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QUARTER 2, 2026
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Education Turns Your Estate Plan Into Peace of Mind BEYOND THE DOCUMENTS
Many of life’s most important decisions are made not only for ourselves, but for the people we care about most. Planning for the future is one of those decisions, yet when it comes to estate planning, true peace of mind does not simply come from signing documents. It comes from understanding them. In many ways, knowledge is what transforms estate planning from a difficult task into an act of care for the people that matter most to you. We live in an age where information is abundant and available at the click of a button, but not all of it is accurate or reliable. Estate planning is incredibly personal. Google, AI, and social media may not take into account California laws or your unique circumstances. When seeking details about planning, look to trusted, professional sources. UNDERSTANDING THE “WHY” One of the most important first steps in planning is understanding the “why” behind your decisions and what you want to protect. Having a trust or will alone is not enough. Without a clear understanding of why your plan exists, how it functions, and how it is funded, you are left with static legal documents. Education allows you to make informed decisions, rather than emotional or uncertain ones.
Information alone does not provide clear instructions for your loved ones or prevent misinterpretations. When you are truly educated about your plan, you can eliminate guesswork, update your plan as life changes, protect your heirs, and ensure you are prepared if you become ill or incapacitated. Staying curious and committed to learning can benefit many areas of your life, even outside of your plan. Research shows that lifelong learners are less likely to experience memory or cognitive decline later in life. Continuous mental engagement can enhance self-esteem, broaden perspective, and open new professional or personal doors you had never considered. LIFELONG LEARNING KEEPS YOUR PLAN STRONG Estate planning is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. As your life evolves, your plan should evolve with it. Proactive learning helps you avoid some common pitfalls, such as failing to update your plan after major life events or changes in the law. Regularly reviewing your plan ensures it continues to serve you at every stage of life. April 2 is National Education and Sharing Day, and education has always been a core focus of our law firm. The more you know about your plan, the better prepared you are for what the future holds. We offer educational events for our clients throughout the year, including our Trustee and Power of Attorney School. These programs are led by experienced estate planning attorneys and provide opportunities to ask questions and gain clarity. In addition to our regular educational updates and Q&A sessions, we host our annual Ice Cream Social where clients and their loved ones can enjoy a tasty treat while learning something valuable. Estate planning is one of the most effective ways to create peace of mind for you and your loved ones. With a strong understanding of your plan, it becomes more than a set of documents. It becomes a tool that supports your goals and protects what matters most. We are here to provide you with expert guidance you can trust. Whether you are just getting started or want to ensure your existing plan continues to serve you, we invite you to contact our office to learn how your plan can grow with you at every stage of life.
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Easy Hacks for a Lighter Reset
Meet Trang Nguyen WHERE TEAMWORK MEETS CLIENT CARE
Spring-cleaning can be a great way to reset, but if the mere thought of scrubbing and mopping for hours makes you feel tired, you are not alone. The good news is that you can refresh your space without doing it the hard way. With a few simple, efficient hacks, you can cut your workload in half while still making your home feel noticeably cleaner, lighter, and fresher. TOOLS TO TACKLE EVERYTHING Before you dust any shelves, declutter your cleaning routine. You do not need a box full of different products or supplies. Focus on multipurpose tools and cleaners that can tackle a variety of tasks. You likely already have scrubbing superstars under your sink, like baking soda and white vinegar. Both are handy for lifting stains, eliminating odors, and cleaning many household surfaces. Microfiber towels and cloths are another versatile tool that can shine up everything from glass cooktops to computer keyboards. SYSTEMS TO SPREAD IT OUT It is easy to feel overwhelmed when your to-do list is large, or you aim to deep-clean every inch of your home in one day. Break up your chores into manageable sections, rather than trying to complete everything at once. Create daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks to keep you on schedule without burning out. As you declutter, try the 10-10-100 challenge. Choose one space in your home, set a timer for 10 minutes, and place 10 items you want to store or donate in a box. TRICKS TO MAKE IT FUN Cleaning does not have to feel like a dreaded chore. This tidy-up time can be your moment of personal zen, a chance to catch up on your favorite podcast, or a family activity that feels like a game. Put on a new audiobook or an energetic playlist while you sweep. Make a little time to “spring-clean” your mental health while working by incorporating breathing exercises or mini meditations. As you wipe down a counter, take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for or exhale with every swipe. As you tackle spring-cleaning, keep the work light and fun, and it will no longer feel like a punishment for surviving the winter.
For many families, planning for the future can feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming. Supporting them through that process is something Trang Nguyen finds deeply meaningful. She began her work at the firm as the welcoming voice at the front desk and now serves in document production, helping turn clients’ goals into thoughtfully prepared plans.
During her time as front desk administrator, Trang loved setting the tone for every client’s experience.
