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Kevin’s Peace of Mind
www.kevintharpe.com (770) 503-1022
April 2023
ESTATE PLANNING AND WAR HAVE SIMILARITIES?
Communication, Strategy, and Ammunition!
Ever since I was a little kid, history has always fascinated me. I was curious about our various battles, why our society is the way it is today, and the reason behind different laws, movements, and significant events. When I’m traveling with my family for vacations or conferences, we always take time to visit historical places and museums. It’s so surreal to be in a city that is rich in history! No matter where you go, what you see, or what sidewalks you take, you’re walking over a land with a rich and eventful past. The history bug is also attached to Callie! She is my history buddy, and we will spend hours in a museum as we read panels, watch videos, and look at dozens of displays. Missy, Callie, and I recently went to Boston for a conference. While there, we walked around the streets of Boston and pointed out various historical marks. As we learned more about American history and the Revolutionary War in Boston, I realized creating an estate plan is similar to preparing for battle. I know what you’re thinking: “Kevin, war and estate plans are on opposite ends of the spectrum.” I know! But the Patriots’ methods align with my strategies with clients when I help them create a complete plan. For example, communication. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington had to develop new communication methods with his troops. He had difficulty interacting with those on the front line, and when his message finally reached them, his troops were already doing something else.
Washington also had to find a way to fight against delays and British spies who would intercept his messages. He implemented a form of secret communication so Washington and his troops could interact, make plans, and prepare for their next battle. Likewise, communication plays a massive role in estate planning. You don’t want something to happen before everything is in order and signed, so you must eliminate potential delays when collecting documents, informing loved ones about your plans, and appointing beneficiaries and assets. So, when you begin, you must communicate your expectations of those involved and inform your health care providers of particular preferences. But communication doesn’t stop there — it’s essential to remain in contact with others if you update anything in your estate plan. Think of it like this. While Washington and his men outlined their battle strategy, they didn’t cut off communication. They continued to send and receive messages to ensure everyone was on the same page. The same can be said for your estate plan! Once you have a completed plan, don’t cut ties with your loved ones or medical providers! Keep everyone informed. Additionally, Washington relied on several maps outlining vital landmarks and identifying where his troops would fight battles and camp. Washington didn’t want anyone to venture into uncharted territory, so it was vital to correctly label the map. Similarly, as you collect your documents, ensure everything is labeled correctly. You don’t want to throw unnamed papers into your estate planning packet — you and your family will have difficulty finding items in the future. Consider your estate plan as a type of weapon. Your documents, powers of attorney, beneficiaries, and assets are like ammunition. When you have the proper equipment and ammo, you will be prepared to handle any challenge you face in the future. If you or someone you know needs assistance creating their estate plan or if you need to update yours, please contact me! Like Washington, I will gladly assist you as you navigate a new world. We can emerge victorious with communication, proper documentation, and the right ammo — just like the Patriots!
—Kevin Tharpe
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outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Cheese and Desist! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
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TAKE A BREAK
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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(770) 503-1022 www.KevinTharpe.com 405 Broad St. Gainesville, GA 30501 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Surprising Parallels Between War and Estate Planning
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Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
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One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
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Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
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