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Season’s Greetings from Apple Law Firm! Wishing you peace, joy, and prosperity this holiday season and in the year ahead. 🎄✨ #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfGiving

4 TIPS FOR TALKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING WITH YOUR FAMILY OVER THE HOLIDAYS As the holidays approach, you will probably connect with loved ones through video chat or in-person gatherings. While the holidays are always an opportune time to discuss estate planning, it's especially important to address these matters this year. That said, asking your dad about his end-of-life wishes while he’s watching football isn’t the best way to broach the subject. In order to make the talk as productive as possible, consider the following four tips. 01 | SET ASIDE A TIME AND PLACE TO TALK Discussing planning while opening Christmas gifts most likely won’t be very productive. Your best bet is to schedule a time when you can all gather to talk without distractions or interruptions. Be upfront with your family about the meeting’s purpose, so no one is taken by surprise and people come prepared for the talk. Choose a setting that’s comfortable, quiet, and private. The more relaxed everyone is, the more likely they’ll be comfortable opening up. 02 | CREATE AN AGENDA, AND SET A START AND STOP TIME Create a list of the most important points you want to cover, and do your best to stick to them. You should encourage open conversation, but having a list of items you want to cover can help ensure you don’t forget anything. Also, set a start and stop time for the conversation. This will help keep the discussion on track and prevent people from veering too far off-topic. If anything important comes up that’s not on the list, you can always continue the discussion later. Remember, the goal is to simply get the conversation started, not work out all of the details or dollar amounts. 03 | EXPLAIN WHY PLANNING IS IMPORTANT Assure everyone that the conversation isn’t about prying into anyone’s finances, health, or relationships—it’s about providing for the family’s future security and well-being no matter what happens. It’s about ensuring everyone’s wishes are clearly understood and honored, not about finding out how much money someone stands to inherit. Talking about these issues is also a good way to avoid future conflict and expense. When family members don’t clearly understand the reasoning behind one another’s planning choices, it’s likely to breed conflict, resentment, and even costly legal battles. 04 | DISCUSS YOUR PLANNING EXPERIENCE If you’ve already created your plan, start the talk by explaining the planning documents you have in place and why you chose them. If you’ve worked with us, describe how the process unfolded and how we supported you in creating a plan for your unique wishes and needs. Mention any questions or concerns you initially had about planning and how we worked with you to address them. If you have loved ones who’ve yet to do any planning and have doubts about its usefulness, discuss their concerns in a sympathetic and supportive manner, sharing how you dealt with similar issues whenever possible.

Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their finances, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This week, I share my top tips for talking to your family about money over the holidays – in a way that feels comfortable, natural, and empowering. Click the link to read it now. https://lnkd.in/geyyj6mJ #lawfirm #estateplanning

When done right, planning puts your life and relationships into clearer focus and offers peace of mind knowing your assets will be protected and the people you love will be provided for no matter what. Not sure how to talk to your family about planning? We can help guide the conversation through our heart-centered, counseling-focused planning. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to learn more. https://lnkd.in/g-n-5N-x #estateplanning #lawfirm

Rather than discussing money for the first time while the family is gathered around the TV watching football, approach the topic weeks ahead of time if possible. Casually mentioning that it’s on your mind will help plant the seed for a future convo with your loved ones and get them thinking about their plan (or lack of one). For more ways to talk money with your loved ones this holiday season, see this week’s blog at this link. https://lnkd.in/geyyj6mJ #estateplanning #lawfirm

Having your family together for the holidays makes it a great time to talk about money, inheritance, or creating a plan for your whole family’s wealth.  But asking your relatives how they want their assets handled when they die or if they become incapacitated might not go over well while opening presents. Keep your family from feeling blindsided by the conversation, read this week’s blog. #estateplanning #lawfirm #vetsinbusiness

Having your family together for the holidays makes it a great time to talk about money, inheritance, or creating a plan for your whole family’s wealth.  But asking your relatives how they want their assets handled when they die or if they become incapacitated might not go over well while opening presents. Keep your family from feeling blindsided by the conversation, read this week’s blog. #lawfirm #estateplanning #texas #veteranownedbusiness

Happy Thanksgiving from Apple Law Firm! #lawfirm #texas

Did you know? Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Even if you don't have significant assets, you still need a plan to protect your loved ones, make medical decisions, and manage your digital legacy. Check out our article to learn why everyone needs an estate plan. Link in bio! https://lnkd.in/gPY4e5ZG #estateplanning #lawfirm

First visit to Patriots' Hall in Dripping Springs – a heartfelt tribute to our veterans and their incredible sacrifices. Patriots' Hall of Dripping Springs #veteran #patriotshall