The Good Life Report 9/11/19

Egg Muffins

[12 muffins]

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs
• Topping of choice, including bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, mushrooms, etc. 
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Whether you're sending the children or grandchildren out the door for school or are in need of a healthy, quick breakfast for yourself, these easy breakfast muffins will quickly become your secret weapon. Plus, you can cook them in the beginning of the week and store them for about four days in the fridge.

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
    
2. Whisk the eggs and fill each muffin cup about halfway full.
    
3. Add in your desired toppings.
    
4. Bake for 20 minutes. 
   

Recipe adapted from Cafe Delites[1]

Self-Employed, Independent Contractor, or Employee: Know the Different Kinds of Employment

We wanted to bring you a quick summary about the differences between self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and employees. Here are the key takeaways:

• If you provide services to other businesses, you are generally considered self-employed.
   
• If you own a business, you must decide whether the people you hire are independent contractors or employees. This designation will determine what tax requirements both you and the individual have.
   
• According to the IRS, a quick way to decide if the person you're working with is an independent contractor or an employee is to decide whether you have a say in how the work gets done. They share that "an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done." For example, if you hire an individual to manage your social media pages, but they work their own hours and only deliver the content to you, they're likely an independent contractor. If you hire someone in your office to run your social media pages and you dictate when and how that work should be done, they're likely an employee.

The Best Golf Tip? Always Keep Learning

Even if you've been playing the sport for years, there's always something you can learn when looking to get better at golf. One of the best ways to improve your game is to attend a golf school or academy. These training programs are led by highly trained instructors and players, and most feature intimate, teacher-to-student ratios and other great amenities. This face-to-face time is priceless if you want to improve your game. 

There are top-tier schools throughout the country, even if you don't live near one of the most-famous courses. They also range in intensity, from lessons for beginners to intensive golf workshops for seasoned players who want to fine-tune their skills. Golf Digest shares a comprehensive list of some of the best golf schools and academies in the U.S. While you might not be hitting 350-yard drives like the pros, you can definitely learn a thing or two from these highly skilled coaches (and make some golf-minded friends along the way). 

Tip adapted from Golf Advisor[3]

Get Moving With Friends: The Benefits of Group Exercise

They say that everything's better with friends, and exercising is no exception. If you haven't tried a group fitness class yet, this holiday weekend might be the perfect opportunity. A bit of gentle peer pressure and friendly competition can go a long way to keep you motivated to stay active.

Studies have shown that working out with others releases more endorphins (the "feel-good" brain chemical), keeps you motivated, and promotes social bonding. Plus, group fitness classes utilize certified trainers who can help you pursue your fitness goals and provide modifications if you have any injuries or concerns. Check out the Pilates, yoga, HIIT, spin, or dance classes near you. 

Don't have a gym nearby? You can still enjoy the benefits of group exercise with your own friends, too. Organize an outdoor hike or neighborhood walk to get moving with friends and family. We can't think of a better way to spend the weekend. 

Tip adapted from Reader's Digest Canada[4]

Go Green This Weekend

• If you're hosting the party, send out electronic invites instead of paper ones.
   
• Have your party early enough in the evening to take advantage of the daylight. This will help save on electricity and cooling costs if you can have your party outside.
   
• Skip the disposable plastic cups and cutlery and opt for either an environmentally friendly option (like compostable paper cups) or washable choices.
   
• Carpool with friends to the party.
   
• Make it easy for your guests to recycle by setting out recycling bins. 

Whether you're the host of the party or attending a neighborhood cookout, these green tips help save plastic, paper, and energy.

Tip adapted from Recycle Nation[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] cafedelites.com/breakfast-egg-muffins-3-ways/ 

[2] www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee 

[3] www.golfdigest.com/story/best-golf-schools-and-academies 

[4] www.readersdigest.ca/health/fitness/4-benefits-group-exercise-classes/ 

[5] recyclenation.com/2016/08/tips-for-going-green-this-labor-day-weekend/