7 Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Salad
Salads may not be as American as apple pie, but plenty of people report eating them regularly: four times a week, on average, according to a poll commissioned last year by Fresh Express and conducted by OnePoll. More than half of the 2,000 U.S. adults polled — 62 percent — said that salads are part of their regular diet.
It’s a little puzzling to reconcile those numbers with the staggering rates of obesity in this country, but then, the health value of a salad really depends on quality rather than quantity. While salad — usually conceived as a big bowl of fresh, raw vegetables and leafy greens — has all the makings of a terrific health food, it’s easier than you might imagine to go astray and sabotage your salad. Pouring on the dressing, overdoing the carbs, forgetting about protein, and other common missteps can turn this nutritious meal into a calorie bomb.
Whether you’re ordering out or tossing your own, here are seven common mistakes to avoid.
- Mistake 1: Forgetting Protein
- Mistake 2: Drowning in Dressing
- Mistake 3: Packaged Dressings
- Mistake 4: Going Crazy on the Croutons
- Mistake 5: Boring Bowls
- Mistake 6: Using Light Greens
- Mistake 7: Not Cleaning Around Your Greens
The Magic Formula for a Winning Salad
Now that you’ve learned what salad mistakes to avoid, here’s how to do it right! Cassetty shares her formula for building a satisfying, substantial, nutrient-dense salad. Combine the following:
- Two parts veggies, which could be leafy greens; chopped peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes; or roasted veggies
- One part carbs, such as quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or dried or fresh fruit
- Protein, such as eggs, beans, legumes, or tofu
- Fat Cassetty encourages plant-based sources of fat such as avocado, olives, or an oil-based dressing. Cheese works well for certain salads — think beets and goat cheese or a Greek salad with feta.
- Crunchy bits Nuts, seeds, or crunched-up whole-grain chips or crackers
- Flavoring Along with dressing you can add enhancements like Italian, Greek, or everything-but-the-bagel seasoning.
How much of the protein, fat, and crunchy bits should you add? “The amount that would feel comfortable and enjoyable,” Cassetty says. “Think about the fat source as an accessory — it gives your salad lots of flair, but you don’t want to overdo it,” she says. “And protein is a filling element, so how hungry are you? When we base our decisions like that, we’re tuning into our bodies, and that helps us eat more in line with what our bodies need.”
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By Stephanie Thurrott (March 2023)
Income tax diversification defined
If you’re saving and investing for retirement, you’re probably familiar with the concept of investment diversification: Combining different types of assets to balance your overall investment risk and return. This same principle can and should be applied to income tax diversification.
Why? Income tax diversification may allow you to structure withdrawals in retirement to potentially increase the amount of after-tax spendable income.
To achieve a diversified tax base, you want financial assets that offer different types of income tax advantages as you:
- Save for retirement (Contribution).
- Grow your savings (Accumulation).
- Use them for retirement income (Distribution).
There are particular income tax advantages offered by different financial instruments at each of these stages.
Choosing options that offer tax advantages during these different stages may help you accumulate more for retirement and reduce your income tax liability during retirement.
Retirement savings plans (pretax contributions, tax-deferred accumulation, taxable withdrawals)
As you earn money, you pay income tax. But certain retirement savings programs — 401(k) plans, IRA’s, and some types of pension and profit-sharing plans allow you to contribute on a pretax basis. This effectively lowers your gross pay and, as a result, the taxes on that income.
Additionally, many employers offering these types of plans offer some kind of match of funds to a certain limit. For example, your employer may contribute 50 cents for every dollar you contribute up to 6 percent of your pay. So, if you contribute 6 percent of your pay, then add your employer’s match, your contribution amount is effectively increased to 9 percent.
The pretax income you invested in these types of qualified retirement accounts grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning the money doesn’t get taxed until you take it out.
These kinds of plans are typically subject to a 10 percent penalty for distributions prior to age 59½, and may also have annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73. Failure to take full RMDs will result in a penalty tax equal to 50 percent of the shortfall.
Roth plans (after tax, tax deferred, tax advantaged)
Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are built with after-tax dollars. Both earnings and withdrawals are income tax free if the owner is 59½ and has had the account for five years or longer.
Contributions are limited, however. Those making more than a specific income level cannot contribute a Roth IRA. And those do qualify can only contribute a set amount. Roth 401(k)s don’t have income thresholds, but have limits on how much can be contributed.
Roth account values may also pass tax deferred to the account beneficiary at death.
Annuities (tax deferred, tax advantaged)
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that can protect you from the risk of outliving your savings in retirement. It is purchased in a lump sum or series of payments and guarantees a stream of payments at some time in the future.
There aren’t any statutory limits on how much after-tax money can be used to fund an annuity, although the annuity itself may have contractual limits.
Earnings in annuities accumulate tax-deferred. When you start receiving payments, you’ll be taxed. If the annuity was bought with pretax funds, the payments will be taxed as ordinary income. If purchased with after-tax funds, you would only pay tax on the earnings.
Life insurance (after tax, tax deferred, tax advantaged)
Life insurance provides a death benefit to help your loved ones carry on in the event of your passing, and life insurance death benefit proceeds are generally income tax free.
Some types of life insurance build cash value. This cash value grows on a tax-deferred basis.
The cash value can be accessed on a tax-advantaged basis. Money taken from the cash value of a life insurance policy is not subject to taxes up to the “cost basis.” That’s the amount paid into the policy through out-of-pocket premiums.
Policyowners can withdraw or borrow against their cash value for any need, like paying a college bill or coming up with a down payment on a house. Retirees can use the cash value as a ready reserve of funds for inevitable market pullbacks, allowing time for invested funds to recover.
Municipal bonds
Those looking to diversity their tax base also sometimes look at municipal bonds.
The attraction of municipal bonds is the interest earnings are not subject to federal taxes. They may also avoid state and local taxes if the investor lives in the state that issued the bond.
Conclusion
The kind of income tax diversification mix using the various options will be different from individual to individual, depending on age, income, and other circumstances. Many people turn to a financial professional to help them understand the choices and possible outcomes.
Provided by Matthew Clayson, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). CA Insurance License # 0I01304
©2023 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001
MM202611-307408
Spring Storm Preparedness
As spring approaches, it brings with it the possibility of a major spring storm, which can cause severe weather events like thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and even tornadoes. It is essential to be prepared and safeguard both property and personal safety. Here is a concise guide on how to prepare for the unpredictable weather of the season.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Begin by reviewing your home insurance policy to ensure it covers damages caused by storms. It is crucial to understand the specifics of your coverage, including how to file a claim, before the spring storm season arrives. If you have any questions or need adjustments to your policy, please contact us for a detailed review.
Secure Your Home
- Outdoor Items: Secure or store outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from becoming windborne hazards.
- Roof and Gutter Check: Inspect your roof for damages and clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
- Power Outage Plan: Prepare for potential power outages with supplies and consider investing in a generator for extended blackouts.
Stay Safe
- Stay Updated: Monitor weather forecasts and spring storm alerts through a reliable weather app or NOAA Weather Radio.
- Identify Safe Spaces: Know the safest area in your home to take shelter during a storm, such as a basement or an interior room without windows.
- Practice Safety Plans: Conduct regular drills so all household members know the safety plan.
After the Storm
- Assess Damage: Safely assess and document any property damage with photos and detailed notes. This information is vital for your insurance claim.
- Prompt Claim Reporting: Contact us as soon as possible to report damages and initiate the claims process.
Conclusion
Spring’s arrival brings with it the need for vigilance and preparedness against a major spring storm. By taking proactive steps now, such as reviewing your insurance coverage, securing your home, and planning for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by these unpredictable weather events. Remember, we’re here to assist, from policy review to claim support. Stay safe and make this spring season both enjoyable and secure.