Take a look at our June newsletter!
JUNE 2024
Taking a holistic approach to the circle of life Social Media
and Your Legacy Helping Protect Your Future
When people think about estate planning, they often consider the material items. Your homes, assets, and other wealth are all significant things to consider and plan for, but what you leave behind for your loved ones is about so much more than the stuff you accumulate. At our firm, when we help clients create estate plans that serve their wishes, we interview them about their lives, including their dreams, passions, and hobbies. Their answers become invaluable pieces of their legacy for their loved ones after they pass, fostering greater connections through the generations than any material possession ever could. We start building our legacies when we are younger, which is why estate planning is about so much more than age. It’s about ensuring your protection at every stage in life by using all the tools at your disposal. We want to ensure that 18-year- old who sets off on their own for the first time understands that, at the very least, a medical power of attorney will protect them should anything happen. As our clients age, marry, start families of their own, and build their wealth, it’s important that they continue to add more protections for themselves and their loved ones. And as their families and lives change, their plans change with them. Our firm took this approach to estate planning years ago, and one of the tools we used to educate our clients was social media. As we approach World Social Media Day on June 30, I can’t help but think about the power of social media in our lives as we create and protect our legacies. At the firm level, we use social media to provide educational tools and materials on legacy planning. Anyone following our firm on social media — Facebook in particular — can see and
use these videos to educate themselves, their children, or even their grandchildren. Beyond our firm, we have witnessed how social media has impacted the lives of our clients and their families. In particular, we all saw how so many
508-795-1557 P.S. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to wish my grandmother a happy birthday! You may remember my grandma from last month’s cover story. She is turning 102 years old this June and continues to inspire me. Happy birthday, Grandma! –Polly Tatum 1 Social media has changed how we live in our world, and in many ways, it allows our clients to age with dignity. Moreover, it’s an essential tool for our legacy planning and education. Social media is not perfect, but when we can use it for good, it can be a powerful tool to build and protect our legacies. people were isolated from their loved ones during the pandemic. Social media was a way to foster connection in a particularly difficult and lonely time for many people, and today, it continues to connect people. This allows our clients to engage and gain new independence in ways that would not have been possible without social media.
NEVER TOO LATE Find Fulfillment in Learning to Code
Education resources and methods have changed. Thankfully, you don’t have to thumb through a dry textbook or an antiquated website with a sterile white background to learn how to write code. Websites like Boot.dev are inspired by fantasy books and games and put you in the shoes of an adventurer. You can choose which programming language you want to learn and then earn rewards as you complete various puzzles and challenges. Just decide which coding language you want to learn, take online courses, watch video tutorials, and even check how others code. Then practice. Anyone can learn to program, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or professional background. Understanding the Stages of Grief Grieving is a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone, but it generally encompasses several stages: Denial This initial stage acts as an automatic defense mechanism to numb the shock of loss. During this time, the reality of the situation may be hard to accept. Anger As the emotional numbness wears off, it is common to feel angry. This varies and can be directed at oneself, others, or even the deceased. Bargaining In this stage, people may dwell on “what if” scenarios, wishing they could change the past to prevent the loss. Depression Great sadness and despair characterize this stage as the person fully confronts the reality of the loss and attempts to cope.
Computers do not run on magic — they run on code. Computer programmers write the code that prompts every action on a computer, similar to how composers write sheet music for musicians to play their instruments. If you are intrigued, consider getting into programming as a hobby or even to start a new career. Why learn to code? For one, it can help build professional skills — it empowers you to create and solve problems, and it’s a desirable skill. With that added ability comes a high-income opportunity to the tune of $85,000 per year. Even if you’re not looking for a new career, coding can give you confidence and a new perspective on technology, and it’s fun, especially when you can start creating your own websites, apps, or computer games! Compassionate Legal Support HELPING FAMILIES FOCUS ON CHERISHED MEMORIES When a loved one passes away, families want to focus on cherishing their memories and remembering their legacies rather than becoming entangled in complexities that may arise from probate and family disputes. Here at the Law Office of Polly Tatum, we understand this delicate time and offer customized estate planning services to help families avoid unnecessary stress during their grieving process. By planning in advance, families can ensure their loved ones’ wishes are honored without legal complications overshadowing their mourning.
Acceptance The final stage involves coming to terms with the loss and finding ways to move forward while still honoring the deceased’s memory. Our Role By planning in advance, families can ensure their loved ones’ memories are honored without the added stress of probate and potential family feuds. Our services and compassionate approach offer peace of mind, allowing families to focus on celebrating the lives of those who passed away and navigating their grief with support and understanding. While grieving is an inevitable part of losing a loved one, the process can be made less burdensome with the right legal preparations and support. Here at the Law Office of Polly Tatum, we are always ready to assist so families can honor their loved ones without legal challenges overwhelming them.
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Choosing the Right Executor: Key Factors to Consider
Availability and Willingness Ensure that the person you choose as your executor is willing and able to take on the responsibilities. The role can be time-consuming and sometimes stressful. Discuss your plans with them to confirm their willingness and availability to dedicate the necessary time and effort.
Selecting the right executor for your estate is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The executor, also known as a personal representative, is responsible for managing your estate, ensuring your wishes are carried out, and navigating the legal and financial complexities of the probate process. Let’s consider some important factors when choosing the right person for this role. Trustworthiness First, your executor must be someone you trust completely. This person will handle sensitive and significant aspects of your estate, including managing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to your beneficiaries. Choose someone with integrity and reliability to ensure your wishes are honored faithfully. Organizational Skills An executor must keep track of various documents, meet deadlines, and manage numerous tasks
simultaneously. Someone with excellent organizational skills and the ability to stay on top of complex matters is ideal for this role. Financial Understanding While an executor doesn’t need to be a financial expert, having a basic understanding of financial matters is beneficial. They will need to manage your estate’s finances, including settling debts, filing taxes, and possibly liquidating assets; thus, having a good grasp of financial principles and the ability to make sound financial decisions is key. Communication Skills An executor will interact with various parties, including family members, attorneys, accountants, and the court. Effective communication skills are essential to navigate these interactions smoothly. The executor should be able to explain processes clearly, resolve conflicts amicably, and keep beneficiaries in the loop.
Professional Assistance In some instances, a professional
executor, such as a lawyer or a financial institution, may be needed if the estate is complex or a suitable candidate isn’t available. Professional executors have the expertise and experience to manage estates efficiently. By selecting someone who embodies these qualities, you can ensure your estate will be managed effectively. Remember to discuss your choice with the prospective executor to confirm their willingness and ability to take on this crucial role.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Ingredients • 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 bell peppers, sliced
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Place bell pepper and onion on the baking sheet. 4. Drizzle evenly with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder mixture; reserve some for shrimp. Bake for 12 minutes. 5. Remove sheet pan from oven and push veggies to one side. Add shrimp to the empty side. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and spices. Return sheet pan to oven and bake for another 6 minutes, until shrimp are pink. 6. Serve on warm tortillas with desired toppings.
• 1 onion, sliced • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp chili powder • 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder • Salt and pepper, to taste • Tortillas
Take a Break
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19 CEDAR ST. • WORCESTER, MA 01609 • 508-795-1557 • LAWOFFICEOFPOLLYTATUM.COM
INSIDE
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Building and Protecting Your Legacy
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Find a New Passion in Programming
Navigating Grief With Ease
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Choosing the Right Executor for Your Estate
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
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Tips for Affordable Grocery Shopping
Your Guide to Frugal Grocery Shopping EATING WELL ON A BUDGET
Peanut Butter While everyone loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, this inexpensive ingredient can also be used in a number of other recipes. It can be used as a delicious protein additive to smoothies or spread on celery to make ants on a log. Tortillas Tortillas come in two main varieties: corn and flour. The former is more traditional and less expensive, but if you prefer flour, it’s still an economical option. While you can buy pre-cooked tortillas, the flavor is much better when you cook them yourself. If you buy in bulk, you can save the tortillas you aren’t ready to use by freezing them, allowing you to save more and only use what you need. Tortillas are also used by astronauts as a substitute for bread since they don’t leave crumbs when you eat them. If they are good enough for astronauts, they’re good enough for us!
Are you tired of spending more money on fewer ingredients? You are not alone. While prices for most consumer goods have increased, food costs have increased even more. Grocery prices have increased by 25% since 2020, outpacing inflation by 6%. By buying food that costs less, lasts longer, and feeds more people, you can keep your grocery bills manageable
while still eating well. Look for these foods at the grocery store to keep your wallet and pantry full!
Ground Meat Whether it’s chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, ground meat is cheap and usable in many recipes. In addition to a range of options to meet dietary restrictions and preferences, ground meat
is sold in larger quantities and costs less than many other forms of meat. Despite not being a “prime cut” option, ground meat is still full of protein that satisfies your hunger.
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