Sheppard Law Firm - 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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