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August 2025
A Legacy Worth Dreaming About PROTECTING WHAT TRULY MATTERS
On Aug. 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. stood before the Lincoln Memorial and gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Even now, more than half a century later, it still stirs something. I revisit it every so often, and it always brings me back to that one powerful line: “I have a dream … deeply rooted in the American dream.” King didn’t try to replace the ideals of our country. He challenged us to live up to them. He called the Declaration of Independence a “promissory note” and pointed out that, as a nation, we had defaulted on it. But the note itself, he said, was good. His dream wasn’t about rejecting the founding promises but collecting on them. That distinction matters. Especially now. A lot has changed since that speech, and not all of it feels like progress. It seems like we’ve started replacing character with categories. The ability to disagree without being demonized feels like it’s fading. Personal responsibility gets traded for group identity. Freedom of conscience, freedom of speech — these ideas used to be sacred. Now they’re up for debate. In Os Guinness’ book “Last Call for Liberty,” he shares a quote from Judge Learned Hand that I haven’t been able to shake. It starts with a warning: “I often wonder whether we do not rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws, and upon courts. These are false hopes … Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it.” That’s where my mind goes this time of year. Not just to the speech itself, but to the kind of hope and character it called for. It’s the kind that must be lived, not legislated. That’s what I want for my kids. I want them to grow up in a country that honors people by the content of their character. I want them to inherit something better than political slogans or social trends.
A Question to Ask (or Answer for) a Loved One Asking and answering important questions helps preserve your family’s values and life
lessons for generations to come. What dream are you planning for?
This is not to diminish the financial aspect of legacy planning or the importance of getting the details right and having the needed documents in place. All that matters a great deal. But beyond those things, this work is really about protecting what matters most. That includes the stories we pass down, the values that hold our families together, and the faith and strength that help us get through life’s difficult moments. This is the type of inheritance I hope to help people pass down. And I’m not simply talking about family inheritance. I mean our country’s inheritance, too. I’d love to see us return to a shared sense of responsibility. That’s what Dr. King was calling us toward, and it’s a vision still worth holding on to. It’s why I keep asking myself: What kind of legacy am I leaving behind? What dreams do I have for my family, this country, and our collective future?
I encourage you to ask yourself the same questions. Because in the end, our legacy comes from how we live, what we teach, and how we treat each other. And there’s no better time to start shaping that than right now.
And that’s where legacy comes in.
“Legacy” is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But it’s more than just a word — and more than just the money and things you leave behind. Legacy means something real. It’s why I do this work. You leave a legacy because you believe in something bigger than yourself. When you make a plan, you do it because you care. You care about your family and their future. And you do it because you care about the example you leave behind.
Philip J. Corson, Founder
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” MICAH 6:8
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GOLDEN YEARS, GOLDEN GAINS
A RETIREMENT RICHES ROAD MAP
Once you’ve reached the age where stepping away from your life’s work is feasible, it is essential to explore ways to make your retirement funds last as long as possible — a goal that involves more than just keeping your bills paid in your golden years. Here are three thoughts to help you move toward a comfortable, sustainable, and secure post-work life. Redefine the future. There are several ways to build a reliable retirement plan to ensure financial strength. First, consider whether your anticipated fund withdrawals align with your tax strategies. For example, a Roth IRA conversion could present opportunities to reduce your financial obligations if you anticipate reaching a higher income tax bracket later in life. At the same time, charitable giving could result in similar advantages. Balance benefits with needs. Factoring in your Social Security benefits is another way to determine your post-retirement financial health, but only if you carefully consider when you begin receiving them. Generally, you can begin claiming Social Security benefits between ages 62–70, and the age you choose to receive them determines the amount.
If you decide to begin receiving your benefits as soon as you turn 62, they will remain at the lowest amount available indefinitely. Full benefits kick in once you reach your full retirement age of 67, but delaying them until you’re 70 will add 8% to your annual income. Avoid the risks of restraint. Although patience comes with a payoff, you face a few dangers if you delay your Social Security benefits. For example, putting off receiving them could prevent you from having the funds necessary to address any unexpected medical situation. Additionally, waiting until 70 could have a negative financial impact on your significant other, as spousal benefits are capped when your partner reaches full retirement age under certain conditions.
As no two financial paths are the same, we encourage you to consult a financial advisor and/or estate planner to ensure the most comfortable retirement
and sustainable legacy possible.
Climbing Past Parkinson’s
ROCK WALLS ARE HELPING PATIENTS RISE ABOVE
In a remarkable twist on traditional
to ensure their safety while they climb. Cupka emphasizes that the act of climbing engages the body and mind, requiring climbers to assess routes and make calculated movements, which can enhance cognitive function and physical agility. One inspiring participant is Dr. John Lessin, a former cardiac anesthesiologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003. Despite the disease’s progression, Lessin has embraced climbing, scaling walls up to 60 feet high. He describes reaching the summit as a triumphant experience: “I feel like I’ve conquered something. And I feel like the wall can’t beat me. I can beat the wall.” His daughter, Brittany, notes the significant impact rock climbing has had on her dad, claiming his newfound passion brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. Another climber, Vivek Puri, diagnosed at 38, refers to himself as “Spider-Man” when on the wall. He observes that climbing
sessions alleviate his symptoms, particularly improving his fine motor skills. Puri’s experience underscores the potential of climbing to mitigate some of the physical challenges Parkinson’s presents. Beyond individual achievements, the program fosters a supportive community among participants. Climbers often form bonds, encourage each other, and share their victories together — it’s a great way to build camaraderie and take stress off patients! While rock climbing may not be a conventional treatment for Parkinson’s, the success stories emerging from UpENDing Parkinson’s suggest that with innovation and determination, patients can find new avenues to combat the disease’s effects. This approach not only challenges the limitations imposed by Parkinson’s but also redefines what is possible in the realm of therapy and rehabilitation.Climb on!
therapy, individuals battling Parkinson’s disease are finding empowerment and improved well-being
through rock climbing. This unconventional approach is spearheaded by Molly Cupka, who founded the nonprofit organization UpENDing Parkinson’s over a decade ago. Her program introduces Parkinson’s patients to the vertical world of climbing, which offers both physical and mental benefits. Parkinson’s disease often impairs mobility, balance, and coordination. Rock climbing, with its demands for strength, strategic planning, and focus, serves as a comprehensive workout. Participants are securely harnessed
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Frontier Ingenuity at Its Finest
TAKE A BREAK
BEER FAMILY LEO LUNCHBOX MUSTARD PERIDOT POPPY SISTERS TWINS VACATION WATERMELON ZUCCHINI
Imagine wandering through a dense, misty forest when you spot a cozy little home carved into the base of a towering tree stump. It sounds like something straight out of a fairytale, but in the rugged 1800s, it was everyday reality for some of America’s earliest settlers on the West Coast. Back then, before the lumber industry toppled millions of ancient giants, the forests were filled with trees so massive their trunks could measure 20 feet across or more. Once felled (a task so intense it could take a month), these colossal stumps were too big, stubborn, and abundant to remove easily. Rather than blowing them up (though some tried with dynamite), the pioneers did what pioneers do best: They got scrappy. They turned the stumps into homes, post offices, barns, and even dance floors! HOW 1800s PIONEERS TURNED TREE STUMPS INTO COZY HOMES
One of the most legendary stump homes was the Lennstrom Stump House in Edgecomb, Washington. Crafted from a cedar stump 22
Summer Chickpea Salad Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
feet wide, it sheltered three adults and three children, proving that creativity could turn leftover lumber into a home. Though the original Lennstrom house met its end in 1946, you can still marvel at an 18-foot stump house today at the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum nearby. But stump houses weren’t just for surviving; they were for celebrating, too. In Calaveras, California, settlers turned a massive hollowed-out tree into a grand dance hall and hotel. Guests waltzed under twinkling candlelight and cedar boughs strung high above the forest floor. As one 1850s newspaper gushed, it was “romantic and beautiful beyond description” (although the ladies did wish the stump-turned-dance floor had a little more bounce)! In a time when luxury was a warm fire and a sturdy roof (or stump) over your head, these quirky homes captured the best of pioneer spirit: grit, resourcefulness, and a little bit of magic. Next time you pass an ancient stump on a hike, imagine what stories it might hold. In the right hands and with a bit of imagination, it might have been the coziest home on the frontier! The Lennstrom House ca. 1901
Ingredients
• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • 2 ears grilled corn, cut kernels from the cob • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp honey • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed • 1 lime, zested and juiced
Directions 1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onions, corn, tomatoes, basil, and chives. 2. Toss well with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and zest. 4. Whisk until the mixture is warm and garlic begins sizzling. 5. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss well to coat. 6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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803-746-7000 www.planningyourlegacy.com PO Box 100 Bowling Green, SC 29703
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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The Dream and the Legacy
Post-Work Wealth Wisdom The Unlikely Therapy Transforming Lives
3
Summer Chickpea Salad The Wild History of the Wild West’s Stump Houses
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Don’t Worry About a Thing (Except Getting a Will)
BOB MARLEY’S ESTATE: EVERY LITTLE THING IS NOT GOING TO BE ALRIGHT
Over the years, numerous lawsuits popped up. There were legal battles between family members, former business managers, and even people who claimed to be Marley’s children. To make matters worse, in the mid-1990s, Rita was accused of trying to forge documents that would have given her control over Bob’s name and likeness rights. That claim led to a prolonged court case and more delays in distributing the estate. An Organized Estate Eventually, the Jamaican courts appointed a court-supervised administrator to handle Marley’s estate — a move meant to avoid further family infighting and keep things above board. The estate was restructured under a holding company, Nine Mile, and later managed by a team of professionals to protect Marley’s image and assets.
When Bob Marley passed away in 1981 at age 36, the reggae icon left behind a massive musical legacy and a major legal mess. Why? He didn’t leave a will. Despite being one of the most famous musicians on the planet, Marley died intestate (the legal term for dying without a will). At the time of his death, his estate was estimated to be worth around $30 million, and that number has only grown thanks to royalties, licensing deals, and merchandise. No Will, Big Problems Without a will, Marley’s estate was subject to Jamaican intestacy laws, which meant his wife, Rita Marley, and his 11 recognized children were supposed to share the estate. While this sounds simple, it didn’t work out that way.
To this day, the estate remains active and highly valuable. Marley still consistently ranks among the top-earning deceased celebrities, pulling in millions annually from music sales, merchandise, and licensing. Bob Marley’s probate case reminds us that no matter how famous or well-recognized you are, dying without a will can create chaos, especially when significant assets are involved. Legal fees pile up, relationships can fall apart, and it can take years to settle everything. So, the takeaway is to plan ahead. A will (and potentially a trust) can save your loved ones a world of trouble — and ensure your legacy is handled exactly the way you want.
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