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Rise Above the Rig The ‘Perpetual Wealth’ Guide to Prosperity
Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, it’s doubtful you’ll ever forget the debates preceding the 2016 presidential election. In one of many headline-grabbing moments, Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump of avoiding paying federal taxes. Instead of denying the allegation, he leaned into it and replied that he was “smart” for not paying them. A few months later, comedian Dave Chappelle joked that he had never heard a white male billionaire scream at the top of his lungs that he didn’t pay taxes because he was smart. It’s not partisan to suggest that President Trump was on to something in his now-famous statement … and it’s time for American entrepreneurs to learn precisely what that is. In my recently published seventh book, “Perpetual Wealth: Five Entrepreneurial Truths to Rig the Legal, Tax, and Financial Systems, Increase Revenue, and Expand Your Freedom,” I explore the premise that our legal, tax, and financial systems are indeed rigged to favor only the savviest entrepreneurs among us. It is possible to reengineer these rigged systems, but you have to understand how and why they’re rigged the way they are. Our nation’s financial framework is designed to extract as much wealth from us as possible. It chips away at our economic growth through income taxes, capital gains taxes, self-employment taxes, estate transfer taxes, corporate taxes, and more. Perhaps even worse, many advisors are siloed based on their expertise. For example, your CPA focuses on one element of your monetary strength, an attorney is committed to assisting you in your estate planning, and your financial advisor may
be focused on another part of the overall picture. These diverse roles often create a disparity in direction and a lack of cohesion in making straightforward decisions on your future solvency. “Perpetual Wealth” aims to remove the static and present entrepreneurs with a clear path forward. Here are a few of the book’s critical topics and takeaways. Own nothing, control everything. Level your estate plan to fuel growth, protect assets, and keep you in command. Lawsuits happen; stay untouchable. Use the IRS’s logic against them to lawfully reduce your tax bill. Use tax laws as a weapon. Design an impenetrable legal fortress that keeps your wealth out of reach from creditors, litigants, and divorcing spouses. Never be at the bank’s mercy. Create tax-free liquidity for cash flow and to pursue arising opportunities. Engineer a plan that outlives you. Design an ironclad estate plan that doesn’t divide and dissipate but instead fortifies your businesses and assets for generations. Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, you may have a friend or family member who wants to build a solid and sustainable foundation for future wealth. Encourage them to read “Perpetual Wealth”; it’s an all- in-one resource for better understanding and overcoming the systems and structures that keep even the most forward-thinking business leaders from achieving their fullest potential and profitability. As we approach the end of another year, assisting our clients and readers in maintaining and building their means remains my primary goal. For the entrepreneurially minded, I’m confident “Perpetual Wealth” will provide you with new perspectives and valuable truths that will guide you toward prosperity in 2026 and beyond. For more information and to order a copy, please visit PerpetualWealth.law .
We’re now sharing short videos and helpful content on estate planning across our social media platforms. These accounts provide everything from alerts about common misconceptions to planning tips we wish more folks knew. They’re a great way to stay informed — and maybe even entertained! To see all our channels, please scan the QR code provided or visit SheppardLawFirm.com/socials . Thank you for taking a moment to visit and follow our platforms. We appreciate your continued trust in our firm.
–Craig Hersch
1 (239) 265-9779
NOVEMBER 2025
Somatic Journaling Will Change How You Heal
AND HOW YOU MOVE THROUGH THE DAY
You know that feeling when something’s off, but you can’t quite explain it? You’re not “sick,” but you’re not thriving. Maybe your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, or your energy crashes every afternoon. That’s your body trying to get your attention. Fortunately, you already have the tools to listen.
Welcome to somatic journaling, a practice that helps you connect the dots between what your body feels and what your soul needs. Feeling better starts with feeling. Unlike traditional journaling, which often lives in your head (think thoughts, plans, overthinking), somatic journaling takes you deeper. It allows you to tune in to your body, where your emotions, energy, and stress are stored. Those tight hips? That shallow breath? They’re clues. Somatic journaling is your chance to decode them. All you need is a bit of mindfulness, a notebook, and a few moments to breathe and ask your body, “What’s going on in there?” Let’s say you’re anxious before a meeting. Instead of spiraling into “Why am I always like this?” you pause and notice: Your chest is tight, your breath shallow, and you feel like you’re running on empty. Then comes the “aha” moment: “I’ve had no breaks all day. No wonder I
feel this way.” That’s the body’s version of a breakthrough and a chance to reset. Try these easy somatic check-ins. The 3-2-1 Body Scan Start small and write down: • 3 sensations (feet on floor, jaw tight, clammy hands) • 2 slow breaths • 1 question: “What does my body need right now?” Do it when you wake up, before a tough conversation, or anytime you feel “off.” A journal is your translator. Somatic journaling helps you shift from judgment to curiosity, from disconnection to trust. It’s a practice of tuning into the intelligence that lives under your skin. You don’t need to “fix” yourself. Just feel. Your body has the answers, and your somatic journal is where they begin.
s S e n s i b l e A s s e t L i m
When it comes to providing for your loved ones in your estate plan, there’s a big difference between a safety net and a hammock. Documenting how (and how much of) your assets will be transferred to family members upon your passing is the heart of any legacy plan. In a perfect world, every beneficiary would treat whatever they receive with the care and respect it deserves. Unfortunately, you may need to consider a situation where one or more of your children have a history of irresponsible spending or other personal habits that would make giving them a lump sum at one time counterproductive or even harmful. In some cases, an adult child may have limited education, a history of being fired, or struggles with addiction that receiving significant funds at one time would exacerbate. In other cases, you may have a child who’s just no good with money. No matter the reason, there are options to consider for including them in your legacy plans while putting protections in place to help ensure their inheritance doesn’t become a hindrance. If you’re concerned about how an adult child might handle their inheritance, you don’t need to leave them less than your
other children. Instead, you can structure their share in a trust managed by a trustee who follows your directions for when and how funds are used. For example, you may allow the trustee to pay for the beneficiary’s household needs, medical expenses, or
education. The trustee can also direct funds toward rehabilitation or other circumstances that promote the beneficiary’s well-being and long-term stability. Family dynamics can sometimes be complicated, so it is essential to look honestly at how your assets would best protect and provide for your family members. Please contact us to discuss options for safeguarding
your beneficiaries’ financial success.
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TRASHED TREASURE The High Cost of Hidden Heirlooms
Imagine purchasing a lottery ticket and placing it in an empty Gatorade bottle so you won’t misplace it. As you later hear the numbers read off on TV, you realize they’re very familiar. You rush to the kitchen to retrieve the bottle and discover it isn’t there anymore … just as your spouse walks in after getting rid of your recyclables. Suddenly, your plans for safekeeping don’t seem so clever. Unfortunately, we sometimes see clients making similarly careless (if well-intentioned) mistakes when attempting to protect certain heirlooms and other assets. Not long ago, a deceased client’s family was preparing her home for sale when her granddaughter opened a jar of peanut butter … and found a diamond ring inside. The sudden realization that the deceased may have hidden other valuables in her home led her family members to make a mad dash to the outside dumpster. They uncovered other items, including a gold bracelet hidden in a bag of vegetables. While hiding those items so cleverly may have thwarted potential burglars, it did little to help my client’s loved ones have a smooth and organized experience upon her passing. This surprisingly common scenario points to the heart of why a thorough estate plan is essential. As concise as many clients are in creating solid documentation to preserve their legacy, just as many
overlook jewelry, art, coins, and other high-value items that could cause confusion and even interfamily conflict once discovered. Just as you’d revise your plan if you bought a new home or welcomed a new grandchild, you should extensively review your possessions to determine what should go to whom. From there, explicitly detailing your decisions regarding these items (and where they can be easily located) will present those you leave behind with a clear picture instead of leading them on a surprise scavenger hunt.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your current estate plan or would like to explore ways to update it to include all your beloved assets.
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
6 slices of bacon
• •
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil 2 tbsp raw honey
• •
1/2 cup feta cheese
8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Beat the System, Build a Legacy PAGE 1 The Journal Practice That Cultivates Your Mind-Body Connection PAGE 2 Planned Protection for Risky Heirs PAGE 2 Safekeeping Slip-Ups PAGE 3 Apple-Cranberry Salad PAGE 3 Bundle Up and Step Out PAGE 4
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Less Scrolling, More Strolling THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK
As the temperatures ease and the humidity finally drops, Floridians can breathe a little easier outdoors. Fall brings milder mornings and breezier evenings, perfect conditions to shake off summer’s indoor routine. It’s easy to stay glued to the air conditioning, but taking a daily walk this time of year is one of the simplest ways to stay active, clear-headed, and connected with your surroundings. Fall and winter are Florida’s best seasons for outdoor movement. There’s something refreshing about palm fronds swaying against a blue sky or the sound of seabirds overhead on a cool morning. The softer sunlight and lighter air make it easy to appreciate nature’s quiet details, from neighborhood blooms that last
year-round to the glow of sunset over the Gulf. A short walk lets you unplug, breathe deeply, and enjoy a calmer pace of life. The science of seasonal movement still applies, just in reverse. Instead of escaping the cold, we’re finally stepping out of it. Moderate temperatures reduce physical strain, helping you move more freely and for longer stretches. A quick walk outside boosts circulation, sharpens focus, and lifts mood, especially after long hours sitting or scrolling indoors. Create a pleasant routine you’ll want to keep. Choose comfortable shoes, light clothing, and perhaps a favorite playlist or podcast. Set a reminder to take advantage of those
crisp mornings or golden-hour evenings. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long stroll on the beach, consistency is what counts most. Make it social, rewarding, or both. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you, or turn your walk into a mini adventure. Maybe a stop for iced coffee, or simply the satisfaction of checking it off your wellness list. Little rituals make your walks enjoyable, which keeps you coming back day after day.
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