Shoup Legal - May 2024

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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. MAY 2024

FROM SEEDS TO BLOOMS Growing Family Bonds and Beautiful Gardens

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and oh, what a rainy ride it’s been! But we’ve made it, and spring is in full swing. This time of year is captivating — the warmer weather, blooming flowers, and sense of renewal in the air are refreshing. Those who know me well know that I love roses — they are enchanting, gorgeous, and perfect for any occasion. Growing up, both my grandmothers had magical rose gardens that were more like floral wonderlands. I used to love exploring them while admiring their beauty and taking in the kaleidoscope of colors. I always found it amazing that both of my grandmothers shared a green thumb and a passion for roses, and I was thrilled when my mom followed in their footsteps and created a rose garden of her own. Keeping up with the family tradition, I’ve developed a passion for gardening and planting, and I make an effort to include my children. For us, each planting season is a new adventure, and gardening is the ultimate Zen hobby — it’s relaxing, intimate, and a great way to bond with those you love. It’s Mother Nature’s version of teaching life’s greatest virtues: patience, care, and the sweet satisfaction of bloom-filled success. It’s our family’s bonding glue — a chance to get our hands dirty while learning about the beauty of life and nature. “Here’s to the wonder, the learning, and the pure joy that comes from a simple seed and a little bit of love.”

My kids particularly love sunflowers! There’s something truly magical about watching these sky-high flowers reach for the clouds, standing tall with their golden crowns. And when spring emerges after a long winter, we become wildflower chasers. We take day trips to visit the “super bloom” fields painted with nature’s colors. Just last season, along with my parents, we discovered a wildflower haven on the Central Coast that left us speechless. But we don’t stop with flowers — we’ve ventured into the realm of fruits! We love growing strawberries and tomatoes. There’s something much more satisfying about taking a bite of your own home-grown fruit. However, I’m proudest of the watermelons the kids and I grew from tiny little seeds. The plants reached maturity, from bloom to full-grown watermelons, in only about six weeks! Who knew we had the melon magic touch? The watermelons were juicy and delicious — well worth the wait! As I write this, my daughter is working on planting flower seeds of her own. The kids pick, they plant, and their imaginations blossom along with their gardens. I wouldn’t have it any other way — I love inspiring them to let their creativity bloom and run wild.

In this wonderful season, as we savor the last days of spring and gear up for the summer’s grand entrance, I can’t help but feel that life is truly fantastic. Here’s to the wonder, the learning, and the pure joy that comes from a simple seed and a little bit of love. Spring, you’ve outdone yourself again!

–Andrea Shoup

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Master Your Money With Reverse Budgeting

More than 43 million adults have student loan debt. These loans are not easy to pay off, but it’s much easier with some strategic financial planning. This method uses a six-month grace period, high-yield savings accounts, and good savings habits. The lowdown on loan grace period. With any financial planning, the first step is to get a clear picture of the situation, which is no different. You want to calculate your minimum monthly payment. There are many calculators online just for this purpose. For reference’s sake, the average monthly loan payment for people with a bachelor’s degree is $302, while those with a master’s pay $688. Most federal student loans have a six-month grace period after graduation and before you must start making payments. Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Family Education Loans fall under this category. Perkins Loans have a nine-month grace period, so they can benefit even more from this financial plan. Note that interest accrues during your grace period. Get better rates with a high-yield savings account. Once you start earning an income, you’ll need to work fast. Open up a high- yield savings account immediately. These accounts have a much higher interest rate than their traditional counterparts — up to 12 times higher. Not all banks Take Advantage of the Student Loan Grace Period WITH HIGH-YIELD BANKING

offer them, and not all have the same annual percentage yield (APY). Currently, SoFi Bank has a sky-high APY of 4.6% with $0 minimum balance. Carefully research the bank you’re using and read the fine print. High-yield accounts have a few drawbacks. Generally, you can’t make more than a few withdrawals a month. Few banks offer ATM cards for these accounts. They’re perfect for carving off student loan debt but not for daily finances. Once you’ve set up the account, it’s time to start saving. Deposit any extra cash from your loan payment into your high-yield account. When the grace period ends, you’ll have a savings account to keep up with your loan and its interest. Student loan debt is a huge hurdle for every college graduate, but you can pay your loans off with a little savvy planning. Keep the goal in mind whenever you make that monthly deposit. Soon, you’ll no longer count yourself among the millions of indebted Americans.

