Three unique ways to help kids embrace a blended family

(BPT) - About 1,300 new stepfamilies form each day in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And of the 60 million American children younger than 13, half are currently living with one biological parent and that parent's partner. As a result, couples are trying to find ways to include their stepchildren in the marriage ceremony and commemorate the union of all members of the new blended family.



Andy Netzel of Geneva, Ohio, turned to Things Remembered, the nation's leading retailer of personalized gifts, to find something unique and meaningful to commemorate the special day he married his wife, Margie, and became stepfather to Emily, 4.



During the couple's ceremony, instead of naming Andy and Margie husband and wife, Pastor Michael Meranda paused after the couple kissed and asked Emily to step forward. The couple hadn't prepared the little girl for this moment. If she knew about it ahead of time, they knew she'd be anxious throughout the entire ceremony.



Andy took the microphone and told his stepdaughter-to-be that it wasn't just he and Margie who were joined, but rather all three of them. He opened a jewelry box with a Things Remembered bracelet inside. It was engraved with "Mom, Emily, Andy."



"To me, this wasn't just about Margie and I getting married. This was a lifelong commitment to our new family," he says. "Margie had a ring. I wanted Emily to have something she could remember this day by, even when she was getting married herself." It appears to have worked. Emily now refers to the wedding day as "the day we all got married."



Personalized treasures



More couples are turning to personalized gifts to commemorate the occasion, says Amy Myers, vice president of Creative Services at Things Remembered. The retailer has seen a steady increase in the number of couples coming in to commemorate the occasion.



"We began noticing couples using commemorative gifts about 10 years ago," Myers says. "Our store managers were the ones who pointed it out to us. We began including engraving suggestions for stepfamilies about five years ago. We have a lot of people come in, not knowing exactly what to say." Myers says the message seems to drive the gift. Once they find the right words, finding a gift is usually the easy part.



Community bricks



Many families have also purchased engraved "community bricks" to honor the day they became an official family. Bricks can be purchased through churches, schools, civic organizations or even to support a special landmark that is special to the family. Online retailer, Cut In Stone, specializes in engraved bricks of all shapes, sizes and materials.



The symbolism of creating a cornerstone to celebrate the day a blended family came together has a powerful impact, as does the permanence of placing the brick in a prominent part of the community. Many families make a family event out of visiting the location of their brick on their anniversary. When purchasing a brick, families should inquire about purchasing a second one to keep in addition to the one that becomes part of the community landscape.



Handwritten letters



Some stepparents use the occasion to create a time capsule of sorts with a handwritten letter. In addition to writing a letter to the child about the formation of their family, stepparents can write about what this new family means to them and their hopes for their future together. This further emphasizes the transformation from a couple to an official family.



The letters are often stored in a special box with a few photos and other mementos from the wedding day. Even if the child is quite young on the wedding day, they'll see the effort that went into making them a big part of that day - and the couple's life.



Just as a first-time wedding is cause for celebration, the coming together of two people and their children to create a blended family is an extraordinarily special event. By taking a moment to recognize and pay tribute to the children in a blended family, couples help children realize they are not losing a parent, but rather gaining another person or group of people to love and support them throughout their future.

NOVEMBER 2016 MARKET UPDATE

November 2016

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Make your own masterpieces - freshly painted focal points for any room

(BPT) - Still love the overall design scheme of a space, but feeling a little bored? The best way to breathe new life into it - without revamping the entire area - is by creating a new focal wall. Instead of a decal, stencil or pricey artwork, make a statement that's one-of-a-kind with a little creativity and painter's tape.



Heavy patterns on every wall can be overwhelming; adding zest to just one is your best bet to make a positive impact. Before you begin, scan the room to determine the best wall to update. When you enter the space, where do your eyes naturally gravitate? If it's an area that you love, amp up the style to make it really stand out. But if it's something that catches your eye for all the wrong reasons, pick a different side of the room. Repositioning the focal point will draw attention away from the elements you don't like or can't easily change, like architectural features, window placement or heating and cooling returns.



Once you've determined where you're going to paint, it's time to think about what. Here are a few easy ideas to get the creativity flowing.



