Check out our November newsletter!
You Can’t Take It With You
planningyourlegacy.com 803-746-7000
November 2025
The Little Things
THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS THAT FILL OUR TABLE
At our house, Thanksgiving starts when the turkey handprints come out.
a simple way to focus on the nice everyday things that are easy to overlook. Life will never be perfect, but we shouldn’t need perfection to feel grateful. For me, it’s about contentment and learning to pay attention to what’s already good. That same perspective shows up in my work. Estate planning may look like numbers, taxes, and probate rules, but the real reason people sit down with me is because they want to pass on more than money. I’ve even had clients describe their Thanksgiving traditions, like going around the table and sharing what they appreciate about the person next to them. People want traditions like these to be passed along with their values and stories. Helping protect those things is why this work matters to me. As our own family traditions shift with marriage and loss, I know the details will change, but the heart of Thanksgiving will stay the same. A Question to Ask (or Answer for) a Loved One Asking and answering important questions helps preserve your family’s values and life lessons for generations to come. What’s one family tradition or story you hope will still be told 20 years from now?
You likely know what I’m talking about: those construction paper turkeys with lopsided beaks and feathers cut from fall-colored scraps. My kids made them in school when they were young, and my wife saved every one. She still puts them out each year when we decorate for the season. They’ve become part of how I know it’s that time of year. When I was growing up, Thanksgiving moved around. Some years, we stayed home in South Carolina. Others, we drove up to Ohio or Pennsylvania to be with extended family. I remember big get- togethers and also a few snowy backyard football games. I earned the nickname “The Kamikaze Kid” one year because I dove into a neighborhood game with much older, bigger kids. Looking back, I was probably more fearless than smart, but it made some good memories. These days, Thanksgiving is a bit of a marathon. My wife’s side gets together earlier in the day, and my family meets in the afternoon or evening. Everyone lives nearby, so we don’t have to travel far, but it’s still a full day. Of course, food is a big part of everything. I do most of the cooking, and stuffing is still my favorite dish. It’s nothing fancy, just some Stove Top doctored with fresh herbs, onions, and celery. And last year, I added a new tradition: deep-fried nuggets made from turkey tenderloin. They were a hit, especially with the kids. I think I’ll keep them in the rotation. Even the blessing before the meal has turned into its own tradition. For years, my mother-in-law would ask my son to say it. He has autism, and in the beginning, she’d script out what he should say. Eventually, she stopped doing that and let him speak for himself. Now, I never know what’s going to come out. Last year, it was, “Thank you, God, for this food. Let’s eat.” I found myself holding my breath and then laughing. We’ll keep that tradition going, too. Thanksgiving also brings some natural reflection. My mom passed away two years ago, and my mother-in-law passed earlier this year. They’d been part of our gatherings for so long that it feels strange not to have them around. Last Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law put out pictures of my mom at the house, and that gesture meant more to me than she probably realized. I expect this year will also bring both laughter and tears, and that’s alright. In the middle of all the busyness of the season, I try to be intentional. I’ve kept a habit of jotting a few good things down each day. It’s
It will always be about gathering together, sharing stories, and being grateful for the people who make life meaningful.
Philip J. Corson, Founder
“I have learned to be happy with whatever I have.” PHILIPPIANS 4:11
planningyourlegacy.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
LAWN MUNCHIES? Here’s Why Your Dog Treats Grass Like a Snack
Tummy Troubles One of the most common beliefs is that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit when they’re feeling nauseous. While studies show that vomiting doesn’t always follow grass-eating, some dogs seem to feel better afterward. It’s like their own natural remedy (though not all dogs use it for this purpose). Nutritional Gaps Some vets suggest grass-eating may stem from a lack of fiber or certain nutrients in a dog’s diet. If your dog’s diet is lacking, their body might be nudging them to get a bit of roughage. A quick consult with your vet (or even a change in food) might do the trick. The Uncommon Possibilities Instinctual Behavior Dogs have descended from wild canines that often consumed plant matter from their prey’s stomachs. Some experts believe this behavior could be hardwired into your pet’s DNA as a throwback to those wild meals.
