Sheppard Law Firm - September 2024

The Inheritance Conundrum Balancing Privilege and Ambition

Successful parents often find themselves in a perplexing situation. Having risen from modest beginnings through hard work and determination, they naturally want to provide their children with a more comfortable life. However, this well-intentioned desire can inadvertently rob the younger generation of the very experiences that shaped their parents’ drive and ambition. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of inherited wealth with the need to instill a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose. The Trust Dilemma Many affluent families turn to trusts as a potential solution, hoping to instill financial responsibility in their heirs. But is this approach truly effective? With life expectancies extending well into the 80s, children may not inherit until they’re in their 50s or 60s. By then, habits and attitudes toward money are deeply ingrained, making it challenging for trusts to alter behavior significantly. This raises questions about the timing and effectiveness of using inheritance to shape financial values. Early Lessons for Lasting Impact The key to fostering ambition and responsibility lies in early education and experience. However, modern life presents unique

challenges to this approach. Ubiquitous technology, demanding extracurricular activities, and dual-income households can all detract from crucial family time and the teaching of important values. Parents must find creative ways to impart financial wisdom and work ethic from an early age despite these modern obstacles. A Collective Responsibility While it’s easy to point fingers at “entitled” youth, the reality is more nuanced. Many young people exhibit ambition and work ethic. For those who don’t, society as a whole is responsible for bridging the gap between privilege and personal drive. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial to find ways to impart the values of hard work and appreciation for opportunities, ensuring every generation can build upon, rather than simply inherit, the success of their predecessors. By addressing these challenges head-on,

we can help create a generation that values both their inherited advantages and the importance of personal achievement.

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Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. INGREDIENTS

TAKE A BREAK!

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6 cups sliced fresh peaches 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 cups all-purpose flour

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1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp butter, melted

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.

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