Check out our August newsletter!
THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR AUGUST 2022
Finding Peace in the Great Outdoors Camp Away Your Worries
FROM THE DESK OF Mike Bryan
Hello everyone and Happy August! I hope you are enjoying your summer. Have you heard about the major change with how IRAs are treated under Medicaid in Ohio? The Ohio Department of Medicaid, through Medicaid Eligibility Procedure Letter No. 164 (effective 5/26/22) clarified its policy with regard to the treatment of funds received from IRAs for the purpose of determining Medicaid eligibility. For around 10–15 months prior to this procedure letter, we were finding that various counties were starting to not count IRAs as a resource under certain circumstances. There were state hearing and administrative appeal decisions that supported exempting IRAs as well. Now, we have the policy change in writing! This opens up many additional planning opportunities for both married and single Medicaid applicants. With the right planning, we can now use strategies where the IRA funds could be used to help pay through a restricted coverage period, without a Medicaid Complaint Annuity. We can use other planning methods to help maximize the amount of assets a community spouse is able to keep. In fact, there are now exemption options for Roth IRAs as well.
Camping with friends or family can be a wonderful experience. Building tents together or chatting by the bonfire while roasting marshmallows allows you to unwind and relax. But what I really love is going camping to self-reflect with no distractions. There is something truly special and rewarding about it. But camping has many life-changing benefits — here are just a few. Unplug from technology. We never realize how anxious or agitated we get when we don’t have access to our plush beds, air conditioning, or constant supply of electricity. Since technology gives us so many useful tools, we tend to lose sight of our intuitions. Humans have survived centuries without these luxuries, and now it seems as if we cannot function without them. Camping allows us to unplug from our modern technological world and spend time in nature where we can rely on instinct rather than Google. Step out of your comfort zone. Life truly begins where our comfort zone ends. Camping may bring on feelings of doubt or uncertainty, but you get in tune with your gut feelings and learn how to trust them. Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone are the primary ways we grow, and camping is a great way to do that. The opportunities are limitless when you take the risks. No matter the outcome, it’s a win-win because you can appreciate what you have or what you have learned even more. Get over a fear of nature. We tend to fear what we don’t understand, and nature can seem like a mysterious entity without the security of life’s luxuries. But the more time you spend in nature, the less you fear it. You can grow to understand and love all its mysteries. Dangers
If you have questions about these new changes be sure to contact my office or attend my next seminar.
Have a great month!
Continued on Page 2 ...
740-452-8484 • 1
... continued from Cover
will always exist in the wild, but camping gives you an opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder that connects us to one another and the larger world. Develop useful skills. We’re always looking for ways to improve ourselves and skills. Camping provides an opportunity to try out new things that might apply to your daily life. Preparation for camping alone is a great exercise in careful planning. And once you’re set up, you can test the limits of your skills and preparation. You may need to make changes and adjustments; another thing you might learn is flexibility and how to make do. When camping, you have to rely more on strength, intelligence, and multitasking abilities to get things done. Increase self-value and trust. When you value yourself and have positive self-esteem, you feel secure and worthwhile. Camping teaches you how to trust your instinct and, in turn, feel more confident in your own abilities. Lighting a fire at dusk, cooking fish you caught, or just learning to enjoy an evening without the usual entertainment sources all point to a self-sufficiency that’s hard to achieve anywhere else. And if nature surprises you in some way (e.g., unexpected rain or animal visitor at camp), then you get to quickly figure out what to do! You learn so much about what you’re capable of and discover your full potential.
When I turn my phone off and camp, I feel mentally healthier and refreshed. My stress and worries disappear, I get back to the simplicity of things — the night sky, mountains, rivers, trees — and I find my spirit craving the solace of nature.
Gardening While gardening doesn’t seem as vigorous as other exercises, it is a hearty physical activity. Digging around in the dirt is actually great for your immune system, and it strengthens your arms, legs/knees, and balance. Mycobacterium vaccae, which is a bacteria commonly found in gardening soil, can alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma, and even psoriasis. Cycling Whether it be in a class or outdoors, cycling can be very beneficial for stiff or sore joints. You’re able to get your blood flowing and build muscles in the front and back of your legs as well as your hips. Your arms are also strengthened due to the resistance of balancing your arms and shoulders to steer. Yoga Holding a series of poses can stretch and strengthen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also helps lower heart rate and blood pressure and can even relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. For older adults, a well-rounded workout that consists of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility can help in many ways. Some can even be fun! Changing the Scope of Exercise Live Longer and Stronger
Your body undergoes a variety of changes over the years, many of which are degenerative and can be debilitating to your health. But exercise can help slow these age-related issues, like heart disease or high blood pressure, and even prevent them in the long run. Here are four ways you can get moving without overexerting yourself. Walking or Jogging Taking a stroll around the neighborhood or a few laps around the park can help build stamina, strengthen lower body muscles, and help fight against bone diseases like osteoporosis. If you want to sweat it out some more, jogging might be a great alternative. But remember to be kind to your joints: Walk at a pace you’re comfortable with, wear supportive shoes, take breaks as needed, and walk on soft surfaces, like tracks or grass.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
Should You Use Video-Based Marketing?
