facebook twitter instagram linkedin google youtube vimeo tumblr yelp rss email podcast phone blog search brokercheck brokercheck Play Pause
The Good Life Report - Intermittent Fasting, Amended Tax Return Tips & More Thumbnail

The Good Life Report - Intermittent Fasting, Amended Tax Return Tips & More


The Good Life Report 5.20.2020


"Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow's reality."

- Malala Yousafzai

Bread Pakora

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 slices of bread cut into segments
     
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
     
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
     
  • ¼ tsp. baking soda
     
  • Pinch of salt
     
  • 1 tsp. green chili, chopped
     
  • 2 Tbsp. coriander, chopped
     
  • 1 tsp. ajwain
     
  • ½ tsp. turmeric powder
     
  • 1 cup water
     
  • Preferred cooking oil

Directions:

  1. Mix chickpea flour, lemon juice, baking soda, salt, green chili, coriander, ajwain, and turmeric in a bowl.
     
  2. Add water to create a batter.
     
  3. Heat oil in pan on high.
     
  4. Once hot, turn down to medium-low heat.
     
  5. Dip bread segments into batter and place into pan.
     
  6. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
     
  7. Place fried pakora pieces on to paper towel to remove excess oil.
     
  8. Serve hot with coriander chutney or grated cheese, to taste. 

Recipe adapted from Whiskaffair.com[1]

How to Amend Your Return

If you discover that you've made an error on your tax return, you may need to file an amended return. Though you don't need to file if you've made a simple math error or left out forms (the IRS corrects for those automatically), you should file an amended return for any missed credits, deductions, filing status, or income.

  • Use Form 1040X to file an amended return.
     
  • You'll need to use separate forms for each year that you need to amend.
     
  • If you use any other forms or need to submit new documentation, attach them to the 1040X form.
     
  • Pay any additional taxes you owe as soon as possible to avoid accruing additional interest and penalties.

 * 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[2]

A Simple Drag Drill to Promote More Power

Good golfers have a common full-swing characteristic: they have learned to use both their arms and their lower body to power the ball during the downswing. To acquaint yourself with the way the legs and hips should act as the clubhead approaches the ball, try this simple drill.

Address a ball as you normally would, but don't take the club back. Instead, only move the clubhead forward. Try to drag the ball off the grass and into the air. If you just use your hands and arms, you will do this inconsistently. When you start moving the club with your body, it will happen more consistently, and you will get the feeling of how to turn fully and apply more power on the downswing.

Tip adapted from Culbertson Hills Golf Resort[3]

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gotten a lot of attention lately, and many people are eager to try it. IF is associated with several health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart and brain health, and lowered risk of cancer, among others. Interested? First, you should consult your health provider before you begin any new dietary regimen. This tip is not a substitute for medical advice. The most common methods include:

  • The 16-8 method involves consuming all your daily meals in an eight-hour period and fasting for the remaining 16. Research shows that an 18-6 method is even more effective, but many people find this too restrictive. It's also been shown that consuming your meals earlier in the day may be more beneficial.
     
  • The Eat-Stop-Eat method and the 5:2 diet work similarly. They both recommend eating as usual for five days a week, but on two non-consecutive days, you either fast or eat around 500 to 600 calories, respectively.

If intermittent fasting is something you're considering, gather your information from credible sources and be sure to run your plans by your doctor first to make sure there aren't any contraindications.  Tip adapted from Healthline.com[4]

Finding Local Recycling Options

Every state has its own recycling rules, which makes knowing what you can and can't recycle confusing.

Fortunately, there are quite a few websites that will help you figure out what you can recycle and wear. Earth911.com is a fantastic resource. You can search by your zip code and the item you want to recycle. Batteries, in particular, are something that you'll want to confirm are recyclable in your area. If your curbside recycling doesn't take them, there are many mail-in and drop-off locations. Check out Earth911.com today and find out what you can do to keep waste out of landfills.

Tip adapted from Good Housekeeping[5]

[1] Whiskaffair.com, May 15, 2020

[2] IRS.gov, June 4, 2019

[3] Culbertsonhills.com, May 15, 2020

[4] Healthline.com, May 15, 2020

[5] Good Housekeeping, May 15, 2020