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Showing posts with the label estate planning

You need a living will!

  Let's talk living wills.  Sorry if I'm coming on too strong, but we are all going to die. And everyone deserves to die with dignity. This is why YOU need a living will. No one knows you better than you - not your partner or children, etc. Kudos if you've even had these conversations, but even better to put your wishes in writing! A living will is one part of estate planning. As you might have guessed, estate planning increases with age ( legalzoom.com ); unfortunately, not everyone grows old. While discussing death may be uncomfortable, actually dying without having your affairs in order could really be uncomfortable - for you, as your wishes may not be satisfied, and for the loved ones who may find themselves in the difficult situation of having to make decisions on your behalf while grappling with their own feelings. As a physician assistant, I've helped many clients create living wills. I've helped family members make informed decisions regarding the content ...
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529 Plan: 5 reasons you should have one (or more)

529 Plan: 5 reasons you should have one (or more) Let's talk 529 plans. If you have or plan to have children, then you should know about 529 plans and have one for each child. 529 plans are state (or institution) sponsored tax advantaged savings accounts that encourage saving for future education costs ( source: sec.gov ).  Higher learning is EXPENSIVE! Wouldn't it have been a blessing if you had funds from a 529 plan to put towards or completely cover the cost of your education?!  Student loan debt is a huge burden that has far reaching impacts on the futures of borrowers. The effects can seem all encompassing; affecting the jobs you take, the ability to move out of your childhood home, own a home of your own, or start a family.  According to  educationdata.org , "the average federal student loan debt is $37,574 per borrower, [while] private student loan debt averages $54,921... [and] 20 years after entering school, half of the student borrowers still owe $20,000......
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What Do Different Colored Pumpkins Mean on Halloween?

What Do Different Colored Pumpkins Mean on Halloween? From pillowcases to pumpkin pails, kids carry all kinds of candy receptacles to trick-or-treat. While much thought might not go into using a grocery bag, the use of different colored pumpkins for trick or treat could be intentional.  Just as trick-or-treaters can send a signal with what they carry to collect candy, people passing out treats can do the same with their Halloween decor. Whether you collect or pass out treats, arm yourself with the knowledge of what different colored pumpkins mean on Halloween to prepare for all sorts of trick-or-treaters. **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions from clicks and qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Teal Pumpkins  Teal pumpkins represent food allergies. Your child with a food allergy can carry a  teal pumpkin trick or treat bucket .  Decorate your porch with a  teal pumpkin  to provide a more inclusive tr...
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Suffering from dry skin?! 5 things to stop doing to relieve dry skin.

Suffering from dry skin?! 5 things to stop doing to relieve dry skin.  Let's talk dry skin. Your skin is your largest organ, your body's interface with and protection from the environment. Keep it moisturized and intact! I trained in a dermatology office as a physician assistant student. Dry skin was a common complaint. Many clients were shocked at the advice they were given: "I paid a specialist copay for this?!" was a common sentiment. Relieve dry skin by stopping these 5 things, and you may save yourself a trip to the doctor's office! 1. Bathing Frequently  Water exposure can be drying and irritating. Reevaluate how many times you are bathing, and for how long. Consider decreasing the overall amount of time you are immersed in water.   2. Bathing in hot water Hot water is especially drying. In addition to the amount of time you spend in water, consider lowering the temperature of the water. Check out this  article  that says ideal water temperature is be...
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Don't diet: follow this healthy eating plan instead

Don't diet: follow this healthy eating plan instead. Let's talk healthy eating. I don't diet nor do I typically recommend any specific diets. This is true in my personal life as well as my professional career as a physician assistant. Diets often backfire and fail; they can be too restrictive in terms of limiting calories, certain foods or entire food groups. Diets can lead to disordered eating and malnutrition. Instead, I follow and recommend guidelines to promote a healthy eating plan. I compiled a list of the most common recommendations in over a decade of working in mostly primary care fields.  According to this  Forbes article , over 40% of Americans are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions, so losing weight  is a worthy pursuit. Developing healthy eating habits should be part of a holistic plan for longevity and wellness regardless of your current or goal weight. Practical guidelines can help you create lasting lifestyle changes. Let's dig i...
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