Take a look at our December newsletter!
December 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
A SIMPLE DECISION FOR THE NEW YEAR Turning ‘Someday’ Into ‘Today’
Christmas is on all of our minds this time of year. For our family, it’s one of the best parts of the season, and it all starts with finding the perfect tree. Right after Thanksgiving, we make our annual trip to the local tree farm. Hunting for the ideal tree is always exciting, but the real fun comes when we decorate it with lights and ornaments, many of which we’ve picked up on family trips. It’s kind of like having a little bit of our family’s history right there on the tree. And that’s just the beginning of the season. Every year, we also look forward to Christmas Eve dinners and gatherings on Christmas Day that let us spend time with family and friends and catch up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives. It’s busy, but the kind of busy that reminds me how lucky we are. While my focus is definitely on Christmas right now, I just learned about another December holiday that made me smile. Apparently, Dec. 31 is Make Up Your Mind Day. I think most of us can relate to that one, especially during the holidays. The end of the year tends to bring a lot of decisions, from what gifts to buy and how to spend the holidays to what to cook and where to be when the clock strikes midnight. Some choices are easy, and others take more thought. I like to think that I’m pretty good at making decisions. Between being a mom and running a law firm, I get plenty of practice. Even so, decision fatigue is real. There are moments when At Zihmer Law Firm, we’re honored when clients refer their friends and family to us. If you know someone who needs guidance with estate planning, estate administration, Medicaid, or elder law, we’d love the opportunity to help. Your trust means the world to us, and it’s the greatest compliment we can receive.
pushing something off feels easier than committing to it. And for many people, that’s exactly what happens when they think about estate planning. We’ve heard on more than one occasion from clients that they are so relieved to finally check this off of their list! Life is busy, and most of us have these running lists of things we’ll “get to later.” Some assume estate planning is something to worry about once the kids are grown or retirement is closer. Others worry that it’s a long, stressful process. But what I’ve seen over and over again is that once people begin, those worries fade fast. Our goal is always to make sure that the process is as smooth and easy for our clients as possible. From our initial consultation call to our signing ceremony, celebrating finalized documents, we want our clients to feel fully supported and comforted in knowing that they made the right decision to cross this important “to do” off of their lists! So, if estate planning has been sitting on your list, maybe use Make Up Your Mind Day as the nudge to finally move it to “done.” You may have all your Christmas shopping wrapped up for the year, but one of the most meaningful gifts we can give isn’t something that fits under a tree. It’s the peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place. Whether you start now or make it part of your goals for the new year, we’re here to make the process simple from beginning to end.
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful start to the new year.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Your perfume can make a bold and aromatic statement when you enter the room, but why settle for one when you could create a signature scent all your own? Perfume layering is the art of mixing and matching fragrances to create something uniquely you. Whether you want to pair delicate florals with a hint of smokiness or re-create one of your favorite desserts with vanilla and strawberry aromas, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to spritz on the next level of self-expression with this spray-by-spray guide to make your fragrance stand out. Perfect Your Perfume Into a Signature Statement WHIFF WIZARDRY
Appreciate the power of pairs. Simplicity is key when mixing a new perfume potion. Focus on just two scents that will work well together. Generally, you should start with smells in the same family, vibe, or mood. Decide if you want to create something woody, floral, fresh, citrus, or sweet. If you’re unsure where to begin, vanilla, musk, and most citrus aromas are safe go-tos for layering, bringing out subtle notes that can make a big impact. The more scents you add, the harder it is for any of these notes to shine, so stick to two. Layer like a pro. Start with heavier products, like lotion or oil, to create a good base for layering lighter sprays. Using thicker creams helps make your one-of-a-kind perfume last longer, giving you more mileage from your creation. If you only use spray perfumes, spritz on whichever has a stronger or richer smell first, then layer lighter scents. While a 1:1 ratio is an easy way to combine these products for scentful success, play around with it. Every time you try it out, add an extra spray of vanilla or a little extra musk until you find the perfect blend. Allow your skin to decide. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and how a fragrance interacts with your skin might smell different from how it does on a sample paper or when sprayed into the air. Test combinations on your arm to see how your natural scent blends with your chosen fragrances. Give each layer time to settle into your skin before adding another layer.
Don’t Forget the ‘Digital You’ in Estate Plans PROTECTING MORE THAN PASSWORDS
If you’ve ever looked through an old social media account after someone’s gone, you know how strange it can feel. There are photos, birthday reminders, and comments that still pop up and remain frozen in time. It’s comforting in some ways, but it also raises a question that many people never consider. What happens to all those online accounts when someone passes away? Who can reach them, and what if those accounts hold more than memories? These days, much of what we do exists online. Families bank, shop, and communicate through apps. Important files, business records, and family photos may be stored in the cloud instead of drawers or boxes. Many people also have investment accounts, reward programs, or digital wallets that hold real financial
value. When no one knows these accounts exist or how to access them, it can leave loved ones struggling to find information or close accounts. In 2020, Pennsylvania adopted a version of the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act. The law allows executors and trustees to manage a person’s online accounts, but only if the proper authority is written into the estate plan. A password alone isn’t enough. Without that specific language in the estate plan, even a close family member could be denied access to financial accounts, photo libraries, or even email records.
listing the online accounts that matter most to you and noting what you’d want done with each one. Then, name someone in your estate plan who can carry out those wishes. For smaller things, some platforms already let you set preferences. For instance, Facebook allows you to choose a Legacy Contact, and Google’s Inactive Account Manager lets you share selected data after a set period of inactivity. As the year winds down, it’s worth making sure your estate plan reflects the world we actually live in. The details that matter most to your family may not be on paper anymore. Taking time to include them now can prevent a lot of uncertainty later.
The good news is that planning for this doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by
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Make a Memory This Holiday Season PITTSBURGH’S BEST FESTIVE STOPS
If you’re looking for something to do for the holidays, the Pittsburgh area has plenty of options for everybody in the family. Downtown Pittsburgh is a great place to start. The holiday season officially kicks off with Light Up Night activities at the end of November, but the glow sticks around long after. The trees stay lit, and the fun continues through the beginning of the new year. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market is set up downtown until Christmas Eve. It’s a great place to browse if you’re looking for a unique gift or just want to wander with a cup of cocoa. While you’re downtown, you’ll also want to make your way over to the ice rink at PPG Place. Even if skating isn’t your thing, the tree in the middle and the reflections off the glass buildings make it one of the prettiest spots in the city this time of year. Downtown Pittsburgh isn’t the only place to enjoy the season, though. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Wild Illuminations is another holiday favorite, especially for families with young kids. On select evenings through mid-January, the zoo lights
up with silk-and-steel lanterns decorated with animals and holiday characters. Along with the lanterns, the zoo is decorated with more than a million other twinkling lights throughout the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal treats and drinks, performances, and even visits from Santa. For something slower, the Holiday Magic show at Phipps Conservatory is always a hit. During the holidays, the indoor gardens glow after dark, and the conservatory puts on an outdoor light garden with intricate displays. And if you’re up for a little holiday road trip, Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville makes a fun weekend adventure. Now in its 78th season, it’s open into early January and is one of those “worth the drive” experiences. You’ll find a hillside covered in lights along with 11 indoor buildings filled with festive shops, food, and displays. There’s still time to take in the lights and make a few new memories. The holidays move fast, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy them.
Classic Italian Tiramisu
Take a Break
Ingredients • 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup brewed espresso • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 5 large egg yolks, cold
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled • 28 hard ladyfinger cookies
Directions 1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD
GIFTS MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT
PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
The Year-End Plan Worth Making
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Fragrance Layering Made Easy
Digital Accounts and Estate Planning
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Holiday Fun Around Pittsburgh
Classic Italian Tiramisu
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The Psychological Triggers Behind Constant Upgrades Shiny, Sleek, and Addictive THE SCIENCE OF GADGET OBSESSION
Marketing and Social Influence Of course, the tech industry feeds on this craving. Marketing campaigns frame every release as revolutionary. They want us to feel left behind if we don’t buy the latest model. Social media piles on the pressure, with influencers and peers flaunting the latest devices. Then there’s FOMO (fear of missing out) that makes sticking with last year’s model feel worse; we’re no longer part of the in-crowd. Personality and Identity Not everyone upgrades for the same reasons. Some of us are natural thrill- seekers who love being first in line, even if it means dealing with buggy operating systems. Others see technology as an extension of identity: Owning the newest gadget becomes a badge of honor for the forward-thinking and tech-savvy. For these buyers, the purchase is less about
There’s something thrilling about unboxing a new gadget. The shimmer of the screen, the sleekness of the design, the moment you first power it on … it’s a rush. Behind this excitement, many psychological triggers pull us toward the upgrade cycle.
functionality and more about aligning with innovation.
Convenience Over Mastery Sometimes, buying is easier than learning. Mastering the quirks of an older device can feel like a chore, while a newer model promises smoother, more intuitive use. Many people convince themselves that an upgrade isn’t an indulgence but a convenience. The Hidden Cost Frequent upgrades carry consequences. Perfectly functional devices often end up in drawers or landfills, adding to the growing mountains of e-waste. Before chasing the next shiny release, it’s worth asking: Do we really need it, or are we chasing novelty, status, and validation at a hidden cost?
The Pull of Novelty We’re hardwired to chase newness. Psychologists call it neophilia, an attraction to fresh experiences. Gadgets deliver that hit of novelty: sharper cameras, faster processors, and
cutting-edge features that feel like a leap forward. These upgrades don’t just make life easier; they signal progress and feed our innate desire for self-improvement. Studies show people are far more likely to upgrade if the new version feels substantially different from the last.
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