July 2017
850.439.1191 | www.MyPinkLawyer.com
BIG APPLE, BIG DREAMS What Could Possibly Compel Me to Leave Such a Great Firm? Empowered. Live Well, Plan Well, Be Inspired.
Hi, everybody! My name is Tani, and I’m the client concierge at My Pink Lawyer®. In this article, I’m going to tell you a little about myself, what it’s like to work at MPL, how I got here, and, oddly enough, why I’m leaving. I know, it’s a sad thing, and it’s definitely hard to say goodbye to all the wonderful people I’ve come to know and care for. But by the end of this article, I hope you understand why I’m so excited for the future and why I’m staying on to work remotely as a webmaster. I didn’t start out here doing tech things. I came to the firm just wanting real-world experience; after all, when you’re a young adult, you want to be a true working adult. MPL was the perfect place for me to gain experience, because when Kristen invites you to be a part of her team, she’s investing in you. One way she fostered my progress was finding out what I was good at and putting it to use. When she found out I have a knack for technology, she put me to work helping with the firm’s internet presence, creating videos, editing blogs, and building a website. That was wonderful because it helped me learn what I could bring to the table at any company. It’s been a remarkable few years, and I’ve loved it here. But here’s the thing: I’ve always been a dreamer, and I’m lucky to have one as a brother, as well. Since he was 5 years old, Gage wanted to go to New York University to study theater. It’s a lofty goal, because NYU’s proximity to Broadway makes it one of the most competitive programs in the world. But a few months ago, something crazy happened: Gage got an acceptance letter. I’ve always been attracted to the city. Growing up in Vegas makes you accustomed to urban environments and bright lights. We visited the Big Apple for the first time five years ago and fell in love with the energy and atmosphere. I’ve always supported Gage in his acting aspirations, so we made the decision that we would go together.
When I told Kristen, she was thrilled for me, sad for the firm, but overall, not surprised. Kristen is a huge proponent of personal development, and she understood my desire to follow my dreams to New York. She asked if I would stay on as a remote webmaster and tech person, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. One of the aspects I’ll miss the most is our clients. My role here meant that I interacted directly with a variety of great people. Many of them are here because they need real help, and my heart always goes out to them. It’ll be sad to not have that connection anymore, but if I know Kristen, I know she’ll find someone who has that same desire to understand and assist anyone who walks through the door. I’ll miss my co-workers: Amanda, Jessica, Nicole, and Kristen, of course. My presence will still be there because of my work, but I’ll miss seeing their faces every day. I’m excited for this new adventure in New York, but I’ll be hard-pressed to find a company to work for with the care, integrity, and personal investment that My Pink Lawyer® has shown me.
- Tani Thomas
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Note: To report a case of child abuse, call The Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE For victims of child abuse, the nightmare isn’t over once the authorities are called. Interviews, testimonies, and relocation cause the children to relive their abuse and experience its effects over and over again. It’s a difficult road, and one local charity aims to make it easier. Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a child advocacy center that combines all the professionals and resources needed for the intervention, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases into one kid-friendly facility. Children and their families can receive mental health counseling, talk to child protective services, law enforcement, legal counsel, and medical and mental health professionals. Executive Director Stacey Kostevicki says the old way of handling abuse cases was too hard on the victims. “Kids were traumatized by the investigation,” she says. “They had to have interviews all over the county to retell their abuse to different authorities. If they were in the hospital, they had to have a bedside interview. We wanted to combine all the right people in one building.” They provide recorded interviews so children only have to tell their abuse story once, and they advocate for children testifying by closed-circuit TV instead of the courtroom. They also provide medical screenings. Stacey found her passion for nonprofit work when a college assignment at Florida State required her to do volunteer work. “I spent time at a grief and loss counseling center in Tallahassee called Lee’s Place,” she says. “I just fell in love with the work. I realized how much I wanted to serve people and how many opportunities there are to do that.” She received her Masters of Business while working in the private center and has been GCKH’s executive director since 2010. The House holds monthly child abuse prevention classes that teach people how to recognize and report abuse. Stacey says they also do custom educational presentations “anywhere, anytime.” To get more involved, you may volunteer (background checks are required) or donate cash, children’s clothing, or toiletries. GULF COAST KID’S HOUSE HOW THEY STRIVE TO MINIMIZE TRAUMA FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS
PUT DOWN THE SCISSORS AND STEP AWAY FROM THE NEWSPAPER
We Do the Math on Coupon Clipping
If it wasn’t for coupons, you wouldn’t be able to afford everything you need, right? Well, there are two ways to look at it. Coupons can be a way to put food on the table that you otherwise couldn’t afford. But they can also trick money-conscious consumers into buying stuff they normally wouldn’t. To find out which option describes your situation, answer two questions. The first question is, “Do I need — and will I use — everything that I buy with coupons?” Coupons affect you psychologically; the same part of your brain that governs basic instincts (like hunger and pleasure) also loves a screaming good deal. That means you may spend money on things that you normally wouldn’t, because you have a coupon for them. Instead, stick to the staples — like rice, beans, oats, and salt — that you’ll use eventually and won’t go bad. If you’ve wanted something for a long time and it goes on sale, it makes sense to buy. But don’t let the coupon section dictate your desires! The second question is, “How much is my time worth, and how much time do I spend hunting down the best deals and clipping coupons?” If you’re saving $25 a week on stuff you actually need, but it takes 4 hours a week to get those savings, you’re losing money — even if you make minimum wage. That’s time you could be spending with family, picking up a half-shift at work, or finding innovative ways to make money. We won’t deny that there are great deals that are now more available than ever thanks to apps like Groupon. But remember: Coupons come from businesses trying to trick your brain into buying more stuff. Use them wisely, but don’t let them rule you.
“Asking your child to clean out their closet is a great way for parents to get their kids involved early,” Stacey says.
To learn more about ways to get help, visit GulfCoastKidsHouse.org or find them on Facebook.
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MANAGE YOUR ASSETS DURING YOUR LIFETIME WISE WOMEN USE LIVING TRUSTS EFFECTIVELY
Living trusts are a type of estate plan that allow for continued management of your assets during your lifetime. The primary benefit that women find in
using living trusts is avoidance of probate — establishment of the validity of a will — for their assets after they die.
The size of your estate, your detailed planning goals following your death, your family situation, and
the location and type of your assets can make the use of a living trust preferential to a will. If you decide to use
Be cautious of estate planning attorneys who routinely recommend living trusts for everyone. Although they’re often a great choice for many wise women, living trusts can be overkill for others. There may be other planning mechanisms that can be used to accomplish the same family goals without the expense and upkeep of a living trust. Also, be cautious of anyone who leads you to believe that certain tax planning and post-death trusts for your children or other loved ones can only be used in living trusts. This is simply untrue. Such detailed planning can also be incorporated into a will, though circumstances may exist — such as privacy concerns — that make the living trust a better estate planning vehicle to implement than a will.
a living trust as part of your estate plan, make sure that you understand the specific advantages of using this plan over other planning mechanisms. When starting a living trust, it is important to retitle your assets into it. If you don’t, your unfunded living trust will not necessarily avoid probate. Think of your living trust as an empty bucket; your living trust only controls the assets you pour into it. If your assets are still owned in your individual name or jointly with another person, the living trust will have no impact on those assets. If you decide to use a living trust, make sure your lawyer assists you in retitling your assets into your trust. Remember, a living trust will not avoid probate of any assets it does not own.
Talk to your attorney about which planning mechanism is suited for you.
Meme Corner
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Phone: 850.439.1191
Toll-Free Fax: 1.888.439.1191
www.MyPinkLawyer.com
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Inside This Issue
You Might Say I’m a Dreamer page 1
We Do the Math on Coupon Clipping Abuse Victims Get Help From Local Charity page 2 Manage Your Assets During Your Lifetime Meme Corner page 3
The World’s Happiest Vacations page 4
DESTINATION: HAPPY PEOPLE
Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local population that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long. Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, The Happiest States in the U.S.
and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature.
The Happiest Country in the World
Denmark has long been the standard bearer in this category. This year, it relinquished its title to its Scandinavian sister, Norway, home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world-famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th-century waterfront. Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.
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