Summer in the City – Have Fun, Keep Cool, Enjoy A Park
The City of Paramount offers a great selection of outdoor diversions and indoor activities for its kids, teens, adults and seniors. The Community Service and Recreation Department maintains the City’s parks and related facilities and provides a healthy array of sports, classes and excursions.
Summer is an especially busy season. The City’s two swimming pools are open for lessons, exercise and recreational swimming. There are programs to keep the kids occupied and for families to get out and enjoy the weather. And much more.
Here’s a snapshot of just a few things going on this season.
In the Swim of Things
The City’s two swimming pools – at Paramount Park and on Orange Ave. – provide a wealth of lessons, exercise options and play time. For a full schedule of offerings and summer hours, please go to the City’s website at www.paramountcity.com and check out the Summer brochure on the Parks & Recreation page.
A special feature this summer is the Friday night “dive-in” movies. Bring your family and play in the pool while watching some fun films. Takes place Fridays, through August 19, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Paramount Pool. Call (562) 220-2121 for more details.
Summer Day Camp
Our Day Camp program is all-day summer recreation fun. Activities offered include physical fitness activities, swim lessons, crafts, trips, movies, games and more. Space is limited and is given on a first come, first served basis.
Participants are ages 5 to 12, camp hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the program runs through August 19th. Summer Day Camp takes place at the Paramount Park Gym and the cost is $65 per person per week.
SNAP Summer Fun Café
SNAP is a free Summer Food and Activity Program sponsored by the City of Paramount and the Paramount Unified School District for the third year. It is federally funded, and provides meals and activities for children 18 years and younger. District and City staff open 14 elementary and middle school campuses with a delicious and healthy breakfast from 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Then recreation staff takes the kids to play areas where they indulge in sports, arts and crafts, and physical fitness from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
At 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. staff and children return to the dining areas for a nutritious BBQ lunch.
The SNAP Program, also called “Summer Fun Café,” runs through Friday, August 19th. All Paramount elementary and middle schools participate (except Jackson). It is a
What’s inside
walk-in program and children are welcome to participate at anytime during the open hours.
Picnics in the Park
Summer, or course, is prime picnic time. When you picnic in a City park, please remember to follow the rules and regulations and help keep our parks safe, clean and fun for everyone.
• Picnic shelter areas are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Barbecue pits are available for your use. Please dispose of hot coals in the appropriate bins.
• No alcoholic beverages or glass containers.
• No inflatable bouncers or generators are allowed without a City permit.
• No loud or amplified music.
• Dogs are prohibited.
• No motor vehicles are allowed on the park.
• Parks are closed at dusk (30-27.1 PMC).
For more information about recreational opportunities in Paramount, call or stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave., (562) 220-2121.
The Parks of Paramount
• All American Park: 13330 Orizaba Ave.
• Ralph C. Dills Park: 6500 San Juan St.
• Garfield Park: 14755 Garfield Ave.
• Meadows Park: NW Corner of Alondra and Gundry
• Orange Pool: 14618 Orange Ave. (562) 220-2099
• Paramount Park: 14400 Paramount Blvd
- Community Center (562) 220-2090
- Gymnasium (562) 220-2071
- Paramount Pool (562) 220-2069
• Pequeño Park: 13931 Downey Ave.
• Progress Park: 15500 Downey Ave.
- Progress Plaza (562) 220-2160
- Progress Plaza East (562) 220-2191
- Progress Preschool (562) 220-2174
• Recreation Department: 15300 Downey Ave. (562) 220-2121
• Spane Park: 14400 Gundry Ave
- Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center (562) 220-2145
- Spane Preschool (562) 220-2143
• Village Skate Park: 7718 Somerset Blvd.
Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer
Summer Program Offers Paramount Kids Free Meals and Activities
The Paramount Unified School District and the City of Paramount’s Parks and Recreation Department are providing a Summer Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) called Summer Fun Café for students at all kindergarten through 8th grade schools in the District. The session runs until August 19. No registration is necessary.
Taking place Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Café includes free breakfast and lunch for all participating students. In addition, there are outdoor sports and games along with arts and crafts, all, again, at no cost.
The program is being funded by a grant from the State of California. It also allows Recreation Department staff members from the STAR afterschool program – mostly young Paramount residents – to stay employed over the summer.
In addition, staff volunteers are being supplied by the Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA).
For more information about the program, please call (562) 220-2121.
Second Chance For Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
The City will have its second “VaccineA-Thon” for dogs and cats this summer at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd., on Wednesday, July 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Rabies vaccinations (required for all dogs under California law) will be priced at $5 each (plus a $2 medical waste disposal fee). This is a $10-$15 savings over traditional prices. A complete selection of other pet vaccinations will be available at discounted prices, with special combination “packs” created to allow pet owners even greater savings when they purchase multiple vaccinations.
Popular flea control products Comfortis, Advantage and Frontline may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identification
purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for only $45. Plus, there will be nail trimming available for $10-$15.
Pet licensing can be done on site, and free educational materials and general health care tips for dogs and cats will be distributed. Checks and cash will be accepted.
Please remember – dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.
All services are provided by licensed veterinarians from Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. in conjunction with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). For more information, please call (562) 220-2018.
City Hall Morning-Hour Change
The Monday through Thursday hours for Paramount City Hall will be changing as of July 5, with a new opening time for the doors and phone lines at 8:00 a.m. Closing time remains at 5:30 p.m.
Times for the Sheriff’s Station will remain 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Summer at the Paramount Library
The Friends of the Paramount Library will be sponsoring two programs for the youth of our City at the Paramount Library this summer.
“One World, Many Stories” is the name of the free youth program that will be held every Saturday through August 6 at 2:00 p.m., with activities including art, music, puppets and animals.
“You are Here” will be the theme of the summer teen program for kids 12-18. On July 6 and August 3, the topic will be cooking, and on July 20 and August 17 it will be learning magic tricks. These programs run from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Paramount Library is located at 16254 Colorado Ave. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about upcoming Family Place programs, contact the library staff at (562) 630-3171 or visit during open hours.
The County Library system is also offering online summer reading programs for children ages 5 to 12, teens 13 to 18 and adults 18 and over. It runs through August 20. At the end of the program, rewards will be given for each age level, chosen by random drawing. Check it out at summerreadingLA.org. Household
For toxic materials that can’t be thrown away in the trash, Los Angeles County holds collection events at various locations and has five permanent collection sites. Products include motor oil, anti-freeze, paint, turpen-
tine, pesticides and herbicides, household and car batteries, acid-based cleansers, expired pharmaceuticals, fluorescent light bulbs and more. You can also bring e-waste such as cell phones, computer monitors, TVs, printers and others. This service is free. Also, home-generated sharps like hypodermic needles, syringes, lancets and intravenous needles can be disposed of here.
Locally, there will be a “Roundup” collection on July 9 at Cerritos College in Norwalk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The location is Stadium Parking Lot C-1, 11110
Alondra Blvd. Bring the items in a sturdy box, preferably in their original labeled containers. There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip. Be prepared to leave the containers and boxes. Remove all other items from your trunk before loading the waste. To find a full list of what is acceptable, and what is not, and where the other locations are, call 1 (888) CLEAN-LA (1-888253-2652) or visit www.lacsd.org or www. CleanLA.com.
City Teams Help At Relay For Life
The annual Relay for Life benefit for the American Cancer Society took place the weekend of June 4 at the Paramount High School West campus. Folks from the Paramount Public Safety Department joined with Sheriff’s personnel to form a team, and staff members from the STAR after school program (Success Through Academics and Recreation) fielded three teams for the event.
Not only did they all participate by having someone walking on the school track during all 24 hours, but the teams raised thousands of dollars for cancer research, as well. On top of that, the STAR team from Paramount Park, Zamboni, Jackson and Alondra middle schools won the “Best Booth” contest. Shown in the photo are STAR staff members Carolina Rodriguez and Adrianna Arredondo.
DUI Checkpoint in Town on July 22
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the City of Paramount will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on Friday, July 22nd at 7210 Alondra Blvd., from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.
Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes and the Sheriff’s Department, along with the Paramount Public Safety Department, will be conducting the DUI checkpoint targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver before their first drink is taken.
“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Lieutenant Tony Tachias of the Paramount Sheriff’s Station. “Violators will face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are caught over the limit, you will be placed under arrest.
“Law enforcement everywhere is asking for the community’s help; if you see a drunk driver – call 911,” Lieutenant Tachias continued.
Funding for the checkpoint is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Paramount Public Safety Department recommends these simple tips for safe driving:
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
• And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
For more information, call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
Free Community Emergency Response Training
Following a major disaster, police, fire and medical personnel may not be able to fully meet the demand for services. People will have to rely on each other to help with immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs.
