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
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 5 small carrots, thinly sliced
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9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
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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
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