Take a look at our November newsletter!
You’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into your family and your business. Now it’s time to protect it.
NOVEMBER 2025
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Thanksgiving is all about abundance: the big feast, family gatherings, and traditions passed down year after year. But ask anyone, and they’ll tell you it’s often the leftovers that end up stealing the show. Small pieces like the turkey sandwich the next day or a slice of pie that tastes even better cold matter more than you’d expect. Estate planning works the same way. We naturally focus on the “main course” (the house, retirement accounts, and savings), but it’s the little leftovers (sentimental belongings and smaller assets) that can cause the biggest problems if overlooked. THE BIG PICTURE VS. THE SMALL DETAILS It’s human nature to think of the “big picture” first. A home, a large savings account, or a retirement fund are the assets most people associate with estate planning. They’re significant, and rightly so. But focusing only on the big things makes it easy to overlook the smaller items. Maybe it’s a small savings account that never made its way into the trust, or a piece of jewelry or artwork that’s been in the family for decades. These details might seem minor compared to the larger financial picture, but they often carry tremendous sentimental weight. THE ROLE OF A PERSONAL PROPERTY MEMORANDUM That’s why we include a personal property memorandum, a running list where you can jot down those “leftovers”: the small but meaningful belongings you want to pass on. It doesn’t have to be complicated or set in stone. The beauty of a memorandum is that it’s flexible. You can update it years after your estate plan is finalized and add or adjust items as you go. If you want your heirloom watch to go to your granddaughter, write it down. If you’d like the painting that’s hung in your living room for 50 years to be passed along, assign it now and avoid potential disputes later. WHY FAMILIES FIGHT OVER ‘LEFTOVERS’ Here’s the truth: When families argue over inheritances, it’s rarely about the money. The accounts and real estate usually Don’t Forget the Leftovers Those Small Assets Matter
divide up pretty neatly. What sparks tension, hurt feelings, and even lifelong grudges are the sentimental things. These are the items that can’t be split in half or replicated. And when more than one loved one wants the same thing, emotions and conflicts arise. I’ve seen situations where siblings had no trouble agreeing on how to divide a million-dollar estate, yet nearly came to fights over who got to keep a relatively inexpensive family heirloom. The dollar value didn’t matter. What mattered was the emotional value, the memories attached, and the sense of connection to a loved one who had passed. Without clear instructions left behind, families are left to navigate those decisions themselves, and often, that doesn’t end well. AVOIDING CONFLICT THROUGH COMMUNICATION The last thing most people want is for their loved ones to fight after they’re gone. However, overlooking those smaller assets can unintentionally set the stage for that. The good news is it’s avoidable. Taking the time now to document where you’d like those meaningful items to go can save your family from unnecessary conflict later. Even better, having open conversations while you’re alive can make a world of difference. Ask your children or loved ones what items matter most to them. Sometimes, you’ll be surprised by what they value. THE LASTING LEGACY OF THE LITTLE THINGS When you think about it, these “leftovers” are often the most lasting pieces of your legacy. The house may eventually be sold and the investments cashed out, but a locket, a photo album, or an old piece of furniture carries stories and memories. Those things keep you close to the people you leave behind.
So, as you’re packing the leftovers this Thanksgiving, take a moment to think about the other “leftovers” in your life: the
small accounts, heirlooms, and keepsakes. They may not carry the largest price tag, but they might just mean the most. And when it comes to estate planning, they deserve as much care as the main course.
–Elliott Harry
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New Advantage for Clients CPA-Backed Tax Prep With Legal Oversight
Did You Know? Did you know that over 60% of Americans say they enjoy leftovers more than the holiday meal itself? It’s true! Thanksgiving doesn’t end when the last scoop of mashed potatoes disappears. It gets a second act with reheated turkey and leftovers that haunt your fridge. Here are three surprising facts about leftovers and turkeys that will make your post-holiday chatter a little more fun. Turkey still rules the leftovers. In one survey, 62% of people picked turkey as the most versatile leftover.
