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Trust Matters JULY 2024
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UNITY AND PATRIOTISM The Significance of July 4th
As Americans, I believe we have the great fortune of living in the greatest country on Earth. Our country is as great as it is because it is built on the legacy of the great men and women who came before us. Our forefathers wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” That is a unifying message and a poignant reminder of what the Fourth of July and being an American are all about. My Personal Holiday My family’s annual tradition is to barbecue some great food and travel to a pristine spot to get a great view of the Fourth of July fireworks show. These beautiful displays in the sky are not a modern invention. They have been going strong since the first Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777! We have had cause to celebrate this holiday for hundreds of years, and I believe we will also be celebrating it centuries from now. I know the start of July is also a reminder that we are already nearly halfway through the year. Even though it’s been a while since we made our New Year’s Resolutions, we still have plenty of time to check in on them and ensure we are on track to accomplish the goals we set out for ourselves at the start of the year. We owe it to ourselves to stay healthy and strive to be our best. There is no need to wait until next year to try again.
LOOK INSIDE FOR INFORMATION ON OUR INTENTIONAL LIVING SUMMIT ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2024.
Healthy Democracy Everyone is aware of the presidential election coming up. The news media likes sensationalizing things and creating polarizing stories centered around national division and political violence. I feel like all of that is way overblown. Why do I think that? Because the media’s goal is to sell ads, not objectively inform their audience. They are just looking to make a profit, and if news that scares people gets higher numbers, then that’s what they will focus on. The truth is we have had successful transitions of power for hundreds of years, and that will not change. An Update on Our Firm I want to leave you with a parting message that instills you with hope rather than animosity. Our firm has made significant momentum toward finishing the Retirement Management Office™. Our goal is to help you build a life you love to live . You were not born just to work for most of your life, only to drift away and be forgotten. Our new office
addresses all 13 stressful areas of retirement and helps in any way we can. If you would like more information or to speak to a legal representative about your estate plan, please give us a call at (480) 418-6060. -Francisco Sirvent
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NO MORE NIBBLES Do’s and Don’ts for Training Puppies Not to Bite
Grab Technique Don’t get angry, yell, or react adversely if your puppy mistakenly nibbles on something or isn’t succeeding in their training. You can traumatize your pet if you use physical or verbal force to show them something isn’t allowed. Teething is not an act of aggression; it’s one of exploration. Try what trainers refer to as the “grab technique.” Gently place a finger over and under their muzzle. Though this is uncomfortable for a puppy, it is not painful and reinforces that the behavior is something they must stop. Puppy Party Don’t keep your puppy away from other dogs or people. Socializing and playing with other friendly dogs can teach your puppy by example. Puppies learn how to control their bites naturally when playing with other dogs. If a puppy nibbles on its
Puppies are adorable and entertaining family members, but training them not to bite is crucial as their teeth grow and they learn the rules of companionship. All puppies go through a nibbling phase as they discover the world around them using their mouths. The teething process won’t last forever, but establishing proper training now will stick with them for a lifetime. Here are some do’s and don’ts for training your puppy not to bite. Chew Toys Don’t give puppies chew toys while training them; they are too young and inexperienced to differentiate between what they can chew and can’t. An inexpensive and safe alternative is giving them an ice cube. Not only are these fun for a puppy to chew and won’t damage your home, but they also provide soothing relief for their gums.
playmate too hard, it usually results in a yelp that shows the puppy it was biting too hard. Supervised play opportunities with puppies will also reduce their energy, making them less motivated to chew on you or your belongings. By using gentle corrective actions and positive reinforcement, you can teach your puppy to play with you and others safely. Have patience through the process and trust your puppy’s ability to grow and learn.
Transfer Trouble LIMITATIONS AND RISKS OF TRANSFER ON DEATH DEEDS
Many once-complicated processes have become simplified in the modern age of convenience, such as booking a hotel room online. It can be tempting to try to simplify other parts of our lives with a couple of clicks on a computer. However, when it comes to estate planning, simple does not always mean better. An example of this is the Transfer on Death Deed or TODD. TODDs allow you to name a beneficiary who will receive your property upon your passing. While this seems like an elegant and hassle-free way to establish your inheritance, it has significant downsides and potential pitfalls. Joint Ownership One of the greatest points of contention around TODDs involves joint ownership. If you are a joint owner of a property, the other joint owner will inherit sole ownership upon your death — regardless of whether there is a TODD on record. This
is an especially important issue for married couples, who often share joint ownership of a property, such as a home; this joint ownership will supersede the TODD, even if the intended beneficiary is someone other than your spouse. Disinheriting by Mistake If a will and TODD contain conflicting information regarding property
inheritance, it can cause significant problems for your beneficiaries. Existing TODDs can also resurface and derail other estate plan documents representing the deceased’s most recent and accurate wishes. Because of this, it is important to revoke TODDs before completing new estate plan agreements. Potentially Costly With TODDs, there is no warranty of title, which means a property owner’s debts may be passed on to their beneficiary along with the property. In effect, your beneficiary may be liable for your financial obligations, which can cause undue economic hardship. Another shortcoming with TODDs is that, unlike wills, they cannot be amended and must be revoked. If you want to rework a TODD, you must incur the costs of drafting one entirely from scratch, making the money you spent on your previous TODD meaningless.
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TAKE A BREAK
ALIEN BALLPARK CHERRY FIRECRACKER FLAG INDEPENDENCE ORCHID PADDLEBOARD PATRIOTIC SUNDAE
The History of the Wealthy and Powerful African Emperor Remembering Mansa Musa
SUNSCREEN TRAMPOLINE
Like a spark, some legends flicker and fade, whereas others give birth to a roaring flame that spreads far and wide. The title of Mansa, which means emperor, was the honorific used by rulers of the ancient kingdom of Mali in West Africa. Musa I inherited the title in 1312, after the kingdom’s last ruler, Mansa Abu Bakr II, set out on an ill-fated voyage to explore the Atlantic Ocean and never returned. While his predecessor may have had grand ambitions, Mansa Musa’s legacy would be immortalized by his astounding achievements. The Unknown Kingdom In the early 14th century, Mali was a flourishing kingdom that profited massively from its seemingly bottomless salt and gold mines. Despite the nation’s wealth, it was largely unknown outside of West Africa. This relative anonymity ended in 1324 when Mansa Musa, a devout Muslim, began his 4,000-mile pilgrimage to Mecca. Mansa Musa did not travel alone; 60,000 men, including over 10,000 slaves and 80 camels, each carrying 300 pounds of gold, accompanied him. The Legend Begins Mansa Musa’s legacy was born during his stop at Cairo, then part of the Mamluk Sultanate. According to a description of the visit written just a few years later, Mansa Musa showered the Mamluk courtiers and merchants with gifts of gold, spending and giving away vast swathes of wealth during his stay. So great was his expenditure that the value of gold plummeted in the country and would not recover for over a decade after Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage. Give and Take More than a giver, Mansa Musa was also a builder and conqueror. He annexed the Kingdom of Songhai in West Africa and the city of Gao, where he would later construct a great mosque. He also established the city of Timbuktu, which became famous as a center for Islamic studies. His reputation as a wealthy and generous ruler is still prevalent today, and some claim that he holds the title of the wealthiest man who ever lived!
QUINOA VEGGIE BOWL This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced mushrooms • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa
Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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480-418-1776 KEYSTONELAWFIRM.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2701 W. QUEEN CREEK RD., #3 CHANDLER, AZ 85248
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Importance of July 4th
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How to Master Puppy Manners
2
The Drawbacks of Transfer on Death Deeds
Quinoa Veggie Bowl
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How Mansa Musa’s Splendor Impacted the Ancient World
An Inside Look at Matthew Perry’s Living Trust
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THE LASTING IMPACT OF MATTHEW PERRY’S ESTATE TRAGIC LOSS AND LEGACIES
An estate plan is crucial for several reasons: It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away and minimizes potential disputes among family members. You can also
designate guardians for minor children to ensure they are cared for. Matthew Perry, well-known for his role in “Friends,” proved to be one step ahead when he set up a living trust in 2009. The 54-year-old Hollywood star was found unresponsive after drowning in his Los Angeles, California, home on Oct. 28, 2023. According to NPR, “His drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine — a medication used to treat opioid use disorder — were noted as factors that contributed to his death, but were not the primary cause, according to the autopsy results. The death was ruled an accident.” According to a recent filing, most of Perry’s belongings will be placed in the Alvy Singer Living Trust, named after Woody Allen’s character in “Annie Hall.”
beneficiaries. His half-sister, Caitlin Morrison, and ex-girlfriend, Rachel Dunn, were also listed. Perry also indicated that any children he had would not be entitled to access his estate. (He never had children.) According to FindLaw, “The Alvy Singer Living Trust trustees are Lisa Ferguson and Robin Ruzan. Ferguson was Perry’s business manager, and Ruzan was a friend and executive producer. Perry’s estate is valued at over $120 million.” The passing of Matthew Perry marks the end of an era as fans mourn the loss of a talented actor whose work left a significant impact on the entertainment industry. However, beyond his artistic legacy, Perry’s death highlights the importance and benefits of estate planning, the significance of living trusts, and the blessing of orderly distribution of assets. His family is the fortunate recipient of his generous gift.
