THE MOST UNDERRATEDTHANKSGIVING FOODS
When you think of Thanksgiving food, the first dishes that pop into your mind are probably turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. They’re a part of nearly every Thanksgiving meal. And while these delicious foods are something you don’t want to skip, there are dishes your table is sorely missing — dishes that don’t get the respect they truly deserve. This Thanksgiving, why not take a look at a few other options? SOUP This is one dish that rarely hits the Thanksgiving table. But try a butternut squash or broccoli cheddar soup and you’ll be surprised just how “at home” it feels among the rest of your spread. It’s perfect to serve ahead of the main course, as the final touches are put on the turkey, or when the green bean casserole needs a few more minutes in the oven. BRUSSELS SPROUTS These tiny greens often get overlooked during Thanksgiving, but with the right accompaniment, they can make for an extremely tasty and nutritious dish. For example, try roasting halved Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and bacon, drizzled with a raspberry balsamic vinaigrette. SAUSAGE Put a creative spin on your traditional Thanksgiving dishes and try using sausage in the stuffing. An Italian sausage, for instance, adds a kick of flavor to any stuffing, homemade or from the box. You can also experiment with other kinds of sausage to find the flavors that best complement your stuffing. Use a sweet sausage when you need something to pair with a stuffing that incorporates apples. 4 Dishes Your Table Needs
CRANBERRY SAUCE This Thanksgiving staple rarely gets the attention it deserves. While it’s easy to buy a can of cranberry sauce, you do your guests a culinary disservice by going this route. Instead, make your own cranberry sauce. There are many recipes online, and all you need are some fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, and sugar to make the best cranberry sauce of your life.
A Step-by-Step Guide THE ESTATE-PLANNING PROCESS
Figuring out personal finances can be intimidating, especially when doing so also causes you to contemplate your own mortality. So, naturally, it makes sense that most people drag their feet when it comes to estate planning. But the truth is that ensuring your loved ones are taken care of after you are gone is one of the most important things you can do in this life, and the earlier you start, the easier it’s going to be. To help you kick-start this process and get the most out of your plan, we’ve put together this guide. Step 1: Assemble a Team. Many people struggle to form their estate plans because they don’t know where to start. This is natural; estate planning is a complex process with many moving parts. Therefore, your first step should be to build an estate-planning team of professionals you trust. If you don’t have a large or complex estate, a financial planner and your attorney will make a fine team. For more involved assets, you may want to
bring your insurance agent, bank trust officer, and accountant into the loop.
Step 2: Gather Information. After you’ve assembled professionals you trust, they can help you with the specifics of your plan. You should gather the following materials to help them find options that fit your needs: Current income from employment and all investments Any expected deferred compensation All retirement benefits from Social Security (including survivors benefits), IRAs, pensions, and profit-sharing plans • • •
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Your will, if you have one
Current and expected debts and obligations, including mortgage and loan balances and real estate Liens, taxes payable, consumer debts, estimates of funeral costs, and estate settlement expenses Step 3: Set Goals. While estate-planning professionals can help you understand the options available to you based on the above information, only you can decide the route that’s best for you and your loved ones. Worried about estate taxes? Perhaps a living trust is right for you. Want to donate to charity? Read about CRT plans on Page 3 of this newsletter! •
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Investment documents, certificates, passbooks, etc. Deeds to primary and vacation residences
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Personal property
Life insurance policies of which you are the owner, the insured, or the beneficiary
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Trust agreements, if any
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