New Year(ning)

FRESH START

Happy New Year! Thinking what has changed over the past year is crazy. And thinking what you can accomplish in a year is even crazier. Here is to a fresh start. A new 365 days to make positive changes in your life. Celebrate 2015 and reflect on all that has happened, the good and the bad. Cheers to 2016! May this year bring you peace, love, and joy. My main focus during 2016 is mental toughness.

2016

For those of you who do not know, I got injured in my first collegiate softball game this year. I collided with another player and ended up having a concussion and nerve damage in my neck. Prior to this injury I was super into fitness and extremely disciplined with my workouts. It has been a real challenge not being able to play softball or workout for three months now. However, while this injury lingers on I have learned a lot about myself and I am slowly learning how to be mentally tough.
Mental toughness will produce discipline.   I hope you will join me on my journey in 2016.

Here are 16 ways I like to relieve stress in 2016:

1.   Journal positively
2.   Exercise
3.   Belt my favorite song
4.   Read motivating quotes, "Don't Hesitate to Hydrate"
5.   Practice a sport
6.   Drink tea
7.   Color/Draw
8.   Write/Read goals
9.   Meditate
10. Walk along the beach
11. Have a phone call with a close family member or friend
12. Pray
13. Stay off social media
14. Walk my dog
15. Clean my room
16. Smile/Laugh

Try out a couple of these things when you are feeling stressed. When you have a lot on your plate for a day it is even more important to squeeze in something that helps alleviate the stressful feelings.


You don't always need a "New Year's Resolution." The new year is jump start to regain focus. Resolutions don't always have to be about losing a certain amount of weight or cutting out something completely. They can be simple things in moderation that make a big difference.

Restaurant Review

Board and Brew - Carlsbad Village
‪760-434-4466‬

Local sandwich shop, Board and Brew. It is a perfect place to get a perfect amount of food for a decent price. They have a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They even have lettuce wrap options otherwise known as protein style for gluten free lovers like me. Craft beer is also offered. It is in the perfect location, just a block from the beach. Our local location in Carlsbad Village offers happy hour 3-6 pm.

Enjoy a Turkey and Avocado Sandwich on whole grain.  I suggest having their special sauce on the side.  My dad likes the sandwich with an glass of Stone Indian Pale Ale.  Check em out on Google.

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

Best Ways to Save For Retirement Without an IRA or 401(k)

By Investopedia | August 25, 2015

Read more: Best Ways to Save For Retirement Without an IRA or 401(k) | 

Hey my friends at Investopedia are a great resource for Financial Fitness.  Use their link to learn more about the concept of saving.  All the best in 2016.  Remember that putting aside each month for retirement adds up.  The younger you start, the more powerful compounding interest becomes.  If you invest each month in the stock market, the concept is called dollar cost averaging and will be discussed next month. 

Thanks for listening to my dad and me, until next time, 

Amanda "Kiki Domingo

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 

Coast to Coast Review

What's New From Amanda Domingo In Brooklyn

Happy Thanksgiving to all! It is so weird that our family will be apart for the first time ever this holiday.  Addison, our Agency's Contact Manager, will be in Pittsburgh, Mom, Dad and Lexie will be home in Carlsbad and me in New York.  However, I am fortunate enough to have a family here in New York too. I have been enjoying going shopping in the city, running the Manhattan bridge, and eating out with my team mates. I was grateful my mom, dad, and sister came out the week before for a surprise. Hope you all are grateful on your turkey day with your family and friends. Enjoy it, I know I wish I was with mine!

A Healthy Recipe for the Holiday Season

As I'm starting to freeze here, this warm holiday Butternut Squash sounds so delicious and easy to prepare. Try it out as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.  I also recommend using coffee mugs for ease of serving.

Ingredients 

1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cups chicken stock, low sodium is best
Nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.

Kiki's Kwik Tip on Beauty 

I have such sensitive skin that waxing my eyebrows is not an option without losing a layer of skin.  I had a terrible experience with that method of beauty maintenance so I needed an alternative.  It was weird at first. How can this technique possibly work I asked myself.  I fell in love with threading while on a trip to Stanford, but have yet to find a decent place here in Brooklyn. Back home I recommend Kaya Threading in Oceanside right next to Barnes n Noble. It is so affordable and they do a great job. If you have extreme redness, irritation, or scabbing from waxing, I do recommend threading. 

2515 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 722-2013

Raving Restaurant Review

One of my new favorite places to eat in Brooklyn is National. It is a Thai restaurant that offers a decent amount of food for good value.  The food, spices and presentation is fresh.  I usually order the Vegetarian Pad Thai.   Perfect for a starving college student or dinner with the family. I actually took my mom, dad, and sister there when they came out on their surprise visit. If you are ever in town I suggest you give it a try!

723 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 522-3510

Note: It is CASH ONLY 

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

The younger you start saving for your Golden Years, the more powerful your retirement nest egg will be.  As confident planners, we understand that the power of time is our most precious resource.  Time is also an element that allows an investor to take advantage of Dollar Cost Averaging. DCA' The technique of buying a fixed dollar amount of a particular investment on a regular schedule, regardless of the share price. More shares are purchased when prices are low, and fewer shares are bought when prices are high. Dollar Cost Averaging is the concept of purchasing Stocks, Bonds, ETF's or Mutual Funds over a long period of time.  This allows the investor to systematically purchase investment vehicles that are higher at times and lower at times preventing market timing .  This type of investing over time has resulted in better returns of your investment instead of purchasing a lump sum at a high mark.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am going to enjoy tax free Black Friday shopping in New York!  If you spend less than $110.00 on a single purchase in the State of New York, you do not to pay State Tax.  Multiple purchases at the same location on the same day is not uncommon.

Tax Free is always better than deferring your tax.  If you qualify to purchase a ROTH IRA, your return on your investment is tax free.  My dad will explain what a Roth Ira is and who qualifies on our next blog.  Until we read again.

With Gratitude,

Amanda 

New York, New Home

As the youngest in my family, leaving the farthest for college was a huge change for me and my family. Being in Brooklyn, New York for about two months now, I am starting to adjust and settle in to my new home. It is all exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. New York and San Diego are quite a bit different. I entered such a culture shock that I am learning to love. From trying to survive the cold wind chills and watching the leaves change, I have learned things about myself and matured so much in such a short amount of time.

I have enjoyed blogging and running the social media sites for Farmers Insurance this past year. Now that I am finally settled in college I will continue to blog from the east coast. To update you, I am majoring in Sports Management and I am excited to see what my faith has in store for me. I understand leaving home and what you are comfortable with is never easy for anyone. I hope I can share some helpful tips throughout my time in college for students, athletes, and families.

Living On Your Own

Mom and dad are unfortunately not there anymore to do your laundry, watch all your sporting games, make sure you are on top of your homework, or make your meals. If you haven't already figured it out, you will. And for the parents, don't worry, we won't starve. 

I've realized waiting until you run out of any clean clothes and underwear probably isn't the best idea. Do your laundry weekly if you can before you spend your only day off waiting for your wash in the washers and dryers that are most likely out of order. Parents, I've learned Tide Pods are the easiest way to go, so if you're sending any care packages including some of those every once in awhile won't hurt. 

Time management is key. Work smart. Do the work you have to with the amount of effort that is needed to get a good grade. Balance school and play. Find a happy medium between school work and leisure activities.

Adjusting To Your New Home

Coming from an extremely close knit family, I was very scared to travel 3,000+ miles away for school. But, I have realized being so far away has made us so much closer, and so much more appreciative of each others company. I am so grateful to have such a loving, strong-faithed family that I know is still there for me no matter the distance. 

FaceTime, texts, and calls have definitely help. I experienced homesickness, but just a daily little text helps. The phone goes both ways. Never think you're "too cool" to call and check in on the parents they are experiencing loneliness just like you.

Never loose sight of your goals. It helps me get through little daily struggles knowing I am working towards something bigger than the homework assignment I got a bad grade on that I spent so much time on. 

Keep your faith and family close to you and things will work out. Stay patient and persistent. Check in next week for my favorite stress reliever!

With gratitude,
Amanda 

Berry Delicious

Here is the recipe to one of my favorite post workout smoothies! It is refreshing, delicious, and so easy to make.

Berry Green, Mean, and Lean Smoothie

1 C ALMOND MILK

1 C RAW SPINACH

1/2 C FROZEN BANANA 

1/2 C FROZEN BLUEBERRIES

1/2 C FROZEN STRAWBERRIES 

OPTIONAL:

1 SCOOP VANILLA PROTIEN POWDER OF YOUR CHOICE

1 TBSP CHIA SEEDS 

Directions

Throw all ingredients in a blender and blend to your liking of consistency. Sip and enjoy!

So yummy after a hard workout. And perfect to sip on during a hot day.

Time Isn't Ticking

When it comes to health there is no time limit. Living healthy is a life long commitment. Because it is an ongoing journey it is easy to fall off track sometimes, lose motivation. The strongest ones are the people who keep going even when they take a little detour. Neghar Fonooni said, "Fitness is the health of your body, mind, and soul. Therefore your fittest self is not only physically fit, but mentally strong, confident, and loving towards itself and others."

Here are some tips I like to use when I feel like I've lost some of my motivation:

1. Try A New Exercise 

Exercising doesn't have to be going to the gym and doing cardio machines for an hour. Try yoga, take a bike ride along the coast, go for a hike, try stand up paddling, or even take your kids to a trampoline house and get your exercise in while they get rid of some energy. 

2. Take A Rest Day

Sometimes when all you've been doing is the same workouts your body gets used to it, you stop seeing results, and you wonder "whats the point?" Take a day to regroup and prepare an amped up workout. Sometimes your body needs some rest in order to get back on track, however don't let it turn into a rest week!

3. Find A New Recipe 

Look online or ask a friend for a new healthy, nutritious, and delicious recipe. Eating a beautiful healthy meal can fuel your body and get you back on track and motivated to continue with your healthy lifestyle. 

Always remember to listen to your body, fuel it properly, and be mindful. 

Namaste,

Amanda

Caution: Be "Uber" Safe

Are you already helping your local community by being an Uber driver, or looking to become one? Make sure you are covered on the road! Farmers now offers auto insurance for Uber drivers.

For those of you who don't know what Uber is, it is an app for your phone that will pick you up at any destination and take you wherever you need to be for a much cheaper ride than any taxi. Any one can become an Uber driver and make their own hours. With that in mind, don't forget to be aware when riding with Uber.  Farmers recently teamed with Uber for the Farmers Open and as of May 28th  we have created extended coverage specifically for drivers.

Farmers Rideshare

When you become a rideshare driver for a company such as Uber, your current auto insurance does not cover you as a rideshare driver. We at Farmers thank you for helping keep drunk drivers off the road and have made it possible to get the additional coverage you need at a low rate.

Coverage for Rideshare with Farmers

Without this additional coverage you only have minimal liability coverage. It is likely you would have to pay out of your own pocket for medical and repair expenses. However, with Rideshare coverage, additional liability comes with $50,000 in property damage, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, and $100,000 per occurrence.

Cost $$$

This new program is very affordable. It only costs $6-$8 more per month! We can simply add it to our rating system Farmers Specialty Auto.

Please give us a call at 866-486-3276 or email me at gdomingo@farmersagent.com with any questions and/or concerns. We would love to help you get the coverage you need for helping us keep our streets safer.