July 2026 Safe Money Strategies Newsletter

A Special Birthday!

Two-Hundred and Fifty Years! That’s how long we in the United States of America have enjoyed our freedom and liberty. Now we are celebrating more than a milestone. It’s lasting proof that our experiment in democracy is a success. When the founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, they didn’t know whether or not a government of the people by the people would last. But our Constitutional Republic HAS endured…. Through a terrible civil war, two World Wars and a host of other nightmares which jeopardized our very existence. Now we face other challenges, but the past proves that we are strong enough to survive anything. So it’s time to celebrate!

There will be fireworks, music and family gatherings galore. I hope you enjoy the celebration and revel in its meaning We are so very fortunate to live in a country where we are truly free.

Doyle, my oldest sibling, turns 92 on July 4th. According to him, all this celebrating is mainly to mark his birthday. Happy Birthday, big brother!

Enjoy the festivities, everyone. And Thank you one and all for being my friend and my client. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you can imagine. I know that many of you have sent me referrals along the way, and please know how much I appreciate every one. I strive to provide the same competent, courteous service to every one referred to me as I provide for each of you. Keep ‘em coming! ………….Jim

Health in the News…..

“After 60” Rules……

1. If you stop walking, your body starts retiring before you do.
2. If you sleep less than 7 hours, your brain ages faster than your face.
3. If you avoid protein, your muscles disappear silently.
4. If you avoid sunlight, your bones weaken quietly.
5. If you stop lifting things, gravity wins.
6. If you complain more than you move, confidence dies first.
7. If you believe “I’m old,” your body obeys.
8. After 60, weakness doesn’t come suddenly It comes from daily neglect.

Animal Quiz

1. Which bird sometimes drums on trees to communicate?
2. What fish can generate up to 600 volts of electricity?
3. What shark can survive in both fresh and salt water?
4. What amphibian secretes a deadly poison through its skin?
5. What snake is known for playing dead?

(Answers found on page 3)

Lifestyle Habits

If you/re not getting enough sleep because you have a hard time falling asleep, consider practicing better sleep hygiene. The following steps can help you get into the right frame of mind, physically and mentally, to fall asleep…

Turn off electronic gadgets at least two hours before you want to fall asleep.

Cut back on nighttime snacking. Avoid heavy, high-fat foods that could cause indigestion.

Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary. No electronics. Keep the temperature cool. Create a dark, quiet environment.

Keep a regular sleep schedule on weekdays and weekends and even during vacation. Keep the same wake-up time and go to bed when you feel sleepy. Don’t lie in bed if you’re NOT sleepy.

Skip strenuous activity at least 2 hours before sleep time. Try meditation or quiet activities. Skip murder mysteries and other genres that could keep you awake. ..from The Bottom Line

“Who Wants to Win Free food at Sonic?”

According to studies, when a married couple reaches age 65, there is a 50% chance that one of them should survive to age….

A. 80
B. 90
C. 95
D. 100

The 4th person with the correct answer to the Question of the Month will receive a gift card to Sonic – just for reading this newsletter. Text or email responses only.

The June winner was Raymund Cobos.

Answers to Quiz

1. Woodpecker
2. Electric eel
3. Bull shark
4. Poison Dart Frog
5. Hog-Nosed snake

Thought for the Month

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you can never see the shadow.”

…Helen Kellers

Barbecue Grill Care

Before grilling: Once heated, scrape grates before every use with a wire brush…or use a hardwood paddle designed for grill cleaning if you are concerned about leaving bristles behind.

Wipe grates with a wet rag …. Or use a grill brush with a steam feature.

After grilling: Clean the grease trap and drip trays to prevent overflow into the grill or onto your patio. Scrape off stuck-on spots in the trap, and scrub it with soap and water.

Gas Grill Safety: Before each use check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water onto the propane regulator, hose & connectors. If there is a leak, you’ll see bubbles.

…..from The Bottom Line.

Recipe of the Month

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Ingredients

• 1 8-oz package of educed fat cream cheese
• 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Fat Free Sweetened Condensed Milk.
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (6 oz) prepared reduced-fat graham cracker pie crust
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling, chilled

Instructions

Beat cream cheese in large bowl, until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.

Pour into crust; chill 4 hours or until set. Top with desired amount of pie filling before serving.

…From the kitchen of Frances Hutson

At What Age Should I Take Social Security?

Did you know that studies show 93% of Americans take Social Security to their detriment rather than to their benefit? Most people take Social Security between the ages of 62 and 65. However demographic and longevity information do not support that decision. The last time Social Security was changed was in 1980 when Ronald Reagan was president. At that time adjustments were made to match demographics of 1980. With that understanding, whether you took your benefit at age 62 or deferred to the maximum age of 70 and lived to age 80 (which was the average life expectance in 1980), you would have received the exact same amount of money in the long run.

So, if you took $2,000 per month at age 62 and lived until age 80 you would have received $432,00 from Social Security. If you deferred until age 70 your monthly income would increase to $3,600 and if you lived until age 80 your Social Security Benefit would have been $432,000. Same amount.

In 2026, studies show that if a man lives to age 65, his life expectance is age 86. A woman who lives to age 65 has a life expectancy of 89. A married couple who lives to age 65 provides that there is a 50 percent chance that one of them will live to age 95.

Let’s use a man as an example. By not deferring until age 70, he will lose out on over 6 figures of additional income. Here’s the math… The difference between age 62 and age 70 is $1,600. $3,600 per month at age 70, $2,000 per month at age 62. $1,600 X 12 months is $19,200 per year. If you multiply that by the additional life expectancy of a man in 2026 (86), 16 X $19,200 is $307,200. For a woman who lives to age 89 that is $364,800. Income you could have enjoyed but didn’t.

So… a rule of thumb is that the largest wage earner should defer until age 70 and the lower wage earner should draw Social Security at age 62. There are circumstances, of course, that would require deviation from this rule of thumb. One more consideration is employment. If you wait until “full retirement age” (67) to start your benefits, you can continue to work without being penalized by the system (having to pay back a dollar of Social Security Benefits for every $2 of earned income above a threshold.)

Starting Social Security is a complex decision. If you need help making it, give us a call. We know Social Security! …………..Jim

The Jim Hutson Agency, LLC

Jim Hutson, Manager
6607 Roxton Drive
Amarillo, TX 79109

Websites
www.jimhutsonagency.com
www.texasretirementcouncil.com

Email:
jim@jimhutsonagency.com

Phone Numbers:
806 358 2137 home/office
806 654 6834 cell
806 358 6117 fax

Carmen Pennick (432) 631-7503
Fidelis Fetsch (806) 647-6123
Jim Hutson (806) 654-6834; Charlie Peters (806) 676-0569
Ron Knoy (806) 236-5761 Leslie Lee ((806) 670-4201
Ronnie Wood (806) 662-9089 J. Frank Davis (806) 676-8697
Caysi Jones (806) 477-0973 Joel Olson (806) 674-6996