Developed through the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency (FEMA), the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) provides basic training in safety and life-saving skills for the public.
The course curriculum covers the following modules:
1. Disaster Preparedness
2. Disaster Fire Suppression
3. Disaster Medical Ops 1
4. Disaster Medical Ops 2
5. Light Search & Rescue
6. Disaster Psychology
7. CERT Organization
8. Terrorism
9. Course Review & Disaster Simulation Exercise
The training will be a series of three classes on July 16, 23 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The classes will be conducted at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount. Class size is limited. Sign up today to reserve your seat.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and complete all 20 hours of the course to receive a certificate of completion. If you must miss any units, you can make them up anywhere CERT is taught to receive your certificate.
To enroll, contact Angel Arredondo or Adriana Lopez at (562) 220-2002.
CERT class information is also posted on the Fire Department website: http://fire. lacounty.gov.
Free Neighborhood Watch Training
The City of Paramount also invites residents to participate in its free Neighborhood Watch training classes. The goal of the training is to increase knowledge and skills in safety.
These classes are focused on areas that can directly improve your safety and develop and improve our Neighborhood Watch Program.
Level 2 classes will be held Wednesday, August 10, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue, and Saturday, August 13, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., also at Progress Park Plaza.
Topics include crime mapping, problem solving and self defense. The training involves physical activity.
Seating is limited so register early. First come, first served. No one will be allowed in the Level II class unless they are registered and have a verified reservation.
Make a difference and get involved! To register, call the Paramount Sheriff Station at (562) 220-2097 or (562) 220-2002.
Paramount Chamber Welcomes
New Board Member Garo Kazarian
Garo Kazarian was recently appointed to the Paramount Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and formerly installed at the June Installation & Awards ceremony. Garo along with his two brothers Danny and Joey are the owners of Alondra Hot Wings and Taco Luv restaurants located in the City of Paramount. Garo is a welcome addition to the board bringing with him a strong commitment to excellence and community service. In his own words, “I am an inspired and motivated person, with a commitment to providing opportunity and growth to the communities I am a part of.”
24 PEP Scholarships Awarded to Paramount College Students
The Paramount Education Partnership, Inc. (PEP) has announced the recipients of its 8th annual Dollars For Scholars program. One of the most pressing needs in today’s economy is funding for higher education. The PEP scholarships help deserving students achieve their educational goals by providing $1,000 for community college attendees and $3,000 for students going to a four-year university. (Nearly $400,000 has been awarded since the program began.)
There were 92 applications submitted to PEP this year. Students were graded in a number of categories, including academic achievement, an essay, academic recommendations, extracurricular activities and, most importantly, financial need. Due to the generosity of the local business community at the annual fundraiser in April, scholarships have been given to 24 Paramount students this year, which were announced at the Paramount High School Awards Banquet on June 1.
Given the number of worthy applicants, the PEP Scholarship Committee had a difficult time selecting the final recipients. Special thanks go out to the members of that Committee and all their hard work:
• Paula Coony of Paramount Iceland/Zamboni Merchandising Co.
• Paramount resident Mandy Stevens.
• Dr. Deborah Stark, Director of Secondary Programs with the Paramount Unified School District.
• Flo Haynes of Weber Metals.
• Lourdes Talamantes, School Counselor with Paramount Unified.
Here, then, are this year’s 24 honorees. PEP is proud of their accomplishments and looks forward to hearing about their future successes.
Alejandro Banuelos CSU Fullerton Geography
Nataly Barragan UCLA Physiology Science
Beatriz Contreras CSUDH Public Administration
Elizabeth Cossio LBCC Early Child Development
Marisol Gonzalez CSULB Psychology
Michelle Hernandez CSUDH Mathematics
Olga Marquez-Garcia UC Davis Spanish & Chicano Studies
Izchel Pulido CSULB or CSUF Anthropology
Gabriela Robles UCLA Physiology Science
Juan Jose Villanueva CSULB Accounting
Ismael Vizcarra Rio Hondo College Fire Tech
Josue Zamora CSU Fullerton Communication & Kinesiology
Susy Cuevas CSULB Communications
Gilbert T. Garcia Cal Poly SLO Architect Engineer
Luis Y. Garcia Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
Ana Godoy UCI Biological Sciences
Edith Martinez CSULB or CSUF Law
Jacqueline Merida Biola University Biology
Ray Nunez UC San Diego Mechanical Engineer
Pamela T. Payad CSULB Film & Electronics Arts
Tiffany Zapata CSU Fullerton Biochemistry
Oscar I. Lopez CSULB Computer Science
Jamie Perez CSULB Business Marketing
Brandon Williams CSULB Mechanical Engineer
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible financial contribution to the PEP Scholarship Program so that even more scholars can benefit and realize their dreams in the future, please contact Suleyma Rosales, recreation supervisor, at (562) 2202132 or via email at srosales@paramountcity.com.
Free Exercise Classes at Dills Park
The free “outdoor gym” at Dills Park is attracting big crowds of residents using its fitness equipment and walking paths. Now free exercise classes are forming there, as well. Paramount resident and volunteer Leticia Lopez, for instance, is conducting her “Mommy & Me” class at Dills on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(She has been leading a similar class at the PEP Learning Center in Spane Park.) It takes place on the cement “gym pad” and features aerobics and zumba, the latter of which has been described as an easy-to-fol-
low, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness party.
In addition, City staff members are leading a walking class at the park twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
More and more people are “discovering” the great environment and the unique amenities at Dills. Whether it’s working out on the machines, taking part in the classes, playing soccer or just hanging out, Dills Park has truly become a facility that the community has enthusiastically embraced.
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
Quiznos Grand Opening
left: Yvette
representing the office of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez presents Raul Ochoa and his brother Alex Quintero with a certificate of congratulations for the grand opening of their new Quiznos restaurant. Quiznos offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and soups and can be found at 13540 Lakewood Blvd., in Bellflower. For more information call 562.916.3444.
and Paramount Chamber members help
Inventive Math Teaching Solutions
By Anthony Yanes
After School Unlimited Learning Center
562-445-7690
I’ve heard many parents say, “I was never good at math,” or “How am I supposed to help my kid with math, when I can’t even balance my own checkbook?” These are typical comments made by parents who don’t understand they in fact use math every day. Many times parents feel uncomfortable, or are intimidated teaching their children math, because they assume that in order to teach they need be an expert. This way of thinking is what keeps many parents from helping their children learn in a creative way. What these parents fail to see is that there are many ways to take advantage of everyday tasks. Such as; counting lunch money, cutting sandwiches into halves or quarters, calculating how many quarts are in a gal -
lon, or how much money will it take to
fill a gas tank. This method of teaching works because these common everyday activities are easy for kids to understand and makes learning fun. Parent’s who take the time to use everyday activities in a creative way to teach their children, help them learn problem solving techniques and innovation.
Why do parents make good teachers?
• Children learn best from people they feel comfortable with.
• Learning in a familiar environment like the home makes a lasting impression.
• Everyday life presents many opportunities to teach your children Math.
How you promote learning is crucial to your child’s attitude about education. Research shows that families are an essential part of the learning process. Doing math with your children in a creative way makes a big difference in their future.
Volunteers Needed
Pathways Volunteer Hospice is looking for volunteers!
We have a program going at Lakewood Regional Medical Center, where Pathways is providing “Friendly Visitors” to visit patients on the hospital floors. Volunteers briefly visit each client room and offer a smile, brief conversation, and/or a magazine or book from our Book Cart.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please call Meg Fisch at 562-531-3031.
Scheduling is very flexible. Training will be provided.
FACEBOOK, MY SPACE, TWITTER
SOCIAL MEDIA: ENGAGING & EMPOWERING YOUR CUSTOMERS
Thursday, July 14, 2011 * 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Do you still feel like Social Media is just for social networking? Have you ever thought of using Social Media as a business tool to enhance sales and increase profitability? Many successful small businesses are connecting with customers as we speak. Social Media is a new way of putting yourself in front of your customers.
Learn how to successfully promote your business and increase awareness about your service or product. Create buzz for your business with new cost effective marketing channels.
You will learn:
• how to create and maintain a Facebook Group Page
• how to join “Groups” on LinkedIn and remain connected with business professionals throughout the world
• why 140 characters on Twitter are significant in helping increase brand visibility and strengthen customer service
• how YouTube can be used to enhance sales and promote your business website Fee: $25
SMART MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL TACTICS
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 * 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
In this session we explore marketing ideas for the small business. Topics to be discussed include:
• Analyze who customer is • How to reach the customer
• Develop a marketing budget • Marketing effectiveness analysis Fee: $20
Business Counseling Also Available *$25.00 refundable deposit For Reservations:
Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723 562-634-3980
From
Shahinian
Local officials
Quiznos owners Raul Ochoa and Alex Quintero cut the ribbon for their new restaurant.
Garage Door Store Grand Opening
Chamber and City officials cut the grand opening ribbon with Garage Door Store owner Joe Shope. The Garage Door Store can be found at 8536 Somerset Blvd., Paramount. The store offers a variety of products for the ultimate garage including: Garage Doors, Openers, Springs, Shelving, Cabinets and Flooring. For more information call Joe at 562.924.8811.
Paramount Chamber Board Member, Jon Tanklage presents owner Joe
a certificate of congratulations at his grand opening.
HELP WANTED
Help Wanted @ P Dogs: CASHIER’S & COOKS Late evenings early mornings please walk in for application. 13610 Garfield Ave. South Gate, 90280
INSURANCE – Growing company seeking hard working, energetic and bilingual (Spanish/English) individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about Insurance and Financial Products. A positive attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service are required. Insurance experience is a bonus but not a necessity. More importantly, we are looking for ambitious quick learners who want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency. com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.
Shope with
What is the Value of my Home?
By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent
562-531-1900
Some of you may be asking yourself, “Does my insurance coverage fit my needs?” “Do I have enough coverage to replace my home in the event of a serious loss?” “What affects my premium?”
These questions create a need for you to regularly review your homeowners insurance and to consider other questions such as: “Have you recently remodeled or improved your home?” “Has the rate of inflation risen since your last appraisal?” “What influences the building construction costs in your area?”
As you consider these issues, it is important to understand that real estate values measure the market value or selling price for a home. For insurance purposes, it is important to estimate the current replacement cost which is the amount needed to hire a contractor to repair the damage or to rebuild the home to its pre-loss condition. Dwelling replacement costs used by insurance companies do not include the value of the land. Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.
Building contractors or professional replacement cost appraisers are a good source for obtaining an estimated replacement cost for your home. Estimates from these sources should reflect your home’s specific features and details. If you are unable to obtain a detailed estimate from these sources, your agent should be able to help.
Once you know the estimated cost to replace your home, you can decide how much insurance coverage fits your needs. You should also consider other policy endorsements such as back up of sewer and drain coverage, or additional coverage for personal articles with high values such as jewelry, fine arts, and collectibles. You may want to consider higher personal liability coverage or the need for flood insurance which is provided by a separate policy.
In addition to the amount of coverage you decide to purchase, your premium is impacted by optional endorsements you select, your claim history, the amount of your deductible, company longevity and multiple policy discounts such as home/auto. Finally, remember to periodically review your insurance coverage with your agent. That will ensure you have the coverage you need.
What Is Your Objection to Term Life Insurance?
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance
One objection to purchasing term life insurance is just that: when the term is over, the policy is finished. That’s it. No more coverage.
Many people worry they will outlive the policy period and ‘waste their money’ on something they didn’t need. It can be difficult to counter these arguments except by explaining how term insurance can be an affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for a specific time period.
Until now, insurance companies are offering term policies that actually return the premiums you’ve paid after the level premium period ends. In other words, if you purchase a 20-year term policy and are still living when the 20 year level premium period ends, the premiums you paid will be returned to you, in many cases free
of federal income tax.
Those returned premiums can have a number of uses. If you still need life insurance you could purchase another policy. You could also use the premiums that are returned to pay down your mortgage or even add to your retirement savings.
Life insurance can provide peace of mind that your loved ones’ financial burdens may be eased if you are no longer there. The benefit provided by life insurance can help keep dreams alive.
One objection to buying term life insurance has been addressed by a policy that may return the premiums you paid.
Ask your local insurance and financial services professional about a product that provides needed life insurance coverage but has the potential to return your premiums at the end of the term.
Generate Retirement Income More Efficiently
Retiring at last. You have earned it by every measure. But now, you face an important transition in your personal financial plan. You have finished accumulating retirement assets and are now beginning to distribute them as income to support your retirement lifestyle. The choices you make now will certainly impact your longterm financial situation.
– Preserving Your Assets
Building a systematic withdrawal plan around a sustainable withdrawal rate is a smart effort for making your money last, but it may not be enough. Assume you have a retirement portfolio worth $1 million. Initially, annual withdrawals of 5% ($50,000) seem conservative. You may be surprised to learn however, that at that rate there is only a 90% chance your money will last just 20 years. In other words, one in ten people following this seemingly conservative withdrawal strategy could potentially out live their retirement nest egg later in life.
