Who will shovel the snow? Last week’s snowstorm was beautiful, but we all know the next morning there is work to be done. Some of our neighbors are now unable to shovel their own driveway. Usually, their children or grandchildren come to help, or the neighborhood chips in. But I know this does not happen for everyone.

Planning for Change The only thing constant is change. This is as true in care planning as it is in all areas of life. A good estate plan is one that can adapt and change with the curveballs life throws at you. This also means a good estate plan is one that you periodically review. It is not uncommon to see a Last Will that is twenty or thirty years old. The toddlers you named Guardians for are now adults with toddlers of their own.

Caregiving for Loved Ones Very often family becomes the fulltime caregiver for their loved ones. They put their weekends, marriages, careers, or even entire lives on hold to take up this burden of love. It is admirable but often a difficult and can be an exhausting journey. 

What is a Trust A trust is a written agreement when someone called the Trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of another. Think of the trust like a safety deposit box. You put something into it, and when you want to get it out you have to go through your trustee (like the banker, who turns the second key). In some cases this provides a layer of protection, because if the asset is not directly in your hands, no one can take it from you. Trusts are widely used in estate planning, wealth management, and business structures because they provide flexibility, protection, and control over how assets are handled during a person’s lifetime and after their death. You do not have to be rich to use a trust!

One of the most cherished parts of the holiday season is coming together and sharing the foods that remind you of home, childhood, and loved ones long gone. Every family has something unique.