Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
JAN/FEB 2026
EagleAndFein.com
317-726-1714
What Not to Do When Planning Your Estate PERFECTION, PROCRASTINATION, AND OTHER ESTATE PLANNING MYTHS REVERSED
I am going to guess that you have likely never heard of Opposite Day on Jan. 25. I had not either, but I thought it offered the perfect lens to highlight the most persistent misconceptions about estate planning. After all, sometimes the best way to correct a myth is to turn it upside down. So, in the spirit of clarity, here is the kind of advice you would never hear from me as an estate planning attorney … but which too many people still follow as if it were true. If we were living fully in Opposite Day mode, I would begin by telling you to wait for the “perfect moment” before starting your estate plan. I would insist that you hold off until every detail is organized, every decision is settled, and you feel certain about the future. But in real life, that belief keeps people stuck far longer than necessary. One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the idea that you must have everything figured out before beginning the process. The truth is that estate planning creates clarity. It helps you evaluate your options, think through priorities, and make decisions with confidence. Our role is to guide you through uncertainty, not wait for you to overcome it alone. If anything slows progress, it is the pursuit of perfection. Staying in the spirit of Opposite Day, I would also advise you to keep your financial and legal advisors completely separate. No communication. No coordination. And certainly no double-checking that the estate plan actually aligns with the assets it is designed to protect. But in practice, the truth is that your plan is only as effective as its connection to your real financial life. When estate planning and financial professionals collaborate, assets are titled correctly, beneficiary designations match your intentions, and your estate plan functions as a cohesive system, not a static set of documents in a drawer. And finally, I would tell you on Opposite Day that estate planning is only for those with significant wealth. I would suggest waiting until you reach some arbitrary financial milestone before “qualifying” for a plan. In reality, this is one of the most damaging myths of all. Estate planning is for everyone, because
its most critical component, like powers of attorney and advance health care directives, protects you while you are alive and unable to make decisions for yourself. These documents are not about net worth; they are about safeguarding your autonomy, your wishes, and your well-being. So, here is one last piece of “Opposite Day” advice you will never hear from me: Wait until later. The truth will always be that the best time to start planning is now. Life rarely becomes less busy or more predictable. But with experienced guidance and a team committed to meaningful collaboration, you can create a plan that protects you, your loved ones, and your intentions at every stage. If you are ready to replace uncertainty with structure, separate fact from fiction, and move forward with confidence, the Eagle & Fein team is here to help. – Scott Linneweber 317-726-1714 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
3 DAILY HABITS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR 2026
As we enter another new year, there is no better time to adjust your daily habits to help you become the healthiest version of yourself mentally and physically. Here are three strategies you can incorporate into your New Year’s expectations and resolutions that will help ensure 2026 is your healthiest year yet! START EVERY DAY STRONG. Many Americans fall into the same routines year after year, and most are dangerous for their overall well-being. They stay up too late, wake up to an alarm a few hours later, scramble to get ready, and jump in the car as soon as possible to get to work. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day. If you are in a hurry every morning, you will feel rushed and exhausted. Give yourself ample time in the morning to take care of yourself
and some simple chores. Make your bed, have a glass of water, take good care of your hygiene, eat something, and incorporate some movement into your mornings. It will be hard initially, but you will feel the benefits within a few weeks. DIET AND EXERCISE MATTER. This is probably not news to you, but we cannot downplay the importance of diet and exercise. Listen to your body; it will tell you what it needs. Many people fall into the trap of overeating without realizing it or starving themselves when they want to lose weight, but this will not make them feel good. Eat when your body tells you to, stick to a healthy diet, and find time for exercise. You need to find ways to motivate yourself, especially when you want to stay in bed and stick to comfort foods. Your body will thank you.
DRINK MORE WATER. How much water do you drink each
day? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men should drink about 15.5 cups of fluids daily and women should drink 11.5 cups. If you are not hitting these numbers, it is time to adjust. Start and finish each day with a glass of water. Walk around with a refillable bottle. Staying hydrated will help your body function much better.
As the new year begins, many of us focus on budgeting, saving, or finally tackling retirement goals. These are important steps, but true financial health goes beyond spreadsheets and bank balances. Your money only works as hard as the plan that protects it, manages it, and ensures it serves your future, and that is why estate planning cannot exist in isolation.
you unite these strategies, you create a road map that coordinates investments, insurance, retirement accounts, and legal documents into a cohesive whole. Your will, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives are more than paperwork; they are living tools that reflect your financial reality, your goals, and the legacy you want to leave behind. A UNIFIED PLAN FOR PROTECTION AND LEGACY Working with an estate planning attorney as part of your broader financial team allows you to align every piece of the puzzle. We examine your assets, income, and long-term objectives to create a customized strategy that links legal safeguards with financial efficiency. Your loved ones will have a precise road map to follow, should the unexpected occur, reducing stress and preserving your legacy. When your estate plan and financial plan operate in tandem, you gain clarity, confidence, and control over the future. Holistic planning is the foundation of true financial fitness and a blueprint for ensuring your legacy is exactly as you envision.
