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You Can’t Take It With You
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January 2025
CROSS THE BRIDGE UNBURDENED
Keys to a Regret-Free Life
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
There are things more important in life than New Year’s resolutions.
Many of us commit to changing certain aspects of our lives every January, only to lose sight of these goals a few weeks or months later. In many instances, we fail to reach these benchmarks because they’re not our goals at all — they’re just goals we think we’re supposed to have. For example, society encourages us to base our self-worth on the figures in our bank accounts. Naturally, many of us would love to make more money, and we may have even resolved to work harder to build greater wealth. However, that resolution is bound to fail if we take on too many responsibilities, work ourselves to the point of high stress or exhaustion, burn out, and quit our jobs before the extra dollars roll in. By the time we reach the end of the year, we realize our resolutions were not as compelling to us as focusing on things we’ve always wanted to do — but never did — would have been. A Question to Ask (or Answer for) a Loved One Asking and answering important questions helps preserve your family’s values and life lessons for generations to come. What matters most in life? That said, I’d like to move away from the typical talk of resolutions and instead ask you to consider questions that may help you overcome regrets later in life. I’ve been thinking a lot about regret since reading about a nurse in Australia named Bronnie Ware. Specializing in caring for patients during the final weeks of their lives, Bonnie gained considerable insight into what many individuals value in the days leading up to their passing. In 2012, she brought the most common end-of-life regrets she had heard from patients to light in her book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.” Here are those regrets: 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Inspired by these sentiments, I’m starting 2025 by considering these corresponding questions instead of setting half-hearted resolutions: 1. What’s something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t because I’m worried about what others may think? 2. Where am I spending too much time working, and what can I shift to spend more time with those I love? 3. How can I say what I mean and mean what I say without saying it meanly? 4. Which old friend could I reconnect with by saying, “I was just thinking about you, and it made me smile”? 5. What’s one thing I will do to make myself happy this year (with happiness being my sole reason for doing so)? I look forward to seeing where these questions lead me over the next 12 months, and I hope they spark your interest in pursuing answers for yourselves this year. Of course, none of us know what may happen this year, so we must acknowledge that things may not go our way despite our best efforts. It’s rare — if not impossible — for someone to say, “Oh, yeah, this year was perfect for me!” Even if 2025 ends up being your best year ever, there will inevitably be things that won’t go as planned. Instead of getting bogged down ruminating over unmet expectations or past failures, I hope to reflect 12 months from now on what worked (and why) and the lessons I learned from the things that didn’t go anywhere near as well — and then move on. The future holds more possibilities than any effort to long for the past.
So, what questions would you add to my list or Bronnie’s? Whatever they are, may they lead you to greater happiness than any soon-to-forgotten new gym membership ever will.
Philip J. Corson, Founder
“Turn all your worries over to God. He cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
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YOUR ROLE AS EXECUTOR Estate Plan Responsibilities Explained
Being named an executor is an honor that comes at a difficult time. But looking after the estate of a loved one after they are gone is a privilege that comes with many responsibilities. You must manage paperwork, assets, and maintenance costs. Moreover, as executor of the estate, you
are responsible for carrying out the will of the deceased. If you have been named executor of an estate, here are three duties you must manage.
This is necessary to file a tax return for the decedent’s final year of life and to file a life insurance claim. It will also be required when notifying applicable government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, of the decedent’s passing. It will also be your responsibility to notify the decedent’s credit card company, banks, and mortgage lenders. Funeral Arrangements and Accounts The decedent’s wishes for funeral arrangements will most likely be included in the will, and it is your role as executor to carry them out. Additionally, all payments made on behalf of the decedent should come from an estate account. Establishing an estate account for dividend payments, paychecks, tax refunds, and burial expenses is key. This role may seem complicated, but whoever gave it to you knew you were up to the task.
Asset Distribution The primary role of the executor is to
distribute the estate’s property according to the decedent’s wishes. This also includes paying for maintenance costs during probate and before distribution can occur. As the executor, you are responsible for paying any mortgage, utility, car, and other necessary bills until the beneficiaries take over those responsibilities. Although some assets may avoid probate, the executor must file the will in probate court in most states. Paperwork and Notification As executor, you must obtain copies of the death certificate from the funeral home.
Enrich Your Golden Years With L’art de Vivre Embrace the French Art of Living
Living like a French person isn’t just about enjoying cheese and wine; it’s about embracing l’art de vivre , or the art of living. This philosophy emphasizes finding joy in simple pleasures, prioritizing quality over quantity, and cultivating beauty in everyday life. For those of us reaching our golden years, adopting this way of life can enhance our quality of life and make every moment more fulfilling. Let’s explore how you can infuse your daily routine with French elegance and leisure. Slow down and savor. The essence of the French lifestyle is taking the time to savor life’s joys. In France, this might mean lingering over a meal rather than rushing through it. Apply this principle by taking time to appreciate the small details of your day, whether enjoying the quiet morning hours with a cup of coffee or watching the sunset. This deliberate
slowdown helps to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. Prioritize self-care. Self-care is paramount in French culture. It goes beyond vanity to encompass a comprehensive lifestyle that maintains mind and body health. This can involve a balanced diet rich in natural foods, regular physical activity, and routines nourishing the body and soul. As you age, these practices are vital for maintaining your health, energy, and vitality, allowing you to enjoy your years to their fullest potential. Choose quality over quantity. The French are known for their classic style, which favors quality over quantity. This principle applies to various aspects of life, from clothing to kitchenware. Investing in fewer but better-quality items ensures longevity and guarantees your purchases are meaningful and genuinely improve your life.
