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The Winds of Change What’s Moving and Shaking at the Hill House
I hope all of you have been having a fantastic summer so far. For those of us with kids, the season is often a transitional period from one phase of life to the next. That’s particularly true in my household, with my children all reaching ages where they’re embarking on new adventures. My youngest, Caleb, is entering high school. It’s hard to believe the kids have all grown up so fast. He’s looking forward to this new journey and the improved hours. While middle school started later in the morning and didn’t get out until the late afternoon, high school will require getting up early but finishing at 1:30 p.m. The extra free time will be a big bonus. Lindsay celebrated her sweet 16 at the end of May and already has her driver’s license. She signed up for her learner’s permit on the day she turned 15 to drive independently as soon as possible. It’s nerve-wracking watching her drive off by herself; I can only hope my lessons and her driver’s ed classes will help keep her safe. Her new driving privileges have also kicked off a household battle over car access. Lindsay and Chase both want to be able to drive, and I’ve been getting dropped off at work to provide an additional vehicle and ease the disputes. But I don’t expect it to be a problem for much longer. Chase is headed off to college! May was busy because we also threw him a graduation party. As you read this newsletter, we’re enjoying our last days with Chase at home. If you’re also watching a young adult set out on their own for the first time, remember that you should have some documents in place to protect their safety and your ability to support them in
a time of need. Please call us if you haven’t
already completed this essential step.
Things are changing the least for my oldest, Connor, but he’s having no difficulty keeping busy. He’s studying to be a nurse at Florida
SouthWestern State College and has been working long shifts at the hospital. They’ve got him paying his dues, doing the messiest and least-desired jobs. But he’s also having a blast and learning a lot. I’m proud of him and every other one of the kids. Finally, I would be remiss not to thank everyone who reached out with condolences and well wishes after my father-in-law passed away earlier this year. Your compassion has helped make our family’s difficult time a little easier. This is the first parent either my wife or I have said goodbye to, and it brings a fresh perspective on what I do for a living. We always know these days are coming, but one can never feel fully prepared. The experience has given me a new appreciation for life and all the time we get to enjoy together.
–Mike Hill
1 (239) 265-9779
JULY 2023
Want to Entertain the Kids This Summer? Create a Slip-and-Slide!
During the summer, there’s nothing better than jumping into a pool to cool yourself off. However, if
After rolling out the plastic sheeting, lay the pool noodles down on each side of the plastic and place the larger pool noodle on one end of the sheet. Wrap the plastic sheet around the large pool noodle, use Velcro tape to secure the plastic around it, then do the same for the other pool noodles. These will act as barriers so people won’t slide off the plastic. Once everything is wrapped and taped, place landscape staples on the four corners of your waterslide and a few along the sides to secure it. Finally, set up your sprinklers on either side of the slip-and-slide. If you want the surface to be extra slick, drizzle some dish soap onto the plastic. STEP 3: SLIP, SLIDE, AND SPLASH! Now, it’s time to have fun in the sun! The possibilities are endless regarding what you can do with your DIY waterslide. So, let your creativity flourish! Will you be creating your own slip-and-slide this summer? We would love to know the games you and your family play on your DIY waterslide!
you don’t have a pool, the next best thing might just be creating your own slip-and-slide! Here’s how you can make yours so you can keep having fun in the sun while staying cool.
STEP 1: PURCHASE THE NECESSARY ITEMS. You can buy a 10-by-25-foot roll of plastic sheeting at home improvement stores for under $30. Choose 6 mil so it can withstand everyone running and sliding on it. Then, you want to get 10 regular-size pool noodles and one large pool noodle. Construction supplies you’ll need are Velcro tape, scissors, two hose sprinkler attachments, and several landscape staples. STEP 2: BEGIN BUILDING YOUR SLIP-AND-SLIDE. Once you have all the needed supplies, start by rolling the plastic sheet onto a relatively flat surface free of rocks, sticks, and any debris that could puncture the plastic or injure you and your family. You can cut the plastic to any length you like — you may want one long slip-and-slide, or you can create several smaller ones so you can play games.
t h e T ru t h
No one likes to be lied to, but honesty is often tricky. The truth can cause hurt, embarrassment, and unwelcome consequences. So, we sometimes keep certain information to ourselves or tell white lies to make our lives easier. It’s an understandable approach but also the wrong one to take when it comes to estate planning. In honor of Tell the Truth Day on July 7, we want to share why honesty is the best policy when crafting your final wishes. Why would someone lie to their estate planner? There are more reasons than you’d think, but many come down to embarrassment. Someone may not want to admit they have a child outside of their marriage or estranged relationships with other family members. They consider it much too personal to discuss with an attorney. But without those crucial details, your estate planner can’t craft the plan that will work best for your family. Many times, people don’t set out to deceive their estate planners. They prefer to avoid discussing a subject because it’s difficult. After all, few people look forward to discussing a child’s mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Other times, clients omit small details, falsely believing they don’t matter. But every question your estate planner asks you serves a purpose. Remember, their goal is Why Honesty Is Crucial in Estate Planning
to protect you, not to be nosy. Further, your
sensitive information will remain strictly confidential.
However, you shouldn’t leave your honesty behind at your estate planner’s door. Discussing your estate plan with loved ones can be a frightening prospect, but clearing the air while you’re still here can resolve many hurt feelings after you’re gone. Often, someone who is left out of a will or receives a smaller share than others in similar positions misinterprets the meaning. Your family might confuse your assets with your love unless you have an upfront conversation about your choices. Explain the circumstances personally and answer questions. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s better than a misunderstanding starting a family feud down the line. The truth can hurt, but it can also set you and your loved ones free. So, don’t let challenging conversations hold you back. Craft your estate plan with intention and honesty to protect what matters most.
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How to Keep Your Wealth With Blood Relatives Should Your Child-in-Law Inherit?
Family dynamics can be complicated, and the wealth you pass on to loved ones could end up with those you never intended. Craig Hersch examines the child-in-law dynamic in inheritance in this column. You can read his full thoughts at FloridaEstatePlanning.com/should-your- son-in-law-or-daughter-in-law-inherit.
However, if Madelyn dies and significant wealth lands with Thomas and Michael, Tony might lack funds to pay for necessities while his children are millionaires. I’ve seen this happen with some files. Susan probably wouldn’t want that result either. There are middle-of-the-road options available. One creates a continuing trust for Tony if Madelyn chooses to exercise her power of appointment to benefit him as opposed to an outright distribution that may end up out of the bloodline. Susan’s documents could require that an independent trustee manage the account and determine whether Tony is entitled to distributions. The trust for Tony could also be built as a “sprinkle” trust, benefitting not only Tony but also Thomas and Michael. For example, any income the spouse doesn’t need can be distributed to the grandsons. The power of appointment could limit the percentage of Madelyn’s trust funneled into Tony’s share to 30%. The other 70% could immediately vest with Thomas and Michael. The power of appointment is a useful tool to make an otherwise inflexible irrevocable trust more fluid, so it can adjust to the needs of the family many years after Susan’s
Most of my clients’ estate plans ultimately distribute the assets to the children, and if a child predeceases, then her share is often slated to be distributed to her children. This is known as a “per stirpes” distribution. In many testamentary trusts created for children, that child can, through a “power of appointment,” change the per stirpes schematic. So, Susan may grant her daughter Madelyn the power to appoint what remains of her share through Madelyn’s will to her “descendants, their spouses, and charities.” The big question is whether Susan wants to give Madelyn the authority under the power of appointment to route all or part of the trust share to Madelyn’s spouse, Tony, when she dies. What are the risks? Susan may want the trust only to benefit her bloodline. What if Madelyn leaves money to Tony, and after her death, he remarries? If his will leaves his entire estate to Tony’s new spouse, then at his death, Susan’s wealth might never benefit her grandsons, Thomas and Michael.
death. But they should not be boilerplate. If this column has raised questions, please reach out to schedule a review meeting!
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 cup pine nuts, plus more for serving 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups broccoli 1 lb penne pasta 2 cups basil leaves
• •
2 garlic cloves, smashed
•
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender. 3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Change Is the Only Constant at Mike’s House PAGE 1 Make Your Own Slip-and-Slide! PAGE 2 In Estate Planning, Honesty Is the Best Policy PAGE 2 Should Your Child-in-Law Inherit? PAGE 3 The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta PAGE 3 How to Stargaze Like a Pro PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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Create the Perfect Stargazing Experience
Many children are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of an astrological adventure. PICK THE RIGHT NIGHT. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would-be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com. It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability. FIND THE IDEAL SPOT. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a little planning.
Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of the
sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also need a place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience. BRING ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES.
Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map. But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astrologists can enjoy their experience as much as you did.
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