Estate Plan Check-UpsEffective estate planning is personal, and its more than just deciding who to leave your assets to once you die.  Effective estate planning  is a comprehensive process that encompasses pre-need planning: health care decisions, financial management, and maintaining a delicate balance between independence and security.  Like your preventive doctor visits, you should regularly check in on your estate plan to ensure it fits your current needs, considers and plans for potential future care needs, and will give effect to your wishes now and in the future. Generally, estate planning involves creating a last will and testament, possibly a revocable trust, possibly an asset protection trust or a supplemental needs trust for a loved one who is unable to manage finances or may be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation.  Estate planning also involves important advanced directives, such as a durable financial power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, and a living will.   Creating an estate plan, or getting my affairs in order, tends to be an item on our to-do lists, for us to get done and move on to the next thing. However, while it may not be something you have to look at every month, or even every year, once your initial estate plan is completed, it is something that needs to be reviewed with some regularity.Most people get an annual physical when they are healthy, not when they are sick. They do this because they want to proactively spot any issues that could cause them to become ill in the future. The same concept can and should be applied when it comes to reviewing and updating your estate plan. Your estate plan may be healthy now, but you want to make sure that it stays that way by checking it regularly, to ensure it fits your needs and family circumstances, protects and provides for you now, and  accomplishes your goals and wishes in the future. Editors Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.  This article was submitted by Ashley Day, Esq.  Ashley Day Law, LLC.  Reach her at 251-277-3377. 

Let's celebrate one of nature's most delightful offerings: the pistachio. These little green gems are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're also packed with health benefits. Let's crack open the world of pistachios and other nuts, exploring their health benefits and some delicious pistachio-based snacks.The Wonder of PistachiosA Nutty HistoryPistachios have been a cherished snack for millennia. Originating from the Middle East, they have been a symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, known for their unique flavor and vibrant green hue.Health Benefits of Pistachios1. Heart Health: Pistachios are great for your heart. They're loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, which help in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.2. Weight Management: Despite being energy-dense, pistachios have a high protein content and fiber, which can help in feeling full and preventing overeating.3. Blood Sugar Control: Their low glycemic index makes pistachios a smart snack choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.4. Eye Health: Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are crucial for eye health.We've put together a selection of pistachio-based snacks. From roasted and salted pistachios to pistachio-infused treats, there's something for every nut lover. These snacks are perfect for a healthy, satisfying nibble.Uncanny | Pistachio Salted | 1.3oz CanWonderful | No Shell Pistachios Roasted & Salted 0.75ozconsciouSnack Obleas Pistachio Amaranth Wafers (1.05oz)B'cuz | Granola Bites Cherry Pistachio Gluten-Free Snack (1oz)A Nut for Every NeedWhile pistachios are in the spotlight today, let's not forget about the wide variety of nuts available, each with its own set of health benefits. Almonds are great for vitamin E, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cashews are packed with iron and magnesium. Incorporating a mix of nuts into your diet can provide a broad spectrum of nutrients and health benefits.Visit our website - we are more than snacks, we promote wellness.  Perfect for vegans, diabetics, celiac, keto, and more...  

A living, or intervivos, trust may be revocable or irrevocable, and it may be funded or unfunded. A funded living trust is an alternative to a will and to probate. In a funded living trust, a person (the settlor) puts property and money into his/her trust during his/her lifetime for the benefit of him/her and possibly other family members. An unfunded living trust typically receives assets through a simple pour-over will following the settlors death.Most people who are able to handle their own financial affairs usually name themselves as trustee of revocable trusts they set up. The trustee invests the trust assets and makes the assets and income available to the settlor/beneficiary during his or her life. Such a trust is almost always revocable, meaning that the settlor can revoke or amend the trust so long as he or she is able.If the settlor/beneficiary becomes disabled, alternate trustees are usually named in the trust to assume trustee responsibilities, the most important of which is providing for the financial needs of the disabled settlor/beneficiary. A settlor will usually name a spouse, adult child, relative, friend or a bank as alternate trustees. When the settlor/beneficiary dies, the trust often terminates, and the successor trustee will distribute the trust property to the beneficiaries, as under a will. In many situations, however, living trusts will continue for the benefit of the settlors spouse and children.A living trust has several advantages if it is set up properly and fully-funded, meaning all the settlors assets are placed in trust. First, a fully-funded trust can reduce or eliminate the need for probate upon the death of the settlor. Second, a Colorado resident who owns real property in another state can put that real estate into a living trust and thereby reduce or eliminate the need for probate in the other state. Third, a living trust may avoid the need for a conservatorship for the settlor if he or she becomes legally disabled. However, a living trust cannot avoid a guardianship, because the trustee of a living trust cannot make medical or care decisions for the settlor unless the trustee is the named agent for the settlor under a separate Medical Power of Attorney. (See Chapter 6 for more information on guardianships and Health Care Powers of Attorney.)Many people think they need a fully-funded living trust so that probate is not necessary when they die. In some states, the probate process is cumbersome and costly, and it is thus desirable to avoid that process. In Colorado, however, probate is relatively simple and avoiding probate is not, by itself, a good reason to have a fully-funded, living trust.Trusts are complex legal documents that require the use of competent and experienced estate planning attorneys. Preparing and managing the trust can be more expensive in Colorado than a will and probate. If the trust is not drafted correctly, significant harmful tax results may occur. You should not try to create your own trust or purchase a preprinted living trust. Initially, living trusts and wills with testamentary trusts are more expensive to prepare than wills without trusts. However, they may save you many thousands of dollars if you have a complex estate. Bob Frie and Paul Danborn in our office would be more than happy to discuss with you if you would benefit from a Living Trust.  Please call our office to discuss this with them.