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740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
August/September 2025
Theme Parks, Family Traditions, and the Memories That Stick
I want you to take a second to reflect on some of your happiest childhood memories. What are you doing? Whom are you with? You may have envisioned a family vacation surrounded by your parents and siblings or a trip to a local park, zoo, or sporting event with your grandparents. When we do something fun with family, it sticks with us, becoming a cherished memory we love to look back on whenever things get tough or we feel homesick. This month is dedicated to these moments, memories, and special occasions as we recognize August as Family Fun Month!
When I was growing up, my family would always take a trip to Orlando to visit one of the amazing amusement parks there. I can’t remember a single vacation where we didn’t go to Florida. It’s nice packing up and heading south, especially if it’s the middle of winter and there’s snow on the ground! We would spend time at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, riding as many roller coasters as possible. As my brother and I grew older, we started to enjoy Universal more because it had more thrilling rides, but both resorts have a special place in my heart. We’ve tried to keep the tradition alive through our adult years. We try to visit Tampa or Orlando every August to relive our childhood memories while making new ones. That’s the point behind Family Fun Month. It’s a time to establish memories we’ll remember fondly for years to come. I try to keep this in mind whenever I get an opportunity to do something with my kids. I love taking them to Florida so they can experience some of my favorite memories firsthand. My parents, brothers, and kids all joined me on my last trip to Orlando, and we had a great time! My love of roller coasters has remained, and I’m now at a point where I can introduce my daughter to my favorite rides. She likes roller coasters, too, but we put in a little effort to ensure she would enjoy them.
My brother loves to travel; before the trip, he spent hours researching different hacks and tricks to make the vacation fun for everyone. He looked up things like “how to introduce younger kids to roller coasters” and “the best order to do rides at Disney when trying to boost a child’s confidence.” We followed his advice to a tee, making it a memorable trip for everyone. Now that I know my kids enjoy theme parks, we’re looking at options closer to home we could visit during a weekend. Cedar Point would be a nice trip, but we might wait until the kids are older since that park has intense roller coasters. Hersheypark is definitely on my radar, and I’m hoping to get there this summer. I may have already gone and come back by the time you’re reading this newsletter! Kennywood is also on my radar; I hope to get there this summer! If you get a chance before the kids are back in school, go on an adventure somewhere. You don’t have to go anywhere far, expensive, or luxurious; simply do something you know everyone will love. You won’t regret it. You’ll walk away from the experience with a smile and a mind full of memories you’ll reflect on for the rest of your life!
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RETHINKING RETIREMENT The Rise of Part‑Time Retirees These days, more people are scaling back on long working hours, especially Gen Z and millennials. Many pick up part-time work or projects that give them space without completely severing ties to working life. It’s a slow shift — not a sudden stop — and it’s gaining traction. And for those approaching retirement, it’s something to consider. Retirement doesn’t have to mean walking away for good. This shift is partly fueled by remote and flexible work options, making it easier to downshift without leaving the workforce. A recent study from Fidelity Investments found that 66% of younger workers would prefer a phased retirement, and more than half of all respondents said they plan to work part-time during retirement. The reasons vary. Some want more time for travel, hobbies, or personal projects, but still value structure and purpose. Others want to stay active or involved in their field. Working in some capacity can also help with cash flow, delay Social Security, or cover insurance, which is especially important for those retiring before age 65. That said, partial retirement brings its own planning challenges. Health coverage is often limited for part-time workers. Income from consulting or part-time jobs could also reduce early Social Security benefits. And scaling back hours usually means scaling back contributions to retirement savings. Still, for those who plan ahead, semi-retirement offers a flexible way to ease into the next stage of life. It provides space to try new things without giving up the financial or emotional benefits work can offer.
WILLS vs. TRUSTS What Your Estate Plan Might Be Missing
If you watch enough movies or TV, you’re sure to come across a scene where the main character has to deal with the fallout after the death of a loved one. In nearly every piece of entertainment, they use a will to express the person’s desires and wishes after they pass. It’s almost always a short, cut-and- dried experience where they meet in a closed room with the family attorney or say their loved one bequeathed something to them in their will. That’s about as far as most movies take it, which leads the general public to believe they don’t need anything more than a will to ensure everything gets taken care of when they pass. While wills can be critical to your estate plan, they will not help you escape probate. A will allows you to name a guardian for your minor children and determine who will inherit your assets, but it also guarantees your loved one will have to go through the probate process. When creating or updating an estate plan, you should determine if you would be better off with a will, a trust, or both. The biggest factor separating wills and trusts is the amount of control you have in appointing someone to oversee your estate. On one hand, a trust requires you to appoint a trustee who will manage the contents of your trust while following your directions to distribute everything. On the other hand, a will has an executor and only provides a guideline the probate court must follow when distributing your assets. Your executor acts as your representative during this often expensive and time-consuming process. As stated earlier, trusts go into effect immediately and require you to fund them. You’ll need to transfer your assets out of your name and into the trust account to do this. This can include real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and even your personal belongings. These are all things you may have considered for your will, which is why exploring both avenues is worth the time. Call us today if you have questions about the best option for your circumstances.
On Page 3, we’ll discuss the potential costs of probate and how trusts can help you avoid potentially high fees.
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Avoid Probate, Potentially Save Thousands WHAT EVERY OHIO FAMILY SHOULD KNOW
When we think about estate planning, most people attempt to create a plan that puts their family and loved ones in the best position going forward. This looks different for everyone, and the specifics depend on their unique situation. Some think a will is all they need to pass on their assets and ensure their bases are covered, but this could cause their family to gain less than anticipated. They may not consider the additional fees their estate or loved ones will have to cover if the estate has to go through probate. If you’ve looked into estate planning before, you may have heard an attorney or someone else say probate is expensive without giving further details. When you first hear this, you may think it involves paying hourly wages to all involved, but there’s more to it than that. Let’s explore the fee structure and how much the average person in Ohio will have to pay in probate fees. When you go through probate, a fiduciary will oversee the process to ensure the estate is distributed fairly and according to the deceased’s wishes. They have predetermined fees according to Ohio’s laws and administrative rules. Any income your loved ones receive from personal property within your estate or the proceeds of real property from your estate will result in paying fees to the executor
or administrator. For the first $100,000, they receive 4% in fees. Anything between $100,000 and $400,000 has a rate of 3%. Anything above $400,000 has a 2% rate. Many may think this information is irrelevant since they do not have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank. However, you likely have more money to your name than you think, especially if you own a home and car. For example, you could be looking at around $9,000 in administrative fees if you have a home, auto, and bank account valued at $250,000. To avoid these administrative fees, you’ll need to avoid probate by creating a trust. This comes with a price tag but should be significantly less than probate fees. If you have questions about probate or want to create a trust, call us today!
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM BARS Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS •
1 pt strawberry ice cream 1/4 cup strawberry preserves 1 pt vanilla ice cream
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1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies 1 0.8-oz package freeze- dried strawberries
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DIRECTIONS 1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
BEER FAMILY LEO LUNCHBOX
MUSTARD PERIDOT POPPY SISTERS
TWINS VACATION WATERMELON ZUCCHINI 3 740-314-4829
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1
Why Family Adventures Matter
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A Softer Step Into Retirement
The Difference Between Wills and Trusts
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How Much Will Probate Cost Your Family?
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Take a Break
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Cook Up a Legacy
Know your why. Before you dive in, decide what your
until it smells right,” etc. If needed, test the recipes and jot down more precise measurements or instructions. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Add a personal touch. Photos can take a cookbook from good to unforgettable. Include pictures of the dishes, handwritten recipe cards, or candid family cooking moments. Even simple design details — like using someone’s handwriting or a family saying — can make it feel special. Pick a format. You don’t need to be a professional designer to pull this off. Tools like Canva, Shutterfly, or even Microsoft Word can help you create a layout. Decide whether you want to print physical copies, go digital, or do both. Don’t forget to embrace imperfection. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A little mess here and there adds charm. What matters is preserving the joy, tradition, and flavor of your family’s kitchen.
cookbook is for. Is it a holiday gift? A legacy project? A fun way to organize weeknight favorites? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone, design, and care you put into it. Gather the goods. Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part — tracking down recipes from relatives. Send a group text, email, or social media post asking for their go-to dishes. Encourage everyone to include personal stories, tips, or funny kitchen mishaps. That’s the good stuff that makes your cookbook meaningful. Choose an organizational style. You could go the traditional route with categories like appetizers, mains, and desserts, or get creative with sections like “Grandma’s Greatest Hits,” “Cousin Potluck Favorites,” or “Holiday Classics.” Just pick a format that feels natural and easy to follow. Test and tweak as you go. Some family recipes live in the land of vague directions — “a dash of this” or “cook
A Taste of Home CREATE A FAMILY COOKBOOK FULL OF LOVE AND FLAVOR
In most families, holidays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners usually revolve around laughter and food — lots of food. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous biscuits or that secret chili recipe your uncle swears he’ll take to the grave, these dishes are part of what makes your family your family. So, why not gather all those delicious memories into one place by creating a family cookbook?
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