EXCITING NEWS! We now offer fully integrated tax preparation and filing services alongside our legal and tax strategy solutions. Dahl Law Group and Dahl Tax Group plan to announce the hiring of a Certified Public Accountant to better assist clients in these services shortly. This unique collaboration provides clients with a one- of-a-kind experience: legal expertise, proactive tax strategy, and meticulous tax preparation and filing, all under one coordinated framework. HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS Client onboarding begins in November 2025, with the first coordinated filings scheduled for April 2026. Unlike traditional tax services focusing on April 15 alone, this integrated model keeps clients ahead of the curve all year. Services include: • Annual Tax Preparation and Filing: Precise, compliant return preparation and filing with the peace of mind from legal oversight. • Pre-Filing Consultations: Transparent reviews of tax returns so clients understand their filings before submission. • Quarterly Financial Reviews: Ongoing Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet analysis to optimize taxes in real time.
also engage the Dahl Law Group for legal services will see an even more integrated approach to the tax consequences of their legal strategies through the integrated approach with the Dahl Tax Group. The subscription model begins with monthly tiered pricing, based on complexity and the number of returns. Enrollment in the tax program is also the gateway to Dahl Law Group’s Advanced Tax Strategy services. WHY IT MATTERS For business owners and real estate investors, this isn’t just about filing taxes. It’s about: • Staying compliant with tax deadlines without stress. • Saving thousands of dollars in overlooked opportunities. • Aligning tax strategy with estate planning, business, succession planning, and asset protection strategies in one cohesive plan. We are known for our comprehensive legal services in business law, estate planning, asset protection, and tax strategy. By launching our affiliated firm, Dahl Tax Group, we have taken our integrated approach to the next level, ensuring clients receive proactive, seamless support across all their tax and legal needs. There is already an active waitlist to take advantage of this exciting announcement. If you’d like to join the list and inquire about what our new framework can do for you, contact us at Info@tqdlaw.com .
Reuse is common. 76% of Americans report making repeat meals from leftovers at least once a week.
Butterball dominates the turkey game. Each year, Butterball is estimated to slaughter around 20% of all the 250 million- plus turkeys killed in the U.S. for consumption.
Do you have a friend who needs our help? When you’re done reading, give them this newsletter and recommend they scan our QR code. We can help them solve their tax, business, or estate planning problems before things get worse.
• Annual Strategic
Analysis: A proactive deep dive into personal and business finances to uncover savings, adapt to new tax laws, and fuel long-term growth.
• Integrated Legal
Solutions: Clients who
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Additionally, Community Property Agreements can
Is a Community Property Agreement Right for You? Safeguarding Property and Legacy
provide clarity during the probate process upon death, simplifying what can be a stressful and complicated experience for those mourning the loss of a loved one.
THE RISKS OF INCLUDING A COMMUNITY PROPERTY AGREEMENT IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN Community Property Agreements can offer benefits but create challenges, especially in divorce. They impact how assets are divided and may carry tax consequences. While community property often gets a full step-up in basis at death, converted property may only receive a partial step-up, potentially leading to higher capital gains taxes later. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES TO PROTECT YOUR ESTATE Decisions about community property agreements should be made with a full understanding of how they affect your estate plan and potential tax obligations. Couples who sign these agreements without reviewing their estate planning documents may unintentionally create gaps or leave assets vulnerable. Coordinating these documents ensures your wishes are fulfilled and avoids surprises for surviving spouses or children. Dahl Law Group helps California families align estate plans with marital agreements to safeguard property and legacy. Contact our team today to ensure your estate and assets are in the right hands.
For married couples in California, property classification shapes every estate plan. A Community Property Agreement decides whether assets are shared or separate, directly affecting what happens in divorce or after death. Before signing, understand how it could impact your estate plan and long-term financial security. WHAT IS A COMMUNITY PROPERTY AGREEMENT? Community Property Agreements let married couples in states like California adjust asset classification. By default, most property gained during marriage is community property, equally owned by both spouses. These agreements can confirm certain assets as separate or convert separate property into community property, but they don’t override prenuptial or postnuptial contracts. HOW A COMMUNITY PROPERTY AGREEMENT SUPPORTS YOUR ESTATE PLAN Community Property Agreements can override certain default rules for dividing assets. From an estate planning perspective, this can be useful for couples who want more control over how their property is taxed and distributed and how their assets are protected. For example, someone with children from a prior relationship may want their separate property to pass to those children rather than to a surviving spouse.
Baked Pineapple Salmon Ingredients • 1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice • 2 1/2 lb side of salmon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
SUDOKU
• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped • Lime slices
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
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INSIDE What’s
2. 1. The Leftovers You Can’t Ignore Why the Real Thanksgiving Feast Starts After the Meal
New Subscription-Based Tax Services Launching at Dahl Tax Group The Pros and Cons of Community Property Agreements in California
3.
Baked Pineapple Salmon
4.
Bundle Up and Step Out
Less Scrolling, More Strolling The Case for a Daily Walk
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.
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.
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
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