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July/August 2025
RED, WHITE, AND WOW! NEW TWISTS ON A TIMELESS TRADITION
The moments we share with the people we love should be as precious as time itself.
Independence Day lands on a Friday this year, giving many of us a three-day weekend and a chance to catch our breath from our hectic lives and spend time with our friends and family. Although the idea of outdoor barbecues, fireworks, and holiday fun will never get old, the Fourth of July presents an opportunity to add new thrills to meaningful gatherings and move beyond the same old sparklers and steaks. Not too long ago, I did a deep dive online to get ideas for unique ways we could spruce up our celebrations — and found plenty of festive ideas I wouldn’t have otherwise considered. For example, everyone has at least one cooler full of ice on July Fourth, right? Well, how about filling red-, white-, and blue-colored balloons with water and freezing them to create eye-catching alternatives to regular ice cubes? It’s a simple trick that will add something new to your afternoon, especially if you have children who can help fill the balloons. Mixing blueberries and strawberries into the water before putting the trays back in the freezer is another nice idea! If it appears that this year’s July Fourth will be a hot day for you and yours, be sure to include sunblock on your pre-party shopping list — something almost no one ever thinks of buying for guests. You could turn a table in your backyard or kitchen into “Heat Relief Headquarters,” complete with skin protection, towels, and plenty of bottled water chilled by those colorful balloons I mentioned earlier. Of course, there should be more to our Fourth of July celebrations than parties and perfect companionship. As I researched fun things to feature in this article, I was struck by the significance of why we get to take the day off and do things that bring us joy. This past April marked the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution — a significant milestone worth celebrating this Fourth of July and throughout the year.
I’m honored to live in a country where we have the freedom to gather for holidays in safety and security, and the knowledge that we wouldn’t have these special times without those who fought for our liberties before and since our country’s founding. If you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate the day, consider donating funds or volunteering time to a military-focused charitable organization or at an area soup kitchen. It’s rare for a big barbecue not to have leftovers, so why not give them to someone who needs them? America is only as strong as our commitment to each other, and friendly gestures will always stay in our hearts much longer than fireworks shows.
I hope these ideas help make the holiday a time of lasting memories. It’s a big day for all of us — not just for the time off work but for everything it represents about who we are and where we live. No matter how you celebrate, do it with compassion, great company, and plenty of flair!
Please call us at 304-594-1800 to find out how we can help you!
-Jeff Robinette
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Kindness That Lasts Being There for Someone Who’s Struggling
Focus on small gestures. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know. If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most.
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood and even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. Skip the pep talks and listen. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room.
THE ART OF UNLIMITED DEDUCTIONS MAXIMIZED MARITAL MAGIC
Devising the best estate plan to provide for those dearest to you can be emotionally and logistically challenging, even under the clearest circumstances. However, this process can be even more difficult due to the critical terms, conditions, and laws that could determine the strength or weakness of how your wishes are carried out upon your passing. To make things a little easier, here are the basics about the “unlimited marital deduction” and how it influences what one spouse receives from another. Tax-Free Transfers The unlimited marital deduction enables a spouse to transfer unlimited assets to another tax-free. You derive this deduction by subtracting the total amount of assets from the gross estate, which must be distributed according to a will. Estate taxes on transferred assets are delayed until the recipient spouse’s death. The spouses must be legally married U.S. citizens to qualify for this deduction.
Trust that will still provide for the surviving spouse but outline beneficiaries upon their death. Because this trust is irrevocable, it can't be altered by anyone, including the surviving spouse. Citizenship Exceptions Although establishing the unlimited marital deduction is straightforward for American citizens, pursuing similar options for non-citizen spouses is more complex but not impossible. First, a U.S. citizen can gift money to their non-U.S. citizen spouse. In 2024, the maximum amount not subject to gift taxes was $185,000. Another option would be to establish a Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT), which allows the non-citizen spouse to take advantage of the unlimited marital deduction so long as they are the sole beneficiary and at least one trustee is a U.S. citizen or an American corporation. Naturally, the conditions outlined in this brief overview are subject to a host of what-ifs that may affect the specific
Safeguarding a Sustained Legacy If an individual wishes to have a say in what happens to their assets after their surviving spouse passes, they can set up an irrevocable Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP)
outcome of your situation. Working with skilled financial planners familiar with these nuances is essential to secure your spouse’s well-being and satisfy tax obligations when the time comes to implement your estate plan.
