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November 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
A Moment to Be Grateful
THANKFUL FOR EVERY FAMILY WE SERVE
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year. At our house, Andrew usually takes the lead on the turkey. He’s never been afraid to try something new with it, whether it’s a different brine or a fancy cooking method, and the kids always like to “help” by sneaking tastes when they can. But for me, the day isn’t really about whether the turkey turns out perfectly. It’s just nice to slow down, have fun with the kids, and spend time together in the middle of what’s usually a pretty busy season. Like many of you, I also try to use Thanksgiving as a chance to stop and think about what I’m most grateful for. Family and health are always at the top of my list, but this time of year also makes me think about my work. I’m grateful for the
families that walk through our doors and allow us to be part of something so personal.
A lot of people come in feeling nervous. Estate Planning can sound bigger and scarier than it actually is, and I can see that worry when we first sit down. But the mood changes once we’ve gone through our process with them and put everything in place. It’s lighter. There are smiles, a few jokes, and real feelings of relief. More than once, I’ve had a client tell me, “That was much easier than I thought it would be.” One even laughed and said we made planning their passing more fun than they expected. I don’t know if “fun” is the word I’d choose, but I understood what they meant. What means the most to me is how often that gratitude comes back around. We’ll have clients return because something in their life has changed, and they want to make sure their plan still fits. I never take that kind of trust for granted. And then there are the referrals. One client came in not long ago, and before she even finished her plan, she’d already sent her daughter our way. To me, that says more than words ever could. We also see it in the little things. Sometimes, it’s just a smile and an expression of relief or when someone tells us how much better they feel with a plan in place. I never get tired of those moments. They help remind me that my work matters to people and makes their lives easier. Of course, all that gratitude goes both ways. I’m thankful for every family who chooses us. It’s a privilege to be trusted with something so important, and I don’t take it lightly. Helping people through these conversations and giving them peace of mind is one of the reasons I love what I do. So, as we head into Thanksgiving this year, my heart is full for my family around our table and our clients who have become part of our lives at the firm. I hope your holiday is filled with good food, warm company, and gratitude.
At Zihmer Law Firm, we’re honored when clients refer their friends and family to us. If you know someone who needs guidance with estate planning, estate administration, Medicaid, or elder law, we’d love the opportunity to help. Your trust means the world to us, and it’s the greatest compliment we can receive.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Fill Your Holiday With Gratitude and Games Whisking Up New Traditions This Thanksgiving
to create new traditions that deepen connections and spark laughter. Get ready to gobble up the fun together. Gather for Gratitude Thanksgiving is all about honoring what we are grateful for in life, and it can be a fun activity for you and your children to share. You can gamify gratitude in several ways, like creating a thankfulness jar where everybody adds slips of paper describing what they most appreciate. You can take turns reading them after dinner and even make a guessing game out of who wrote what. It could be as simple as gathering around the table for breakfast and everyone saying one thing they’re grateful for. Turkey Day Trivia There’s no better way to digest after the big Thanksgiving feast than having fun. Pick out some of your favorite board games
or a deck of cards for a post-meal game night. You could test everyone’s knowledge with a holiday-themed trivia competition or create a scavenger hunt around the house. No matter the game, ensure everyone from grandparents to kids can join in. Keep it focused on connection, not just winning. If you want to go all out, challenge all your guests to be ready with their best skills for a family talent show. A Soundtrack to the Stuffing Create a perfect soundtrack you can play while everyone helps with the cooking or winds down after dessert. Before the big day, ask everyone in the family to add one or two songs to a Thanksgiving playlist. Prompt them to pick tunes that remind them of the season, happy memories, the joys of being together, or even their favorite dishes. You can keep adding to this list in subsequent years, turning the songs into a playable family history.
The holidays are a magical time that brings together loved ones and a little chaos. Between the pie-making and travel plans, it can be easy to forget what we’re gathering to celebrate. This Thanksgiving, let’s not just carve the turkey, but also carve out some time for mindful traditions the whole family can enjoy. From sharing what you’re thankful for to hosting a family Thanksgiving talent show, this year is the perfect chance
Start the Conversation This Season
A Holiday Talk That Matters
The holidays have a way of bringing people together who don’t always see each other the rest of the year. Around Thanksgiving, we sit down, swap stories, and check in on one another. That’s also why it can be the right time to bring up things that matter, even if they’re not easy to discuss. Estate Planning falls into that category. No one wakes up excited to have the conversation, but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. If you’re considering bringing it up with your parents, it helps to keep it simple. Pick a calm moment, maybe while cleaning up after dinner or taking a walk. You don’t need to jump in with every detail. A question like, “Do you have something in place?” is a gentle way to start. The point isn’t to get all the answers right away. It’s to open the door. When the time feels right, you can ask a few practical questions. Do they have a Will? Have they chosen someone to handle things if they can’t? Where do they keep their documents? Is there a Health Care Directive or Power of Attorney? These aren’t nosy questions. They’re about making sure the family knows what to do when the time comes.
Of course, you may get pushback. Some parents will wave it off or say it’s too soon. That’s normal. If that happens, don’t argue. You can let them know you’re bringing it up because you care and leave it alone for now. The conversation doesn’t
have to be finished in one sitting. It’s something you can revisit as the year goes on.
I tell families all the time that an Estate Plan really is a gift. It saves stress later and gives everyone peace of mind. Starting that conversation with your parents may feel awkward, but it’s worth it. And if you haven’t made your own plan yet, let this be the nudge to take that step.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
One Family’s Creative Estate Plan Leaving a Legacy of Adventure
Occasionally, a client shares an idea with me that makes me stop and think, “That’s just brilliant.” Not long ago, I met with a couple with a big family and many grandkids. Between birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, they felt that shopping for toys the kids would forget in a few weeks wasn’t the answer. Instead, they wanted to do something that would matter when the kids were older. So, for every birthday or holiday, they added money to what they called an “Adventure Fund” for each grandchild. By the time the kids turn 18, they’ll have a little nest egg waiting for them that they can use however they like. It could be a trip, college expenses, or other experiences they are drawn to. As they thought more, the couple realized they might not be around long enough to keep adding to the younger grandchildren’s funds. That worried them. They didn’t want
the tradition to stop with the older kids. So, we worked together to write it into their Estate Plan. Now, no matter what happens, each grandchild will have their adventure fund waiting when the time comes. I love this story because it shows what planning can really be. It doesn’t always have to follow the same old lines about splitting property or naming heirs. It can be creative. It can carry a message. For this family, the message was about encouraging new experiences, growth, and adventure. That’s what I want people to know. Estate Planning can be about more than paperwork. It can protect traditions and help your family feel your values long after you’re gone. This family chose adventure. You might choose education, faith, or community. Whatever it is, the right plan can make sure it lasts. If you’re interested in exploring your options, give us a call.
Apple-Cranberry Salad
Ingredients • 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
Directions 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
Take a Break
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
A Thanksgiving Message From the Firm
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From Thankful Jars to Turkey Trivia
Making Room for the Hard Talks
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An Estate Plan About More Than Money
Apple-Cranberry Salad
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Bundle Up and Step Out
The Case for a Daily Walk Less Scrolling, More Strolling As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next. The science of seasonal movement is real. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day.
Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
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