Check out our March newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 March 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
The Gallo Family’s Big Move Made Easy HOW CARL AND ASHLEE MADE THEIR DREAM MOVE HAPPEN
adventure. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Staten Island after spending our entire lives there, but with a growing family and a dream of a new lifestyle, we knew it was time. And thanks to Merlino & Gonzalez, the transition was smoother than we ever imagined. From the moment we listed our house, they handled everything behind the scenes. It all happened so fast — our home hit the market, and within a few weeks, it was sold. There was never a moment of stress because the Merlino & Gonzalez team was on top of everything. They only reached out when they absolutely needed something from us, allowing us to focus on preparing for our move rather than getting caught up in legal details. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Carl had always talked about leaving New York, and when his two sisters and a brother moved to Myrtle Beach last year, now seemed like the perfect time. We wanted our kids to grow up with family around, and with Carl retiring from his sanitation career, it felt like the right moment to take the leap. Of course, moving in the middle of winter doesn’t exactly scream “beach life,” but we know that warm weather and coastal living are right around the corner. Our new home is more spacious, exactly what we needed with four kids running around — our 6-year-old, 5-year-old twins, and our little Julianna, who just turned 1.
didn’t take advantage of the beach much in New York, but we plan to change that here. And, of course, Disney World is just an eight-hour drive away, which is definitely on our to-do list! If there’s one thing we’ve learned through this process, it’s that if you want to make a big change, you just have to go for it. Moving somewhere new can feel overwhelming, but waiting for the “perfect moment” means it may never happen. We’re so glad we took the leap and made this decision for our family. And honestly, it wasn’t as hard as we thought — especially with the right people handling the details. Merlino & Gonzalez came highly recommended by our Realtor, and now we understand why. Ken and the rest of the team took care of everything, making what could have been a stressful experience completely seamless. They were not only professional but also incredibly friendly, patient, and supportive throughout the process. They did the heavy lifting so we could focus on what mattered, our family’s next step. We’re so grateful to Merlino & Gonzalez for making this transition easy, and we’re excited to see what the future holds in our new home. If you’re thinking about making a move, our advice? Don’t overthink it, just make it happen. With the right team behind you, the process isn’t as scary as it seems! –Carl and Ashlee Gallo
Working with Carl and Ashlee Gallo during such a monumental time in their lives was truly a pleasure. Selling a home and moving to a new state — all while raising four kids, including a newborn — is no small feat! We are honored to have helped make their transition as smooth as possible. In this month’s cover story, Carl and Ashlee share their journey from Staten Island to Myrtle Beach and offer insight into how they made their dream move happen. We wish them all the best in this exciting new chapter!
If you had told us a year ago that we’d be packing up our lives, selling our home, and moving hundreds of miles away with four kids — including a newborn — we probably would have laughed. But here we are, settling into our new home in Myrtle Beach, ready for this next
Right now, we’re settling in, exploring our new community, and enjoying being together. We
1
718-698-2200
PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
Having hot water is a luxury many take for granted, but it can be frustrating when the water takes too long to heat up. A lag in hot water temperature can be due to many factors, including uninsulated pipes, lower water temperature settings, or something as simple as not realizing the knob isn’t turned all the way. No matter the case, anyone’s patience can grow thin when waiting on hot water, especially when they desperately need the pampering of a relaxing bath or shower. Before frustration sets in and you take a hammer to the tap, here are three common culprits preventing your water from getting hot enough, fast enough! The water heater is set to a lower temperature. Most water heaters have adjustable control settings (except for heaters in rented spaces). However, for most homes, changing the heat to a higher setting only requires manually adjusting the temperature to the desired degree. Also, consider the time it takes for the hot water to reach the tap. You may set the temperature to a specific degree, but it may be a few degrees cooler when it reaches you. The water heater is too far from the shower. Ideally, water heaters are placed centrally in a home, but that isn’t always the case. Basements and laundry closets are common areas for water heaters, and in many instances, they are a good distance away from the kitchen or bathrooms. When this is an issue, it can take some time for the water to heat. The pipes aren’t insulated. Areas like an unfinished basement or crawlspace can be the culprits for slow-heating water. As the warm water passes through the pipes, the pipes warm up, but that can take time. Depending on the location of the pipes, you can insulate them, but if it’s not worth the time or effort, it’s best to have a little more patience with your water heater!
WHY DOES MY WATER TAKE SO LONG TO GET HOT? Common Reasons Your Shower Is Cold
Start
Your
March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for a 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer. Evolution of Tournament Expansions Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. Further tournament expansion concluded in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. March Madness Today March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday (March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for “name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
How the NCAA Evolved Into a Basketball Powerhouse
Brackets!
Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite season! Millions of fans come out to support their favorite teams and fill out brackets to guess the national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you. Humble Beginnings March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school
official Henry V. Porter called the tournament “March Madness.” The Emergence of March Madness for Colleges March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same. The First March Madness Champions Before UConn, Kansas, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On
2 realestateplanninglaw.com
For solo agers — those who are single, childless, and without nearby family — planning for the future requires thoughtful preparation. Without a built-in network of close relatives to lean on, having a comprehensive estate plan becomes vital to ensure your wishes are honored. A will is essential for solo agers. A will is often the cornerstone of any estate plan. Without a will, state laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. For solo agers, this document allows you to: SOLO AGING SOLUTIONS How to Protect Your Legacy and Plan for the Future
Plan for incapacity with guardianships.
Creating a will removes uncertainty and ensures your legacy reflects your choices, not decisions left to the courts. Understand the benefits of a trust. While a will is important, a trust offers additional flexibility and control that can be especially valuable for solo agers. A revocable living trust allows you to control your assets during your lifetime while providing clear instructions for their distribution after your passing.
A major concern for solo agers is who will make decisions if they become incapacitated. Without a plan, the courts may appoint someone who doesn’t know your values or wishes. Guardianship planning ensures trusted individuals or professionals are in place to act on your behalf.
A health care proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions for you. A durable power of attorney grants someone the authority to manage your finances if you cannot.
•
•
Key benefits of a trust include:
• Avoiding probate: This keeps your estate out of costly and time-consuming court processes. •
These documents act as your voice, ensuring your best interests are represented. Build your support network. At Merlino & Gonzales, we specialize in helping solo agers create estate plans tailored to their unique needs. By planning today, you gain peace of mind for tomorrow. Contact us today at 718-698-2200 to start building a plan that reflects your values and secures your legacy.
Privacy: Unlike wills, trusts are not public, keeping your financial matters confidential. Detailed instructions: You can outline how assets are distributed over time or tailored for beneficiaries with specific needs.
•
•
Determine how your assets will be distributed. Name an executor to oversee your estate. Appoint a guardian for dependents or pets.
For solo agers, a trust ensures your assets are handled precisely as you intend while minimizing complications for those involved.
• •
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Michele’s Recipe Corner
INSPIRED BY DELISH.COM
INGREDIENTS • 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix • 1 cup whole milk • 1 prepared graham cracker crust • 3 bananas, sliced • 20 Nilla Wafers, plus more for garnish • Whipped topping, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a large bowl of a standing mixer, add softened cream cheese and beat until fluffy and free of clumps. 2. Add sugar and beat until combined, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix and refrigerate for 3 minutes until thickened. Pour pudding mixture into cream cheese mixture and fold until combined. 4. Into the graham cracker crust, pour half the
Take a Break
filling and spread evenly. Add a single layer of sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers, then pour remaining filling over and smooth the top. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours, or overnight. Top slices with whipped cream, crushed Nilla Wafers, and any additional banana slices as desired.
5.
718-698-2200 3
394 Manor Road Staten Island, NY 10314
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
www.linkedin.com/company/the-law-firm-of-merlino-and-gonzalez www.facebook.com/MerlinoGonzalez
718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New York to South Carolina: Starting a New Chapter Page 1 Why Does My Water Take So Long to Get Hot? The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches Page 2 The Solo Ager’s Essential Guide to Estate Planning Banana Pudding Cheesecake Page 3 Fun and Adventure: March Has It All! Page 4
Music, Nature, and Wine Await This March! FESTIVITIES & FRESH AIR
March brings longer days, blooming flowers, and the perfect mix of festivities and fresh beginnings. Whether you’re raising a glass to the new season, soaking in the beauty of nature, or enjoying the spirited sounds of St. Patrick’s Day, there’s something for everyone. Tavern Concert at Historic Richmond Town Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m. HistoricRichmondTown.org/events Head to Historic Richmond Town for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day Tavern Concert featuring Irish Stout, led by Bob Conroy, Norm, and their talented bandmates. Enjoy a lively evening of traditional Irish songs performed with banjo, guitar, fiddle, ukulele, mandolin, Irish flute, and bodhrán. Held inside the beautifully restored Guyon Tavern, this
concert captures the warmth and spirit of a 19th-century saloon, complete with a wood- burning stove and flickering candlelight. Sip on hot spiced apple cider, mulled wine, or a refreshing selection of beers as you immerse yourself in Irish tradition. Signs of Spring Walk March 20 & 22, from 1–2:30 p.m. Snug-Harbor.org/upcoming-events-calendar Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided nature walk through the scenic landscapes of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden! As winter fades, you can explore the forests, wetlands, and gardens, searching for early signs of new life, including witch hazel, snowdrops, crocuses, and even skunk cabbage. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of nature’s renewal while enjoying a refreshing
outdoor experience. This event is rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Admission is $10, with discounted rates of $9 for students, seniors, and Snug Harbor members. Uncork Spring! A New Jersey Wine Event Saturday, March 22, from 1–5 p.m. CarteretPAC.com/events Embrace the arrival of spring at Uncork Spring 2025, where New Jersey’s best wineries bring over 150 wines for you to sample and purchase! Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, artisan crafters, local vendors, and a food market at The Underground (food sold separately). A limited number of VIP tickets include early entry at noon, exclusive wine samples, a commemorative wine glass, and an Uncork Spring wine tote. Sip, savor, and celebrate spring in style at this 21+ event.
realestateplanninglaw.com 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator