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TIME FOR A FINANCIAL REFESH! “Learning never exhausts the mind.” - Leonardo da Vinci This month, I’m taking a break from my usual ramblings to discuss a common mistake many of our clients make. I hope that by learning about it, you will avoid this mistake. I’m an estate planning and elder law attorney — you know that. But what you may not know is that I am also a licensed financial advisor. During recent client meetings, I’ve noticed a recurring theme — old annuities and cash-value life insurance policies that might hold back your financial potential. Times have changed, and so have the financial options available to you. For many reasons, holding onto an old annuity or life insurance policy can harm your financial health. First, the financial world is dynamic, and it’s just common sense that what may have been a sound investment strategy a decade ago might not be the best choice today. New investment vehicles offer improved features, better returns, superior risk management, innovative investment strategies, and, yes, lower or no costs. You may discover opportunities to optimize your financial portfolio by exploring these new alternatives. And thankfully, you can make these updates without income tax consequences. Beyond that, old investments often have features that don’t align with your current financial goals or lifestyle. They lack flexibility, have high fees, or offer lower returns. Reviewing your existing policies allows you to identify outdated features and explore fresh options that better suit your needs. Also, market conditions change, and so do investment opportunities. Your old annuities and life insurance policies might not be optimized for the current market environment. A thorough review can reveal opportunities for improved investment performance, potentially leading to better returns on your hard-earned money.
changes in income, family structure, or retirement needs, your financial strategy must adapt to fit your current situation.
What should you do now? It’s simple — educate yourself. Learn about modern options and how they compare to your current policies and investments. How should you do it? Do it through your advisor. Or, if you don’t have an advisor you can rely on, schedule a call with Brad Jerome, our affiliated financial advisor who works right out of our office. Email TMatich@mtolaw.com or call 517.548.7400 to schedule your complimentary review. It’s that simple. Our end purpose is to educate you about your options, make sure your investments fit your goals, and include the latest advancements in the financial industry. There are two ways to avoid this mistake we see too many people making: Educating yourself and taking action now.
I’ll leave you with a fitting quote by another artist, Pablo Picasso: “Action is the foundational key to all success.”
Finally, beyond the financial world, life is unpredictable, and your financial needs evolve. If you’ve experienced
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure
Lifestyle has a huge impact. It shouldn’t be surprising that diet is a primary contributor to high blood pressure. Sodium, in particular, is detrimental to cardiovascular health, so reducing sodium intake is essential for those pursuing a heart-healthy diet. Processed foods, especially those with sodium nitrates like beef jerky, are especially harmful. Meanwhile, potassium lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterial walls. Bananas, spinach, and avocado are excellent sources of potassium. Getting enough sleep every night is also essential for those seeking a healthier heart. Besides getting enough hours in, you must follow sleep hygiene protocol just before bedtime, such as avoiding cellphone and tablet screens, refraining from caffeine, and abstaining from alcohol. The reality is that everyone is susceptible to high blood pressure, including young people. So, when you have your blood pressure measured, dress comfortably and relax. Understand that many variables can impact your results. We know high blood pressure can damage many essential organs, from the liver to the kidneys. It leads to heart attacks, strokes, and an array of other life-altering issues. So, arm yourself with knowledge so you can mitigate the risk or reduce its impact.
Blood pressure is a vital metric in determining heart health. Nearly half of all American
adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, making it one of the
biggest threats to the nation’s health. A crucial tool in the fight against high blood pressure is education. There are many interesting facts about this common condition; knowing them can help you make the right lifestyle choices and moderate your risks. The numbers can be misleading. Blood pressure readings can vary
depending on many factors. Some results have nothing to do with health at all: Merely talking during the test can raise your blood pressure as well as tight clothing, anxiety, and your
sitting position. And here’s the kicker: High blood pressure doesn’t usually have symptoms. Some refer to it as “the silent killer” because it can be undetectable and dangerous. As a consequence, a substantial portion of people with hypertension don’t know they have it, especially younger people.
For many older individuals, the downward dog and camel poses have become a crucial part of their morning routine, right alongside reading the newspaper and sipping on a hot cup of coffee. Practicing yoga daily improves muscle strength, aerobic fitness, balance, flexibility, and mobility — qualities of significant value for older adults. Discovering the many benefits of yoga can be helpful for older adults; here are five ways yoga can enhance seniors’ overall health and well-being. Enhancing Balance and Stability Falls are a significant concern for older adults, with statistics indicating that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and above suffers at least one fall annually. Yoga offers a solution by improving balance and stability, reducing the risk of falling. Promoting Flexibility and Joint Health Studies have shown yoga to be effective in managing osteoarthritis in older women. By enhancing flexibility and promoting Aging Gracefully With Calm Movements
Alleviating Anxiety Seniors may experience increased
joint health, yoga provides valuable support for aging individuals. Improving Respiratory Function Aging often brings a decline in respiratory health and physical endurance. However, research indicates that yoga can enhance respiratory function in older adults, offering High blood pressure is prevalent among seniors and can lead to serious health issues. Yoga has been found to reduce oxidative stress, a contributing factor to high blood pressure and heart attacks, thereby offering a natural means of blood pressure management. benefits for overall well-being. Lowering Blood Pressure
anxiety due to health concerns, financial worries, and social isolation. Through its meditative practices, yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mindfulness, effectively alleviating anxiety symptoms. Yoga’s ability to address specific age- related concerns such as balance, joint health, and circulation outlines its relevance for seniors seeking to maintain their overall health and vitality. By embracing yoga, older adults can enjoy an improved quality of life as they navigate the journey of aging.
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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Sudoku
Put Your Trust in Our Trust Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones’ Pockets
When a family member undergoes a severe accident or faces an illness, the resulting medical expenses and accompanying credit card charges can accumulate rapidly. For individuals with limited income, settling these debts can be challenging. As their health deteriorates, the financial burden escalates, often leaving behind unpaid medical and related bills. Medical bills and credit card debt fall under unsecured debts acquired without collateral. Therefore, the obligation to settle unsecured medical debts lies solely with the individual receiving treatment. Consequently, if a person passes away leaving such unpaid debts, their surviving family members are not legally obligated to cover them unless they were joint account holders. In cases where the deceased leaves behind credit card debts, the responsibility falls on any joint account holders, such as a spouse. Even though family members may not be obliged to settle their debts, they can still be affected by them. Michigan law allows creditors to file claims against the deceased’s estate for a specified period. The estate’s representative must notify known creditors and issue a general notification to enable creditors to make claims against the estate. Any valid debts must be settled from the decedent’s estate before the remaining assets can be distributed to the beneficiaries. If the debts surpass the estate’s value, heirs may not receive an inheritance, although they may be entitled to specific allowances that take priority over other creditors. Fortunately, strategies for estate planning can safeguard assets from creditors and bypass probate. Legal instruments such as trusts can shield valuable property from the probate process, ensuring its direct transfer to beneficiaries. Additionally, designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts and life insurance proceeds can provide a straightforward path for asset distribution outside of probate and out of the reach of creditors.
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
By engaging in proactive estate planning, individuals can safeguard their assets and the interests of their loved ones. Our team has extensive experience helping clients plan for the future and navigate these complex matters. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2
Why You Should Update Your Policies
Lesser-Known Facts About High Blood Pressure
The Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults
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What Happens to Your Loved Ones’ Medical Bills After Passing Away
Helpful Resources
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Easter Eggs Around the World
An Egg-Cellent Global Tradition Decorating Easter eggs with paints, dyes, and stickers is a time-honored tradition spanning thousands of years. Many
cultures use eggs to symbolize rebirth, renewal, and fertility, and the human need to decorate everything has ensured there are different egg-painting traditions worldwide. Iranian celebrants commemorate Nowruz (Iranian New Year) around the spring equinox by painting eggs and placing them on altars. This tradition comes from ancient Persian and Zoroastrian traditions and has since become a common practice for people regardless of faith. The Easter egg as we know it today is derived from Jewish tradition, in which a roasted white egg is placed on the seder plate during Passover. Orthodox Christians paint eggs red to symbolize Jesus’ blood. Additionally, some sects of Orthodox Christians take decorated hard-boiled eggs and smack them against another person’s egg. Whoever’s egg doesn’t break is said to have good luck for the coming year. Eastern Europeans push egg painting to the limit, featuring highly intricate and breathtaking designs. Designs are drawn with pencil on a hollowed-out egg, then using a needle-like stylus called a kistka, those lines are covered
in wax. The egg is dyed multiple times in a variety of colors, and more wax is applied in between each color to create a mesmerizing display of color and detail. Some cultures even use raw eggs as part of the challenge. In Ukraine, egg painting season lasts all year, and many households keep a bowl of beautifully decorated eggs for good luck. Their egg-painting pre-dates Christianity, as seen by Ukrainians’ many egg-centered traditions. For example, some people bury eggs beneath their front door to protect their family’s health. Painting eggs is a tradition in almost every culture. From continent to continent, faith to faith, people grab a brush (or kistka) to give a little white egg some color. In almost every pocket of human civilization, someone’s probably decorating an egg.
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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