Keep It Simple? “Keep it simple stupid” is a phrase born out of the Navy, but many of us prefer this style when approaching legal matters. In his 2020 Sanibel Island Sun column, “The Irony of Keeping it Simple,” attorney Craig Hersch tackles this idea of a “simple” estate plan. You can read the full version and many others online at FloridaEstatePlanning.com.
Why ‘Detailed’ Is a Good Descriptor, According to Attorney Craig Hersch
It’s my feeling that when my clients say they want a “simple” estate plan, what they really mean are two things. First, it’s that their loved ones aren’t trapped in endless meetings with attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors as they are having to make important decisions about complex matters while they’re grieving and vulnerable. Second, they want to understand the plan. Most of our clients’ prior attorneys did a lousy job with cookie cutter plans and didn’t address their clients’ concerns. The clients walked away with an incomplete plan that they didn’t understand. This is where having relationships with qualified professionals will keep things “simple.” A good estate plan is thought out, where different scenarios are considered to ensure that the plan remains consistent with the client’s intent. This requires consistent reviews, so the attorney is aware of current family dynamics.
Taxes: Income tax planning is becoming more important, as many clients have significant balances in their retirement accounts, and proposed tax law changes could impact more people. Tax planning requires careful thought and consideration of various strategies. Avoid Court Processes: This goal coincides with the universal desire to minimize legal, accounting, and financial service firm expenses. Who we designate as trustee, our power of attorney agent, and the health care surrogate comes into focus, along with the instructions. Family and Financial Dynamics: Our families grow with the birth of new children and grandchildren, and our adult children’s needs change as they raise their own families.
When a new client first visits with me to update their estate plan, it isn’t unusual for them to say, “I just want to keep it simple.” The irony of that statement is that almost none of my clients have “simple” situations. What they really want are several things. Privacy: This usually requires the use of a trust as opposed to a will. Because they want to protect their family from scrambling, clients need an ongoing relationship with seasoned professionals, which is different from a transactional experience. Protection : They want to protect the inheritance of their children from a divorcing spouse, a business lawsuit, or creditors. Outright or staged distributions over time won’t achieve that goal.
When that happens, the plan works for the family. Now that’s simple.
It’s not so simple after all.
Plant-Based Blueberry Muffins
Inspired by MyDarlingVegan.com
... continued from Cover
It’s blueberry season! Whip up this simple muffin recipe to celebrate in style
served as a reminder of the sacrifices and commitment her father had made for his family. When I was 12 years old, Bubbe gave me that silver dollar. I still have it today, framed in my home beside the picture shown with this story. It’s my most prized possession, and every day that I see it, I’m reminded of my Bubbe and my family’s journey to America. It’s a tale of perseverance and commitment to making life better for future generations. And it continues today through other families from around the globe.
INGREDIENTS
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1 cup soy milk
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1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp canola oil 1 tsp vanilla extract Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 cups flour
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2 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a muffin tin and set aside. 2. In a bowl, combine soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 4. In a third bowl, combine sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Add milk mixture and stir, then add flour mixture. Stir to combine until well-incorporated but not smooth. Fold in the blueberries. 5. Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each well 3/4 full. Bake 20–25 minutes, cool, and enjoy!
It’s the story of America.
–Craig Hersch
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