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Trust Matters MAY 2025
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This time of year always makes me feel grateful. First, with the arrival of Memorial Day, I can’t help but reflect on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for this country. While I don’t have close family members who died in service, my grandfather served in World War II and the Korean War. He wrote and shared stories of his time in the military, and it was easy to see how deeply that experience impacted him. Some of his stories were about the friendships and camaraderie built in the service. Others were harder to hear — he lost many friends in combat. Every Memorial Day, I think about that and all those who fought for this country and never made it back to their families. Because of their sacrifices, we live in the safety and comfort of this country. It can be easy to take what we have for granted, but it’s important to remember that none of us would be where we are today without them. Their courage made it possible to enjoy the simple moments in life, like gathering with loved ones, planning summer vacations, and building a future for our families. A Summer of Gratitude With that perspective in mind, my family and I are looking forward to a few summer trips. We often take a long summer vacation, but we have a couple of short getaways planned for this year instead. We’ll be traveling down to Rocky Point and over to California and may even squeeze in a trip to Breckenridge. It should be a great mix of beaches, mountain air, and quality family time. Thinking about these trips also makes me feel grateful. I’m thankful for the time I get to spend with my wife and kids and the people who make it possible for us to enjoy this time together — our clients. Families trust us every day to help with some of life’s most important decisions, and it’s a role I don’t take lightly. Conversations about what happens after we’re gone are often difficult, and I know how much trust it takes to start them. So, before we pack our bags, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for trusting Keystone Law and allowing us to guide you while you plan for the future and ensure your loved ones are cared for. Because of you, we get to do meaningful work, which means everything to us. A Time for Perspective Memorial Day and Summer Plans
We’re here when you need us. I know summer is for family get-togethers and enjoying time outside and not necessarily for sitting down to review estate plans. But life doesn’t pause, and neither do we. If you’ve been putting off planning and setting up a will or trust, we’re here to help whenever you’re ready. We also know many of the best people we work with come from referrals. If you know someone who could use our help with financial, retirement, or estate planning matters, send them our way. And, of course, we like to show our appreciation by giving you a thank-you gift for any clients you refer to us.
I hope you get a chance this summer to make memories with family, relax, and enjoy all the season has to offer. Stay cool and safe, slow down, and take some time to appreciate the moments that matter the most. Go build a life you love to live because you weren’t born just to pay bills and die!
-Francisco Sirvent
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Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Are You Making One?
Putting together an estate plan is like writing the final chapter of your book, and you don’t want to make your book a horror story. Avoiding common estate planning mistakes will ensure your family isn’t confused, stressed, or surprised when it comes time to fulfill your final wishes. Forgetting to Keep Your Plans Fresh Life changes quickly. Marriage and divorce, births, and property sales are just a few events that can affect your estate plan. It’s easy to forget to account for these changes, but the result won’t be easy for your family to forget. Imagine leaving all your property to a former spouse because you
DIY estate plan. But like many people who go the do-it-yourself route, her situation didn’t work out well. Remember, you’re not a lawyer, and
mistakes are easy to make when you use online tools for help. Instead of trying to save a few pennies, talk to a lawyer and get your plan right. Naming the Wrong Executor
The executor of your will has an important job. They handle paperwork, settle debts, and ensure assets go to the right people. People often base their choice of executor on family connections only, but you must also consider qualifications. For instance, your eldest child might be a logical choice. But what if they live thousands of miles away and haven’t managed their finances well? It could mean delays, mistakes, and a major headache for everyone involved. The best move is to choose a reliable and organized executor, even if they’re not a family member. What story will you leave behind? Keeping your plans updated, seeking professional help, and making careful decisions will ensure it’s the one you want.
never updated your will. This might sound crazy, but it happens. If you created your estate plan years ago and never updated it, refresh it now. Creating a DIY Disaster It’s easy to be attracted to a DIY solution. They’re convenient and appear affordable, and who wouldn’t want to save time and a few bucks? Even Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” had a
BEYOND THE WILL DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY?
It can be difficult to think about, but imagine being rushed to the hospital after a sudden accident. You’re unconscious and unable to speak. Do you know who will make critical decisions on your behalf? This is the role of a surrogate decision-maker. If you haven’t created a health care power of attorney naming a health care proxy, default surrogate decision-making will come into play. Most of the time, your next of kin will fill this role. State statutes vary, but the order of priority typically starts with a person’s spouse or domestic partner. From there, it moves to adult children, parents, and siblings. Some states also authorize close friends with default surrogate decision- making powers when others with higher priority are unavailable. Preparing for the Unexpected The process for granting decision-making powers in critical health care situations
is well thought out but imperfect. What happens when there are complex family dynamics or an estranged relative is legally first in line to make decisions? What about family members who can’t agree? Real-life situations can get complicated fast. Fortunately, default surrogate decision- makers must consider the known values and wishes of the person they represent. Health care professionals must also follow these wishes, which they don’t always know. This is why planning is essential — so your wishes are understood and respected. Avoiding Confusion and Uncertainty If you have preferences about medical treatments, don’t keep them a secret. Discussing them with your closest friends and family members is always advisable so everyone understands and is on the same page. Designating a health care proxy takes things a step further. You can choose
anyone as long as they are competent and at least 18 years old. Many people also choose an alternative surrogate to make decisions if their primary choice is unavailable. The designation document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses, although requirements may vary by state. Reviewing designations every few years and after major life events will keep them current. As with all long-term plans, taking a few steps now will give you peace of mind and ensure your wishes are clear. In the case of surrogate decision-making, planning also ensures your voice is heard even when you can’t speak for yourself.
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FROM BATTLEFIELDS TO BACKGROUND BEATS
TAKE A BREAK
The Surprising Military Origins of Muzak
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
Ever found yourself humming along to an elevator tune on the way up to the 10th floor? Musak is background music no one asked for but (almost) everyone appreciates. It’s the soundtrack of elevators, shopping malls, and office buildings. But its origins aren’t in retail or corporate spaces. Instead, the story begins with a high-ranking U.S. Army officer whose fascination with communication technology affected more than just military strategy. The Mind Behind the Innovation General George Owen Squier built a career that bridged military and scientific innovation. Born in 1865, he was a trained electrical engineer whose expertise shaped early military aviation and communication systems. Squier’s work in communications didn’t stop at improving battlefield
coordination. He constantly searched for new ways to make information travel faster and more efficiently. During World War I, he led the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps, focusing on radio transmissions, telegraph signals, and a technique called
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by TheKitchn.com
multiplexing, which allowed multiple messages to share a single wire. Squier’s advancements streamlined military operations and had an even broader impact. His research in signal transmission laid the groundwork for innovations that later extended into everyday life. Military Signals to Background Music Squier saw an opportunity to create a system where music could be transmitted over electrical lines, allowing people to listen to tunes without needing a radio. In 1922, he founded Wired Radio and later rebranded the company Muzak — a name inspired by the popularity of Kodak. Initially, Muzak focused on bringing music into homes, but the company later shifted gears to find a niche in commercial spaces. Businesses quickly realized that carefully curated background music could enhance productivity, ease tension in public spaces, and subtly guide customer behavior. A Lasting Legacy Squier may have been a high-ranking Army officer, but his vision went beyond the military. His pioneering work in telecommunications influenced modern streaming, workplace productivity, and even the psychology of sound. What started as an experiment in transmitting music through power lines became a global phenomenon that still shapes how we hear the world today.
Ingredients
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
A Season of Reflection and Thanks
Estate Planning Pitfalls You Need to Know
2
Don’t Leave Medical Decisions to Chance
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
3
Meet the General Behind Elevator Music
Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
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BUDGET SMARTER, NOT HARDER The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices. Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
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