Mark your Calendar

• January 1 - New Years Day
• January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr Day - Federal Holiday
• January 20 - Inauguration Day
• January 29 - Lunar New Year

Charity of the Month

Verus Financial is excited to shine a charity spotlight on Austism Speaks during the month of January.

This month, we're proud to support Autism Speaks, a leading organization dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. By supporting this charity, you help fund vital research, advocacy, and resources that improve the lives of those affected by autism. Autism Speaks works to raise awareness, provide support for families, and push for positive changes in policies and services, ensuring a more inclusive and understanding world for individuals on the autism spectrum. Your contributions make a meaningful impact!

Learn More!

Possible changes in 2025 affecting

Tax & Retirement

Proposed changes in 2025 could significantly impact taxes and retirement planning. Key areas include updates to required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security benefits, and potential tax code adjustments affecting contributions to retirement accounts. Legislative shifts may also address estate tax thresholds and other retirement savings incentives. Staying informed about these developments is essential for optimizing financial strategies and ensuring long-term security. For full details and insights, read the complete article on ThinkAdvisor:

On Taxes and Retirement: Here's What Could Change in 2025

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Tips for Tackling To-Do lists

Here are five expert tips to help you improve focus and boost productivity:

1. Block Time for Tasks
   Designating specific blocks of time for each task helps you stay organized and focused. Time boxing is a technique where you set aside dedicated periods to work on particular tasks, whether for work or personal chores, ensuring that you avoid distractions and stay on track​.
2. Try the Pomodoro Technique
   Break your tasks into 25-minute intervals (known as Pomodoros), followed by 5-minute breaks. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout by giving you regular mental rests​.
3. Limit Interruptions
   Reducing distractions can significantly improve productivity. Consider turning off notifications, setting specific hours for meetings, or designating "no-interruption" days to protect focused work time​.
4. Prioritize Your Tasks
   Learning to say no to non-essential tasks is key. By focusing on activities that align with your goals, you’ll maximize your efforts and avoid spreading yourself too thin​.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
   Regular meditation enhances concentration, reduces stress, and improves creativity. Even short, daily sessions can positively impact your productivity by helping you manage distractions and stay present​.

These strategies, when implemented consistently, can help improve focus and productivity, ensuring that you accomplish your tasks efficiently.
From Yahoo! Life

Here’s a summary of 10 achievable things to do in January to help stick to your resolutions, inspired by Good Housekeeping:

• Set Clear Goals: Break down large resolutions into smaller, actionable steps to make them feel manageable and achievable.
• Track Progress: Use a journal or app to monitor your success and stay motivated throughout the month.
• Stay Organized: Tidy up your space to create an environment that supports your goals and reduces stress.
• Focus on Wellness: Incorporate small changes like drinking more water or practicing mindfulness.
• Prioritize Sleep: Develop healthy sleep habits to maintain energy and focus.
• Reduce Stress: Practice techniques like yoga, meditation, or even taking breaks during the day.
• Learn a New Skill: Engage in a hobby or educational activity to stay inspired and fulfilled.
• Cook at Home: Experiment with healthy recipes to improve your diet while enjoying the process.
• Practice Gratitude: Write down things you’re thankful for to stay positive and grounded.
• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge small accomplishments to keep yourself motivated.

For the full list of strategies, check out the article here.

Sausage Ratatouille

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 min

Serving: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage links
• 1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 medium green peppers, julienned
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 shallots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
• 5 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Hot cooked rice

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove and cut into 1/2-inch slices.
2. In the same skillet, in batches cook the beans, green peppers, onion, shallots and garlic in butter and oil over medium heat until tender. Stir in the zucchini, tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and allspice. Cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in sausage and parsley; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 337 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.

Other variations can be found on Taste of Home

Top Festivals to Attend

January in the U.S. offers a variety of cultural and festive celebrations, making it an exciting time to explore. From winter carnivals and music festivals to food events and film showcases, these festivals provide a unique glimpse into local traditions and artistic expressions. Whether you’re interested in winter sports, local crafts, or vibrant performances, there’s something for everyone. January is the perfect time to dive into the country’s cultural landscape while enjoying the charm of winter festivities across the nation. For a comprehensive list of festivals, check out this link.

1. Noel Night (Birmingham, Michigan) – Early January
   A festive evening with live music, ice sculptures, and holiday cheer.
2. National Western Stock Show (Denver, Colorado) – January 11-26
   A celebration of Western culture with rodeos, livestock exhibitions, and equestrian events.
3. Charleston Comedy Festival (Charleston, South Carolina) – Mid-January
   A showcase of top comedic talent in a charming Southern setting.
4. Sunshine Music Festival (St. Petersburg, Florida) – Mid-January
   Enjoy live music in sunny Florida’s mild winter weather.
5. Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah) – January 23-February 2
   A premier indie film festival featuring world-class screenings and networking opportunities.
6. Winterlude (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) – Late January
   A winter-themed event with ice carving, snow activities, and family fun.
7. Ann Arbor Folk Festival (Ann Arbor, Michigan) – Late January
   A celebration of folk music with performances by iconic and emerging artists.
8. Key West Food & Wine Festival (Key West, Florida) – Late January
   A food lover's paradise with tastings, pairings, and culinary events in a tropical setting.
9. Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (Missoula, Montana) – January 26-February 4
   A showcase of compelling nonfiction storytelling and unique perspectives.
10. Lake Tahoe SnowFest (Lake Tahoe, California) – January
    A mix of winter sports, family-friendly activities, and breathtaking snowy landscapes.

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