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MAR/APR 2026
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Growth Is Not Over in January 10 PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU KEEP GROWING THIS YEAR The start of a new year always brings energy and excitement, but by the time March rolls around, daily life tends to reclaim center stage. Schedules fill up, routines take over, and the goals we felt so passionate about in January feel a little quieter. That is usually my cue to pause, take a breath, and reconnect with ideas that remind me why growth matters in the first place. One book I keep coming back to is “The Laws of Lifetime Growth” by Dan Sullivan, co-authored with Catherine Nomura. At its core, the message is to always make your future bigger than your past. Not by dismissing what you have been through, but by using your experiences as building blocks for something even better. Growth, in this sense, is not about pressure or perfection. It is about choosing progress, one thoughtful step at a time. The book introduces 10 principles that act as guideposts. I like to think of them as friendly reminders rather than rules. When the year starts to feel busy or heavy, revisiting these ideas helps me refocus on what truly moves me forward.
What I appreciate most about these principles is how human they feel. They are not about comparison or keeping up with anyone else. They simply invite us to keep growing, even when life feels familiar. They remind us that the past is valuable, but it does not define the limits of our future. I am especially drawn to the idea of making learning greater than experience. Experience can make us comfortable, but learning keeps us open. Staying curious allows us to evolve, try new things, and remain engaged with the world around us. The same goes for making confidence greater than comfort. Growth rarely happens in the most comfortable places, but confidence gives us the courage to step forward anyway. Another principle that resonates deeply is making gratitude greater than success. Success can be exciting, but gratitude is grounding. It helps us appreciate where we are while still looking ahead with optimism. And when we allow our questions to be bigger than our answers, we permit ourselves to explore instead of feeling like we need everything figured out. As 2026 continues, I hope these ideas serve as a kind reminder that growth does not have to be dramatic. Even small, intentional shifts can create meaningful change. The excitement of January may fade, but the opportunity to grow, learn, and build a brighter future is always right in front of us.
1. Always make your future bigger than your past. 2. Always make your learning greater than your experience. 3. Always make your contribution bigger than your reward. 4. Always make your performance greater than your applause. 5. Always make your gratitude greater than your success. 6. Always make your enjoyment greater than your effort. 7. Always make your cooperation greater than your status. 8. Always make your confidence greater than your comfort. 9. Always make your purpose greater than your money. 10. Always make your questions bigger than your answers.
The best chapters are still ahead, and there is plenty of room to grow into them.
– Brian Eagle
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STOP TRYING TO HUSTLE HARDER Plan Smarter Instead
STOP SAYING YES. How often do you say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests, even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes” all the time will lead to burnout, regardless of whether it is your boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS. You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation. PUT A PLAN IN PLACE. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it.
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in
a day? Whether you are trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you are always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day.
NAVIGATING CHARITABLE DONATIONS AFTER THE 2026 TAX CHANGES Prepare for 2026 Charitable Changes
As we venture into 2026, there are important tax law changes that could affect how, and how much, you benefit from charitable giving. These updates are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and while the rules may sound technical at first glance, understanding them now can help you make smarter, more intentional decisions as part of your estate and tax planning. First, let us talk about charitable deductions for taxpayers who do not itemize. One notable update benefits taxpayers who typically take the standard deduction. Starting in 2026, individuals who do not itemize will be able to claim a charitable tax benefit of up to $1,000, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. This provision opens the door for millions of households to receive a tax incentive for charitable giving, even without itemizing. The deduction applies only to monetary donations, such as those made by check, credit card, online payment, or payroll deduction, and gifts must go to a qualifying public charity. For taxpayers who itemize, two significant changes take effect in 2026. The first is the introduction of a 0.5% Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor. This means only the portion of your annual charitable contributions that exceeds 0.5% of your AGI will be deductible. For example, with an AGI of $200,000, the first $1,000 in charitable donations would not count toward a deduction. While this does not eliminate the benefit of giving, it does slightly reduce the deductible amount for many donors.
The second major change affects higher-income taxpayers. Under the new rules, itemized deductions, including charitable gifts, are subject to a 35% cap on tax benefits. For those in the top 37% tax bracket , this effectively lowers the value of each deductible dollar, reducing the tax savings from charitable contributions. There is also some positive news. The limit for deducting cash contributions to public charities is now permanently set at 60% of AGI, avoiding a scheduled drop back to 50%. This provides more flexibility for those who make substantial gifts. Finally, for individuals age 70 1/2 or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) remain one of the most powerful tools available. By directing IRA distributions straight to a qualified charity, you can avoid paying income tax on those funds altogether. Even better, QCDs are not affected by the new 0.5% AGI floor and do not increase your AGI, an important consideration for managing Medicare premiums and other income-based thresholds. Tax laws change, but thoughtful planning keeps your generosity working efficiently. A conversation now can help ensure your charitable goals and your overall estate plan stay aligned in 2026 and beyond.
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When Grandkids Grow Up
BASKETBALL BOOKS DAFFODIL DAYLIGHT GUINNESS IRIS LEPRECHAUN POPCORN RAINY SHAMROCK SUFFRAGE WINDY
WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED THROUGH THEIR TEENAGE YEARS
Many grandparents know the feeling all too well: Grandchildren who used to love spending time with you now seem distant, grown up, or too busy for family time. It is normal for this special relationship to drift a bit when children become teenagers and start to explore their independence. This is not the end of your bond; it is just a break that comes with the territory of teenagers. The good news is that there are ways to stay engaged and enjoy time together with your older grandkids. STEP INTO THEIR WORLD. Your grandchildren have not outgrown you; they are simply maturing in their hobbies and pastimes. One of the best ways to stay connected with them is to explore their new interests. Find out what they love to do and start learning more about it. If your granddaughter is a budding artist, consider taking her to an art gallery or signing up for a pottery class together. Read up on your grandchild’s favorite sports team or watch their favorite movie so you can have great discussions together. SHARE YOUR WISDOM WISELY. Your grandchild’s teenage years can be a confusing time as they take their first true steps toward adulthood. You have important wisdom, advice, and guidance you can share with them, but only if you do it at the right time. Be the person they can call when they just need someone to listen. As they share what is going on in their lives, ask them questions and wait until they ask you what you think before you start to guide them. MAKE MOMENTS THAT MATTER. You do not have to spend the whole day with your grandchildren to make meaningful memories. Teens are always on the go with after-school activities, hobbies, and time with their friends. Aim to spend at least a few hours with them every few weeks or once a month, and ensure it is something they genuinely want to do. Attend their events, whether a basketball game, school play, or concert. It can be difficult watching our grandchildren grow up, but remember, you are still an important part of their world. Walk with them through these teenage years, and the memories will last a lifetime.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.
A Friendly Reminder That the Best Is Still Ahead in 2026 The Productivity Upgrade You Did Not Know You Needed New 2026 Tax Rules Could Change How You Give to Charity
2.
3.
Find Their Fun Without Forcing It
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
4.
The Gift Your Family Will Thank You for Later
Spring-cleaning often starts with closets and cupboards, but it can also open the door to something deeper and far more meaningful: easing the future burden on the people you love most. Many families have lived through it. A parent passes away, leaving behind decades of belongings and no clear guidance on what should go where. What begins as “the big cleanout” can quickly turn into stress, hurt feelings, and sibling conflict. No one intends for that to happen, but it is surprisingly common when there is no plan in place. Decluttering now is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. It allows you to decide what truly matters, share your stories while you are here to tell them, and prevent your loved ones from having to make emotional decisions later. There are several ways to approach this process. Some people choose to involve their children, grandchildren, or siblings. Working room by room, you can talk through meaningful items, agree on who would like what, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This can be emotional, but it is often healing and full of memories.
Others prefer to take a more independent route. One helpful exercise is to imagine moving to a smaller home. Decide what percentage of your belongings you truly want to keep and focus on items that serve a purpose or hold genuine meaning. Letting go becomes easier when you focus on what stays rather than what goes. For those with limited time or energy, professional organizers and downsizers can be invaluable. As items leave your home, consider gifting meaningful pieces to family, donating to causes close to your heart, consigning or selling valuables, recycling what you can, and releasing the rest without guilt. To make this process even clearer, our firm offers Inheralink’s Personal Property Memorandum, a secure digital tool that allows you to photograph personal items and designate who should receive them. This digital personal property designation removes guesswork and reduces the risk of family disagreements, all while keeping your wishes organized and accessible. Spring-cleaning is about clarity, intention, and peace of mind. When you take these steps now, you help ensure that what you leave behind is not chaos, but care.
CLEAR THE CLUTTER, KEEP THE PEACE
SPRING-CLEANING IS ONE OF THE KINDEST
ESTATE PLANNING STEPS YOU CAN TAKE
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