Take a look at our November newsletter!
November 2020
There Was Good in 2020! Practicing Gratitude During This Unusual Thanksgiving
Every year, we gather around a large turkey, cheer for our favorite football teams, and enjoy the company of our families and loved ones. But this year, Thanksgiving may look very different — in more ways than one. Perhaps we can’t gather with all our loved ones, or maybe feeling gratitude just isn’t as easy as it’s been in the past. In a year consumed by a pandemic and political turmoil, who could blame us if we just skipped over this holiday and moved forward to 2021? But maybe this year, unlike any other year, it’s important that we remember just how lucky we are. We’ve all seen how tenuous life can be. We can’t take it for granted, and while that’s certainly much easier said than done, this Thanksgiving may just be the reminder we all need. As I reflect on this holiday, I know I have a lot to be thankful for. To start, I’m grateful that no one at Douglass & Runger or in my family has been diagnosed with COVID-19. (Knock on wood.) We’ve all stayed relatively healthy, and that’s worth celebrating. Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been very lucky to have the team at Douglass & Runger supporting our firm. As we approach another month of the pandemic, I’m proud to announce that we have been able to successfully weather this crazy storm, and while there were low points, we came out stronger together.
I think back to March when we hired another attorney, Chelsea, and the phone virtually stopped ringing for six weeks. You can imagine how stressful it was for our team, Chelsea, and the clients who we knew were out there in need of our assistance. Rather than panic, we got to work. We knew there were people out there who needed our expertise; we just needed to help them find us. We spent that period of downtime focusing on our marketing and advertising efforts, including our own internal practices and how we could improve. We came together as a team to ramp up our connections to our clients and those in need of our services the most. In fact, we started this very newsletter at the beginning of COVID-19. Talk about timing! But I believe this has been a blessing in disguise. I find tremendous value in staying in contact with each of you every month. As much as I hate that this pandemic happened, some good has come out of it. For example, we found that we can survive adversity. I’m proud to say that because of our efforts as a team, we did not have to lay anyone off or ask that anyone take a pay cut. As a business and as individuals we faced huge obstacles, yet we came out on the other side stronger and happier. I think that’s one of the most valuable lessons of this pandemic, something many of you can relate to. When you seek our help, you’re often coming to us during a low point, a moment you think cannot get any worse. But when you fight through it and overcome it, you prove something to yourself and those around you: You are stronger than the challenges life throws your way. And if you’re struggling through a low point right now, remember that you’re not alone. At some point, someone has experienced something similar. Reach out for help and remember that there are always pockets of gratitude to be found. As long as we find gratitude for something every day, we grow into stronger people. In 2021, I’m hoping for more (safe) in-person interaction, whether that’s in the courtroom, at concerts, or at sporting events. Technology has done a great job filling in, but I cannot wait until it’s safe to be together again.
Until then, stay safe and find gratitude in your life. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
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TOP 5 HEALTHY LIFE HACKS TO HAVE AN AWESOME MORNING
Getting your day started with coffee isn't always enough. Sometimes, you need to give yourself an extra boost, especially when you have little energy or trouble focusing. For an awesome start to your day, here are five tips to get you going right off the bat.
that, you can brew your favorite coffee to keep you going strong. This practice also might help you consume less caffeine overall!
Take a quick morning walk — and have your meetings on the go.
Morning meetings can make us want to fall asleep again. Don’t spend all of them sitting down if you don’t have to! Not only will morning walks help you wake up, but they can also add some extra physical activity to your day.
Write in your journal.
Wake up 5 minutes early.
Who says you have to journal at the end of the day when you’re tired and ready to sleep? You can journal in the morning about what happened yesterday and the things you’re looking forward to that day. Journaling can remind you of your daily goals and motivate you to stick to your commitments.
What’s the power of five minutes? It can be more than you think. Spend this time doing simple breathing exercises or a quick meditation so you can get focused for the rest of the day. If that’s not your style, you can prepare a quick to-do list for your day ahead. Either way, it’s always nice to have a little extra time for yourself without losing too much sleep.
Pack your lunch (or snacks!).
Staying on track with your goals starts with having the energy to do them. Plan a healthy balance of fats, vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins. This can be as simple as assembling dips, carrots, wraps, and salads each morning.
Start with green tea, then coffee.
A cup of coffee at 7 a.m. can leave you burned out by 10 a.m. Try swapping it with green tea for a more gentle wake-up call. After
It’s time to try these tactics to jump-start your day!
