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July 2025 Give Them the Freedom to Mourn, Not Manage LIGHTEN THE LOAD OF GRIEF WITH A PLAN THAT SPEAKS FOR YOU
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When someone we love dies, grief does not ask for our permission. It arrives uninvited, heavy, and unpredictable. In those moments of loss, the last thing anyone wants is to face a mountain of legal questions or decisions. Unfortunately, without proper estate planning, that is precisely what grieving families are forced to confront. I have sat across the table from families in the throes of mourning, and I have seen firsthand how having a plan — or not having one — can shape the entire experience. An effective estate plan does more than direct how assets are distributed. It brings clarity and structure during a period that can feel chaotic and uncertain. It allows grieving family members to focus on honoring their loved one, not scrambling to understand complex legal procedures or sorting through financial unknowns. A well- prepared plan communicates, without ambiguity, what you intended, ensuring your legacy is preserved and your wishes are respected. We are saying to our families, “I thought of you. I made this easier for you.” While not always easy to talk about, that kind of preparation is one of the most compassionate gifts we can offer. Because when the time comes, our loved ones will not need to guess about our wishes, navigate a maze of court proceedings, or face unexpected expenses. Instead, they will have clarity, guidance, and the space to grieve without the weight of uncertainty. Too often, I meet with people who resist estate planning because it feels uncomfortable or morbid. A common belief is that if we avoid talking about death, we somehow protect ourselves from it. But ignoring the conversation does not spare us; it simply passes the complexity down to our loved ones. Without a plan, the state laws will determine who manages your affairs, who receives your assets, and how decisions are made. That means you place your hard-
earned money and your most personal decisions into the hands of strangers guided by default laws, not your values.
The irony is that many people who delay planning are incredibly organized in other areas of life. They manage careers, families, and finances with care and attention. These are the people who map vacations to the hour, keep color-coded calendars, and track every dollar in a spreadsheet, but they pause at estate planning. It feels too personal, emotional, and serious. And it is. But it is also a gift you leave not for yourself but for those who matter most. Even for those who already have an estate plan in place, I always emphasize the importance of reviewing it regularly. Life changes like marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and relocations can significantly impact your plan. I have seen families discover, too late, that a once-thoughtful plan no longer reflects current relationships or intentions. Revisiting your documents every few years ensures your legacy is truly protected and your loved ones are supported in the way you envision. I know estate planning conversations are not always easy. But they are meaningful. They are empowering. And they are, at their core, about love and taking the time to protect the people who matter most. So, whether you are motivated by compassion, logistics, or simply the desire to ensure your voice is heard long after you are gone, take the step. Create a plan. Review your plan. And give your family the gift of peace during one of life’s most difficult moments.
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Moves Beyond Today’s Money SECURE STEPS TO A SAFE RETIREMENT
There’s often more to retirement planning than meets the eye, especially regarding taxes. Although many people believe saving money for their golden years is the primary path to a secure retirement, tax planning and health care considerations play significant roles in the strength of one’s later years and subsequent legacy. Here are two essential aspects of proper retirement and estate planning that many often overlook. The Right Financial Tune-Up Time Frame The most significant risk to successful estate and retirement planning is not starting the process early enough. To ensure the smoothest transition possible, experts recommend engaging in tax planning no later than five years before you intend to retire. Getting a lengthy headstart will enable you to determine ways to make pretax funds work for you in tax-advantaged accounts. If you anticipate reaching a higher tax bracket in retirement, converting to a Roth IRA — in which you can grow post-tax funds toward your retirement and withdraw them tax-free after you reach 59.5 years old and have had the account for five years — may be a viable option to protect yourself and what you intend
to provide to your heirs. However, prepare for the likelihood that putting too much money into a Roth conversion may lead you toward a higher tax bracket once retirement comes, so careful planning with professional assistance is advised. With taxes expected to rise in 2026 and beyond, it’s also prudent to work with a financial planner to implement strategies to reduce your financial obligations in retirement, including the amount
taxed on your Social Security benefits. A Plan for Health Care Hurdles
Unfortunately, reaching retirement age often means experiencing new health issues that could substantially impact your income. It is critical to consider how any changes to your retirement income may affect Medicare premiums or increase the chance of incurring penalties. Charting a financially secure future takes skill, focus, and tremendous care. What may work for someone else financially may not be the best solution for you. Consult a financial professional before implementing any plan that could drastically alter your comfort and security.
MAXIMIZED MARITAL MAGIC The Art of Unlimited Deductions
Devising the best estate plan to provide for those dearest to you can be emotionally and logistically challenging, even under the clearest circumstances. However, this process can be even more difficult due to the critical terms, conditions, and laws that could determine the strength or weakness of how your wishes are carried out upon your passing. To make things a little easier, here are the basics about the “unlimited marital deduction” and how it influences what one spouse receives from another. Tax-Free Transfers The unlimited marital deduction enables a spouse to transfer unlimited assets to another tax-free. You derive this deduction by subtracting the total amount of assets from the gross estate, which must be distributed according to a will. Estate taxes on transferred assets are delayed until the recipient spouse’s death. The spouses must be legally married U.S. citizens to qualify for this deduction. Safeguarding a Sustained Legacy If an individual wishes to have a say in what happens to their assets after their surviving spouse passes, they can set up an irrevocable Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) Trust that will still provide for the surviving spouse but outline beneficiaries
upon their death. Because this trust is irrevocable, it can’t be altered by anyone, including the surviving spouse.
Citizenship Exceptions Although establishing the unlimited marital deduction is straightforward for
American citizens, pursuing similar options for non-citizen spouses is more complex but not impossible. First, a U.S. citizen can gift money to their non-U.S. citizen spouse. In 2024, the maximum amount not subject to gift taxes was $185,000. Another option would be to establish a Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT), which allows the non-citizen spouse to take advantage of the unlimited marital deduction so long as they are the sole beneficiary and at least one trustee is a U.S. citizen or an American corporation. Naturally, the conditions outlined in this brief overview are subject to a host of what-ifs that may affect the specific outcome of your situation. Working with skilled financial planners familiar with these nuances is essential to secure your spouse’s well-being and satisfy tax obligations when the time comes to implement your estate plan.
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Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs. Avoid Probate Fees and Frustration. Minimize Death Taxes.
LEARN ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING FROM OUR ATTORNEYS
Call us or visit our website to sign up: 603-894-4141 or 978-969-0331 www.legacycarelaw.com Tuesday, August 5 th — 6 p.m. in Westford, MA Wednesday, August 6 th — 1 p.m. in Nashua, NH Wednesday, August 6 th — 6 p.m. in Nashu a, N H Thursday, August 7 th — 1 p.m. in Dracut , MA In-Person Seminars
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WOBURN , MA NORTH A NDOVE R, MA
Budget Brilliance From a Bygone Era
Reinvent your leftovers. Gone are the days of letting food wilt in the fridge. Old-school frugal folks gave every last bite a second act. Roast chicken becomes broth. Rice gets turned into stir-fry. Stale bread transforms into French toast or bread pudding. Get creative! You’ll waste less and eat better. Choose cash over card. There’s something about handing over $20 cash that makes you think twice before spending it. Cash budgeting may feel outdated, but it’s one of the simplest ways to curb impulse buys. Envelopes marked for groceries, gas, or coffee dates give you a clear snapshot of your spending — and what’s left. No more senseless swiping! Save with secondhand savvy. Hand-me-downs were once a household norm! Today, thrift stores and vintage finds are trending again, and for good reason. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or kitchenware, buying secondhand is kinder to your wallet and the planet.
In a world where you can have anything delivered in a day, it’s easy to forget that less can be more. But our grandparents and great- grandparents knew the art of stretching a dollar. These timeless frugal habits aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re resourceful and surprisingly satisfying. Ready to channel your inner penny-pincher? Let’s bring these throwback habits back to life. Mend it, don’t end it. Once upon a time, people didn’t just toss a sock with a hole. Instead, you sewed it right back up! No need to rush to the store — just a few basic mending skills can save you from countless unnecessary purchases. It’s also more empowering to fix something with your own hands than tossing it — not to mention much more eco-friendly. Master the magic of homemade meals. Fast food might be convenient, but cooking from scratch is where the real savings (and flavor) happen. Think soups from veggie scraps and hearty meals made from simple pantry staples. Not only does it cut costs, but it puts you in control of your ingredients and nutrition — a win-win.
So, channel some old-school genius and start living a frugal, intentional lifestyle!
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9 Red Roof Lane, Salem, NH 03079 603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 LegacyCareLaw.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Ease Grief With Grace: How Estate Planning Lifts the Burden
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Ways to Win the Retirement Race
Secrets to Spousal Stability
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Upcoming Estate Planning Seminars
Old-School Habits That Will Save Your Wallet
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The Future of UK Forestry
20 MILLION TREES TRANSFORM TOMORROW The Path to a Better Planet
The seeds for the future of our environment have been planted in the United Kingdom.
century. Perhaps most significantly, nearly 75% of the planned Western Forest will consist of farmland, introducing a strong probability of significant economic benefits for the area’s agricultural industry. Shaping a Sustainable Future The Forest of Avon, a UK-based charitable organization devoted to expanding and sustaining trees and woodlands, will oversee the project’s implementation. “[T]he Western Forest will enhance, connect, and improve our urban and rural landscapes, support investment into the region, create jobs and skills opportunities, and bring the endless benefits we get back from planting and caring for our trees,” noted Forest of Avon Chief Executive Alex Stone. “It is a
very exciting time for this region, and we look forward to helping shape what the Western Forest will become.” Positivity Across the Pond In addition to its clear environmental benefits, forestry plays a signature role in the American economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, forestry activities generate more than $13 billion annually. Additionally, research suggests that strolling through the trees or engaging in other natural settings improves people’s focus and lowers their stress levels. Whether here or abroad, your body and spirit would do well to get out in nature and visit a forest now and then — and by 2050, you’ll have 20 million more reasons to do so.
Earlier this year, the UK government announced the creation of the Western Forest, an initiative to plant 20 million trees over 600 acres by 2050. Spanning Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and the West England countryside and bolstered by nearly $10 million in government funding, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen biodiversity, help prevent the decline of rare species, prevent flooding, and bring millions of residents closer to nature. In addition to being the first new forest of its kind in the UK in 30 years, the Western Forest project is an ambitious step forward in the government’s goal of increasing tree and woodland cover by more than 15% within the next quarter-
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