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QUARTER 2, 2025
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Smart Strategies to Protect Your Legacy REFRESH YOUR ESTATE AND FINANCIAL PLANS THIS SPRING
With the arrival of spring, many experience a sense of renewal. This can inspire a desire to tackle some spring-cleaning projects and take satisfaction in the resulting sense of accomplishment. Refreshing your estate and financial plans can deliver a similar feeling of reassurance by ensuring that your documents align with your wishes. Getting started can be the most challenging part of any spring-cleaning project. If you are looking to protect your wealth and legacy for the future, consider the following steps to begin the process. DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS. Review and update key financial and estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. These documents must serve as a clear road map for whomever you designate to make decisions if you become unable to do so yourself. Ensuring that they accurately reflect your wishes is essential. Make the process easier for your trusted decision- makers by securing easy access to these critical documents. Store them in a safe place, such as a fireproof or waterproof safe or the office of a trusted advisor. Additionally, create digital copies and store them on a secure, password- protected cloud storage platform. Reviewing and consolidating your bank and brokerage accounts can also simplify the process of managing your financial affairs.
life insurance policies, align with your estate plan. Ensuring accuracy in these designations will help prevent conflicts and delays in your beneficiaries’ ability to access assets. Also, consider the overall impact of taxes on your estate plan. If your passing will create an estate tax liability, it is important to determine which assets will be used to cover the obligation. Additionally, if individual retirement accounts will pass to your beneficiaries, assess whether the income tax consequences for them are significant enough to warrant restructuring your plan. CONDUCT A FINANCIAL AND ESTATE PLAN CHECKUP. Review your income sources, savings, and your asset protection strategies to ensure your long- term financial security. Proper funding of trusts through the transfer of asset ownership is crucial. Furthermore, your financial and legal plans should work together seamlessly, with all beneficiary designations and instructions aligned. Effective estate planning requires meeting regularly with a qualified attorney to confirm that your documents meet legal standards, reflect your current wishes, and align with the latest tax laws. We recommend doing an estate plan review every three to five years to ensure your plan remains up to date. COORDINATE RETIREMENT AND WEALTH PRESERVATION STRATEGIES. Aligning your estate plan with your retirement strategy is essential. Now is an opportune time to evaluate your investment and retirement plans in relation to your estate planning goals. Have
you ensured that you will have adequate financial resources throughout your retirement?
Consider the possibility that you or a loved one may require long-term care. Planning in advance to cover these expenses is essential to avoid jeopardizing your financial security. Additionally, prepare to meet required minimum distributions from your tax-sheltered accounts. Evaluating whether a systematic transfer of assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA would provide tax advantages may also be beneficial. AVOID COMMON ESTATE PLANNING PITFALLS. Identify and address potential issues that could create challenges for your heirs or lead to an expensive, time-consuming probate process. Anticipate the income and estate tax burdens that may arise upon your passing. In some cases, utilizing a portion of an IRA to fund a charitable bequest rather than gifting it directly to a family member can reduce tax liabilities. Ensure that no critical areas of your estate plan have been overlooked. Commonly missed issues include outdated guardianship designations, improperly titled assets, or missing incapacity planning documents. Addressing these concerns proactively can help protect your legacy and ensure that your wishes are carried out smoothly. For clients who created their estate plans with our office, we offer consultations to review your plans free of charge. Contact us today to arrange a client review meeting. We will be glad to assist you with your spring-cleaning!
ALIGN BENEFICIARY AND ASSET INFORMATION.
Verify that the beneficiary designations on your retirement and financial accounts, as well as your
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As we age, life’s demands shift in ways that can heighten anxiety. Many older adults navigate significant changes — increased career demands, aging parents, and chronic health conditions. Hormonal shifts associated with aging, especially among women, can also amplify stress and unease. Common symptoms include irritability and panic, insomnia, trouble with memory and focus, and digestion problems. Fortunately, there are strategies to help you regain control and maintain your well-being. Simple Solutions for a Calmer Mind PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. Mindfulness techniques encourage you to focus on the present moment, which can counteract racing thoughts and reduce feelings of worry. Mindfulness-based practices include meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Even a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like walking, swimming, and tai chi can be ideal for older adults, as they are gentle on the body while providing mental health benefits. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. MAINTAIN SOCIAL CONNECTIONS. Strong social ties are one of the most significant predictors of contentment. Reaching out to friends, family, and community groups reduces feelings of isolation and can help manage anxiety. Consider joining a book club, taking a class, or volunteering — these help foster meaningful connections while keeping your mind engaged. SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT. If anxiety feels unmanageable, speaking with a therapist or counselor can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial for anxiety, as it enables you to identify and reframe negative thought patterns. In some cases, a medical provider can prescribe helpful medication. Experiencing anxiety in your 50s and 60s is more common than you think, but it’s also manageable. Taking proactive steps today can lead to a calmer, more confident tomorrow.
Meet Probate and Trust Assistant Marco Ruiz IN SERVICE TO FAMILIES
Families who have lost loved ones often face overwhelming grief, and navigating the complexities of probate law can add another layer of stress. For Marco Ruiz, providing guidance and reassurance during these difficult times aligns perfectly with his deep commitment to family and service. Since joining Litherland, Kennedy & Associates nearly three years ago, Marco has worked closely with families whose loved ones passed away
without an estate plan — or with only a simple will — helping them gather the necessary documents and evidence to settle their probate estates. He also supports our lead trust administration attorney Srushti Shah in guiding clients through the trust administration process.
