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November 2024
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
2 SPECIAL PUPS IN OUR HOME
BEYOND THE FEAST Showing Gratitude This Thanksgiving
It can be too easy to forget, or at the very least underappreciate, all the people in our lives who make our days shine brighter. From our coworkers whose good mood and can-do attitude in the office to our loved ones at home who remind us of why we go to work in the first place, the special people in our lives deserve our appreciation. With Thanksgiving coming up, I can think of no better occasion than to highlight the people in my life who I feel are worthy of my gratitude, thanks, and recognition. For me, these people are my family, team, and clients; without them, I would not be where I am today. Enjoying a Feast With Family In our family, we take turns visiting my family one Thanksgiving, and my husband’s family the next. Every so often, we host a feast ourselves. As we all know, Thanksgiving is intrinsically linked with our nation’s true national bird, the turkey, and whether you are visiting family or hosting them at your home, the job of cooking that turkey for everyone to enjoy is a tremendous honor and responsibility. When we host, my foodie husband, Andrew, takes that task and role seriously — as he should. Two years ago, he had the brilliant idea of spatchcocking the turkey. This involves cutting
along the backbone and flattening the bird, before topping it all with rich seasoning. If you are interested in learning more about it, check out the instructions on Page 3! It requires a bit of extra effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. I, on the other hand, pride myself on my sides, as every turkey needs its co-stars to truly shine. I am thankful for Andrew, our beautiful children, and our entire family for making our holidays so special. I am also grateful to have such courteous and kind in-laws to spend my Thanksgivings with. What Makes Work Wonderful Thanksgiving also symbolizes camaraderie and cooperation, which are key to a successful work environment and vital to providing the best possible service to our clients. We are fortunate to have cultivated a comfortable, productive work environment through successful team building and by prioritizing the client’s needs and wishes. Working with such a talented team and wonderful clients makes each day a genuine joy. I wish all of you a very happy and delicious Thanksgiving!
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
From 18 Onward 3 Essential Legal Documents Every Young Adult Should Have
A Simple Will Finally, every young adult should have a simple will. While it might seem unnecessary for someone with few assets, a will is essential for ensuring their property is distributed according to their wishes. It also simplifies the process for loved ones during a difficult time, reducing potential disputes and confusion. A simple will can address the distribution of personal belongings, digital assets, and any other property, providing clarity and direction for those left behind. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or older adults; it’s also a crucial step for young adults. Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind and protect them and their loved ones in the future.
Every person needs an estate plan, regardless of age or income level. It’s easy to think estate planning is only for the wealthy or older adults, but even young adults can benefit from having essential legal documents in place. Here are three critical estate planning documents every young adult should have and why they’re so important. Health Care Power of Attorney One of the most important documents for any young adult is a health care power of attorney, also known as an advanced health care directive. This document allows a family member or another trusted individual to make health care decisions on behalf of the young adult if they become incapacitated.
Without this legal document, parents and legal guardians will be barred from making health care decisions for them and will not be allowed to access their medical information. This can create complications during an already challenging time. Financial Power of Attorney A financial power of attorney is another crucial component of a young adult’s estate plan. This document ensures someone can manage their bills and any financial affairs if they are ever physically incapacitated. Whether paying rent, managing bank accounts, or handling other financial matters, having a financial power of attorney provides peace of mind that these tasks will be taken care of without disruption.
Gobble, Gobble THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY TRADITION
Part of what makes special occasions special is the foods they are synonymous with. We have cake on our birthdays, candy on Halloween, and turkey on Thanksgiving. How these culinary staples became linked with these holidays is rarely questioned, but why is Thanksgiving Day, the celebration of harvest and gratitude, synonymous with turkey dinner?
at the time, the Pilgrims more likely dined on duck and goose — which begs the question: If the Pilgrims didn’t eat turkey on the “original” Thanksgiving, why do we? A Love/Hate Relationship Turkey became the staple of Thanksgiving dinner due to a few contributing factors. Unlike chickens and cows, which can provide eggs and milk, turkeys are only useful to farmers as a source of meat. As gruesome as it may sound, that fact also makes turkeys disposable. Additionally, one turkey can typically feed a whole family, so it became a popular source of protein in America. However, it may be cultural staples, like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Sarah Hale’s novel “Northwood,” both portraying decadent turkey meals, that played a more significant part in its popularity on the holiday table. Hale was also a key campaigner for Thanksgiving to bring together families across America and repair a nation splintered by the Civil War. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln granted her wish and made Thanksgiving an official national holiday. She was likely the biggest factor in turning turkey into the star of Thanksgiving dinner and, as a result, is likely the nemesis of turkeys everywhere.
