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FEBRUARY 2024
Unwavering Courage The Defiant Spirit of Rosa Parks
February is Black History Month, where we honor African Americans who fought against racism, discrimination, and oppression regardless of the consequences. Our country is far from perfect, and the fight for equality never ends. Whether they
NAACP for over a decade. After the Montgomery bus boycott, she continued to advocate for civil rights. Rosa Parks fought for equal housing in Detroit, supported freedom for political prisoners, and founded a scholarship fund for high school seniors.
oppression faced by minorities … not even close, but the fact of the matter is that oppression comes in different shapes and sizes, and it takes courage to stand up for those who have been maligned. When I reflect upon icons like Rosa Parks and the courage it took for her to stand up to the racist bus driver, the courage to fight battles in court seems trivial, but at the same time, it makes it very easy for me to fight for clients who are being victimized in their respective cases. We can all get more courage in our daily lives, and the decision to be courageous may mean different things to different people. For our clients, courage may look like standing up to an abusive spouse or shady business partner. Courage may be admitting you have a substance abuse problem and ditching a group of bad influences. Life is full of challenges, obstacles to overcome, and fears to conquer, and life can beat you down if you let it. It takes bravery for our clients to file for divorce in a toxic marriage or even confront fears about their own mortality and take action to create an estate plan.
fought discrimination due to race, religion, or gender, the bravery of past heroes has carried us far. Black History Month is a time to reflect on the lives of these brave individuals who fought for a brighter future and draw inspiration from them to summon courage within ourselves to make positive changes.
Rosa Parks worked tirelessly and courageously for equality until she passed away at 92. Today, she inspires people around the world. She’s also an essential part of Memphis and continues to strengthen our passion for freedom. She may not have lived here, but Memphis has always stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement.
Rosa Parks is just one example of an inspirational hero who displayed unwavering courage in her convictions, and her legacy is felt all around us. Everyone knows of her heroic stand against segregation and that critical moment when she refused to leave her seat on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama. When her bus driver demanded she vacate her seat so a white man could sit there, she refused. The driver threatened to call the police, but she remained seated. The bus driver followed through with his threat. As the police hauled her off the bus, she asked, “Why do you all push us around?” The officer replied, “The law’s the law, and you’re under arrest.” A mass protest and anti-segregation movement followed her wrongful arrest, and her case was pushed up to federal court until bus segregation was finally declared unconstitutional. But most people are unaware of Rosa Parks’ long history of activism. While riding on the bus to work, she had been the secretary of the Montgomery
We’re proud to host one of the nation’s largest civil rights museums. This year, one of our “out of office” quarterly excursions is a trip to the Memphis Civil Rights Museum to remind us of
our history and the courage of the men and women who gave equality a chance. Those willing to make a stand to protect the rights of those around us push us to be better people.
It’s easy to see the worst in the modern world, but we should recognize the accomplishments and change brought about by these civil rights heroes and their courageous stand against
One of the reasons I became an attorney was to help people
stand against injustice in all its forms. I am not a civil rights attorney, but I have always respected and admired the lawyers who continuously fight to protect their clients’ civil liberties. In my practice, I advocate fiercely for our clients who get bullied by ruthless lawyers and their clients, whether it be in the context of a divorce, a will contest, or a hostile takeover of a company representation. I hate bullies and do everything I can to defend our clients against them. I realize the gravity of our cases isn’t comparable to the civil rights movement or the
injustice. This Black History Month, take the time to learn about civil rights heroes of the past and the injustices they faced in their own lives. Think about the courage they displayed in life and the change they started through their bravery. If you go through this exercise, I promise you will draw inspiration and courage to confront whatever fears you face.
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BEYOND BUSINESS
TEACHING TEENS WEALTH MASTERY
SHARPENING DECISION-MAKING ABILITIES In personal finance, high schools can play a pivotal role. Students can be encouraged to read the financial news to understand market trends and make more informed financial decisions. Teaching them how to set realistic financial goals for significant life events, such as attending college or purchasing a vehicle, teaches planning and discipline, key aspects of successful financial management. FOSTERING A CULTURE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY Educating students about saving money and sound investment strategies promotes fiscal responsibility. They learn about the long-term benefits of compound interest and regular investing. Teens can build on their financial knowledge as they see the benefits of sound financial decisions.
ADDRESSING THE WEALTH GAP AND ADAPTING TO CHANGE Financial literacy is a powerful tool in bridging the wealth gap. Providing all students, no matter their background, with financial knowledge is a step toward leveling the economic playing field. As the global economy evolves, young people with personal finance skills are better prepared to adapt to changing job markets, investment trends, and saving strategies. Parents and guardians can make a considerable impact in lobbying local school districts to value and include personal finance education in high school and teaching it in their homes. Young people will be able to face life’s financial challenges confidently. As we nurture our youth for their future roles, their financial literacy is vital to fostering a society of economically stable and responsible individuals.
