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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE 26 FEB
Facebook’s First 20 Years Hint at What Comes Next MID-SCROLL REFLECTIONS
Every once in a while, something makes you stop mid-scroll and actually think. Not just about what you’re looking at, but about how you got here in the first place. That’s where my head was the other day, staring at my screen, bouncing between posts, news, videos, and updates, without even realizing how natural that feels now. And that’s when it hit me: This is the world. This is normal, and not that long ago, none of this existed. Facebook just happens to be the perfect marker for that realization. It started on Feb. 4, 2004. Where did those 22 years go? Do you remember where you were when you first started using it? I do. We didn’t even know what the heck it was. There was no road map or sense of where this was heading; it was just something new, and now it’s part of our DNA as a society. When you really think about how quickly Facebook and social media became so popular, it raises a much larger question. Instead of spending our time watching TV, now we’re spending our time watching TV while scrolling through social media, right? How many hours are you on your screen? It’s not a judgment. I’m not saying it’s good or bad. It’s just the norm … and norms change quickly! As I was scrolling through my social media today, because that’s where information lives now, my feed served up something completely different: the expansion of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport for SpaceX. It’s
just another headline mixed in between everything else, but when you stop and think about it, it’s remarkable. Spaceflight is already part of our daily recognized reality. That sentence alone says a lot about where we are. When we project that forward and look ahead 10 years, by Elon Musk’s design, we could be watching dozens of rockets firing off this planet every single day. At the same time, we’re already seeing changes with automated cars, robo-taxis, and the mass adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) over the last year and a half. Things are happening so fast that we just accept it. That’s exactly what happened with Facebook. Technologies like it became part of our culture almost overnight. It seems perfectly normal now to spend hours on end flipping through a feed, and without realizing it, we wake up one day, and it’s 20 years later. All that change feels sudden, but it wasn’t. It was a steady stream. How quickly will your next 20 years go? If you’re already in retirement, the changes in technology and medicine alone are going to be staggering. The challenge isn’t avoiding them. It’s being able to enjoy and embrace them and to sit here in 20 years in a good spot and look back and say, “Wow, what’s happened?” just like we’re doing now with Facebook.
videos that are hard to tell if they’re real or fake, it’s already changing fast. Maybe there will be a new Facebook. Maybe we’ll post live feeds from Mars. It sounds crazy, until it doesn’t. That’s what guys like Musk and Zuckerberg are doing. They’re bringing science fiction to life. The stories they read as teenagers shaped their vision of what the future should be, even before they knew it. Now they’re in a position to make it happen. So, let’s enjoy it. Let’s sit back and watch. Post about it. Reflect on it. Because whether we realize it or not, we’re living through another “Wow … where’d those 20 years go?” moment right now.
And who knows what Facebook will look like then? With AI, Meta, predictions, and
Wealth Solutions: AdvocateWealthSolutions.com | Law Office: DuPontEstateLaw.com | 1
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT THE LAW FIRM, AND HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE THEN? I started working for Greg as an intern in the summer of 2021, as part of Columbus State’s paralegal program. When I finished school, I was fortunate enough to be added to the team as an official full- time employee. Now, I’m the main point of contact for anyone opening an estate administration or guardianship case. I’m familiar with many of the probate courts throughout Central Ohio and prepare probate paperwork for our clients daily. I also help out with deeds and some estate planning meetings. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? My favorite part of my job is the variety of activities I get to do and the skills I get to learn and practice. No probate case is the same, nor is an estate plan. I really enjoy working on all sides of the firm because it gives me different types of paperwork to do, and I get EMILY LEITER PARALEGAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
to learn different aspects of law. I also really enjoy problem-solving, and this job allows me to do that.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE HESITANT ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING? If anyone is thinking about estate planning and wants to prepare for their future, I think the best thing for them to do is to call a trusted estate planning attorney to get some more information and resources. A consultation with an attorney can be very helpful in creating a plan that best fits their needs and goals.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE PODCAST?
We want to use this space to express our gratitude to the following members of the community who have recently
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Karen Amos Greg Dosch Herb Kirchner Shirley Rose Marcie Adam and Teri Kirk Kelly Donahue
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2 | Wealth Solutions: 614-408-0004 | Law Office: 614-408-0529
Adjusting From Accumulating Wealth to Living on It When the Goalposts Move
For decades, retirement planning has been all about one thing: saving. You contribute faithfully to your 401(k), build up your IRA, and remind yourself that the sacrifices will be worth it someday. Then retirement arrives, and suddenly the goal flips. Instead of asking, “Am I saving enough?” you’re faced with a very different question: “How do I actually use this money?” This shift from saving to spending is one of the most important and emotional transitions retirees experience. LETTING GO OF THE SAVER’S MINDSET One of the greatest challenges in retirement isn’t financial; it’s psychological. After years of discipline and delayed gratification, spending can feel uncomfortable, even wrong. Many retirees worry that every withdrawal is a step closer to running out of money. That fear can lead to underspending, where people live far more cautiously than necessary. Learning to trust the plan you worked so hard to build is essential. CREATING A PURPOSEFUL SPENDING PLAN Spending in retirement shouldn’t be random or reactive. A clear spending strategy brings confidence and clarity. Start by separating essential expenses such as housing, food, and health care, from discretionary ones like travel, hobbies, and dining out. This approach
helps you understand what must be covered regardless of the circumstances and what can be adjusted depending on market conditions or personal priorities. When your spending aligns with your values, it feels less like “giving up savings” and more like investing in your quality of life. MANAGING INCOME STREAMS WISELY Retirement income often comes from multiple sources: Social Security, pensions, investment accounts, and possibly part-time work. Knowing when and how to tap each source can make a big difference. For example, delaying Social Security may increase lifetime benefits, while drawing from taxable accounts early could reduce future tax burdens. Coordinating withdrawals thoughtfully helps your money last longer and reduces unnecessary stress. EMBRACING A NEW DEFINITION OF SECURITY Markets will fluctuate, expenses may change, and life will surprise you. The key is adaptability. By reviewing your plan regularly and adjusting as needed, you can enjoy your money without constant worry. The transition from saving to spending is a mindset shift, but once embraced, it allows you to fully experience the freedom you’ve spent a lifetime earning.
