Afraid you’ll have corned beef leftover from St. Patrick’s Day and already dreading reheating it and trying to find sides? This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t get stuck in the habit of reheating and eating the same thing again; instead, plan on making something completely different - a Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast hash! The perfect hearty breakfast for the weekend. Breakfast Hash You're in luck if you’ve never made a breakfast hash. It is so simple, yet so delicious and filling. As many of these recipes have discussed – it’s a great way to use your leftovers and save on your grocery budget! The combinations are endless when it comes to a good breakfast hash. Most of the time, the hash base is sweet potatoes or gold potatoes, onions, and peppers, which are excellent sources of nutrients and flavor. Then add whatever breakfast meat you prefer– leftover corned beef (like we’re talking about here), bacon, sausage, or simply eggs. You’ll sauté it all in the same pan for less mess and easy cleanup! Corned Beef Hash Recipe: Serving Size: about 4-5 1 Small Yellow Onion (Chopped) 2-3 Cups Corned Beef (Chopped) 1 Bell Pepper (Chopped) 2-3 Cups Yellow Potatoes (Preboiled and Chopped) Salt & Pepper Heat 2-3 tablespoons of butter on medium heat in a skillet. Add onions and peppers to begin sauteing. Sauté until soft and onions are translucent. Add corned beef and potatoes to the pan and continue sauteing. Stir as needed until crispy. Add salt and pepper for taste. Serve with your eggs of choice. Bon Appetite!

With spring approaching, let’s take action to tackle cleaning your home efficiently and affordably. Many may see spring cleaning as an overwhelming task they want to avoid and are willing to pay (on average) $200 or more for this service to be done for them. Instead of rearranging your monthly budget to find those additional dollars, save that money for something else (wanted or needed) and create a systematic room-by-room schedule to tackle your spring cleaning yourself this year. Where to start and where to go Look at your calendar and reserve a large chunk of time over several days. This will help make spring cleaning a priority for you. Make a list of all the places in your home that need to be tackled, then go room by room and figure out what needs the most love and attention. Create a schedule of which days you will tackle which rooms. Some people want to start with the least intense rooms that need an overhaul, while others want to jump in head first and get the hard one(s) done when they have the most motivation. However you want to approach this is up to you, but lay it out to help keep you on track. Before diving into individual rooms, take a laundry basket around your house and throw anything in the basket that doesn’t belong in that room, then drop them off where they belong. As you take these items to their designated space, determine if there are things you don’t need or want anymore – could those items be sold or donated? Do you have enough items for a yard sale? Then as you clean, take it one room at a time. Decluttering rooms and your mind A suggestion to help you when deciding to get rid of a piece of clothing is to ask yourself, “Have I worn this in the last year?” If the answer is no, perhaps it is time to sell or donate those pants you haven’t worn in years. Take the time to sort through all drawers and closets. Be bold and pull everything off the pantry or bathroom shelves and wipe down the shelves. Sort and dispose of old products or items that aren’t good anymore or that you don’t use. Do you have a desk that is a catch-all? Does it constantly have books, magazines, bills, etc., stacked upon each other? Think through how you can organize that space better – does this mean you need a bookshelf in this room? Maybe it’s time to invest in a filing cabinet to organize your monthly statements and invoices. Clutter adds stress to our lives. The more you declutter your home, the more you will declutter your mind in the process. What to Use There are thousands of products advertised to clean your home with and many subscriptions for products you can get suckered into. Still, many products only fill your home with chemicals, blow the budget, or talk you into buying more products than you need. The most straightforward cleaners you can use in your home are steam cleaners to sanitize and clean surfaces or a simple combination of white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. You can pick up a spray bottle at your local dollar store to always have this mixture on hand. If you don’t own a steam cleaner, ask if a friend or family member would be willing to loan you one. And when it comes to rags and towels – that old t-shirt that hasn’t been worn in years could easily be cut up and turned into cleaning rags for dusting or scrubbing. Spring Cleaning not only your home And while you are at it, find other areas besides your home to spring clean…AKA your BUDGET! The same concept of how you spring clean your house can be applied to your budget. Pull out the spreadsheet, pen and paper, or app (whichever is your preferred method for budgeting ) and dedicate some time to review it in detail. Review each line item and see if the planned amount aligns with your monthly spending habits. Or is that line necessary at all now? Review your sinking funds . Do these need to be updated with new goals, which means your budget needs to be updated with the new monthly allocated amount? Changing of seasons As winter continues to fade and we hit spring, remember that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be extravagant, overwhelming, or expensive. Create a fresh start for spring, and possibly make a few extra dollars from those items you don’t need anymore. Use your spring cleaning to declutter your home and your mind. Spring is considered the season (and timing) of new beginnings. Does all this cleaning, organizing, and starting fresh have you motivated to start budgeting for the first time? If you’re interested in learning more about creating a budget and starting fresh this spring season, call one of our financial coaches today to set up a meeting! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Finding That Budget-Friendly Filling Snack Ever crave that afternoon sweet and salty snack but are tired of reaching for the potato chips and candy bar that leave you with less energy than you already had? There are other simple, budget-friendly options to satisfy that hunger! These days even snagging a $2.45 protein-packed energy bar at the grocery store might trip up your budget. But have no fear; we have the solution for you that is tasty, healthy, easy on the budget (bonus!), and full of energy to get you through the afternoon slump! Nutritious And Easy on The Wallet Energy bites are packed with great nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them nutritious and filling. They are also delicious – you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself when you enjoy them. These energy bites are only a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and only take a few minutes to whip up! An easy snack to pack for on the go or grab from the fridge when you get a craving. This is just another idea to help you think about your budget and keep on track if you are trying to stay health-conscious. These energy bites include: Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals Peanut Butter – contains heart-healthy fats, protein, iron, and vitamins Honey – the glue to these delicious snacks Dark chocolate – fiber, magnesium, iron, and zinc Flax Seed Meal - packed with fiber and protein, as well as a great source of Omega-3 if you don’t enjoy or incorporate much fish in your diet Extras: Dried Fruits, Chia Seeds, Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Shredded coconut, etc. Even if you don’t enjoy cooking, grab a bowl and a spoon (or be bold and get your hands dirty like my five-year-old), and I promise you, too, can achieve the perfectly delicious, filling, and budget-friendly afternoon snack! Energy Bites Recipe: (Yields roughly 2 dozen depending on size) 2 cups old fashion oats 1 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup honey ½ cup dark chocolate (chopped) 3 Tb chia seeds 2 Tb ground flax seed Combine all ingredients, then form into small balls. Place in fridge for about 15-20 minutes, then enjoy! If you’d rather have a bar, mix, roll onto parchment paper, refrigerate, and cut into ideal-sized snack bars. *Refrigerate in an airtight container for a few days or freeze for up to 3 months.* I promise they won’t even last this long; you’ll enjoy them too much! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, simple, and filling snack, give this a go! If you have kids invite them into the mess. The beauty in this process is that no matter how some little hands have molded the energy bites, they’re still going to taste delicious and give you that boost of energy you need to make it through your day. Enjoy! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Reinventing Leftovers Do you ever get to the end of the week and are just so tired of eating leftovers? You may open and close the fridge a few times and hope something new miraculously appears before your eyes. I know I’ve been there. It’s time to think outside the box and imagine what our leftovers could be! Take Inventory Take a moment, open your fridge, and inventory what’s remaining for the week. Take a peek at the pantry and see what may be hiding behind that old bag of chips. Any soups or sauces could be frozen and used at a future date. (You’ll be thankful for the surprise when you search your freezer in the future). If you find some bread on the verge of going stale, cut it up to make some croutons for a salad or make grilled cheese sandwiches. Did you find any chicken from a previous dinner? Chop it up and make a wrap or a quesadilla with that can of beans you found in the pantry! Turn simple ingredients into something delicious with a little thought and brainstorming. Using your leftovers is a great way to save on your grocery budget. Instead of ditching them once you’re tired of them, consider another way to incorporate them into a new dish. Taking inventory of everything in the kitchen is a helpful tool in ensuring you use what you have before going out to buy more. When paying the prices for groceries these days, we want to use every last bit of what we’re spending our money on. Quesadillas are the ultimate leftover hodgepodge. Many different things in your fridge can be turned into a quesadilla or a wrap with the help of pairing ingredients and sauces. For instance – if you found chicken, cheese, and ranch, add them together, and it’ll be great! Leftover buffalo chicken dip? Throw it on a quesadilla! You’ll be thankful you’re using up what you have! Quesadillas Recipe: Serving Size: 1 serving 2 Tortillas 1 Cup Shredded Cheese ½ Protein (Chopped Chicken, Black Beans, Pork, etc.) ½ Cup Chopped Bell Peppers 3 Tb Scallion Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet on low. Add a tortilla, ½ the cheese, your fillings of choice, remainder of the cheese. Flip once the bottom tortilla starts getting crispy. Be on the lookout for more delicious recipes to come! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Are you ever longing for Friday night to bite into that delicious crispy crust and melted cheese on the pizza you know you will order to kick off the weekend? Do you prefer a good meat lovers pizza or stick to the veggie? Well, as much as ordering in for pizza is convenient and always fun to try different concoctions each pizzeria comes up with, it isn’t always the best option if you’re trying to be budget conscious. Making your own pizza, tailoring the toppings to your absolute favorite ingredients, or even throwing some leftovers (something you might’ve just thrown out) on top of it can save you more than you’d think in that grocery line item in your budget! And who doesn’t want to save on groceries these days?! Making It Yourself Even if the thought overwhelms you, I promise you can make your own pizza! You don’t have to be the professional tossing the dough into the air to perfect the rounded, thin crust. Use a rolling pin if you have one, or press it out with your hands if you don’t! When making your own pizza, you can add whatever toppings you’re craving and cook it to the desired doughy or crispy texture you prefer. Here are some classic go-to combinations, but I’m sure with a look through the fridge and pantry, you could come up with some fun topping options yourself! Favorite Pizza Topping Combinations Some classic and fun pizza combinations include: Meat Lovers Check the fridge for any leftover precooked meat from previous meals. Are there a few strips of bacon sitting in the fridge waiting to get cooked that you could throw in a skillet and then on the pizza, or any leftover grilled chicken from a previous dinner? How about some pulled pork from a recent BBQ? Veggie First, what’s in your fridge or pantry that you can use? Once you’ve checked those areas, look up what’s in season. Fruits and veggies that are in season are always the cheapest options when at the grocery store. And don’t forget to pop your head in the freezer – frozen corn is a delicious addition to a pizza! My go-to toppings always include peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. BBQ Mix some of your favorite BBQ sauce with tomato sauce as your base, then add your meat preference and some sliced red onions and cheese. Pesto Use pesto as the base instead of tomato sauce to switch up the flavors, then add chicken or some veggies of your choice along with cheese. Remember, aside from how fresh and delicious it is, the best part of making homemade pizza is getting so much more food for your money! Take a peek through your pantry and fridge before finalizing your grocery list. You may surprise yourself and have some leftover pasta sauce you could use as your base instead of spending money on another can of tomato sauce. It just takes a moment to double-check! Pizza Dough Recipe: Serving Size: 1 batch of dough yields about 3-4 10inch Pizzas 1 Cup Warm Water ½ Tb Sugar 1 Tb Yeast 1 Tb Olive Oil 2-2 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour 1 Tsp Salt Mix yeast, sugar, and water, then let sit until it has doubled in size. Add flour, salt, oil, and yeast mixture in a stand mixer with a hook attachment. Mix until thoroughly combined, and no dough sticks to the side of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If the dough isn’t coming together well, add a bit more water. Cover with a damp dish towel or saran wrap and sit for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees (if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven). Once the dough is ready, cut in fourths. Roll dough out on a floured surface until optimal size. Place directly on the pizza stone to prebake or on a sheet tray if you don’t have a pizza stone. Prebake crust for 3-5 minutes until almost brown. Bring out of the oven to add sauce and toppings. Place the pizza back in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese has melted, approximately another 5-7 minutes, depending on how hot your oven gets. Disclaimer: Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Staying on a Budget While Traveling Do you have an upcoming trip planned? Maybe you’re already dreaming of the sunshine you’ll be experiencing in a couple of weeks for spring break. Whatever the case, we have the temptation to overspend any time we're traveling, but we also have the opportunity to plan ahead and prepare! Isn’t it always a relief when you have a plan and stay on a budget?! This year plan ahead for your travels, and don’t let the rest area vending machines, fast-food temptations, or overpriced airport food blow that vacation budget! There Are Always Options Plan and stay on budget this year while traveling. Some easy ways to do this would be to pack a cooler full of food and drinks. If you’re driving to your destination, this is much easier. Think of things like water bottles, ham sandwiches, granola bars, popcorn, and fresh-cut fruit. When you can bring a cooler in the car, the food/snack options are almost endless with what you can take. If you’re flying to your destination, it can be a little trickier, but still doable! You can take an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through airport security for a beverage option. And at the same time, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are an easy packing option that doesn’t need to be chilled in a cooler. Throw in some granola bars, trail mix, or an apple or banana for a fresh fruit option in your carry-on, and you are good to go! Head into your next vacation with a little bit of planning and a sigh of relief that you won’t be blowing that food budget within your first few hours of traveling! And to be even more cost-efficient, skip the pre-made Trail Mix pre-packaged bags and make your own. When thinking of a trail mix, so many combinations come to mind. Some basic ingredient ideas to create a sweet and salty combination include any of the following: Nuts: peanuts, cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios Dried Fruit: cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, mangos, banana chips Seeds: pumpkin, flax, sunflower, chia, hemp seed Sweet treats: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, M&M’s Grains: cereal, mini pretzels, popcorn, granola Here is one of my go-to mixtures that fit the bill to help satisfy all my snacking needs! Trail Mix Recipe: Serving Size: 6-8 servings 1 Cup Raw Almonds ½ Cup Dried Cranberries ¼ Cup Raw Sunflower Seeds ½ Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks ¼ Cup Dried Apricots (roughly chopped) Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix if you prefer a saltier snack. Store in a sealed container (or a sealed plastic bag for on-the-go or multiple people use) and enjoy! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Easy Cleanup and Delicious Throwing a party for the Big Game yet dreading the mess you’ll have to clean up once the game is over? Any thought of opening your home and your fridge can be overwhelming when you think of the aftermath. You long for as easy cleanup (and, honestly, meal prep) as possible. I’ve got you covered - sheet tray nachos are your answer! Give Yourself a Break When you’re hosting, you always feel pressured to do it all. You want your home to be welcoming, and the assortment of food provided to be delicious! Who wouldn’t? That’s a great desire, but you don’t have to do it all. Take some pressure off yourself, and help your wallet out, and maybe this year, if you’re the host, ask your guests to each bring a dish, side, or drink. Tell them you’ll prepare the main dish (your hearty, fully loaded, sheet tray nachos) and the paper products. This will allow you more time to enjoy and interact with your guests instead of worrying about when each dish or side will be ready and if there’s enough. It’s fun to see what your friends and family will contribute to the party and one less stressor for yourself. Adaptability Tailor your nachos to you! These nachos are crowd-pleasers because they can easily adapt to your taste buds! If you prefer chicken over ground beef, go ahead and shred s, some chicken (or even easier, buy a rotisserie chicken!). If you’re a vegetarian, add beans as your main source of protein, then load it up with all the veggies! When the simple prep of this dish is finished, it is easy to throw all these ingredients on the sheet tray and in the oven just moments before your guests walk through the door. These nachos will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser, and your guests will ask for more! Sheet Tray Nachos Recipe: (1 sheet tray yields 6-8 servings) 1 lb Protein of Choice - Ground beef/ Shredded Pork/ Shredded Chicken/ Black Beans/ Pinto Beans 1 Bag of Chips Veggies: 2 Bell Peppers chopped 1 can of Beans rinsed/drained 1 can Corn (drained) or 1 bag frozen 1/2 Red Onion chopped or sliced thinly 1-2 Cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican); add more as desired Additional Toppings to garnish with once out of the oven: Guacamole, Sour cream, Salsa, Jalapeno, Chili, Avocados, Lime Wedges, Tomato, Chives, Cilantro Grab a sheet tray. Line the sheet tray with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 400. Precook any meat as well as cut up any veggies ahead of time. Layer your ingredients evenly over the sheet tray in the order of the recipe above. Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted. Enjoy! Double as needed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Cinco De Mayo When you think Cinco de Mayo, you immediately think of dinner with friends consuming all things tacos, fajitas, guac, and salsa, right? Why not start this year’s Cinco de Mayo with a hearty, delicious Mexican breakfast to get your day going instead of only looking forward to dinner and drinks after work? Or, if you’re a breakfast-for-dinner kind of person, test this recipe out! You’ll enjoy the fresh ingredients, and if you’ve never fried an egg before, now is your chance to master it! Fresh Ingredients A dish of any type stands out when the ingredients are fresh. Using fresh tomatoes in this recipe will set the flavor apart. With spring approaching, the fruits and vegetables we long for in the winter are slowly becoming readily available and in their best form! Some of the best Mexican dishes are topped with fresh guacamole and salsa. Those key sides are what aid in bringing out other flavors in the dish. Head to the grocery store (or if your local farmer’s market is open, even better) and grab some fresh tomatoes to prep for your hearty Cinco de Mayo breakfast! Fresh Huevos Rancheros: Serving Size: 4 servings (makes 8 tacos) 2lb diced ripe tomatoes ½ medium onion diced 1 jalapeno finely diced (or sub green chili peppers for a milder flavor) 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp salt 1 clove minced garlic ½ cup olive oil 2 (15oz) cans of black beans ¾ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp smoked paprika 8 large eggs 2 tbsp fresh cilantro coarsely chopped For serving: Fresh sliced avocado Coarsely chopped cilantro Crumbled queso fresco In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced onion, diced jalapeno, lemon juice, half the garlic, and salt. Mix to combine. Remove 1 ½ cups of the salsa and set aside. Heat the remaining salsa in a pan on medium heat, stirring until it thickens to create ranchero sauce. Set aside in a separate bowl to keep warm. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in the same pan on medium heat. Add remaining garlic and stir. Add black beans (including their liquid), cumin, paprika, and ½ cup fresh salsa. Cook until smooth and thick. Season with salt and remove from heat once desired texture is reached. I like to use a wooden spoon to mash ingredients together to create the refried beans. In another skillet, heat oil for eggs on medium heat. Crack the eggs in the skillet, and don’t touch. Once the egg whites begin to “dance” or bubble up around the edges and the egg whites are hardened, transfer the eggs to a plate and repeat until all eggs are cooked. (Egg yolk should still be runny.) Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to do multiple eggs at once. Use a skillet or griddle to lightly heat tortillas. To plate: Add 2 tortillas to a plate, spread refried beans on tortillas, add one egg to each tortilla, add ranchero sauce to the eggs, add fresh salsa, and garnish with avocado, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

A Budget Friendly Recipe for Mother’s Day Brunch We all want to celebrate moms well, and most of the time, the best gift you can give them is time with their families. When Mother’s Day approaches, the ideas for what to do and what to buy are constantly thrown around –What present do we buy? What is their favorite food or sweet treat? Should we go out to eat vs. staying home? This year consider hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch! You can’t go wrong with brunch, and your mom will not be disappointed! When you host brunch, the possibilities for food are endless – from a classic quiche, a waffle bar, and yogurt parfaits to hot ham and cheese sandwiches or chicken salad sandwiches with a fruit bowl. Quiche If you haven’t made quiche before, it is very simple and absolutely delicious. Quiche is also a great money-saving option since you can use many leftovers, such as ham, bacon, or veggies and use them as ingredients; then those leftovers have just turned into something delicious! And another benefit of making quiche is that it’s one of those dishes that looks visually appealing, elegant, and beautiful. Simply slicing tomatoes and placing them on top of the quiche before placing it in the oven ends with a beautiful quiche people will think you purchased instead of made yourself! Be sure to read the directions beforehand to plan accordingly before you begin cooking so you aren’t rushing through the process. This allows you to be able to enjoy preparing the meal for your mother and spend the time with her which you’re looking for! Classic Quiche Lorraine: Serving Size: 2 Quiches (about 8 servings each) 2 unbaked 9in deep-dish frozen pie crusts 8 slices of bacon – cooked and chopped finely (or substitute ham) 1 medium onion thinly sliced 4 beaten eggs 2 cups half and half 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt dash ground nutmeg 1 ½ cups (8oz) shredded Swiss cheese Additional: any veggies you’d prefer to add to your quiche. I.E., spinach, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, etc. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Polk holes in frozen pie crust and prebake for about 15 minutes. Cook bacon, then chop finely. Let cool completely. Sauté onion and any other vegetables in a skillet until softened. Then let cool completely. In a bowl, combine eggs, half & half, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cheese. Add bacon to the mixture once cooled. Once the vegetables have cooled completely, add to the liquid mixture. **Don’t add the vegetables while they’re still hot, as you will end up cooking your eggs when you pour them into the mixture! Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees F. While the pie crusts are still hot, pour equal amounts of the liquid mixture into each pie crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until fully set (no liquid or movement of the mixture when gently tapping the sides). Serve and enjoy! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