Awesome artwork



Purchasing oversized artwork can be pricey - ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Don't shell out a ton of cash to add personality to an empty wall when it's easy to make your own art. Bring your design ideas to life with new FrogTape Shape Tape - a painter's tape cut into unique patterns that allows you to quickly and effortlessly create works of art on walls, accessories, furniture and more. The three Shape Tape patterns - Wave, Scallop and Chevron - can be positioned on surfaces in various ways to achieve different results; by staggering the tape or varying the placement widths, you can make your own impressive designs. Best of all, patented PaintBlock Technology on the edges of FrogTape Shape Tape helps prevent paint bleed and leaves precise lines, keeping your artwork looking sharp. For more information visit frogtape.com.



You can create one oversized piece of art directly on the wall, or paint a number of smaller canvases that can be arranged as a DIY gallery. Whatever you choose, you'll have a new focal point that will surely serve as a conversation starter at your next get-together.



Natural touch



Creating a mural on one wall is extremely popular, especially one that helps bring the feel of the outdoors inside. Trees are an easy element to paint on any wall. For a sophisticated look, keep it simple with silhouettes. Use painter's tape to create the outline of birch trees from the floor to the ceiling, leaving six to 12 inches between each trunk. Paint all the trees using the same color. Be sure to use a shade that coordinates with the rest of the room, or a neutral like white, gray or beige delivers a crisp look.



Fabulous faux framing



If your house is lacking interesting architectural features like decorative molding, you can mimic the look with paint and painter's tape. Measuring and installing the real deal can be time-intensive and tedious, but using paint is an easy way to dress up a space without the cost and labor of installing numerous pieces of trim. From crown molding to wainscoting, using paint to imitate intricate trim work will add high style to your home.



For a stunning makeover, apply FrogTape brand painter's tape three feet up from the floor along the entire wall to emulate a chair rail. Then, add additional squares and rectangles in a repeating pattern below. Apply a fresh coat of paint in a color that coordinates with the original wall color; and once you remove the tape, you'll have crisp lines that look like molding... without all the work.



Next time you're looking to spruce up a space, think beyond painting your walls a solid color. With a little imagination and painter's tape, you can design eye-catching rooms throughout the entire house.

Choosing the right financial products for all stages of life

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has put together a high-level overview of the financial information you should be aware of and consider during the various stages in your life. This is intended to be informative only, and everyone's needs will vary based on their personal situation. You should always seek advice from a licensed professional when considering the purchase of financial products.



20s



In your 20s, you're usually just starting off in your first job and struggling to make ends meet; beginning to build a financial portfolio is probably not at the top of your to-do list. However, this can be a critical time as it can set your financial foundation for the rest of your life. A top priority should be building an emergency savings account to help you get through an unexpected loss of a job or a large and unexpected financial obligation. This should be separate from your normal savings and should only be drawn from under extraordinary circumstances.



Also consider looking into disability income insurance, to make sure your income and savings are both protected if you were ever unable to work due to a long-term illness or injury. Disability income insurance will serve you well throughout your career and the sooner you purchase, the better-protected you'll be.



Additionally, this can be a time to begin thinking about starting an investment portfolio, if you have the means, as the longer you're invested the greater potential for long-term growth. Work with a financial professional to ensure your investments align with your appropriate level of risk for your specific situation.



30s



Your 30s are the prime time to continue building a solid financial future. Hopefully you're comfortable in your career, perhaps have gotten married and may even have begun building a family. This is when your financial options start to open up and you may want to start thinking about life insurance to offer protection for your family's future against an unexpected death and loss of income. Term insurance for yourself and coverage for your children are usually affordable, easy to procure and can offer additional financial protection for you and your family.



This is also when you should be getting serious about your savings plans.- Retirement savings should be at the top of your mind, as you've started to make more money in your 30s and are becoming more comfortable navigating your bills and expenses. IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and other retirement savings tools are important for you at this stage - the earlier you start saving, the more you'll accumulate. And it's never too early to start thinking about college savings for children.



40s



In your 40s, many people have teenage children, tackle new challenges and opportunities in their professional lives and have established a level of income they can rely on comfortably. You can start to work with your child to investigate the various options (savings, aid, loans, grants, etc.) to help pay for post-secondary education. This also might be a time to start considering additional life insurance, as your assets and need for protection have grown as you've prospered both personally and professionally.-



Since you're probably about halfway through your career, you should also start to keep an eye on the retirement horizon and on your overall retirement strategy. Make sure it aligns with your goals and dreams for after your career ends.



50s



Your 50s are an exciting time in your financial life. Your children have probably left the nest and retirement is just around the corner. You should think about establishing a floor of guaranteed income, possibly by purchasing an annuity or insurance product, to meet your essential expenses that will continue into your retirement. This is the time to start considering how you want to live in retirement and beyond. What level of income would you like after you retire and how will you maintain your standard of living? Are you protecting your savings from the high costs of extended care? Whether you're looking to purchase long-term care insurance or not, this is also a time when you should discuss your extended care plans with loved ones, and how that might affect everyone involved.



60s



In your 60s, your retirement has probably arrived or is right around the corner. This is where managing assets, investments and financial strategies are critical. Even at this stage of life, it is important for you to have some of your financial assets in an investment portfolio carefully managed for growth consistent with your risk profile. Meeting regularly with your financial representative at this life stage will help you stay on track with your financial goals.



This is also when you should consider leaving a legacy through a life insurance policy that designates your children or a favorite charity as a beneficiary. The death benefit from life insurance can ensure that your spirit of generosity lives on and the causes you care about will be supported in the future. Another option for securing your future is Medicare supplement insurance, which will help with medical bills not covered by Medicare. This protection can help safeguard your retirement assets from additional costly medical bills.



No financial journey is the same. We all have different needs and goals at different stages of our lives. However, with a solid financial program in place along with the support of a financial professional, you can be prepared to make a lifetime of wise financial choices.

New baby checklist: Tips to start securing your child's future

According to FindLaw.com, the nation's leading website for free legal information, the first and most important step is obtaining an official birth certificate. This document is the gateway to obtaining other important documentation throughout life, such as a Social Security number, a state-issued photo I.D. or a passport.



Here are additional tips from FindLaw.com that every new parent should consider:



Get a Social Security number: Many hospitals allow you to apply for a Social Security number at the same time they are recording your child's birth. You'll need the number for a variety of reasons, from declaring your new child as a dependent on your federal and state income taxes to setting up education savings and retirement accounts. Child identity theft is a growing problem, so be sure to safeguard this information.



Obtain custodial rights: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of four first-born babies is born to an unmarried couple living together. In nearly every state, the mother has 100 percent custody rights until paternity (identity of the father) is established. It's in the child's financial interest to confirm paternity to guarantee that the father helps support the child financially until he or she turns 18. On the other side, if the father wants to guarantee visitation rights or have a say in how the child is raised, it's in his interest to initiate the paternity process.



Sign up your child for health insurance: Immediately add your child as a dependent on your health insurance plan. If you don't have coverage, research options online or through your state. Remember, it will be mandatory for everyone to have coverage with the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act.



Consider term life insurance: A customized term life insurance policy can help cover expenses in the event that you or your spouse unexpectedly dies before your child reaches adulthood. You also may consider purchase coverage to pay off your home or any debts.



Select a legal guardian: The other issue to settle in the unexpected death of a parent is to choose a legal guardian in your will. This person would assume legal responsibility for your child until adulthood. Before you designate someone for this, talk to the person to see if he or she is willing to accept the responsibility. If you don't have a will, new parents can find an attorney with experience in wills and estates in their local area by visiting FindLaw.com.



Fingerprint your child: While it is horrifying to imagine, in the event that your child should go missing, fingerprints and a recent photo of your child can assist authorities. There are many kits available online for you to gather and organize this information.



Get your child immunized: Many state laws require that newborns be immunized for a number of childhood-related diseases before they can enter day care or school. Establish a relationship with a pediatrician and make sure that your child is immunized at the recommended stages of growth.



Know your legal rights at work: Check with your employer about policies related to raising a child and how a new child may affect your benefits. Review paid-time off, sick day and other attendance policies so you are prepared for your child's own sick days, school conferences and other events.



Start saving now: As soon as you receive your new child's Social Security number, you should immediately consider opening up a 529 savings plan or Coverdell education savings account. Both can be used to cover future qualified educational expenses for your child. Based on the power of compounding returns, investing over a longer period is more effective than waiting until you have a large amount to invest - so even if it's a small amount, start investing right away.



To learn more about the law, visit. FindLaw.com.

Simple ways to green your life at home and at work

If you're looking to make your life a little greener - whether during the nine-to-five or the five-to-nine - consider a few simple ways you can save Mother Earth and feel pretty good about yourself too:



* Watch your water footprint and conserve H2O



Water is an important part of daily life and Americans are lucky to have a reliable supply on hand at the simple flip of the faucet handle. The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home, according to the EPA. We use even more at work or school. It's time we take a closer look at our water footprint.



You can reduce your water usage in numerous ways. At home and work, you should use WaterSense-labeled toilets, sinks and showerheads. Because both businesses and homeowners like to save, check out epa.gov to find rebates for water-wise improvements. Additionally, remember to turn off water when appropriate - such as when you brush your teeth or are rubbing your hands together to generate soap bubbles. Keep showers to 10 minutes or less.



* Look for products that use reclaimed materials



Americans generated about 250 million tons of trash, and recycled and composted almost 87 million tons of this material, which is equivalent to a 34.7 percent recycling rate, the EPA reports. This rate is pretty impressive, and with waste now being employed as the primary ingredient for things we use every day, this number is likely to rise.



Reclaimed rubber is one such example. Ecore, a rubber flooring company, uses reclaimed rubber tires to make commercial flooring, and has been doing so for more than 25 years. Old, exhausted treads of tractor-trailer tires are ground, screened and separated to remove contaminants - creating a durable flooring option for businesses.



* Go green with your greenery



Being strategic about what plants you use for landscaping at home and work can help you conserve water and reduce maintenance requirements. Use natural vegetation appropriate for the region where you live. Ask your nursery or state's extension service about shrubs, trees and ground covers that are good alternatives to grass. Native plants quickly adapt to changing climate conditions, so you'll spend less time trimming and watering.



While you have your green thumb out, consider placing a few houseplants in your office and throughout your home. As part of plants' natural photosynthesis process, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps to naturally clean the air around us. Some houseplants have even been shown to remove formaldehyde and benzene pollutants from the air. Increase your indoor air quality with a few good greens. Try houseplant varieties like philodendron, spider plants, (chlorophytum comosum) or peace lilies (spathiphyllum).



These are just a few simple ways to green your life at home and at work - so you can make a difference for our earth all day long. Adopting an eco-friendly mindset for you and your family helps ensure the future is bright (and green) for everyone.

Going gluten free may not be enough to manage celiac disease

Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease is more than just an upset stomach. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that can impair the ability of the body to absorb necessary nutrients which can lead to other health problems like anemia, weight loss, depression, osteoporosis, infertility, lymphoma and dental issues.



It is often difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms can be similar to those caused by irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, intestinal infections, lactose intolerance and depression, and each person experiences symptoms in a different way. Blood tests are the first step in a diagnosis of celiac disease.



The Food and Drug Administration established regulations in August that defines "gluten-free" for product manufacturers. The label "gluten-free" can be placed on any products that contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.



However, even those who carefully choose their foods based on gluten-free labels also need to be aware of cross-contamination dangers, both at home and in the community. For example, if a cutting board is used to chop bread and vegetables without a thorough washing in-between, a person with celiac disease eating the vegetables could eat enough gluten to cause symptoms and/or injury to the small intestine.



For many people, completely eliminating gluten from their diet isn't enough to alleviate all of their celiac disease symptoms or allow for complete healing of the intestinal damage caused by small amounts of gluten in the diet. About 60 percent of patients still experience moderate to severe symptoms of their disease while following a gluten-free diet, according to a recent study. The CeliAction Study is a clinical research study that will determine if an investigational drug is able to improve the damage in the lining of the intestine caused by even the smallest trace of gluten. The study will also evaluate whether the investigational drug improves any symptoms of celiac disease. Patients randomized into the study will not purposefully be exposed to gluten during the study. To learn more and to see if you qualify, call 855-3333-ACT or visit CeliActionStudy.com.



Patients can differ in the severity of their symptoms, and how those symptoms are managed. A lot of information is available both online and through health centers, providing patients and their families with knowledge about living on a gluten-free diet, including shopping tips and recipes.