Check out our April newsletter!
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April 23 is National Take a Chance Day, a day dedicated to encouraging us to step outside of our comfort
zones and seize opportunities. Looking back at when I was a young lawyer and working for a big law firm, I realized that the niche I was in was all wrong for me. I didn’t enjoy arguing and taking cases to court, and I found a passion for estate planning, elder law, and working with families to better their lives. I decided to break off and start my own practice. It was a decision that I must admit I made abruptly, but I took the chance and never looked back. At the time, I had three young children at home — a 6-year-old, a 3-year- old, and a 1-year-old. Going home and telling my wife the news was stressful and nerve-wracking, but my decision was worthwhile and certainly paid off after much hard work and dedication. I truly believe that, in general, people only grow when they step outside of their comfort zones and take a leap of faith to tackle their dreams and goals, whether it’s personal or professional. Expanding your world and stretching your life in ways you never thought imaginable is amazing, fulfilling, and the only way to truly achieve what brings you genuine happiness. Speaking of happiness, the fourth Thursday in April is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, and for me, every day is Take Your Daughter to Work Day as Sara, my oldest child, is a lawyer here at the firm. Sara grew up in the legal world and developed a passion for the career. Unlike me, she enjoys going to court and fighting those battles. When my sons were a bit older, I brought them both to work with me. I’ll never forget it: My youngest son proudly sat behind my desk and fired my oldest son, exclaiming that he was the boss. He was convinced that that’s what I do at work all day — I got a huge kick out of that. My children are all grown now, and I look back on my decision to branch off into my own firm with pride, as the chance I took could not have paid off any better. If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, I recommend taking a leap of faith — you never know what good will come of it! After all, letting your guard down every now and then to tackle your goals can reap great rewards through perseverance and hard work!
“I truly believe that, in general, people only grow when they step outside of their comfort zones and take a leap of faith to tackle their dreams and goals, whether it’s personal or professional.”
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
ToughWinter? Check Out These Snowbird Spots
With record levels of snow along the East Coast and crushing, subzero temperatures in the Midwest, you may be considering moving away from your northern home. “Snowbirding,” the act of leaving your home residence during the cold months, is a popular alternative to permanently moving, so you can escape winter, travel, and stay connected to the community you have up north. If you’re considering the snowbird lifestyle, don’t choose just any city. Check out four of the “hottest” spots for migrating! Phoenix, Arizona If you want a naturally warm winter without humidity, look no further than Phoenix! It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Residents appreciate the small-city feel of Phoenix while enjoying large-city amenities. Bask in the beautiful weather and spy the scenic, red-orange mountains that surround the city, knowing that you don’t have to shovel snow or deal with beachgoers. It’s a win-win! Charleston, South Carolina If you want an ocean lifestyle, why not find one with some Southern hospitality? Charleston, South Carolina, enjoys pleasant year-round
temperatures, is just a short drive from the beach, and is known for its welcoming community! History buffs will love Charleston’s rich preservation, and there is an outdoor activity for pretty much anyone. Temecula, California This option may not be on everyone’s budget, but it’s definitely worth exploring. Temecula is a great spot for those who want to be by the action — it’s just 90 minutes away from Los Angeles — but prefer scenic views and a quiet lifestyle. Enjoy locally made wine, hot air balloon rides, and a little gambling. Plus, you could bring the camper and tour the California coast, making Temecula your little home base away from the RV. Friendswood, Texas Don’t recognize the name? That’s the point! Friendswood, Texas, is a small- town destination worth adding to your list. Enjoy the warmth and wonderful Tex-Mex cuisine found in Texas without living in busy, expensive places like Austin or Dallas. Plus, Texas is a big state, so imagine all the places and experiences you can have if you lived in Friendswood all winter!
Your workday may start out great, but after lunch, you face the dreaded midday slump. You might find yourself dragging and desperate for some help to make it through the rest of your day without skimping on productivity. How can you combat the exhaustion that settles in in the afternoon? Work around the lulls. Most people are most productive around mid-morning and late afternoon, but this, of course, is different for everyone. Try to tailor your day so that you find yourself working on high-energy and detailed tasks during your most focused times throughout your day. This way, when you hit a lull, you can return phone calls or clean out your inbox. Get moving. Any type of physical activity will boost your energy, even if it’s just for a bit. Step out of the office and stroll around the block, do some toe touches and jumping jacks next to your desk, or walk up and down the stairs a few times just to get the blood flowing. On the topic of movement, incorporating exercise into your daily routine may permanently boost your daily energy levels! How to Maintain Productivity Through the Day
Don’t rely on caffeine. Not to say that coffee isn’t effective, but all it really does is mask the effect of your low energy levels. It may work for a while, but once it rubs off, you’ll need another cup to get another boost. Just like anything that your body becomes dependent on, the more you drink, the less effective it will be. Try to not make it a habit to make a mid-afternoon coffee run.
If you’ve got your sleep under control and are still struggling by the time 3 p.m. rolls around, give one of these tips a try! You’ll be glad you did.
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
That Goes Down in History
We’ve all been fooled once or twice by a good April Fools’ Day prank. It’s adorable to watch kids try really hard to convince their parents that there’s a giant spider in the bed, and the pranks couples pull on each other are all fun and games. But it’s likely most entertaining when large companies and corporations get in on the fun too! Toilet Paper for EXPLORING SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST APRIL FOOLS’ PRANKS
Solution on Pg. 4
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Check-up. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
Left-Handed People In 2015, Cottonelle tweeted on Twitter that they had a solution for all left-handed people: left- handed toilet paper! Many people were fooled by the hoax and even searched for it in stores. “It cleans just like right-hand toilet paper, only now, it’s made for me,” the false advertisement read. Let’s Taco ’Bout the Liberty Bell
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com.
• Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@ mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
On April Fools’ Day in 1996, Taco Bell joined in on the fun. They tricked the public into thinking that they bought the U.S. Liberty Bell and were planning on renaming it the “Taco Liberty Bell.” They also stated that their headquarters would be relocated to Philadelphia. Apparently, this April Fools’ Day prank was great for business because it increased revenue by $1 million in just one day! Spaghetti Grows on Trees Way back in 1957, Great Britain concocted a giant prank to convince people that Swiss farmers were harvesting spaghetti noodles. On a BBC TV broadcast, it was reported that Swiss farmers were “enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop.” The broadcast then featured many minutes’ worth of Swiss farmers “harvesting” spaghetti strands from the vegetation and trees.
This past April Fools’ Day, what pranks did you fall for?
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
What’s Inside? 1
Celebrate National Take a Chance Day
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Snowbirds Are Loving These Locations!
Midday Slumps Be Gone
History’s Greatest April Fools’ Pranks
Helpful Resources
Why Protein Will Fight Aging — And More
Enhance Lifelong Workout Goals and Fight Aging
High-protein diets and protein powders are a bodybuilder favorite — which is probably why everyone thinks eating extra protein will make them bulky. But that’s not true! Here are four reasons why everyone agrees that protein is crucial to any healthy routine. No. 1: Protein reduces your appetite and hunger levels. While fats, carbs, and protein will affect your body in different ways, studies show that protein is the most filling. You won’t reach for midnight snacks as often, if at all. Not only does it help you feel fuller for longer periods, but it also accomplishes this with less food. In one study, increasing protein intake from 15%–30% of calories helped overweight women eat around 441 fewer calories every day without intentionally restricting their diet. No. 2: Protein increases muscle mass — and maintains it. Protein is in every cell in our bodies. For your muscles, protein not only helps promote muscle strengthening
and growth, but it can also help maintain your muscle mass while you are losing weight or even aging. Who knew protein could be a part of your beauty regimen? No. 3: Protein boosts metabolism. Your body uses calories to digest and utilize nutrients in food, and it’s a lot easier for your body to process protein compared to other nutrients. That’s why high protein intake has been shown to significantly “boost” people’s metabolism and increase the number of calories they burn. No. 4: Women need protein most, especially as they get older. As women age, protein becomes important to balance hormones as well as keep weight off. This could be due to the abundant amino acids found in protein and how important they are to hormone production. In a 2015
study, hormone experts found that a diet of 20–30 grams of protein per meal can lead to significant anabolic and metabolic benefits for adults. The best way to consume protein is through high-protein meals. Don’t rely solely on protein powders, which often lack the additional nutrients, both macro and micro, that benefit a high-protein diet. Thankfully, there are many options for having this type of diet, even if you’re vegan. We hope this information will help you stay healthy for many decades to come!
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