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JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023
QUARTERLY
ESTATE OF THINGS
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I DIDN’T WANT TO QUARREL FOR A LIVING!
How Jon Found a Passion for Estate Planning
In life, there will always be challenges and obstacles standing in your way. Sometimes, these hardships may seem insurmountable and too much to bear. Fortunately, there are people in life to guide you through those tough times. As an estate planning attorney, my goal is to alleviate the weight from my clients’ shoulders and provide unwavering support in navigating them in the right direction. My name is Jon, and I’m an attorney and partner for Morris Hall. I’ve been with the firm since May 2016 and a partner since April 2020. I have multiple responsibilities to fulfill, but first and foremost, I help clients outline their wishes and assist in navigating what happens when they pass away or become incapacitated.
I worked there for five years, and I enjoyed my experience. I learned a lot. One of the most important things learned was, while I liked helping others, I didn’t want to spend my days fighting with other attorneys — I wanted to assist clients in preventing litigation. That’s when I discovered estate planning. The firm I worked for dabbled in estate planning, so I gained some experience and fell in love with it! However, dabbling in estate planning is not good enough. It is a complex area of law that needs specialization. So, I searched for estate planning firms and found Morris Hall. They were looking for someone to cover their Northern Arizona offices, and I thought it would be a great fit.
and opportunities. I speak with multiple clients a day, and every single one of them has their own unique circumstances. I learn so much from each of them, no matter what I’m assisting with. It’s my utmost priority to make them feel at ease and alleviate any concerns. I want them to leave with a fresh perspective and know their wishes will be carried out and their family cared for. On top of being an attorney and connecting with dozens of amazing people, I’m also a partner at Morris Hall. I help make management decisions, assist our administrative staff when developing new ideas, create processes to help our team and clients, and ensure everything runs smoothly. I aspire to continually grow and expand my knowledge — and being able to contribute at a higher level at the firm has provided me with so much joy. I also love working with other MH partners and learning from them. They help me become a better version of myself daily. To my clients, I just want to say that it’s been an honor to work with you, learn more about you and your family. I look forward to what the future has in store for both of us!
I haven’t always done estate planning, in fact, I started my law career in civil litigation.
I love being an estate planning attorney because each day holds new challenges
After attending Brigham Young University in Utah and receiving my bachelor’s degree in political science, I attended law school at the University of Arizona. After I graduated during the recession in 2011, I was fortunate enough to have an associate attorney position at a Northern Arizona law firm. This firm primarily focused on civil litigation — I had lots of deadlines, depositions, court hearings, oral arguments, and late nights.
“While I liked helping others, I didn’t want to spend my days fighting with other attorneys — I wanted to assist clients in preventing litigation. That’s when I discovered estate planning.”
—Jon Linford
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REDUCE PRE-FLIGHT WAIT WITH TSA PRECHECK DON’T REMOVE YOUR SHOES
(KTN) that entitles them to fewer security checks at the airport.
You must finish registration and submit fingerprints at an in-person enrollment center, but most appointments take about 10 minutes. Five years of enrollment costs $78. At that price, even those who only book one round-trip flight a year might decide to avoid the typical security hassle. Further, many credit cards will reimburse the cost. TSA PreCheck isn’t the only method on the market. Nexus is another domestic security program, and Global Entry allows expedited processing through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S. on international flights. Which service best meets your needs depends on your travel habits. But if you fly regularly, these programs are almost certainly worth your time and money. Don’t get left behind — consider enrolling before your next trip!
A TSA PreCheck registration, however, won’t let you waltz straight from the parking lot to your plane. Members must still walk through a metal detector and allow the TSA to X-ray carry-on items. But people with TSA PreCheck can bypass the full body scan or pat down. They also keep their shoes and belts on while leaving laptops and appropriately sized liquids in their carry-on bags. Finally, PreCheck passengers have a designated security line where, in March 2021, TSA reported the average wait was only 5 minutes. The vast majority of airlines and airports operating in the U.S. accept TSA PreCheck, and you can apply with an online application.
When you arrive at the airport, you likely feel resigned to the hassle of waiting in a long security line and taking off your shoes. But did you know there’s an elite flight club full of people who don’t need to go through that routine? They have that privilege because TSA PreCheck has confirmed they aren’t a security threat. Best of all, the program is inexpensive and easy to join. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began the TSA PreCheck program in 2013 to improve frequent flyers’ experience. TSA performs an enhanced security screening on applicants and issues those who pass muster a Known Traveler Number
ESTATE PLANNING FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS?
YOU WANT TO DO THESE 3 STEPS!
Your beloved pets have provided you with companionship, love, comfort, and dozens of unforgettable memories. Because of the time you’ve spent with your furry friends, they’re considered part of your family. But have you planned for them like one? What would happen to them if you become ill or incapacitated, move into a facility that doesn’t allow pets, or pass away? Does your family know what your wishes are concerning your pets?
much money to set aside for your pet’s caregiver. You want to leave enough money to cover your pet’s expenses for the rest of their lives. Considering compensation for the caregiver and additional money in case emergencies arise may be beneficial. CREATE A PET TRUST. All of the information stated above can be placed into a pet trust. Then, you want to pick a trustee responsible for ensuring your wishes for your pet’s needs are met. They will also be responsible for distributing the money you set aside for your pet. Your trustee and caregiver shouldn’t be the same person — you don’t want a conflict of interest occurring!
