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QUARTER 4 2024
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Show Your Love: Make an Estate Plan NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
Estate planning is essential to financial well-being, yet an alarming number of adults are failing to fulfill this responsibility. For the first time since 2020, the number of Americans with a will has declined. A recent survey revealed that only 32% of Americans report having an estate plan, a 6% decline from 2023. With National Estate Planning Awareness Week starting on Oct. 21, it is a great time to consider the vital role estate planning plays in your future. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or for seniors; it is about ensuring your wishes are clearly documented, giving authority to the individuals you trust to make decisions regarding your health, finances, and legal matters if you become unable to do so.
the age of 18 should have some form of estate planning documents. You may find it helpful to recommend that your loved one read the book, which can be ordered at the following link: attorneyoffice.com/book . If you already have an estate plan, now is an excellent time to review it to make sure it remains up to date and reflects your current wishes. Confirm that your assets are properly titled in the name of your living trust, and verify that beneficiary designations on accounts, life insurance, and retirement accounts are accurate. Additionally, keep a contact list of friends, family, and advisors with your estate planning documents, and prepare an inventory of your assets, including account numbers and any other information your loved ones might need. Having a comprehensive estate plan is an essential part of everyone’s financial planning. It is also a meaningful way to show your family you care by providing them with the guidance and authority to make important decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or pass away. If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more, we invite you to attend one of our free upcoming seminars. Details about our current seminars are included in the insert of this
belongings. Decide whom you want to inherit these assets and choose trusted individuals to serve as your health care and financial agents, and if relevant, guardians for your minor children. Once you have made these decisions, consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to develop a plan that meets your goals. Consider bringing your trusted advisor or loved one to the consultation with your attorney, to ensure everyone is on the same page. The sooner you begin conversations about estate planning with your loved ones, the more time they will have to understand and reflect on the process. Take the opportunity to explain the importance of estate planning and how it protects their future. Keep in mind that this can be a sensitive and emotional topic, so it is important to approach these discussions with compassion and understanding.
A well-crafted estate plan also can help you achieve these important objectives:
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Protect your heirs from the costs and delays of probate Protect your loved ones’ inheritance from divorce, lawsuits, and creditors Safeguard your assets for your children if your surviving spouse remarries Provide for children and grandchildren with special needs Plan for long-term care before you need it Protect your estate from the Medi-Cal Recovery Lien in case you require long-term nursing home care
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newsletter. We hope you will join us and look forward to helping you and your loved ones find peace of mind.
If you do not have a plan in place, now is the perfect time to create one. Start by taking inventory of your assets, such as bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance, and personal
I have written a book called “Yes, You Need an Estate Plan!” to explain why everyone over
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Like the song says, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, but did you know doctors prescribed it to treat maladies in the 18th century? Sugar is more than just a sweetener for your coffee — it is a sweet topic with a long history and many interesting uses. From its ancient origins to its place in the Milky Way (not the candy), this tasty ingredient may be more intriguing than you realize. Candied Facts About Simple Sugar SUGAR IS THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD. Sugar has been a pantry staple for our entire lifetimes, but its origins go back to 8000 BCE. Researchers believe sugar cane plants were first cultivated in New Guinea and used by native people as chewing gum. One of the earliest written mentions of sugar was in The Mahabhashya of Patanjali, a study of Sanskrit, written around 400–350 BCE. Over time, sugar cane plants made their way across the globe, coming to America in the 15th century. Sugar cane is now one of the most produced crops in the world. SUGAR WAS NOT ORIGINALLY A SWEETENER. Though visions of cupcakes and other desserts spring to mind when we think of sugar, it was first used as a spice and medicine. In 9th century Iraq, it was combined with fruits and spices to create medical syrups and infusions. British doctors prescribed it to treat a wide range of ailments, including eye irritations, which were treated by blowing sugar right into a person’s eye. When it came to England, the wealthy first used it to season savory dishes. It wasn’t until the 19th century that working-class people began to use it to sweeten baked goods or tea. THERE IS SUGAR IN SPACE. Sugar is literally out of this world. In 2000, scientists discovered a simple form of sugar called glycolaldehyde in the center of the Milky Way and near a star about 400 light years away from the Earth. While this is not the same type of sugar we consume, it plays a significant role in creating DNA and could signal the possibility of life outside our planet. Next time you sprinkle sugar on your cereal or enjoy a sweet treat, remember you are indulging in a fascinating ingredient with a history as rich as its flavor!
Embrace Mindful Self-Care on World Mental Health Day PRIORITIZE YOU
There is no health without mental health.
This statement by the World Health Organization encapsulates the central role mental health plays in our lives. One in eight people worldwide is living with mental health problems that can harm their physical health and their ability to connect with others and make a living. In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, we encourage you to reflect on the importance of self-care in maintaining strong mental health. This includes mindfulness of one’s own well-being and a willingness to ask for help when needed. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is, "Mental Health at Work," highlighting the fact that many people's mental health issues surface in work environments and, unfortunately, often worsen there.
Work can be a source of satisfaction and joy. Engagement with one’s job is linked with better mental health in workers, leading to greater well-being and life satisfaction and reduced risk of anxiety and depression.