Embracing Work-Life Harmony in Legal Services Ursula’s New Chapter at Shoup Legal

At Shoup Legal, we truly value each member of our team. We recognize that our collective success hinges on unique individuals, like Ursula, our new Welcome Team Intake Coordinator. Ursula joined us after a remarkable 23-year tenure as a 911 dispatcher, a role that demanded constant availability and often came at the expense of personal time. Seeking a change, Ursula was drawn to Shoup Legal for the opportunity to balance her professional life with personal fulfillment, remarking, “I was tired of being on call

and on standby all the time and having vacations canceled. It was time for a change, and I was ready for more time with my family.” Transitioning into her new role at Shoup Legal, Ursula quickly adapted to her new work environment, where she has found the eight-hour workdays passing swiftly — a stark contrast to her previous on-call responsibilities. When you call our office, Ursula is likely the first voice you’ll hear when inquiring about estate planning, probate, or trust administration services. Her responsibilities are instrumental in coordinating the initial interactions with clients, scheduling appointments, and ensuring our services are seamlessly facilitated. This role not only utilizes her exceptional organizational skills but also her empathetic nature, honed over years of public service.

Ursula, this meant adjusting to a new rhythm in which taking regular breaks and enjoying lunch hours became not just an option but a standard practice. Our respect for personal time and work- life balance is deeply embedded in our company culture, reflecting our understanding that a happy team is more engaged and productive. Outside of work, Ursula is devoted to her family. Her 22-year-old son, and her mother, who is her best friend, are her world. She is an avid reader with a passion for travel. In June, she’s looking forward to a cruise to Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Spain with her mother — how cool! At Shoup Legal, we know our strength lies in our people. By supporting and valuing individuals like Ursula, we foster a work environment that is not only productive but also supportive and fulfilling. Ursula, we are thrilled you have decided to call Shoup Legal home! We are lucky to have you!

What sets our firm apart is our commitment to the well-being and development of our staff. For

Plan today for peace

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1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly Directions Citrus BBQ Chicken Inspired by FoodNetwork.com • 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces • 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar • Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add Ingredients

SPRING INTO ACTION

remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

As the warm rays of spring wipe away any remnants of winter, many of us feel a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. This makes spring an excellent time to tackle important tasks we may have postponed, such as estate planning. Let’s take a look at why it’s the perfect season to get your affairs in order. Fulfill New Year’s resolutions. For many, a new year sparks renewed efforts to start estate planning, but it often takes a few weeks to get everything in order. Deciding on the right attorney, organizing your financial documents, and contemplating crucial decisions about your future all require time and thought. By the time spring rolls around, many are ready to move forward with their plans. Harness the energy of spring. Spring cultivates vitality, not just in nature but also in our personal lives. As the world around us blooms, so does our capacity for productivity. This season of growth and renewal is an optimal time to channel some of that natural momentum into getting important tasks done. Estate planning can sometimes be a daunting task, easily put off. However, treat it just like spring-cleaning and get it done! Beat the summer slowdown. The leisurely days of summer are almost upon us when priorities often shift to travel and family time. Many find the carefree summer months less conducive to initiating new and complex projects like starting an estate plan. It’s easier and less time-consuming to update an existing plan than start from scratch, so those without an estate plan should ideally begin in spring. For existing clients, summer can still be an opportune time to review and tweak their documents, and many make the time for check-ins during the summer months. Spring not only inspires us to clean our homes but also to organize our lives. Now is the time to start planning and enter summer with peace of mind, knowing your affairs are in order. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating existing arrangements, let the renewal energy of spring lead you to take this crucial step for your future. Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Estate Planning

4. On grill set for medium- high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until

grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken,

cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.

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 | Relishing the Splendor of Spring 2 | Use High-Yield Savings Accounts for Student Loan Repayment 2 | Ursula Brings Decades of Public Service to Legal Coordination 3 | Spring’s Renewal Energy — Prime Time for Estate Planning 3 | Citrus BBQ Chicken 4 | Paws and Paths Inside This Issue

First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though you likely may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The “leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.

Paw-some Adventures Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure

Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must-have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and hydrated. Packing more water than you think may be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks.

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