Inspire your inner artist. The French celebrate creativity as a significant aspect of their daily life. Emulate this by setting aside time for cultural activities that spark your creativity and passion. Whether attending a concert, visiting an art gallery, or simply engaging in a creative hobby at home, these activities enrich your life, stimulate your mind, and provide tremendous joy. Adopting these elements of the French art of living can bring richness and joy to your everyday life, proving that the golden years can be your most vibrant.
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TAKE A BREAK
BEGINNINGS BLANKETS CARNATION CAPRICORN GARNET HEALTHY ICICLE PENGUIN PLANNING RESOLUTION SNOWBOARD SOUPY
Photo: Matthew Fox Recolored from original
Rock Legend Saves Woman in Peril JON ‘BRIDGE’ JOVI
Nashville is known as “Music City” because of its role in the birth of country music and its centuries-old Ryman Auditorium. Famous performers like Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and Dolly Parton have performed in venues on the city’s iconic Jefferson Street. As amazing as their live performances are, they are nowhere near as impactful as Jon Bon Jovi’s was on Tuesday, Sept. 11, last year. I Don’t Want to Live Forever On Wednesday, Sept. 12, Jon Bon Jovi, frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, became the unwitting star of a viral video released by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (NMPD). The day prior, while filming a music video for his upcoming album on the public Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Bon Jovi came across a woman standing on the ledge overlooking the Cumberland River. He quickly acted to ensure she didn’t get “One Step Closer” and did his best to provide her with “Something to Believe In.” Over several minutes, Bon Jovi evoked his song, “I Got the Girl,” and successfully convinced her to step away from the ledge to safety. Nobody’s Hero The NMPD was impressed by Bon Jovi’s selfless act. After YouTube took down the video of Bon Jovi’s rescue, the NMPD reposted it on their Facebook page and lauded the singer’s achievements wherever they could.
CITRUS-HERB PORK ROAST Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3–4 pounds) • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp pepper • 2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges • 1 cup plus 3 tbsp orange juice, divided
• 1 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp grapefruit juice • 1 tbsp steak sauce • 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1 tsp grated orange zest • 1 tsp salt • 3 tbsp cornstarch • Egg noodles, cooked
Directions 1. Cut roast in half. In a small bowl, combine oregano, ginger, and pepper; rub over pork. In a large skillet coated with oil, brown roast on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker; add onions. 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce, and soy sauce; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions to a platter. 3. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Add orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Gradually stir into the pan for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork and noodles.
“It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,” NMPD Chief John Drake said of Bon Jovi on X (formerly Twitter).
Bon Jovi is no stranger to altruism. His nonprofit organization, the JBJ Soul Foundation, assists those suffering from homelessness, poverty, and hunger. His foundation’s food and affordable housing programs have aided the less fortunate since 2006. It sure seems like Bon Jovi is committed to “Work for the Working Man.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Depart Without Doubt
2
The Responsibilities of an Executor
Live a More Joyful, French-Inspired Life
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
3
Bon Jovi Saves Woman on Bridge
The High Price of Dying Without a Will
4
PURPLE HAZE Prince’s Heirs Face Difficult Legal Battle
Estate attorneys constantly harp about the importance of having an updated, thorough estate plan. It may seem like nothing more than a marketing pitch, but those
reminders are consistent because of their dire importance. Take, for example, the case of the legendary musician Prince. When he passed away in April 2016, his estate was valued at over $150 million. The singer had no children or spouses to speak of, but he had six siblings entitled to inherit his estate. However, determining all potential beneficiaries without an estate plan was a challenge that cost the estate dearly. Prince’s Probate In the case of Prince’s estate, the absence of any will led to a prolonged probate process. While the six siblings were named as legal heirs, they could not agree on a distribution of assets between them. This resulted in frequent court visits and a prolonged legal entanglement that cost the estate millions. During this process, several heirs sold their inheritance shares to a company called Primary Wave, which acquired the rights to
Prince’s music. This only complicated the process further. Unworthy Suitors Due to the estate’s value, many suitors came looking for a portion of the inheritance. This included 45 imposters alleging kinship to the late musician. Ruling them out took half a decade, thousands of court filings, and numerous DNA tests. When all was said and done, the potential heirs cost the estate over $3 million in legal fees. The Importance of an Estate Plan The lack of an established will or trust in Prince’s case may have come down to his natural mistrust of lawyers. However, his failure to confide in legal advisors cost his estate and heirs millions of dollars. If you have yet to establish an estate plan, let this be your wake-up call: You do not want a fight to occur in your wake. Prepare for your family’s future.
Photo: Allen Beaulieu
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