A Guide to Discussing Estate Planning With Family Home for the Holidays The holidays are here — it’s time for festive family gatherings, holiday movies, and wonderful feasts shared by all. As we mentioned in the cover story, discussing the future and estate planning during this time can be difficult. Still, because it’s often a time when everyone is gathered together for the first time in months (or since last year’s festivities), it’s also a great opportunity to broach the topic.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Inspired by TheModernProper.com
Ingredients
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1/2 cup butter
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1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup chopped onion 1 cup sliced celery 2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup milk
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken •
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 tsp pepper
Here are some tips on how to initiate and navigate a conversation about estate planning during the holiday season. Choose the right moment. Selecting an appropriate moment for this conversation is vital. Avoid high-stress times or when emotions are running high. Opt for a calm, relaxed atmosphere, perhaps after a meal when everyone is settled.
1/2 tsp celery seed
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1 egg
Directions
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture. 6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Frame it as a positive step. Approach the conversation with a positive tone. Emphasize that estate planning is a responsible and caring way to ensure the well-being of the family in the future. Highlight the peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place. Introduce your own plans. Sharing your own thoughts on estate planning can set the stage for an open discussion. Mention any steps you’ve taken or express your intention to begin the process. This personal touch can make the conversation more relatable and less intimidating. Keep it inclusive. Encourage an inclusive discussion by seeking input from all family members. This not only ensures everyone’s perspectives are considered but also fosters a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility. Address concerns with sensitivity. Acknowledge that discussing matters of inheritance and estate planning can be sensitive. Create an environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their concerns or fears. Be empathetic and listen actively to foster an open dialogue. Discussing estate planning during the holiday season might seem challenging, but it is one of the most loving conversations we can have. By approaching the conversation with care, emphasizing the positive aspects, and keeping the dialogue inclusive, families can collaboratively create a plan that ensures a secure and harmonious future. In the spirit of the season, embracing these discussions can foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility, making it a valuable gift for the entire family.
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
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