A St. Patrick’s Day Favorite Need some luck finding an easy yet delicious dinner recipe to feed the family for St. Patrick’s Day? Try a classic Irish dish, crock pot (of gold) corned beef, and cabbage. This recipe is packed with flavor, and the best part is that after a bit of prep, you just let your crockpot do all the work for you! Crockpot Meals Whether making soup, tenderizing meat or simply making dip for a party, the one-step prep crockpot meals are convenient and satisfying. Choosing a crockpot meal saves you time in preparation as well as cleanup. It also helps your grocery budget when you can buy tougher cuts of meat or dried beans to create soups or larger meals that allow ample leftovers. On the busiest days, knowing what’s on the menu and how to prepare it efficiently is crucial. A crockpot meal on those busy days is dynamite. It allows you to throw all (or most) of the food in one pot and not think about it until you walk into the house after work, smelling the dish you’re about to consume. It will help you avoid running for takeout and blowing the food budget simply because the thought of preparing something is too overwhelming. Knowing the hard work is done, and you’re about to sit down to a delicious meal is a relief. Crockpot Corned Beef Recipe: Serving Size: Serves 8 1 (3-4lb) Corned Beef Package (spice packet included) 4 Cups Water or Beef Broth 1 lb Baby Potatoes (whole) 1 Onion (peeled and quartered) 1 lb Baby Carrots (whole) ½ Head Cabbage pulled apart or coarsely chopped Add corned beef to crockpot, then add water. Sprinkle spice packet evenly over brisket. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Add potatoes, onions, and carrots after the first 4 hours of cooking have passed. Add cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking. Thinly slice and enjoy! Leftovers anyone? The best part of this dish is that you’ll most likely be able to enjoy some leftovers the next day, and who doesn’t love leftovers? You could easily turn the other head of that cabbage, a few carrots, and onion slices into a homemade slaw to go right on top of the corned beef for the perfect Reuben sandwich (don’t forget the 1,000 Island Dressing and Swiss Cheese!). This recipe is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal, but it will also feed you and the crew for more than one meal! Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is an SEC-registered investment adviser firm. The information presented is for educational purposes only and intended for a broad audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers reasonably believes that this marketing does not include any false or misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has a reasonable belief that the content will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Please refer to the firm’s ADV Part 2A for material risks disclosures. Past performance of specific investment advice should not be relied upon without knowledge of certain circumstances of market events, the nature and timing of the investments, and relevant constraints of the investment. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Fresh Seasonal Choices Did you know shopping seasonally can save you money? Especially when buying produce! If you purchase what is currently in season, it will be cheaper than those out-of-season options. This is why buying strawberries in the middle of winter can seem astronomical, especially for not-great quality – simply put, it just isn’t the season for them yet! Venture out of your comfort zone and see what’s in season! With spring in progress and the “official” kick-off to summer starting this Memorial Day Weekend, a surplus of ripe, fresh fruit will be waiting for you at the grocery store. Be sure to look at prices the next time you go grocery shopping. It can benefit your budget to tailor your recipes around what is in season! You may surprise yourself with that delicious recipe you make in the fall with acorn squash and be equally satisfied with the fresh tomatoes for a Caprese salad come summer. Fresh Fruit If you haven’t noticed, pineapples are flooding the shelves right now, and peaches will be close behind! If you’re looking for a refreshing salsa to share with some friends or a topping for that grilled chicken or salmon, look no further. This pineapple peach salsa is sweet, with a tiny kick from the red onion. If you’re a heat lover and feeling bold, I suggest adding some chopped jalapeno to take it one notch higher. Are you having a taco night soon? Add this salsa to some tacos for a sweet, light addition. I guarantee you'll be doubling the batch the next time you make it! Pineapple Peach Salsa: Serving Size: 5-6 servings 1 Pineapple 4 Peaches 1 Red Onion ½ Cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro ½ Lime Peel and core pineapple, then finely dice Pit and finely dice peaches Finely dice red onion Combine pineapple, peaches, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Be sure to include any access juices from cutting the fruit! Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top and serve! Serve over grilled chicken or salmon as a topping on tacos, or enjoy with chips!

