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When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in
your bank account, (kinda feels like Christmas, doesn’t it?) it's easy to
start dreaming about all the ways you can use it. Financial experts may tell
you that it's a chance to pay off debts, tuck away savings for an emergency, or
add to your retirement savings. You, on the other hand, may want to splurge on
something special. However, there's an often-overlooked option that not only
provides immediate satisfaction but ensures long-term benefits for both you and
your loved ones: estate planning.
Estate planning might sound like a complex and daunting
chore reserved for the wealthy, but it's actually a straightforward and crucial
process for everyone. In its most basic terms, estate planning involves making
a plan for what happens to your belongings and finances after you're gone, or
if you become incapacitated. Think of it as creating a roadmap for your loved
ones to follow, ensuring they're taken care of and know exactly how to handle
your estate according to your wishes. After all, someone will have to do
something with your stuff after you’re gone, and if you’re the one
who takes care of it while you can, you can save your loved ones a lot of pain.
And, make sure you are cared for in the way you want, by the people you want,
if you become incapacitated.
And by the way, proper estate planning covers much more than
just money and personal belongings, but we’ll delve into that in just a bit.
Why You Need an Estate Plan
Not only do you need a plan for what happens with your
finances and personal items after you’re gone or become incapacitated, but you
also need an estate plan if any of the following are true:
You care about the people in your life who will handle
things for you, if you cannot. First and foremost, estate planning isn’t
something you just do for yourself, it’s truly an investment you make for the
people you love. If it feels daunting to you, imagine how they will feel left
with a big confusing mess when something happens to you. And, it’s one of those
things that you must get handled before you need it because by the time you
need it, it’s too late, and you’ve just left the people you love the most with
a big mess.
That’s why we say that estate planning is about protecting
your family. It's about protecting their time, energy and attention, and
leaving them with a gift of love. It’s a way of saying "I love you"
that goes beyond words, providing them with security and guidance during a
difficult time. By making your wishes clear, you can keep them out of court,
prevent potential conflicts and ensure your loved ones are supported exactly as
you intend.
You want your wishes to be honored. With an estate
plan, you have the power to dictate exactly how you want to be cared for if you
are incapacitated, or who makes decisions for you if you cannot. If you would
not want to linger in a hospital bed for years like Terry Schiavo did before
her death, you must create a plan. Otherwise, the people you love could get
stuck in a court process fighting over your care.
You also get to say who inherits your assets, from your home
and savings to sentimental items. Planning ensures there isn’t any confusion
and guarantees that your possessions end up in the right hands. Planning also
makes it clear who should handle things after you are gone, and it makes it as
easy as possible for the people you choose.
You want to save money and time (for yourself and your
family). Dealing with the court if you become incapacitated or when you die
is time-consuming, can be expensive and is totally public. Without a clear plan
in place, you or your family may face costly legal battles and time-consuming
administrative hurdles. Your careful planning now can save them from this
stress and financial strain, making the process as smooth as possible. In
addition, careful planning ensures that you save yourself money by avoiding
unnecessary costs if you are unable to care for yourself.
You have minor children. If you have minor children,
consider who is home with them when you aren’t. Would that person know what to
do if you didn’t make it home? Or would the authorities show up at your house
and have to take your children into the care of protective custody/strangers
while they figured it out? If the idea of this terrifies you like it
does most parents, you need an estate plan.
Most parents of minor kids are overwhelmed with the demands
of everyday life and don’t stop to think that estate planning applies to them.
A common misconception is that planning is only for older folks who know their
mortality is staring them in the face, and young parents think that’s too far
off to warrant any consideration. That’s a mistake. Death happens to everyone
and incapacity can happen before it, no matter how old you are right now. Don’t
leave your kids at risk.
So now you know you need an estate plan but aren’t sure what
to do next. If you feel like the process seems daunting, don’t worry. Taking
that first step is easier than you might think.
Put Your Tax Refund To Work
You might consider using your tax refund to do your estate
plan on your own or opt for a cheap online service. While these options can
seem cost-effective at first glance, they don’t offer the comprehensive
coverage and personalized advice that your unique situation requires.
Instead, investing your refund in working with a heart
centered, holistic attorney with a process in place for ensuring that your plan
works throughout your lifetime is a much wiser choice. We will get to know you,
your family dynamics, and your assets, and then help you choose the right plan
for you both now, and into the future. Creating a will or a trust isn’t a one
and done thing you do, and then put it on a shelf or in a drawer and never look
at it again. When you do that, your plan is almost guaranteed to fail when the
people you love need it. In that case, it’s almost better to do nothing because
then at least you have it on your to-do list. False security is one of the
greatest risks of estate planning.
We will help you navigate the law, and also help you tailor
your estate plan to fit your specific needs, as well as provide peace of mind
knowing that your estate plan is thorough and legally sound. Remember, when it
comes to safeguarding your family's future and ensuring your wishes are
accurately reflected, the value of expert guidance is well worth the
investment.
At the very least, your attorney should help you create the
relevant documents, including:
Creating a Will: A will is a document in which
you detail the distribution of your assets and designate guardians for any
minor children. It serves as your voice, ensuring your assets are allocated as
you desire.
Setting Up a Trust: For greater control over the
distribution of your assets, a trust is invaluable. It not only allows for
precise management of how and when your assets are distributed but can also
offer tax advantages and circumvent the lengthy and public probate process. In
addition, and maybe more importantly, a trust will help your loved ones avoid a
lengthy, expensive, and totally public court process, which can cost your
family significant amounts of time, energy and attention.
Selecting Guardians and Executors: A key component of
estate planning is choosing individuals who will execute your wishes and look
after your children if you are unable to do so. These crucial choices help
safeguard your family's future. And if you want to go beyond merely choosing
people to raise your kids, you need a thorough Kids Protection Plan, which
takes into account anything that could happen (i.e., you’re in a car
accident and they’re with a babysitter at home). A Kids Protection Plan also
ensures your kids are raised by the people you want in the way you want, that
someone you’d never want to raise your kids is able to, and that the right
people are able to get emergency care for them if you’re traveling without
them.
Managing Taxes and Expenses: Effective estate
planning can significantly lessen the tax load on your beneficiaries, allowing
a larger portion of your assets to benefit them directly instead of going
towards tax settlements.
These are all undoubtedly important, and what most estate planning attorneys will do for you. However, a Estate Planning Lawyer will go a few steps further, ensuring that investing your tax refund in an estate plan is the very best investment you’ll make all year. In fact, every Estate Planning Lawyer promises to deliver a plan to clients that works throughout your lifetime. They do this by:
What If I Didn’t Get a Refund This Year?
Now you may be thinking, bummer, I didn’t get a refund this
year. Know these two things: 1) Estate planning is always a wise investment
whether you get a refund or not; and 2) A Estate Planning Lawyer, using a
unique process called Life & Legacy Planning, can help you organize your
finances so you are more likely to get a refund next year, or at least not have
a big unexpected tax bill, if that’s what happened this year.. A Estate
Planning Lawyer will also help you get more financially organized than you’ve
ever been before, so that you make the very best decisions about the allocation
of your resources for yourself and the people you love.
Estate Planning: The Ultimate Expression of Love
Among all the ways to use your tax refund, estate planning
with a Estate Planning Lawyer ensures that your love and care for your family
endure long after you're gone. It's an act of foresight that not only secures
your family's financial future but also leaves a legacy.
Contact Entrusted Legacy Law at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute call.
This article is a service of Entrusted Legacy Law. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.