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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 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.
22 DEC
REMEMBER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Is About Spending Time With Family
adjust to several circumstances. Such as not having the proper tools to cut down a Christmas tree, the surprise appearance of cousin Eddie, and run-ins with SWAT teams. However, while each movie shows the characters dealing with different challenges, one thing remains the same for both stories — each family gets together and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. If you think about it, almost every Christmas movie has a similar plot — the characters experience unpredictable circumstances and end with family, friends, or the community coming together to celebrate Christmas. We can learn a lot from Christmas movies. In life, we will all face unforeseen situations that we aren’t prepared for. For the past few years, we’ve all experienced how unpredictable life can be — the pandemic is one of the prime examples. We’ve spent the last two years worried
thing you should remember when dealing with these circumstances is the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas isn’t about how many gifts your purchase, the number of lights or decorations you have on your tree and around your home, or the meals you make to eat during the holidays. Christmas is about spending quality time with the ones you love. The past couple of years taught us that time with our family is valuable. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so embracing your loved ones when you can is so important. With all of the technological advances and trends in the media, it can be easy to focus on the materialistic things surrounding Christmas and lose sight of what the holiday is all about — family. This Christmas, focus on time with the ones you love. Materialistic items and gifts will fade away, but the memories you make with
One activity many families participate in during Christmas is watching classic Christmas movies. I’m sure most of us like to gather around the TV, cuddled up in blankets, with the only light source coming from the TV, the Christmas tree, and other festive lights or candles. This is my favorite Christmas tradition. I always look forward to watching Christmas movies with Julia and Sophie — it brings me joy. Our favorite Christmas movies are “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” These movies will never get old, not only because of their humor, but because of the life lessons we can learn from them. Each movie has an unforeseen event that the characters must face. In “Elf,” Walter (James Caan) discovers that he has a son named Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was raised by elves. This news is unexpected, and throughout the movie, you see Walter trying to accept that he has a son — an elf. In “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the family must
if we can gather with our loved ones for the holidays. Although we are still experiencing some effects of
“With all of the technological
your family and friends will last a lifetime. The classic Christmas movies have the underlying theme that Christmas is about family, not food, gifts, or decorations. That is something we can all appreciate no matter what obstacles we face.
advances and trends in the media, it can be easy to focus on the materialistic things surrounding Christmas and lose sight of what the holiday is all about — family. ”
COVID-19, most of us will be able to reunite with our loved ones this holiday season. But now there is another issue we face — inflation. Many families want to provide the best Christmas for their children. You may want to
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! I look forward
go all out with your decorations, cook the most delicious feast, or buy everything on your loved ones’ wish lists. But with prices increasing, it’s difficult for most families to purchase things for Christmas. But one
to seeing you in 2023.
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EMILY LEITER, PARALEGAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
How long have you been working at the law firm, and how has your role evolved since then? I started working at DuPont and Blumenstiel as an intern in the summer of 2021, as part of Columbus State’s paralegal program. In August, I finished the program and was fortunate enough to be added to the team as an official paid employee. My typical workday fluctuates between the probate litigation side of things and the estate planning side of things. Depending on what needs to be done, I could be doing paperwork for a litigation case or preparing documents for an estate plan. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is the variety of activities I get to do, and the skills I get to learn and practice. No two probate litigation cases are the same, neither are any estate plans. I really enjoy working on both sides of the firm because it gives me different types of paperwork to do, and I get to learn different aspects of the law. I also really enjoy problem-solving, and this job allows me to do that. What would you say to someone hesitant about estate planning? If anyone is thinking about estate planning and wants to prepare for their future, I think the best thing for them to do is to call a trusted estate planning attorney to get some more information and resources. A consultation with an attorney can be very helpful in creating a plan that best fits their needs and goals.
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Give Your Finances Some TLC Before We Enter 2023
We are quickly approaching 2023; can you believe it? While we’re all busy spending time with loved ones during the holidays, take some time to look over your finances so you can enter the new year on the right foot. Here are four ways to give your finances some TLC before the end of 2022.
doing your future self a huge favor by contributing funds to help you with your retirement goals. You can even begin looking into how you can increase your 401(k) by 1% to help you maximize your savings in the new year. 3. TOUCH BASE WITH YOUR PARTNER. The end of December is a great time to chat with your spouse about your financial goals. Did you accomplish your yearly goals for 2022? What can you improve in 2023? Having these open conversations with your partner about each other’s goals will help you hold one another accountable and ensure you’re both on the same page.
there any life events or changes that need to be addressed in your plan? Take the holidays as an opportunity to speak with your loved ones and see if you need to update anything in your estate plan. Frequently reviewing your plans will save you and your family from additional stress and financial hardships in the future. If you would like to review your financial, retirement, and estate planning goals, allow your friends at DuPont Wealth Solutions to assist you. Our team will ensure everything is in order so you can start the new year off right. Now is the perfect time to review your plans and see if anything needs to be adjusted. So, call us today — we will be happy to help.
1. DONATE .
It’s the season of giving! Donating is a great way to give back to your community. You can write off those contributions if you itemize. Be sure to fill out Form 8283 to track how much you contributed so you will be eligible for a tax write-off. 2. ADD FUNDS TO YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT. If you have extra cash accumulated throughout the year, add it to your retirement accounts. You will be
4. REVIEW YOUR ESTATE PLAN. Whenever you gather with family,
one conversation will always occur — discussions about the family. Were
SUDOKU
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SNOWBALLS
Inspired by TheFoodieAffair.com
This year-round treat is the perfect dessert for any holiday party. Since you don’t need to worry about a hot oven, it’s a great recipe to make with the whole family — including the little ones!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp softened butter
•
•
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 lb white chocolate candy coating
•
•
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve! DIRECTIONS
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INSIDE
We Can Learn a Lot From Christmas Movies PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Emily Leiter, Paralegal
Our Podcast Episodes
Client Appreciation PAGE 2 4 Ways to Boost Your Finances Before 2023 No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs PAGE 3 Best Christmas Tree Attractions to Visit This Holiday Season PAGE 4
Lighting Up Life One Pine Needle at a Time
TRAVEL-WORTHY CHRISTMAS TREES
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT TREE IN IDAHO Also known as the World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, this grand fir holds the record at 162 feet tall. It is festively decorated with more than 40,000 lights that twinkle in time to the music of “Jingle Bells,” and the tree is crowned with a 10-foot-wide star! THE BILTMORE CHRISTMAS TREE IN NORTH CAROLINA This majestic 55-foot Norway spruce tree is in front of the Biltmore Estate and lit as guests make their way down the path of luminaries. With ornaments and miles of garland, this tree is selected for the Banquet Hall each year for guests from all over to see. Some are lucky enough to live near or in a city with a magnificent tree, but if you don’t, consider traveling to one of these locations to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
streets in New York City and dates back to the Depression era, with the first tree placed there in 1931. This beloved tourist attraction draws thousands yearly with its dazzling lights and grand scale. To even be considered a contender for this role, a tree must be at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide! THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. This American favorite has long been a tradition. Every year, the ceremony begins with live performances by musical artists, and an annual highlight is when the president delivers a message of peace. President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas Tree in 1923. The tree was 48 feet high and decorated with 2,500 red, white, and green electric bulbs. A local choir and a quartet from the U.S. Marine Band performed as the tree was lit.
As the holiday season approaches, the twinkling lights and spectacular Christmas tree attractions are always a must-see! Here are the best travel destinations to catch a glimpse of one of the pillars of the holidays. THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE IN NEW YORK CITY The Rockefeller Center tree is located just west of 5th Avenue from 47th through 51st
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