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740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
June/July 2024
SUN, SWEAT, AND SUMMER JOBS HOW SUMMERS OF HEAVY LIFTING INSPIRED MY LEGAL CAREER
Growing up with a teacher mom and an entrepreneur dad meant my summers were never just about lazing around. I vividly remember being the de facto assistant for whatever project my dad was working on, especially in his real estate ventures. These summer jobs, though grueling at the time, unknowingly prepared me for life in ways I can only appreciate in hindsight. My very first job? It was more of an unpaid internship in my father's world of endless yard work. I'd spend hours under the harsh sun, pulling weeds and doing all sorts of chores around his rental properties. One particularly scorching summer, I found myself on a three-story building, helping him tar a flat roof. It was just as fun as it sounds — back-breaking labor with the sun beating mercilessly. I remember thinking, "This is definitely not something I want to do when I grow up." Interestingly, my younger brother thought it was the best thing ever; he thrived in that environment. It just shows how important it is to find what you love doing. That job taught me early on the sheer diversity of work and the importance of aligning with something that genuinely interests you. If there’s no passion in your work, it can drain you. If I could travel back in time to those scorching days of summer labor, I’d tell my younger self to at least negotiate a wage — even if it’s just enough to buy an ice cream to cool off after a hard day’s work! After high school, I landed a job answering phones at a local law firm. This was my first paid job, and here, I got my first taste of the legal world, scheduling appointments and getting to know the ins
and outs of a law office. This experience was pivotal — it wasn't physically strenuous, but it required a different kind of stamina and attention to detail. However, the job that pushed me toward my career was a short stint in construction. I drove a Caterpillar D250 dump truck, starting at 5:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. Sitting in that truck all day, every day, was tough on my body and soul. I hated every minute, which drove home the importance of education and finding a career that suited my skills and interests — preferably something that didn't involve tar roofs or dump trucks. Every day, I would just think about how vital it was to get through law school, which was a blessing in disguise! Now, as a father, I take my kids to the office and involve them in my activities, including teaching taekwondo. I want them to see the diverse aspects of work — the physical and mental — so that they can find their own paths. That’s why when they enter their teen years, they will most definitely experience their own summer jobs! It’s crucial to build responsibility and experience satisfaction in earning your own money. Looking back, I appreciate every job for what it taught me about hard work, perseverance, and finding my passion. And if there's one piece of advice I'd pass on to anyone starting their first job this summer, it's this: Find joy in whatever you do or start planning for a change that aligns with what you love. Life’s too short for anything less!
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As your fledglings spread their wings and fly off into the world, it's time to feather your own nest with some extra cash. From selling stuff in your closet to starting your own business, you have many ways to make money at this stage of your life. Let’s get started and rake in some extra dough this month with these three tips. INNOVATIVE WAYS TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY EMPTY NEST, FULL WALLET
Living Trusts Explained HOW A LIVING TRUST CAN EASE THE TRANSFER OF YOUR ASSETS A living trust should be considered when planning for the future and managing your assets. Many people believe a will is enough to handle their affairs after they're gone, but that’s not always true. Let’s explore the world of living trusts and why you might consider one as part of your estate planning strategy. What Exactly Is a Living Trust? A living trust is more than just a legal document; it's a proactive way to manage your assets while you're alive and ensure a smooth transition after your passing — without the headaches of probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person's assets. It can be lengthy, costly, and, because it’s a public process, it lacks privacy. Here’s where a living trust shines. By setting up a living trust, you essentially place your assets — such as your home, bank accounts, and investments — into a trust you manage during your lifetime. You can continue to use and control these assets just as you would if they were in your name. The big difference? Upon your death, the control of these assets transfers to a trustee you’ve designated, who then distributes them according to your wishes — all without probate. This means your loved ones could receive their inheritance directly without waiting months (or sometimes even years) for the probate process to conclude. Additionally, the details of the trust remain private, keeping your financial affairs away from public eyes. What About Long-Term Care? It’s important to note that while a living trust covers many bases, it might not protect against nursing home or long-term care costs. A different type of trust, like a Medicaid trust, may be necessary for those specific concerns. These trusts are designed to help manage how assets are counted when determining Medicaid eligibility. For anyone intrigued by the idea of a living trust, it’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and help determine if it’s the right choice. Remember, each estate plan is as unique as the person it represents. If you’re looking to bypass the complications of probate and maintain privacy, consider calling us at 740-346-2899. Remember, where there's a will, there’s a way; where there’s no will, there’s probate, but the best plan is a trust plan. Let’s ensure your estate planning is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Sell your stuff. You likely have clothes hanging in your closet you haven't worn in years or electronics sitting around the house you don’t need anymore. Do a big cleaning excursion in your home and gather everything you no longer use. You can resell clothing and other items online or at resale stores like Play Again Sports or Plato’s Closet. If you opt to sell online, many websites offer extra ease by providing pre-paid shipping and packaging for your deliveries.
