The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.22% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 1.42%.[i],[ii],[iii]
In a speech last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that the nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases could hamper economic activity in the upcoming months. He expressed concern that consumer spending may trend lower despite efforts to control the spread of infections.[iv]
Tip adapted from IRS[v]
How to Get Out of an Uphill Bunker Shot
Landing in the bunker is hard enough, but landing in the bunker and navigating an uphill lie is a tricky shot for even the most seasoned golfers. There are a few tricks to follow, though, that can help with this shot.
First, make sure you angle your shoulders to match the slope, rather than trying to go in with your normal set up. If you do this, you’ll be more likely to get your club stuck in the sand. Instead, put a little weight on your front foot and then lean back into the slope.
The second tip is to make sure you choose the right club. You need less club, like a sand wedge, to help the ball roll more. Tip adapted from PGA Tour[vi]
Tip adapted from University of Michigan Medical School[vii]
These tips will help you enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities while also being eco-friendly:
Use the good cloth napkins and dishes instead of disposable plastic ones.
Decorate with nature instead of plastic or synthetic decorations. Fall leaves, acorns, pinecones, and flowers make beautiful fall decorations.
Reduce your energy usage by cooking things at the same time to limit how much you have to use your appliances.
Prepare less food to reduce food waste. Or, properly store and freeze leftovers so you can enjoy them later!
Buy local and organic produce. Local and organic produce requires less energy to produce and transport.
Tip adapted from EcoWatch[viii]
Pgatour.com, November 20, 2020
Uofmhealth.org, November 20, 2020
Ecowatch.com, November 20, 2020
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 4.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 2.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.55% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, jumped 4.01%.[i],[ii],[iii]
Tip adapted from IRS[iv]
How High Should You Tee Your Ball for Your Driver?
Properly teeing up your ball is the first step in hitting a great shot. You won’t find an exact measurement of how high you should tee up your ball because it depends on the type of shot you want to achieve and the club itself.
For a normal drive, you should tee the ball up so half of the golf ball is above the height of your driver. If you are hitting downwind or want your drive to go higher, tee the ball up higher. If you want to achieve a lower ball flight or you’re playing on a windy day, tee the ball lower. When you properly tee up your ball, your tee should stay in the ground after your shot because all of your force is directed into the ball properly.
Tip adapted from Golficity[v]
Tip adapted from Live Science[vi]
DIY Rain Harvesting
Did you know that about 600 gallons of rainwater can be harvested from about one inch of rain if it falls from a thousand square foot roof? Harvesting rainwater is a great way to save water and take full advantage of Mother Nature this fall. Plus, you don’t even need fancy equipment to get started. Here’s what you need to know:
You can calculate how much rainwater you’ll harvest by using data points like how much it rains where you live and the length and width of your roof.
Rainwater tanks can be as small as 55 gallons.
Make sure to place your rainwater reservoir underneath a downspout.
The main components of a rainwater harvesting system are a barrel, a transportation system for the water, and a filter.
Even if you’re not the handiest, some rain catchers are as simple as a garbage bin, a lid, and a filter.
Tip adapted from Morning Chores[vii]
Golficity.com, November 13, 2020
Livescience.com, November 13, 2020
Morningchores.com, November 13, 2020
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 7.32%. The Nasdaq Composite index surged 9.01% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 7.65%.[i],[ii],[iii]
Stocks took a pause to close out the week, even as a solid jobs report saw the unemployment rate fall a full percentage point to 6.9%.[iv]
The 10-year Treasury note rose as high as 0.942% during after-hours trading on election evening and dropped to 0.768% by the end of normal trading hours on Wednesday.[v]
Tip adapted from IRS.gov[vi]
Know a Hole’s Playing Yardage to Improve Your Strategy
While hitting a long drive is important, there’s a lot more that goes into your golf strategy. The best golfers understand yardage, including both a hole’s playing yardage and their own yardage for each of their clubs.
Playing yardage explains a lot more than just how far it is to the pin. Using a formula, you can calculate how far you actually want your ball to travel in the air, which makes your game more accurate. The distance to the pin is your starting point. You then subtract the roll out and plus or minus for wind, elevation, and lie. Once you have that number, you can use your clubs accordingly by understanding each one’s yardage.
Tip adapted from Eric Jones Golf [vii]
Disabled American Veterans has many ways to give back, from events to charitable gifts to chances for advocacy.
The Wounded Warrior Project provides rehab and counseling and is always looking for new volunteers.
Operation Write Home has a very simple premise: provide the materials that service members need to write home to their loved ones. The organization sends blank, handmade greeting cards to our troops that they can then send back home. You can give back by donating or making your own card!
Tip adapted from Military.com[viii]
Green Careers for Veterans
For many veterans, leaving the military and reintegrating into civilian life can be a challenge. Fortunately, there’s an organization aimed at training veterans in careers that are in demand and good for the planet.
Green Veterans is a division of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in building design and construction. Green Veterans is designed specifically to make the transition from military to civilian life easier by providing networking, training, and volunteer opportunities towards those who served. With a focus on green careers and training, their goal is to help combat veteran unemployment and homelessness and help the planet at the same time. Tip adapted from GreenVets.org[ix]
[i] The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2020
[ii] The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2020
[iii] The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2020
[iv] The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2020
[v] The Wall Street Journal, November 5, 2020
[vi] IRS.gov, April 21, 2020
[vii] Ericjonesgolf.com, November 7, 2020
[viii] Military.com, November 7, 2020
[ix] Greenvets.org, November 7, 2020
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tumbled 5.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 5.51% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slumped 5.02%.[i],[ii],[iii]
Losses accelerated mid-week on reports of rising coronavirus-related hospitalizations, along with news that Germany and France were reinstating partial shutdown restrictions.[iv]
There were several strong economic reports during the week, but investors paid little attention. Among the highlights were durable goods orders, which rose for the fifth consecutive month, a sharp drop in initial jobless claims that were the lowest since March 14th, and a 33.1% annualized jump in economic growth during the third quarter.[v],[vi],[vii]
Investors also ignored a strong start to earnings season, which has seen 85% of reporting companies in the S&P 500 index beating earnings estimates by an average margin of 19%.[viii]
Tip adapted from IRS[ix]
Examine Your Spine Angle at Address
Your posture is one of the most important parts of your golf swing. Included in your posture is your spine angle at address and here, we share some tips on how to achieve the perfect angle to maximize your rotation.
Every golfer’s swing is going to be a little different depending on your unique body type and flexibility, but generally you should have a slight arch at your pelvis to create a straight spine. Many golfers hunch their shoulders into more of a “C” posture or are too extended, which can cause issues with your rotation. Instead, focus on a straight line going from your hips through your back and shoulders.
A simple drill to test whether or not you have the correct spine angle is to put a golf club along your spine and see if you can easily fit your hand between the club and your back. It should be a snug fit. If there’s too much space or two little space, your spine angle might be off.
Tip adapted from Golf Distillery[x]
We all know the many potential benefits of exercise, but did you know that sometimes the simplest exercises are some of the most beneficial? Walking might seem like such a simple thing to do, but there are many potential health benefits to this form of exercise.
First off, walking has a very low barrier of entry and may be a good choice for people of all fitness levels! You don’t need any fancy equipment or skill level. Just grab your favorite pair of shoes and hit the road!
Secondly, walking may benefit both your mental and physical health. You burn active calories while walking, which can help with weight management, cardio health, and energy levels. But walking may also be a meditative escape for many people. It offers the chance to disconnect and focus on the moment. Walking for the sake of walking is one of the only exercises that doesn’t have an end goal, meaning that you can focus on just putting one foot in front of the other. Some people might enjoy listening to music or podcasts while they walk, but also consider just listening to the sounds around you. With so much screen time in our daily lives, it’s nice to disconnect for even just a short walk.
Tip adapted from Healthline[xi]
Thrift store shopping is not only fun (think: treasure hunting), but it’s a great way to recycle clothing, housewares, and other items. True, there can be a lot of clutter to sort through, but with a few pro-tips, you’ll be thrifting with the best of them.
Upcycle. You might just find that perfect denim jacket or pair of jeans to embroider, bedazzle, or alter, creating an entirely new look. Furniture can be transformed and upcycled to make into functional (and stylish) decor. Pinterest is a great resource for upcycling ideas.
Location, location, location. You may be tempted to go to more upscale neighborhoods, but you never know where you’ll score great stuff, so try varying where you scout.
When you thrift makes a difference. Skip Halloween and back-to-school time. The stores are usually picked over.
Know when to fold ‘em. Say no to sweat-stained and odor-laden clothing, and definitely, say no to moth holes. A bit of sewing, or even, springing for new soles on a pair of amazing shoes, is doable – and worth it.