SUDOKU
VODKA CREAM PASTA
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
32-oz can crushed tomatoes Coarse salt and pepper 16 oz penne rigate pasta
• • • • • •
• • • • •
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream 20 basil leaves, torn
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet over moderate heat, sauté oil, butter, garlic, and shallots for 3–5 minutes. 2. Add vodka in a steady stream and heat for 2–3 minutes to reduce by half. 3. Add chicken stock and tomatoes, bring to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large pot, cook pasta to al dente in salted boiling water while sauce simmers. 6. Stir cream into sauce until it bubbles and remove from heat. 7. Drain pasta, toss with sauce and basil leaves, and serve with sides of your choosing.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE A publication of Advocate Wealth Solutions, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
INSIDE
Facebook, Technology, and the Speed of Change PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight: Emily Leiter Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 Mastering the Transition Into Retirement Spending Vodka Cream Pasta PAGE 3 Island Hop on a Hassle-Free Adventure to These Travel Destinations PAGE 4
Set Sail on a Getaway That Keeps Things Simple A CRUISE WHERE YOUR PASSPORT CAN STAY HOME
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple. SUN, SAND, AND CARIBBEAN VIBES If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more.
For a tropical twist, Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten. BAHAMIAN BLISS Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port Everglades, or Port Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters. BERMUDA BOUND Just 570 miles off North Carolina, Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
4 | Wealth Solutions: 614-408-0004 | Law Office: 614-408-0529
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NEW CLIENTS: Let Us File Your Taxes for Half of What You Paid Last Year
When the IRS comes looking for more revenue, will they be looking at wage earners in the top 50% or the bottom 50%? You need to prepare now. In efforts to provide the highest level of service to our friends and clients, I wanted to make sure you knew of a valuable service we offer. In addition to DuPont Law Group and Advocate Wealth Solutions, I also own a very successful tax preparation and comprehensive tax planning firm, Ohio Tax Advocates, Ltd. This company utilizes highly skilled tax professionals to protect you and your family from paying more than your fair share. We strive to level the playing field, and maybe even tilt it in your favor, legally and ethically. Ohio Tax Advocates isn’t your run-of-the-mill tax preparer. Our meetings go beyond such
As government spending continues to climb, the Internal Revenue Service is getting more aggressive than ever in its search for funds. Without proactive tax guidance, your income and savings are left vulnerable to Uncle Sam. Did you know … • The top 1% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $540,000) pay 40.1% of all federal income taxes. • The top 5% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $217,000) pay 60.3% of all federal income taxes. • The top 10% of all taxpayers (those that have Adjusted Gross Income over $151,935) pay 71.4% of all federal income taxes.
standard advice as “max out your 401(k)” and “contribute to an IRA”. We work with a carefully vetted team of tax professionals and CPAs from across the country to help proactively plan better tax outcomes for our clients . Through this effort, we can often lower future tax liabilities and, as a result, provide a more coordinated tax, estate
planning, and retirement income planning process.
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taxplanningohio.com
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We believe these three goals must work in harmony to achieve the best results. Wouldn’t you agree? These services may benefit you regardless of whether you are a business owner, a W-2 employee, or a retiree. I have found that there are almost always tax planning opportunities for anyone who pays tax — don’t let the fact that you get a refund hide the amount of taxes you have paid. At this time of year, many people are considering whether they should do their taxes themselves or perhaps change their tax preparer. If you are contemplating such a change, we would like to make a special limited-time introductory offer. Our team will prepare your 2025 tax return for one-half the fee you paid a professional preparer to prepare your 2024 tax return. If you prepared your 2024 tax return yourself, or used our services last year, we will prepare your 2024 federal, state, and local returns for $375. When that return is complete, we will also conduct a complimentary review to determine what, if any, changes could be made to reduce your future tax obligations. With a few exceptions, it’s too late to change your tax outcomes for this past
year, but if you want to get a jump start on THIS year’s savings, see us NOW. This is a limited-time introductory offer. We are proactive planners and not last- minute firefighters. To take advantage of this reduced rate offer, you only have to provide us with 15 minutes of your time and all information needed for your return by March 31st . With any request for us to file after March 31st, we will file for extensions and charge our standard rates. Is potentially saving thousands of dollars in taxes now and in the future a priority for you? If so, call us at 614.414.3616 to get started now.
P.S. As with all the services that we provide at Advocate Wealth Solutions and DuPont Law Group, our offers to you extend to your family and close friends as a courtesy to you. So, if you don’t think you will benefit from this offer, but think you know someone who may, feel free to let us know and we will treat them with the same level of expertise and care you have grown to expect from us.
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