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Trust Matters MAY 2024
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CELEBRATION OF PARENTHOOD Honoring Moms and Dads
I am immensely grateful to have supportive parents, and a gem of a mother-in-law, who have all been instrumental in helping shape my family’s future and guide us toward success and happiness. Since this newsletter edition covers both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I would like to reflect on both days, through my own experiences growing up as well as how I view the celebrations now that I have kids of my own. Being a Parent Growing up, I thought of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as occasions to write nice cards for my parents and give them a thoughtful gift to remind them I loved them. Now that my wife and I have been parents ourselves for over 16 years, we have been on both sides of these holidays and have learned what it means from a parent’s perspective. In my opinion, until you have kids of your own, it is impossible to understand what it is like. You can read a book about it, watch some videos, or even babysit someone else’s kids to get a feel for the responsibilities of parenthood. Someone may even try to explain to you what it feels like to be a parent and the depth of love you will have for your children. However, no amount of explanation or preparation can adequately educate you on what the experience is like. Having a child is an otherworldly experience. It feels as if something has been embedded deep into your soul and fundamentally changed who you are as a person. Being a parent brings out the best parts of you — parts we may have not even known existed. It is an adventure like nothing else in life, and one I am thrilled to have been able to share with my wonderful wife and kids. What Matters Most Have you ever made a joke that did not receive the reaction you had expected? On a Mother’s Day years ago, back when my three sisters and I were all in our late teens or early 20s, we thought it would be Please be patient with our team as we are temporarily understaffed. Many of our team are vacationing this summer to visit with their loved ones and get some much-needed rest.
a fun idea to present our parents with two gifts on Mother’s Day: the first being a gag gift meant to get a laugh, and the second being the actual, proper gift. Our initial gift — meant to get a laugh, mind you — was a photo collage of the family. Maybe we thought the joke was that we were the real gift for our parents, but the message did not get across. They erupted into tears, but not from laughter. Revisiting their past experiences as parents was emotional for them and they thanked us profusely for this gift. I have no memory of what the “real” gift was, but their reaction was fairly understated by comparison. Legacy to Be Proud Of One thing I love about my line of work is being able to offer peace of mind to parents and grandparents. We work diligently to ensure their legacies are secure, and that their families’ futures are in good hands. Many of our clients express how immensely relieved they are once
they finish their estate plans. After they sign on the dotted line, they feel as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders that they were not even aware was there in the first place. If you feel that pressure of not knowing what comes next, I encourage you to come into the office and get your estate plan started — if not for yourself, then for your family. -Francisco Sirvent
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure
Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must- have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and
hydrated. Packing more water than you think may be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks. First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though
you likely may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The “leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.
Financial Freedom Starts Here THE CASE FOR CRAFTING A MONTHLY BUDGET
Unique budgets keep track of subscriptions. There are more streaming services than ever; the average household has four. Even companies outside of streaming services have started using subscriptions to make money. BMW is trying to get car owners to pay a fee to get heated seats — for $18 per month. It’s easy to sign up for a service — or a one-month free trial — and forget the expiration date, even if it takes a small chunk of your paycheck every month. A unique monthly budget ensures you’ll see those subscriptions so you can cancel them accordingly. Unique budgets help you identify poor financial decisions. Evaluating your monthly expenses ensures that you examine your spending habits. Standard monthly budgets don’t scrutinize the nuances of your spending, only the total. For example, you might waste a lot of money on gas station snacks and not realize how much it adds up each month.
Many monthly budgets take a one-size-fits- all approach, but every month is different. It’s essential to make a unique budget every month. Doing so has several benefits, but all help you save money. Refining your budget month-to-month will help you pay closer attention to your finances while adjusting for any and all unusual circumstances. Unique monthly budgets are versatile. It allows you to allocate money for events like baby showers, weddings, spur-of-the- moment donations, and holidays. Setting a budget without monthly evaluation often leads to going over your allocated spending — and incurring a bank service charge. Unique budgets let you plan for sudden expenses. If your car breaks down, how will you pay to have it fixed? If you have to cut your expenses, unique budgets can help ensure everything is paid for. You can also leave a little extra room, just in case — a short-term emergency fund, if you will.