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MICHEL LOTITO: THE MAN WHO ATE AN AIRPLANE
Would you snack on a bicycle? How about a TV set or a shopping cart? Sounds completely absurd, but Michel Lotito — a French performer known to fans as “Monsieur Mangetout” (Mr. Eat All) — did exactly that.
The list of items Lotito managed to consume is hard to believe. He once famously ate an entire Cessna plane, taking two years to finish every last nut and bolt. How did he do it without getting hurt? Carefully and one bite at a time. Michel chopped objects into tiny bits and sipped mineral oil to help everything slide down smoothly.
Although he certainly got attention, Lotito wasn’t just looking for it; his peculiar diet came from a rare condition called pica. People with pica crave
Lotito’s feats earned him a place in the “Guinness Book of World Records,” but his true legacy is simpler:
He got people thinking. Scientists, doctors, and everyday observers began to wonder how adaptable — and, frankly, strange — the human body can be.
non-edible objects, though very few act on these cravings.
But Michel didn’t hold back. Doctors found he had an unusually strong digestive system and a thick stomach lining. These traits allowed him to safely digest things most people wouldn’t put near their mouths, let alone swallow.
Michel Lotito passed away in 2007 at 57, but his legend lives on. A guy
who casually munched on bicycles might seem easy to dismiss, but his “normal” shows us that reality is sometimes far stranger than fiction.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech.
Ingredients
Inspired by CooktopCove.com
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • Juice of 1 lemon
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
TITUS 2:7-8
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Forward-Thinking July 4th
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2
The Art of Quiet Kindness Secrets to Spousal Stability
3
One Man’s Very Strange Appetite Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
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Ways to Win the Retirement Race
a lengthy headstart will enable you to determine ways to make pretax funds work for you in tax-advantaged accounts.
Moves Beyond Today’s Money Secure Steps to a Safe Retirement
If you anticipate reaching a higher tax bracket in retirement, converting to a Roth IRA — in which you can grow post-tax funds toward your retirement and withdraw them tax-free after you reach 59.5 years old and have had the account for five years — may be a viable option to protect yourself and what you intend to provide to your heirs. However, prepare for the likelihood that putting too much money into a Roth conversion may lead you toward a higher tax bracket once retirement comes, so careful planning with professional assistance is advised. With taxes expected to rise in 2026 and beyond, it’s also prudent to work with a financial planner to implement strategies to reduce your financial obligations in retirement, including the amount taxed on your Social Security benefits. A Plan for Health Care Hurdles Unfortunately, reaching retirement age often means experiencing new health issues that could substantially impact your income. It is critical to consider how any changes to your retirement income may affect Medicare premiums or increase the chance of incurring penalties. Charting a financially secure future takes skill, focus, and tremendous care. What may work for someone else financially may not be the best solution for you. Consult a financial professional before implementing any plan that could drastically alter your comfort and security.
There’s often more to retirement planning than meets the eye, especially regarding taxes.
Although many people believe saving money for their golden years is the primary path to a secure retirement, tax planning and health care considerations play significant roles in the strength of one's later years and subsequent legacy. Here are two essential aspects of proper retirement and estate planning that many often overlook. The Right Financial Tune-Up Time Frame The most significant risk to successful estate and retirement planning is not starting the process early enough. To ensure the smoothest transition possible, experts recommend engaging in tax planning no later than five years before you intend to retire. Getting
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