Your Guide to Summer Estate Planning Prepare for Tomorrow
Delightful Banana Bread
Ingredients
During the busy school year, teachers and parents alike are often so wrapped up in lesson planning, grading, and tending to their students’ needs that personal affairs like estate planning often take a back seat. However, summer is the perfect time to focus on these essential tasks. At Shoup Legal, we recognize the importance of this period and are ready to assist everyone in securing their futures!
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2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder
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1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups mashed ripe bananas 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
Directions
Summer Estate Planning Checklist
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs and mashed bananas and mix until blended. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until blended. 6. Stir in walnuts. 7. Pour batter into prepared pan. 8. Bake for 65–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Assess your current situation. Review any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents. Are they up to date? Reflect on any life changes such as marriages, divorces, births, or property acquisitions that may require updates to these documents. Define your goals. What are your objectives for your estate? Whether you want to ensure financial security for your children, support a spouse, or make charitable donations, clearly defining your goals can guide the planning process. Gather important documents. Compile documents such as property deeds, financial statements, insurance policies, and other relevant financial information. These will be crucial in creating a comprehensive estate plan. Consult with our professionals. Schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney. At Shoup Legal, we specialize in providing personalized advice tailored to the unique needs of teachers, parents, and all professionals and individuals. Consider a trust. Trusts can offer more control over how your assets are distributed and can help you avoid the probate process. They can be particularly beneficial if you have specific wishes about how and when your assets should be distributed. Plan for the unknown. Estate planning isn’t just about managing your affairs after your death. Consider establishing powers of attorney and health care directives to ensure decisions can be made on your behalf if you are incapacitated. Review beneficiary designations. Things change! Double-check the beneficiary designations on your accounts and life insurance policies. These designations often take precedence over the wishes outlined in a will. Take advantage of the summer months to set these important plans in motion. Remember: At Shoup Legal, we are here to help every step of the way so your focus can remain on what you do best — whether that’s in a classroom, office, or your home filled with kids!
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
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