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Death, Taxes, and Menswear How My Father Figures Shaped My Career
Our parents are pivotal in guiding who we will become. With Father’s Day approaching, I started reflecting on how I wouldn’t have the career I do today without my dad’s influence. My maternal grandfather, Saul Fogle, also played a significant role. But neither of them were attorneys — for most of my childhood, they were in the menswear business. My grandfather was the proprietor of Fogle’s Menswear in Indianapolis. The store had several locations, and my dad owned two. Both of them worked incredibly hard to keep the business running. They hired me, too, when I was old enough. I remember many days of operating sidewalk sales with a manual credit card reader and carbon paper. Dad and my grandfather took a lot of pride in their businesses, but they still had their struggles. Many evenings, I’d be at my grandparents’ house, and Saul would walk in with his oversized wool coat and hat. His routine was to hang them on the coat rack, walk over to his wet bar, and pour himself a shot. He refused to speak to any of us before he’d completed that ritual. One day after his shot, when I was probably only 9 or 10, he stooped down a bit and grabbed me by the collar. “Craig,” he told me, “don’t go into retail. But you’ll always make a living if you have anything to do with death or taxes.” His words must have stuck with me!
the autonomy you get with a boutique office, which is how I ended up where I am. And I still make it a point to frequent local businesses over big chains.
After Fogle’s Menswear, my dad returned to school to get a second degree as an accountant and moved us to Florida. He later encouraged me to major in accounting because it’s such a versatile degree. Like my grandfather, he gently guided me toward my career path. Of course, my father’s role in my life extends far beyond that. At 83 years old, he remains a wonderful dad, and he was an outstanding husband to my mom for 54 years before she passed away in 2016. We have lunch together every week or two, and since he’s a huge baseball fan, I make a point to take him to at least one Tampa Bay Rays game every summer. I’m grateful to have him in my life and try to spend as much time with him as possible. I also feel blessed to be a father to three wonderful daughters who make me proud every day. My oldest, Gabi, works in marketing and got married last year. Courtney has a doctorate in physical therapy and works with young children. Finally, Madison was recently admitted to the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida — a school that has a 4% acceptance rate. With everyone off doing their own thing, we don’t get to spend as much time together as we used to, but I cherish the moments we have. Whether or not your father is still with us, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on his impact on the person you are today. And to all the dads reading this, I wish you a very happy Father’s Day.
Fogle’s Menswear’s biggest challenge was the up-and-
coming department stores that could buy in bulk and undercut them in price. They resisted for many years but eventually had to close up shop. It’s hard to fight the big boys — I know from experience. But I think watching them gave me an appreciation for
–Craig Hersch
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JUNE 2023
Just A Spoonful of Sea Moss… The Superpowers of This Popular Red Algae When you think of sea moss, you
• Digestion: Sea moss contains soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Plus, it helps decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in your gut. • Thyroid Function: Sea moss has abundant amounts of iodine, which is key to the production of the thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and energy. • Healthy Skin, Hair, and Joints: The high vitamin and mineral content in sea mosses are excellent for skin health and can help prevent hair loss. Plus, sea moss may help reduce the pain caused by arthritis inflammation. • Supports Weight Loss: Sea moss is low in calories but high in fiber, which boosts metabolism and helps you feel full and satisfied longer after eating. Plus, sea moss reduces fatigue during physical activity. The benefits of sea moss are impressive. However, as with any supplement, it’s recommended that you consult with your health care professional before adding sea moss to your diet. If you get the green light to try sea moss, experiment with the best method for you. Sea moss is a powerful superfood that can improve your health — and we all deserve a few more waves of good health in our lives.
probably imagine the green, slimy stuff that floats in water or gets caught in your toes when you’re wading in the ocean. You might even think of seaweed used in sushi and salads. But did you know that sea moss is sold as a health supplement in both powder and pill form?
Sea moss (a red algae, also called Irish Moss) is a type of seaweed that grows year-round in the Atlantic Ocean. Humans have been consuming sea moss for centuries, and it’s been prevalent in the Caribbean. These days, sea moss has piqued the interest of health and wellness gurus and health-conscious consumers for its many potential health benefits. It’s also touted as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, here are a few reasons why sea moss is worth considering on your quest for healthy living: • Immune Function: Sea moss is high in antioxidants which fight free radicals and protects the body against cellular damage and inflammation.
’ s M e d i c i n
Some of the most delicious produce is at its best in summer, so it’s no surprise that June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Selecting just-picked produce at the local farmers market is a hallmark of the season. But despite how much those colors and smells entice us, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2022 that only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. Federal guidelines say adults should eat 2–3 cups of vegetables and 1.5–2 cups of fruit daily. The fact that so many adults are falling short is bad news for our health. Much scientific research shows fruits and vegetables reduce our risk of several diseases. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, better gastrointestinal health, and even protection against cancer. But most of us know we ought to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into our diets — the problem is doing it. How can you eat more produce without making it a chore? It’s best to start gradually. Begin by having one extra fruit or vegetable a day. You might have a bowl of fruit for breakfast, add fruit to your morning cereal, or pair a small snack with an apple. Another option is slightly cutting How to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
your dinner portion and adding a side
salad. You can also add vegetables to your regular sandwiches and soups. For those who don’t enjoy fruit and
vegetables, there are also ways to make them more appealing. Try dipping veggies in hummus or another dip or finely shred them and sneak them into your standard meatloaf or pasta sauce. Further, smoothies can mask many flavors. Proximity is also essential. Have you ever bought bags of fruit with the best intentions, placed them in your fridge’s produce drawer, then forgotten all about them? Us too! Therefore, experts recommend you place fruit where you can quickly and regularly see it. If the kitchen counter doesn’t work, try the top shelf of your refrigerator or another location until you see an impact. It will take time, but eating fruit and vegetables will eventually become part of your daily routine. Just remember to go slow and cut yourself a little slack. It’s almost impossible to change your entire diet overnight effectively, but small changes will add up.