If you’ve ever looked out the window and spotted your dog chowing down on your lawn like it’s a salad bar, you’re not alone. This behavior, known as “pica,” is when animals eat things that aren’t typically considered food. It has puzzled dog owners for generations. But don’t worry! In most cases, it’s completely normal. The Common Culprits Paw-sonal Preference Some dogs enjoy the taste and texture of grass, especially after a fresh rain or in the early morning when it’s dewy. Grass can be cool, crisp, and oddly satisfying for your pup. Boredom or Anxiety Dogs, like people, can engage in strange habits when bored or stressed. Chewing grass could be their version of nail-biting or fidgeting. If your pup isn’t getting enough mental stimulation or exercise, they might start nibbling the lawn out of restlessness.
Parasites or Illness In rare cases, frequent grass-eating could signal a serious issue, such as intestinal parasites or an undiagnosed medical condition. If your dog is obsessed with grass and shows other symptoms, like lethargy, weight loss, or vomiting, it’s time to call the vet. Worth the Worry? Usually, no. Occasional grass-snacking is a normal part of dog life. Just make sure your lawn isn’t treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides. If it becomes excessive or other symptoms accompany it, your vet should take a look. Ultimately, dogs sometimes eat grass simply because they’re dogs … and they can!
SIDEWALK TELESCOPES ARE BRINGING THE UNIVERSE TO YOU STOP, LOOK, AND WONDER
Imagine walking down a city sidewalk and seeing a telescope pointed toward the sky. There aren’t any ticket lines or admission fees, only a friendly smile and a view of Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon. That’s what’s happening thanks to a growing global movement bringing astronomy directly to the people, right on the streets! In cities worldwide, astronomy enthusiasts are setting up powerful telescopes in
parks, on sidewalks, and in busy downtown areas. Their mission is simple: to share the wonders of the universe with anyone who happens to walk by. The best part is there’s no experience required. All you need is a little curiosity. The movement is called #popscope (short for pop-up telescope). Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2014, it has expanded to include hundreds of cities in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and India Volunteers, often amateur astronomers or passionate stargazers, invite strangers to peer into the sky, and many people are left speechless. It’s a great reminder that we all live under the same stunning sky. These spontaneous sidewalk star parties are making science more accessible, especially for communities that don’t have easy access to observatories or science museums. Beyond amazing educational
opportunities, the pop-up telescope events spark something deeply human: connection. As people gather to look up, they share a sense of awe that transcends background, language, and age. It’s hard not to feel united when staring at the vastness of space. This isn’t about high-tech gear or flashy presentations; instead, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment amidst the noise and hustle and realize the universe is right there, waiting to be admired. Thanks to these sidewalk astronomers, more and more people are getting that chance.
To volunteer for the group, visit their website at PopScope.org.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the city and see a telescope a stranger has set up, don’t walk past it. Stop. Look. Wonder. You just might see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, and you’ll definitely walk away with a smile!
