Bet your wondering how “who should consider a will?” and “are you dreaming of having a “green” Christmas?” could possibly go together in a blog. Well I just happen to run into my favorite insurance agent, Tuck Hollimon and asked him if he had anything he would like to share and this is how we got here. Wills and being green has been of a huge interest to his clients and he wanted to share with all of us also. So here we go and if you have any more questions regarding this information, please contact Tuck Hollimon at www.queencreekinsurancenow.com .
Are you dreaming of a ‘green’ Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?
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The holidays are just around the corner — an exciting time for families and especially youngsters. Many of us will shop, decorate our homes and enjoy the festivities. Why not make your celebration “green” this year? It’s easy: Here are some ways to enjoy this holiday season while helping cut global warming pollution at the same time:
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Do your online and catalog shopping early. Shopping early lets you request ground shipping. Ground is more efficient than overnight, uses less fuel and helps reduce the pollution that causes global warming. It’s good for the environment and your pocketbook. |
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Buy a live, potted tree. After the holidays you can plant it outside or donate it to a local school or park. Or buy a small potted tree that you can keep in its pot and use again next year. If you use a cut tree, go to www.Earth911.com to find a tree recycler in our area. |
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Use energy-efficient LED lights. Holiday lights use a lot of energy, especially when left on 24/7. So, when you’re ready to decorate, start by replacing your old lights with LED bulbs. They are small, solid lightbulbs which are extremely energy efficient. New LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use in the home. Then only use the lights when you are going to enjoy them — in the evening. Another green idea: Try solar LEDs — they use no electricity at all. |
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Look for the Energy Star label when buying electronics or appliances as gifts. They’re more energy efficient than conventional models. Also look for an Energy Guide yellow sticker to check the energy use rating. The higher the number, the more energy efficient. |
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Use less paper and recycle. Send e-cards to friends, reuse last year’s wrapping paper and save this year’s unused paper. And remember to recycle all those cans, bottles and cardboard boxes. |
You don’t have to choose between enjoying this time of year and becoming an environmental stick-in-the-mud. As you can see, there are many simple steps that you and your family can take if you are dreaming of a “green” holiday season.
Who should consider a will?
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In a word — everyone. Regardless of age, regardless of wealth — we all should consider preparing a will. It could help you to control who receives your property, who will be the guardian of your children and who will manage your estate upon your death.
One-size-fits-all
Wills are typically simple to create and we all have good intentions, but many die without a will — I see it happen all too often. People who die intestate — without a will — default to the one-size-fits-all will provided by the state. Our state’s distribution formula may not be appropriate for your family’s situation, but your survivors will have no choice in the matter. You can avoid that and protect your loved ones with an appropriate will — then your property will be distributed according to your wishes.
A guardian for your minor children
In many states, when you die, your will is the only means of stating who you want to act as legal guardian for your minor children. The court has final approval, but courts usually will approve your choice of guardian unless there are compelling reasons not to. The greatest peace of mind that parents of minor children can have is to know for sure who will care for their children if something happens to them.
If you don’t have a will, consider preparing one sooner rather than later. (I suggest that you consult an attorney to discuss your individual circumstances and options.) And, if you have a will, update it every time there is a major change in your life — such as the birth of a child, adoption, marriage or divorce — or changes in the lives of those mentioned in your will. Make sure that your hard-earned assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes. And make sure you know who will take care of your minor children if you can’t. Share this with a friend or loved one so they, too, can understand the importance of being prepared. Please contact your attorney, accountant or tax advisor for legal or tax questions.
If your thinking of buying or selling a home in Queen Creek, please contact your Queen Creek Realtor, Tarra Christensen,
