April/May 2021 YOU’RE MORE THAN A CASE NUMBER Why I Care About Your Financial Literacy CRONIN CALLER THE
One of our goals at The Cronin Law Firm, PLLC, is to ensure the next chapter of your life fits what you need. Whether you’re an estate planning client or seeking a divorce and a proper co-parenting plan, I promise we will approach your case with your goals, needs, and unique situation in mind. Each case is so much more than a number; it’s a person’s life. Part of ensuring our client’s success lasts far beyond the life of their initial matter and establishing their new, improved phase, involves many components that are not necessarily related to the law. We are a support system for you and your loved ones, and sometimes, that means our work often extends beyond legal motions and briefs. One component of this involves financial literacy, and with April being Financial Literacy Month, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to highlight a few key aspects of being financially literate. Bear in mind, every piece of information I share in this article may not pertain to your life at this moment, but I hope to provide you with some valuable and educational information about which, unfortunately, many current statistics indicate that not everyone is aware. According to the National Financial Educators Council, 1 in 4 Americans who responded to a survey said that a misunderstanding of personal finance has cost them more than $30,000 across their lifetime. In fact, in 2020, financial illiteracy cost Americans about $415 billion. Those are statistics I’d like to see improve. I’m not a financial expert, but the work I do every day delves deeply into the financial complexities of people’s lives. From guiding business owners with mergers and acquisitions; helping first-time single parents with their
monthly budgets; to assisting empty-nesters with revising their estate plans, I have discovered while every client’s financial situation may be different, there are, nonetheless, vital components to everyone’s financial path. You need an estate plan. There are no ifs, ands, or buts; regardless of your situation, an estate plan is essential to proper financial planning. To name just a few benefits to estate planning, it ensures your wishes are met should you become incapacitated or pass away. It also helps to prevent your family’s grieving from carrying over into the intensive process of Probate Court. What most people do not realize is that Probate Court can be expensive and time-consuming. A legally valid and properly funded estate plan can prevent this altogether and can alleviate your loved ones from the burden and stress of sorting out your estate. Don’t assume your family members know your wishes, want to deal with your assets, or that everything will transfer as easily as you may think. Many people not wanting to deal with this issue do not realize that having an estate plan can greatly assist your descendants and beneficiaries in knowing what you truly want to do with your assets and can also virtually eliminate any arguments among your loved ones. You need a budget. A budget is a powerful tool. This is a must for first-time single parents, as sole providers in their household; but, I also recommend it to new and established families and retirees. You need to know what’s coming in, what you “need” to spend money on, and how much you have left to save and spend on entertainment, “fun” purchases, and “wants.” Consult with a trusted advisor or professional to set up investments for your future, too. Remember, your financial plan needs to work for you today, tomorrow, and for your future.
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DON’T COUNT THEM OUT 4 Teams to Watch This Baseball Season This is no joke: The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season will begin on April 1. While you may wonder whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can repeat as champs or if the Tampa Bay Rays can exact their revenge, don’t count these four teams out just yet. MINNESOTA TWINS You don’t make it to the playoffs with the best record in all of baseball and not make it into some kind of list. The Twins are going to be a fun team to watch because they have a chip on their shoulders. While the team managed to score 269 runs in just 60 games, they also lost their record-breaking 18th straight playoff game in 2020. If they can get consistent pitching, both starters and relievers, they will be in the hunt at the end of September. DETROIT TIGERS There is a benefit to repeatedly being near the bottom of the league: You get good draft picks. The Tigers are on the cusp of finding that special blend of offense and defense in the coming season thanks to some much- needed depth by up-and-coming pitchers and first-round draft picks — so much so that Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has them as the top team that missed the playoffs in 2020 who could make a solid run. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS The award for best offseason ought to go to the Cardinals, who, all winter long, appear to have outwitted their Milwaukee and Chicago rivals — the Brewers and Cubs were the top two teams in the National League Central last year — by acquiring third baseman Nolan Arenado and re- signing Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina. The Cardinals are favored to win the Central if those off-season moves pay off. SAN DIEGO PADRES After acquiring Manny Machado in a big trade in 2019, the Padres have continued to improve, especially against difficult opponents. The Padres were a tough team last year, defeating the Cardinals in the wild card round and losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Expect them to be near the top of the standings in September.
GET FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY
5 Easy Ways to Get Everyone Moving
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. As a parent, you probably know exercise is important for your children’s physical development. It helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life.
But did you know that physical activity also has many mental and behavioral health benefits? It’s been shown to improve children’s cognitive skills and concentration, boost their self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the best ways to encourage healthy behaviors in your children is by modeling them yourself. Studies have found that more than 80% of adolescents and adults are not getting enough aerobic activity, showing that children often follow in their parents’ footsteps and that exercising together can benefit everyone. You may be thinking it’s hard enough just to get yourself to the gym, but Stephen Virgilio, author of “Active Start for Healthy Kids,” encourages parents not to limit themselves to traditional forms of exercise. Instead, think of exercise more broadly as “leading an active lifestyle.” And remember that exercise can be fun and a great way to get in more family time.
Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your family’s day.
1. Create a walking ritual. Start walking around the neighborhood before or after dinner each night. Aim for a 20-minute stroll.
2. Have a dance party. Clear some space in the living room, make a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes, and boogie down for as long as you have the energy. 3. Turn chores into games. Dirt has invaded from outer space and must be eliminated. Set the scene with your kids, grab your tools, and get to work removing the enemy while having fun. 4. Incorporate simple exercises into screen time. Start by making up fun names for exercises like situps or jumping jacks. Then, challenge each other to see who can do the most during your favorite show’s commercial breaks. 5. Get fit in the great outdoors. Cleaning up the yard, planting and maintaining a garden, or just running around outside are all great ways to get in more movement.
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BASEBALL’S HERO WAS A MICHIGAN KID The Story of Pitcher Jim Abbott
On Sept. 4, 1993, Michigan’s own Jim Abbott added his name to the list of the MLB’s New York Yankee legends — with just one hand. Abbott was born missing his right hand in Flint, Michigan, on Sept. 19, 1967. This didn’t deter Abbott, who went on to become a prolific high school baseball pitcher and football quarterback. After graduating from Flint Central High School, Abbott went on to play baseball for the University of Michigan and was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 1988. That same summer, he led the U.S. to an unofficial gold medal in the Summer Olympics, where baseball was a demonstration sport. Abbottwas traded to the Yankees in 1989. On that historic day in September 1993, Abbott used his signature pitching style to throw a no-hitter — the opposing team didn’t record any hits — against the Cleveland Indians. He became the eighth pitcher in the team’s then 90-year history to throw a no- hitter. (Today, Yankees’ pitchers sport 11 no-hitters total.) Throughout his career, rival teams tried to exploit Abbott’s style, but he almost always proved themwrong. He would begin pitching by balancing his glove on his right forearm, and after releasing the ball from his left hand, he’d quickly place his left hand in the glove. After fielding the ball, Abbott would balance his glove between his right arm and his torso, remove the ball with his left hand, and throw the ball. This style of play was a method Abbott developed when he was just a child, but it didn’t come without the support of his teachers, coaches, and parents in Flint. In a 2016 presentation, Abbott credited the adults in his life with pushing him in his childhood.
“[People] say, ‘Jim, you must have been so courageous and motivated and inspired,’” Abbott recalled during his speech. “It was none of those things. There [were] so many times when I was filled with uncertainty and self-doubt and thinking I couldn’t do it, and there was always a teacher there to help me to find a little different way … a coach who literally grabbed me by the jersey and brought me into the game.” Abbott went on to play for many teams, and today, he tours the country as a motivational speaker, encouraging those facing challenges to view their obstacles as advantages — just as his Michigan community members taught him to do.
SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
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INGREDIENTS •
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
You need to communicate. Do not leave your loved ones in the dark. Communicate what your wishes are, including how to divide your estate and the assets you will be leaving to your beneficiaries properly, along with whom you want to oversee this process. If you’re going through a major life change, such as divorce, job loss, unexpected retirement, or another matter that might necessitate a change in your lifestyle or estate plan, communicate with those you trust that what was once possible may be impossible now. For example, you may have to scale back on spending or you may not be able to leave as much to your loved ones as anticipated. Those who love you will understand. They don’t need to know why, but your honest communication is important. Your life matters to me. I care about you, and I want the best for each and every client, both during and after our working together. My goal is to ensure I leave clients in the best possible situations. If you need additional resources or support, please contact me and my team today. Whether it’s financial literacy you desire or you need assistance with some other obstacle you may be facing, we will help you find a solution that fits
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1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered
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1 cup fresh asparagus pieces 1/2 cup carrots, grated 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided
Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided 2 tsp minced garlic
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1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.
your life. Life is meant to be lived joyfully; and, with my and my team’s help, we will assist you in living your best life! On behalf of my entire team, stay well and enjoy your life!
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Make Financial Literacy a Goal This April 4 MLB Teams Poised for a Great Season 5 Ways to Increase Your Family’s Fitness The Michigan Pitcher Who Proves Anything Is Possible
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Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake
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Don’t Let the Pandemic Take Away Your Right to Work
THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
And How We Can Help
We’ve all felt the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. From canceled events to modified work practices, everyone has made sacrifices for their health, their families, and their livelihoods. But, according to a study by Lean In, a global organization dedicated to furthering leadership positions held by women, and McKinsey and Company researchers, women are making a greater sacrifice during this pandemic. In fall 2020, major news outlets like CNBC and the Wall Street Journal reported that the study is an indicator that more women are leaving or are considering leaving the workforce as a result of the pandemic.
childcare while working during the pandemic. Furthermore, moms are twice as likely as dads, to feel like their performance is being negatively judged as a result.
The report also found that Black women reported less manager interaction or assistance to ensure their needs were met during the pandemic. What’s more, the study found that for every 100 men promoted to management positions, only 85 women are also promoted to those positions. That number decreases to 58 for Black women and 71 for Latinas. While these statistics are alarming, they do not have to encompass your reality. At Cronin Law Firm, our team is dedicated to helping parents create post-divorce co-parenting plans that allow both parents to care for their children and pursue their professional goals. If you believe your co-parenting plan needs to be reevaluated or updated to better respond to COVID-19, future pandemics, or our new reality, please contact our team today. We can help you ensure that the sacrifices you make for your children, do not limit your opportunities in the workforce. Cronin Law Firm can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/CroninLawFirm, on Instagram @thecroninlawfirm, on YouTube @The Cronin Law Firm, and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts @The Cronin Challenge2Change Cronin Law Firm.
Researchers believe manywomen are feeling burned out frommounting pressures at work, while home schooling their children. The study found that mothers were three times more likely than fathers, to take responsibility for housework and
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