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Plan. Protect. Preserve.
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FREEDOM AT ANY AGE PRESERVE YOUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PLANNING
When I was growing up, my dad was a professor at Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills. Every year, we would head to the campus for their annual Fourth of July celebrations. As a young child, I didn’t know Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Edison, but I certainly enjoyed watching the fireworks. Watching, not listening. The noises scared the heck out of me. Luckily, my ever- resourceful parents knew to pack along a pair of headphones for me so that I could enjoy the show without being terrified of the sounds. In recent years, I’ve enjoyed taking my kids to Independence Day celebrations. It’s amazing to watch their eyes light up in amazement at the explosions in the sky. I’m glad to report that my fear of loud bangs hasn’t been passed along to Ryan or Madison, at least as far as I can tell. Another thing that I cherish about the Fourth of July is the chance to do some grilling. Any holiday that involves cooking over smoke and fire is one I’m automatically a big fan of. I recently got a Traeger wood pellet grill, so you can bet I’ll be firing that up this year. All kidding aside, the Fourth isn’t just about fireworks and burgers. More importantly, it’s a celebration of the most American of values:
independence. For our founding fathers (and mothers!), that desire for independence manifested itself in the form of breaking away from an oppressive foreign government. The days of the American Revolution may be centuries past, but preserving our independence is an ever-present concern. concern. In some sense, your later years should be the freest of your life. Once you retire, you’re often told that you are at peak freedom. Without 40-plus hours of work to fill up your calendar, you can get down to enjoying life on your own terms. Or that’s what we’re told. The reality is that this later-life independence isn’t always guaranteed. As people enter the later stages of their lives, maintaining independence becomes a bigger The clients I speak to are often very worried about the cost of long-term care. Nobody can predict if or when they’ll get sick and need long-term care. If you’re not prepared, it’s easy for the costs associated with care to wreak havoc on your savings. However, there are many ways to plan for the possibility of long-term care.
One of those ways, the Castle Trust, protects your assets from being used toward paying for nursing homes or other long-term care costs. It also helps you avoid probate and protect yourself from lawsuits. More families are using this option to ensure that their financial independence isn’t compromised by long-term care expenses. A Castle Trust is just one of the many tools we have to protect your freedom to decide what’s best for you and your loved ones. Nobody should have to defer their later life medical or estate decisions to hospitals or courts. With thorough planning, you can preserve your right to decide what’s best for you no matter what life has in store. That sort of freedom shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you’ll be watching the fireworks this year, I hope you’ll take a moment to think about the independence that the first citizens of the United States fought so hard for. Oh, and if you need some recommendations for kid-friendly headphones to block out those explosions, I know just who to call. – Christopher J. Berry
All kidding aside, the Fourth isn’t just about fireworks and burgers. More importantly, it’s a celebration of the most American of values: independence.
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Plan. Protect. Preserve.
What’s the best way to step out of the sun for a few minutes? Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing are great ways to shield yourself from UV rays, but it’s important to avoid being in direct sunlight for long periods. Taking a break from the sun gives your body the time it needs to recuperate and helps prevent sunburn and heatstroke. COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SUN EXPOSURE Many people think that a tan is better than a sunburn, but the result of tanning is still sun damage. When your skin tone changes due to the sun, regardless of whether it tans or turns red, it’s a result of the epidermis reacting to damage caused by UV rays. Both are symptoms of harmed skin. While vitamin D is important, the sun does not contribute to its creation as much as you might think. Doris Day, a New York City dermatologist, explains that if your skin were to constantly produce vitamin D from being in the sun, it would reach toxic levels. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that your body can produce on its own, through a common form of cholesterol or 7-dehydrocholesterol. Spending time in the sun does help vitamin D form, but you need far less exposure than you think. HOW MUCH SUNSHINE IS TOO MUCH? Keep Your Family Safe
To many people, summer is all about heading outside to enjoy the weather. But getting too much sun can be dangerous. To have a fun-filled summer with your family this year, remember that it’s essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. COVER UP Covering your skin is one of the best ways to avoid skin damage. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants or skirts can protect your skin from direct exposure to UV rays. While this tactic protects you from the sun, it offers poor defense against the heat. So, if you opt for cooler attire, it’s important to cover all exposed skin with a copious amount of sunscreen. Be sure to reapply every two hours for maximum skin protection. SPEND LESS TIME IN THE SUN If you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time in the sun, consider your environment. Will there be plenty of shade? Will you have to bring your own?
Knowing how to protect yourself from UV rays is the first step to having a safe, fun-filled summer!
THE DELICIOUS STORY OF A FAMILY BUSINESS
“When we first started, I had no idea how hard it would be to grow apples,” Jeff says. “It was quite the learning curve. I remember contacting an expert from Michigan State University after culling the bad apples one year. I couldn’t believe that we had to pull down such a significant percentage of apples in order to make sure the rest grew to be healthy. He assured me it was completely normal.” As part of their learning experience, the Markillies have sought ways to minimize their carbon footprint. “We feel a responsibility to be environmentally conscious stewards of the land,” Jeff says. Markillie Orchard is open from Labor Day weekend through mid-November. Be sure to visit them this year for the best apples in the area, delicious cider, and donuts that you’ll eat before you even get home. Pro tip: We asked Jeff to recommend us a few varieties worth checking out, and he suggested honeycrisp and empire apples. Markillie Orchard in Howell
Every fall, Chris looks forward to visiting Markillie Orchard in Howell and enjoying some of their fresh local apples. Over the years, he’s become friends with the orchard’s proprietors, Jeff and Karin Markillie. Because we’re such big fans of the Markillies, we wanted to share their story with you. “I never set out to own an orchard; it just sort of happened,” says Jeff Markillie. “In 1998, after our kids were grown, Karin and I decided to move to 10 acres in the country. We didn’t really know what we’d do with the land. I’ve always loved apples, so I decided to plant 25 trees without the slightest inkling that it would one day turn into a business.” Only a few years after those initial plantings, the Markillies had an 800-tree orchard. “Karin was gracious enough to go along with me when I said, ‘Let’s try this,’” Jeff remembers. “Without her support and the help of my daughters, we never would’ve been able to get where we are today.” With 2,500 trees and a barn for making cider and donuts, Markillie Orchard is now a thriving family business.
