June 2019
Estate Planning: Don’t Forget Your Pet! 

If you are part of the 68 percent of U.S. households that own a pet*, you probably think of it as a true member of the family—one you love and cherish. But what would happen to that cherished family member if you were to die suddenly? Have you taken any steps to ensure the family dog, cat, horse or other animal will be well taken care of if it outlives you?

If not, it’s probably time to think about how to make your treasured pet part of your estate plan. Even if you do have a plan, it might make sense to review and revisit it to ensure it’s still on track.

You don’t have to be extremely wealthy to do some basic (or even advanced) estate planning that involves your pet. Those who see their dog, cat or other animal as a beloved family member should consider taking steps to ensure it will continue to get the love and attention (and treats) it has become so accustomed to. 

Read more to find out some key steps to take and resources that can help. 

When the Second Office in the Home Is a Principal Place of Business

Question for you: If you have an office downtown where you spend 40 hours a week, can you claim that you have an office in your home that qualifies as a principal office if you spend only 12 hours a week working in the home office? If you said no, you are not alone. But you would also be wrong.

With the administrative or management rule, you can have your principal office in your home with 12 hours of work a week, even when you work at your other office for 40 hours. 

When possible, you want to claim that your office in your home qualifies as a principal place of business because this classification

  • gives you the home-office deduction, and

  • eliminates commuting from your home to your regular office.

Current law gives you two ways to claim your office in the home as a principal office. Read the full article to find out how.

Our net worth is around is around $2 Million and I was told we need a living trust to save on estate taxes. How does this all work?
My husband is going into a nursing home. I'm afraid we are going to lose all of our assets. Is it too late to do any planning? What are some of the options?
Congratulations Scott Wyckoff!

Scott recently retired from Harrison County Rural Electric after 35 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was the line supervisor.  

In retirement, he plans to spend time with family, work on the farm, hunt and fish. Wishing you all the best, Scott! 
Unplug to a New Activity

Constantly being wired up, plugged in, and online can actually cause stress. It can also be hard to put down your smartphone or similar device. By doing so, you might be missing out on time spent cultivating other interests and participating in other activities that can enrich you, relax you, and help you to be more mindful and present. Here are a few ideas:
 
  • Get outside and get some steps in. Walking and fresh air can work wonders on regrouping and resetting to an unplugged state. You can start in your own neighborhood or visit a local park or beach.
 
  • Take a staycation. Explore your town as if you were visiting. There may be some hidden gems like restaurants or museums you never knew existed.
 
  • Class is in session. Take a class in something you're interested in, like art, music, history, or literature. Many cities have community colleges and adult education programs.
 
  • Read. Read a book. Real paper, with words, a spine, and covers. Make an outing of going to the bookstore to see what's out there, and pick up a book, magazine, or journal.

Tip adapted from HuffPost:
Red and White Roasted Potatoes

Serves 8

Ingredients: 

  • 3 lbs. small, similar-sized red and white potatoes
  • ¼ cup good olive oil (can use avocado or a vegetable oil)
  • 1 to 2 tsp. pink Himalayan salt, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp. garlic, minced (6 to 8 cloves)
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced

Directions: 

  1. Set the oven to 400°F. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters, keeping them the same size.
  2. Toss them in a stainless-steel bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic until the potatoes are evenly coated.
  3. Scatter the potatoes on a sheet pan in one layer, making sure the potatoes are not touching each other.
  4. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until browned and crisp. Remove the potatoes from the oven a few times to toss so that they brown evenly.
  5. Once the potatoes are done roasting, season more, if needed, then sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Recipe adapted from Food Network:
The Brian Tracy Show
Jack Canfield's Hollywood Live
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