What Do I Need to Prepare a Will? At first glance, Tennessee law dictates a very easy process for will creation. It only requires that the person be at least 18 years old and of “sound mind.” The will must also be in writing and requires a signature by the person whose will it is and two witnesses who are not related to the testator (the person making the will) or named as a beneficiary in the will. parcels need to be referenced in your will and which pieces will have the ownership automatically transferred to your co-owner upon your death. Monetary Documents
To get a clear picture of the monetary assets you have, you’ll need to bring a few documents to your first meeting with your attorney. Gather your bank statements, retirement account statements, investment portfolios, bonds details, and other monetary documents for your attorney. Your attorney will also need to know if anyone owes you money.
Despite how easy it can be to create a will, it is not something you should tackle on your own. When not prepared properly, a will can be invalid in the state of Tennessee. If your will is invalid, your assets will pass to your heirs at law according to state law without regard for your wishes and desires. An attorney can help you avoid this devastating process. As you begin thinking about preparing a will, gather the following documents for a smooth process to creating one of the most important documents in your estate plan.
Family and Business Affairs
Our personal and professional lives can influence our assets. Start by gathering marriage licenses, prenuptial agreements, divorce and adoption paperwork, and other pertinent personal information to paint a clear picture of what could affect your will. Business documents, partnership agreements, and trademarks will also have an effect on your designations. Our team at Douglass & Runger knows that your life is about so much more than the assets you accumulate. Allow us to ensure your wishes and desires are met after you pass. You can also learn more about will preparation and our other areas of practice at DouglassRunger.com.
Real Estate Paperwork
Bring deeds, titles, tax, and appraisal documents for all properties that you own or lease regardless of whether or not the properties are jointly owned. Your attorney can help you determine which
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Battle of the Wills
Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce
HOW DOES A LIVING WILL VARY FROM A STANDARD WILL? In Tennessee, a last will and testament
and living will serve to protect you through all stages of your life. Each is a powerful document that ensures your wishes are met when you are unable to dictate what you want before and after your death.
Last Will and Testament
Skip the can-shaped cranberry sauce this year and bring a jar of homemade sauce to Thanksgiving instead. This easy recipe can be made ahead of the big event and keeps for 10 days in the fridge. INGREDIENTS
A last will and testament, commonly known as a will, is drafted prior to your death and outlines your wishes for how your assets pass after your death. A will highlights who should administer your estate after your death (your executor or executrix), who should receive what and in what amounts (your named beneficiaries), and who should be appointed the guardian of your minor children. However, when you die without a will or if your will is invalid, you are deemed to have died “intestate.” When an individual dies intestate, his or her property passes to their heirs at law. This situation occurs quite frequently and property may pass to family members who you did not want to receive anything. That being said, there is rarely anything your family can do to prevent your heirs from receiving your property if you die intestate. In order to create a valid will, you must be at least 18 years old and of “sound mind.” You must sign your will in the presence of two “disinterested witnesses” who are non- family members and are also not named beneficiaries in your will. Additionally, the two disinterested witnesses must sign your will as well, indicating that they witnessed you execute your will and that you were of sound mind and disposing memory at the time you signed your will. Finally, a notary public must also witness the execution of your will and sign an affidavit indicating that you signed your will on the date you signed it, that you were of sound mind and disposing memory and that the witnesses signed in your presence and in the presence of each other.
• 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 cup water • 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar • 12 oz fresh cranberries • 2 tsp orange zest • Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the orange juice, water, and sugar to a boil. Add other ingredients, then bring mixture back to boiling. 2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook gently for 10–12 minutes, until the cranberries burst. 3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until serving. Inspired by OnceUponAChef.com INSPIRATION "Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." –Maya Angelou
(Check out our article on Page 2 to learn more about the process of drafting your will!)
Living Will
A living will is drafted to set forth your medical wishes should you become incapacitated. It’s similar in motivation to a medical power of attorney, but it varies in use.
A living will clearly outlines whether or not you wish to authorize the withholding of artificial nourishment in the event your physician decides that you are in a permanent vegetative state and there is not reasonable expectation of medical recovery. Meanwhile, a power of attorney designates the individual who you want to make medical decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated. This individual is commonly referred to as your “attorney in fact.” Both living wills and powers of attorney are essential parts of your estate plan and can ensure that your wishes are honored even though you are not able to make decisions for yourself. Are you ready to begin drafting these documents or need to make changes to your estate plan? Contact our team at Douglass & Runger today! You can learn more about our other areas of legal practice online at DouglassRunger.com.
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Inside This Issue
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Finding the Positives of 2020
Top 5 Healthy Life Hacks to Have an Awesome Morning Essential Documents for Will Creation
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A Living Will vs. a Standard Will Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce
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A Number of Importance
THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH Why Veterans Day and the Number 11 Go Hand in Hand
Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11? The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared.
Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day. The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served. Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11.
However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?
The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.
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