They Say Ignorance Is Bliss … But Is It Healthy? THE EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE NEWS
It’s nearly impossible to log on to social media or turn on the TV without seeing something distressing. Instead of dwelling on what’s troubling, let’s focus on how to protect our mental health.
WHY IS THE NEWS SO NEGATIVE?
As news media revenue goes down and people become desensitized, news organizations feel the pressure to show emotionally relevant
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BAD NEWS
material such as crime and accidents. At a basic level, for something to be
A study by Psychology Today found that people who watch negative news feel worse about pre-existing worries than people who watch happy or neutral events. That means people watching the news don’t just feel anxious about the world — they feel more anxious about their own lives.
“newsworthy” — negative or not — it needs to be the exception to the rule, not the norm. That means watching the news might give you an inaccurate view of what daily life is like in the world.
HOW TO FIGHT THE NEGATIVITY
British psychologist Dr. Graham Davey, who specializes in the effects of media
It’s important to understand important issues of the day. But when the news becomes too much, psychologists encourage you to take a break with some good news
violence, says negative news can affect how you interact with the world around you. As you consume threatening news, you’re more likely to spot threats in your day-to-day activities that aren’t there, which leads to anxiety.
— or no news at all. Advances in medicine and technology happen all the time! Seek out those stories or take a break from news altogether. That’s when
no news can become good news.
TRUST US, THIS CLASS IS IMPORTANT Education for Successor Trustees
Establishing a trust comes with many considerations. Without question, one of the most important, difficult decisions is deciding whom you will name as your successor trustee. The person who assumes this role will administer your trust when you are no longer able to. Your successor trustee should be well-versed in the duties of their role so that they can settle your trust in accordance with your wishes. To help educate successor trustees, we are hosting a seminar on Thursday, September 14, from 6–8 p.m. at our Novi location. The first task a trustee should undertake is to have a serious conversation with a trust maker regarding their wishes. While your trust will have instructions, a heart-to-heart will provide emotional understanding in addition to the detailed instructions within the document. It’s important
that your trustee speak with an attorney here at the firm to better grasp their role. When it comes time to administer a trust, they can speak with us if they need assistance with any aspect of executing your wishes. If you have not yet introduced your successor trustee to us, this meeting will be a great opportunity to do so. At the seminar, we’ll provide an outline and plan of action for trust administration that will give you peace of mind that your successor trustee is fully prepared to assume their role. It’s rare that your successor trustee will have previous experience in the role, so education is crucial. You’ve likely chosen someone you trust and respect to assume this role, now it’s time to make sure they’re ready. Bring your loved ones along on September 14. It will be two hours that can make a huge difference.
2 • www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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