Tip adapted from Elle Magazine[xii]
[10] Golfdistillery.com, October 30, 2020
[11] Healthline.com, October 30, 2020
[12] Elle.com, October 30, 2020
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.53%. The Nasdaq Composite index slipped 1.06% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 0.44%.[i],[ii],[iii]
Markets have been focused on weekly initial jobless claims as an important input into the state of economic recovery. After weeks of 800,000+ new jobless claims, last week’s report reflected an improving labor market, as new jobless claims rose by 787,000, below consensus estimates of 875,000, while continuing jobless claims fell by more than one million.[iv]
The report wasn’t entirely positive, however, as more than 500,000 individuals were added to the emergency assistance program that extends unemployment benefits to those who have run out of state unemployment benefits.[v]
The SECURE Act added an allowance for a $5,000 IRA withdrawal (without the usual 10% penalty) that can be used toward expenses related to childbirth or an adoption. This withdrawal counts as taxable income, though, and must be taken within a year of the child’s birth or arrival.
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS.gov and CNBC.com[vi],[vii]
Try This Club Acceleration Drill
Every good golfer knows the importance of each phase of their swing: the load up, the store up, and the release of power. This drill will help you feel the correct amount of power throughout the whole swing.
Start by grabbing any club from your bag (the longer, the better). Set up as normal, then hold the club at waist height. Remember to maintain your normal tilts. Then, turn the club upside down so you’re holding the club head and swinging the grip.
Try to create a “swoosh” noise in your upward swing by swinging the club with enough power and follow through. Do this until you’re comfortable with the motion. Then, switch the club and your grip back to normal. This drill will help you understand the dynamics of a full swing as well as help you keep your front wrist flat and your back wrist hinged.
Tip adapted from Grant Brown Golf[viii]
Your refrigerator should be at or below 40 degrees F and your freezer should be 0 degrees F. Check the temperatures regularly to make sure they are within safe ranges. Appliance thermometers are the easiest way to do this.
Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or other foods that require refrigeration to sit out for over two hours. This also applies to leftovers in to-go containers.
Don’t overcrowd your fridge or freezer because air won’t be able to circulate.
Freezer burn doesn’t mean food is unsafe, it just means that air got in and caused dry spots on frozen food.
Store eggs in their carton in the fridge itself, not in the door. The door of a fridge is often a little warmer.
Tip adapted from FDA[ix]
Breathe Easy and Feel Better – with House Plants
Houseplants accent your home, decorating with beautiful pops of color and texture, but they can also make us feel better. One reason plants are a healthy addition to your home is that they clean the air. Greenery around the house removes over 85% of pollutants from the air within a 24-hour period.
Plants around the home also reduce stress and boost your mood. Need a few tips to get started? Here are a few, easy-care varieties:
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant): It grows quickly and has big, beautiful leaves.
Epipremnum aureum (golden pothos or devil’s ivy): Great starter plants; they thrive in a hanging planter. Be careful if you have pets: they are toxic to cats and dogs.
Hedera (ivy): If you love ivy, this plant is for you.
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant): These low-maintenance plants require watering from the bottom. They sprout babies regularly, so you can share them with friends and family.
If you want really low-maintenance plants, you can try succulents and cacti. They are easy to replant, and it’s fun to combine different varieties to make one-pot gardenscapes. They can also go longer without watering.
Tip adapted from Women’s Health[x]
[i] The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2020
[ii] The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2020
[iii] The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2020
[iv] CNBC, October 22, 2020
[v] CNBC, October 22, 2020
[vi] IRS.gov, March 10, 2020
[vii] CNBC.com, October 22, 2020
[viii] Grantbrowngolf.com, October 22, 2020
[ix] FDA.gov, October 22, 2020
[x] Womenshealthmag.com, October 22, 2020
The Golden Rules of Putting
Putting is one of the most important aspects of the game and these “golden rules” will stop you from all those “gimme” putts you’ve been calling at the end of the game (we’re all guilty of it!).
Make sure you have your thumbs down the shaft. This helps keep both your putter and your wrists straight.
Have your eyes directly over the ball. In fact, if you were to drop another golf ball from where your eyes are in a straight line down, the ball should land directly on the ball you’re about to put. That’s one drill to know whether your eyes are really directly over the ball.
Make sure to keep your wrists and arms straight, even during the follow through. When you’re able to hold this straight angle, you’ll be able to do more consistent putts.
Tip adapted from Today’s Golfer[7]
Tomorrow is National Day on Writing! This national holiday was designated by The National Council of Teachers of English and is used to celebrate writing, storytelling, and creativity. Even if you’re not a writer, everyone can enjoy the potential health benefits of this therapeutic hobby.
Here are some potential health benefits of writing:
Writing about emotionally-charged events may help put the events behind you and relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Writing may help provide mental clarity when making other decisions and dealing with emotions.
Writing may reduce stress and improve sleep.
The best thing about writing is that you don’t need a lot to get started. Grab a notebook and your favorite pen and journal for 5-10 minutes a day. As you get more comfortable, you can write more, or just save it for a quick decompress after the day.
Tip adapted from US News & World Report[8]
Appliances and hot water account for a big part of energy use in your home. So, the kitchen is a great place to start saving energy. Here are a few kitchen energy saving tips:
Leave the faucet on the cold side when using small amounts of water. When the lever is in the “hot” position, it still draws hot water, even though it may not reach the faucet.
If you’re shopping for a new stove, look for a natural gas model with an automatic, electric ignition system. It saves gas since a pilot light is not burning continuously.
Your natural gas appliances should have blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently. If you see yellow flames, consult the manufacturer or your local utility provider.
Be sure to keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, while saving energy.
Cover your kettle or pan or use an electric kettle to boil water. It’ll brew faster and will use less energy.
Eating for one? Use a toaster, microwave, or convection oven rather than your large stove or oven. Doing this will save up to half the energy of a full-sized oven.
Tip adapted from Energy.gov[9]
[7] Allrecipes.com, October 9, 2020
[9] YouTube.com, October 9, 2020
[10] BusinessInsider.com, October 9, 2020
[11] MyModernMet.com, October 9, 2020
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 3.84%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 4.56% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.23%.[1],[2],[3]
“A reader lives a thousand lives before they die. The person who never reads only lives one.”
According to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the IRS won’t share any information that a taxpayer gives with outside parties unless allowed by the taxpayer themselves or the law. This right to confidentiality is one of the 10 rights found in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
The IRS can’t contact third parties, including employers, friends, or banks, for information without giving the taxpayer reasonable notice first.
The same confidentiality you have with an attorney also applies to tax professionals working with the IRS on your behalf.
Try the Mirror Drill
If you find yourself digging into the ground with your club face on impact, chances are that you’re using the leading edge of the club and turning it into the ground. This means you’re not getting as much loft as you should, which can sabotage your short game.
To fix this problem, try the mirror drill. As you set up for your shot, turn your club so the grooves face up and imagine that there’s a mirror there. Throughout your swing, the “mirror” should always face up so you would be able to see yourself in it. This also includes during your back swing. The grooves (or “mirror”) should point straight back at you.
Practice this motion of keeping the club face open until it becomes natural, then follow through with your swing while keeping your “mirror” facing up. This will help you make better contact with the ball and improve your strike.
Tip adapted from PGA of Australia [9]
Did you know that October is National Book Month? There’s no better time to get lost in a great story because not only is reading entertaining, but there may also be some health benefits to getting lost in a good book, as well.
Reading may bring existing neural pathways in the brain to life and help the brain remain elastic and active.
Reading may decrease mental decline, especially for older adults.
Reading may improve short-term memory and recall capabilities.
Reading may reduce stress and depression
Reading may help you fall asleep when used as a bedtime ritual. But, this only applies to reading real books, not e-readers or tablets.
Reading may have health benefits for people of all ages, from children to older adults!
Tip adapted from Business Insider [10]
Swap Out These Three Items for a Greener Kitchen
You don’t have to go entirely waste-free to make some beneficial and eco-friendly changes in your kitchen. Just a few substitutions can go a long way towards making your kitchen healthier for you and the environment.
Here are three items you can easily swap out to help make your kitchen greener:
Replace single-use plastic containers with glass. Single-use plastic can be found everywhere in your kitchen, from your dish soap to foods in your pantry and fridge. Replace pasta sauce and drink containers with glass instead. Glass containers can be reused in your kitchen afterward or recycled.
Turn old t-shirts into cleaning towels. Don’t throw your old t-shirts away, but give them a second life as cleaning towels. Use them to help keep your kitchen clean without using disposable sponges or paper towels.
Use what you have until it wears out. Rather than replacing all your existing plastic containers and water bottles with glass or eco-friendly options, use what you have until it wears out. Then feel free to replace them with more environmentally friendly options.
Get creative! What else can you do in your kitchen to make it more environmentally friendly?
Tips adapted from MyModernMet.com[11]
The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 0.63%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.11% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slumped 4.20%.1,2,3
The weakness in technology persisted. The Department of Justice proposal to curb legal protections for internet companies and require them to take greater responsibility for the content on their sites adding to that sector’s woes.
The week wasn’t entirely absent of good news. Investors focused on reports of new progress in developing a vaccine and the passage in the House of Representatives of a bipartisan continuing resolution bill to fund the government through December 11th.