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From Unanticipated Moments to Meaningful Miracles How to Navigate Life’s Uncharted Paths
It’s been some time since I last wrote, and a recent family addition has brought me back to share this wonderful news, even if it didn’t necessarily go as planned. You may remember I first moved to Florida 10 years ago after the passing of my husband. After a decade, I’ve planted roots here in Florida as an asset alignment coordinator at Sheppard Law Firm. Many unexpected twists and turns have led me to where I am now; another has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier.
your family, and the love you have to give. We have to be prepared for the unimaginable! My experiences have given me sincere compassion for our clients who have found themselves at one of life’s unpredictable turns. While some of these moments can break you, preparation and strong support can make a difference in how you handle it. And your support can be anyone: your family, close friends, next-door neighbors, or friendly legal team! Noah was born last February and will soon be reaching his first birthday. My beautiful grandson is doing incredibly well. He’s healthy and thriving and surprises us daily with all he can do. When I think of Noah, the only word that comes to mind is “miracle.” His presence has enriched my life and reinforced the value of adaptability and resilience in the face of change. Life’s twists and turns may surprise us, but we can navigate any unforeseen detour with love, preparation, and unwavering support. My little miracle, Noah, has filled our lives with immeasurable joy and countless lessons.
My family has grown even larger with my new grandson, Noah, who was born with Down syndrome. This illuminating experience has taught me that just because an experience is unanticipated doesn’t mean it’s bad. I feel so grateful for Noah, and my love for him is no different in measure than for his older sister, Lucca. He has brought an undeniable light and beauty into our lives that I could have never imagined. Noah is surrounded by family and friends who love him to the ends of the Earth, and
If you need a helping hand with preparation or additional support, the Sheppard Law team and I are always here for you. Be ready to face life’s unexpected moments and embrace the beauty and positivity they bring.
he has a big sister who protects him like no other. Lucca is only 3 years old, but she’s quickly becoming the best big sister anyone could ask for! Life doesn’t always go as planned, and when I think about Noah, I think about all the beautiful yet surprising things that happen in life. It has helped me work with clients who have planned for their future, but life didn’t necessarily follow their script. Noah taught me that the unforeseen left turns lead to the grandest discoveries about yourself, your strengths,
–Maria Reimer
1 (239) 265-9779
JANUARY 2024
Simple Hacks for a Well-Organized, Clean, and Clutter-Free Home
Now that we’ve entered 2024, it’s the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your living space. Decluttering, cleaning, and reorganizing can give
Utilize deep-cleaning hacks. Did you know that baking soda and vinegar are a dynamic duo when it comes to cleaning various surfaces in your home? Baking soda is a gentle abrasive cleaner, while vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Mixing them is a great way to clean ovens, sinks and drains, and even grout. Another often-neglected area is the inside of your microwave, but it can be easy to clean — with steam! Simply fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen grime and make it easier to wipe away with a cloth. Invest in storage solutions. Efficient storage solutions, such as bins, shelves, and drawer dividers, can help you maximize your space and keep everything organized. Under-bed storage containers are great for organizing seasonal items, and wall-mounted shelves are ideal for displaying keepsakes and collectibles. By implementing these cleaning and organizational hacks, you can create a more peaceful and efficient living space that sets a positive tone for the entire year. The keys are to start small and stay consistent to enjoy the benefits of a well-organized and clutter-free home.
your home a fresh start and contribute to a sense of mental clarity and productivity. Here are five cleaning and organizational hacks to kick-start your new year.
Use the 15-minute rule. One of the simplest and most effective organizational hacks is to spend just 15 minutes every day decluttering a different area of your home. Whether it’s a drawer, shelf, or closet, the consistent effort will add up and help you maintain a clutter-free space throughout the year. Create a cleaning schedule. Establish a weekly or monthly cleaning schedule to ensure all areas of your home are consistently maintained. Having a plan in place will make it easier to stay on top of chores and prevent them from piling up. Follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule. For every new item you bring into your home, consider getting rid of one item. This rule helps you avoid having too much “stuff” and is a terrific system if you have the discipline to keep up with it (that second part can be tricky)!
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How One Parent’s Enablement Led to Unending Burden
Tough love isn’t easy, especially as a parent. Yet, oftentimes, it’s the best way to help kids and adult children grow. We’ve seen how damaging it can be for our clients’ families when they don’t. We’ll share the story of one client, Sandra, who was stuck in a position any parent would struggle in. Her daughter Donna experienced one life crisis after another. Whether it was job loss, divorce, or a car breakdown, Donna asked her mother for money. Sandra generously wrote her checks each time, categorizing these financial aids as “loans.” Despite Sandra having the means to sustain this support, her actions gave rise to complex financial and familial issues. To formalize these transactions, Sandra had our team draft promissory notes with stated interest rates at the lowest “applicable federal rate” approved by the IRS. Even if Donna didn’t pay the interest, Sandra had to impute it on her tax return, following IRS regulations. Sandra’s consistent financial assistance over the years created a pattern of dependence for Donna, whose financial struggles seemed unending. However, when Sandra passed away, her five children, including Donna, faced an unforeseen challenge. In her will, Sandra designated
the loans/gifts as deductions from Donna’s share of the estate, which was to be divided among five children. Donna’s siblings calculated the outstanding loan balances, including compounded unpaid interest, reducing Donna’s inheritance significantly.
Did Sandra genuinely help her daughter, or did her continuous financial support enable Donna to make poor choices? Parental assistance is a natural instinct, but there is a delicate balance between offering help and allowing children to face the consequences. While each situation is unique, Sandra’s case highlights the pitfalls of prolonged financial support. As parents, we must let our children grow, and sometimes that requires facing challenges, financial or not, on their own.
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Avoiding Pitfalls in Trust Management Know the Hidden Hazards
When someone asks you to become the trustee of their estate, it’s a gesture of trust and faith in your capabilities. While this role is an honor, it also comes with serious responsibilities. As a trustee, you must make informed investment decisions, maintain records, handle tax filings, and manage legal documentation. Every decision must be in the best interest of the beneficiaries. The role demands both integrity and astuteness. One of the more complex aspects of being a trustee is handling the differing needs of the beneficiaries. The person who chose you undoubtedly trusts you, but their beneficiaries might not know you as well. Often, these beneficiaries have conflicting interests or may not get along with each other. You might find yourself in a situation where someone is unhappy no matter your decision. This discontent can escalate to the point where beneficiaries may even consider legal action against the estate or you as the trustee. Imagine a scenario where you must choose to favor one beneficiary over another. How would you navigate these tricky waters? What criteria will you use to ensure fairness and legality in your decisions? It’s not uncommon for such disputes among beneficiaries, who may even be siblings, to become heated — sometimes distressingly so. The risk for you as a trustee is significant. If beneficiaries feel that you’ve mishandled the trust, either through negligence or misconduct, they can sue you personally. Yes, the trust can cover
your legal defense costs, but the beneficiaries don’t want you depleting their funds. Thus, their attorney will ask the court to remove you, stating that you didn’t follow some fiduciary duty. If they succeed, you’re left to cover your legal expenses out of pocket. Most legal battles drag on for years. Before you accept this role, consider these protective measures: 1. Engage a professional fiduciary to ensure no critical aspect of trust management is overlooked. 2. Suggest to the person appointing you also to name a bank or trust company as a co-trustee. While this might incur additional costs upfront, it can save significant amounts of money, not to mention stress and heartache, in the long run. 3. Most importantly, consult with your attorney. Ensure you understand every facet of what you’re getting into and that you’re adequately protected. While being a trustee is an honor, it comes with challenges and potential pitfalls. It requires a balance of empathy, legal understanding, and financial acumen. Your primary goal is to manage the trust responsibly and in the best interests of the beneficiaries, but you also need to protect yourself. Being forewarned is
being forearmed. Make sure you step into this role with your eyes wide open, equipped with the right tools and advice.
W o r l d ’ s
INGREDIENTS
TAKE A BREAK!
• • • • • •
2/3 cup butter
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1/4 tsp baking powder
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 cup granulated sugar
• •
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then add melted chocolate mixture and blend well. 4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. 5. Gradually add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended, then stir in nuts if desired. 6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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(239) 265-9779
9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 265-9779
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Maria’s Perspective on Life’s Beautiful Surprises PAGE 1 Transform Your Home With 5 Cleaning Hacks PAGE 2 Tough Love: A Parent’s Financial Dilemma PAGE 2 How to Avoid Trustee Traps PAGE 3 World’s Best Brownies PAGE 3 Innovative Ideas to Cut Your Vacation Costs PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can be costly. People dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we’re here to share five tips to help you save money while on your trip. Plan and budget ahead. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you won’t use while you’re away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund. Look for discounts and offers. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide
discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for experiences like spa
treatments or outdoor activities. Travel during off-peak seasons.
Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and less-crowded travel experience. Use local grocery stores and pack snacks. Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!
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