His father, John Perry, and his mother, Suzanne Morrison, are the trust
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SAVE YOUR SEAT! Gain Key Retirement Insights at Our Intentional Living Summit Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
I think we can all agree that in addition to being a brilliant inventor, Benjamin Franklin was also a master orator and writer. He famously said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” For my money, no truer words have ever been said. However, that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to life — far from it. To emphasize that, our motto is, “Build a life you love to live because you weren’t born just to pay bills and die.” That is why we are holding our Intentional Living Summit, or ILS, this Sept. 26, from 2–5 p.m. We will provide insight into taxes, Social Security, Medicare, asset protection, finances, long-term care, living healthily and happily in retirement, and much more. If you want to learn more about the skills necessary to enjoy retirement successfully, our Intentional Living Summit is just for you. Why We Do This This is an opportunity for us to provide our clients with an education that draws on our decades of experience in the legal industry. The ILS helps us provide new options, strategies, and tried-and- true techniques you may not be familiar with. We want to help you understand
your rights and options so you can save money and protect what you have built. We believe in seizing opportunities, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating the beauty and wonderment that come with all stages of life. Life is constantly changing, and so must your plans for the future. We can help you adapt, personally and financially, to meet the challenges ahead.
Covering Your Bases If you are looking to establish an LLC or wondering if you should, we can offer you insider insight to help you understand the pros and cons. Moreover, we can help you understand family-limited partnerships and medical trusts, as well as other tools and concepts you need to know about. We want you to be informed and, therefore, protected from potential legal dangers and pitfalls many retirees often succumb to. If you are interested in having your burning questions answered by Francisco Sirvent, founder of Keystone Law Firm & Lifestyle Planning, then ILS is just the place to be. Gain key insights to benefit you and your family, and benefit from our decades of experience on a wide range of topics that affect you!
Complex Made Easy Few things are more intimidating than taxes, finances, and Social Security, but with our help, you can understand these topics. We break down complex topics and explain them in simple terms without confusing legalese. We inform you about the latest tax strategies and changes to Social Security and Medicare. We hope to inspire you to rethink your approach to financial and estate planning.
Scan the QR code here to save your seat and secure your future!
2701 W. Queen Creek Rd., #3 Chandler, AZ 85248
480-418-1776 Keystonelawfirm.com
Intentional Living Summit Thursday, September 26, 2024 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join Francisco Sirvent, founder of Keystone Law Firm & Lifestyle Planning, and his team to: • Get answers to your burning estate planning questions. • Learn about taxes, Social Security, Medicare, asset protection, finances, long-term care. • How to be healthy and active in retirement. TrustCare Members Only The ILS is only open to active TrustCare Members or Lifestyle Planning Clients. We are not able to accommodate guests at this event. Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, & Healthy Lifestyle Living Come learn about the latest tax strategies, the changes to Social Security, or spend time reflecting and reviewing what the next chapter of life should look like. Finances, Long Term Care, & Stock Market Analysis Whether it’s through clever budgeting techniques, savvy investment strategies, or ingenious tax planning options, we’re here to inspire you to rethink your approach to financial and estate planning.
Asset Protection & Estate Planning Updates
Are you protected from lawsuits? Or what about nursing home expenses? Is your estate plan in good order? The ILS helps make sure you haven’t missed anything in your estate plan.
Scan the QR code here to save your seat and secure your future!
Register Now! Build a Life You Love to Live Because You Weren’t Born to Just Pay Bills and Die. Questions? Contact us at ils@lifestyleplanning.com 480-637-7076 This event is sponsored by Keystone Law Firm and Lifestyle Planning, LLC. Please visit Retirement Management Office at www.retirementmo.com for more information and important legal notices.
2701 W. Queen Creek Rd., #3 Chandler, AZ 85248
480-418-1776 Keystonelawfirm.com
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