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September 2025
A Life In Books
THE STORIES THAT STAY WITH US
National Read a Book Day is in early September. Some of these types of “holidays” are easy to skip, but it makes total sense to me to have a day set aside for reading. And even though I didn’t know the day existed until recently, I’ve been celebrating it in my own way for as long as I can remember. Reading has always been part of my life. We had books everywhere growing up. There was a whole wall of them in the den. My parents didn’t have to tell me to read. The shelves did that on their own. If I wasn’t pulling something down at home, I was at the school or public library. I used to think it was incredible that you could walk in, pick up anything, and just take it home, no questions asked. Free learning, free stories, free ideas — all just sitting there. It felt like a secret that too many people overlooked. Later on, I realized part of that love came from my mom. In her “spare” time, she used to teach adults how to read. That always stuck with me. It showed me how powerful reading really is and how much it can change your life when you finally get access to it. I don’t typically stick to one type of book. Sometimes it’s fiction, sometimes nonfiction. As a kid, I was into things like Sherlock Holmes and the Hardy Boys. I basically liked anything with a mystery to solve. I think it was the puzzle of it, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. These days, it depends on the mood. I’ll pick up something that helps me learn or helps me let go of the day. Sometimes, that means re-reading something I’ve loved before. I’ve gone back through “The Grapes of Wrath” a few times over A Question to Ask (or Answer for) a Loved One Asking and answering important questions helps preserve your family’s values and life lessons for generations to come. What’s a book that changed how you see the world, and why?
the years. “Man’s Search for Meaning” is another one I revisit. And more recently, I listened to “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy on audiobook. I’d probably call that one a modern classic. It’s not exactly a light read, but it hit me the same way Steinbeck does. It’s sparse, honest, and a little haunting. I’ve really come to love audiobooks lately. I still read plenty of physical books, but audiobooks let me squeeze in even more while commuting. Some people question whether listening “counts” as reading. I think it absolutely does. If anything, it’s made it easier for me to try something new without overthinking it. After my mom passed, reading took on another layer. I read around a half-dozen books on grief, trying to make sense of the loss, and ended up writing one of my own. It’s called “A Grief and Loss Companion,” and I now share it with clients who are facing their own loss. That book and the process of writing it reminded me that words have a way of helping us process what we can’t always explain. Speaking of books, I also published a reading list called “A Classic Book Reading List: 101 Timeless Masterpieces You Must Read Before You Die.” Publishing it was part experiment, part personal project, but the real reason I made it was to show that the classics don’t have to feel intimidating. If you’re interested in something, there’s probably a book out there for it. That’s what’s great about books. They slow us down just enough to think. They help us hear other voices, experience other times, and find new ways to look at the same questions we’re still trying to answer. And in a world that moves fast and talks loud, I think that’s more valuable than ever.
Philip J. Corson, Founder
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” JOHN 1:1
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The Power of Early Estate Planning Starting your estate planning early might not sound like the most exciting thing, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift: peace of mind. Control Over Your Wishes One of the most significant advantages of early estate planning is control. You have the opportunity to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if something happens to you, and who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without a plan, those decisions could be left to the courts, and the outcome might not reflect what you would have wanted. “Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift ...” Protection for Your Loved Ones If you have young children, planning early is especially important. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to name a guardian for your kids, create trusts to manage their inheritance responsibly, and ensure your family is cared for no matter what happens. Even if your estate isn’t large, the structure and guidance you leave behind can make a huge difference. Probate Hassle Avoidance Another key benefit of early estate planning is avoiding probate, a time-consuming, public, and expensive legal process. Strategies like creating a revocable living trust can keep your estate out of Secure Your Future Today
probate court and ensure a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Starting early allows you time to structure your plan wisely and avoid future headaches. Adaptation to Life Changes The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, job changes, and new properties can all affect your estate. Beginning early gives you a solid foundation you can tweak as needed, instead of scrambling to build something from scratch during a crisis. Tax Minimization While not everyone faces estate taxes, for those who do, early planning can help minimize them. A financial and legal advisor can help structure gifts, trusts, and charitable donations in ways that preserve more of your wealth for your loved ones instead of the IRS. And even for smaller estates, planning ahead helps with income and capital gains tax implications that often get overlooked. Family Conflict Avoidance When a loved one passes without a clear plan, confusion and differing expectations can lead to arguments or legal battles between family members. By outlining your wishes clearly and legally, you minimize misunderstandings and help ensure a smoother, more unified transition. Peace of Mind Ultimately, the most significant advantage is peace of mind. Knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be cared for, and your legacy will be preserved brings a sense of comfort that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
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Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?
TAKE A BREAK
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
W H A
If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”
The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food. If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available. So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients Directions
• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large,
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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803-746-7000 www.planningyourlegacy.com PO Box 100 Bowling Green, SC 29703
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
My Lifelong Love of Reading
2
Get Ahead of Life’s Surprises With a Rock-Solid Estate Plan
3
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Yes, You Should Be Washing Your Pet’s Bowl Every Day
4
Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton
Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy.
Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways.
Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional. Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued that the baby should not inherit, citing the language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
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Seating IS Limited
Investing 101 : Smart Money Basics for Every Generation
Whether you're just starting out, learning the ropes, or brushing up on the fundamentals - discover what to do (and what to avoid) so your money works for you,
at any stage of life.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 Breakfast Session - 9:30 AM Clover Presbyterian Church 202 Kings Mountain St, Clover, SC 2971 0
Dinner Session - 5:00 PM Life Community Church 4900 W Wendover Ave, Jamestown, NC 27282
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Seating is limited - Scan the QR code below to register or call 803-746-7000.
Workshop Highlights
-Understand the basics of investing - no jargon, just clear explanations -Learn how to start at any age (and why it's never too late) -See the right balance between risk and reward -Discover what to do - and what NOT to do - with your money -Build confidence if you're not the one who usually handles the finances
Presented by Philip J. Corson, JD, CFF® and R. Michael Flanders, CFP®
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