Being able to offer them comfort, reassurance, and guidance left a lasting impression on her and continues to shape her approach today. She believes that “even the smallest gestures can make a real, meaningful difference.” In her current role, Trang works behind the scenes, helping prepare the legal documents that bring clients’ estate plans to life. But the work goes far beyond just paperwork. It gives her the opportunity to learn about each client and what matters most to them. “Through their wishes, goals, and the plans we prepare, I get a glimpse into what matters most to them,” she says. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do helps turn their goals into something really lasting for them.” Trang’s interest in estate planning is deeply personal. Growing up with parents who do not speak much English, she saw firsthand how challenging and confusing these decisions can be. As they grew older, she found herself wondering what the next steps were to ensure they would be cared for and protected. “Learning about trusts and estate planning has helped me understand how these documents can provide clarity and peace of mind, not just for my parents, but also for families like mine.”
Outside of work, Trang enjoys spending time with her two beloved dogs, Chloe, her senior Jack Russell mix, and Daisy, her miniature schnauzer. They are a big part of what she looks forward to after a busy day.
Trang believes families deserve more than just a single point of contact or a set of documents. She is proud to be part of a firm that offers seminars and resources to help people understand their options and feel confident about the future.
For Trang, supporting people through difficult times in their lives is a privilege.
“The trust that our clients place in us means so much to me,” she says. “Seeing that sense of relief and the smile that comes after helping them is incredibly fulfilling.”
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PLANNING FOR LIFE’S WHAT-IFS
Why Planning Ahead for Medical Decisions Reduces Stress
When people think about estate planning, their minds often go straight to what happens after someone passes away. But a well-designed plan does much more. It can provide clarity during an unexpected illness or injury. April is Stress Awareness Month, and while we can’t eliminate all of life’s uncertainties, we can reduce the stress they create for the people we love. Thoughtful incapacity planning is one of the most powerful ways to plan for life’s what-ifs.
prevent the need for costly and time-consuming court involvement.
POWER OF ATTORNEY You can also designate a medical power of attorney or health care proxy who can make medical decisions on your behalf that align with your values and preferences. If a health issue prevents you from communicating, this step ensures that someone you trust can step in. Your health care agent can approve or refuse medical treatments, choose medical providers, and make crucial choices about your care, so no one has to worry about what you would have wanted. HIPAA RELEASE For your family or health care agent to access your important medical records, you will need to sign a HIPAA release. This document gives the people who matter most the ability to view and discuss your condition and treatment with your health care provider when you are unable to
TRUSTS A revocable living trust is one of the most
do so yourself. Without it, it can be difficult for your family to obtain crucial information during a health crisis. A lot can change in life, and if something happens to you, like an emergency health issue, having a plan in place can make all the difference. At Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, we can help you take proactive steps now, so if the unexpected happens, your family has the peace of mind to care for you without unnecessary stress or confusion.
effective planning tools to protect you and your family during your lifetime. A trust allows you to choose someone as your successor trustee who can step in if you experience a health emergency, like a stroke or serious injury, or if you become mentally incapacitated. This trusted individual can manage bill payments and financial matters, communicate with your beneficiaries, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. A trust also helps
CHICKEN MISO SPINACH SOUP
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 5 small carrots, thinly sliced
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9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• • • •
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 medium yellow onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
12 oz fresh baby spinach
3 tbsp white miso
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil. 2. Add carrots and onion and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. 4. Add broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. 5. Stir in chicken; cook 2 minutes. 6. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Remove pot from heat. 7. In a small bowl, stir 1/4 cup hot broth into miso until dissolved, then return mixture to pot. 8. Divide soup into bowls and top with scallions. DIRECTIONS
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
WHAT KIND OF BOW CAN'T BE TIED? A RAINBOW
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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Clarity Over Confusion page 1
Helping Families Find Clarity and Peace of Mind Refresh Your Home Without the Rush page 2 Protect Your Family During Life’s Unexpected Moments Chicken Miso Spinach Soup page 3
A Fresh Look at Daily Routines page 4
Some nights, you get home, drop your keys on the counter, and feel like the day just happened to you instead of one you had an active role in. Your shoulders feel tight, your eyes are sore from all the screens, and dinner turns into whatever you can put together most quickly. Technically, you made it through, but the ordeal left you drained. Most of us cannot rewrite our job descriptions, but we can do things to improve our days. Instead of hunting for a perfect routine, it is best to start with a couple of small changes that can make tomorrow feel a little more manageable. First, look at your commute. If traffic leaves you on edge, try adjusting your departure time by a few minutes, or search for a quieter route to work. Is public transportation an option? If so, taking a bus or train once or twice a week can be a nice change from driving. It may take longer, but it gives you time to read or listen to something you actually enjoy. A calmer arrival at work can make everything else easier. Small Tweaks for Better Workdays FINDING BREATHING ROOM IN THE GRIND
distance does not count. A real break pulls your eyes, mind, and body away from work. That might mean taking a quick walk outside or simply moving to another part of the building and looking out a window. And have your lunch somewhere other than your desk. Eating in front of the same screen you use to answer emails is not going to give your brain the reset it needs. Finally, pick a stopping point and protect it. Once the workday is over, close the laptop and leave the office. Resist the temptation to log back in after work or check your emails before bed. Tomorrow’s workday usually feels better if the previous day had a clear, conclusive ending.
It is also worth looking at how you take breaks throughout the day. First of all, are you actually taking them? A moment or two of staring off into the
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