The Propeller – Spoiler Alert: This Email Won’t Kill You! – February 11 2024

The best way to learn is by asking questions. 

Ask questions to the plumber at your house replacing your water pressure regulator or the electrician adding a GFCI outlet. 

You might learn enough to know what to look for when something breaks or how to avoid getting ripped off in the future.

Ask questions to the stranger on your flight who seems like they’re working on something interesting. Maybe they’ll share knowledge that can spark new ideas or change your perspective.

You never know what might lead to a golden nugget you can use later in life or business.

Don’t be a jellyfish with no brain that just floats around and reacts to its environment.

Asking questions is free. 

When you get good at it, it becomes a superpower that unlocks knowledge and opportunity.

Plus, it increases your confidence and social skills. 

Don’t Miss Out! It’s Not Too Late to Max Out Your Roth IRA for 2023

Time flies, especially when it comes to finances! Did you know the deadline to contribute to your Roth IRA for 2023 isn’t actually December 31st? Breathe a sigh of relief – you have until tax day in 2024, which falls on April 15th, to add funds and snag those sweet tax benefits.

Why a Roth IRA Rocks:

Still not convinced? Here are just a few reasons why maxing out your Roth IRA for 2023 is a smart move:

• Tax-free growth: Unlike traditional IRAs, contributions to Roth IRAs may not be tax-deductible, but the money grows tax-free and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free too! That’s a double whammy of tax savings.
• Flexibility: Need some emergency cash before retirement? No problem! You can withdraw your original contributions (but not earnings) at any time, penalty-free.
• Long-term benefits: The power of compound interest is real. Starting early and contributing consistently can lead to a much larger nest egg down the line.

How Much Can You Contribute?

For 2023, the contribution limit for Roth IRAs is $6,500 (or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older). Even if you can’t max it out, every bit counts. Remember, any contribution is better than none!

Ready to Take Action?

It’s easy to get started. Here are your next steps:

1. Open a Roth IRA: If you don’t already have one, many banks, brokerages, and online platforms offer them.
2. Choose your investments: Decide on your investment strategy based on your age, risk tolerance, and retirement goals.
3. Make your contribution: Contribute as much as you can before the April 15th deadline. You can even split it up into monthly contributions to make it easier.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away! Take control of your future and give your retirement savings a boost with a Roth IRA contribution for 2023. Remember, it’s never too late to start – but the sooner you do, the better!

With 13 lives lost already this year, including 4 in a terrifying e-bike store blaze. a real danger lurks closer than we think: improper battery disposal in our homes. That’s right, your trash can could be harboring a hidden fire hazard.

Don’t panic, though!  Here are some simple tips to protect you from the battery in your cell phone and other devices causing a life-changing fire.

Buying: Look for the Underwriters Laboratories Mark (UL mark) – it means your device is safety tested.

Charging & Storage: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions like gospel! No charging on beds, couches, or under pillows.

Power Up Safely: Use the original charger and cord only. Keep batteries at room temperature, away from sunlight and flammables.

Warning Signs: Notice overheating, strange odors, shape changes, leaks, or odd noises? Stop using the device immediately! Move it away from anything flammable.

Disposal is Key: Throwing batteries in the trash or recycling bin is illegal and dangerous! Recycle them responsibly at a battery recycling location or follow instructions at https://call2recycle.org.

Remember, individually bagging or taping battery ends before disposal adds another layer of safety.

By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and our communities from the dangers of lithium battery fires. Let’s keep our homes and our planet safe, together!

“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal,
and then leap in the dark to our success.”
Henry David Thoreau 

Planning, preparation, and execution will only take you 95% of the way there.

The last 5% requires a leap of faith.

Embrace it.

Always remember to Invest in yourself, it’s the best tech upgrade you can get.

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.