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4/20
BUILD IT. PROTECT IT. PRESERVE IT.
coined the famous expression, “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” I remember my grandfather, who somehow knew that I was going to be a lawyer one day, telling me that I needed to take charge of a courtroom like Cochran did. The way that he carried himself helped him successfully defend his client, even in the face of severe scrutiny from the courts and the public. I strive to be as successful in representing my clients as Johnny Cochran was.
WHAT MAKES THE GREATS GREAT?
THE PEOPLE WHO INSPIRED ME TO STRIVE FOR GREATNESS
Just a few years later, another stellar athlete who had yet to become a household name won two Super Bowls in a row. John Elway started as the Denver Broncos quarterback in 1987 and didn’t have any Super Bowl wins to show for it. The team was in a state of decline until Elway led them to victory against the Green Bay Packers in 1997. It was Elway’s first Super Bowl win and Denver’s first win as well. But he didn’t stop there. The next year, the Broncos won the Super Bowl again against the Atlanta Falcons. During that game, he set a record five Super Bowl starts, which was only beaten by Tom Brady in 2015. Consequently, Tom Brady is another one of the greats who has had an influence on me. I know a lot of people hate him, but you can’t deny his success and his dedication to the sport — or the power of his underdog origins. After constantly fighting for the starting quarterback spot on the University of Michigan’s team, he was 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. Purportedly, he had the audacity, even then, to tell Patriots owner Robert Kraft that he would be the best decision the Patriots had ever made. No one could have guessed what Tom Brady was capable of at that point, but over the years, he has lived up his claims of greatness and then some. Whether they didn’t get picked for the varsity team, operating in a slump that seemed like it would never end, or they were someone’s last choice in the NFL draft, all of these guys had something in common: Something happened to all of them that lit a fire underneath them and propelled them relentlessly toward greatness. They went from the people you count out to the people you count on when the going gets tough. That’s who I want to be and who I want my team to be for my clients. I wasn’t your best choice for legal assistance by birth, but my team and I work hard to be your best choice, and we won’t let you down.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” –Zig Ziglar
When I think of the people I’ve admired and have influenced me over the course of my life, I think that this quote sums up most of their lives perfectly. Most people aren’t born with an innate talent for whatever they want to do in life. Instead, they have to work hard and forge themselves into the person they want to become. It’s something that countless legends of the field, court, and courtroom have done to find their success. They didn’t wait until talent fell in their lap. Instead, they laced up their shoes, took a deep breath, and got to work. The first person who really influenced how I thought about hard work and success was Michael Jordan. Mike’s journey from varsity team reject to six-time NBA national championship winner is well known, but that doesn’t make it any less inspiring. He was the first person who made me want to find out what made “the greats” so great, and he showed me that successful people can come from anywhere. Just after Mike rejoined the NBA after his brief stint in minor league baseball, another success story was in the works in the most-watched courtroom in America. In the height of the OJ Simpson trial, Johnny Cochran passionately defended his client and
–Edward Littlejohn
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SECURE stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. Consider what the SECURE Act does for: • Retirement accounts — it pushes the age back from 70 1/2 to 72 for the required minimum distributions, and it allows traditional IRA owners to keep making contributions indefinitely. • Nonspouses inheriting IRAs — it mandates that most nonspouses inheriting IRAs take distributions that end up emptying the account in 10 years. • Students — it allows the use of the tax-advantaged 529 accounts for qualified student loan repayments up to $10,000 annually. • New parents — it lets them take penalty-free withdrawals up to $5,000 after the birth or adoption of a child. • Small business owners — it will make it easier for them to set up “safe harbor” retirement plans that are less expensive and easier to administer. A big change to IRAs based on the SECURE Act is the removal of the “stretch IRA.” The stretch IRA has allowed nonspouses inheriting retirement accounts to stretch out disbursements over their lifetimes. In other words, some clients have passed down their IRA from generation to generation without taking a distribution. So, in essence, it’s like the IRA account from a great-great-grandfather passed down to his children and their children while they continued to watch it grow. This is no longer possible. THE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW SECURE ACT OF 2019
READY TO TAKE UP THE NOMADIC LIFESTYLE AFTER RETIREMENT?
You’ve worked hard for years to arrive at this moment: retirement. Now that you’re free of your 9-to-5 job, you have a lot more time for activities you enjoy. That extra time is what leads many people to turn to a nomadic lifestyle after retirement. Touring in an RV, sailing around the world, or even just retiring to a cabin in a remote locale are all popular options for new retirees. If the spirit of adventure is calling you, here are some financial tips to set you on the right path. DOWNSIZE BEFORE YOU GO Some folks choose to sell their home and use the income to fund their travels, staying in apartments and rentals as they go. If that seems too drastic, downsizing to a smaller home is also a good option, especially if you plan to travel in intervals but want a home base to return to. This also gives you the option of renting your home while you’re away and using the money to continue traveling. ASK OTHER NOMADS Crowdsource advice from friends and family members who’ve taken the leap. Lots of other people have shared your dream and made it a reality. Many have turned their experience into books or blogs, like Lynne Martin, who’s been traveling around the world with her husband, Tim, for the last three years. The Martins used the sale of their home to finance their travels. They also take cruises to cut down on travel costs and often dine in to save money. DO YOUR RESEARCH If you have a specific place in mind for your retirement, like Hawaii or Texas, look at rental costs and other lifestyle changes that can affect your budget. For example, Hawaii’s cost of living is cheaper than other popular retirement states, like Florida, but basic commodities may be more expensive. If a boat or RV is more your style, be sure to add repair and fuel costs into your budget. As you go about researching and planning, be sure to consult with your financial advisor so they can help you look at your current situation and make adjustments. With the proper planning, you’ll be living your nomadic dream in no time.