Here are three steps you should take when estate planning for your pets.
DECIDE WHO WILL CARE FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS. You want to pick someone who will care for your pets as you did — outline their daily routine, needs, personalities, and medications. If they go to a specific veterinarian or day care program, please mention those as well. No two pet owners are the same. So if you want to select someone who already owns pets, analyze how they care for their animals and determine if that’s the best idea for your furry friends. You want to be comfortable with your decision! SET ASIDE MONEY TO COVER PET EXPENSES. Food, medication, your pet’s health, where they will live, day care fees, and other costs must be considered when determining how
If you would like more information about how to estate plan for your furry friends and how to create a pet trust, please contact us!
You can also attend our webinar on August 9 at 3 p.m. called Pet Trusts: The Key to Ensuring Your Pet Has a Secure Future! Go to TinyURL.com/mse5yms4 or scan the QR code to register for the event.
We look forward to seeing you!
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IT’S TIME TO PHONE A FRIEND! We absolutely love getting to know you and helping you preserve your family’s legacy. Learning about your relatives and friends who mean so much to you and how they’ve impacted your life is an honor. We would love opportunities to help your loved ones preserve their legacies and ensure their wishes and needs are protected. If you love the service you receive at Morris Hall, we’d appreciate it if you would share our contact information with those in your life who may need assistance planning or administering their estate. We want your friends to be our friends, too!
While we haven’t entered a recession, alarm bells are ringing for many people as they hear about bank failures, high inflation, rising interest rates, and stock market volatility. Many of us remember the Great Recession in 2008, and you may be worried about what could happen in the future. However, one of the best ways to ease your concerns is by connecting with a financial advisor and preparing your finances. A RECESSION COULD HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE CONSIDER ASKING YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR THESE QUESTIONS
Consider asking your advisor these questions when you discuss a game plan and how to move forward.
WHAT STRATEGY SHOULD I USE? Before you can take any action, you need to have a plan. Although no one has a crystal ball to see the future, and problems can arise anytime, there is always room for growth and opportunity! Ask your financial advisor about the various possibilities that could happen during a recession, what opportunities are available to you, and how you can incorporate them into your plan. You don’t want to hear hypothetical answers — ask for concrete tools your advisor can offer you. HOW DOES A RECESSION AFFECT MY RETIREMENT OR INCOME PLAN? While it’s crucial to develop a new strategy during a recession, you also want to see how it will change the plans you already have in place. You will want to keep your retirement and other financial goals in mind, but you might need to modify how you achieve them. If you’re already retired, you may have to consider adjusting your withdrawals and spending habits. Your advisor will be able to outline your options and see which one will help you boost your savings and preserve your wealth. WHEN SHOULD I ENTER THE MARKET AND INVEST? No investment is recession-proof, and it can be nerve-wracking to invest during a recession. However, it doesn’t have to be scary if you know what to look for! Some stocks are better than others during a recession. There are several stocks you can choose from! To ensure your investments benefit you, ask your financial advisor what stocks and businesses will help you and your financial goals. If you would like more information on how you can prepare for a recession, don’t hesitate to contact us or our friends at Clark Street Financial (480-344-8200) with any questions or concerns. They can help you with your finances in your estate, retirement accounts, taxes, insurance, and more.
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Celebrate the last month of summer with this light and fresh recipe!
INGREDIENTS • 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar • 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Meet Our Attorney and Firm Partner, Jon! PAGE 1 Travel Like a Pro PAGE 2 Attend Our Pet Trust Webinar! PAGE 2 Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce PAGE 3 Are You Prepared for a Recession? PAGE 3 A Guardian Angel Covered in Fur PAGE 4
A Cat’s Nose Knows How Willow Saved Her Owner’s Life
For many with diabetes, falling into a diabetic coma is a constant concern, and they regularly check their blood sugar levels and take insulin shots to avoid that scenario. Amanda Jameson, a 51-year- old woman from Liverpool, received a diabetes diagnosis years ago but had always stayed on top of it. In April 2023, she fell asleep while her blood sugar was dangerously low. Thankfully, her cat, Willow, noticed something was wrong and sprang into action. Willow went to the living room, where Amanda’s husband had fallen asleep watching television. Willow proceeded to bite his leg and jump on him until he woke up around 4 a.m. He could tell something was wrong, as this was abnormal behavior for Willow, so he followed her to the bedroom, where he spotted his wife. She
was slumped over and unresponsive, and he immediately called her an ambulance. Doctors informed Amanda’s husband that she was moments away from slipping into a diabetic coma, but Willow had smelled something off and gotten help before it was too late. Most pets would get a few extra treats for their heroism, but Willow’s feats earned her a more prestigious award. The National Cat Awards named Willow as a finalist for their “Moggy Marvels” category. If Willow wins, she’ll receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year subscription to Cats Protection’s “The Cat” magazine. Although Willow likely doesn’t care about the trophy or the subscription, she’ll be happy enough with £200 worth of goodies and her owner safely by her side.
We all wish our pets would be there for us in an emergency. Dogs, cats, and other animals can accomplish amazing feats when provided with enough love and care, and a cat from Liverpool named Willow recently proved that many times over. A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly effective at detecting when something is abnormal, and Willow used her nose to save her owner in the nick of time.
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