to reuse them over and over again. Because the fabric and clothing industry isn't known for being especially eco-conscious, pick up several sets of cloth napkins at a thrift store. Not only will you score a great bargain, but you won't feel bad about staining the napkins you typically use for special occasions.
Tip adapted from Green Living Ideas[6]
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative,
Broker dealer or Investment Advisor and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
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[1] advisors.vanguard.com/iwe/pdf/ISGQVAA.pdf
[2] www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8814/homemade-chicken-soup/
[3] www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-is-taxable-and-nontaxable-income
[4] www.tgw.com/golf-guide/golf-ball-shopping-tips/
[5] medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html
[6] greenlivingideas.com/2019/08/22/zero-waste-kitchen-6-single-use-items-to-replace/
