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January 2026
The Estate Planning Step Every Pet Parent Should Take Many Americans consider their pets to be vital members of the family. There’s nothing quite like relaxing after a long day of work, as you slowly pet your dog on the couch next to you or listen to the long, slow purrs of your cat as they curl up on your lap. Pets help turn houses into homes, and I’ve been fortunate to experience their incredible presence throughout my life. Our favorite moments are snuggling together with the dogs. Simple planning for your pet is to name someone you trust to take care of them and perhaps leave a lump sum of money to help cover the costs. If no one comes to mind to care for your pet, you could consider finding a reputable no-kill sanctuary and leave them a lump sum to care for your pet. You’d want to check to make sure the charity you are considering naming would honor your wishes. If Something Happens to You, What Happens to Them? PLANNING AHEAD Estate Planning | Probate | Guardianships for Your Life Chapters
If you want to get more involved, you can create a pet trust. These are authorized under Nevada law. You identify the pets for whose benefit the trust is created, the person or entity who will manage the trust, and where any remaining assets would go after the pets die. You can also provide specific guidance on the type of care you’d want to see. The only thing that remains is determining how much money you want to set aside for your pet. Consider the monthly care costs and multiply that amount by the projected number of months your pet is expected to live. Add a little extra to cover unexpected expenses, and you should be good.
I recently read an article that actress Diane Keaton may have left over $5 million for her beloved golden retriever dog, Reggie, with some of that going to support donations to various animal charities.
Pet trusts are one way to protect your pet’s future. Most people opt for simple planning, but you do want to take time to make sure your trustee is on board for honoring your wishes.
- Kim Boyer
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The Everyday Magic That Heals Us FINDING AWE IN THE ORDINARY
In a world that races ahead at full speed, it’s easy to lose sight of wonder. We rush through our routines, scrolling, planning, and worrying, and rarely pause just to feel. But when we do stop long enough to notice the world’s quiet beauty, something remarkable happens: We experience awe. This emotion, which is part surprise, part reverence, can shift our perspective, soothe our nervous system, and reconnect us with something larger than ourselves. Discover the magic of feeling awe. When we are captivated with awe, time seems to slow. Our thoughts, usually centered on our own problems and plans, suddenly expand to encompass the broader picture, which helps dissolve stress and boosts emotional well-being.
Research indicates that awe can reduce inflammation, lower heart rate, and even promote compassion. It’s as if our minds momentarily reboot and remind us that life is vast and full of meaning beyond our daily concerns. Standing beneath a star-filled sky or witnessing a child’s laughter can make us feel small, but not in a diminishing way. Instead, we sense our place in life. That feeling of belonging and connectedness nourishes emotional balance and
way sunlight dances on a wall, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or how someone’s kindness catches you off guard. Try taking a few minutes each day to slow down and look around. Step outside, watch the clouds, or listen to a piece of music that stirs you. When you allow awe to find you, you begin to reconnect with presence, gratitude, and joy.
strengthens our resilience. Encounter awe in everyday moments. Awe heals because it reminds us that we’re part of something larger and endlessly unfolding. In moments of difficulty, wonder offers perspective and hope. It grounds us, opens our hearts, and helps us see clearly beyond fear or fatigue. So, pause today. Let a moment of awe find you and allow it to do its quiet, powerful work. UPDATE ON THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT You don’t need to climb a mountain or visit a famous landmark to experience awe. It’s waiting in the subtle corners of your day: the
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law in 2025, and many provisions go into effect in 2026. One change is that the estate tax exemption increases to $15 million. Most people do not have to worry about estate taxes because their estate value does not exceed the exemption. This change means that most married couples do not need an A-B Trust. There are a few times an A-B Trust can be suitable. Married couples who have executed a trust should review it to determine if it is an A-B trust. If it is, it is a good idea to consult with your estate planning attorney to see if you still need it. Some of the other changes in the Big Beautiful Act include: • Introduces a $6,000 deduction for seniors aged 65+ • Creates “Trump Accounts,” a new tax-advantaged savings option for minors • Allows up to $1,000 ($2,000 married) in charitable contributions to be deducted even if you don’t itemize
• Reduces the amount of itemized deductions for high earners • Imposes a 1% federal tax on remittances to foreign countries One of the more controversial parts of this act is the $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. Many people look to Medicaid to
pay for long-term care in a nursing home. Medicaid programs are state- administered within federal guidelines. It is not clear yet, but in some states, budget shortfalls may lead to tightened eligibility or reduced benefits.
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COOK THE WORLD A Global Dinner Adventure Awaits Are you tired of the same spaghetti night or pizza delivery? It’s time to shake things up and turn dinner into a family adventure. Instead of hopping on a plane, grab your aprons and “travel” the world through food. Each week, choose a country, find its most famous dish, and cook it together, no passports required! Step 1: Choose your destination. Begin your journey by selecting a country that excites everyone. Maybe your kids are obsessed with anime (hello, Japan!), or you’ve been craving something spicy from Mexico. Every culture has a dish that tells a story, like Italy’s cheesy lasagna, India’s vibrant butter chicken, and Greece’s fresh tzatziki and gyros. Choose one that feels doable and prepare to embark on a new flavor adventure. Step 2: Cook up some fun. Now it’s time to bring the world to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, play music from the country you’re exploring, and assign roles. One person can chop, someone can stir, and someone else can handle the playlist (very important). Kids love getting hands- on, and it’s an excellent way to help them learn about teamwork, creativity, and patience. Talk about where the dish comes from, what people might traditionally serve with it, or how it’s eaten in that culture. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like another part of the world. Step 3: Eat, share, and celebrate. When the food hits the table, make it special. Light a candle, add a little decoration, and let loose. Take that first bite together and talk about the flavors. What’s new, what’s surprising, and what’s delicious? Create a “family food passport” where you write down the country, the dish, and everyone’s rating or favorite moment. It’s a great way to remember your culinary travels. Step 4: Keep the journey going. Once you start, it’s hard to stop! Turn this into a weekly or monthly family ritual. Each dish brings a new story, a new skill, or a fresh memory. You’ll end up with full bellies and a collection of shared experiences that span the globe.
Rustic French Pistachio Cake
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp vanilla paste • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping • Powdered sugar for dusting
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold • 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 3 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups sugar
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
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Inside 1 The Estate Planning Step Every Pet Parent Should Take 2 Finding Awe in the Ordinary Update on the Big Beautiful Bill Act 3 Explore Cultures Through Family Meals Rustic French Pistachio Cake 4 Gratitude in Action
COCO’S CORNER
GRATITUDE IN ACTION
Family is one of the most important things in life. Nothing makes me happier than running to the front door to greet someone after they get home from work or school. Getting petted makes me so happy my tail really wags, and I know they receive the exact same feeling in return. Whenever we get moments like this, I think to myself how lucky and blessed I
our gratitude on our sleeve (or collar), it can raise our loved ones’ moods, making them happier and grateful to have people in their lives who truly care. Throughout the year, take some time to appreciate those around you. Watch your kids’ favorite movie with them, go for a walk with your spouse, and don’t forget to give your trusty pup a few extra pats and some words of adoration. These are the memories you will cherish for the rest of
am to belong to such a happy family. Too often, we don’t give those around us our complete presence. We get caught up in our regular routine. As we enter a new year, we should make a greater effort to show more appreciation and gratitude for those around us. When we wear
your life, and your efforts will make everyone feel more loved while strengthening the family bond.
Coco
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