Take a look at our March newsletter!
t
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: Celebrating 60 Years of Life
With each passing year, we become more attuned to our own lives — we begin cherishing relationships, embracing change, and savoring the moments that define our journey. Embarking on my seventh decade is about more than marking the passage of time; it’s about eagerly embracing what lies ahead. As I climb the mountain called life, I learn more about who I am, what keeps me ticking, and what resonates with me. This March, I turn 60 years old, and so far, it’s brought unfamiliarity but also provided me with a glimmer of serenity. When my 50th birthday rolled around, I couldn’t say that I had acquired the amount of peace I possess now. In fact, turning 50 presented me with many struggles, most significantly, an unexpected mid-life crisis. The realization of aging hit me like a ton of bricks and was the first time I felt past my prime. However, the ripe age of 60 marks a milestone in one’s life journey where experiences woven over six decades intertwine with newfound perspectives and aspirations. I look forward to what is before me, knowing I won’t be hanging up my coat anytime soon! “As we approach the process of aging, let us relinquish the fear that comes with it and instead search for a sense of gratitude.” “Life begins at 60” is what my grandmother used to say to me, and I finally understand what she meant. My grandmother was correct, and the knowledge I have gathered throughout my years has molded me into an individual that I never imagined amounting to. A fascinating discovery I have experienced during this fresh transition is that most things I used to stress over no longer carry so much weight. Learning empathy has become one of my biggest triumphs and has assisted me tremendously with my career. I seek much more joy in my everyday life by connecting with clients on many levels.
Because I consider myself more seasoned now, I can sympathize with individuals like never before by sharing my
life experiences and offering my
unwavering support. I would not have the success I do without the encouragement of my family.
My wife and I have been married for 34 years, and we have three beautiful daughters who have grown into
outstanding women. We have spent most of our lives coaching our daughters to become the best version of themselves. However, we no longer need to guide them; instead, we cheer them on from the sidelines. This parental transition was difficult for us, but watching them achieve their goals has been one of my most significant rewards. I consider my life pretty sweet, but having grandchildren would definitely be the icing on the cake, and I pray it happens sooner rather than later. As we approach the process of aging, let us relinquish the fear that comes with it and instead search for a sense of gratitude. Age is merely a number, and the accurate measure of a life well-lived lies in the depth of our experiences and the lessons we learn. After all, the meaning of life is not found in the destination; it is located along the journey.
–Craig Hersch
1 (239) 265-9779
MARCH 2024
This Beautiful City Is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale Add Sintra, Portugal, to Your Travel Plans! As spring break nears, you might already have plans to travel to
Once you head back outside, the rest of the grounds are just as lovely. The enormous gardens have many trails, marked and unmarked. You can get lost in the beautiful oasis, and we encourage you to put aside at least half a day to explore the gardens. Quinta da Regaleira Quinta da Regaleira is the city’s second significant castle boasting beautiful gardens, but its main draw is the initiation well. This 80-foot-deep well is a wonder as it sinks into the earth with mossy walls. We suggest you go early, as this is another big attraction for those visiting the city, and officials try to keep people moving as they arrive, mainly as it’s one-way traffic on the steps themselves. Once on the grounds, you can explore many grottos by following their main paths. The castle itself isn’t as opulent as Pena Palace, but it’s still a lovely location to visit. Sintra is perfect for any vacation, and though these are the main draws for the city, by no means are they the only ones. We encourage you to check out this city and see if it fits your travel plans.
Punta Cana, London, Key West, Paris, or a similar destination city. One more
to add to your travel checklist is Sintra, Portugal. This beautiful town rests on the hills of Serra de Sintra, just outside the capital, Lisbon. The two castles within the city are the main draws, and it’s easy to see why. Pena Palace and Gardens The National Pena Palace and Gardens are absolutely stunning. The palace is adorned in primary colors, with intricately carved yellow, red, and blue buildings. It’ll cost you 10 euros to explore the grounds and a couple of extra euros to go inside, but it’s worth it! The carvings include many styles, including Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. Everything is opulent, and you’ll have a great time as you take in the extravagance. Some rooms are painted as an optical illusion, with doors and hallways looking three-dimensional when they’re just flat.
c k s o n ’ s H i d d e n
How Jackson’s Revocable Living Trust Shielded His Estate
While the global pop star had his entire private life aired out in the media, there was one thing Michael Jackson was able to keep under wraps: his revocable living trust. Michael Jackson’s estate planning strategy, centered around a revocable living trust, underscores the significance of privacy in managing one’s affairs. When you opt for a trust over a conventional will, you ensure that the details of your estate plan remain confidential, shielding your assets and beneficiaries from public scrutiny. Unlike wills, which become public record upon death and are subject to probate and court proceedings, trusts offer discretion and control over asset distribution. Using a revocable living trust enabled Jackson to transfer most of his assets into the trust during his lifetime, bypassing the probate process. This allowed for the
seamless transfer of wealth to designated beneficiaries without court intervention or public disclosure. The media was desperate to discover what his estate entailed, who it would go to, and what minute information they could glean from these documents. But a revocable living trust gave the superstar a much-needed level of protection and privacy. The trust provisions, including instructions for asset management and beneficiary designations, remained private, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes. Jackson’s estate planning approach is a compelling example for those seeking to protect their privacy and streamline the transfer of assets to loved ones. When you incorporate a revocable living trust into your estate plan, you can maintain confidentiality, minimize the risk of disputes, and expedite the distribution of assets upon death or incapacity.
Additionally, trusts offer flexibility, allowing grantors to amend or revoke the trust during their lifetime as circumstances change. In today’s digital age, where information is readily accessible, and privacy concerns abound, using a revocable living trust provides a secure and efficient means of estate planning. Whether one’s estate is modest or substantial, the benefits of privacy and control offered by trusts are invaluable. As Michael Jackson’s estate demonstrates, prioritizing privacy through trust-based planning can offer peace of mind and protect one’s legacy for future generations.
2
floridaestateplanning.com
Expect the Unexpected Securing Your Legacy With Estate Planning
The aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022 was a time of mourning
But even when facing this adversity, hope is still with us. Tragedies often prompt introspection, reshaping our perspectives and fostering empathy toward others. Instead of frustration, I now ponder the unseen struggles of those around me, recognizing the shared human experience of pain and resilience. The lyrics of R.E.M.’s 1992 ballad “Everybody Hurts” echo through my mind, and I’m reminded of the profound challenges I encounter daily in my estate planning practice. Wealth does not shield individuals from life’s trials — whether it’s grappling with illness, addiction, or caregiving responsibilities, everyone faces their battles. Such is life, filled with complexities and uncertainties. Writing helps me recall the bond I’ve cultivated with many of you over the past two decades — sharing insights on life within an estate planning framework. A well-crafted estate plan is a safeguard, providing a legal and financial framework to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. While it may seem inconsequential during periods of stability, prudent planning ensures security for ourselves and our loved ones when life sends challenges our way.
and profound loss for many. Some people tragically lost their lives,
while others, like myself, faced the task of having to rebuild. With over $250,000 invested in repairing my
home, the $4,800 insurance reimbursement hardly sufficed, and the renovations remain ongoing. But amidst my challenges, I remember to count my blessings. Material possessions can be restored, and most importantly, my family emerged physically unscathed. Although the setback may delay my retirement, I’m fortunate to possess the means to persevere. During Ian’s aftermath, my wife Patti endured the passing of her father, Ronald, a loss compounded by her mother Rhoda’s subsequent surgery and rehabilitation. Despite Ronald’s extended illness, his death still weighed heavily on Rhoda, who lamented not being by his side in his final moments. Patti tirelessly shuttles between here and Tamarac, offering care and support to her recovering mother.
S t . P a d d y
INGREDIENTS
TAKE A BREAK!
• •
Nonstick vegetable oil spray 2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting
•
3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed
• • • •
5 tbsp sugar, divided 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• •
1 cup buttermilk 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp kosher salt 3/4 tsp baking soda
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
3
(239) 265-9779
9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 265-9779
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
60 Is the New 50 PAGE 1 Exploring Sintra, Portugal PAGE 2 Lessons From Michael Jackson’s Trust- Based Estate Plan PAGE 2 The Security of Estate Planning PAGE 3 St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread PAGE 3 Enjoy Better Health With Fasting 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.
o f Y
i
n g
Fasting is a popular diet trend at the moment. You can find videos all over the internet about the benefits people have had while engaging in fasting. Fortunately, unlike many fad diets, the fasting trend is positive, as research has shown it offers many health benefits. Here’s a look at a few of those. Why should you fast? When the body stops getting calories, you start burning fat reserves in your body. This fat is sent to the liver and converted into acids called ketones. Ketones are used as fuel to run your body and brain like a backup generator when it doesn’t have food. This process is called ketosis and happens when you fast. Besides burning fat, fasting offers other benefits. • It promotes blood sugar control by lowering insulin sensitivity — so fasting decreases the chances of getting Type 2 diabetes. • Fasting reduces acute inflammation and improves chronic inflammation, which has serious consequences for heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions. • It improves heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, decreasing the odds of developing heart disease.
• Regular fasting may boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders. • Fasting helps with weight loss by increasing growth hormone secretion. Types of Fasting
Before engaging in any fasting routine, check with your health practitioner to make sure you are making a choice that aligns with your continued health and wellness. There are many types of fasting, including: • Juice Fasts — You only drink fruit or vegetable juices for the duration of the fast. • Water Fasts — You can only drink water for a regulated period of time. • Intermittent Fasting — This technique restricts food intake, wholly or partially, throughout the day or for part of the week. You can eat as you usually would during the off-hours or days. Fasting, a healthy diet, and exercise offer many health benefits and help keep your body and mind spry as you age. Talk to your doctor to see if fasting could be a reasonable part of your life plan.
4 floridaestateplanning.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator