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November 2024
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Protecting Our Little Ones GUARDIANS OF INNOCENCE
We’re nothing in life without the ones we love.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how grateful I am to my children for the blessings they’ve given me. It’s been a tremendous joy to see my son, Theo, and daughter, Green, enjoy happy lives, and I’m honored to be their father. As a parent, I have no greater commitment than to keep them safe and secure. In addition to including Thanksgiving and Veterans Day, November is National Child Safety and Protection Month — a cause I believe in with all my heart. My wife and I lost our oldest son, Matias, about six years ago. Naturally, that experience put us on high alert concerning our other kids, and we’ve sharpened our focus on potential dangers in and around our home. It’s astonishing to consider how many risks exist in a typical household. Even something seemingly innocuous can seriously threaten young children, especially toddlers. Let’s start with something obvious for people in South Florida. Many of us have pools on our property, which could lead to tragedy if an unsupervised child gets out and decides to go for a swim. If you haven’t built a fence around your pool, I strongly urge you to do so. It’s a little thing that significantly impacts your child’s safety. If you’re a parent, you know how hectic life can get, especially when you add work and bills to the mix. If you often drive with children in the backseat — particularly on hot Florida days — always bring them along when you leave your vehicle to run an errand. Leaving them alone in the car for just a few minutes can lead to a lifetime of sorrow if something terrible happens to them while you’re gone. Kitchens tend to be crowded and busy this year, so please consider the little things that could cause harm. When we cook at home, we use the back burners to help prevent one of our kids from burning themselves on the stove or grabbing the handle of a pot of boiling water. Everyone knows to keep knives and other sharp utensils out of children’s reach, but people sometimes overlook those toothpicks used to hold hors d’oeuvres together.
Of course, other areas in your house should be equally child-proof. Putting gates on top of stairs or in front of the adults’ bedroom (especially if that’s where you keep potentially hazardous medications) is always a smart move. The need for child safety hit home in a scary way last year when Green got a piece of a wooden toy stuck in her mouth. Thankfully, she turned out okay — but not before we made a frantic 911 call. We couldn’t bear to lose another child, and this event led us to be more vigilant than ever in protecting them. We now ensure that none of their playthings pose a risk — and if any toys require batteries, we monitor them closely to prevent choking hazards.
From one parent to another, I urge you not to get too comfortable regarding your children’s well-being — even in your own home.
They are the greatest gifts we’ll ever receive, and we need to keep them as safe, healthy, and happy as possible. This Thanksgiving and every day, let’s honor our love for them and express gratitude for how they continue to enrich our lives.
–Horacio Sosa
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CELEBRITIES SECURE THEIR PETS’ FUTURES Why a Pet Trust Is the Ideal Option Oprah Winfrey
It might sound silly at first, but including pets in your will is a way to ensure your beloved animals are cared for after you’re gone. But these celebrities take it to the next level. Let’s look at three famous examples and the legal nuances behind leaving millions behind for a furry friend. Joan Rivers Joan Rivers, the legendary comedian and TV host, passed away in 2014 at 81. Rivers left a considerable portion of her $150 million fortune to her four dogs — two rescue dogs in New York City and two in Los Angeles.
Oprah Winfrey, the iconic TV legend, has proactively set aside $30 million in her will to care for her dogs once she passes. Over the years, Oprah has had over 20 dogs, and she wants to ensure her furry companions continue to live in comfort even after she is gone. Karl Lagerfeld When the iconic fashion designer for Balmain and Chanel passed away in 2019 at 85, he left a portion of his $300 million fortune to his beloved Burmese cat, Choupette. Legal Aspects of Including Pets in Wills While you may not agree, by law, a person cannot directly will their property to an animal because an animal is also considered property. Instead, you can include a provision in your will that sets aside a certain amount of money for your pet. However, this method is not typically recommended, as there is no real oversight to ensure the funds are used exclusively for the pet’s benefit. A pet trust offers a more reliable way to meet a pet’s needs after you pass. In a pet trust, the trustee delivers the money to the caretaker, who looks after the pet. Additionally, the trust has the legal right to supervise the caretaker and ensure they use the money as intended. Setting up a pet trust is a practical and legally sound solution for those who want to ensure their pets are well-cared for after they’re gone. Of course, it doesn’t have to be millions!
LOCK IN A FAIL-SAFE SAVINGS PLAN
Open a brokerage account. A regular investment account gives you access to stocks, bonds, and other instruments. Most advisors recommend a low-cost index fund as an initial investment, but if you are uncomfortable with stock market volatility, consider certificates of deposit or bonds. If you hold investments for at least one year, your earnings will be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate — far less than the tax on your ordinary income.
