Check out our December newsletter!
FAMILY FIRST, FUTURE READY A Path Toward Peaceful Planning
At this time of year, more than any other, the nature of an interaction between loved ones can make or break a family gathering. Hopefully, your upcoming holiday will be full of joy and laughter with those closest to you. As we all celebrate the joys and positive moments our lives have brought us in 2025, we must also consider what our futures will look like. In some cases, this means taking a close look at your current estate plan or encouraging someone else to closely consider theirs. In many ways, my family history is intertwined with these types of discussions. My first job out of law school was working with my parents, both attorneys, at their firm, Waggoner and Bruehl. I performed estate planning duties for clients to allow my father to focus more on title and real estate transactions. I fell in love with estate planning work and decided to expand my career focus in that area. In addition to calling my mom and dad “boss,” I learned a great deal about interfamilial relationships and key components of a truly effective estate plan. Not surprisingly, clear communication undergirds everything. Of course, discussing something as sensitive and potentially emotional as legacy plans can be difficult, but that’s when tough love needs to come into play. There’s strength in knowing what’s important to you as an individual devising your plan and what would be best for your family upon your passing. There’s also strength in helping a loved one see the bigger picture and understand they need to create an estate plan to secure their legacy. Yes, tough love may need to play a part in these conversations, but love is the key word. Ultimately, estate
planning is about good intentions and ensuring everything is in order before the estate plan needs to be fulfilled. Of course, this task is often easier said than done, and that’s where I can help. Last September, I joined the Sheppard Law Firm as a client care specialist, assisting attorneys
Hill and Hersch in any new plan drafts or updates that needed to be completed. I’m honored to help our firm’s clients refine their plans, whether helping them update fiduciaries, trustees, powers of attorney, health care surrogates, or living wills or to make any other substantive change in their distribution. My enthusiasm for being a part of the Sheppard Law Firm team is rooted in how it expertly handles a wide variety of estate planning matters, specifically regarding asset protection. They also really take care of their team, making sure people are board-certified. With the help and support of my family, continuing my career here has been one of the best and most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. The biggest draw for me is helping people navigate critical steps toward a positive solution to their estate plan needs. So, if your upcoming holiday events spur a reminder, or even the first real thought, of what your legacy plans should achieve, we can make the journey as pleasant and reassuring as possible. Whether your estate plan discussions with family are a simple walk or a climb up Mount Everest, our team is here and happy to help.
We’re now sharing short videos and helpful content on estate planning across our social media platforms. These accounts provide everything from alerts about common misconceptions to planning tips we wish more folks knew. They’re a great way to stay informed — and maybe even entertained! To see all our channels, please scan the QR code provided or visit SheppardLawFirm.com/socials . Thank you for taking a moment to visit and follow our platforms. We appreciate your continued trust in our firm.
–Richard Bruehl
1 (239) 244-3441
DECEMBER 2025
When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking
out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes. CHALLENGE YOUR THOUGHTS. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and
So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. TURN DOWN THE MENTAL VOLUME. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded. Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and
worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
E d ge F a c t s T h a
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” The above quote from author George Addair represents a mindset we encounter regularly at our firm. In addition to the potential emotional toll of discussing estate planning with their family members, many clients can feel confused or overwhelmed by the legal
and financial matters they need to address. So, they either avoid the process until it’s too late or are reluctant to proceed out of fear of making a critical mistake. In some cases, people enter into estate planning believing common misconceptions that can impact their decision-making. One common estate planning myth is that the state takes your assets if you don’t have a will. However, this is not necessarily the case. Suppose you pass away without an estate plan in place (legally known as dying “intestate”). In that case, the state of Florida will divide your assets between your children (equally in cases where you have children both with your current spouse and from a previous relationship) and your surviving spouse. If you have no children, the assets will go to your surviving spouse. If you were unmarried when you passed away, your
assets would be divided equally among your children or, if any of your children have passed away, to their descendants. If you had no descendants, your assets would be distributed to your surviving parent(s) or your siblings or their descendants. Additionally, the assets may be subject to greater federal tax burdens than if you had an estate plan in place at the time of your passing. If you would prefer to have control over who does or doesn’t receive your assets and shield your heirs from high taxes, establishing an estate plan that includes a will or irrevocable trust that clearly states the distribution of your assets is the most prudent path to follow. If you or a loved one has yet to establish a will, or if you need to make critical updates to an existing estate plan, please make contacting us a New Year’s resolution you’ll keep.
2 floridaestateplanning.com
SORROW AND STRATEGY Steps to Stall After a Loss
Emotional decisions can often damage our livelihoods and peace of mind more than we can imagine. Whether out of stress, exasperation, or sorrow, we all make choices we regret now and then. Some, like binge-eating on your first Friday night alone following a separation, may not be great long-term habits, but they’re relatively harmless in the short term. However, others, such as going on a credit card-fueled spending spree during a bout of depression, can have potentially permanent and devastating consequences. Unfortunately, the likelihood of making rash and reckless decisions escalates following the death of a spouse or significant other, a scenario we’ve encountered often at our firm. Here are some ideas you shouldn’t act upon as soon as they enter your mind. 3 THINGS TO AVOID DOING AFTER A LOSS • Immediately Closing an Account Shared With a Deceased Spouse With your significant other no longer here, you may not see a point in keeping
joint accounts open in both your names. However, transferring these accounts over to just yourself may prove problematic if lingering checks made out to the deceased later arrive. Opening a probate (often costly) may be the only option if an account is closed when a payment is received. Selling Your Home Leaving constant reminders of the safety, familiarity, and comfort you once felt with the departed may be tempting, but selling your property too hastily may cause unexpected financial problems, including depriving you of the possibility of utilizing greater equity if you had stayed at the residence longer. Making Extravagant Purchases Purchasing a fancy new car (especially one with a pricey loan) or going on that exotic vacation you’ve always dreamed of may seem like reasonable self-care measures in the moment. However, they can dramatically disrupt your financial
•
planning if your budget can’t bear such spending under normal circumstances. Most mental health professionals suggest waiting at least one year after a significant loss before making critical personal or financial decisions. While that may seem like a long time if grief makes every passing hour feel like an eternity, patience is often the best virtue when building a future without your loved one by your side. Pause and plan … and
•
contact us if we can support you through your next steps.
r i s p y
P r
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• •
3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
• • • • • •
1/2 cup melted butter 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• • •
1/4 cup fig preserves
3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 chopped garlic cloves Black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
3 (239) 244-3441
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 244-3441
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Conversations That Count PAGE 1 Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind- Clearing Tips PAGE 2 The Cost of Avoiding a Will PAGE 2 Decisions Best Deferred PAGE 3 Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders PAGE 3 3 Train Trips to Take Today PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
Tracks and Treasures Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable
meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow- capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife.
gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine
For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
4
floridaestateplanning.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator