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The Works Everything you need to know for greater peace of mind.
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March 2018
My Client ‘Dorothy’ How My Clients Enrich My Life
didn’t expect to hear much from her again outside of the occasional legal question. Then out of the blue, around Halloween, I received a call from Dorothy wanting to drop off “a little something.” The little something turned out to be cookies that she had baked for my son and my wife. A couple of months later for Christmas, same phone call … same delicious cookies. It was during these impromptu meetings that I really got to know Dorothy. I learned about how much she loves her grandboys and how she visibly lights up when she talks about their accomplishments. I learned that she cherishes certain photos of her late husband because they show his tender side. I learned how she drops whatever she is doing to help her neighbors, and she doesn’t think twice about it. I learned that she has vast amounts of energy and enthusiasm that make this 37-year-old envious. In short, I learned that she is a fantastic person. I want to thank Dorothy (you know who you are) and all my clients that help make this job so much more of a human vocation rather than a legal one. The practice of law, like any other job, will be accompanied by the occasional bouts of stress, banality, and conflict. It is the interaction with all of you that makes this career so rewarding. Cheers to all my fellow Irish readers (and to those Irish at heart). Be safe this St. Paddy’s Day.
They say death and taxes are the only certainties we have in this life. Well, for me personally (and a few lucky others) there is another item I can put on that list. At every major holiday I can expect to receive a visit from one of my all-time favorite clients. It doesn’t matter whether it is Halloween, Christmas, or Easter — like clockwork, she starts making her deliveries. The only thing better than the cookies she brings is the conversation. “Good works come naturally to this gal. She exudes the type of spunk and energy that makes me wonder whether she has ever crossed paths with a person immune to her charm.”
Good works come naturally to this gal. She exudes the type of spunk and energy that makes me wonder whether she has ever crossed paths with a person immune to her charm. She tells me that she is an avid reader of this newsletter, so at this stage I think she probably knows this article is about her. For the rest of you, her identity will remain a secret, and I will simply refer to her as Dorothy (my grandmother’s name). Despite the emotional turmoil she was experiencing, she tackled our professional dealings with gumption. It was only in the most fleeting of moments that I would catch a glimpse of what was stirring beneath the surface. As soon as it came, it went. We were back to business. When I first met Dorothy she was going through a difficult time in her life.
-John Thompson
In relatively short order, Dorothy and I concluded our business dealings and I
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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SITTER FOR YOUR FAMILY
Finding the perfect babysitter can be daunting. But as most parents know, sitters are a necessity. Here are some tips to help you find the best sitter for your family. Many people turn to family friends or neighbors to find a trusted sitter, but searching for a candidate online is also a great option. No matter where you look, you should start by creating a short list of potential caregivers and screening them for your family’s needs. Review their experience, education, certifications, and hourly rate. If you have online candidates, you can read parent reviews to get a better idea of a sitter’s performance and personality. Make sure to run a basic background check on each candidate. Next, check out your potential sitter’s references. Online profiles almost always require them, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Call their references and check your sitter’s other social media profiles to learn more about their personality and hobbies. Finally, run an enhanced At KC Estate Works, we are dedicated to your estate, tax, and business succession plans. We’re here to help you achieve peace of mind by getting your affairs in order and minimizing the burden placed on your loved ones. That’s why every referral you send our way makes a difference. We get to help even more people. And for that, thank you for your referrals and thank you for placing your trust in us — not only to help you, but to help the people you care about. Your Referrals Make a Difference
background check through your local police department or through a private online service. Once you have compiled a list of candidates, it’s time to conduct interviews. When communicating with candidates you don’t know, remember not to give out too much personal information. Set up phone interviews for the first round, and if you like the candidate, set up an in-person interview in a public place. Your questions should be geared toward your lifestyle and the expectations you have for a sitter. Make sure you’re on the same page about job specifics, discipline, and responsibilities. If you’re still sold on the candidate after the in-person interview, consider introducing them to your kids to get their opinion on the sitter. Once you’ve decided on the perfect babysitter, make sure to monitor the relationship and ask your sitter and child open and upfront questions after every session. The most important thing to remember is that your sitter must be
compatible with the needs of your family. Sometimes, you learn that a perfect candidate is not the
right fit for your family. But that’s okay! Once you’ve gone through the process once, finding another sitter will be a breeze.
Will Tax Reform Legislation Affect You?
As you probably have heard, Congress recently passed the largest piece of tax reform legislation in more than three decades. The new law contains significant changes to business taxation affecting business owners. If you run a family business or professional practice, significant planning opportunities exist relating to the choice of entity decision, including lower rates and a new deduction for pass-through businesses. Sweeping changes were also made to the tax provisions relevant to estate planning which only reinforce the changing landscape of estate planning from an “estate tax” focus to an “income tax” focus. Tremendous opportunity now exists for the vast majority of my clients to focus their estate plan on flexibility and family rather than tax objectives. If you or any of your friends or family have questions about how this new law will affect your business or your estate planning, please call me today at 913-214-1884 or email me at jthompson@kenberk.com to set up your free consultation.
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Developing a Succession Plan Building a Better Future for You and Your Company
Successor
When it comes to passing down a business, many owners may
Succession plans grant you the ability to leave your business in capable hands. This is important not only to keep your company running after you’ve left, but also to help you in your retirement. Handing your business over to the next generation will help fund your retirement, enabling you to enjoy the later years of your life. As you start the transition of leadership in the company, be sure to be open and communicate with your employees about what’s going on. Hold meetings where you can explain what’s happening, giving them the opportunity to ask you any questions about the process in return. But keeping open communication shouldn’t just be limited to your employees. Speak with your stakeholders and even your clients. Letting everyone know what’s happening will ensure the transition proceeds smoothly. Communication
Choosing someone to take over your business can be difficult. You have to be sure to keep all aspects of the company, your family, and
be reluctant to begin the process. Reasons for this vary from simply not wanting to choose an
heir to refusing to realize one’s own mortality. But developing a succession plan and incorporating
your retirement in mind while building the plan. Generally, business owners gravitate toward passing their business to a family member. Family members can be ideal candidates since they have typically been familiar with the business from an early stage, or they can usually be easily trained. While this may seem the obvious choice, be sure the person you have selected as heir wants that position. If they don’t have the same drive for your business as you do, it may be better to consider someone who is truly passionate about the company.
a few key factors in the process is incredibly important for both the business owner and the business itself. Here are a few reasons explaining the importance of creating a succession plan and why it’s in best interest for you and your company.
Why Succession Planning Is a Good Idea
If you own a business and are 50 years or older, it’s probably time to start thinking and preparing for a succession plan.
Laugh Out Loud
BRAISED CHICKEN AND SPRING VEGETABLES
This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil 8 small bone-in chicken thighs 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 12 radishes, halved
4 large carrots, cut into sticks 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6 to 7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Finish with chives.
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(Recipe inspired by Real Simple)
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A Human Vocation
Finding the Perfect Babysitter Answering Your Tax Reform Questions Succession Planning Braised Chicken and Spring Vegetables
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The 3 Best Places to See Beautiful Flowers
Earth’s Most Beautiful Flower Displays
Spring is here, which means flora will soon be in full bloom. Flowers can be an easy pick-me- up or a great way to add color to your home, but some people take their flower obsession to the next level by planning botanical-themed vacations. Here are some of the most impressive gardens and flower displays in the world.
Netherlands
Washington, D.C. is the cherry tree blossoms. Travelers who visit the Tidal Basin during the spring can witness 3,000 trees, which were a gift from Tokyo in 1912, flaunt their beautiful pink blossoms. The best time to see the spectacle is from the end of March through the end of April.
Holland, most famous for its tulips, always draws visitors at the first sign of spring. One of its most famous destinations, Keukenhof, located in Lisse, is among the world’s largest flower gardens. The park is 79 acres and boasts approximately 7 million flowers each year. This colorful garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, but mid-April is the ideal time to see the tulips.
patch in the park, which is located just two hours from San Diego. In addition to flowers, visitors often spot bighorn sheep. Wildflower blossoms vary in intensity each year, but they typically begin to bloom in late February or early March. Next time you’re planning a spring trip, consider visiting one of the world’s most beautiful flower displays. No green thumb required.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Desert lavender, flowering cacti, pygmy poppies, and rock daisies are just a few of the many wildflowers decorating Anza- Borrego Desert State Park. The various native species are often seen weaved together to form a colorful carpet over any barren
Washington, D.C.
Besides the monuments and historic buildings, one of the biggest attractions in
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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
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