A unique monthly budget puts those small or unnecessary purchases into perspective. Now that you know why making a unique budget is so important, it’s time to make one. Creating a budget every month may sound intimidating, but it’s easy once you set down a basic framework. Your bank account will thank you.
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The Amazing Aztec Nation:
TAKE A BREAK
3 FASCINATING FACTS
BLOOM CINCO COMIC DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER
The Aztecs were an expansive and vibrant nation when the Spanish arrived in the New World around 1519. They had a rich culture, innovative agriculture, and one of the world’s most impressive cities. Many fascinating facts about them are not taught in school, so prepare to be amazed.
They worshiped chocolate. Chocolate was hugely important to the Aztecs — the delicious substance was part of many religious and cultural ceremonies. It was also used as currency to buy everything from food to clothes. As a result, only royals consumed chocolate because they were literally eating money.
RENEWAL VETERANS
The most popular method for drinking chocolate was a cold and frothy concoction of ground chocolate, seeds, and
Citrus BBQ Chicken
spices sweetened with honey. Royalty emphasized frothiness and used various techniques to maximize it. For example, they poured cold cocoa while standing up into a cup on the ground. They built floating gardens. Aztec agriculture relied on floating gardens. They would create tiny islands called “chinampas” near modern-day Mexico City. Chinampas were built by braiding reeds with stakes underwater. These aquatic fences accumulated mud and vegetation until they became visible on the surface. The Aztecs built canals around them for transportation. Why did they go through the trouble? Chinampas offer several benefits. First, they’re fertile and can grow anything from beans to flowers. They also allow people to take advantage of the river and maximize their limited space. Furthermore, they promote bio-diversity, which is helpful for everyone. For these reasons and more, chinampas are still used around Mexico City and the country’s southern areas. Their capital city was an ancient marvel. When the Spanish arrived, Tenochtitlan was among the world’s largest cities. It had a population of over 200,000. Only Paris and Constantinople were bigger. This ancient capital of the Aztecs was also built in the center of a lake. Boats surrounded the city and were used for trade, transportation, and agriculture. The Spanish drained the lake to expand the city’s borders, but the lake’s wet soil remains, and Mexico City sinks a little each year. Unfortunately, the Aztec Empire fell after disease ravaged their population and the conquistadors betrayed and murdered their leadership. That’s not to say the Aztecs vanished. While their reign ended centuries ago, their legacy lives on in Mexico.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Lawyer’s Perspective on Parental Dedication
1
Paws and Paths!
2
A Personalized Monthly Budget Can Transform Your Finances
Citrus BBQ Chicken
3
Lesser-Known Aztec Facts That Will Amaze You
Prepare Your Financial Road Map
4
Your Estate Planning Checklist
Living Will or Advance Health Care Directive A living will or advance health care directive articulates your preferences regarding medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate. This document guides your family and healthcare professionals on decisions related to life- sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other critical matters. Financial Power of Attorney Designating a trusted individual as your financial power of attorney is essential. This person will manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Choose someone reliable and trustworthy to handle your finances. Take your time with this decision, as this person will control your finances. Beneficiary Designations Many assets, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts,
Estate planning is a crucial part of financial management that ensures your hard- earned assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass. Creating a strategic road map for transferring this wealth, minimizing taxes for those beneficiaries, and providing security for your loved ones is incredibly important. To start this journey, you must understand what documents are essential. Here is a checklist of important documents you should include in your planning. Last Will and Testament The foundation of any estate plan is a last will and testament. This document outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will be responsible for executing your wishes. You don’t have to be retirement age to write yours. It’s best to be prepared as it allows you to appoint a guardian for minors. It must be clear and concise in your will to avoid misunderstandings and legal complications.
allow you to designate beneficiaries. Regularly reviewing these designations ensures that your assets go to the intended recipients without going through probate. Revocable Living Trust This last document is not necessary for everyone, but a revocable living trust can be a valuable tool in estate planning. It enables you to transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime and specifies how those should be distributed after your passing, avoiding probate.
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