Essential Items to Pack for a Hiking Trip

A successful entrepreneur, Johnny Poulsen, is the CEO of Income Lab, a financial services firm based in Denver, CO, with a business law degree from the University of Southern Denmark. Outside of work, Johnny Poulsen loves being outdoors and enjoys biking and hiking.

Whether it's a day hike, summit hike, or backpacking, packing the proper equipment for every hiking trip is essential. Here are some critical hiking items that every hiker should consider during trip preparations.

1. Navigation Tools - Although our cell phones are fantastic and have maps and GPS, they aren't always reliable due to network service and battery life. Consider carrying a compass and a topographic map.

2. Sun Protection - Sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary for high altitudes, snow climbing, and hiking.

3. Appropriate Footwear or Hiking Shoes - This essential item is sometimes overlooked. Make sure your shoes have the right support, traction, and protection.

4. Extra Insulation - Since weather can change quickly, plan for all possible conditions. Choose to wear and pack extra clothing based on your hiking altitude and on the season. For instance, bring a rain jacket if you see possible precipitation on the forecast.

5. First-Aid - You can purchase pre-packaged first-aid kits for your hiking trip from outdoor retailers. It’s also a good idea to read through all first aid instructions before your trip.

6. Fire - Depending on the length of your hiking adventure, pack waterproof matches, butane lighters, and spark agents for emergency fires. Also, take along chemical heat tabs and other fire starters for wet wood in case you need firewood and it’s not present.

7. Water - Always bring enough water. If you are backpacking, you may want to bring a water filter and research locations of water sources along your hiking route before your trip.

Key Components of a Financial Plan

Johnny Poulsen is the co-founder and CEO of Income Lab in Denver, CO. He was the executive vice president of sales strategy at Jackson National Life from 2000 to 2018. Johnny Poulsen was responsible for managing the distribution of Jackson Life products..

Financial planning involves developing long-term and short-term goals and strategies. Here are some key components of a healthy financial plan:

Cash flow management - Always monitor your cash flow to avoid reckless spending and to look for ways that you can optimize it. Also consider allocating some funds every month toward responsibilities like your children's college tuition, your retirement, or even vacations.

Investment planning - Ensure a complete analysis of your investments to make sure that your portfolio's growth, diversification, and earnings align with your risk tolerance and objectives.

Estate Planning - Your financial plan should include an assessment of your lifetime acquisition and the final transfer of your properties to reduce your estate tax exposure.

Tax Planning - A good tax plan should model some specific capital gain strategies, such as tax-loss harvesting, to help preserve your principal and offset investment gains. The aim is to ensure long term wealth by preventing unnecessary tax drag, safeguarding your assets, and increasing your net income. 

Hiking Trails to Check Out in the Denver Area

As co-founder of Income Lab, based in Denver, CO, Johnny Poulsen leverages more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry to lead his team in creating retirement planning software. When not at work, Johnny Poulsen enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking.

Denver’s hiking trails are among the best in the United States. Here are a few to check out the next time you are in the area.

Cherry Creek Regional Trail covers 40 miles within the city. This paved trail has street art in places on its adjoining walls, and follows the Cherry Creek. There are parks, malls, and country clubs you can visit on its pathway.

If mountain views are your thing, check out Chautauqua Park in Boulder, 60 miles outside of Denver. There are many trails to choose from, ranging from a short 0.5-mile trail to a more demanding 5.5-mile trail. Paths are available near the Flatiron mountain formations and within the pine forests.

Staunton State Park is the newest park in Colorado, located 40 miles from Denver. Its prominent feature is the highest waterfall in the area, with a 12-mile trail nearby. Another trail at the Davis Pond Loop has accessible picnic areas.

Tips for Helping Autistic Children Learn during the Pandemic

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Johnny Poulsen has more than 20 years of executive management, sales distribution, and financial services experience. He also has an MBA from the City University of Seattle. Johnny Poulsen is the CEO of Income Lab, a Denver, CO-based firm that provides retirement income planning services and supports charitable causes, especially those directed at Alzheimer's disease and autism.

Children with autism will likely experience several difficulties as they learn from home during the pandemic, including the challenge of having to process information differently and complete tasks independently. In addition, since they associate specific tasks with locations, doing assignments at home may be difficult, which may increase their anxiety levels.

As a result, it's crucial to create an enabling learning environment at home and familiarize the child with a new structure and routine. Below are several strategies for parents of autistic children who aim to help their children study at home.

To begin with, condition them to the new learning environment by working with them to create a new schedule. Place a copy in a visible place in the house. It helps the child understand and know what to expect every day.

Also, incorporate a lesson plan into the schedule. Get a homework plan from the child's teacher, which contains specific tasks or skills they need to learn. Use innovative tools such as puppets to tell stories they don't understand.

Next, use technology-aided instruction to teach numeracy and literacy skills. Tech tools animate viewers, inspiring them to understand and communicate task requirements. There are many free or inexpensive easy-to-use apps that can be tailored to their needs and learning style.

Last, as a parent, don't try to do everything alone. If you encounter any challenges, seek out support from other parents, teachers, and online resources.