Headed on Vacation? Make Sure Your Estate Plan Isn’t on Hold During summer, it’s easy to focus on the fun — booking flights, packing bags, and planning activities. But amid the excitement, one critical question is: Are your personal affairs in order before you head out of town? This time of year is a good time to secure your assets, protect your family, and finalize your estate plan. While it might not be as thrilling as choosing excursions or dinner spots, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make before hitting the road or catching a flight. Protect what matters most. We take precautions before traveling, such as locking doors, arranging pet care, and purchasing travel insurance. However, many overlook the importance of planning for the unexpected in other areas of life. A solid estate plan ensures your loved ones are protected and informed if something unforeseen happens while you’re away. This includes documents like a will or trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive, and updated beneficiary designations. These essentials ensure your wishes are honored and your family isn’t left in a difficult or confusing situation during an already stressful time. Make time for a quick check-in. It’s great if you already have an estate plan, but when was the last time you reviewed it? Vacation time is a natural opportunity to revisit and update your plan. Have you experienced any changes in your family, finances, or relationships? Are the people you’ve named as decision-makers still the right fit?
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients •
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup basil pesto
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided 2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Chili flakes, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
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Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
Even minor updates can make a big difference in ensuring your documents accurately reflect your current intentions.
Remember, peace of mind starts with planning. It’s easy to delay estate planning because it feels complicated or distant, but your future (and your family’s security) is worth protecting. By preparing now, you’re giving yourself the freedom to fully enjoy your vacation with confidence and peace of mind.
So, before you zip up your suitcase and set your out-of-office reply, ask yourself: Am I truly protected?
Because the best way to relax is knowing everything back home is taken care of.
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
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