The Original Menu Many in America believe we model our Thanksgiving cuisine after the menu of the original feast. But in 1621, the Plymouth Pilgrims and Wampanoag did not eat like we do today. Moreover, they did not see their meal as a special occasion. Thanksgiving dinner has been used to celebrate the autumn
harvest for hundreds of years and is a tradition that predates the colonies. The Wampanoag people brought venison to the party, and the Pilgrims supposedly brought wildfowl. While an estimated 10 million wild turkeys were prowling the Americas
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
The Benefits of Asset Protection Trusts Protecting Your Wealth
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has named November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month to raise awareness of this pressing and difficult problem currently affecting over 6 million Americans. Zihmer Law Firm can help you provide financial security for your most vulnerable loved ones. Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other mental and physical ailments can be incredibly burdensome and difficult to handle, not just for those suffering from them, but their families as well. Those affected may require nursing home or around-the-clock care. Unfortunately, seniors in Pennsylvania can expect to pay an average of $10,000 a month for nursing home care — an exorbitant expense few can afford. Fortunately, we may be able to set you up with an Asset Protection Trust, which can help mitigate the cost of nursing home care. What are Asset Protection Trusts? Asset Protection Trusts are a form of irrevocable trust designed to sever a person’s connection to their assets, whereby a grantor transfers ownership of their assets to a trustee. Typically, this would involve the party in need of nursing home care
transferring their assets to the trust for the benefit of their children or loved ones. This helps keep those assets protected from fraudulent actors and
common scams, litigation, and the costs of nursing home care. This transfer must take place at least five years prior to needing nursing home care, so it is important to think about this type of planning well before you would actually need it. How are Asset Protection Trusts helpful? When your assets are part of an Asset Protection Trust, they do not count toward your available assets when applying for Medicaid. In Pennsylvania, if you meet certain financial requirements, Medicaid will help cover the costs of nursing home care, significantly reducing the financial burden on you and your family. Best of all, the investments and real estate assets in the trust are still accessible (with some limitations) and will still be working on your behalf. If you are interested in setting up an Asset Protection Trust, contact our office at 412-223-2525 .
What You’ll Need Spatchcock Your Turkey
• 12–14 lb turkey • Olive oil • Paper towels
• Sharp knife or kitchen shears • Can of beer • Large cutting board
If you are looking for an exciting and delicious method of cooking your family’s turkey this Thanksgiving, then look no further and consider spatchcocking. No, I did not just accidentally lean on the keyboard: Spatchcocking, also known as butterflying, is when you remove the turkey’s backbone so that it lays flat. This produces flavorful, crispy skin and has the added benefit of actually reducing cooking time to boot. If you are interested in spatchcocking this Thanksgiving, here is a helpful recipe to help you get started!
Directions
1. Dry off your turkey with paper towels. 2. Place your turkey on the cutting board with the breast facedown and the backbone facing upward. Cut along one side of the backbone with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Cut along the other side of the backbone, then remove the backbone entirely. 3. Turn the turkey over and press down on the turkey until you hear the breastbone crack. Make sure the turkey is flat on your cutting board. 4. On a rimmed baking sheet, place the turkey with the breast facing upward. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 8–24 hours without foil or plastic wrap. 5. After chilling, let the turkey sit for 30 minutes or until it reaches room temperature before drying off the bird once more. Brush the turkey with olive oil. 6. Preheat oven to 450 F. Pour a can of beer onto the baking sheet. In the oven, roast turkey for 60–70 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes, then carve.
Recipe inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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UST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
What Thanksgiving Means to Me
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Estate Planning Essentials for Young Adults How Turkey Became a Thanksgiving Staple
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Why You Should Consider an Asset Protection Trust Spatchcocking This Thanksgiving
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Curb Your Cough: Discover the Soothing Power of Hot Tea Quell Your Cough With Hot Tea
Anti-Inflammatory Properties Licorice root, chamomile, elderberry, and green tea are all linked to reducing inflammation in airways. Licorice root also has anti-spasmodic properties that can help calm irritated tissues, and it is an ingredient in many leading tea brands, including Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Pukka. However, it’s best to consume licorice root tea in moderation. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems licorice root safe, consuming large amounts can cause side effects, including high blood pressure. Soothing, Lubricating Teas While mucilage may sound like the name of an old-fashioned glue, it is actually a viscous, gelatinous plant substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues. Mucilage is found in teas containing licorice root, marshmallow root, and mullein.
Expectorant Effects An expectorant can lubricate your airways and thin the mucus in your respiratory system. This, in turn, makes your cough more productive, easing discomfort, expelling bacteria, and helping heal your airways more quickly. Teas containing ginger and mullein offer this benefit. Opening Airways Some of the most popular herbal teas also help ease cold symptoms. Eucalyptus teas can help open up constricted airways, and teas containing peppermint and thyme also relieve sinus and cold symptoms. In all cases, you can amplify tea’s therapeutic benefits by adding a spoonful of honey! Honey’s throat-coating consistency soothes irritated tissues.
The rattle of coughing is the soundtrack of winter, and about 1 in 5 adults suffer from coughs during the peak cold and flu season. While coughing can signify serious illness, sufferers need short-term relief more often. You should always ask a health care professional for advice when you are ill. But simpler, natural treatments for an irritating cough may be as close as your kitchen cupboard: A steaming cup of hot tea can soothe irritation in your throat and chest. As
winter draws near, consider stocking your shelves with teas offering these therapeutic effects.
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