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WELCOME BABY COLE First Smiles, Little Giggles, and Big Life Plans
It’s amazing how quickly thousands of diapers, new feeding schedules, and baby cuddles can become your new normal. I consider myself a planner and like having everything set ahead of time, but then Cole came along. Born on Feb. 27, my baby boy has officially taken over my schedule, my sleep, and, most importantly, my heart. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, and it’s been one of the most joyful and life-changing experiences ever. A newborn changes everything, and I’m learning you have to let go, follow their flow, and enjoy all the little firsts. Cole is the first child for my husband, David, and me, so parenthood has been a big adjustment filled with lots of learning moments and new routines. Both of us are attorneys and have returned to work, so we are quickly becoming experts in home time management, teamwork, and the fine art of functioning on very little sleep. We’ve been together for almost 10 years and wanted to wait until our careers were off the ground
and we were in a good place before starting a family. This year felt like the perfect time. Cole is doing great. He’s already growing so much, hitting exciting milestones like smiling and babbling, and he’s moving around more and more every day. He’s a super chill, easy- going baby who only gets a little fussy when he’s hungry. (Who doesn’t?) We’re still learning all the tricks, and we find ourselves Googling everything from how many ounces he should be eating in each bottle to when we should transition from a swaddle to sleep sacks. I can’t imagine how people did it before we had resources online at the click of a button. Every first is truly exciting. He came in time for us to take him to see the Easter Bunny, and even though he slept through the whole thing, it was so much fun for us. We also recently celebrated our first Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with him. I’ll never forget his first smile and sweet little giggle or the sense of relief when he got used to sleeping in his bassinet after a few weeks of struggles. It’s been fulfilling to watch him grow and explore, and soak in every special interaction with him. I can’t wait to see how his personality develops as he gets older. At Sheppard Law, I work with families regularly as they create their estate plans, and motherhood will help me relate to them on an even deeper level. The biggest concern for most of our clients as they prepare wills or trusts is taking care of their children. As Cole grows up, I know that will always be our main priority, too.
We haven’t had a chance to do it yet, but I already know that David and I will be updating our plan. If anything were to happen to us, we want to make clear who would take care of Cole, manage his inheritance, and ensure he has the emotional and financial support to thrive. It goes beyond making sure his basic needs are met. We want to set up savings for his education in the future and think ahead about everything from his health care to his biggest dreams. Life is fuller, sweeter, and a little sleepier these days, and I’ve loved every moment. Watching Cole grow reminds me daily how important it is to enjoy the firsts and plan for what matters most. If you are also celebrating big life changes, we’re here to help ensure your plan reflects what matters most to you, too. –Hayley Donaldson
1 (239) 265-9779
JULY 2025
Cost-Conscious Connections FUN AND FRUGAL IDEAS FOR GRANDKIDS
learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!). Share Your Hobbies Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn! Sharing your hobbies can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become
Utilize Community Resources Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals. Build and Create Look out for free classes at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where kids can engage in projects like building a birdhouse. These workshops promise a good time and give the kids something to take home and be proud of. Hometown Tourism Lastly, don’t underestimate the joy of simple activities. A picnic in the park, flying a kite, or a day playing board games can be just as exciting and meaningful as any expensive outing.
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget. Explore Nature Together Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low-cost access, and they’re great places to hike,
cherished memories. Discover Local Gems
Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask!
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A PLAN FOR LIFE’S WHAT-IFS
Who would care for your kids upon your unexpected death? Although considering the correct guardian to oversee your loved ones’ needs if tragedy strikes is often daunting, it’s a critical conversation you must have. Here are some thoughts to consider in the present as you plan ways to protect the future. Naming a Nurturing Navigator Parenthood can be one of the greatest joys people experience in life, but it is often among its most challenging. Unfortunately, no one can predict the future, so parents of minor children should plan for unforeseen events that could leave their little ones alone. It is essential to determine who will serve as their guardians if you and your spouse pass away unexpectedly, and name them in your legal documentation. Here are
just a few things to consider when selecting the proper guardian(s). • Is the potential guardian’s parenting style comparable to yours? • What is the age of your potential guardian, and how old will they be when your children reach adulthood?
added responsibility of serving as the trustee over your children’s inheritance. Mistakes or a lack of checks and balances can have a devastating impact on these funds. To help mitigate this risk, it’s often best to pass on this role to a bank, trustee company, or another trusted individual. Choosing the best guardian(s) to oversee your children’s well-being can be complex. We urge you to contact us for more information on the legalities and nuances of these arrangements.
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Would naming this guardian require your children to move out of state? What is the potential guardian’s general lifestyle and financial status? Is the potential guardian emotionally and logistically prepared to raise children? Do you have enough insurance and assets to provide for your children upon your death?
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To ensure a seamless process, we advise against giving your chosen guardian the
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SMART STARTS Education Funding Essentials
Of all the things parents and grandparents want to provide for their young ones, an opportunity for an enriching education is one of the most important. Clients often approach us, curious about how they can best contribute to covering their loved ones’ educational expenses. Here are brief overviews of two options toward helping your children or grandchildren build great careers. Tax-Advantaged Future Funds When it comes to education, the Internal Revenue Service is as committed to tomorrow’s workforce as you are to your next generation’s prosperity. Named after IRS Section 529, which allows post-secondary education expenses to grow and be withdrawn tax-free, you can utilize 529 savings plans to cover approved expenses from kindergarten to higher education in the same way. Although considerable tax advantages exist for 529 accounts, internal stock and bond market investments determine their strength. Market instability, coupled with high administrative costs, may prevent some clients from considering a 529 plan as a viable option.
Bright Beginnings Backed by Trusts Working with an estate planner is one way to build a solid foundation for a child’s future. For example, if you wish to devote funds toward college tuition or other expenses, you can create an educational trust specifically for this purpose. Trusts of this nature provide great flexibility, enabling you to devise the specific terms and conditions the recipient must meet for investments and distributions. Although an educational trust can serve as a way to ensure funds for education, its growth over time typically isn’t tax-deferred, which leads some clients to implement investment strategies to help offset the cost.
Educational trusts and 529 plans are just two opportunities to help your family’s younger members get a head start. Please contact us for additional information and resources to help you choose the best path forward.
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TAKE A BREAK!
This recipe is quick, easy, and promises a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen. It’s perfect over pasta or with a green salad. Impress guests or indulge yourself on a weeknight! INGREDIENTS
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp salt
Juice of 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Welcoming Baby Cole PAGE 1 Inexpensive and Memorable Grandparent- Grandchild Activities PAGE 2 Name the Right Navigator PAGE 2 Trusts and Tools for Tomorrow PAGE 3 Garlic Parmesan Shrimp PAGE 3 The Parks You’ve Never Heard Of (but Need to Visit) PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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3 National Parks That Are Worth the Detour
Whenever you hear a friend or family member say they’re going to take a road trip to visit some of America’s most beautiful national parks, they usually plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yosemite. These national parks consistently attract millions of visitors every year, but they’re far from the only must- see national parks in the country. There are 429 protected national sites within the U.S., and 63 of those have obtained the official “national park” designation in their names. (The other labels are battlefields, historic sites, monuments, recreation areas, etc.) If you want to experience the beauty of America without the crowds, consider visiting these destinations during your next vacation!
Channel Islands National Park, California Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands are a unique area of the coast of Southern California. While visiting, you can expect to see seals, island foxes, and over 2,000 other plant and animal species, with 145 found nowhere else on Earth. You can reach the mainland visitor center in Ventura by car, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats. Make reservations in advance. Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio If you want a unique experience, visit Cuyahoga National Park. Like many other national parks, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and photography while exploring the park’s 33,000 acres. You can admire
many of the 1,000 species of plants and animals throughout your exploration, but if you want to get the full experience, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota Exploring a cave might not be your first thought when considering national parks, but Wind Cave is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and has many unique features, such as frostwork, cave popcorn, and boxwork, creating unique sights with every step. Once you head back outside, a beautiful mixed-grass prairie, home to bison, prairie dogs, and more, will greet you.
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