Marco’s compassion allows him to form strong connections with the families he assists. “I like seeing the peace of mind that we are able to give clients,” he says. “They start the process in a high-stress situation, just recovering from a loss. Over time, they start coming into the office feeling much happier and relieved that the process is about to be finished.”
A senior at San Jose State University majoring in business administration, Marco joined the firm in 2022. He is set to become a fully credentialed paralegal after earning his bachelor’s degree later this year. Balancing school, full-time work, and serving as a young adult leader in his church keep Marco busy — along with spending time with his family and his girlfriend. “Juggling work, school, my girlfriend, my family, and my church are the big movers in my life,” he says. Just getting a good night’s sleep is one of his top priorities. “I wasn’t a coffee drinker before, but I am now!” Clients are often overwhelmed and grieving when they begin working with Marco. He strives to be transparent, supportive, and reassuring. “We give them assurances that we are going to give it our all,” he says. Seeing the transformation in clients is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. In one recent case, a client who was initially burdened by stress and grief gradually became more at ease. By the end of the process, Marco saw a sense of peace settle over him. “It’s been a beautiful journey,” he reflects.
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A 2-WAY STREET
The Health Benefits of Volunteering
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Physical & Social Activity: Staying active promotes heart health and sharpens cognitive skills. New Social Connections: Volunteering fosters meaningful interactions and combats loneliness. Emotional Well-Being: Helping others promotes compassion and affection, reducing stress and depression.
Imagine for a moment our nation without volunteers. Fire departments in three out of four communities would vanish, along with 90% of Red Cross workers, most disaster relief crews, and countless helpers at animal shelters, nursing homes, and homeless shelters. Volunteers make a difference in the lives of others. But what is it about helping someone in need that makes the volunteer feel better, too? As we honor Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, this is the perfect time to highlight research underscoring how volunteering benefits not just recipients, but volunteers themselves — especially older adults. Studies show that self-reported health tends to improve when older adults start volunteering and declines when they stop. A 2022 study of more than 267,000 individuals across 22 European nations found that frequent volunteers reported feeling healthier than those who did not volunteer.
The health advantages of volunteering increase sharply with age. While volunteers under 40 reported little difference in their health compared to non-volunteers, those in their 70s reported a 26% health advantage, and those 80 and older experienced a 35% improvement in self-reported health. The greatest benefits were seen in those who were already in poorer health. “Volunteering may protect older and less healthy adults from health decline in the long run,” wrote researchers in The European Journal of Aging.
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Additionally, older adults tend to experience less role conflict than younger people when volunteering, because those at younger ages are more likely to be juggling work, parenthood, and other duties. Finally, as people age, their priorities often shift toward activities that afford a greater sense of meaning and purpose — improving their overall well-being. This Volunteer Recognition Day, consider making time for a cause that matters to you. Not only will you serve a worthy mission, but you might just improve your own health in the process!
Why does volunteering have such a strong impact? Researchers cite several key reasons:
KETO LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
This keto-friendly chicken dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein. It’s the perfect weeknight option for a quick, tasty meal.
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
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1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
WHAT DO YOU CALL A DINOSAUR WITH AN EXTENSIVE VOCABULARY? A THESAURUS.
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Refresh Your Estate and Financial Plans page 1
Get to Know Our Probate and Trust Administration Assistant Your Guide to Conquer Anxiety page 2 How Volunteering Benefits Older Adults’ Health Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken page 3
Claim the Compact Storage Crown page 4
Tips to Master This All-Important Space DECLUTTER YOUR ENTRYWAY
PERFECT THE PET PARENT PLAYBOOK Of course, you also need to keep things neat for your beloved animal companions. Leashes, pet clothing, and waste scoopers should also have designated spaces in your reorganized entryway. Storing your pet essentials in a dedicated place will be especially helpful when your furry friends wake you up in the middle of the night so you can take them outside to do their business. From making a great first impression to keeping tasks convenient for your family, a decluttered front entryway is one of the best and most practical gifts you can give your home.
In many ways, your front entryway is your home’s command center. It’s where some of your most precious possessions reside and the first thing guests see when they visit. Unfortunately, it can also be your home’s most cluttered and disorganized space, leading to everything from desperate, already-late-for-work dashes to find your car keys to pets looking at you quizzically as you embark on a scavenger hunt for their leashes. Here are two quick tips to clear up that all-important space and save you from hustling to find those items that always seem to vanish whenever you need them. STOP THE SHOE STACK If your front entryway typically looks like a sneaker factory hit by a tornado, the first step is to get all that footwear — especially if it’s wet or muddy — out of your way and into easily accessible locations. You can utilize baskets or shelves to organize those items by person and even assign each area a name or number to help family members (or guests) find them without hassle. The same goes for gloves, hats, scarves, socks, boots, umbrellas, and other weather-specific attire. If your entryway space is minimal, consider adding hooks and shelves to a nearby wall to keep these essentials — plus purses, keys, and other daily accessories — in one spot. Best of all, everyone will know where to place certain items instead of dropping one glove in the living room and another in the kitchen. Imagine that!
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