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Peace of Mind Post April 2025 Life Changes – So Should Your Estate Plan Here’s What to Check
Spring is here, and with the beautiful weather comes the irresistible urge to freshen things up. Maybe you’re tackling an overflowing closet, deep-cleaning the garage, or finally sorting through a junk drawer filled with who-knows-what. But while you’re in the mood, there’s one thing you might not have thought about dusting off: your estate plan. Just like your home, your estate plan needs spring-cleaning every now and then. Laws change, families grow, and your wishes may not be the same as when you first set everything up. So, before you get too carried away reorganizing your pantry, take a few minutes to consider whether your estate plan could use a refresh. If you haven’t looked at your estate documents in a while, you might be surprised at what you find. Do you remember what’s in your will? Who’s listed as your power of attorney? Are your beneficiaries still the right ones? Just like spring-cleaning at home, the first step is to pull everything out and take a good look. Let’s take a look at five key areas to review. Has your family dynamic changed? Life happens. People get married, divorced, have children, or, sadly, pass away. If your estate plan still includes your ex-spouse or excludes a new grandchild, it’s time for an update. Did you move to a new state? Each state has its own estate planning laws, and what worked in your old state may not be valid or effective where you live now. Many retirees move to Florida or out of Florida to be closer to family. If you’ve changed your residence, your plan may need adjusting. Has your health status changed? If you or your spouse have been diagnosed with a chronic illness like dementia, Parkinson’s, or heart disease, it’s crucial to update your estate plan. This ensures your medical and financial wishes are documented before circumstances become more challenging.
Are your documents outdated? Estate planning laws change over time. For example, Pennsylvania made major updates to its power of attorney laws in 2015. If your documents predate that, they may no longer be fully valid or as effective as they should be. What about taxes? Tax laws are constantly evolving. Some older estate plans were created when the federal estate tax threshold was much lower, meaning they contain complicated tax-saving provisions that may no longer be necessary. With potential changes to tax laws on the horizon, it’s a great time to reassess your plan and ensure it’s still working in your favor. If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your estate plan, now is the perfect time to do it. And if you have questions about where to start, reach out! We can help guide you through the process. While scrubbing baseboards is optional, keeping your estate plan up to date is something you — and your loved ones — will appreciate down the road.
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Finding out a loved one has Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming, and talking to them about their diagnosis might feel even more difficult. How do you approach a conversation that is bound to be emotional, sensitive, and, let’s be honest, a little scary? The key is to come at it with love, patience, and understanding. Talking to a Loved O A CONVERSATION FILLED
Begin with empathy and reassurance. Imagine how unsettling it must feel to receive this news. Your loved one may be confused, frustrated, or even in denial. When you bring up the topic, do so gently. Find a quiet, comfortable space where they feel safe, and let them know that no matter what, they are not alone. Instead of overwhelming them with too much information, focus on reassurance. Saying something like, “We’re in this together, and I’ll be by your side every step of the way,” can make a world of difference. Keep it clear and simple.
Everyone likes to believe their canine companions would jump into action if they noticed someone or something in danger. However, most dogs will never be in a position to save a life or avert a catastrophe. That’s probably a good thing, as watching one of your best friends risk their life for others would be incredibly stressful. In 2021, a Virginia family experienced precisely that as they witnessed their goldendoodle attempt a heroic rescue with a heartwarming aftermath. During an early summer evening, Ralph Dorn’s dog, Harley, was gone. He started surveying the lake behind his Culpepper, Virginia, home when he spotted the goldendoodle about 200 feet from shore. At first, he wondered what his dog was doing in the water, but he soon realized his trusty pup was not alone. Harley was swimming alongside a tiny baby deer. “Not sure how the fawn got out there, but Harley obviously didn’t ask why. He just jumped into action,” Dorn, 62, wrote in a Facebook post. Harley helped the fawn to shore, where Dorn greeted the animals and helped them climb back onto dry land. Once the deer was out of the water, Harley immediately started licking the fawn to comfort and calm it down. Harley didn’t want to leave the fawn, but after spotting the deer’s mother, Dorn escorted his heroic canine indoors. The fawn and mother walked away, seemingly never to be seen again. That was, until the next morning. Harley appeared restless that morning, running from window to window. Dorn opened the front door to see what was happening when he heard the fawn bleating. The deer had returned, eager to thank its rescuer! The two ran toward each other, touching noses and sniffing one another before Harley returned indoors. The brief reunion was enough to calm the fawn and Harley down, and Dorn has not seen either deer since that day. But that’s not Harley’s only heroic feat. The proud pup has also spent time as a certified therapy dog, providing comfort and companionship to seniors in care facilities and children reading at the local library. We can all hope our dogs would take the same actions as Harley if presented with a similar opportunity! How Harley Became a Real-Life Hero RESCUE, COMFORT, AND REUNION
To better assist these
tough conversat we offer a suppo pamphlet called “C and Communicat Stop by the office o us a call to pick your copy toda
Alzheimer’s can affect memory and comprehension, so avoid complicated explanations. Instead, use simple and direct
Puzzle Time!
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One About Alzheimer’s
Humor Is the Secret to a Happier Life Laugh It Off When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt? April is National Humor Month, which means it’s the perfect time to embrace laughter, lighten up, and maybe even learn to laugh at ourselves a little more. Life is full of unexpected moments; sometimes, the best way to deal with them is to take a step back and find humor in the chaos. One of my favorite ways to shift my perspective is what I like to call the “20-Year Test.” When something goes wrong — whether it’s spilling coffee on my shirt before a big meeting, sending a text to the wrong person, or tripping over nothing in public — I stop and ask myself: “Am I still going to be upset about this in 20 years?” Nine times out of 10, the answer is no. In fact, it’ll probably be a hilarious story to tell down the road. So, why not skip ahead and laugh about it now instead of stressing over it? Laughter has this magical ability to turn frustrating, awkward, or even disappointing situations into something manageable. It helps us let go of grudges, move past embarrassing moments, and, honestly, keeps us from wasting too much brain space on things that just don’t matter in the long run. Plus, science backs it up — laughter reduces stress, boosts mood, and can even improve heart health. Who knew a good chuckle could be such a powerful life hack? We’ve all been guilty of letting small annoyances eat away at us: that driver who cut us off, the Wi-Fi going out at the worst possible moment, or that time we said something weird in a meeting and replayed it in our heads for hours. But what if, instead of frustration, we tried to find the humor in those moments? It’s easier said than done, but it’s worth a shot. So, this month, let’s challenge ourselves to laugh more. Share funny stories, watch a comedy special, or find humor in the little things that don’t go as planned. And if you ever find yourself frustrated, give it the 20-Year Test — chances are, it’s not as big of a deal as it seems. After all, life is much more fun when you learn to laugh along the way!
WITH LOVE AND PATIENCE
language. “The doctor says your memory is having some trouble, and we’re going to work together to make things easier for you” can be a gentle way to introduce the topic without causing fear. If they seem confused, pausing and revisiting the conversation later is okay. The goal isn’t to force understanding in one sitting but to provide support over time. Be prepared for a range of emotions. Everyone reacts differently. Some may feel sadness, others may brush it off, and some may even get frustrated. There’s no “right” way for them to process the news. Just listen. Offer comfort, validate their feelings, and avoid saying things like “Don’t worry” or “It’s not a big deal.” Instead, let them know that whatever they’re feeling is okay. Focus on the present and the positives. Instead of dwelling on what might happen in the future, focus on the now. Talk about the things they still enjoy, the routines that bring comfort, and the moments you can share.
e tions, ortive “Caring ting.” or give k up ay!
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t having the perfect conversation — it’s making sure they feel loved, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Classic Fish Fry
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
Directions
1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium- high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
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Inside 1
Spring-Cleaning for Your Legacy
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Heroic Goldendoodle Saves Baby Deer in Heartwarming Rescue Navigating the Tough Talk Finding Joy in Life’s Little Mishaps Classic Fish Fry
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Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro
Quick Tips for Better Outdoor Photos
the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes. Master Your Equipment Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. Consider Composition In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of
thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as
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