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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. MAY/JUNE 2025
RECLAIMING JOY IN ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES From Last Bell to Summer Magic
As a kid, the ring of the last bell of the school year was so freeing and exciting. It meant endless days and hours spent playing outdoors. Now, as an adult, it feels like summer slips through my fingers with all the responsibilities — bills, cleaning, and just trying to keep up with life. But why should kids have all the fun? This nostalgia has got me thinking about the pure joy of those sun-soaked days and wondering why we adults can’t take part in some of that summer magic. It’s interesting to think about how much of our adult lives are spent on routines and obligations. We often forget to stop and enjoy the moment. But what if we could reclaim that childlike excitement
for life — not just for summer but all year round? Imagine being able to shift your perspective from “have to” to “get to.” For example, instead of grumbling about laundry, what if we viewed it as a privilege? “I have to do laundry” can become “I’m blessed to do laundry” and remind us of the convenience and resources we have, which many others may lack. This simple change in mindset can truly shift the way we view everyday tasks and change them from burdens to blessings. This shift isn’t about making mundane tasks more tolerable. Instead, it’s about bringing fun back into the little parts of our lives. It’s about making dinner,
paying bills, or cleaning the house feel less like chores and more like parts of a blessed life.
Life is short, and if we spend it all being serious, we might miss out on the joy each day can bring. Just as we couldn’t wait for summer break to arrive when we were kids, we can learn to look forward to everyday life with a similar excitement. Instead of dreading the start of another day, we could wake up thinking about what we “get to” do today. Whether spending time with family, completing a project at work, or even running errands, every task offers an opportunity for fulfillment and joy with those who matter most in our lives. This approach to life can also be contagious. Imagine the impact on our families and colleagues if we all approached life with more zest and less stress. Our relationships could deepen, our work could improve, and our personal happiness could grow. To me, it sounds like a worthwhile transformation! So, next time you find yourself slipping into the seriousness of adulting, remember the summers when you were a kid. Or, if you have kids, take a
lesson from them. Think about how you can bring some of that spontaneity and joy into your daily routine. Life is a gift, filled with opportunities to create happiness and fun. Why not seize them? Happy summer!
“This simple change in mindset can truly shift the way we view everyday tasks and change them from burdens to blessings.”
WWW.SHOUPLEGAL.COM | 1 –Andrea Shoup
THE BEST BUDGET APPS TO KEEP YOUR FINANCES IN CHECK Budget Smarter, Not Harder
Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse- buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices.
Shoup Legal Welcomes John Lundry
A New Face in ‘Happy Law’
Meet John Lundry, our associate estate planning attorney who’s turned his passion into a full-time pursuit. John, who’s been dabbling in estate planning part time for the last 13 years while working in high tech, has finally made estate planning his full-time career, and he couldn’t be happier about it. Before joining us last December, John balanced his legal interests with a series of different high- tech roles. Despite the draw of the tech world, his heart was always in the law, especially estate planning, which he proudly describes as “happy law.” According to John, estate planning is about “helping people get set up for their lifetimes, helping them to help their family.” It’s this positive impact on people’s lives that continues to bring him back to this field.
One of John’s favorite aspects of this career is the immediate impact he can make in his clients’ lives. He shares a time when a client called him on a Sunday needing urgent help with her estate plan. John quickly drafted her documents and received a call a few days later that she was in the hospital. That night, he finished up the documents at her bedside, and she passed away shortly after, with her affairs in order. “That’s why I do this,” John says. Outside of work, John enjoys biking and golfing. He also has an international flair — he spent nearly five years living in Taiwan, where he met his wife. Here’s a fun fact: He speaks Mandarin fluently! John, we are thrilled you have chosen Shoup Legal to call home! Here’s to many more years helping our clients protect their families!
Plan today for peace
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RECENT LIFE CHANGES? Why It’s Time to Update Your Estate Plan TRAVEL-INSPIRED ESTATE PLANNING From Passports to Power of Attorney
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients •
12 oz spaghetti or linguine 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• • • • •
3 oz Parmesan cheese
•
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup pasta water 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• • •
Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
4 large eggs
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
As summer approaches, many of us are planning our next vacation or getaway. Whether you’re heading to a tropical island or exploring European villages, travel not only broadens your horizons but also brings a surprising twist to your usual routines, including — you guessed it — your estate planning. Let’s take a look at how your travel plans can influence and enhance your approach to estate planning. First, travel emphasizes the importance of contingency planning. The excitement of a new destination helps us realize that unexpected events could occur while away from home. Ensuring you have an updated will or trust in place provides peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your adventures without worry. Next, being away from home can provide clarity on life’s priorities, including decisions about beneficiaries. While exploring new places, you might reflect on relationships and decide to update your beneficiary designations to align with your current wishes. After all, decisions and relationships can change over time. Sometimes, traveling may influence your decision to have a power of attorney. This legal document allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs should you be incapacitated while traveling. Whether you face unexpected medical issues or extended travel delays, having a power of attorney ensures someone you trust can handle your financial and health care decisions back home. Finally, the organizational skills required for travel, like managing itineraries, passports, and travel insurance, mirror those needed for effective estate planning. Just as you wouldn’t travel without essential documents, you shouldn’t overlook the organization of your estate documents. Ensuring these are accessible and updated makes it easier for your loved ones to manage your affairs if needed. Travel not only enriches your life with new experiences but also serves as a reminder of the importance of having well-organized and up-to-date estate plans. By aligning your travel preparations with estate planning, you secure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, both at home and while traveling!
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. 39755 Date St., Ste. 203 | Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 445-4114 | www.shouplegal.com
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1 | Bringing Summer Bliss Into Our Adult Lives 2 | Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances 2 | John Lundry Joins Shoup Legal 3 | Estate Planning on the Go 3 | Creamy Chicken Carbonara 4 | Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic Inside This Issue
SPRING FAMILY PICNICS MADE EASY
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger foods are tasty and
quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
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