Check out our latest edition!
m
I talk to lots of people who feel invisible, overlooked, or lonely during the holidays, so I’m re-printing a previous article because I feel it’s necessary, especially this time of year, to truly “see” each other.
Max smiles when he talks about his wife, Sandy, who has been gone for six years. He flashes back to their first date, falling in love, dancing in the kitchen, and raising their daughter. He is somber when he talks about his military service. He remembers bombs and bullets. “Too many didn’t come back,” he says. Max talks about “ice cream dates” with his daughter and how he told her he wouldn’t cry when he walked her down the aisle. “But I did,” he says, a wry smile creasing his face. He talks about swimming, fishing, and camping with his grandchildren up north and recalls with pride the top salesman award he earned at his company. I can feel Max’s heart sink as he recounts his health problems that resulted in him moving out of the home he loved after 52 years. Imagine having your car keys taken away. Or being told you must move out of the home you built with your own hands. Today, Max is living in an assisted living community. If you walk past Max sitting in his wheelchair, you may see him as “just another old man.”
Author Stephen Covey tells a story about “perspective” or “how you see the world.” I want you to picture Mr. Covey riding on
a subway reading his newspaper. His peaceful ride was interrupted when a father and his young children boarded the train. The kids ran up and down, yelled, and threw things. Covey was annoyed at the kids and, even more, at the father who was allowing them to carry on. After several minutes, Covey asked the father if he could control his children. The man lifted his gaze and said softly, “Oh, you’re right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago.” In an instant, Covey’s perspective — his view of this man’s world — changed. This new information made him think differently, feel differently, and behave differently. In my elder law practice, I am sensitive to how people are treated as they grow older. Many people look at the elderly as “generic” people — like they’re all the same. They are not. No matter a person’s age, every person has his or her own stories and life experiences. Consider Max, who was married to his wife, Sandy, for 64 years. His eyes brighten as he talks about his first job and ripping open his first paycheck. He remembers his hands gripping the steering wheel the first time he was allowed to drive the family car alone. Max recalls his first dog, Abby, and how she followed him everywhere. And he remembers hugging Abby as she took her last breath because the vet said there were no other options. He proudly reminisces about walking to the podium to receive his college degree, the first in his family to do so. He recalls a road trip to Florida with his college buddies, Stan and Eddie. “ I’m the only one left ,” he whispers.
He is not. He is unique.
Next time you see a “Max,” I challenge you to see him from a different perspective, a different worldview. He is a person who had parents, a brother, sisters, a daughter, and a wife. He has fallen in love, had his heart broken, seen his friends and loved ones die, and still, even today, has hopes and dreams. When you see Max as unique, you will change your perspective, like Stephen Covey on the subway. In an instant, you will think differently, feel differently, and behave differently . And that perspective is exactly what Max has earned, and what he deserves. Wishing you a truly merry Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a happy New Year.
1
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
Your Flight Delay Backup Plan: How to Secure a Refund decides the matter on a case-by-case basis if a consumer files a complaint.
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of cheer and goodwill, but keeping that spirit alive when you’re stuck at an airport is challenging. If you’re traveling to see family this year, we hope your flight is on time and uneventful. But with large-scale airline delays repeatedly making the news since the pandemic began, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Before you pack your bags, know how to get a refund if the worst happens and you end up stuck at home. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires airlines to provide consumers with a cash refund when a flight is canceled or experiences a preventable delay or schedule change. Any refund should include baggage or service fees. The airline may offer a voucher or new tickets instead of a refund, but you can refuse these offers. Receiving a refund for a canceled flight is pretty straightforward. Speaking with a representative in person or over the phone will usually solve the problem. However, delays can be trickier. Unfortunately, USDOT does not explicitly define a significant reschedule or delay and
Regulations also only require airlines to issue refunds for delays if the matter was “preventable” by the airline. So, you should receive a
refund if workers fall behind or there’s a maintenance issue. But if a tropical storm rolls through town or a security threat
grounds flights, a refund is at the airline’s discretion.
Most airlines will provide a meal voucher for passengers waiting three hours or more due to a delay. For a particularly long or overnight delay, most also pay for a passenger’s unforeseen hotel stay. However, check your airline’s policy before you book. While most airlines commit to these benefits as a matter of customer service, no law legally compels them. If you believe an airline legally owes you a refund, but it refuses, you can file a complaint with Transportation.gov. However, many travelers prefer to utilize travel insurance for situations that fall into
a gray area. Many credit cards offer this service to cardholders for free, and frequent fliers should keep one ready in their wallets.
As the new year approaches, it’s common to set resolutions for self-improvement. However, many people struggle to maintain these commitments throughout the year. Did you know the second Friday in January is often referred to as
in shape,” set a SMART goal like, “I will walk one mile three times a week for six months.”
Quitters Day — a day when most people drop the goals they set for 2024? To increase your chances of success, consider adopting creative goal-setting strategies that will keep you motivated and accountable! Visualize Your Goals Create a vision board (this can be digital) with images and words that represent your goal. Seeing your aspirations in a tangible form can be a powerful motivator. Place it where you will see it daily for a constant reminder of what you’re working toward. Set SMART Goals SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Define your goals with these criteria, making them clear and attainable. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get
One-Word Theme Choose a single word that encapsulates your goal for the coming year. Whether it’s “balance,” “adventure,” or “growth,” having a theme can simplify your decision-
making and provide a clear direction.
Monthly Challenges Break your larger goals into smaller monthly challenges. For example, if your resolution is to read 24 books in 2024, set a monthly target of two books. Achieving these smaller milestones can boost your motivation. Goal Journaling Keep a journal dedicated to your goals. Write about your progress, setbacks, and how you feel about your journey. Reflecting on your goals can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments. Setting goals for the new year doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these creative strategies, you can make the process enjoyable and increase your chances of success in 2024!
2
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
Retirement is an important life transition — one that often comes with a sense of newfound freedom. It’s an opportunity to explore the passions and hobbies that may have taken a back seat during your working years. One area of exploration is rekindling your creative side. Retirement can be the perfect time to rediscover your creativity and embrace self-expression in various forms. Your Guide to Staying Creative in Retirement FLOURISHING IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS
Here are six ways to reignite your creative spark in retirement.
Reflect on Your Interests What creative activities brought you joy in your younger years? Did you enjoy painting, writing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument? Revisiting these interests can be a great way to reignite your creative side. Experiment With New Hobbies Retirement is an excellent time to experiment with new hobbies and creative outlets you’ve always wanted to explore. Take a painting class, try your hand at photography, or learn to play a musical instrument. Exploring new hobbies, such as writing or crafting, can be exciting and creatively fulfilling. Join Creative Communities Consider joining local clubs or communities that share your creative interests. These groups provide opportunities for social interaction, learning, and collaboration with like-minded individuals. It’s a fantastic way to gain inspiration and encouragement. Volunteer for Creative Projects Many organizations, including nonprofits and community groups, often welcome volunteers for creative projects. Offering your time and skills for a cause you believe in can be a fulfilling way to express your creativity. Enroll in Workshops and Classes Retirement can be an ideal time to invest in your creative skills. Enroll in workshops or classes that help you develop and refine your talents. Whether it’s pottery, photography, or creative writing, structured learning can boost your confidence. Embrace the Learning Process Above all, remember that the creative journey is about personal growth and self-expression. Embrace the learning process, and don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Your creativity can flourish with patience and practice. Retirement is the best time to explore the passions and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether you’re returning to old hobbies or embracing new ones, creativity in retirement can be a deeply enriching and rewarding experience. It’s a journey that allows you to tap into your inner artist, storyteller, or craftsman and share your unique perspective. What hobbies will you explore next?
Solution on Pg. 4
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
3
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
What’s Inside? 1 2 Everyone Deserves to Be Seen
Your Holiday Guide to Flight Refunds
Creative Strategies for Achieving Your 2024 Resolutions
3 4
How Retirement Fosters Creativity
Helpful Resources
Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US
It may be too late for less spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! Leavenworth, Washington Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas-centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21 miles, where you can find reindeer farms, carolers, gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! Solvang, California A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced
“Yule-fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more! Woodstock, Vermont During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll down Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants. North Pole, Alaska If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, we know the perfect destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year-round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!
4
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator