Check out our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2025
SiegelLawGroup.com
561-955-8515
New Year, New You? Don’t Forget Your Estate Plan, Too!
Many of us have had incredible experiences during the last year. You may have visited somewhere new, started a new job, or even established new friendships and relationships. We’re about to close out 2025, which allows us to review the last 12 months, focusing on the range of positive and negative experiences we’ve had. This is a time for growth, deep thought, and appreciation. As you think about the last 12 months, consider whether you had significant changes to your life that require updates to your Estate Plan. While we recommend that you review and update your Estate Plan at least once every three years, it’s also necessary whenever you experience a major change in your life. You may not be in the right mindset to adjust your Estate Plan directly after it takes place, so the end of the year is a great time for review. Here, you’ll find the 5 Ds of Estate Planning. If any of these happened this past year, you likely need to update your Estate Plan. DEATH Whenever you experience a death in your life, especially someone incredibly close to you, it’s a good idea to review your plan. If that person was going to play a critical role in your plan, such as Executor or Power of Attorney, you need to place someone else in that position. If you were leaving something to them in your will,
you may need to update who will now receive that asset. They could have also left you a large inheritance you must now include in your Estate Plan. DESCENDANTS If you welcomed a new little one into your life during the past year, you should update your Estate Plan to include them. This is critical because you determine who will become your children’s guardian if something happens to you and their other parent. If you don’t, the court will decide what’s in the child’s best interest, which might not align with your thoughts. Grandparents may also want to update their plan whenever a new grandchild enters the picture.
the country. Your home is one of your biggest assets, so you must ensure your Estate Plan reflects your housing situation if you move or sell. Additionally, laws vary from state to state, and you may need to rework parts of your plan. DIVORCE You may have planned to leave your spouse everything when you created your plan, but your views will likely change if you split up. You must review and update your plan after a divorce, and it’s also worth updating if you have a new marriage. Estate plans require regular upkeep. If you’ve experienced a significant change in your life, make sure your plan
DISABILITY People learn about life-changing diagnoses every day, and if you or a
loved one recently discovered you have a serious illness or condition, you may need to update your plan. You may need to establish Trusts to protect funds and ensure loved ones don’t lose much-needed government benefits. You may need to update your Health Care Directive if your views and wishes have changed. DISTANCE Whenever you move, you need to review and update your Estate Plan, regardless of whether you move across town or to the other side of
reflects it. Call us today if you have any questions or need assistance!
-Barry Siegel
1 561-955-8515
Protect Your Business. Preserve Your Legacy.
When you hear people discussing Estate Planning, they usually focus on ensuring families are protected and taken care of. Wills and Trusts allow you to distribute assets and leave inheritances, while the other critical documents allow you to lay out your wishes and determine who will take on essential roles if needed. However, business owners have to take additional actions to protect their companies. This isn’t necessarily something you should view as optional; Estate Planning is vital to the continued success of your business if something were to happen to you. One of the most important aspects of Estate Planning for your business is ensuring you have some sort of succession plan in place. Who would step into your role if something were to happen to you? This may take some serious thinking, especially if you are the only owner. You have to determine whether you want to transfer control to a family member, sell your ownership to a partner or third party, or even close the business altogether. Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s always good to have a plan. Other parts of Estate Planning for your business include ensuring you have the right insurance solutions in place to help cover expenses if you pass away or become incapacitated, and minimizing the tax burden upon transferring ownership. Both of these pieces will be invaluable if you decide to pass ownership to a loved one. Many benefits come with establishing a strong Estate Plan that includes your business. It allows you to remove uncertainty because a plan will detail what happens if you can’t lead the business. It will help you protect business assets and pass them on to a loved one or business partner. Most importantly, it helps ensure your legacy remains since you can guide the company’s principles, leadership decisions, and values through your Estate Plan. Every business owner should have an Estate Plan in place that includes provisions for their business. If you don’t, now is the perfect time to create one!
When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. TURN DOWN THE MENTAL VOLUME. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded. Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes. CHALLENGE YOUR THOUGHTS. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
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Avoid the Spend-Down Smart Strategies for Medicaid Eligibility
Many Americans will reach a point where they need assistance to cover their long-term care costs. Thankfully, Medicaid can help offset the high expenses incurred while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, and for other medical needs. However, becoming eligible for Medicaid takes prior planning and action. If you’re currently enrolled in Medicaid or planning to enroll sometime soon, take some time before the new year to ensure you qualify for benefits without needing to spend down assets or put yourself in a bad position. One of the most important things to remember when applying for Medicaid is the income and asset limits associated with eligibility. For 2025, individuals enrolled in Medicaid must keep their monthly income below $2,901 and have no more than $2,000 in countable assets. These assets include money in
bank accounts, investments, and real estate outside of your primary residence. Your home, one vehicle, and most personal belongings are not included when determining countable assets. Hearing these limits may cause concern, as many Floridians have assets worth well over $2,000, but our team can use various strategies to put you and your loved ones in a great position going forward. You can establish trusts, transfer assets to your spouse, or make smart Estate Planning decisions to protect your assets for future generations and help cover other impending expenses. Proactivity is key here. Florida has a five-year look-back period that has to be properly navigated to ensure eligibility. By planning ahead and taking the correct actions, you can qualify for Medicaid and protect your assets, loved ones, and yourself. If you don’t think planning for Medicaid is necessary, think again! The average cost for a private room in an assisted living facility in Florida is over $100,000 a year. If that sounds out of your financial reach, then Medicaid planning will benefit you immensely. Call us today if you have any questions or need help applying for benefits.
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Check Out Our Seminars
Living Trust • Thursday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Boca (Location for all dates: Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton ) Living Trust • Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. Naples (Location for all dates: Naples Bay Resort & Marina, 1500 Fifth Avenue South, Naples ) Living Trust • Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. Medicaid Planning • Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. Wellington (Location for all dates: Fairfield Inn: 10616 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington ) To reserve a spot, call us at 561-955-8515 ! For more information scan the QR code above or visit our website SiegelLawGroup.com/events !
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Inside This Issue
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Life Happens. Make Sure Your Estate Plan Keeps Up.
Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind-Clearing Tips
Don’t Leave Your Business in Limbo
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Proactive Medicaid Planning Pays Off
Check Out Our Seminars!
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Your DIY December Calendar
Sleigh Every Day This Season Simple Ways to Spark Holiday Cheer With Your Family
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a calendar packed with family fun and zero pressure to find a pear tree! Why save all the holiday excitement for one day? This year, make every day in December merry and bright with simple, joyful activities the whole family can enjoy together. From crafting homemade ornaments to creating the ultimate yuletide playlist, every idea is a chance to connect, create memories, and experience why the best gifts don’t come wrapped under the tree! They’re the moments we spend with our loved ones. Get ready for your daily dose of holiday cheer! DECK THE HALLS DIY Transform your home into a winter wonderland with a personal touch by having everyone in your family pitch in.
Kick off December by decorating the tree together. Throughout the month, sprinkle in Christmas crafts like homemade ornaments, painted Christmas cards, paper snowflakes, or a DIY wreath. These activities get everyone’s creativity sledding along and are a fantastic way to adorn your home with unique decorations that spark happy memories. FESTIVE NIGHTS IN Celebrate Christmas cheer the cozy way with activities that keep everyone nice and toasty inside. Create a letter-writing station and pick a night for everyone to write to Santa before bed. You could also host a home movie marathon of your family’s favorite holiday films with a big bowl of popcorn to pass around. Collect holiday songs from every family member
over a week, and then choose a day to have a holiday dance party.
SNOW MUCH FUN OUT Go out and explore your community this month, from touring Christmas lights and displays in your neighborhood to visiting Santa Claus for a family photo. Part of what makes this season so special is how the holiday spirit lights up every corner of your city. Bundle up and grab some hot cocoa for a round of caroling, or give back to a charity by donating toys and essentials for those less fortunate. Whether you’re gathering around to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or getting into the holiday spirit with arts and crafts, there’s holiday cheer to be found every day this month!
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