THE RISK OF FRAGMENTED PLANNING Treating your finances and your estate as
separate entities can quietly sabotage your best intentions. You may have investments structured for growth, insurance policies for protection, and retirement accounts carefully funded, but if your estate plan does not mirror and support these elements, your hard-earned assets can become vulnerable. Disconnected planning can lead to unnecessary taxes, legal confusion, and surprises for those left to handle your affairs in the event of incapacity or death. WHY SYNERGY MATTERS The real magic happens when estate planning and financial planning speak the same language. When
EagleandFein.com
2
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Word Search
Do not Let the Fire Die MAKE WINTER BONFIRES YOUR NEW TRADITION
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
Many Americans invite their friends and family for a bonfire throughout the summer and fall. Nothing beats making s’mores, sharing stories, and enjoying the flickering flame under the
moonlight. As temperatures drop and winter weather appears on the radar, some cover and ignore their bonfire area until after the cold and rainy seasons. However, you can still create an awe-inspiring bonfire during winter if you put together a plan. Winter bonfires can quickly become a regular part of your seasonal traditions, and these strategies will help ensure your bonfire is a hit with everyone who attends. HELP PEOPLE STAY WARM. Nobody wants to sit outside in the dark and freezing cold. Encourage everyone attending to dress in warm clothes appropriate for the frigid temperatures, but be prepared to help out if someone starts to feel chilly. Have extra blankets and coats within reach so you can easily pass them to anyone in need. PROVIDE TOASTY TREATS. Sometimes, clothes alone are not enough to protect us from winter’s chill. During these moments, it can help to eat or drink something that fills your whole body with warmth. Thankfully, you’ll have a bonfire to help you toast and warm some delicious treats. S’mores are usually the go-to, but you can also warm up hot dogs, sausages, or even corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or even tea can help everyone stay comfortable and in good spirits. ADD GAMES OR FUN ACTIVITIES. Some may grow bored with traditional bonfire activities, which is why you should have an extra activity or game up your sleeve. Depending on the lighting, you could play a card or board game. If the lighting is too dim, you can incorporate other activities requiring more movement and adventure. Kids and adults alike will have fun playing a game of flashlight tag or participating in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the extra movement will help everyone stay warm!
This delicious dish will help make your home the go-to destination for Taco Tuesday!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
317-726-1714
3
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 555 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-726-1714 EagleAndFein.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Estate Planning Lies We Tell Ourselves INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. 2. Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet
Make Your Estate and Finances Speak the Same Language
3.
Turn Cold Nights Into Warm Memories
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
4.
Why Financial Advisors Should Be Talking About QCDs Right Now
A Better Way to Make an Impact
As estate planning professionals, we often identify opportunities that financial advisors overlook. One of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for clients with IRAs is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. Many advisors assume charitable giving from retirement accounts is limited to posthumous planning, but the reality is far more flexible and valuable. HOW QCDS UNLOCK VALUE A QCD allows a direct transfer from an eligible IRA to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity. Because the distribution is not counted as taxable income, it can significantly reduce a client’s tax liability while satisfying required minimum distributions (RMDs). In 2025, individuals could give up to $108,000, and married couples filing jointly could give up to $216,000. This strategy works regardless of whether the client itemizes deductions. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT QCD ELIGIBILITY Clients must be at least 70 1/2 to use QCDs, and only certain accounts qualify: Traditional IRAs, Rollover IRAs, Inactive SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and Inherited IRAs
an eligible IRA. Additionally, not all charities are eligible. Private foundations, donor-advised funds, and organizations that provide goods or services in exchange for donations do not qualify, so careful verification is essential. WHY ADVISORS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION QCDs provide a unique opportunity to align philanthropic goals with tax efficiency. When your clients direct charitable gifts directly from retirement accounts, they lower their taxable income, potentially reduce Medicare surcharges, and satisfy RMD obligations in one streamlined move. For financial advisors, understanding this tool allows you to enhance your client service and open conversations about long-term wealth and legacy planning. QCDs serve as a bridge between retirement planning and meaningful philanthropy. When financial advisors and estate planning professionals collaborate, clients gain a fully integrated approach that protects their wealth, advances their charitable goals, and strengthens their legacy. The key is awareness and thoughtful application, and that is where your expertise and ours intersect.
QCDS ARE CHANGING CHARITABLE PLANNING
Most Roth IRAs and active employer-sponsored plans typically do not qualify unless rolled into
EagleandFein.com
4
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator