Take a look at our May newsletter!
May 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
GRADUATION SEASON BRINGS CHANGES Is Your Family Prepared?
It’s May, which means graduation season is here. I don’t have any graduates at home yet, but with friends preparing to send kids off to college, I can’t help but feel a little sentimental. It makes you realize how quickly time goes by — whether or not you’re ready for it. Thinking back on my high school, college, and law school graduations, I also remember the excitement. It’s a moment when young adults take a big step toward independence. There’s excitement for parents as well, but it’s also emotional and, let’s be honest, a little nerve-wracking. There’s a lot to get done when helping your teen transition from high school to college. The last thing you want is another item to add to your list, but there’s one very important task you’re probably not thinking about: putting legal protections in place now that your child is officially an adult. Why Legal Documents Matter at 18 You might still view your 18-year-old as just a kid, but they are an adult in the eyes of the law. Once your child turns 18, you no longer have the right to immediately access their medical information or make decisions on their behalf in an emergency. Even if they’re on your health insurance or still living under your roof, you could face legal roadblocks when trying to
help. That’s where power of attorney documents come in.
stop playing a role in their lives. It just means we need to be a little more intentional about the support we provide. Recommending that your child establish power of attorney documents before starting college helps them take an important step into adulthood — while giving you the ability to step in if needed. Helping Our Kids Step Into the World Graduation is a proud moment for young adults and their families, but it’s also a bittersweet reminder that our role as parents is shifting. Instead of being the primary decision-makers, we become their advisors, supporters, and problem solvers from the sidelines. And sometimes, we’re the calm voice on the other end of the line when life inevitably throws a curveball. If you’re preparing to send a child to college, it’s time to have an important conversation. Celebrate this exciting milestone, honor their growth, and help protect their future. They may be ready to take on the world, but that doesn’t mean they won’t still need you. And if you need help putting the right documents in place, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Hopefully, it’s never needed, but a medical power of attorney gives your child the ability to name you (or another adult) to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to. With a financial power of attorney, you can assist with tuition payments, manage bank accounts, or sign housing agreements if needed. These documents are essential tools that provide an important layer of protection, offering you greater peace of mind and security. Unfortunately, emergencies happen, but having the right paperwork in place can make a world of difference. It ensures you won’t be scrambling for access or answers during an already stressful time. Planning for the Unexpected It is amazing how fast kids grow up. One minute, they’re asking for help tying their shoes, and the next, they’re packing for college. As parents, we get accustomed to handling everything for our kids, from simple everyday decisions to school forms and doctor visits. But the rules change the moment they become legal adults.
Of course, turning 18 doesn’t mean they’re fully independent or that we
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It can be difficult to think about, but imagine being rushed to the hospital after a sudden accident. You’re unconscious and unable to speak. Do you know who will make critical decisions on your behalf? This is the role of a surrogate decision-maker. If you haven’t created a healthcare power of attorney naming a proxy, default surrogate decision-making will come into play. Most of the time, your next of kin will fill this role. State statutes vary, but the order of priority typically starts with a person’s spouse or domestic partner. From there, it moves to adult children, parents, and siblings. Some states also authorize close friends with default surrogate decision-making powers when others with higher priority are unavailable. Preparing for the Unexpected The process for granting decision-making powers in critical healthcare situations is imperfect. What happens when there are Beyond the Will: Do You Need a Healthcare Proxy?
complex family dynamics or an estranged relative is legally first in line to make decisions? What about family members who can’t agree? Real-life situations can get complicated fast. Fortunately, default surrogate decision-makers must consider the known values and wishes of the person they represent. Healthcare professionals must also follow these wishes, which they don’t always know. This is why planning is essential — so your wishes are understood and respected. Avoiding Confusion and Uncertainty If you have preferences about medical treatments, don’t keep them a secret. Discussing them with your closest friends and family members is always advisable so everyone understands and is on the same page. Designating a healthcare proxy takes things a step further. You can choose anyone as long as they are competent and at least 18 years old. Many people also choose an alternative surrogate to make decisions if their primary choice is unavailable. The designation document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses, although requirements may vary by state. Reviewing designations every few years and after major life events will keep them current. As with all long-term plans, taking a few steps now will give you peace of mind and ensure your wishes are clear. In the case of surrogate decision-making, planning also ensures your voice is heard even when you can’t speak for yourself.
EXPLORING PITTSBURGH’S OUTDOOR GEMS FRESH AIR AND NEW ADVENTURES
As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, many of us start craving more time outdoors. The Pittsburgh area gets its share of cold weather throughout winter and early spring, but once May arrives, it feels like the city is finally coming alive again. If you want to make the most of spring in the Steel City, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
The paved trail is perfect for a long walk or bike ride, but you can also rent a kayak and paddle down the river alongside the trail. If flowers are more your thing, consider visiting Pittsburgh Botanic Garden or Phipps Conservatory. They’re starting to burst with color this time of year and may inspire you to start a garden at home. Adventure Around Every Corner Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Try the Montour Trail, a quiet and scenic route that follows the Ohio and Monongahela rivers and connects to other trail networks running through western Pennsylvania and beyond. It’s open to hikers, bikers, and joggers and even offers campsites for those hiking or biking through the trail. You can also check out Emerald View Park. It’s another outdoor spot that feels far from the bustle but still gives you that classic Pittsburgh view. No matter your pace, there’s a trail, garden, or park in Pittsburgh with your name on it. So get out, stretch your legs, and discover a few of your own outdoor adventures this season.
Fresh Air in Frick Park One of the best ways to enjoy spring in Pittsburgh is by spending an afternoon in Frick Park, a 644-acre green space known for its extensive trail network and sports facilities. Along with biking and hiking trails for every comfort level, the park is home to baseball fields, tennis courts, and Pennsylvania’s only public lawn bowling green. The wooded areas throughout Frick Park are also great for bird-watching and will make you forget you’re in the city at all. River Views and Blooming Flowers Three Rivers Heritage Trail is another local favorite. It extends 24 miles along Pittsburgh’s waterways and features beautiful views.
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THE FORGOTTEN ROOTS OF MOTHER’S DAY More Than Brunch and Bouquets
Every May, we block off a Sunday and dedicate it to the women who raised us. While Mother’s Day is now filled with family brunches, flowers, and cards, it didn’t begin that way. The first Mother’s Day observances were more about community action than celebration. Mother’s Day began with a grassroots movement focused on public service. In the mid-19th century, Ann Reeves Jarvis organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs throughout West Virginia to teach mothers how to sanitize their homes and protect their children from disease outbreaks. Jarvis lost several of her children to disease and wanted to help other mothers avoid similar tragedies. However, when the Civil War began, she shifted the focus of her work to heal the rift between Union and Confederate
soldiers. She launched Mother’s Friendship Day to unite local families. Around the same time, abolitionist and women’s rights advocate Julia Ward Howe (best known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) issued her “Mother’s Day Proclamation” to urge women everywhere to speak out against war and push for peace. While these early efforts to recognize and empower mothers focused on community care and postwar healing, Mother’s Day as we know it came about thanks to Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. After her mother passed away in 1905, Anna wanted to create a holiday to honor her work. She established it on the second Sunday in May, the day her mother died. The first observance was held in 1908 at a Grafton, West Virginia, church. Anna chose white
carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, as an emblem and urged people to honor their mothers with heartfelt notes of gratitude. Her campaign quickly caught on, and by 1914, Mother’s Day was an official national holiday. Ironically, Mother’s Day soon brought frustration to its founder due to how commercialized it became. For the rest of her life, Anna Jarvis spoke out against the commercial takeover of what she envisioned as a day of sincerity. Even though mass-produced greeting cards, boxed chocolates, and advertisements are still associated with Mother’s Day, many continue to observe it as Anna originally intended. A simple handwritten note, homecooked meal, or quiet afternoon spending time together often carries more weight than any store- bought gift ever could.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Take a Break
Ingredients • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Directions 1. In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In a small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD
GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL
MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
What Every Grad’s Parents Should Know
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Don’t Leave Medical Decisions to Chance
Your Guide to Spring Adventures in Pittsburgh
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What You Didn’t Know About Mother’s Day
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
BUDGET SMARTER, NOT HARDER The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check
Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices.
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