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Create a Ripple Effect of Positivity How Charitable Giving Can Uplift Your Community (and You)
Estate planning doesn’t just have to be about ensuring the well- being of your family. It can also be about helping you use your estate to give back. With Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17, there’s no better time to spread kindness to someone who needs it most. You would be surprised at how something little to you can mean the world to someone else.
on Random Acts of Kindness Day, considering the financial aspects of giving back becomes an integral part of the conversation. Through tax deductions, charitable contributions can provide an opportunity for you to support causes close to your heart while also enjoying other financial advantages. By strategically incorporating charitable giving into your financial planning, you can maximize your impact on both the causes you care about and your overall financial well-being. These donations don’t have to be 50% or even 10%–20%
While widely known holidays often monopolize our calendars, it’s the lesser-known gems like Random Acts of Kindness Day that hold the potential to create a ripple effect of positivity. This particular day serves as a gentle reminder of the power that small, intentional acts of kindness can have in brightening someone’s day, fostering connections, and building a stronger, more compassionate community. In contemplating how to make a meaningful impact on Random Acts of Kindness Day, my thoughts inevitably turn to the profound effect that charitable donations can have on people and organizations in need. Whether contributing to local charities, supporting
of your estate. Just a sliver of your wealth can change people’s lives and make a difference in the world. A $50,000 distribution from an estate can create a scholarship plan that would never run out.
While Random Acts of Kindness Day serves as a poignant reminder to engage in intentional acts of generosity, the spirit of giving back does not have to be confined to a single day. I encourage my clients and fellow community members to consider weaving a commitment to kindness into their daily lives. It’s a way we can all make a visible difference in how we treat one another and improve our community. You can play an active role in shaping a more compassionate and interconnected world. As we approach Random Acts of Kindness Day, let us reflect on the immense potential we hold to make a positive impact, not just on Feb. 17 but throughout the year. In doing so, we contribute to the creation of a legacy defined by generosity, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
national initiatives, or championing global causes, the act of giving back resonates on a personal and societal level. Charitable donations serve as a lifeline for countless organizations dedicated to addressing pressing issues, from hunger and homelessness to education and health care. In my field, I often witness the transformative power of philanthropy in shaping the legacy of my clients. While the altruistic motives behind charitable donations are undoubtedly compelling, it’s worth noting that there can be additional incentives, including tax-saving benefits. As we embark
–Mike Hill
1 (239) 265-9779
FEBRUARY 2024
Hidden Eyes Protecting Your
Privacy in Hotel Rooms
Imagine checking into a luxurious hotel room, expecting a private sanctuary, only to discover your privacy might be compromised. This unsettling scenario is not just a plot in
• Unusual mirror placement, especially if facing the bed or shower • Mirrors that seem unusually thick or have a wall behind them • Any wires or unfamiliar gadgets attached to the mirror Preventive Measures To further ensure your privacy, familiarize yourself with the layout of your hotel room upon arrival. Inspect every mirror, especially in private areas like bathrooms and changing spaces. Be cautious of mirrors in unexpected or odd locations, too. The presence of two-way mirrors in hotel rooms is a rare but genuine concern, but if you suspect a two-way mirror in your room, report it immediately to hotel management. It’s essential to handle the situation with discretion and demand privacy or a room change. In some cases, involving local law enforcement may be necessary, especially if your privacy has been blatantly violated. Remember, in a place where you should feel secure and comfortable, your privacy is not just a luxury — it’s your right.
spy movies; it’s a privacy concern travelers face today. Two-way mirrors, occasionally found in hotel rooms, particularly in bathrooms,
can turn private moments into public spectacles.
The Risk of 2-Way Mirrors Two-way mirrors are reflective on one side and transparent on the other. They are often used for security or observation purposes. While they are more commonly found in police interrogation rooms, their presence in hotel rooms raises alarming privacy issues. Being watched or recorded without knowledge or consent is a nightmare scenario for any guest. Detecting Deceptive Mirrors So, how can you ensure your room really is private? The most well-known method is the fingernail test. Simply place your fingernail against the mirror. If there’s a gap between your nail and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror. However, if your nail directly touches its reflection, be wary — it could be a two-way mirror. But the fingernail test isn’t foolproof. Other signs to look out for include:
t e P l a n s
Trusts Made for Life’s Twists and Turns
People often think of an estate plan as a static, unchanging document. However, the best estate plan can adapt to life’s unpredictable nature. A flexible estate plan ensures your wishes stay intact, relevant, and impactful, no matter what the future holds. Testamentary Trusts Imagine an individual wishing to provide for a relative but is concerned about their financial maturity. A testamentary trust could stipulate that the relative receive portions of their inheritance at certain ages or milestones, allowing for growth and responsibility. For example, the trust could provide for educational expenses initially, then a lump sum for a home purchase at a later age, and finally, a retirement fund. This staged approach ensures the beneficiary benefits from the trust throughout their life.
Irrevocable Trusts As the name suggests, irrevocable trusts cannot be easily altered or terminated. However, they can offer flexibility. Their primary appeal lies in their ability to provide tax benefits and asset protection. Consider a situation where a trust is set up to benefit a family member with special needs. An irrevocable trust can be structured to provide for their care without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. If the beneficiary’s situation changes — say they no longer require government assistance — the trust can have provisions that allow for adjustment in distributions or even to support other family members. Discretionary Powers and Powers of Appointment Flexibility in estate planning is often achieved by including discretionary powers to trustees and powers of appointment.
Trustees with discretionary powers can decide distributions based on current circumstances and beneficiary needs. For example, a trust could allow a trustee to determine whether to distribute funds for a beneficiary’s start-up business or preserve the assets for future needs. Powers of appointment add another layer of flexibility. These allow beneficiaries to direct where and to whom the trust assets should go after their death. It is beneficial in adapting to changes in the family dynamic, such as new grandchildren or changing financial needs of the beneficiaries. The Art of Estate Planning Creating a good estate plan requires foresight, adaptability, and an understanding of the law. Incorporating flexible elements like those above makes your estate plan a dynamic, living document.
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floridaestateplanning.com
4 Reasons Why Boomers Must Update Their Estate Plans Today
Baby boomers aren’t immune to the tides of time. Change is the only constant in life, and your estate plan should reflect that. Our needs shift yearly, so it’s vital to stay current to ensure our wishes are carried out. Here are four reasons to update your estate plan before
your daughter. Some may benefit more from inheritance, especially if they have children. If this affects whom you leave money to, consider changing your estate plan immediately. Assets Grow People accumulate assets over time. Some of it is personal, some is not, but the estate plan should account for all of it. This is especially true for high-value items like cars. If you leave a vehicle behind but want to split the estate equally, who gets it? You may have enough assets to ensure everyone gets enough, but that’s not always the case, and some people may feel left out. Health Declines An estate plan doesn’t just specify who will receive assets — it explains your wishes in case you can’t make medical decisions. For example, if you don’t want to be on life support, an estate plan ensures your wishes are respected. Unless you have it in your estate plan, your family will decide, and you may disagree. Life changes, even for boomers. Your relationships, children, assets, and health diverge as the years fly by. A carefully planned and updated estate plan can protect you and your family from the consequences of unforeseen events. Come see us today to ensure your estate plan is updated per your wishes.
you miss the chance. Relationships Change
People grow apart and together. Former rivals form unlikely friendships, while close families can split. Spouses divorce and remarry. As the world turns, relationships
change. When this happens, staying on top of the estate plan is important. You may not like where your money goes,
nor will your family. Children Get Older
As Stevie Nicks sang, “Even children get older, and I’m getting older, too.” When children mature and build
lives on their own, their needs shift. If you have
multiple offspring, you know everyone’s journey is unique. Your son may not have the same needs as
C o
o k e r C h i
This chicken tikka masala recipe is a tantalizing journey for your taste buds.
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
•
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• • • • • •
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
• • • • •
1 onion, diced
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 14-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp garam masala
DIRECTIONS 1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. 4. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. 5. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
You Can Transform Lives and Shape Legacies PAGE 1
The 2-Way Mirror Test PAGE 2
Estate Plans That Bend, Not Break PAGE 2
Boomers, Keep Your Estate Planned Properly PAGE 3
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala PAGE 3
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health
To some, a nap is a vital part of
mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels.
Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be
4 floridaestateplanning.com Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer
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