Vacation Mode With the weather warming up and the sun shining more, we all long for that next vacation. Whether heading to the beach for some sun and sand or loading up the RV for a trip to a National Park, we know the season for trips is among us. No matter the location, if you’re planning somewhere fun to head to during the summer – here are some simple money tips to consider while you prepare for that next vacation! Money Saving Tips and Tricks Budget Even though this is a vacation, create a budget beforehand and stick to it! If you have a plan, you can stay accountable for your spending. It is far too easy to overspend without a plan going into a vacation, so let’s start this trip on track! Be in control of where and how you spend your money. And *bonus* if you plan your budget months in advance, you can put money aside each month leading up to your vacation in a sinking fund , helping you save and not worry about how the additional trip will affect that month’s budget. Research Before heading out of town…research, research, research. With fluctuating gas prices, sometimes flying can be the cheaper option. That is not always the case, but sometimes. The best way to see which way to travel for you is most cost-effective is by looking up your desired flight, then comparing the price against the cost it would take to drive. Don’t forget to include any interstate tolls or overnight stays you may need when estimating the cost of the drive. Packing Be sure to pack the essentials. Most likely, wherever you’re headed, purchasing products like sunscreen, toothpaste, beach towels, etc., will all be more expensive once you get there. Figure out all the essentials you can bring to save on those extra expenses. Something as simple as bringing snacks in the car or your own water bottle on the airplane is a great way to save a few bucks. Excursions, Activities, and Day Trips In your vacation budget, plan out any day trips, boat rides, tours, shows, or any other activities you may venture into while on vacation. Once again, researching and knowing these prices can help you plan and stick to your budget. Staycations Most importantly, figure out what you’re capable of. You are allowed to say no. If a staycation is what you can afford this year, that is OK! Don’t get sucked into the comparison trap of watching others head south when this isn’t the year for you to make that happen. Instead, find ways to be content with what you have and where you are. Remind yourself of your financial goals! There is no need to get in debt because you’re trying to keep up with the Joneses. A staycation can still be a fun experience and a great way to save money. See what is open around you – museums, nature trails, farmer’s markets, zoos, etc. Most towns have a local Facebook page where you can see what is happening and what’s new or ask for suggestions from people in your area. Use this opportunity as a chance to explore your town. If you need to relax, take a break, or a total halt from everything going on – grill some food up at home and do an activity you enjoy but haven’t had the time for recently. Maybe it’s the woodworking project you are in the middle of, getting back into painting, spending some time out in the garden, getting some fresh air while exercising, or digging into a house project you have been putting off. Enjoying your time stress-free Vacations are meant to be a reprieve from work and be less stressful. Preparing a budget and sticking to it during your trip will give you peace of mind to relax and enjoy whatever vacation you choose, knowing you won’t be straining your finances to make it work. So, whether you are headed out of town or staying home, enjoy your time off this travel season! If you’d like to work with one of our financial coaches on creating a budget and seeing how you can plan for yearly vacations, contact one of them today for a meeting to get started!