NYC: Stuck in a Holidaze

An East Coast Christmas Holiday

Christmas time in New York is a totally different ball game. Lines at any store are atrocious in the city as it is, so just imagine during Christmas time. However, the vibe and spirit is all worth it. The city doesn't have track homes that are all lit up but it does have all the streets lit and trees wrapped with lights. The big Rockefeller Tree is lit with hundreds of people in line to go ice skating. Everyone walks around at lightning speed with shopping bags in both hands, wearing their best winter get up. Being in New York until Christmas Eve, I get to experience both coasts this Christmas. It is the perfect time to spend with family and friends and set goals for the upcoming year.

Tips For Holiday Parties

 I know it can be tough going out all the time for the holidays, everyone seems to want to have people over for drinks, delicious, yet unhealthy meals, and desserts. My biggest tip: limit your drinks. Weather it be alcoholic, fruity, or soda, that is where the most empty calories are coming from. Try to eat something small, like a side salad before you go so you aren't snacking the entire time before the real meal comes. Don't deprive yourself, just choose moderation.  We are what we eat.

Holiday Traffic

Luckily, I do not have to drive in New York. Traffic is miserable for those who do, but we also have one of the most efficient ways of transportation. The subway. It took me some getting used to, growing up my entire life never using public transit, and now I take the subway daily. In California, traffic is a different story. No matter where you go, you're going to hit traffic driving up or down the coast. Give yourself extra time, use the restroom at stops even if you don't have to, and have a playlist ready for the drive. Please drive safe and DO NOT drink and drive.

What to Wear

It's time to rock the ugly Christmas Sweater! Christmas time is fun to dress up in all glitz and glam. If you are going out for a night it never hurts to add a little sparkle. Wether it be a skirt or blouse pair it with a neutral colored pant or top, some red heels and lips and you are ready for any holiday party. For the men, a nice button down or sweater paired with dress pants or dark jeans will do just fine for any party in mind.

Farmers Financial Fast Fact, by Glenn P Domingo, LUTCF, CSP

Roth IRA

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement) is a retirement plan under US law that is generally not taxed, provided certain conditions are met. Thetax law of the United States allows a tax reduction on a limited amount of saving for retirement. The Roth IRA's principal difference from most other tax advantaged retirement plans is that, rather than granting a tax break for money placed into the plan, the tax break is granted on the money withdrawn from the plan during retirement.

A Roth IRA can be an individual retirement account containing investments in securities, usually common stocks and bonds, often through mutual funds(although other investments, including derivatives, notes, certificates of deposit, and real estate are possible). A Roth IRA can also be an individual retirement annuity, which is an annuity contract or an endowment contract purchased from a life insurance company. As with all IRAs, the Internal Revenue Service mandates specific eligibility and filing status requirements. A Roth IRA's main advantages are its tax structure and the additional flexibility that this tax structure provides. Also, there are fewer restrictions on the investments that can be made in the plan than many other tax advantaged plans, and this adds somewhat to the popularity, though the investment options available depend on the trustee (or the place where the plan is established).

The total contributions allowed per year to all IRAs is the lesser of one's taxable compensation (which is not the same as adjusted gross income) and the limit amounts as seen below (this total may be split up between any number of traditional and Roth IRAs. In the case of a married couple, each spouse may contribute the amount listed):

	Age 49 and Below	Age 50 and Above
1998–2001	$2,000	$2,000
2002–2004	$3,000	$3,500
2005	$4,000	$4,500
2006–2007	$4,000	$5,000
2008–2012	$5,000	$6,000
2013–2015[1]	$5,500	$6,500

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday season! I can't wait to go home and enjoy it with my family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from the Domingo Farmers Insurance family!

XOXO,

Amanda