Trade in gift cards. If you have old, unused, or partially spent gift cards, those are gifts that can keep on giving! Various websites, like CardCash and ClipKard, will trade or buy gift cards from you. You can earn 80%–92% of the card’s value or choose another card you would use. You can gain greater value if you trade for another card at a retailer you use often for household items, like Amazon or Target. Start a side hustle. Do you have a passion, unique skill set, and time? Creating your own business or side hustle can be an excellent way to generate additional income. If you have a hobby where you make things, you can set up a structure to sell those items online. Additionally, if you have a specific skill to share, you can earn income by teaching online or writing and selling an e-book. A side hustle can grow into your primary source of income, or you can keep the scale small. From turning clutter into cash or unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit with a side hustle, the opportunities to generate additional income are as boundless as the sky. So, fly high with these excellent money-earning tips and watch your bank account soar.
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Keeping the Peace Navigating estate planning can be particularly challenging for blended families. At our firm, we understand the complexities that blended families face and the importance of creating a comprehensive estate plan tailored to unique family dynamics. We've seen firsthand the tension that can arise without clear directives. Often, disputes emerge not out of legal confusion but from unresolved personal issues and miscommunications. It's not uncommon for adult children and step-parents to have differing expectations about inheritance and responsibilities, which can lead to strife and division. All parties must engage in open dialogue about estate planning to avoid these issues. This conversation might not be easy, but it's essential for maintaining family harmony after a loved one passes. Here's why comprehensive estate planning and communication are vital for blended families: 1. Clarification of Intentions: A well-structured estate plan, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, ensures your wishes are clearly expressed and legally documented. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes among family members about who gets what and who is responsible for specific duties. 2. Protection for All Family Members: With blended families, it’s essential to balance the needs and rights of a current spouse with those of children from previous relationships.
HOW CLEAR ESTATE PLANS CAN PREVENT DISPUTES IN BLENDED FAMILIES 3. Avoiding Probate Disputes: Without a clear estate plan, your family might have to go through probate, which can be lengthy, costly, and public. By establishing trusts and clear directives, much of the estate can be handled outside of probate, which preserves privacy and reduces the chance of disputes. 4. Promoting Family Harmony: Discussing your estate plan with your family allows everyone to express their concerns and preferences. These discussions can help clear up potential misunderstandings and ensure all family members feel heard and considered. Our firm recommends that families invest time in fostering open lines of communication before considering litigation or other drastic measures. Often, what seems to be a legal problem is more about personal relationships. Facilitating these crucial conversations can often resolve issues before they escalate into legal disputes. For those in blended families, creating a comprehensive estate plan and maintaining open communication is not just about managing assets — it's about caring for the relationships that matter most. If you're unsure where to start or need guidance tailoring an estate plan to your family's needs, our team is here to help. Together, we can ensure that your estate planning is a bridge to family unity, not a source of conflict.
TAKE A BREAK
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
INGREDIENTS •
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
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1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
ADVENTURE CAMPING
HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC
PRIDE SANDALS SUNBURN SWIMMING
FATHER GEMINI
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352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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The Summer Jobs That Paved My Way to Law School Unlock the Secrets to Extra Income After Kids Fly the Coop Why a Living Trust Could Be Your Best Choice for Estate Planning How to Protect Your Blended Family's Future Baked Sweet Potato Fries Take a Break
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3 Easy Father’s Day Ideas
DAD’S DAY GIFTS It’s Father’s Day!
CHILDREN CREATE UNIQUE
Recently, people have been spending big on Father’s Day, and many wait until the very last minute. Last year, Americans spent a record $22.9 billion on Father’s
Day, up nearly 10% from the previous year, according to an industry survey. And more than half of consumers don’t start shopping until the week before Father’s Day, while 3.5% wait until the very last day before the holiday, according to another survey. The second survey also revealed that over 75% of shoppers struggle to think of good Father’s Day ideas. Most settle on outings, clothing, gift cards, personal care items, or electronics. Here are three low-budget ideas you can do with your kids that are sure to charm any dad, offered by What’s Up Moms, a top parenting site on YouTube co-founded by vlogger Elle Walker. Interview Cards If your kids are preschoolers, have them answer questions about their father and record their answers on notecards. Things like, “How old do you think Daddy is? 100?
What is one thing Daddy says? What does Daddy do for work? Why do you love Daddy?” The simplicity and innocence of your children’s answers will warm Dad’s heart more than any store-bought gift ever could. Shopping Spree Give each child $10 to pick out something for Dad, all by themselves, then take them to the nearest big-box store. Walker’s youngsters came up with a mirror, a pair of swim trunks, and crib sheets, and they clearly loved being empowered to make choices. Photos From a Kid’s Perspective You may be surprised at some of the angles children choose and the tender moments they capture, “even if they’re not wow- worthy,” Walker says. Her daughter caught a captivating shot of her husband, Ross, napping with their preschool son resting on his shoulder.
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