Check out our January edition!
January 2024
650-463-1550 | www.FalkBarrot.com
Start the Year Right
The Top 3 Estate Planning Myths Revealed and Debunked!
January is a month of many things. It marks the beginning of a new year, the next chapter in your life, and for many, a time for setting New Year’s resolutions. It is also an excellent time to revisit your estate plan to be certain that it is in line with your present and future goals. You may think, “Well, I’ve already made my estate plan; my work is done!” However, if you have not reviewed your estate plan since the day that you filed it away in a secure location, there is no time like now to review it. There are many misconceptions that stop a person from using their plans to its full potential. So, to help you start the new year off right and get the most out of your estate plan, here are the top three myths that have been shared with me by our current clients. Myth No. 1: “Once my estate plan has been created, I am FINISHED! I can put it away forever.” Not so! For many of our clients, creating an estate plan is a responsibility you take care of and then check off your “to-do” list. You securely file it away for your successor trustee to administer when the time comes. In actuality, this is the exact opposite of what we want you to do. “Creating” your estate plan is only the first step. Your estate plan should be treated as a “living trust,” for it should be an instrument that you review and revise when your life changes; it evolves with you. Myth No. 2: “No one wants my personal belongings …” Not so! In my career thus far, I have settled family disputes over personal property items like a bathrobe, a rice cooker, a gravy boat, and many other items that would surprise you! Of course, it could also be a piece of jewelry, a work of art, a unique piece of clothing, or a vehicle. A personal item that may seem inconsequential to you,
Stay Tuned for Our 2024 Seminars! Join us for two informative events this year: Panel Discussion: Navigating Senior Living Options — Choosing the Best for Your Loved One
Trustee School: Empowering Successors in Estate Planning
Dates to be announced!
may hold a significant and emotional memory for a loved one. To avoid any misunderstandings between family members and/or to avoid possible legal action in court, let us assist you by including specific language in your estate plan directing personal property distribution by an Estate Planning Letter. Myth No. 3: “When I pass, my successors will know what to do ...” Not so! There is a reason why we urge our clients to share their estate plan with their family and successors. In nearly all cases, we find that immediate family members “do not know” what to do. They are left without any prior guidance or understanding of their loved one’s wishes. Discussing your estate plan with loved ones can prove to be challenging sometimes. Even if it is uncomfortable to address, it is extremely important and necessary to do so. Your discussion could prevent your loved ones from making decisions that could significantly impact the transfer of your assets and your estate. At Falk, Barrot & Associates, LLP our goal has always been to provide our clients with the information and resources to make the best decisions for their estate plan. I hope these common misconceptions encourage you to review your estate plan so it can be used to its fullest potential. If 2024 brings about any life changes that will impact your estate plan in any way, please call our office at (650) 463-1550 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you.
—Kimberly Barrot www.FalkBarrot.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
‘Unleash’ the Benefits
GLUCOSAMINE’S ROLE IN YOUR PET’S JOINT HEALTH
Cartilage Maintenance Glucosamine helps maintain and repair cartilage and may also slow down the degeneration of cartilage, a common issue in aging pets. Inflammation Reduction Research shows it might have anti- inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint inflammation, providing relief from pain and discomfort in your pet.
Our pets are more than just animals — they are members of our families. As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure our furry friends lead healthy, comfortable lives. One crucial aspect of their well-being is joint health, especially as they age. Glucosamine is a supplement that has gained recognition for its potential to support and protect your pet’s joints. Like humans, pets can experience joint issues due to aging, genetics, or injuries. These can manifest as stiffness, decreased mobility, and pain. These issues can make it difficult for your pet to enjoy playtime or even walk comfortably. Glucosamine, a natural compound in healthy cartilage, cushions and protects our joints. When administered as a supplement to dogs and cats, it supports joint health in several ways.
life. This is especially important for breeds predisposed to joint problems or larger dogs more prone to joint stress. Before introducing any new supplement to your pet’s diet, consult your veterinarian. They can assess your pet’s specific needs, recommend appropriate glucosamine supplements, and ensure contraindications with other medications or health conditions are not an issue. Glucosamine can be a valuable tool to help pets live a happier and more active life. Remember that the key to their well- being lies in your hands: a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and thoughtful choices like incorporating glucosamine into their daily routine!
Increased Lubrication By promoting the production of
synovial fluid, a lubricant found in joint cavities, glucosamine aids in smoother joint movements. While glucosamine is often associated with senior pets, we can use it preventively. Starting your pet on glucosamine supplements at an earlier age may help maintain healthy joints throughout their
Aging Parents, Changing Roles STRATEGIES FOR PROVIDING CARE
Watch for the warning signs. Let’s face it: Your parents will not give up their independence freely. You’ll have to watch for the warning signs and make an executive decision on what they can and can’t handle. For example, if they’re still driving but you no longer feel comfortable riding in their passenger seat, they’ve had more than one recent accident, or they consistently forget where they’re driving to, it might be time to take the keys away. Make your house safer. If your parents are going to be living with you or spending more time at your home, consider installing safety features to help them avoid tripping and falling. Install night lights along the hallways and bathrooms, put a safety bar or a shower seat in the bathtub, and add railings or handles to any steps. Observe your parents so you know what safety measures you need to install. Stay positive. Understand this will be one of the most difficult times in your life. It’s already challenging watching your parents grow older, but it can be even more devastating if they develop a serious illness. Your parent may say or do things that shock you in the most unpleasant way, but don’t let this cloud your image of them. Stay positive during the difficult times, and the good times will feel even brighter.
For years, countless parents raised and supported their children, ensuring they were comfortable, safe, and happy. Now, as they enter the twilight years of their lives, the roles often reverse, and it becomes the children’s turn to care for their parents, especially if they’ve received a dementia or other severe illness diagnosis. While many assume their parents will enter an assisted living or memory care facility, it’s not always a straightforward process, as those services cost thousands of dollars per month. If you take on the responsibility of caring for your aging parents, there are strategies you can implement to make the situation easier for everyone.
650-463-1550
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
Boots Candles Carnation Furnace Garnet Hockey Insulate Janus Opposite Resolution
SEALAND
The Smallest Country You’ve Never Heard Of
If someone were to ask you what the smallest country in the world was, what would you guess? Those familiar with geography would quickly answer with Vatican City, and they’d technically be correct. However, there’s another country unrecognized internationally that is 99% smaller than Vatican City: Sealand. It’s only a few miles offshore from England, so why isn’t it more well-known? During World War II, the British constructed Roughs Tower 7 nautical miles off the coast of Suffolk to defend shipping lanes from German attacks. Throughout the war, between 150 and 300 members of the Royal Navy occupied the tower, but by 1956, the last full-time serviceman left the facility, leaving an opportunity for Jack and Jane Moore to squat at the tower and play their pirate radio station “Wonderful Radio London.” Jack and Jane remained at Roughs Tower from 1965 to 1967; in September 1967, Major Paddy Roy Bates ousted the Moores from the fort, claiming it for himself. At this point, he declared the independence of Roughs Tower, naming it the Principality of Sealand. Later that year, the British sent workers to repair a buoy near Sealand, which caused Paddy’s son Michael to fire a warning shot in their direction. This resulted in England summoning Michael to court on firearm charges, which were eventually dropped as Sealand was considered outside of England’s territorial limits. The Bates considered this their first instance of de facto recognition. In 1978, Alexander Achenbach attacked Sealand alongside German and Dutch mercenaries. Their attack proved unsuccessful, resulting in their capture and imprisonment. Germany sent a diplomat to negotiate for Achenbach’s release, which Paddy took as another instance of de facto recognition. Over the years, Sealand officials have created a national flag, a national anthem, an entire currency, and passports. Sealand was even the location of a skateboarding event sponsored by Red Bull in 2008. Paddy Roy Bates passed away in 2012, but his son still runs the operations at Sealand. They continue to hold hope that one day, the world will recognize Sealand’s sovereignty.
Skating Sweater
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!
Ingredients
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 lbs salmon fillets • 4 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 2 lemons • 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
www.FalkBarrot.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
650-463-1550 www.FalkBarrot.com 865 Laurel Street, Ste. 4 San Carlos, CA 94070 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Don’t Let These Estate Planning Myths Hold You Back
1
Glucosamine’s Role in Pet Wellness
2
Tips to Help You Care for Your Aging Parents
3
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
Sealand’s Ongoing Quest for Global Recognition
4
Bringing Joy to Your Day
A BRIGHTER TOMORROW Positive Stories From the Natural World
There’s a whole psychology behind why negative information sells and spreads the fastest, and media conglomerates and online trolls use it to their advantage. So, unfortunately, the online and televised media market is saturated with bad news. Thankfully, this isn’t an accurate reflection of what’s going on in the real world. So, we’re here to show you a couple of positive things happening in the world lately!
predict the octopuses chose this spot due to the warm water, making it the perfect location to brood their eggs thanks to the consistent temperature. 2,000 white rhinos will be released into the wild over the next decade. Conservation group African Parks recently purchased the world’s largest private white rhino breeding operation, which resulted in their obtaining 2,000 of the near- threatened animals. To help increase the rhino’s natural population, African Parks has developed a plan to rehabilitate and release these rhinos slowly — roughly 100 per year — into the wild over the next 10 years. By doing so, their goal is to “create strategic populations to protect the long-term future of the species.”
We live in a world where we’re constantly exposed to new information, thanks to the internet and 24-hour news cycle. Some of this information is certainly helpful, like the latest traffic updates before your morning commute or an article with tips to help your toddler string their first sentence together. But sometimes, it can feel like most of the information we absorb is negative.
Scientists discovered a hidden octopus nursery.
Scientists found an incredible surprise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. There, at the bottom of the thermal spring, were roughly 20,000 octopuses nestled at the bottom in a ball formation with their tentacles facing up — a position the animal uses to protect its eggs. Scientists
650-463-1550
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator