Stubbins, Watson, Bryan & Witucky 2019

THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR MARCH 2019

FROM THE DESK OF

Mike Bryan

Many Ohioans do not have any estate planning in place. Even more importantly, most folks do not know what questions they should ask. I’ve prepared a free report which reveals the Top 9 Questions Ohioans Should Ask About Their Estate Planning . Here is a direct link to our website for your instant download: swbwlawfirm.com/top-9-questions-ohioans- should-ask-about-their-estate-planning After reading, you’ll be many steps ahead of others who have not taken the time to research these important issues.

THEWILDWORLDOF MARCHMADNESS A Look at Iconic Tournament Moments

You’ll find answers to questions like this:

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I have been told that I should avoid probate. Is this important? How do I do it? How can someone else make financial decisions for me if I am not able?

Every spring, millions of Americans fill out March Madness brackets. According to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, about 20 percent of workers will fill out a bracket this year, and the drop in productivity during the first week of the NCAA Tournament will cost companies roughly $4 billion. Needless to say, March Madness is a nationwide phenomenon. The tournament’s status can be chalked up to the ease of filling out a bracket and good old- fashioned school pride, but March Madness has also become famous for having the highest occurrence of heart-stopping moments of any major American sporting event. Over the years, we’ve seen Cinderella stories, buzzer beaters, and otherworldly performances. Every year, the tournament serves something unexpected and wonderful. It’s those moments that make March Madness what it is. Here are a few of the most memorable. Bird vs. Magic 1 (1979) Author Chuck Klosterman described the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson as “a conflict that dwarfs Dante.”While their battle grew to legendary proportions during their respective NBA careers, Bird and Magic first faced off before either entered the NBA. During the 1978-79 season, Larry Bird led the lowly Indiana State Sycamores to an undefeated regular season record. They stormed through the tournament and met Magic Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans in the final.

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How can someone else make healthcare decisions for me if I am not able? How do I make my wishes known about life sustaining treatment? With the right planning in place you can protect potentially thousands of dollars from being spent on unnecessary guardianships or other probate

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proceedings. Please feel free to download this report or share this link with family or friends who could find this information useful.

See you next month!

Bird managed a double-double in the game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, but Magic was the stand-out performer and MVP. He finished with 24 points and a title. Over

- Mike

Continued on page 2 ...

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... Cover story, continued

Chris Webber’s Timeout (1993)

Kris Jenkins FTW (2016)

the ensuing years, Bird’s Celtics and Magic’s Lakers would trade shots in an epic tussle for NBA supremacy, but it all started here. N.C. State’s Last-Second Upset (1983) March Madness is known for underdog stories, and few are more inspirational than N.C. State’s shocking upset of Houston in the 1983 title game. Houston, known as Phi Slamma Jamma for their above-the-rim playstyle, was on a 26-game winning streak and heavily favored to make mincemeat of the Wolfpack. But that’s not what happened. With the game tied and time expiring, N.C. State’s DereckWhittenburg had the ball near the top of the key. He heaved up a prayer of a shot that came down well short of the basket. However, his teammate Lorenzo Charles caught the ball as if the errant shot were a perfectly placed alley-oop. He slammed the ball, time expired, and the entire stadiumwent wild. Jim Valvano, N.C. State’s coach, was so overcome that he ran around the court in utter disbelief.

Michigan’s Fab Five (Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson) are the most famous recruiting class in college basketball history. They transformed the sport by injecting a healthy dose of what we know today as “swag.” After reaching the finals of the tournament as freshmen — an unheard-of achievement at the time — the Wolverines were expected to romp to a title in 1993. Everything went according to plan until the final when Chris Webber committed basketball’s most famous blunder. Down by two points with 20 seconds left, Webber secured a rebound and headed up the court. The North Carolina defense smartly used a trap defense to funnel him into the corner. Panicked and out of real estate, Webber signaled for a timeout. The problem was that Michigan didn’t have any. As an automatic technical foul, Webber’s gaffe secured North Carolina’s victory.

The most stunning moment in recent tournament history came from Villanova’s forward Kris Jenkins and his team. The Philadelphia-area school had not won a title in more than 20 years when they made the championship game in 2016. Their duel with North Carolina in that game was one for the ages — a back-and-forth affair that was tied 74-74 before the final possession. The ball came to Jenkins, who chucked a deep three as time expired, and the buzzer sounded as the ball went through the rim. “When I get it,” Jenkins told reporters after the game, “it’s going up. I always think it’s going in, and this was no different.” It was no different, except for the fact that most shots aren’t destined to be remembered for decades. Which moments from this year will end up leaving an indelible imprint on the sport? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Are You Ready for Fido? How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet

that animal will fit into your lifestyle. For example, dogs are one of the most high-maintenance and expensive animals to own, but they tend to be more involved in family life than a cat or a hamster. That said, your home’s size and locationmay make it better suited for a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space. Is your family ready? Every family is different, and it’s important to have an honest discussion about the implications of owning a pet. If you have kids, consider how much they will be able to contribute to such a responsibility. Another factor to consider is howmuch free time you have to spend with your pet; some animals require more attention than others. To avoidmajor conflict down the road, discuss care and responsibility plans as a family before welcoming an animal into your home. Keeping a pet can be a source of joy for your family, but it can also be a source of stress. Before making any major choice, talk to your family members and consider what owning a pet wouldmean for all of you.

While we don’t know exactly why humans keep pets, one fact is certain: Millions of people love them. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But nomatter what you see on your favorite dog Instagram accounts, keeping a pet isn’t endless playtime. Ask yourself the following questions before buying or adopting a furry companion. Do you knowwhat you’re getting into? Owning a pet can change your lifestyle. To start, you will have to consider the animal’s well-being when hosting events or taking vacations. You will also have tomake room in your budget for pet-related expenses. Additionally, some animals can live for upward of two decades. Discuss how responsibilities will change as a pet ages and what your future will look like before making the commitment. Does an animal fit your lifestyle?

When choosing a pet for your family, gather research from animal experts and other pet owners. Calculate the cost of owning a pet, and evaluate how

2 • swbwlawfirm.com

When retirement approaches, you may be thinking about the freedom you’ll enjoy after putting in your last nine-to-five. It’s a culmination of years of hard work and a cause for celebration! To Live Your Best Retirement Creating a Home Care Plan Before you get to celebrate, though, it’s important to consider what kind of support you might need down the road. With our generation living longer than our parents, there’s a possibility that we may require additional support services. You and your spouse may not know if either of you will need in-home care, but considering this possibility and the financial factors that come with it can help you better enjoy this exciting phase of your life. In most cases, neither Medicare or Medicaid covers in-home care. There are some exceptions, like home- and community-based services that are state and locally funded and cover those who qualify through Medicaid. If you or your spouse are veterans and meet the requirements, you may be eligible for aid and attendance benefits. These benefits are paid for by the VA in addition to a veteran’s monthly pension. It may cover the costs of in-home care for veterans who require the aid of another person or are housebound. Be sure to meet with your attorney to help understand how VA benefits can work for you.

Still, you may not want to rely on qualifying for one of these services. Consider adapting your estate plan to include designated in-home care. Meet with your attorney to review your living trust and see if it addresses a caregiver. Talk to your family members and loved ones about the possibility that you or your spouse may need this service. While a family member may offer to step into that role, consider how easily they will be able to carry it out. Even a part-time caregiver could provide you with support and make your family members feel like they are not doing it alone. Planning for the possibility that you may need in-home care services can help make your retirement even more enjoyable. Knowing you’ll have a close helping hand can ease your family’s worries and even strengthen your bond.

Inspired by Food &Wine magazine

Take a Break!

EVERYTHING POPCORN Ingredients

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2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion 1/3 cup canola oil

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3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt

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1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds

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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.

1. In a small skillet over

medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant,

about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine

MARCH MADNESS RAINBOW

IDES OF MARCH IRISH LEPRECHAUN LUCKY

BASKETBALL BRACKET FINAL FOUR GOLD

popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-high

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Mike PAGE 1 The Best of March Madness PAGE 1 Should You Get a Pet? PAGE 2 When Should You Heat or Ice an Injury? PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Everything Popcorn PAGE 3 Considering the Costs of Home Care PAGE 4

Take Your Next Trip Offshore SET SAIL FOR VACATION

If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation. Start Small For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach-launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60-foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply. Take a Day Sail Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar

with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option. Do a Full Charter Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.