Create Lasting Family Memories This Arbor Day Leaf a Legacy and Plant a Tree!
Chart the journey ahead. Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term
Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 25, is a chance to dig deep and nurture the environment while creating lasting memories with your kids. Rooted in the love of trees, Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your little ones the importance of caring for our planet while having fun outside. With wildfires destroying millions of acres of trees annually, the need for replanting has never been greater. Planting a tree is a hands-on way to make a difference; kids love getting their hands dirty. Plus, it’s more than just a lesson in environmental stewardship — it’s an activity that promotes exercise, teamwork, and pride in watching something grow. Start the adventure. Choose the perfect tree and location. Let your children take the lead in selecting a
spot with the right amount of sunlight and plenty of room for growth. Once you’ve gathered your tools — a spade, mulch, soil, water bucket, and, of course, your tree — the real fun begins. Together, dig a hole just the right size for the root ball. While the adults may handle the more technical steps, like trimming roots that twist or grow in circles, kids can pitch in by scooping dirt and getting up close to nature. As you settle the tree into its new home, explain how the roots will anchor it and how its leaves will turn sunlight into energy. After planting, the work doesn’t stop! Teach your children how to water the tree properly — soaking the root ball without overwatering. Build a mulch ring together and explain its purpose in keeping the roots cool and moist. Then, it’s time to watch it grow!
adventure. Encourage your kids to measure the tree’s growth, sketch its leaves, and write about its progress in a journal.
Snap photos together to document its transformation, and talk about trees’ vital role in providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for all of us. This Arbor Day, take a moment to plant more than a tree — plant a memory. Working together as a family teaches lessons in responsibility, environmental care, and the joy of nurturing life. Plus, the smiles and laughter along the way? Those are the real treasures.
A Legacy of Generosity: Estate Planning With Purpose
Which causes matter most to you? For many of us, giving back is a rewarding part of our lives. If helping and serving others has always been important, consider charitable giving through your estate plan. While the primary goal of estate planning is to provide for family and loved ones, it can also be a powerful way to leave a legacy of giving that will last long after you’re gone. Ways to Include Charitable Giving in Your Estate Plan A common way to support a charity through estate planning is by including a bequest in your Will or Trust. This enables you to set aside a specific asset or portion of your estate for a charitable purpose. You can also set up a Charitable Trust, such as a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) or Charitable Lead Trust (CLT). A CRT allows designated beneficiaries to receive income from the Trust before the remainder goes to your named charity or charities. A CLT works in reverse, with designated charitable beneficiaries receiving income from the Trust before the remaining assets are passed to non-charitable beneficiaries, such as family members.
policy beneficiary. You can also list charities as your retirement account and investment fund beneficiaries. A donor-advised fund is another popular option that provides a flexible method for long-term giving. There are tax considerations for all of these options, so it is important that you discuss them with us before moving forward. The Benefits of Giving Back Your primary reason for including charitable giving in your estate plan is likely to honor your values and support the causes you care about. However, structured charitable giving also provides financial and tax benefits. Charitable donations are tax- deductible and may reduce the amount of income tax due. Your donations also reduce the taxable value of your estate, which can minimize estate tax and reduce financial burdens on your family. No matter your goal — whether to support a charity or give back to your community — making charitable giving part of your estate plan can have a lasting impact. Working with our firm will ensure you maximize the benefits while meeting your personal and financial goals.
If you’re interested in a more straightforward approach to giving after your passing, you can name a charity as a life insurance
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