In addition to careful consideration of withdrawal rates, retirees must be aware of the significant risk market volatility poses. Erratic swings in equity-based investments can decimate portfolio values without warning - seriously threatening potential future income since percentage-based withdrawals shrink as total assets are eroded.
Holding onto what you have - asset preservation – is a top priority for retirees. Though you may not know how long you’ll live, you do know that running out of money is not a scenario you hope to experience. If only there were
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– Get Guaranteed Life-long Income
A Lifetime Income Annuity is a financial product that does, in fact, guarantee life-long income. To illustrate, imagine that same hypothetical million-dollar portfolio. From it, you could use $730,650 to purchase a Lifetime Income Annuity, which will provide the $50,000 per year of income you had planned to live on. But, this $50k is now guaranteed for as long as you live, regardless of market performance. No more worrying about outliving your savings. Plus, you would still have $269,350 left in your portfolio to access as you wish, making the Lifetime Income Annuity significantly more efficient than a simple withdrawal strategy.
In case of premature death, the Lifetime Income Annuity has a Cash Refund option, which returns to beneficiaries the difference between the initial premium and whatever has been already paid out. If inflation is a concern, an Annual Increase Option can be added to the annuity contract at purchase -- initial annual payments would start off smaller, but increase each year between 1 – 5% according to the owner’s preference. Over time, the total annually adjusted payouts would potentially provide more income than their unadjusted counterparts.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Christopher T. Hicks. For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Christopher T. Hicks, New York Life Insurance Company at 562.989.1232.
10 Tips for Building Business Relationships
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
No matter what industry you’re in, building business relationships helps you increase sales, develop innovative ideas and discover new ways to grow your company. Here are 10 tips for building business relationships.
1. Join the club. Industry trade associations, niche organizations such as groups for minority or women business owners, groups your key clients belong to and your local chamber of commerce are all great places to make new contacts.
2. Set goals. Know what you are hoping to achieve from a particular organization. Do you want to meet prospective clients, potential partners, job candidates or suppliers? Setting goals will help you assess whether an organization is right for you.
3. Be prepared. In any situation where you’re meeting new people, bring an open mind and a friendly attitude. Also bring business cards and be ready to describe what your business does in simple terms (“We help small businesses save money by preparing their taxes”). Greet everyone with a smile, eye contact
and a handshake.
4. Mingle. Never spend all your time at an event talking to one person or group. Think of several ways to politely end a conversation and move on. (But first, get contact information from those you’ve been talking to so you can follow up later).
5. Follow up. When you meet someone you’d like to get to know, follow up. Use social networking tools to link up on LinkedIn, become friends on Facebook or follow each other on Twitter, and you’ll also be exposed to the person’s network of contacts.
6. Take it offline. Connecting on social media is a good start, but to truly foster a business relationship, you need to spend time face-to-face. Suggest getting together for coffee or a meal to share more about your businesses and how you might work together.
7. Keep in touch. Business relationships are like flowers—without nurturing, they wither and die. Make it a point to regularly connect with your key relationships, whether it’s retweeting their tweets, mailing a card or meeting for lunch.
8. Harness technology. Contact
management software can help you track information about your contacts so you don’t have to remember birthdays, children’s ages or hobbies. The software does it for you and sets up reminders for actions like emailing or sending birthday cards.
9. Be patient. Business relationships take time to pay off. It may take years of talking and planning with someone before you actually end up working together or seeing any results from one of their ideas, referrals or suggestions.
10. Aim to give, not just get. Of course, you want to benefit from business relationships—but that’s more likely to happen if you have a generous attitude. Focus on how you can help your contacts, and you’ll find that you get more than you give.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
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Recipe of the Month
Strawberry Pie
Take two ready to bake pie crusts baked as directed.
3 baskets of fresh strawberries trimmed and cut in half lengthwise (or whole if strawberries are all same size) place strawberries in bottom of cooled baked pie shell.
Glaze (enough for 2 pies)
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup boiling water
1 3oz pkg of strawberry (or mixed berry) Jello
In mixing bowl thoroughly combine sugar and cornstarch, add the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens (approx. 2 minutes) Remove from heat, add packaged Jello and stir until smooth and completely combined. Set aside until mixture reaches room temperature. Pour mixture over strawberries and refrigerate for 2hrs.