YES! HERE ARE 3 TIPS TO GET STARTED
People spend most of their time at home now more than ever. This is one of the reasons why video-based marketing is becoming so popular. It allows your audience to engage with you and influencers and learn about your products, and it will enable customers to shop while watching your videos. Here are ways you can incorporate video-based marketing into your business.
by making longer live-stream videos, your clientele can post comments while you’re live. You can answer questions and engage more with your audience this way. 3. Tell Stories. Storytelling is one of the key strategies business owners are using to engage and relate to their customers. It helps you build a stronger and more meaningful relationship with your audience and makes them feel valued. So begin brainstorming what stories
Take a Break! 2. Take Advantage of Social Media. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have options where you can share both pre-recorded and live videos. More and more people spend their time on social media, so meet your customers where they’re at. Create something engaging that complements what you’re trying to sell. Your videos don’t need to be long. However, 1. Use Your Resources. Before you go live or create a video, you want to ensure that you have proper lighting, good equipment like lights and cameras, and editing software. Even though this may seem like it wouldn’t make that much difference, your video’s quality will influence your customers more than you think.
you would want to tell. Is there a specific reason you created, or are advertising, a particular product? Share these experiences with your clients. If you’re not selling an item, you can create videos to simply build a connection with your market. This will keep your business at the forefront of your viewers’ minds. These are only a few of the many ways you can begin using video-based marketing within your business plan. It will help you boost your retention rates and allow you to connect with your customers in a way that is the most convenient for them. So, smile for the camera; you’re about to go live!
Frozen Margarita Mousse
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk • 1/2 cup margarita mix • 2 tbsp sugar, divided • 1 1/2 tsp lime zest, grated • 1 tbsp lime juice
• 5 drops green food coloring (optional) • 1 8-oz carton frozen whipped topping • 1/3 cup finely crushed pretzels • 4 tsp butter, melted • Lime slices
Directions
1. Allow whipped topping to thaw. 2. In a medium-size bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, margarita mix, 1 tbsp of sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Add food coloring, if desired. 3. Using a spoon or spatula, fold in the whipped topping. 4. Freeze mixture until firm, about 4–6 hours. 5. In a small bowl, combine pretzels, 1 tbsp of sugar, and butter. 6. Spoon the lime mixture into margarita glasses and add the pretzel topping. Serve with lime slices.
740-452-8484 • 3
Stubbins Watson Bryan & Witucky Co., L.P.A.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
59 N. 4th St. Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Mon–Thu: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
740-452-8484 swbwlawfirm.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Mike Bryan PAGE 1 5 Invaluable Life Lessons of Camping PAGE 1 4 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Work Out PAGE 2 Meet Your Customers Where They’re At PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Frozen Margarita Mousse PAGE 3 Siri, What’s the Prettiest U.S. Restaurant? PAGE 4
3 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America
Where the View Is Part of the Menu … When you go to a nice restaurant, you’re not just paying for food — you’re also paying for an experience. Decor might be the last thing on a guest’s mind, but with the right design, some restaurants are absolutely breathtaking. Here are a few of our favorites.
Pink Cadillac Diner — Natural Bridge, Virginia
Taking a step into this restaurant feels like stepping straight into the 1950s … in all the best ways possible. The diner’s bold, beautiful shades of bubblegum pink — including a vintage pink Cadillac parked in front — prompt nostalgia and delight. Accompanied with a classic burger and ice cream diner menu, this East Coast gem is a destination you won’t want to miss.
The French Laundry — Yountville, California
If there’s a contest for the best food and views offered by a restaurant in America, this three-star Michelin restaurant just might place first. Run by Thomas Keller, its rustic, cottage-like setting in Napa Valley always turns heads with its surprisingly sophisticated design (as well as its exclusive tasting menus!). The restaurant’s gardens are beautifully lit and dotted with Japanese maple trees — a sight that will blow you away. Most people can have a good meal at home, so if you have the time and money, why not pay a little extra for a nice view? Go ahead and indulge. We won’t judge — we’ll even be a little jealous!
Cecconi’s Dumbo — New York City
There are plenty of gorgeous restaurants in the Big Apple, but you’ll always hear Cecconi’s Dumbo mentioned among the best. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, your table might have dramatic views of the bridge or a waterfront view of the Manhattan skyline. It’s the best possible pairing with their classic Italian menu, complete with handmade pasta and high-end ingredients from Italy.
4 • swbwlawfirm.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator