G iving B eyond the H oliday T able With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah right around the corner, the season of gratitude has many of us thinking about meaningful ways to give back to the people we love and our communities. Giving thanks doesn’t have to be limited to the holiday table or under the tree. With a thoughtful estate plan, you can extend your generosity well beyond today, creating a legacy that supports your family and the charities or causes that matter most to you. can do the same for family members. You can also, of course, list your children or other family members as beneficiaries. SHARE YOUR WEALTH WITH CAUSES YOU LOVE
With a gifting strategy, like structuring your gifts, you can encourage responsible use of funds
Cheer for Charities If you are passionate about a cause or have a local organization or nonprofit dear to your heart, you can donate to them in several ways. You can incorporate a bequest into your will or trust that specifies a dollar amount or percentage of your estate to go to a charity of your choice. You can also make a contingent bequest, which will transfer your assets to a charity if the primary beneficiaries pass away, or a residuary bequest that will transfer the assets left over after your other bequests. You can also set up donor-advised funds that allow you and your family to direct funds to your favorite charities over time. Legacy of Love Having an estate plan or trust in place is a gift to your loved ones on its own, providing clarity and support. But other unique ways exist to give to your family in your plan. Just like you can select a specific dollar amount, gift, or asset to give to a charity, you
for specific needs like a child’s education or a financial safety net for a sibling. Consider including a legacy letter along with the required documents to share your hopes for the future and your wisdom with your loved ones.
With thoughtful estate planning, you can leave a long-lasting gift to the causes and people closest to your heart. If you want help giving to charities or family members in your plan this season, contact The Manely Firm to schedule a consultation.
When Holidays Look Different
Helping Kids Feel Secure and Loved During Divorce
The holidays are exciting for families, full of cherished traditions, joyful moments, and a special sense of togetherness. But if you are in the process of a divorce and the dynamics in your home have shifted, your children may have questions before the festivities begin. Though it may feel overwhelming or emotional to have these conversations right before what should be a happy time, talking them through holiday plans early on can reduce stress and reassure them. Set up for success. Make sure to talk to your children before the holiday schedule they are used to begins to change. You want to have this conversation in a quiet, comfortable setting where everyone feels safe to express themselves. Depending on your relationship, do your best to have both parents present and focus on your children’s needs and emotions. Keep a calm and loving tone and body language, and encourage them to ask questions or share their feelings. Focus on family. Your children may be confused by the changes and even afraid of what divorce means for them. Tough
questions may arise, like why the separation is happening. Be honest, age-appropriate, and empathic in your answers, highlighting that this shift doesn’t change how much both parents love them. Don’t argue or try to blame each other, because when children get caught in the middle of adult conflict, they experience a lot of emotional turmoil. You can remind them that you will both be there to continue supporting them and will always encourage them to stay connected. Include them in holiday planning. With the holidays approaching, your children may have specific questions about what celebrations will look like this year. Provide them with as much detail as possible, like what days they will spend with each parent. Explain that they can still enjoy their favorite activities and have new opportunities to create new traditions. Put up a calendar or schedule where everyone can access it. Just because your family is going through changes doesn’t mean the holidays have to lose their warmth and fun. Communicating with your children openly with love ensures they have a memorable season, even in two households.
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