A New Plan for the New Year!

15 Points to Help McKenna Property Management (and You) Grow this Year

At the start of every new year, everyone will set New Year's resolutions. While it is always good to set goals, resolutions are hit or miss for a lot of people, and it takes a certain kind of discipline to stick to the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year. At McKenna Property Management, we don't really believe in New Year's resolutions. This isn't to say that we don't set goals. Jenni, the broker/owner, strongly believes in having all the team members set goals and create beneficial habits throughout the year. In the past, this has taken the form of 90-day challenges, in-office competitions, and many more creative ways to encourage this form of self-growth.


In 2024, McKenna Property Management is using a system that many others have used to find success in changing their outlook on life and building happier lives for themselves: the 15-Point Plan by Ben Kinney. Since Jenni firmly believes that this program will bring positive change to our lives, we want to share it with you, in case it may be something that can help you. While there is a podcast covering the 15-Point Plan, accessible here, we will cover the basics below.


The system that we have laid out for ourselves is to strive to complete 13 of the 15 points, 5 days out of the week. This leaves leeway for rough/bad days and being unable to accomplish some of the points each day. In addition to tracking the points completed, we will also be tracking how happy we are each day, on a scale of 1-10. The hypothesis is that we will be able to see that the more points we accomplish, the happier we will feel, and we will realize which of the points are most important for our personal wellbeing. The 15 different points are as follows:


  • Goals
  • Write them, rewrite them often, and create a vision board. Knowing your goals is the first step to achieving them.
  • Movement
  • Elevate your heart rate daily to release endorphins. If that's not possible, ensure you at least meet your daily step count to keep your body in motion.
  • Hydration
  • Recognize that your body needs more water than you think. Make a daily effort to reach your H2O intake goals for optimal well-being.
  • Sleep
  • Prioritize sleep as a crucial building block for great health and high energy levels. Ensure you get your daily required amount of rest.
  • Nutrition
  • Maintain a healthy eating routine to sustain high energy levels and keep grumpiness at bay. Eat well and eat often.
  • Supplement
  • Take vitamins and minerals to optimize your body and mind for peak performance.
  • Influences
  • Be mindful of what you pay attention to. Eliminate negativity, whether it's from news, movies, or people, if necessary.
  • Journal
  • Cultivate the habit of daily journaling. Record your experiences, thoughts, and lessons learned every morning or night.
  • Mindfulness
  • Set aside time each day for purposeful meditation or prayer to center yourself mentally and spiritually.
  • Gratitude
  • Practice gratitude daily, either on your own, as a family, or in a group when possible. It's impossible to be grateful and angry simultaneously.
  • Laugh
  • Set aside 30 seconds daily to laugh for no reason or indulge in comedy. It's a transformative practice that changes your energy, mood, and state.
  • Learn
  • Make it a goal to learn something new every day. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch videos, or take courses to stimulate your mind.
  • Hobbies
  • Find a daily activity you can look forward to, plan, and research. Hobbies add joy and excitement to your routine.
  • Serve
  • Volunteer, donate, or help a friend or organization in need. Shifting your focus from yourself to others can be incredibly rewarding.
  • Time
  • Protect daily alone time for self-reflection and create social time to boost your energy levels, irrespective of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert.


While this may seem like a lot of things to try and do, it is not as monumental as it looks as first glance. These are not meant to be grandiose actions, but just little things designed to change your mindset over time. For example, "Serve" does not need to be as large as donating blood or going to a food bank (although these things definitely count), it can be as simple as holding the door open for someone or picking up litter you walk by. The focus is less on the scale of the action, but the thought process involved. One other complication is that actions cannot be used for more than one category in a day. For example, if you enjoy running, you cannot use going for a run as a "Movement" and a "Hobby" on the same day. This gives more intentionality to each point, making it that much more impactful. Ben Kinney has already provided tracking sheets and reference forms on his website, here, so if the 15-Point Plan is something you want to use to help grow yourself in the new year, there is no better way to start!

Turn Extra Cash into Lasting Legacy: Help Your son/daughter Own a Home!

April 28, 2025
Helping Your Child Buy a Home: Smart Strategies with Tax Benefits  Many parents want to help their children buy a home, but doing so in a way that also provides financial and tax advantages is key. Here are a few strategies to consider when assisting your son or daughter with homeownership while maximizing tax benefits. 1. Gifting Money for a Down Payment The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $18,000 per recipient annually ($36,000 for married couples) without triggering a gift tax. If you stay within this limit, your child receives a down payment boost without tax consequences. 2. Loaning Money to Your Child Instead of gifting, you can lend money at the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which is often lower than traditional mortgage rates. Structuring it as a formal loan allows your child to build equity while you may receive interest income. 3. Co-Signing or Co-Owning the Home Some parents choose to co-sign a mortgage or co-own the home. While this can help secure better loan terms, it also means shared financial responsibility. If you co-own, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return, depending on usage. 4. Buying the Home as an Investment Property If your child pays you rent, the home could be classified as an investment property. This allows you to deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance. However, rental income must be reported to the IRS. Final Thoughts Every financial situation is unique, and tax laws change. Consulting with a tax professional or estate planner ensures that your support aligns with your financial goals and tax strategy. Helping your child buy a home is a generous step—doing it wisely ensures benefits for both of you.

Using Our Screening Score Sheet for Rental Applications

April 21, 2025
When applying for one of our rental properties, we use a comprehensive screening score sheet to ensure all applicants are held to the same standard. The score sheet evaluates various aspects of your financial stability and rental history, helping the landlord make informed decisions while maintaining a fair and transparent process! Here’s a breakdown of how we assess your application utilizing the screening score sheet: 1. Length of Residency: While longer periods at previous residences typically suggest reliability and commitment, we understand that some applicants may be first-time renters. We welcome first-time renters, and on the screening score sheet, you can assign yourself a "1" under "Length of Residency" if this is your first rental experience! 2. Collections: We review any outstanding collections, including monthly utilities or bills, as well as loans (excluding medical bills). This helps us assess your overall financial responsibility. Your estimated monthly payment for all your loans, utilities and bills is also taken into consideration. 3. Rent-to-Income Ratio (per household): To ensure you can comfortably afford the rent, we require that your monthly income is at least 2.5 times the rent amount. This ratio helps us verify your ability to manage rent payments alongside other living expenses. 4. FICO Score: While there is no specific minimum FICO score, we do take it into account when evaluating your financial health. A higher score indicates a history of responsible credit management. 5. NSF/Late Payments & Landlord Disputes: We look into your rental history to ensure that there are no frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) or late payments, and that there are no unresolved disputes with previous landlords. Please note that all application charges are non-refundable, and every occupant over the age of 18 must submit a separate application. Our scoring system ranges from 0 to 21, with 15 being the lowest acceptable score. All approvals or denials are ultimately decided by the property owner. We do not operate off a first come first serve basis, so if you are curious about the status of applications prior to applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office! By using our screening score sheet, we aim to create a rental environment where both tenants and property owners can thrive. This score sheet can be found on our site, under the Before You Apply Manual, as well as under “Rental Resources”.

Declutter and Earn: Join the Outdoor Swap Meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson!

April 16, 2025
Looking to declutter your home while making some extra cash? The outdoor swap meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson is the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re cleaning out your closets, clearing space in your garage, or finding a new home for gently used toys, books, and clothes, this event is your chance to turn those items into money. Each booth equals two parking spots, and registration is required at least one week in advance. All booths are assigned randomly, ensuring a fair and fun atmosphere for all. Remember, only second-hand items can be sold, so it’s a great way to recycle and give your items a second life. Event takes place April 19th & May 17th! The swap meet opens at 7am, so come early to shop! Admission is free for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families looking to find unique treasures. Ready to get started? Simply register on the City of Henderson website to secure your spot. It’s time to clean out, earn some extra cash, and find something new – don’t miss out on this exciting event at the Downtown Recreation Center!
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