Budgeting and saving are skills many Americans learn late in life, if at all. Only 36 states require high schools to offer personal finance courses. While that’s a marked increase from seven states in 2000, it still leaves many Americans adrift. Many consumers benefit from setting up regular automatic deposits to each of the four key savings and investment accounts, either through paycheck withholding or via their bank. With this system, growing their savings requires no conscious effort. Start an emergency fund. Deposit 2% of your paycheck into an emergency fund, either a high-yield savings account or a money market fund. These accounts currently yield about 4% annual interest or more, so your money will be working for you. Work toward setting aside enough to cover at least three months’ expenses to avoid using high-interest credit cards. Automate retirement savings. If possible, put 10%–15% of your paycheck into a retirement account, such as a 401(k), Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, or another investment account. To help you meet this lofty goal, take full advantage of any matching program your employer offers. That’s free money!
Set up a health savings account. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a powerful way to set aside income
tax-free to pay medical bills. They offer a triple tax advantage in that deposits, earnings, and withdrawals are tax-free if you use withdrawals for eligible medical expenses. You can sign up for these
plans through an employer or HealthCare. gov by opting for an HSA-eligible health insurance plan. To determine how much to deposit, search online for “HSA Contribution Calculator.” Unlike other tax-sheltered savings vehicles, HSAs do not have a “use-it-or-lose-it” requirement, so you can accumulate funds for the future.
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DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY STORY
TAKE A BREAK APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
Diving into the world of genealogy can be as thrilling as unraveling a good mystery. Why not embark on a journey through your past? Here’s how to begin your genealogical adventure. Start with what you know. The golden rule in genealogy is to start with the known and work backward. Begin with personal details and then progressively move to exploring parents and grandparents. This systematic approach helps build a robust family tree, starting with the most accessible information. Choose the right tools. A crucial first step is selecting a reliable genealogy database program, which is essential for organizing and collecting various forms of documentation — from personal records to official certificates — needed as the foundation for preserving the familial legacy. The National Genealogy Society has an impressive list of free websites at NGSGenealogy.org/ free-resources/websites . Gather essential records. The next phase involves gathering documents such as recent generations’ birth, marriage, and death certificates.
FIREPLACE GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
The search can extend to census records, military enlistments, and old
EXQUISITE LEMON BARS
newspapers. Check out the FamilySearch link on NGSGenealogy.org . Organize family groups. Organizing information into family groups is vital.
Ingredients
Clustering data about immediate family members allows for a clearer understanding of familial relationships and histories. This process clarifies lineage and enriches the personal connection to your ancestors. Share your discoveries. Sharing these discoveries with family members can rekindle relationships and spark collective interest in your shared heritage. These revelations often lead to deeper connections, bridging past and present through shared ancestry. You may even find more information through family members! Enjoy lifelong exploration. Genealogy is more than a hobby; it’s a continuous journey through history with endless opportunities for discovery. It involves solving familial mysteries, breaking through research barriers, and preserving stories for future generations. Genealogy can be a great adventure so grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and start uncovering your unique family story. Who knows what fascinating tales you’ll find!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 1 cup butter, softened • 4 large eggs • 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. 3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pour over crust. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
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954-532-9447 www.SosaLegal.com 2924 Davie Rd., Ste. 102 Davie, FL 33314 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Must-Know Tips for Keeping Kids Safe
Fortunate Furry Friends and Their Trust Funds
2
4 Must-Have Savings Accounts to Secure Your Future
Exquisite Lemon Bars
3
Uncover Hidden Stories in Your Ancestry
Estate Planning Essentials for Young Adults
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From 18 Onward 3 Essential Legal Documents Every Young Adult Should Have
Health Care Power of Attorney One of the most important documents for any young adult is a health care power of attorney, also known as an advanced health care directive. This document allows a family member or another trusted individual to make health care decisions on behalf of the young adult if they become incapacitated. Without this legal document, parents and legal guardians will be barred from making health care decisions for them and will not be allowed to access their medical information. This can create complications during an already challenging time. Financial Power of Attorney A financial power of attorney is another crucial component of a young adult’s estate plan. This document ensures someone can manage their bills and any financial affairs if they are ever physically incapacitated. Whether paying rent, managing bank
Every person needs an estate plan, regardless of age or income level. It’s easy to think estate planning is only for the wealthy or older adults, but even young adults can benefit from having essential legal documents in place. Here are three critical estate planning documents every young adult should have and why they’re so important.
accounts, or handling other financial matters, having a financial power of attorney provides peace of mind that these tasks will be taken care of without disruption. A Simple Will Finally, every young adult should have a simple will. While it might seem unnecessary for someone with few assets, a will is essential for ensuring their property is distributed according to their wishes. It also simplifies the process for loved ones during a difficult time, reducing potential disputes and confusion. A simple will can address the distribution of personal belongings, digital assets, and any other property, providing clarity and direction for those left behind. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or older adults; it’s also a crucial step for young adults. Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind and protect them and their loved ones in the future.
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