2 | 803-746-7000
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
APPLES BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
ELECTION KINDNESS LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE SCORPIO TOPAZ VETERAN
Many Americans like to invest in the stock market, hoping to earn supplemental income or get rich. But there’s always the fear that a hedge fund or an extremely wealthy influencer could manipulate the market, allowing them to get rich off their stocks while everyone else suffers and loses money. In theory, nobody should have the power to manipulate stocks, but it still happens. One of the most extraordinary market manipulations occurred in the 1950s. In 1955, onion futures became one of the most traded commodities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. For those unfamiliar with futures trading, someone could sell their product months down the line for the price it’s worth today, as long as someone buys the contract. For example, let’s say wheat is trading at $5.50 per bushel right now. You purchase a futures contract to lock in that price three months later. If the price rises, you still get wheat for the initial cost, or you can sell your contract for a profit. New York-based investors Sam Siegel and Vincent Kosuga realized they could get rich quickly by manipulating the surging onion market of the 1950s. They purchased 30 million pounds of onions, almost all of Chicago’s inventory, to short- sell the stock. This meant they would sell the stocks at a higher price before rebuying them when the price dipped. They knew they could profit since they owned 98% of the inventory. After flooding the market with their onions and onion futures contracts, the price per bag dropped from $2.74 to 10 cents. Farmers were furious. Many lost their livelihood, but Siegel and Kosuga made millions. While market manipulation was unethical, it wasn’t illegal back then, so the two couldn’t be punished for their actions. To ensure this never happened again, Congress passed the Onion Futures Act in 1958, which completely banned trading in onion futures. President Eisenhower signed the bill into law. To this day, onions are the only commodity in America that is explicitly banned from futures trading. THE GREAT ONION MARKET MELTDOWN How 2 Men Peeled the System
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Ingredients
• 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin • 1 (10 oz) can evaporated milk • 1 cup light brown sugar • 3 eggs • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 box yellow cake mix • 1 cup coarsely crushed
graham crackers or pecans • 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional) • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, add pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Stir to combine and pour into the prepared pan. 4. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix on top, followed by nuts or graham crackers and toffee bits. 5. Pour melted butter evenly on top. 6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and edges are lightly browned. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Inspired by CookiesAndCups.com
planningyourlegacy.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
803-746-7000 planningyourlegacy.com PO Box 100 Bowling Green, SC 29703
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
The Heart of Thanksgiving
Dog + Grass = Mystery? Not Anymore!
The Global Movement Making Astronomy for Everyone
3
Pumpkin Dump Cake
The Day Onions Crashed the Chicago Exchange
4
Inside the Explosive Probate Battle Over Gary Coleman’s Estate
2 WILLS, HAND-WRITTEN CODICIL SPARK LEGAL WAR Gary Coleman’s Probate Drama
Gary Coleman’s death at age 42 in 2010 led to one of the most convoluted probate battles in celebrity estate history. Although he left only modest assets, the fight over his will and remains spiraled into a legal saga filled with dramatic courtroom testimony and personal revelations. Coleman had signed multiple wills: a 1999 document naming a former manager as his executor and a 2005 will naming his longtime assistant and friend, Anna Gray, as executor and sole beneficiary. Even though he divorced Shannon Price in 2008, Coleman had allegedly added a handwritten codicil in 2007, leaving everything to her. Price asserted they continued living together as husband and wife, despite the divorce, claiming a common‑law marriage under Utah law. This twist turned a probate hearing into a character trial. Price’s legal team presented
witnesses (bank officers, Coleman’s agent, and relatives) who testified that the couple filed joint taxes, shared bank accounts, and called each other husband and wife. But Anna Gray’s side countered with a strong testimony. The judge questioned whether Price had established a public reputation as a wife, a key requirement for common‑law recognition in Utah.
Anna Gray as executor and beneficiary stood as the controlling document.
So, what did Coleman actually leave behind? His estate amounted to little more than his home ($315,000), royalty payments, and possessions. The real value lay in deciding who controlled Coleman’s name, ashes, and remaining intellectual property. Adding to court records, Shannon Price was the person who authorized turning off Coleman’s life support when he fell and suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2010. Whether that gave her moral or legal standing remained hotly debated, but in probate court, she lost.
In May 2012, after three days of explosive
testimony, Judge James Taylor ruled that Price failed to show a recognized common‑law marriage with Coleman at the time of his death. This meant that the 2005 will naming
And in the end, the probate judge settled the matter: Anna Gray inherited what remained of Coleman’s estate, his ashes, and control over the disposition of his name and legacy.
4 | 803-746-7000
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator