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LIFESTYLE ADVOCACY FAMILY FINANCE LAFF is a publication of DuPont Wealth Solutions and The Law Offices of DuPont and Blumenstiel, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about
23 DEC
investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety. SMALL STEPS MAKE GIANT LEAPS
Tremendous Growth in 3 Years
As I sat at my estate planning team meeting, I felt an inexplicable urge to capture the moment with a photograph. It wasn’t until later that I understood why. The picture wasn’t just a snapshot of people gathered around a table; it was a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of vision. Four years ago, when I decided to focus my energy on building out the estate planning practice, it was a one-man show — just me. I had goals, but the path to achieving them was nebulous at best. Fast forward to today, as I looked around the room, I saw not just me but a team of seven dedicated professionals. The growth over the last three years, especially during the challenging times of COVID-19, has been nothing short of remarkable.
on the first day. Then, six months later, you find yourself effortlessly running 5 miles. The growth sneaks up on you, and when you finally pause to look back, the distance covered is awe-inspiring. This year, we added another attorney to the estate planning team, and the impact has been palpable. We’re not just serving our existing clients better; we’re serving more clients than we ever have. And the vision doesn’t stop there. We’re looking to take our model and expand it throughout the state and even the country through our Wealth Solutions Network. Speaking of the Wealth Solutions Network, what began as a mere thought last year became a commitment in January and a reality soon after. We closed the books on our initial founders’ class with 10 attorneys from across the country, all aligned with my mission to positively impact a million lives by providing oversight and guidance as financial advocates. As for the future, the plans are ambitious but grounded. For 2024, we’re looking at opening a second office and possibly a third, to serve even more people. The Wealth Solutions Network is also set to grow, with plans to recruit new classes quarterly until we have a robust network of 500 attorneys. So, as I sat there in the meeting, capturing a moment that felt both ordinary and extraordinary, I realized the photograph was more than just pixels on a screen. It was a symbol of where we started, how far we’ve come, and the limitless possibilities the future holds. It was a reminder that when you keep pushing forward, even when the progress feels incremental, you eventually reach a point where you can look back and say, “Wow, look how far we’ve come.” And that, I believe, is a message worth sharing, not just as a year- end reflection but as a timeless lesson in the power of perseverance, vision, and teamwork.
As the year draws to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood, a tradition I’ve upheld for years. I usually throttle back a bit, revisit some of my favorite reads, and plan for the year ahead. But it feels different this year. I’m not just planning for myself or even my immediate team; I’m planning for an ever-expanding group of professionals committed to serving our clients better than ever before.
One of the most striking realizations is how far we’ve come without even noticing. It’s like going for a run and struggling to complete a mile
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What does your typical workday look like? My typical workday consists of meeting with clients and drafting estate planning documents. I also work on estates we administer through probate court. I consider it part of my job to help make that process as easy as possible for people who have just lost someone they loved. What is something most people don’t know about you? Outside of my legal career, I’m actively involved in dog rescue. I’ve been a dedicated rescuer for my entire adult life, having fostered over 150 animals to date. I also serve as a transport coordinator for a local rescue, a role that resonates deeply with my passion for helping animals find their forever families. LAURA BLUMENSTIEL, ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE ATTORNEY STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
What is your favorite part of your job? I love coming to work each day and really enjoy my job. Everyone who works here feels supported, which makes us happy to do our jobs for the clients. My favorite part of my job is definitely working with the clients. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families plan for the future and guiding them through the probate process during difficult times.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE PODCAST?
We want to use this space to express our gratitude to the following members of the community who have recently
EPISODE 10: “The Membership Levels of the Wealth Solutions Network” EPISODE 11: “The Role of Influence in The Mindset Pillar of Financial Advocacy”
left us a review or have referred someone to our care. Thank you!
Phil Casella Robert Seed
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Learn How to Keep the Money Flowing Diversifying Income Streams in Retirement
Retirement is often envisioned as a time of leisure and relaxation, but the financial aspect of it can be anything but relaxing. With the absence of a regular paycheck, many retirees worry about outliving their savings. However, there are various ways to maintain a steady income during your golden years. Let’s explore five effective strategies for diversifying your income streams in retirement. ANNUITIES: A GUARANTEED INCOME Annuities are financial products that provide a guaranteed income for a specified period or for life. You make an initial investment, and in return, you receive regular payments. Annuities can be an excellent way to ensure you have a steady income, especially if you’re concerned about market volatility affecting your investments. DIVIDEND-PAYING STOCKS: A LONG-TERM STRATEGY Investing in dividend-paying stocks can be another smart move for retirees. These stocks pay you a portion of the company’s earnings regularly, usually on a quarterly basis. The advantage of dividend- paying stocks is that they offer the potential for both income and capital appreciation. However, it’s essential to diversify and not rely solely on dividends, as companies can cut or eliminate them.
REAL ESTATE: PASSIVE INCOME POTENTIAL Owning rental properties can provide a consistent income stream. Real estate often appreciates over time, offering the potential for both rental income and capital gains. However, being a landlord comes with responsibilities like property maintenance and tenant management. If you’d rather not deal with these issues, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can be an alternative, allowing you to invest in real estate without owning and managing properties. PART-TIME WORK: SKILLS TO CASH Many retirees find that part-time work not only supplements their income but also keeps them engaged and fulfilled. Whether it’s consulting in your field of expertise, teaching a class, or even starting a small business, your skills and experience are valuable assets that can continue to generate income. BONDS: LOWER RISK, STEADY INCOME Bonds are generally considered lower-risk investments that pay interest over a fixed period. While the returns may be lower compared to stocks, they can provide a steady income stream and are less susceptible to market volatility. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds are some of the options to consider.
SUDOKU
CHICKEN, LEEK, AND BLUE CHEESE PILAF
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Did someone say, “Healthy chicken with tangy blue cheese”? We thought so!
INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups water
1 leek, thinly sliced
• • • • • •
• • • • •
1/2 cup brown basmati rice 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
2 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 bay leaf
4 walnut halves, broken
1 tsp grapeseed oil
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 skinless chicken breasts, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, add water, rice, bouillon powder, and bay leaf. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat oil and stir-fry chicken over medium- high heat until just cooked. Remove from pan, then fry leek until soft. Add zucchini, stir-fry for a few minutes more, then add peas. 3. When the rice is cooked, add it and any liquid from the pot to the vegetables. Return chicken to the pan, then cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in walnuts and cheese and serve hot.
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INSIDE
Seeing Growth Over Time PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Laura Blumenstiel
Our Podcast
Client Appreciation PAGE 2 How to Make Money During Retirement Chicken, Leek, and Blue Cheese Pilaf PAGE 3 Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US PAGE 4
Explore America’s Most Magical Christmas Towns FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER
It may be too late for less spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas-centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21 miles, where you can find reindeer farms, carolers,
gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced “Yule-fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more! WOODSTOCK, VERMONT During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse- drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll
down Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants. NORTH POLE, ALASKA If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, we know the perfect destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year-round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!
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