The Works Everything you need to know for greater peace of mind.
December 2017
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I Learned From Watching You!
lights. They were multicolored opaque lights that you could fry an egg on.
Sure, you may be thinking that this all sounds within the acceptable norms of behavior, but let me tell you about the “Brownies.” For those uninitiated in elf culture, the Brownies are mystical, gift- toting elves who like to get a head start on Santa, and they are the primary reason I am unable to process Christmas rationally as an adult. You see, right around Thanksgiving, the Brownies keep a watchful eye. If you are a particularly good child (and let’s face it, sometimes a not-so-good child), the Brownies will drop off a present or two or three prior to Christmas (as if Santa weren’t enough). Oddly enough, just like mom, the Brownies love Christmas music. The louder, the better. You knew the Brownies paid you a visit when a certain Christmas song started blaring throughout the house. In our house, it was the “Happy Christmas Medley” off of the widely acclaimed 1974 Living Voices LP (you’ll probably have to look that one up). It has been a few years since the Brownies have visited my house, but rumor has it that Alexa may receive some requests for the Living Voices when JB stops by Nana and Papi’s house. So, it continues. I hope you all have a blessed Hanukkah and merry Christmas this holiday season. Be on the lookout for our next newsletter; we have some exciting news to share!
I have a Christmas problem — the obnoxious, playing Christmas music in September kind of problem. It’s a “Let’s put the tree up on Halloween” kind of problem, and it absolutley drives my wife nuts. Though, like most maladjusted husbands, it’s hardly my fault. My intemperance did not manifest on its own. Only a mom can cause a son to sink to such levels of depravity. “It starts innocently enough. Some Williams and Ives on the record player, gradually escalating to the three C’s: Crosby, Cole, and Como, to thoroughly embed the hook.”
It starts innocently enough. Some Williams and Ives on the record player, gradually escalating to the three C’s: Crosby, Cole, and Como, to thoroughly embed the hook. Of course, this is just the preamble. Candles in the window, carols at the spinet. It is one week from Thanksgiving Day, and my mom is in desperate need of a little Christmas. started early. Holly, stockings, garlands, and mistletoe were all represented. However, like most families, the tree was at the epicenter. When it came to giving our tree the trim, there were a few non-negotiables: 1) It will be a balsam fir; 2) No branch remains bare; 3) There will be tinsel; and 4) Keep the fire extinguisher close. Let’s just say that we liked our lights, and they weren’t just any Decorating for Christmas was a matter of sanctitude in our household, and we
-John Thompson
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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
WHICH CHARITY SHOULD I DONATE TO? At the peak of the holiday season, many Americans find themselves overcome by a spirit of generosity and goodwill. Many people go beyond finding the perfect gift for friends and family and give their time or money to a charitable organization, seeking to make the holidays a little better for those worse off than themselves. “https” at the beginning of the URL, which indicates a secure connection. But the best way to avoid shady scammers is to research the charity before you hand for Educational Opportunity (SEO- usa.org), another organization with a perfect 100 from Charity
over your cash. One helpful resource is CharityNavigator.org, a charity-screening website where you can scrutinize a charity’s rating, spending habits, category, and much more. When examining a charity, they look for all kinds of red flags, such as if they spend more than one-third of their budget on administrative costs or if they aren’t forthcoming about their operations and expenditures. If you’re unsure of where to donate, check out their list of “Charities With Perfect Scores.” If you want to provide humanitarian aid, Direct Relief (DirectRelief.org) is a well- known charity, and it has a perfect rating of 100 on Charity Navigator. They provide medical treatment in resource-poor communities. If you’re more inclined to protect the environment, check out The Conservation Fund (ConservationFund. org), which seeks to preserve natural resources while fostering economic development in America. Education- minded donors should look up Sponsors
Navigator. They strive to provide robust
But with thousands upon thousands of charities to choose from, how we do ensure our dollars are truly going to the best possible cause? It may seem obvious, but it’s best not to hand your credit card info to an anonymous organization soliciting your aid. The IRS has little regulatory power over most charitable organizations since they don’t typically pay taxes. As a result, it’s all too easy to be defrauded. “Never give a gift where you didn’t initiate the communication,” advises Tim Meisenheimer, a certified financial planner. Calls can be a red flag, as charities who employ telemarketers are much less likely to receive the entirety of your donation. If you’re donating online, he also advises you to check that there’s a 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
education for underserved communities. There are thousands of excellent charities to donate to, and many of them are probably right in your backyard.
Thank You!
COURT KENNEDY BRUCE GORTHY JOHN KORNITZER SEAN MURPHY JONATHAN STATON
JULIE PFEFER STEVE BROWN LUCAS FENDER RENEE AND RUSS DENNING MIKE SEARS
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Leaving Property to Your Children
As you
Once your child reaches a certain age (21 in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska), custodianship ends and the remaining property is distributed to the child. This is a great, inexpensive option for parents with young children. For parents with older children or for those who desire to leave funds in a trust for their children over a longer period of time, a trust may be a better choice. TRUSTS Trusts often come with greater flexibility. Setting up a trust for your children is similar to setting up a UTMA custodianship. Your will or living trust designates a trustee (a person or entity) to manage and distribute property you wish to leave to your minor children. The trustee has a fiduciary obligation to follow the specific instructions in your will or living trust. Trusts are highly customizable. You can designate the expenses covered by the trust (health, education, support, etc.), at what age your children will inherit the property
outright, when distributions should be withheld from the beneficiary (such as
draft a will or living trust,
in the event of alcohol or drug dependence),
and
and as your family grows, you may decide to add your minor children as beneficiaries. The problem is that children under the age of 18 cannot
requirements for educational distributions (such as maintaining a certain grade-point average).
Should you establish a trust, you have two primary options: a family pot trust or separate trusts for each child. A family pot trust can benefit all your living children and generally stays active until the youngest child reaches a certain age. While active, the trustee is granted specific authority to allocate trust funds to any one beneficiary that the trustee deems appropriate. In separate trusts, you can tailor each trust share based on a child’s individual needs. Some children may require more than others. It also allows you to divide and distribute your property equally among your children.
legally inherit property. However, there are avenues you can pursue to ensure that your children have access to certain assets.
UNIFORM TRANSFER TO MINOR ACT (UTMA)
Under UTMA, you designate a custodian (a person or corporation) in your will or living trust to manage property intended for your minor children. The custodian has discretion to manage and distribute the property for your child’s benefit.
Laugh Out Loud
CHRISTMAS STAR COOKIES
Ingredients
•
2½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
• • • •
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• •
½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda
5 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 2. In a small bowl, mix coconut oil, agave, and vanilla. 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry. 4. Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until ¼ inch thick. 5. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 6. Remove top piece of parchment paper and dust dough with almond flour. 7. Cut out cookies with a small star cutter. 8. Using a metal spatula, place stars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 9. Bake at 350 F until edges are lightly browned, 5–8 minutes.
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Recipe inspired by elanaspantry.com/star-cookies.)
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I Have a Christmas Problem
Which Charity Should I Donate To? Your Referrals Make a Difference
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What You Need to Know About Leaving Property to Your Children Christmas Star Cookies
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Kick Off the New Year in the Magic Kingdom
Is January the Best Month for Disneyland?
January isn’t known for much — broken resolutions and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, mostly. But if you’re looking to escape the cold or take your family on a post-holiday adventure, next month might be the best time to travel to the Happiest Place on Earth.
your plans much. They often close rides for maintenance during this time, but never more than one or two at a time. With all the open options, you won’t feel robbed.
Let’s Talk About the Weather
The Best Crowds
Does January sound cold and rainy? Don’t worry. The average temperature is still a balmy 66 degrees, and January gets just as much rainfall as peak months like December (winter break) and March (spring break). Check weather reports since the rainfall varies greatly depending on the temperature of the ocean that month. But bear in mind, Disneyland is the No. 2 theme park on the planet, raking in 18 million visitors a year. It wouldn’t attract such huge crowds if
the weather wasn’t theme park-worthy 99 percent of the time.
According to Disneyland’s own figures, the first full week of January through the middle of February is the slowest time of year at the park. Visitors report never spending more than 15 minutes waiting for a ride. The Fourth of July, however, finds visitors waiting over two hours for Star Tours and Splash Mountain.
So, what’s the best month to visit Disneyland? It’s a trick question. The real answer is whatever month you go. Disneyland is magic! But if there’s a month that’s better than the rest, we’ll say it’s January.
In Winter, Disneyland closes a little earlier. But if you have young kids, this won’t affect
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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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