Take a Literary Adventure THE KEYS TO A
THRIVING BOOK CLUB
People of all ages crave human connection, and book clubs are an increasingly popular path to that common ground. Book clubs bring together people with common interests and offer opportunities to build friendships through discussion. If you want to be in a book club, one of the best ways is to start one yourself. Setting guidelines for how your club will work can take time and discussion with prospective members. Some
The potential rewards are worth the effort. Reading opens the mind to new ideas and improves memory. Staying connected and socially active can enrich your life in numerous ways, from improving your cognitive health to easing the negative effects of loneliness.
Many book clubs take on a character all their own, such as a monthly wine-and-cheese party with a little casual reading
groups focus on the month’s bestseller, while others select from lists published by groups, like PBS Books Readers Club or the Seattle Public Library’s “Staff Picks for Adults 50+.” Others focus on a specific author, such as Jane Austen, and some clubs focus on a genre, such as mysteries or memoirs.
on the side. Social media influencer Katie Iwanski illustrated this option in a hilarious TikTok video. Among the 11 guidelines she posted for her book club, she included the following: Everybody brings a bottle of wine; guests choose a food theme, such as “crostini night”; and discussion devolves
If starting your own isn’t realistic, many public libraries host book clubs for seniors, and you can join at little to no cost (outside of finding a copy of the book, obviously). Check with your community library for groups in your area. Also, the AARP retiree organization sponsors a virtual book club called Senior Planet.
from discussing the book and making cast picks for the movie version to opening more wine and letting the night end in chaos. And a good time was had by all!
Probate Problems: From Grief to Relief MASTERING THE PROBATE PROCESS
Many individuals are unaware of the dangerous and slippery slope that is probate. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets, such as bank accounts, real estate, and financial investments, are distributed. It involves the administration of a will or the estate if there is no will. When a person dies, an executor (named in their will) or an administrator (appointed if there is no will) manages the probate process. We’re here to introduce readers to the intricacies of probate with and without a will. Probate Without a Will This form of probate, at its simplest, involves the executor or administrator collecting the deceased’s assets, paying
any remaining debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. To decide who that executor will be, as there was no will naming one, a probate court will search for a next of kin if one exists. If one is found, the court supervises the distribution of assets to ensure compliance with the decedent’s wishes or state law. Probate With a Will When a will exists, the deceased is referred to as a testator. The named executor, often a family member, files the will with the probate court, initiating the probate process. Each state has different rules regarding the time frame from filing a will after death. The probate court verifies the will’s authenticity, officially approves the executor, and
grants them legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased.
If the deceased has no assets, probate might not be necessary. Otherwise, the probate court assesses the estate, identifies legal heirs, and ensures proper asset distribution. In intestate cases, the court follows state laws to divide the estate among surviving family members. Probate is a court-supervised process essential for transferring a deceased person’s assets, whether they left a will or not, ensuring all debts are paid, and beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance. To avoid the tricky and complicated process of probate, Bott & Associates LTD is here to assist you with all your needs.
2 BottEstatePlanning.com
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