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Save Money and Lower Stress With These Tips RENTING A VACATION HOME?
3. READ THE ENTIRE CONTRACT No matter which source you decide on for your rental, you need to read every word of the contract. Given that it explains everything you’ll be on the hook for, you’d be a fool to skim it. It will cover liabilities that may incur extra charges, as well as hidden costs like utility bills, internet, and cleaning services. You should also factor in these costs when you’re budgeting for a rental. 4. YOU CAN ALWAYS NEGOTIATE Even when you’re dealing with a huge timeshare-style property, there’s probably some wiggle room in terms of pricing. Remember that every aspect of a contract is negotiable until you sign it. That’s especially true if you planned ahead and have time to decide on a property. 5. DON’T FORGET THE DEPOSIT Most rentals will require a steep upfront security deposit. More often than not, you’ll get that money back, but only if you meet the terms. Security deposits, when not mutually understood, can cause arguments between a property owner and lessee.
Renting a vacation home is a great way to make the most of your days off this summer. However, it can also end up breaking the bank. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to exceed your budget with hidden fees, extra costs, and last-minute markups. To avoid that fate, follow these five tips. 1. START YOUR SEARCH EARLY When it comes to booking rentals, the more lead time give yourself, the lower the price you’ll pay. Six months in advance is great, but a year is preferable. In addition to saving money, you’ll also have a wider availability of times to choose from. Start with your preferred destination and travel window to narrow down a search to only relevant properties. 2. SHOP AROUND A real estate agent who specializes in your desired area is a great starting point when you’re location hunting, but they shouldn’t be your only source. Airbnb is great for short-term rentals, and local newspapers also have plenty of listings. As with any other buying decision, shopping around will give you the clearest picture of what’s available.
BALSAMIC GLAZED PORK CHOPS Chris’ Paleo Corner:
Thank You!
Inspired by paleoleap.com
This flavorful take on pork chops is the perfect centerpiece for your meal. You can serve the chops alongside a simple salad, charred asparagus, or any other summer veggies you want.
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INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper. 3. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme. 4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 5–6 minutes. 5. On high heat in an oven-safe saute pan or skillet, sear the pork chops for 1–2 minutes on each side. 6. Brush chops with half of glaze and transfer to oven. 7. Roast 6–8 minutes. 8. Remove from oven and brush with another coat of glaze. Let cool 5–10 minutes and serve.
• 4 boneless pork chops • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tablespoons raw honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Frank Bucholtz Danny Golds Roger Marcotte
Linda Morin Judith Nagy
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Plan. Protect. Preserve.
8550 Grand River Ave., Ste. 200 Brighton, MI 48116 888-390-4360 www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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INSIDE This Issue
How to Maintain Your Independence PAGE 1
Battling the Summer Sun! PAGE 2
A Local Orchard Takes Root PAGE 2
Tips for Vacation Rentals PAGE 3
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops PAGE 3
Take Your S’mores to the Next Level PAGE 4
CAN I HAVE S’MORE?
Creative Twists on the Campfire Classic
STRAWBERRY S’MORE-CAKE If you really want to wow your guests at the next bonfire, try your hand at this creative take on the summertime classic. Gooey s’mores meet fresh strawberry shortcake in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is original. Find the whole recipe, including tips on making the perfect shortcake, at aspicyperspective.com/ smores-strawberry-shortcake-recipe. S’MOREO A simple but memorable twist on the campfire classic. Grab a box of Oreo cookies, pull a cookie apart, and use that in place of your graham cracker. The cream filling will pair nicely with the chocolate and toasted marshmallow. S’MORES MILKSHAKE Too hot for a campfire? Cool down with a s’mores milkshake! The trick is to lightly toast the marshmallows in the oven so they mix well with the other ingredients in the blender. Get the recipe at spoonfulofflavor.com/2013/08/30/ smores-milkshake to enjoy this sweet treat even in the heat of summer. It’s the simple recipe that opens the door for creative interpretations of the classic s’more. Be adventurous this summer and see what great new s’mores you can create!
You’re just three ingredients away from the perfect summertime treat: chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The s’more is a fan favorite on camping trips and at backyard bonfires alike. Though they say you can’t improve perfection, we’ve found a few creative twists on the classic treat that will make your summer a little sweeter.
THE ELVIS A campfire snack fit for a king — of rock ’n’ roll, that is.
This s’more pays homage to Elvis Presley’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Swap out the chocolate bar for a peanut butter cup candy and add a few slices of fresh banana between the graham cracker and marshmallow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even add some bacon. S’MORES IN A JAR Here are s’mores you can enjoy all year long. Layers of crushed graham cracker, melted marshmallow, and creamy chocolate turn a simple jar into a great dessert! Learn how to make the perfect s’mores on the go at family.disney.com/ recipe/smores-in-a-jar.
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