However, managers with negative attitudes toward mental health issues can discourage employees from seeking needed treatment. Workers with mental health issues who fear discrimination may adopt self-defeating attitudes that prevent them from succeeding at work or even keeping a job. Also, a lack of control over one’s workload and schedule can lead to tension, stress, and a higher likelihood of mental health problems. At our firm, we acknowledge that mental well-being is important, and we try to take care of ourselves and look out for each other, too. One way we accomplish this is by helping each other maintain a healthy work-life balance. Our staff is never expected to work overtime or on weekends. We also strive to maintain and grow the bond of our team through regular team meetings where everyone is encouraged to provide input and feels respected and valued. Quarterly team-building activities give us the opportunity to relax and have fun together outside of the normal work routine. Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, but with the right support and resources, recovery and improved well-being are possible. Remember, prioritizing mental health is an essential part of living a healthy, fulfilling life. Whether it is through self-care, counseling, or fostering a supportive workplace environment, every step you take toward mental health matters.
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PLAN FOR YOUR PET’S CARE
After You Can No Longer Be There
Owning a pet can brighten one’s life in so many ways.
Approximately 55% of adults ages 50–80 have a dog, cat, or other pet, and the benefits they receive are immeasurable — from greater enjoyment in life to reducing stress and providing a sense of purpose. Pets benefit their owners both psychologically and physically. Dog owners tend to be more active and walk more than those who do not own dogs. Research shows that pet ownership is also linked to higher self-esteem, less fearful attitudes, and less depression and loneliness in owners. Other studies linked an owner’s close, caring bonds with a pet to reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. These animals become beloved members of the family. In recognition of National Animal Safety and Protection Month in October, this is a good time to reflect on the importance of caring well for your pet — not only while you are alive, but in the event of your incapacitation or death. Some pet owners assume loved ones will take responsibility for their pets, but taking that for granted is risky. All too often, pets wind up abandoned, in a shelter, or euthanized because their owner has made no provision for their care.
If you are no longer able to provide care, your animal will need companionship, oversight, regular checkups, and vaccinations. Older pets often need medication and frequent veterinary care, which can be expensive. We can help you make a pet plan to ensure your companion’s safety and security through every stage of its life. This may entail designating a guardian and setting aside funds for expenses. Illness, accidents, or death can strike at any time. Just as you would plan for the future of a newborn baby, it is important to plan for your pet’s future without delay to ensure that your beloved companion is safe, secure, and well cared for if you are no longer able to do so. Our estate planning attorneys can help you make all the arrangements needed to safeguard your pet’s future.
VEGAN SINGAPORE NOODLES
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
INGREDIENTS
Sauce •
Noodles •
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3/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 12 whole snow peas 1 tbsp tamari
2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp tamari
6 oz thin rice noodles
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2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp lime juice
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2 tsp curry powder
1. Make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside. 2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. 3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Add snow peas, tamari, and curry powder to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside. 6. Add remaining sesame oil, cooked rice noodles, and sauce to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute, tossing frequently with tongs. 7. Add vegetables back into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. DIRECTIONS
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
WHAT MONSTER PLAYS TRICKS ON HALLOWEEN? PRANK-ENSTEIN!
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Protect Loved Ones’ Financial Futures With an Estate Plan page 1 Put Self-Care First on World Mental Health Day Sugar in Medicine … and the Milky Way page 2 Providing for Your Pet After You Are Gone Vegan Singapore Noodles page 3 The Legal Drama Behind Larry King’s Handwritten Will page 4
LESSONS LEARNED FROM LARRY KING’S HANDWRITTEN WILL
When iconic TV host and author Larry King died at age 87, he left a legacy of iconic interviews and memorable moments over a long radio and television career, including 25 years at CNN. But an unexpected twist was his secret handwritten will that dramatically changed the plans for his estate. Despite its brevity and simplicity, this last- minute discovery sparked a heated legal battle. Handwritten or “holographic” wills are legal in many states, including California, where Larry King resided. These wills do not require the usual formalities of being witnessed but must be entirely written and signed by the testator — the person to whom the will belongs. While this might seem like a convenient shortcut, it often leads to serious legal challenges, particularly around the will's credibility and the testator’s intentions.
to his children. This was a shock, especially since California law entitles a surviving spouse to half of all the assets acquired during the marriage. King’s wife was understandably taken aback, leading to a family feud ultimately resolved through a confidential settlement. This situation is a stark reminder of why handling estate planning with thorough care and legal guidance is crucial. While a handwritten will can be a legal document, it is generally better suited for straightforward estate circumstances. A more comprehensive approach is advisable to avoid family disputes in more complex situations, like Larry King's, who had considerable assets and a blended family. Larry King's situation emphasizes the crucial importance of having a well-thought-out estate plan that considers all legal aspects and potential family dynamics — King was married eight times to seven women and had three surviving
biological children. While handwritten wills are a valid option, they should be used cautiously. Taking proactive steps in estate planning can help prevent conflicts and ensure your final wishes are respected, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
In Larry King's case, his handwritten will excluded his wife, leaving his entire estate
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