The Good Life Report 8/21/19

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 3 tsp. vanilla extract
• Sundae toppings, such as nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, syrup, or fresh fruit

Directions:

If you're entertaining the grandkids this summer, this super-easy, homemade vanilla ice cream is sure to be a hit. Plus, you don't even need an ice cream maker! Cool down with this sweet treat.

1. Combine all the ingredients (besides the sundae toppings) and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
    
2. Place in a 13" x 9" baking dish in the freezer until the edges of the mixture begin to set, about 20 minutes.
    
3. Take the mixture out and mix it with a hand mixer or a spoon. Mix until smooth, cover, and place back in the freezer. Freeze for about 3 more hours, beating again every 30 minutes.
    
4. Scoop and top with your favorite sundae flavors!

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home[1]

Selling Your Car or Buying From a Private Seller? Here are the Tax Tips You Should Know

Buying a new car is an exciting purchase. If you are buying your next vehicle from a private seller rather than a dealership or selling a used car to an individual, there are a few tax considerations you should know. The first is that if you are selling your car for less than you paid for it, you likely won't have to pay sales tax on the sale. This is because the IRS considers selling a used car for less than you paid a capital loss. But in contrast, if you are selling your car for more than you paid (like if it's a classic car you've restored and it's increased in value), you may have to pay sales tax. 

If you're buying a car from a private seller, you'll have to pay sales tax. But this sales tax doesn't go to the seller, it goes to the DMV. This sales tax is incorporated in your car's registration. 

* 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 CarGurus[2]

Low and Slow to Get on the Green

When you're approaching the green, the common choice is to go with a pitching wedge to hit the ball high near the flag. But this might not actually be the best choice, depending on your game. If you focus too much on the actual flag, you risk overshooting it, and this pitching shot is hard to do consistently well.

Another option to this shot is to hit it low and closer rather than pitching it high and far. Using a 7-iron or similar, aim for a landing zone a few feet short of the flag rather than trying to get right to the flag. This way, the ball spends more time on the ground, and you have less risk overshooting it. Even if you get this low shot a little wrong, you'll still end up on the green, and the ball will still roll toward the hole. It's much easier to do consistently.

Tip adapted from Me and My Golf[3]

Low Impact Exercises for Healthy Joints

Protecting your joints is important for healthy movement throughout your life, and there are many ways to stay active without causing injury to your knees, hips, or ankles. Here are some of our favorite, low-impact exercises:

• Swimming - Not only is swimming a low-impact exercise, it's also a full-body workout. Hop in the pool and do some laps or just splash around for fun. Either way, it's great for exercising and staying cool in this hot August weather.
   
• Kickboxing - It sounds intense, but kickboxing is actually a low-impact exercise that's easy on your joints. If possible, modify your workout to focus more on the cardio movements of the sport and not the combat aspect.
   
• TRX Exercises - The TRX strap is the strap you often see hanging from a bar at the gym. This simple accessory makes it easy to do lunges, pullups, pushups, and squats, without putting pressure on your joints.
   
• Cycling - Cycling, either indoors or outdoors, is a great exercise and easy on your knees. Find a spin class near you, or get outside and explore a local bike path.

Tip adapted from Healthline[4]

Dare to Dry: How to Save Energy When Running the Dishwasher

For most busy families, the dishwasher is their best friend. But it can also use up a lot of energy, which can drive up your bill. Luckily, there are some easy changes you can make to save a lot of energy (and money) every time you run your dishwasher:

• If your dishwasher has an air-dry option, use that instead of a heated dry, or when the wash is complete, open the dishwasher door and let the dishes air dry on their own.
   
• Use a drying agent to dry dishes faster, therefore, using less energy.
   
• Only run your dishwasher when it's completely full.
   
• If possible, rinse your dishes less before putting them in the dishwasher. This will help save water.
   
• In the heat of the summer, run your dishwasher at night, so it doesn't shoot up the temperature in your home.

Tip adapted from Lowe's[5]

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] www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-vanilla-ice-cream/ 

[2] www.cargurus.com/Cars/articles/how_do_taxes_work_on_private_car_sales 

[3] youtu.be/De9DgJ3qKdM 

[4] www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercises/low-impact-exercises

[5] www.lowes.com/cd_6+Tips+to+Make+Your+Dishwasher+Energy+Efficient_1280349359_