In today’s challenging financial world, equipping high school students with personal finance tools is essential. Arming young adults with the skills necessary to navigate the monetary challenges they’ll face is much like any traditional academic discipline. Here are a few of the tools they’ll need in their repertoire.
BUILDING A ROBUST FINANCIAL FOUNDATION
Helping students learn fundamental financial skills like budgeting, saving, and investing instills a deep respect for the value of money. Parents and school classes can help them understand credit, loans, and debt management to steer them away from potential financial pitfalls when they later make decisions about loans and credit cards. Practical lessons on tax filing and understanding employee benefits are invaluable, preparing them for adulthood and independence.
How Trusts Outperform Wills in Estate Security
Many involved in estate planning wonder if they should make a will or a trust. A trust is an estate planning document that allows a person to transfer title to their individually owned assets into the trust and control the terms of how those trust assets pass to their beneficiaries upon death. Trusts provide several advantages over wills. AVOID PROBATE Beneficiaries of trusts don’t have to undergo a lengthy probate process like a will. The grantor’s assets are transferred to the trust and upon the grantor’s death, the trust assets pass outside of probate to the beneficiaries, which results in saving the beneficiaries time and money associated with the probate process. PROTECTION FROM CREDITORS Assets that pass to beneficiaries through a will typically require probate administration. While beneficiaries under a will typically cannot be personally liable for their loved one’s debts, a decedent’s creditors are provided notice of the opening of a probate estate and have the
opportunity to file claims in the estate. The result is that the decedent’s assets are not protected from creditors. With a trust, a deceased grantor’s assets pass to their beneficiaries through the trust and as a result, the assets bypass probate and are not subject to creditor claims. GRANTOR CONTROL The grantor simply has more control over a trust than a will. A grantor can include provisions in their trust that puts “guardrails” or “conditions” upon the distribution of trust assets to their beneficiaries. This type of control is typically unavailable with wills. For individuals who are concerned about financially irresponsible beneficiaries, trusts can be a great option, because the successor trustee, the individual or entity who assumes control of the trust administration after the death of the grantor, may have significant discretion with respect to making distributions to the beneficiaries. EASY AND FAST ACCESS If you want your loved ones to have quicker access to their inheritances, trusts afford that
flexibility. With a trust, depending upon the way the trust is structured, your beneficiaries can have significantly quicker access to their inheritances. They do not have to go through the probate process and wait for the creditor claim period to expire, as is the case with wills. If you would like to learn more about trusts, please contact one of our experienced estate planning attorneys at 901-388-5805 .
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Embracing Uncertainty The Heart of Estate Planning Estate planning takes a surprising amount of courage because we must face our deepest fear: death. Humans do just about everything to avoid discussing or confronting it. We strive to build legacies to live beyond death, like putting our names on buildings or creating great works of art. Humans even do things to challenge death. In fact, we’d rather jump out of planes than look death in the eye. However, it’s important to have those uncomfortable conversations, to tell your loved ones who gets what or what your wishes are in the event that you are unable to communicate with health care providers or make medical decisions for yourself. These details are a very important part of part of estate planning. You don’t do it for yourself; you do it for your family. Even though they may not want to discuss the topic, your calm approach and willingness to confront it will help bring them along. It’s truly an act of love on your part, a gift, and they’ll come to appreciate it.
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
Inspired by Weelicious.com
Valentine’s Day means heart-shaped everything, even desserts! Bake these puff pastry berry hearts for Valentine’s Day or any other day.
INGREDIENTS • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich. INSPIRATION “Everything is possible, even the impossible.” —Mary Poppins
Tackling your estate planning needs “head-on” is also the responsible thing to do. By doing so, you prevent your loved ones from making difficult decisions about what you would want to happen in certain situations. Without an estate plan, you may be setting your family up for future conflict that may fracture the family dynamic moving forward. When you call an attorney about estate planning, take pride in your courage. No conversation about powers of attorney, wills, or trusts is ever going to be something people “embrace” without some coaxing, so it’s up to you. The process does not have to be difficult or scary. Contacting an experienced estate planning attorney to navigate the estate planning process is the easiest way to deal with the situation head on. If you would like to speak with one of our estate planning lawyers, please give us a call at 901-388-5805 .
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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Advertising Material
1 Celebrate the Courage of Rosa Parks 2 Helping Young People Learn Fiscal Responsibility When Trusts Triumphs Wills 3 The Courage of Estate Planning Puff Pastry Berry Hearts 4 Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector Inside This Issue
A Heroic Hound’s Story THE BRAVERY OF TANK THE GERMAN SHEPHERD
In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary
when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022.
Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed. The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.” “This is Tank & no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy. In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends and their profound impact on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they have four paws and a tail.
As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy. Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds. German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones.
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