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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. MAR/APR 2025
And That’s What Makes It Beautiful Parenting Is Full of Surprises —
Parenthood is one of life’s greatest adventures. It’s unpredictable, filled with surprises, and, if we are being honest, not at all what we originally imagined. I always thought that as a parent, my kids would listen to me without question. I figured that if I’d say it, they’d do it. However, as it turns out, it doesn’t always happen that way. What I’ve learned instead is that raising children isn’t about control — it’s about guidance. It’s about nurturing them, supporting them, and watching them grow into their own unique selves. And honestly, that realization has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Growing up in a big family, I was always around kids. But becoming a parent myself opened my eyes to just how deep and complex children really are. They may be little, but their thoughts, emotions, and creativity are anything but small. One of my biggest revelations as a parent is how much I enjoy getting to know my kids while raising them. Their personalities, interests, and even the way they tease me have become some of my greatest joys. Just the other day, my son (who’s 9) was rummaging through my toiletry bag, pulling out item after item.
He kept going, naming every product until he finally laughed and said, “And this one’s for your big toe, and this one’s for your middle toe, and this one’s for this strand of hair, and this one’s for that strand of hair …” It was so well-timed, sophisticated, and perfectly executed that I couldn’t stop laughing. When did my 9-year-old get this witty? Moments like these remind me that kids are so much more than just “cute” little people — they are hilarious, brilliant, and full of surprises. One of the things I love most is watching my kids find what excites them. My 11-year-old recently became fascinated with magic tricks. I’m not into magic, my husband isn’t into magic — this isn’t something we introduced to him. But one day, he started teaching himself card tricks, practicing them, perfecting them, and then performing them for us. To be honest, he’s really great! It’s incredible watching kids develop their own interests and master skills all on their own. They don’t need to be taught curiosity; it’s built into them. And seeing their passion, persistence, and excitement is incredibly rewarding. Of course, parenthood isn’t just about the funny moments or the cool tricks — it’s also about the quiet, heartwarming ones. My daughter leaves me little love notes on my pillow, in my bag, or in random spots around the house. She just has this huge, loving heart, and every time I find one of her notes, I feel so lucky to be her mom.
On March 20, we celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. I love my children, and at the end of the day, I know my biggest legacy won’t be anything I accomplish for myself. It will be my children. They are the ones who will carry forward what I’ve taught them. They will become the parents of my
grandkids. They will create their own families, their own traditions, their own legacies. And knowing that makes every moment, challenge, and bit of exhaustion well worth it!
“Mommy, what’s this?” he asked. “That’s my face lotion,” I told him. “And this?” “Another face lotion.” “And this?” “Eye cream.”
WWW.SHOUPLEGAL.COM | 1 –Andrea Shoup
A NEW ERA FOR ERISA THE ‘FINAL RULE’ TRANSFORMS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FIDUCIARY
For more than 14 years, the U.S. Department of Labor has been trying to determine a new definition of a “fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). A fiduciary provides investment advice for a fee to employee benefit plans. Under ERISA, someone is a fiduciary if they have control over managing or using a plan’s assets, provide investment advice for a fee, and have responsibility for managing the plan. Since 1975, these discussions were only considered “investment advice” if they adhered to a five- part test. However, this past September, the Department of Labor released new regulations called the Final Rule that redefines what it means to be an investment advice fiduciary. With this recent change, the five-part test goes out the window. The Final Rule expands the definition of who can be considered a fiduciary. Someone
is a fiduciary if they regularly provide investment recommendations and advice to retirement investors for a fee. That advice must be based on the investor’s needs and reflect expert judgment that serves the investor’s best interests. They must also state that they are acting as a fiduciary when giving advice; however, if you’ve previously received one-time advice, that could now be considered fiduciary advice. That’s a lot of information to swallow, and by now, you’re probably wondering how this will affect the average person. In most cases, these changes will only affect those acting as fiduciary advisors and retirement investors, including participants, beneficiaries, IR owners (Ingersoll Rand Inc.), and anyone else involved with an ERISA plan. Through the Final Rule, you should receive better advice that puts your interests first, providing more transparency about recommendations and
any fees involved. It should also create greater accountability for advisers, brokers, insurance agents, and anyone else acting as a fiduciary. All in all, this is a great change for those who interact with fiduciaries. You can rest assured knowing the advice you receive will benefit you and your investments.
Meet Thuy! OUR NEW OFFICE MANAGER HAS MADE A GREAT IMPRESSION
At Shoup Legal, we know a great team is what makes everything run smoothly, and we are lucky to have Thuy, our new Office Manager, keeping things in check. Though she’s only been with us for a few months, she’s already making a huge impact and ensures our office runs efficiently and, most importantly, our clients feel supported every step of the way.
As office manager, Thuy wears many hats. She’s the go-to person for keeping things organized and making sure all the moving parts come together. She also handles any unexpected challenges that pop up. She’s also one of the first points of contact for clients to make sure they feel supported from the moment they call or walk through our doors. For Thuy, the most rewarding part of the job is knowing she’s helping people navigate difficult legal matters with ease and compassion.
Before joining Shoup Legal, Thuy worked in HR and office administration, juggling multiple responsibilities and making sure everything stayed on track. When her previous company went through an acquisition, she
Outside of work, Thuy enjoys the simple things — quiet moments with a great book and a strong cup of coffee. But she also has a creative side. She’s an aspiring screenwriter and has even won a few awards for her work! Specializing in romantic comedies and dramedies, she loves crafting stories that create laughter and demonstrate passion. We couldn’t be happier to have Thuy as part of the Shoup Legal family. Her dedication, warmth, and ability to keep everything running smoothly make her an essential part of our team. Next time you call or visit the office, be sure to say hello! She’s always happy to help!
saw it as an opportunity to explore something new — something that still allowed her to help people in meaningful ways. With a little legal experience under her belt, she was drawn to Shoup Legal’s client-first philosophy. She loved the idea of working for a firm that focuses on making estate planning and legal processes as stress-free as possible, especially during what can be some of the toughest times in people’s lives.
Plan today for peace
2 | (951) 445-4114
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage Inspired by AllRecipes.com
RECENT LIFE CHANGES? Why It’s Time to Update Your Estate Plan Life never stays the same for long. Major events, both expected and unexpected, can shift your priorities, finances, and future plans in an instant. If you’ve experienced a big life change recently, it’s an optimal time to review and update your estate plan.
Ingredients •
1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet
•
3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• • •
3 qts water
• • •
1 tsp salt
1 onion, quartered
2 lbs red potatoes, halved 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
3 carrots, cut into large chunks
Directions 1.
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top).
minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes.
Let’s take a look at some key life events that should prompt you to revisit your estate plan.
Marriage or Divorce Whether you’ve recently tied the knot or ended a marriage, your estate plan needs to reflect your current relationship status. You may need to update beneficiary designations, change your will, and revise your power of attorney and health care directives.
5. Place meat on a cutting
board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30
6.
Welcoming a Child or Grandchild
Becoming a parent or grandparent is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Updating your estate plan makes sure your child or grandchild is financially protected. You may want to establish guardianship arrangements and set up a trust to manage assets for their future.
TAKE A BREAK
Loss of a Loved One If a beneficiary, executor, or trustee named in your estate plan has passed away, you’ll need to update your documents accordingly. Ensuring the right people are in place to manage your affairs can prevent complications later on. Significant Changes in Finances A sudden increase or decrease in wealth from an inheritance, new business, or major investment should be reflected in your estate plan. You may need to update tax strategies, adjust asset distribution, or create a new financial plan to protect your wealth. Health Concerns or Aging If you or a loved one are facing serious health issues, it’s important to review your health care directives, powers of attorney, and long-term care plans. Making these decisions in advance ensures your wishes are honored if you’re ever unable to communicate them. Changes in Laws or Tax Regulations Estate planning laws and tax codes change over time. An outdated estate plan could leave your assets vulnerable to unnecessary taxes or legal challenges.
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BLUEBIRD CLOVER
GREEN IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS
PISCES SPRING TANGERINE TULIP
e of mind tomorrow.
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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. 39755 Date St., Ste. 203 | Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 445-4114 | www.shouplegal.com
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1 | Lessons From Parenthood 2 | How the DOL’s Final Rule Protects Retirement Investors 2 | Introducing Thuy! 3 | Life Moves Fast! Keep Your Estate Plan Up to Date 3 | Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage 4 | Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss Inside This Issue
All Aboard the Alaska Railroad! WHY TRAVELING ALASKA BY TRAIN BEATS THE CRUISE SHIP
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks
and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty. The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp
for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history.
The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world-class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience. And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
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