Zihmer Law Firm - November 2024

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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