Littlejohn Law LLC - March 2020

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

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3/20

BUILD IT. PROTECT IT. PRESERVE IT.

PLANTING SEEDS FOR THE HARVEST

FOUR KEY PRINCIPLES FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENTS

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. In the New Testament of the Bible, “reaping what you sow” is a common way of saying that what you get out of an investment is equal to what you put into it. That means the more time and money you invest, the more you’ll gain when it comes time to harvest. We can’t expect an incredible return on an investment when we haven’t put in all the work to make that return incredible. A PART OF ALL I EARN IS MINE TO KEEP. One book on investments that has stuck with me is “The Richest Man in Babylon,” which brings timeless principles on investment from an ancient civilization to modern readers. One of those principles is that all you earn is yours to keep. When we receive income from our work or our investments, our first instinct is often to pay off our debts. This leads many people to adopt the mindset that our money is not our own — even though it is. While you should pay off your debts, you should never do so at the expense of bolstering your savings. That way, when the rainy days come, you’ll be able to pay for a roof over your head. INVEST IN YOURSELF TO INVEST IN OTHERS BETTER. March 16 is my mom’s birthday. She’s been one of my foremost champions throughout my life, and I owe a lot to her, including the final investing principle I abide by — always invest in yourself so you can invest in others better. The more you harvest, the more you have to share. I’ve always tried to better myself, and that’s ultimately benefited my clients. My team and I go to different workshops and seminars to learn how to serve clients better, and I always try and have the best equipment we can afford to do the best job possible for our clients. As you plant your gardens or sow seeds in your fields this spring, think about the ways you can invest your time and money to better yourself. In turn, you’ll be able to help the people around you all the better.

Whether you’re a farmer by trade or you just have a garden you tend in your backyard, planting seeds is probably on your mind once spring approaches. You want to make sure you plant your seeds on the right day in the right kinds of conditions so you’ll get a nice, big harvest in the late summer or early fall. This also applies to any kind of investment, whether in your finances or in your business. I’ve drawn on four different principles from lessons learned in my life — all of which deal with farming or planting seeds to some extent — for wisdom in my investments. I can honestly say they’ve paid off, and I would like to share them with you. PREPARE THE GROUND. Before the seeds even go in the ground, you have to make sure the soil will provide the seeds with all the nutrients they’ll need to grow. This has always made me think of earning your white belt in Karate. The white belt is a symbol that you have “prepared the ground” in your training and that you are ready to grow more in your knowledge as you advance in the belt system. Without that foundation, you’d never be able to grow as a martial arts student. Wherever you decide to invest your time or money, make sure the conditions are conducive to good growth.

–Edward Littlejohn

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3 PLACES TO RETIRE INTERNATIONALLY RETIRE IN STYLE

Edward Littlejohn for Jefferson County Commissioner

My dad is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Election Day is March 17, 2020. Please support my dad. If you would like more information about him, go to his Facebook page, Friends of Edward Littlejohn. See attached flyer for more information.

Even if you’ve always planned for a comfortable retirement in the United States, choosing to live internationally could be a smart alternative to improve your standard of living in retirement. International Living Magazine’s Retirement Index has tracked objective retirement metrics — like the cost of living, democratic stability, and health care — for the last 40 years. They also take into account reports of correspondents actively living abroad. Here are some of their top picks for international retirement destinations. PANAMA Panama ranks No. 2 in International Living Magazine’s list of best places to retire internationally. With its tropical climate, proximity to the United States, excellent health care, and low tax burden, it’s easy to see why. In Panama City, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 a month in living expenses, but housing costs are substantially lower outside of major metropolitan markets. Panama also offers excellent discounts, up to 25% off of things like airline tickets, hotels, and energy costs through its Pensionado program. COSTA RICA If it’s a textbook paradise you’re looking for, look no further than Costa Rica. Thanks to a 1948 decision to abolish their military and direct all of those funds to health care and education, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Known for its stable democracy, safety, and socialized health care that’s only available once you’ve obtained residency, Costa Rica also offers climates for just about everybody — from the lush jungles of the south to the hot, dry beaches of Guanacaste in the northwest. Expect to find large communities of expats to help you acclimate. MEXICO The first things that come to mind for most people when you mention Mexico are margaritas and beach umbrellas, but this country offers a lot more than that. For starters, Mexico features an enticingly low cost of living. International Living estimates a couple could live in Mexico on anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 per month, depending on location, including health care expenses. Once you’ve obtained residency status, you can sign up for national health care plans that offer full coverage for just a few hundred dollars annually.

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE CASIE JOHNSON STATE FARM

Not all insurance companies are bad. Meet Casie Johnson, a local State Farm agent. Casie’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Give her a call at 740-264-0561.

2 | 740-314-4829 This newsletter is for informational purposes only and no legal advice is intended. Be sure to consult with this law firm if you have a specific question about your situation. And, remember Edward and Jeff don’t take any unplanned inbound telephone or in-person meetings. We believe each case deserves our undivided attention.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPCOMING VIP EVENTS

SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Happy Birthday, Mom! Thanks for all you do for the family!

These SEMINARS AND TELECONFERENCE CALLS are FREE. That’s right; there is no charge. We just ask that you preregister so we can make sure there’s enough space. We want to make sure people make good decisions about their legal situations. March 16 at 12 p.m.: Small Business Lunch & Learn March 18 at 3 p.m.: Estate Planning Seminar “Estate Planning Basics Including the Ins and Outs of Probate” April 20 at 12 p.m.: Lunch & Learn April 22 at 3 p.m.: Estate Planning Seminar (Asset Protection & the Basics of Medicaid) May 18 at 12 p.m.: Lunch & Learn May 20 at 3 p.m.: Estate Planning Seminar (Estate Planning & the Ins and Outs of Probate Court) If you see a seminar or teleconference that’s interesting to you or your family, be sure to preregister by calling 740- 314-4829 or visiting LittlejohnLawLLC.com. We’ll send you more information as we get closer to the meeting but only to those who have preregistered. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, be sure to attend one of our seminars or teleconferences. Send your email requests to office@elittlejohnlaw.com.

Jeff and Ally enjoying some of the last few sunny days.

Kyzlee is growing up so fast, and her personality is really coming out, even in some of these pictures.

Kellee and Courage are having fun taking pictures.

EASY IRISH SODA BREAD

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups all-purpose flour • 4 tbsp white sugar • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup margarine • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, divided • 1 egg • 1/4 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375 F, and lightly grease a large baking sheet. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and margarine. 3. Stir in 1 cup buttermilk and egg, and mix until dough comes together. 4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface. Form dough into a round before placing it on baking sheet. 5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk. 6. Brush the raw loaf with this mixture and cut an “X” into the top. 7. Bake loaf for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean after being inserted into center of loaf. You may need to continue brushing the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

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352 FRANK LAYMAN BLVD. WINTERSVILLE, OH 43953

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

FOUR KEY PRINCIPLES FOR INVESTING

2

RETIRE IN STYLE

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

3

WHAT’S NEWWITH ME AND MY OWN

UPCOMING VIP EVENTS

EASY IRISH SODA BREAD

4

SUPPORTING YOUR TEEN’S ART

ARTFUL PARENTING

How to Support Your Teen’s Artistic Passions

When a teenager is involved in sports, it’s easy to show support for their passion. You take them to practice, go to their games, celebrate their victories, and help them learn from their losses. But what if your teen is more into arts than athletics? Without a literal sideline to cheer from, helping your child grow and develop in fields like writing, painting, and photography can feel — well, abstract. But make no mistake, parents can show concrete support in a few ways to help their budding artist grow and excel in the arts. STARS TO STRIVE FOR Just as many young athletes have star players they look up to and try to emulate on the field, aspiring artists can look to those making waves in their artistic fields today. Often, school courses focus on “the classics,” which can just feel like homework to an aspiring artist. This is where you can help. Introduce the work of contemporary artists to your teen, or better yet, give your teen opportunities to discover them on their own. Trips to museums and libraries can be just as impactful on growing artists as going to a ball game. NO. 1 FAN You may not have to drive your high schooler to writing practice, but you can still give them the tools and support they need to hone their passion. The most obvious way is by asking to see

their writing or art, but keep in mind many teens may not be willing to share something that personal. Still, reminding them you’re genuinely interested in their work can help them stick with their passion. Indirect gestures like buying them quality art supplies can also show them you value their craft. THE BIG LEAGUES Sure, there’s no varsity watercolor portrait team, but student artists can strive for important milestones. School clubs like student newspapers can provide a semiprofessional outlet for young artists, and there are myriad creative outlets outside the classroom as well. Community galleries, youth anthologies, coffee shop open mics — these are all amazing opportunities for your teen to take their work to the next level. Just as most teen athletes won’t be professional players, you don’t have to expect your artist to be the next Ursula K. Le Guin or Banksy. Whatever their interests are, helping your child explore their passions and enjoy a discipline will leave them with skills and memories they’ll draw upon the rest of their life.

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