Dear Followers,

May your memories and joy you experienced when your person was alive bring you joy albeit sadness. Remember, your person loved you for the rest of their life. My hope for you is that those bountiful memories put a smile on your face this holiday season.

Sending love and hugs,

Carolyn

This Month’s Financial Tip

TIP: Ponder and write down your successes. You might be surprised how far you have come.

What is financial Planning? It is controlling your finances and not letting your finances control you. Plan Plan Plan.

Reach out to Carolyn if you want to start the process. ^{[email protected] or 877.328.4037 ×700}

Dorothy’s Steps for Successful Year End Planning

Our client Dorothy came to us for her year-end review and asked a very important question. How do I proceed with year-end planning? Here are the steps we provided her:

1. Reflect on the year (without judgment).

2. Give your budget a Year-End Tune-Up.

3. Review retirement and investment contributions if you are still working. If you have taxable accounts, review your gains and losses to help shape 2025 tax planning strategies.

4. Organize for Tax Season NOW, not later.

5. Revisit your benefits and insurance coverage.

6. Set intentional goals for the New Year.

7. Consider carving out a quiet moment to reflect, regroup, and PLAN. It helps to bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind as you step into a New Year.

8. Smile at your successes!

If you would like the steps for your year end planning. Please call me 941-841-6564 or email me at [email protected]

I have been following a Dr. who specializes in working with older people. He has great ideas for those of us who have been widowed.

You can follow him on Facebook. It is under Lifenews. There are many practical tips including on being Widowed.

Books Worth Reading

As many of you may have figured out, I love to cook. Years ago, when my children were young, I had the privilege of teaching in a professional chef’s school in Cambridge, MA. I also had the privilege of meeting Julie and Paul Child who attended one of our fun events.

Julie had another life during WWII prior to becoming famous as “The French Chef”.This book helps us to imagine a life bigger and better than we could ever imagine. We all need that imagination in the journey of our grief.

The Secret War of Julie Child by Diana Chambers

It is a novel based on the true story of Julie during WWII and how she met Paul Child. It is delightful!

If something you read today made you think of another friend or family member, share this newsletter with them

This Month’s Recipe

This recipe is a favorite and a great addition for the many holiday meals we may eat. It is from a dear Boston friend who grew up in Baton Rouge, LA.

Spinach Madeleine

Ingredients

2 pkg frozen chopped spinach

4 Tblsp butter 2 Tblsp flour – can be gluten free

2 Tblsp chopped onion

½ cup evaporated milk

½ cup vegetable liquor- from spinach

½ tsp black pepper

¾ tsp celery powder or salt

6 oz. Jalapenos pepper cheese

1 tsp Worchestershire sauce

Red pepper to taste for additional spice

Directions:

1. Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and reserve liquor.

2. Melt butter on low heat, add flour, stirring until blended and smooth- not brown.

3. Add onion and cook on low until soft – not brown.

4. Add liquid slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

5. Cook until smooth and thick: continue stirring.

6. Add seasonings and cheese which has been cut into small pieces- stir until melted.

7. Combine with cooked spinach. You can serve now or put in a casserole and top with buttered bread crumbs. The flavor is improved if you put it in the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 F. It can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw before baking if you are using the casserole method.

It makes a lovely lunch dish with a salad. Serves 5-6.

Accurate Advisory Group and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Any discussion of tax matters contained herein (including attachments or related materials) is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law. Clients are encouraged to consult with their independent tax advisor, CPA, or attorney regarding their specific situation before making any financial, investment, or estate planning decisions.