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE BOWERS LANDSCAPE DESIGN
They specialize in residential landscape design and build, including paver walks and patios, retaining walls, decorative walls, sandstone steps, stone pillars, mailboxes, grill islands, pergolas, outdoor lighting, water features, fireplaces, foundation plantings, large specialty trees, and unique shrubs.
Call Bowers Landscape today at 740-264-4000 for all your landscaping needs.
2 | 740-314-4829 This newsletter is for informational purposes only and no legal advice is intended. Be sure to consult with this law firm if you have a specific question about your situation. And, remember Edward and Jeff don’t take any unplanned inbound telephone or in-person meetings. We believe each case deserves our undivided attention.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPCOMING VIP EVENTS
WHAT’S NEWWITH ME AND MY OWN?
Happy birthday to my wife!
Edward’s been running around, speaking, and helping others … Edward did a presentation at West Elementary on going after your dreams. He taught a business law CEU credit course at EGCC with a group of electricians and small business owners. We’re always on the lookout for top talent, so if you know anyone looking for a job, have them give us a call.
These SEMINARS AND TELECONFERENCE CALLS are FREE. That’s right; there is no charge. We just ask that you preregister so we can make sure there’s enough space. We want to make sure people make good decisions about their legal situations. April 20 at 12 p.m.: Lunch & Learn April 22 at 3 p.m.: Estate Planning Seminar (Asset Protection & the Basics of Medicaid) May 18 at 12 p.m.: Lunch & Learn May 20 at 3 p.m.: Estate Planning Seminar (Estate Planning & the Ins and Outs of Probate Court) If you see a seminar or teleconference that’s interesting to you or your family, be sure to preregister by calling 740-314-4829 or visiting LittlejohnLawLLC.com. We’ll send you more information as we get closer to the meeting but only to those who have preregistered. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, be sure to attend one of our seminars or teleconferences. Send your email requests to office@elittlejohnlaw.com.
EASY DEVILED EGGS
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 2 tbsp milk • 1 tsp dried parsley flakes • 1/2 tsp dill weed • 1/2 tsp fresh chives, minced • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste • 12 large eggs, hard-boiled • Fresh parsley, minced, and paprika for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, parsley flakes, dill, chives, mustard, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. 2. Cut eggs lengthwise and remove yolks carefully to preserve egg whites. 3. In a small bowl, mash yolks. 4. Mix mashed yolks with mayonnaise mixture. 5. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley and paprika. Refrigerate before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
WHAT MAKES THE GREATS GREAT?
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A NOMADIC LIFESTYLE AFTER RETIREMENT
SECURE ACT OF 2019
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
3
WHAT’S NEWWITH ME AND MY OWN
UPCOMING VIP EVENTS
EASY DEVILED EGGS
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HELPING YOUR CHILD MANAGE STRESS THE AGE OF STRESS
Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety
It’s hard to imagine kids as anything but carefree, happy, and eager to explore the world around them. However, children experience stress just like adults do, which can severely impact their typically cheerful dispositions. Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to familiarize yourself with tools and information that can help you alleviate your child’s stress.
focusing, or withdrawal from the people around them. According to KidsHealth.org, younger children may also pick up habits like twirling their hair or sucking their thumb, while older kids may start to bully others, lie, or rebel.
WHAT ARE THEIR STRESSORS?
Any number of everyday factors can lead to stress, and stress can plague anyone who feels overwhelmed. Toddlers and young children going to day care or school for the first time may experience separation anxiety due to being apart from their parents. Older kids and teenagers may feel mounting social and academic pressure. Even something as simple as overhearing loved ones arguing or seeing a sad news report can add to a child’s stress levels.
CAN I HELP REDUCE THEIR STRESS?
According to KidsHealth.org, good nutrition, proper rest, and healthy attention are great ways to help kids manage their stress. Set time aside each day to talk and spend time with your children; talking about worries will reduce or relieve anxieties. If you know about an upcoming stressful situation, like a school exam or a health checkup, prepare your child by studying with them or talking to them about what to expect.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS STRESSED?
When a kid is stressed, they will exhibit odd behavior and even undergo physical changes. Depending on your child’s age, watch for mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, trouble
Don’t stop here. For more tools and information regarding stress reduction in children, visit KidsHealth.org or contact your doctor.
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