There’s this quiet little question that’s been tapping on my shoulder lately:Am I holding onto something that’s quietly hurting me more than helping me? It’s so easy to carry things because they’ve always been there. A way of working. A role in your family. A routine that once kept everything in order, but now feels […]
Personal Note
Your Life, In a Letter: How to Write a Legacy Letter for the People You Love
When we think of legacy, we often think of the tangible: a home, a family business, a carefully prepared estate plan. But sometimes, the most meaningful gift we can leave behind is something far more personal—our words. A legacy letter—sometimes called an ethical will—is a heartfelt message written to your loved ones, sharing your values, […]
Spring Cleaning of Your Mind
Welcome to Spring, a season of new life and new beginnings. There’s a freshness and a stirring sense of promise in the air as we wake from our winter hibernation and look forward to what summer and the rest of the year will bring. Growing up this meant little league baseball, spring soccer, rainy days […]
What My Younger Self Would Think of Me Today
If my younger self could step into my life now, I wonder what they’d see first. Would they recognize me right away, or would it take a moment to reconcile the person I imagined becoming with the person I actually am? Would they focus on the ways life turned out differently than expected, or would […]
The Key to Having Better Birthdays
The key to a full life and having more enjoyable birthdays is love, actually. I am “shy” about my birthday. I usually don’t like being the center of attention unless it helps someone else or provides value to the general public. That’s why I don’t mind doing videos for Snyder Law, performing for a webinar […]
You Get to Do This Life
How many times have you caught yourself thinking or saying, “ugh, I have to ______ (insert a task or event from your busy life)”? It’s easy to do. Carolyn and I know as we’ve said it (or grumbled it) many times. However, some influential people in our lives encouraged us to stop the grumbling […]
The Joy in the Little Things (Like a Coffee Mug and a Thoughtful Friend)
Life has a way of flying by, doesn’t it? One minute, it’s Monday morning, and before I know it, I’m sitting down to dinner on Friday, wondering where the week went. In between, there’s the steady rhythm of work, family, and responsibilities—all important, all fulfilling, but sometimes a blur in the busyness of it all. […]
Turns Out, Luck Isn’t What I Thought It Was
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what it means to be “lucky.” Growing up, I often thought of luck as something that happened to certain people—almost like a random twist of fate or some kind of magic that changed their lives. You’d hear about people hitting the jackpot, or […]
Dado Diaries: Striving to Be More Like My Kids
As a dad, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to teach my kids—to show them how to navigate life, make good choices, be kind, work hard, and grow into the best versions of themselves. But the more I watch them, the more I realize something surprising: I have just as much to learn from them […]
Your Estate Plan, Your Story: What Will Yours Say?
Imagine your estate plan as the final chapter of your story—a legacy that speaks long after you’re gone. Every life is a collection of experiences, lessons, and values, and your estate plan is the last opportunity to ensure that your story is told the way you want it to be. It’s not just about distributing […]
Estate Planning That Expresses Who You Are: 5 Things to Talk About with Your Family
You intend to pass along your hard-earned money and property through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring that you successfully pass all of this along may call for a family meeting to discuss your finances, your legacy, and your core principles. Most families lead busy lives, with many relatives seeing one another […]
Important Legacy Questions You Should Answer in Your Estate Plan
When beginning any type of planning, you usually start with some preliminary questions. Estate planning is no different. When you begin the process, your estate planning attorney will likely ask about your family members, the accounts and property you own, and whom you want to include in your estate plan. As you dive deeper into […]
Did Matthew Perry get his estate planning right? The answer might surprise you.
He was worth $120 million, yet his probate estate only had $1.6 million. How? Because most of his wealth was protected in a trust, keeping it private and out of court. But even with solid planning, a few small missteps forced some assets into probate, making them public. So, did he do the right thing? […]
Game Plan for the Big Day: Why Estate Planning Is the Super Bowl of Financial Security
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s an event that brings teams, fans, and communities together to celebrate. Just like every successful football team needs a solid game plan to win, your estate planning strategy needs a playbook to ensure your family and assets are protected, no matter what life throws your […]
Presidents’ Day & Legacy Lessons
As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, it’s a time to reflect on the legacies left behind by some of our nation’s most influential leaders. Their lives remind us that thoughtful planning plays a crucial role in shaping the future, whether it’s for a country or a family. Just as these leaders made decisions to secure their […]
Estate Planning as an Act of Love: A Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love—a time to express care, commitment, and the desire to nurture the bonds that enrich our lives. While flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners are timeless tokens of affection, there’s another profound way to show your love: estate planning. Often overlooked, creating an estate plan is one of the most […]
Handling a Loved One’s Debts After They Die
Americans are, quite literally, getting buried in debt, with nearly half expecting to pass away with outstanding debts. As a general rule, a person’s debts do not go away when they die. Some types of debt, such as federal student loans, are typically forgiven upon the debtor’s death, but private loans and cosigned accounts may […]
Does Your Revocable Living Trust Reduce Your Federal Estate Tax Bill?
Many believe that once they set up and fund a revocable living trust, property held in the trust will completely avoid federal estate taxes after they die. In reality, a living trust does not provide any unique estate tax avoidance strategies. The primary mechanisms for reducing estate taxes—the unlimited marital deduction and the charitable deduction—apply […]
Estate Planning During Life Transitions: Marriage, Divorce, and Parenthood
Life is a series of significant milestones, each bringing its own set of joys and challenges. Among these milestones—marriage, divorce, and parenthood—estate planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that your assets are protected and your wishes are honored. Navigating estate planning during these life transitions can be complex, but understanding the key considerations can […]
Beyond Algorithms: The Irreplaceable Value of Human Touch in Estate Planning
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant inroads into various sectors, including estate planning. While AI-driven tools offer a glimpse into the future of streamlined and automated processes, they fall short in addressing the intricate and deeply personal aspects of estate planning. Here’s why the nuanced expertise and empathetic approach […]