Health

4 Steps to Follow If Confronted with An Unexpected Early Retirement

By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor ongoing work, perhaps with the help of a professional Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory career consultant. practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

#3 CHECK INTO YOUR HEALTH CARE

Early retirement is a concept that, at one point in OPTIONS your working life, may have seemed like a dream. If you are 65 or older, you have the option to enroll in Yet many Americans who have retired early have Medicare. If not, you’ll need to consider other options. done so not by choice, but because of circumstances See if your employer will consider extending health care out of their control. coverage for a period of time, or you have an option to

For some people, it may be an injury or an accident pay to maintain that coverage. Alternatively, if you are that has short-circuited their ability to keep working. For married, you may be able to be added to your spouse’s others, perhaps the economic conditions have required coverage. If those choices aren’t available, you can their employer to reduce its workforce or close entirely. look into an individual health care policy, utilizing the

If any of these describe your situation, you may be Affordable Care Act Marketplace. confronted with the urgent need to get your retirement finances in order. Here are four steps you should #4 POSITION YOUR INVESTMENTS PROPERLY consider as you prepare for the onset of retirement: As you enter retirement, make sure your savings are appropriately invested. You may need to reduce your risk #1 ASSESS ALL YOUR AVAILABLE ASSETS profile. If you are invested too aggressively, a sudden

A starting point is to take inventory of all available downturn in the markets could result in a major setback assets. This will help you determine whether you really for your nest egg that may be difficult to overcome. have enough money on hand to meet your income needs Stocks should continue to be part of your asset mix. – not just for the immediate future, but throughout your Keep in mind that money needed as income for the retirement. If you have accounts with different financial next two-to-three years should be held in relatively safe institutions or retirement plans with previous employers, investments like cash or short-term bonds. you may want to consolidate them with a single provider. The transition to retirement is one of the most important financial periods of your life. Be sure to call on the help #2 DETERMINE IF YOU STILL NEED OR of your financial advisor to guide you through this time.

WANT TO WORK

Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFATM, CFS®,

As you review your assets, consider whether starting to BFA®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory tap into your retirement savings today will put an undue Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, strain on your long-term financial security. If that’s the Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years. case, you may need to continue to generate income To contact her visit www.affinitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800. through work. That could come through employment full- Her office is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, AZ 85054-3115. Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find time, part-time or potentially by becoming a consultant. Investment advisory products and services are made available through the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll An added consideration is whether you are really ready Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., a registered investment ad Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. viser. track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where to retire. If not, it is time to explore your options for © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. you want to go.

Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

602.923.9800

7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Health

Tips to Detect Breast Cancer Early

By Dr. Pablo Prichard

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States with more than 250,000 diagnosed with an invasive form each year. The causes of breast cancer are complex and multifactorial, including genetic, hormone related, and environmental, but learning about potential risks and how to detect it early can prepare you to see warning signs when it is most treatable and curable.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS

While most breast cancer cases can’t be linked to a specific cause, there are a few known risk factors to be aware of. • Age: As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases. Most cases are found in women over the age of 50. However, we are seeing breast cancer more and more in younger women. • Personal History: If you have had breast cancer in the past, your chances of developing cancer again are higher. • Family History: If a direct relative like a mother, sister or daughter has developed breast cancer, or other type of cancer, this increases your risk. • Genetic Factors: The BRCA1 and

BRCA2 genes are genetic mutations that greatly increase the chance of developing breast cancer. There are other genes as well that increase your risk, so if you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may be indicated.

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY

As with any cancer, early detection greatly increases the chance of beating cancer. There are a few different methods that, when done in combination, are the best tools to see early stages of cancer. Regularly examining your breast is a great place to start. While examining, look for any swelling, soreness, lumps or changes in the shape or size. Anything abnormal should be brought to your doctor’s attention for further examination. The most important findings are hard, immobile masses, and indentations of the skin. Also examine yourself standing, laying, and leaning over forward, as skin retraction can be more prominent in one position vs. another.

Mammograms are one of the most important screening methods for women over the age of 40 as it can detect signs of cancer up to two years before a tumor can be felt. The X-ray can see tiny white dots, or micro-calcifications, which can be a sign of breast cancer. Another technique that works well for younger women with more dense breasts or implants employs quantitative transmission ultrasound, also known as a QT Ultrasound. It provides a much clearer view and provides images more like an MRI. Women at high risk should consider yearly mammograms along with ultrasounds starting at 30.

TECHNIQUES ARE IMPROVING

If you do develop breast cancer, take heart that treatment technologies and techniques have greatly advanced over the years. Even options for breast reconstruction have advanced like using your own tissue rather than a traditional implant which can improve the feel and shape of the breast. Your plastic surgeon can work closely with you to determine the best option for you. Often, an oncoplastic reconstruction can improve the appearance of the breast.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is a great time to educate yourself and make breast health a priority. Consider creating standing annual appointments for the appropriate screening procedures and monthly reminders for self-examination; your body will thank you.

Pablo Prichard, M.D., is former Chief of Plastic Surgery at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospital for 14 years, Medical Director for Plastic Surgery and is Senior Partner at Advanced Aesthetics Associates. For more information, visit drprichard.com and follow on Instagram @pabloprichard.