I like to send out a newsletter to my clients and friends every-other week on Thursdays at 2 p.m. PT. I typically include 3 articles with my commentary around the topic of personal finance. Here are the ones I like this week, and I think you will too. (Feel free to email me at eric@aquilawealth.com if you want to be added to my email newsletter list.)

 #1 
The No. 1 IRA mistake
https://www.financial-planning.com/news/ira-mistakes-check-the-beneficiary-forms

It is crucial to keep your beneficiaries updated on your IRA account(s) (and other retirement accounts like a 401(k) or a life insurance policy). It's very easy to update your beneficiary(ies), usually it's a one-page form you fill out with the name, social security number, and date of birth of the person(s) you wish to inherit your funds. You can update this at anytime and for any reason, and as many times as you like. A good financial advisor will review these forms with you regularly, to make sure there haven't been any changes or updates. 

Often times a major event like a marriage, a birth, a death, or a change in tax law spurs on a review of beneficiaries.  It is also a good idea to list contingent beneficiaries in case the primary beneficiary predeceases the IRA owner. The beneficiary form overrides a will document, which makes this a powerful and inexpensive estate planning tool if done right. 

#2   
Productivity Recommendation: Take the Kolbe A™ Index/Instinct Test
https://secure.kolbe.com/k2/show_takeIndex/indexType_A?utm_source=Landing+Page&utm_medium=Landing+Page&utm_content=A+Index+Variation+B&utm_campaign=Kolbe+A+Index+Landing+Page+Test

The Kolbe assessment has helped me find out what my "gut instincts" are, my "unique ability," and how I "strive" best. It shows how someone can use their instincts to be the most productive and stress free version of themselves. 
It's not a cognitive test nor a personality assessment. 
For example, I'm a "3-3-9-3," which corresponds to “future-oriented challenges, and leading the way to visionary possibilities and creating what others said couldn’t be done.”

That's just one part of the output information specific to your answers. I look forward to you sharing what your four numbers. (I am not affiliated with Kolbe in any way.)

#3
The Scientific Secrets to Preventing Jet Lag
http://time.com/5392876/science-cure-prevent-jet-lag/

This week I traveled 2 time zones east to St. Louis, MO for the XY Planning Network Financial Conference. Even though it's only a couple of time zones difference, a 6:30 a.m. wake up call feels like a 4:30 a.m. wake up.

The surprising take-away for me from this article, regarding jet lag, is the impact of light exposure while traveling. “The best way to alleviate jet lag is to obtain proper light exposure, which will realign your internal circadian clock to your new time zone,” says Zeitzer. “In general, you want to get morning light exposure, and avoid evening light exposure when traveling eastward, and the opposite when traveling westward.”

Other, more obvious, tips include staying well hydrated, skipping alcohol on the flight and before bed time, exercising upon arrival, and taking one to three milligrams of melatonin two hours before bedtime. 


Have a great week! And, I hope to hear from you soon ...

Warm regards,
- Eric 

Eric Maldonado, CFP®, MBA, CKA®
Owner, Aquila Wealth Advisors
(805) 250-4552
eric@aquilawealth.com
www.AquilaWealth.com
3940-7439 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401