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Florida Laws on a Deceased Person’s Debt Should I Pay Dad’s Credit Cards?
Resolving an estate’s debt can be complicated — especially when you don’t understand the rules. Craig Hersch explains the process and why you should always consult an estate planning attorney for help. Read his full thoughts at FloridaEstatePlanning.com/should- i-pay-dads-credit-cards-2.
might scoff that the lawyers are first, but who would help administer an estate if all the other creditors consume the estate? Next in line are funeral expenses, up to $6,000. After that, it goes toward federal debts and taxes, then state, including unpaid court costs, fees, and fines. Doctors, hospitals, and attendants relating to the last 60 days of illness follow, then business debts up to the value of the business assets, and finally, all other obligations, which might include unsecured credit cards. If the personal representative or trustee pays bills in the wrong priority, and there aren’t enough nonexempt assets to cover those bills, they are liable to pay the claims that should have been prioritized. So, for example, if the trustee paid the American Express and Visa bills but it turns out that there wasn’t enough money to pay the doctor and hospital bills, the trustee will then have to pay those doctors and hospitals out of pocket because they had priority under the law. If you’re serving as the personal representative (Florida law’s
When a parent dies, one of the first questions their adult children ask me is whether they are responsible for the parent’s debts like mortgages, utilities, credit cards, and hospital bills. Florida law answers these questions. Usually, spouses, children, and other beneficiaries aren’t liable for the individual debts of a decedent. But a misstep can result in personal liability. Florida law provides for the priority of creditor claims. If the decedent’s estate is sufficient to pay all the bills, then there’s no problem. But what if the estate is insufficient to cover the bills? Should the spouse, adult children, or beneficiaries pay out of pocket to satisfy them? Here we look at the Florida statutes, which sets priorities among the bills. Expenses related to the estate administration (lawyers, executors, etc.) are the highest priority and stand first in line. You
executor) in a probate estate or as a trustee of the deceased’s trust, you should always rely on your estate attorney’s guidance. Failing to adhere to the rules means invoices that generally wouldn’t be your responsibility could become your liability.
G o a t C h e
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
•
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• • • •
4 pieces of thin-sliced bacon
Olive oil
• •
3.5 oz firm goat cheese
2 zucchinis, thinly sliced 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus 2–3 sprigs
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Split the chicken breasts almost in half along the long side, open them like a book, then flatten the sides out. 3. Put the goat cheese on the “open book” side of the chicken and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Fold the chicken over to enclose the cheese, then wrap each breast in 2 slices of bacon. 4. Lightly oil a shallow gratin or casserole dish, then arrange overlapping rows of zucchini and tomatoes on the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then set chicken on top. Place thyme sprigs on chicken. 5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the bacon is crisp and golden and the zucchini is tender.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
How a Menswear Store Led Craig to Sheppard Law PAGE 1 Can You ‘Sea’ the Health Benefits? PAGE 2 We’re Bananas About Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month PAGE 2 Who’s Responsible for a Deceased Person’s Debt? PAGE 3 Goat Cheese and Thyme Stuffed Chicken PAGE 3 Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! PAGE 4
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Check Out Some of America’s Best Zoos
Summer is one of the best times of the year to travel. Kids are out of school and want to do something fun every weekend, which can be difficult to accommodate if you’ve already exhausted your local options. If you’re looking to travel, you can visit a beach, take in the sights and sounds of an amusement park, or spend some time with animals while visiting a zoo. Nearly every state in our country has a handful of zoos or aquariums, but some stand above the rest. Here are three of the best zoos you can visit in the U.S. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, is consistently ranked as one of the top five zoos in the world. It prides itself on hosting rare, endangered animals you can’t see elsewhere. It has the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, and one of the major highlights is the Desert Dome, an 84,000-square-foot indoor desert that maintains an authentic desert ecosystem. This is a must-visit for any animal lover in your family. The Bronx Zoo You don’t usually think about seeing exotic animals when you visit New York City, but the Bronx Zoo is one of the best places to view
animals in America. Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is responsible for many of the
advancements relating to animal captivity. This was one of the first zoos to ditch cages for natural environments and create an animal hospital. With over 6,000 species, there’s an
animal for everyone at the Bronx Zoo. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
While the San Diego Zoo is often boasted as California’s largest and best zoo, another zoo is worth checking out. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens outside Palm Springs has entertained visitors for decades. There are events at this zoo every day, one of the most popular being the keeper connections and animal encounters, where you get up close and personal with the animals while learning more about their habitats and lifestyles.
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