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June/July 2025
Have you ever been driving around town, listening to the radio or your favorite Spotify playlist, and caught a song that completely changed your mood? Maybe you were dealing with something difficult and heard an upbeat song that made you smile for the first time in days. Or perhaps you listened to a song that reminded you of someone no longer around, creating nostalgia for the past. Music can be an incredibly powerful stimulant, and this month, we get a special opportunity to listen to a favorite classic or explore a new genre when we celebrate World Day of Music on June 21. I’ve found that music has the amazing ability to set the mood or tone for whatever I’m doing. If I want to be relaxed, I listen to slow jams. If I want to get amped up and excited, I throw on hip-hop. As I’ve grown older, I’ve also started to get great enjoyment and appreciation for gospel music. It’s another genre that can completely alter my mood depending on what I want to feel. Certain songs can impact us and make us feel more in tune with the people around us. The first song that really touched me was “Amazing Grace.” I know I’m not the only one who feels that way, too! There’s just something about that song that calms you and offers hope for the future. These days, my favorite song is “Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Toné! This song does exactly what the title suggests! It never fails to put me in a positive mindset! How can you listen to a song called “Feels Good” and not feel good yourself? I love listening to uplifting music like this. I also enjoy listening to James Brown for the same reason. One of my greatest joys with music is sharing my favorite songs with my kids. We’ve been listening to a lot of old-school hits together, mainly things from the 1970s and ’80s. The first time I played one of EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MUSIC ON OUR LIVES THE POWER OF A PLAYLIST
Cousins making music!
these old jams for my daughter, she looked at me like, “This is some old music!” But she’s grown to like it with time. And my son loves to sing along now that he knows the words. Listening to older songs is nice because you don’t have to worry about bad language or vulgarity that has become so commonplace with newer hits. I have to give a big shoutout to my best friend, Judge David Hamilton, who is truly a music connoisseur. He’s always putting together playlists for me that feature R&B, hip-hop, or even house music. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with the latest music and would stick to my comfort classics! Music can make us feel different emotions and change our perspective about specific situations impacting our lives. Take some time this month to listen and analyze some songs, and you’ll quickly gain a greater appreciation for them, even if you’ve listened to them a thousand times before!
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ople to Thank
Going Solo Safely 4 TOP DESTINATIONS FOR WOMEN TRAVELERS
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS What You Need to Know About Trusts in Your Estate Plan Establishing an estate plan is one of the best ways to gain peace of mind for the future. You can incorporate different elements into your estate plan, from a will and last testament to healthcare directives, but there’s another element that many people forego. Creating a trust is one of the best ways to protect your future and ensure your loved ones have everything they need if the unimaginable happens.
If you’re yearning for a travel adventure and are flying solo this season, don’t hesitate! Many enticing destinations welcome
visitors traveling alone and are safe for women. Here are four destinations recognized for low crime rates, welcoming attitudes, and cultural respect for women. Canada Few nations can rival the diversity of attractions offered by this
northern beauty. Check out Montreal’s dazzling architecture and museums and the historic chateaux of French-speaking Quebec City. Then, head west to experience the rustic
These are the two most common types of trusts we help people establish.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts If you’re 65 or older and are concerned about how to take care of yourself if you have to go into a nursing home, this is an option you must consider. Everyone in this age group has heard horror stories of friends or family members spending down their assets to ensure they don’t go over the minimum threshold to qualify for Medicaid. Many middle-class Ohioans will pay for long-term care in one of three ways. They can use Medicaid if eligible, utilize long- term care insurance, or pay out of pocket. In Ohio, nursing homes cost $7,000–$9,000 a month, which is not affordable for many. Long- term care insurance has also become much more expensive in recent years. The best option is establishing a Medicaid asset protection trust to protect your assets while qualifying for Medicaid. Living Trusts Living trusts are an excellent tool for young parents or anyone under 65. Establishing one will help you avoid probate, keep your assets private, and allow for a smooth transition if something happens to you. Another big reason we recommend this trust is that it not only allows you to name a guardian for your
spas and ski resorts of Banff and British Columbia, savoring Canada’s unique blend of multicultural influences and indigenous traditions. Iceland Often described as “the land of ice and fire,” Iceland is home to some of the world’s largest volcanos, glaciers, and hot springs. Visit Reykjavik to enjoy museums, galleries, and souvenir shops. To soak in Iceland’s legendary thermal hot springs, check out the mineral spa at the Blue Lagoon. And if you love a good hike, enjoy some of Iceland’s world-class treks across breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Ireland Unmatched in its rolling green landscapes and cultural richness, Ireland is a favorite destination for travelers. According to travel expert Rick Steves, the capital city of Dublin “punches above its weight” in the arts, entertainment, food, and fun. Don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher, a 5-mile-long, 700-foot-tall wall that dates back an estimated 300 million years. All across Ireland, historic cathedrals, castles, and museums tell the story of the suffering of the Irish people. Japan This Asian nation has a rich blend of cultural traditions and modern comforts. A trip up the Tokyo Tower, a landmark inspired by the Eiffel Tower, offers a view of the surrounding temples and museums from its top deck 250 meters above the city. The five crater lakes near Mount Fuji offer water sports, hiking, and beautiful views. Visit Kyushu Island resorts to enjoy bubbling hot springs and markets of handcrafted bamboo goods. Regardless of which of these welcoming destinations you choose, you are sure to return with wonderful memories and plenty of stories to share.
children if the worst were to occur, but it also lets you set aside funds for any needs they may have in the future.
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LIVING TRUST ESSENTIALS WHAT TO INCLUDE AND WHAT TO AVOID If you read our article on page two and are considering establishing a living trust, you may wonder which assets you can and can’t place within it. The good news is that you can put basically anything into a trust, including bank accounts, vehicles, stocks, retirement accounts, and more. However, just because you can place something into a trust doesn’t mean you should. Certain items could make things more difficult for your loved ones if placed in a trust. Many consider including their vehicles in their living trust, but this can quickly become messy. The trust has to articulate who can drive or use the car, and if you name all of your children, things could become complicated if they all want the vehicle at the same time. If you have a collectible car, it’s a different story, but in most cases, you’re better off leaving vehicles out of trusts.
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trust will count as cashing it out, leading to extra taxes and a potential penalty for withdrawing early. A good way to get around this is by naming your trust as the beneficiary of your retirement accounts, as this will give you more control over how the funds are divided and distributed. Most other assets are worth including in your living trust. Most people’s largest asset is their home, and putting it in a trust protects it from creditors. Stocks are another asset you should consider placing in your trust. Many people say they don’t know if it’s a good idea, but transferring your stock to your trust will help avoid probate and grant privacy. You can determine who receives the stock certificate or if you want specific individuals to gain proceeds from the stock. Placing it in a trust will also help diminish the opportunity for family quarrels over who receives the stock certificate.
A retirement account is another asset to be cautious about including in a trust. There is a chance that transferring your retirement account to your
If you have any questions about which items to place in a trust or need any help with your estate plan, call us today!
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
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3 large garlic cloves, chopped
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1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)
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4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices Bamboo skewers soaked in water
• •
1/2 cup water
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1
How Music Shapes Our Mood and Mindset
2
Safe Destinations for Women Traveling Solo
2 Types of Trusts You Should Consider
3
What Belongs in a Living Trust?
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Take a Break
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New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
MAKE A SPLASH! WATER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
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