Tuesday, March 7, 2023

 

March 07, 2023
Newsletter #57

Hi Member,


March brings ever-lengthening days, and the Vernal equinox on March 20 will bring an equal amount of daylight and darkness. It may not feel like it when, on March 12, Daylight Saving Time begins, but the additional sunlight will turn this hemisphere to thoughts of gardening and the new life breaking forth from its winter hibernation. What a great time to make plans about coming out of our own winter dens.

Annuities

We make the case for why this may be the time to consider the value of having an annuity in your financial portfolio. Our 4% rate of return is just one reason.

March is the Month of

Our March theme focuses on National Women’s Day, We tried to focus on awarenesses, observances, and historical dates that tie into the importance women have in our lives.

Charitable Activities Highlights

IFS Projects continue year-round. Charitable spotlights on our members' fraternal generosity continues.

College News

College plans are solidifying, don’t miss the important dates in the timeline for graduating seniors.

Inspirational Quote

Focus on your future with this month’s quote

Upcoming Dates

Update your calendar with these important dates

   A case for Annuities


The Royal Arcanum is currently providing a 4% return on your annuity, both for new and existing contracts. New annuities can be opened with as little as $500. New and existing annuities can have funds of $100 or more added at any time, and the full value of the annuity will grow at the rate of return, which is currently 4%.

We’ve mentioned this a few times now, but you might be asking, why should I invest in an annuity? Here are a few things that you might want to consider.
 

Protection of your Principal


Any savvy investor knows that investing in the stock & bond markets has a history of providing a long-term return higher than rates offered on annuities. But there’s an important restriction here: long-term. Last year, the stock market returns were more than a 19% loss, and the bond market lost more than 13%. A fixed annuity, the kind the Royal Arcanum offers, doesn’t put your investment at risk, so your investment will always grow. In return for the protection of your principal, the return is lower than the possible gains in the market. Investment specialists will tell you it’s wise to keep a portion of your net worth out of the market.
 

Guaranteed Retirement Income Stream


In the past, company pensions provided a regular income stream for retirement, but few companies offer pensions. We’ve all heard that without action, the current payouts of the Social Security system won’t be able to continue, and cuts in benefits would be required. And if you’re thinking about early retirement, you need to have a stream of income before you even file for Social Security benefits.

An annuity can help in all these cases, providing a guaranteed stream of income throughout your retirement or, for a shorter term if that makes sense for your situation — for example, if you want to delay claiming Social Security until you turn 70, but don’t want to work until you’re 70.
 

Tax-deferred Growth


Your annuity can be funded with pre-tax dollars and can grow tax-deferred through the rate of return. You won’t owe taxes on the money until you start receiving payments, much like a 401(k) account. This can be advantageous, as many retirees find that their tax bracket is lower during retirement than when they’re working, resulting in overall savings.

Your annuity can also be set up using post-tax dollars (money you have already paid taxes on). Like a pre-tax annuity, the returns can be deferred until payments on your annuity start. Only the untaxed gains are taxable. We suggest you work with your tax professional to decide the right option for your situation.
 

Legacy Protection


By naming beneficiaries, you can pass your annuity’s value after you die without needing to go through probate court. This doesn’t mean that the money passes tax-free, as insurance policies are, but it does simplify the process greatly, and our experts will help your heirs to discuss the options that your beneficiaries have with regard to your specific annuity.
 

No Fees


Many financial sites warn of the expenses of annuities based on the fees involved. Royal Arcanum annuities have no fees, providing your investment remains with us for a full six years. Pro-rated charges apply if you withdraw your money before the required term of the contract, but once that term is passed, there are zero fees.
 

Bottom Line


Diversification of your funds is the key to a successful retirement. Annuities can be an important part of your financial security and help make your retirement financially secure.
 

   March is the month of...

 

 

Awarenesses

 

Women's History Month


Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. It grew out of a weeklong celebration in the school district of Sonoma, California that started in 1978. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week in 1980, growing to a monthlong celebration beginning in 1987.
 

National Reading Month


Celebrated the month of Dr. Suess’s birthday on March 2, the importance of reading and the power of learning through reading has a long history. Back in 1634, Anne Hutchinson formed the first women’s book club to discuss weekly sermons. National Reading Month was first celebrated in March in 1994.
 

Developmental Disability Awareness Month

 

Historically, those with developmental disabilities were treated poorly. That changed during the social reforms of the 19th century when advocates such as Dorothy Dix became leaders in respecting the human rights of people with disabilities. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was finally designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

 

World Water Day

 

March 22 is designated by the United Nations as World Water Day and calls for focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and managing sustainable freshwater resources. It was first proposed in 1992 and first celebrated in 1993. Globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours each day collecting the water their families need to survive, keeping them from spending time on opportunities to earn an income or go to school, linking the issue of sustainable freshwater and gender equality.

 

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month


Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month is observed every year in March. It has its roots in the 1948 founding of the National Hemophilia Foundation by Robert and Betty J. Henry after their son was diagnosed with this bleeding disorder. In March of 1986, President Ronald Reagan declared March Hemophilia Awareness Month. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated it Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month to raise awareness of all inheritable blood and bleeding disorders.
 

Holidays and Observances


International Women of Color Day is March 1 each year. First observed in 1991, it was organized by Suzanne Brooks. International Women of Color Day has roots that reach back to at least 1985 to honor women of color and work toward ending the racism plus sexism they have endured.
 

March 4 is World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation. It was first started in 2009 as a global movement to end human trafficking. More than one million people are thought to be exploited annually, most being women and children. The primary goal of the movement is to unite the world to end all forms of sexual exploitation.

 

Women in Construction Week is celebrated March 5 - 11, to highlight the contributions of women in the industry. The theme this year is Many Paths, One Mission, and it celebrates the different journeys women have taken toward the goal of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.

 

National Dentist’s Day is March 6, celebrating the men and women who work for our dental health and encouraging those who may have avoided going to the dentist to come in for a checkup.

 

International Women’s Day on March 8 is the global day celebrating the many achievements of women and supporting action against gender inequality. Inequity occurs in nearly every aspect of life. For example,  while women make up close to half the world's population, 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men. Embrace equality to create a gender equal world.

 

Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated on March 10, commemorating the former slave who fought to free other slaves. It has been a national holiday in the U.S. since 1990. She was one of the most famous "conductors" of the Underground Railroad.

 

International Day of Women Judges is also on March 10, observed to promote equal and complete participation of women at all levels of the judiciary. The United Nations resolution creating it was adopted in April, 2021.

 

Certified Nurses Day is on March 19. It was created in 2008 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and they chose March 19 because it was the birthdate of Dr. Margretta Madden Styles, a pioneer in the area of nursing certification.

 

March 21 is World Social Work Day and is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday in March. America’s history includes the awarding in 1931 of social work pioneer Jane Addams with a Nobel Peace Prize, one of the first women to receive the honor. Celebrating this day provides an opportunity to acknowledge how communities can make powerful actions that lead to inclusive social transformation.

 

Fun Days

 

World Compliment Day is March 1, thanks to Dutch founder Hans Poortvliet

Old Stuff Day on March 2 is a day to clean out your closets, garages, and other places of clutter in your lives

I Want You to be Happy Day is on March 3, and is a great time to brighten someone’s day with a simple act of kindness

Napping Day on March 13 is when you can recover from springing forward during yesterday’s time change

Everything You Think is Wrong Day is March 15, even if you think it isn’t, and it’s a day to help people realize they aren’t always right

Everything You Do is Right Day on March 16 reminds us that despite yesterday’s celebration, everything is going to be all right.

Awkward Moments Day is observed on March 18, so you can laugh off any unfortunate actions on your part

Let’s Laugh Day on March 19 is a time to giggle through a 24-hour joke-fest

World Storytelling Day happens annually on March 20, celebrating the art of storytelling

National Common Courtesy Day reminds us on March 21 that simple things can make a difference in others’ lives

International Goof Off Day makes March 22 a day to find time to unwind and enjoy yourself 

Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30 encourages us to put on some comfy shoes and take a healthy walk in nature


Historical Events

 

This month's historical events highlight women in our history.
 

March 3, 1913: A women’s suffrage march in Washington, D.C., was attacked while police stood by

March 4, 1933: Newly elected president Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first inaugural address. His cabinet included the first woman to be appointed to a Cabinet post: Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor

March 10, 1903: Claire Boothe Luce was born in New York City. She went on to become a playwright, serve in the House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947, and became the first woman appointed as U.S. Ambassador to a major country (Italy).

March 12, 1993: Janet Reno is sworn in as the first female Attorney General of the United States

March 12, 1994: The Church of England ordained 32 women as its first female priests

March 14, 1833: Lucy Hobbs was born in New York State. In 1866, she was the first woman to receive her degree from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.

March 22, 1972: The Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to the states for ratification. It was only ratified by 35 states, failing to reach the required 38 states by the extended deadline that was set for June 1982.

March 25, 1911: A fire inside a New York City garment factory killed 123 low-paid young women, along with 23 men

March 31, 1776: Future First Lady Abigail Adams pens a plea to the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.”

   Charitable Activities Highlights

 

Wounded Warriors Project


In 2003, a small, grassroots effort began to provide simple care and comfort items to the wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wounded Warriors Project has evolved to include programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care. They also engage in advocacy efforts to improve the lives of warriors and their families. Mattatuck Council #713 chose to support the Wounded Warriors Project for their IFS project.
 

   College News

 

Last call

 

Scholarship applicants are reminded that the deadline for completing the next steps of their Scholarship application is March 31.  Double check the required items in the list you should have received from the Home Office, and immediately contact us at (888) 272-2686 if you lost or did not receive your list of next steps. And best of luck to all our applicants!
 

College-bound season continues

 

Keep an eye out for your college admissions decisions. Each school has its own timeline of issuing acceptances, and the final admission letters should be wrapped up soon. But don’t get too caught up in next year’s dreams: be sure to prepare for your AP test and final exams to end your senior year on a high note.

   Inspirational quotes

 

“Whether you are sixteen or sixty, the rest of your life is ahead of you. You cannot change one moment of your past, but you can change your whole future. Now is your time.”

―     Matthew Kelly
 

   Upcoming dates

 

Mark your calendar with these important dates:

  • Daylight Saving Time begins: March 12, 2023
  • Spring begins! Vernal equinox: March 20, 2023
  • Bulletin article submission deadline: March 28, 2023
  • Scholarship checklist items deadline: March 31, 2023
  • Dime A Day program completion: October 18, 2023

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for your post.

Our Home Office will review the post and publish shortly.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.