Veterans, Time to Organize and Get On Track
Hey Vets, Autumn is back … yeee haaa … I live in Florida and the 90s heat is finally giving way to 80s temperatures. I am smiling … We can finally do more outside … I will play more golf now because I know it will be more pleasant and I might not lose 10 pounds of water from perspiring so much. My work is even better, since I am not exhausted just walking to the car, the airplane, the metro stop, or walking to a meeting. This time of year energizes me and inspires me to do a bit more … I use that motivation to organize for the fall and winter holidays, prepare myself financially for the extra gift bills, and try to lose a little weight so I can actually eat the big holiday meals when I want without feeling too guilty.
Use this time as a reset point to organize yourself and get back on track! If you have been reading my blogs, you will perhaps recall my focus areas that help keep me on track.
- Health – As a veteran, I make sure my appointments are up to date at the local Veteran Affairs (VA) clinic. I have my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers checked and get any other blood work done that may help the doctors catch the small change that could mean a big disease. If you are a Veteran and have not gone to your local VA clinic or hospital in the last year … it is time. Got to www.Va.gov, click on “Locations” to learn where the closest VA clinic is to you.
- People: I reconnect with people in both my personal and professional life to wish them a great fall and see if I can help them in anyway. You would be surprised at the opportunities that arise by this simple fall reconnect technique. I know it has lifted my spirits and I truly believe it helps those I reach out and touch.
- Financial: It is time to ask if I am on track with my taxes for this year … as a self-employed person, I need to routinely make sure I am paying enough on my quarterly payments to Uncle Sam. This also reminds to make sure I am saving enough into tax deferred products … maxing out your SEP IRA can be a great way to save and reduce your tax burden; and feel good about preparing for the future.
- FUN: And finally there is nothing more important than making sure the fall is filled with fun. This reduces stress and organizes the holidays for my wife and me. We plan fun football Sundays, one trip a year to see the New England Patriots play (this is a father daughter tradition), a family vacation to the mountains for Thanksgiving and finally we start figuring out who will be where for the Christmas holidays. For us, if we lead turn this stuff, the stress is reduced and the fall and winter are more fun.
Finally, I sit back and remember the number of fall holidays I missed with family because I was deployed while serving in the Air Force … I was lucky because it was only a few out of my 26 years. Please remember that as you prepare for the fall, and fun times with family, there are many military members that have it more challenging as they will likely be deployed again this year. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Sooooo … Get back on Track and enjoy the Fall!”
My best and “Check Six” …
VR
“SHoes”
SHoes.DelGrego@gmail.com
