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December 2024
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It’s the time of year when most of us are running on fumes preparing for the holidays, and because of this festive frenzy, we often overlook a significant day, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, on Dec. 7. Congress marked this solemn occasion in 1994 to commemorate the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It holds profound significance for the tragedy it recognizes, its enduring impact on American history, and the resilience and bravery of those who served. On that fatal morning of Dec. 7, 1941, the United States experienced one of the most shocking attacks in its history, as Japanese forces targeted Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii. The assault, which began just before 8 a.m., lasted just under two hours but left a lasting mark on the nation and the world. It claimed the lives of 2,403 service members and civilians, injured 1,178 others, and led to the destruction of 188 aircraft and the sinking of two U.S. Navy battleships — the USS Arizona and the USS Utah. The gravity of this event sparked the United States’ entry into World War II, which went on to alter the course of the 20th century. My work is dedicated to the rights of all, including our veterans, and I find it crucial to reflect on the broader implications of the day. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices those at Pearl Harbor made and a prompt to uphold the principles they fought for. On this day and every day, we acknowledge the heroism displayed amidst the devastation. For example, Doris Miller, a mess attendant onboard the USS West Virginia, demonstrated extraordinary valor. Amid the chaos, he helped The Legacy of Pearl Harbor A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Honor REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be
move the wounded Captain Bennion to safety and manned anti-aircraft guns, for which he later became the first Black man awarded the Navy Cross. His bravery is just one of many acts of courage shown that day, highlighting the indomitable spirit of our service members. We can observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in several ways: • Keep the American flag at half-staff until sunset to honor those who lost their lives. • Remember history by watching documentaries and reading accounts from survivors to ensure their memories and stories are kept alive. • Take a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the time the attack began, to reflect on the significance of the events and their enduring impact on our nation. • Volunteer at veteran organizations to show gratitude and give back to those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. As we remember Pearl Harbor, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of liberty and justice. It’s a day to recall not only a tragic past but also to celebrate the enduring strength and unity that emerge in the face of adversity. As we honor the memory of those affected by the events of Pearl Harbor, let us continue to strive for a world that upholds the values they fought for. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of standing together in unity and respect.
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-Paul Beck
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CAN THE COURTS RESCUE SAVE? Legal Challenges Derail Debt Repayment Plan
As controversial government initiatives go, few White House actions have faced more scrutiny than the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. The hotly debated design for student loan relief has long struggled to gain momentum due to legal challenges and political standoffs. Announced in July 2023 and touted by the Biden-Harris Administration as “the most affordable student loan repayment plan ever,” the SAVE Plan initially aimed to reduce undergraduate loan payments by 50%, prevent balances from growing due to unpaid interest, drop millions of monthly payments to $0, and expedite the repayment process for low-income borrowers. Addressing student debt had been a major focus of President Biden’s tenure. “The cost of education beyond high school has gone up significantly,” he noted in 2022. “The total cost to attend a public four-year university has nearly tripled in 40 years [...] An entire generation is now saddled with unsustainable debt in exchange for an attempt, at least, at a college degree. The burden is so heavy that even if you graduate, you may not have access to the middle-class life that the college degree once provided.” The White House’s efforts to address the debt repayment crisis faced considerable opposition throughout 2024,
“The SAVE Plan initially aimed to reduce undergraduate loan payments by 50%, prevent balances from growing due to unpaid interest, drop millions of monthly payments to $0, and expedite the repayment process for low-income borrowers.”
including an injunction by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to prevent them from proceeding — a move subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court. Forbes predicts that the fallout from these and other challenges will tie up the matter in courts well into 2025. In light of this potentially lengthy legal tug-of-war, payers already enrolled in the SAVE Plan have been granted forbearance until the matter is resolved. Interest will not accrue during this period, and any interim payments the borrower makes will be applied to future bills. Despite the delays and derision surrounding the plan, the current administration has steadfastly maintained its position. In an interview with CBS earlier this year, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stressed that “student debt shouldn’t be a life sentence.” Conversely, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has called the SAVE Plan a “scheme” that “only shifts the burden from those who chose to take out loans to those who decided not to go to college, paid their way, or already responsibly paid off their loans.” No matter which side ultimately prevails, it’s clear that approximately 8 million U.S. borrowers — with their payment plans now paused until the SAVE Plan is either rescued or rescinded — face an uncertain financial future.
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Are you tying the knot after 50? (Congratulations!) For older couples getting ready to walk down the aisle, there are unique financial considerations to take into account. Merging finances at this exciting stage involves retirement plans, adult children from previous relationships, and different priorities for the future. Get ready for the honeymoon phase as we explore how to merge marital finances in your 50s and beyond. Understanding Your Significant Other’s Spending At this point in your life, your financial habits and values are well established compared to 20-somethings still finding their financial footing. Being transparent about your income, savings, and spending with your partner is essential. You may even want to review each other’s credit reports. Discuss your hopes for retirement and what it will take to get there. You may be more set in your money mannerisms, so it will take planning to reach your shared lifetime goals. Combining Accounts Newlyweds who are 50-plus must decide if they will merge their accounts fully or maintain separate ones. At this age, you likely have more assets to consider. Maybe you’ll keep individual bank accounts and create a joint account for shared expenses like bills. Reviewing your estate plans together is essential to ensure your wishes for wealth distribution to heirs are clear. Embarking on this new chapter means more than just sharing a life — it’s about blending finances in a way that makes sense for both of you. Communicating about your finances and shared goals ensures your golden years together are filled with financial harmony and peace of mind. Merging Money After 50 HAPPILY EVER AFTER AND FINANCIALLY FIT
TAKE A BREAK
CARDINAL COCOA FROSTY GARLAND GENEROSITY MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SNUGGLE UNITY YULE
Korean Steak Slaw
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp sesame oil, divided • 2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total • 1 daikon radish
• 1 large carrot • 1/2 red cabbage • 5 green onions, divided • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Significance of Pearl Harbor in Modern America
1
Student Loans in Limbo
2
Korean Steak Slaw
3
Combining Finances When Tying the Knot Later in Life
Unravel the Myth of the 16th-Century Rocket Cat
4
CAT-APULTING INTO HISTORY The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of ( literally ) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder,
zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have
their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing
its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
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