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QUARTER 3 2023
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Why Listening Is the Heart of Estate Planning TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH We live in an increasingly distracted world. Studies have consistently shown smartphones and social media worsen our concentration, and we grow more used to fast, convenient services through apps each year. People have begun to believe everything can be automated. But we know slower, more personalized service still has a place — especially in estate planning. World Listening Day is approaching on July 18, and taking time to hear what our clients say is at the heart of our work. You know the adage: We have two ears and one mouth because we are supposed to listen twice as much as we talk. It is a rule any good estate planner should live by. Some clients walk into our office thinking they know exactly what they need; others have no clue. But either way, our job begins with listening to what they want to accomplish. It is the only way we can create a plan that serves them, and our ability to craft individual solutions from people’s unique concerns sets us apart from “do-it-yourself” estate planning. Experience has also taught us to ask hard questions about family, legacy, and what people value. But asking is only a first step. As we listen to responses, we must draw upon body language and notice when our clients hesitate. We do not mean to pry, but uncomfortable subjects are often essential to address. Many people have concerns they do not know how to broach — sometimes because they do not believe there is a solution. One common scenario involves a child who seems to have trouble holding a job and regularly asks for financial assistance. Parents often worry about the effects of granting them a large inheritance but do not realize other options exist to distribute smaller sums over a more extended period. Or perhaps the parents do not like a child’s spouse. They are concerned that their child could lose a large portion of their inheritance in a divorce but do not understand options to protect their generational wealth. People may feel
embarrassed to bring up these details or consider them irrelevant, but asking about family dynamics helps us reach clients’ goals.
We also help people think through scenarios they had not considered. Giving our clients precisely what they ask for without discussing the implications of their decision does not serve them well. In particular, many people default to how they think estate plans “should” be made without considering whether those options are appropriate for their family. For example, people commonly appoint their oldest child as a power of attorney or successor trustee. They consider it a tradition. But they do not always consider whether their oldest child fits the role best. Are they equipped to make emotional medical decisions? Are they financially savvy? Do they have strong organizational skills? Once people consider these questions, they sometimes realize a less traditional choice would suit their family better. As estate planners, we are not here to decide for our clients. Our role is to fully understand their goals and determine how we can achieve them. But we cannot get to that point without seeing our clients as unique individuals with their own stories and motivations. Before we can effectively plan, we first have to listen.
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One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip. Find the Perfect Beach Rental
My name is Maggie, and I don’t consider myself a typical attorney. I tried a few different kinds of law after passing the bar exam 14 years ago, but none of them gelled with my personality until I tried estate law. My work allows me to meet people, learn about them, and form relationships. It’s so much more social than most other practice areas. Litherland, Kennedy, & Associates also isn’t your typical law firm. I immediately learned that when I interviewed here while I was nine months pregnant with my youngest daughter. I had my interview on Saturday and went into labor on Sunday! Perhaps I was more Why I Love My Work HERE TO HELP
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
impressive than I realized, but I think the fact that I got the job under those conditions speaks volumes about the family values of this practice. The team here is incredible; everyone works to help our clients achieve peace of mind. It’s like a breath of fresh air compared to many law offices, which are competitive and focused on billable hours. Instead of wondering how we can make more money, this firm’s philosophy is to ask how to make our clients happier.
Besides getting to know my clients and their families, my favorite part of this work is educating people about their
estate plans. Knowing you need estate planning documents differs from understanding how to use them. It is also essential to explain that estate planning is about more than what will happen after you die. I’ve faced many of the problems my clients do within my own family. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and my family endured the stress of determining how to care for her. We didn’t know what we were doing at the time, so as an estate planner now, I can give others a resource I didn’t have and hopefully provide some comfort. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my daughters, Ellie (8) and Allie (5). My hobbies include hiking, baking, and watching movies. The one genre I won’t watch is horror, but I enjoy everything from silly comedies to Best Picture award winners.
Since I grew up in San Jose and attended Prospect High School, I have a different relationship with many of our clients that dates back decades.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people I grew up with work through new phases of their lives — and make the process as pleasant as possible.
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Regular Exercise Might Fight Dementia Many people worry about the risk of developing dementia as they age, and they have a good reason. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or other BOOST YOUR BRAIN
hormones in our brains, which is why it tends to help with anxiety and depression. Physical activity also ensures sufficient blood flow reaches the brain and improves our memory. The effects can be long-term. A 2023 study by University of California San Diego found that every 31 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous exercise correlated to a 21% lower likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment. Further, study participants reduced their risk by 33% for each additional 1,865 steps they took per day. Meanwhile, a 2021 JAMA Network Open study found that even “light” physical activity like household chores reduced an individual’s later chances of developing dementia. Research indicates that your activity or inactivity all adds up throughout your life, and people see the most benefit when they begin exercising in their early years. But it’s never too late to start being more active to improve your physical and brain health. Any activity is better
dementia, and roughly 1 in 9 people over 65 have Alzheimer’s. These troubling statistics are one of the many reasons Litherland, Kennedy, & Associates supports the Alzheimer’s Association. We don’t want anyone to suffer this disease unnecessarily. Experts still have much to learn about Alzheimer’s, but research has given us some clues on reducing our risk. Multiple studies have found that physical activity reduces a person’s likelihood of developing dementia later in life. People who move more tend to retain more of their cognitive function. Most people think of exercise as something we do to maintain physical health, but considerable evidence suggests movement improves mental and cognitive health. Exercise reduces stress
than none; the more you exercise, the better your health will likely be.
If you struggle to remain active, remember that it doesn’t take much to sneak more exercise into your day. Try starting with a walk around the block, a short bike ride, or swimming a few laps at the pool. Classes at your local recreation center can also get your heart pumping in a fun and social environment. Whether you dance to your favorite songs at home or sign up for a pickleball team, your body and brain will thank you.
SAZON GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
This versatile summer chicken recipe is packed with warm flavors to keep your tastebuds on alert. It’s perfect for family BBQ nights or as a protein for meal prepping!
INGREDIENTS:
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• • • • •
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
• • • •
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground coriander
Freshly ground black pepper
BARBECUE CONCERT
PARK POOL SHADE STARGAZING TRAVEL VACATION
1 tsp turmeric
1. In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss together to coat chicken; let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165 F. 3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm, then chop into bite-size pieces to use in salads, tacos, bowls, and more! DIRECTIONS:
FISHING FOURTH INDEPENDENCE LARKSPUR
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The Secret to Effective Estate Planning page 1
Get to Know Maggie Better! Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss page 2
How to Reduce Your Dementia Risk Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs page 3
Give Your Carpets the Cleaning They Deserve page 4
With the Power of Steam Cleaning REVITALIZE YOUR CARPETS
What do you do if you notice a spot on the floor while vacuuming? If you’re like most people, you’ll spray the trouble area with a carpet cleaning solution and carry on with your day. But what if this doesn’t clear the spot? Sometimes, your carpets require a deeper cleaning. Most experts recommend that you get your carpets deep-cleaned once every 12–18 months, and one of the best ways to do this is by using a steam cleaner.
You can steam clean your carpets yourself or hire a professional cleaning company. Most home improvement stores like Lowe’s offer steam cleaner rentals for a low fee that are convenient if you only need to clean one or two rooms. There are also national and local carpet cleaning chains that offer steam cleaning services. The prices vary depending on the size of each room and how many rooms you need to be cleaned, but you will love the results. When you use other cleaning methods, like shampooing, you have to use large amounts of water, and that doesn’t always completely dry. The leftover moisture can quickly turn to mildew and mold, which smells bad and releases spores that spread throughout the rest of the house. This isn’t an issue with steam cleaning. Steam cleaning removes the dirt, bacteria, and germs that even vacuums and shampooing can’t reach. Not only will your carpets be cleaner, but they’ll also look better and last longer. Steam cleaning removes those stubborn stains that other methods can’t erase through a nontoxic solution and steam. And you won’t have to worry about colors running or carpets fraying when using a steam cleaner.
The next time you need to give your carpets a deep-clean, try getting them steam-cleaned. You’ll be surprised at how much nicer your carpets look!
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