Law Office of Kevin Jensen - December 2020

Law Office of Kevin Jensen - December 2020

December 2020 480.632.7373 jensenlawaz.com

A Timeless Reminder Why I Love the Holidays

My favorite part about Christmas has little to do with gifts, holiday treats, and celebrations. What I love most about this time of the year is how generous and kind we all become. We slow down at work, and we acknowledge the humanity in one another. Whether we do this through volunteering, showing our fellow man some grace on the roadways, or making it a point to contact loved ones we haven’t spoken to in a while, the holidays remind us that we are all human and worthy of love and respect. I often think back to the years and holidays my wife and I spent in Connecticut. Now, that was a quintessential Christmas! We enjoyed seeing the snow and watching New York City, which was close by, come aglow with lights. And, yes, even New Yorkers shed their gruff city exterior during the holidays! It was during one of these years that we participated in one of my favorite events yet. I was going to school full time, my wife was home with a 5- and 2-year-old, and we were pinching pennies just to scrape by. We also had the fortune of getting to know an older unmarried woman in town. As this particular holiday season approached, she became displaced from her home, and we felt compelled to help. Now, we hardly had any money to spare, so we did what we could. We began dropping homemade gifts and treats on her porch each day for 12 days straight. (It was similar to the 12 days of Christmas!) It was so fun! Even my oldest, who is now 14 years old, can remember placing gifts on this woman’s steps, ringing the doorbell, and running to hide in the bushes, our excitement barely contained as we watched the surprise spread across this woman’s face. I even had the opportunity to talk to this woman as I normally would and speculated with her about who could be leaving her these little presents. It was the best feeling in the world to see just how much that act of kindness meant to her. She looked forward to it every day. For us, this simple action — they were just bundles of small gifts and homemade treats — brought more joy to our lives than I could have imagined. Heck, I’m still talking about it to this day! It’s a memory and a lesson I won’t forget.

I believe this lesson is more important this year than it’s ever been. We have social unrest across the country, families arguing passionately over politics, and a global pandemic causing major stress, animosity, and hatred amongst each other, but the holidays are an important reminder that people are inherently good. In our family, we teach our children to do this through our Christian values. We read about the ways Christ helped those in need, and we actively seek opportunities to do the same. Whether you’re Christian or not, I believe this is a value we can all cling to this holiday season. Whether you do the 12 days of Christmas for a neighbor or call friends in need of a listening ear, I hope you find ways to help your fellow humans this holiday season. The best way for us to heal from a particularly difficult year is to drop our armor and give back to those in need.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

-Brandon Yost

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A Driver’s Guide to Safe Holiday Travels

Winter Road Trip Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed On Sept. 24, 2019, more than 2.5 million people passed through TSA checkpoints at airports across America. On the same date this year, those terminals saw just 826,316 travelers — a nearly 70% drop. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Americans have been thinking twice about air travel, and this holiday, millions of would-be flyers will set out on road trips instead. zip ties, and a first-aid kit at pretty much any Walmart or sporting goods store. You

could even save a life by adding a few more essentials to your kit, like a blanket, snacks, and an extra cellphone charger.

Road tripping is a great way to avoid contact with a lot of people, but it can also be dangerous, especially in winter weather. Fortunately, you can take several steps to keep your family safe. Getting your car checked before you go, for example, can save you a lot of hassle on the road, as can investing in a set of snow tires. It’s also smart to take precautions such as letting a friend or family member know your route, predicted arrival time, and where you plan to stop for gas along the way. Apart from that, one of the best things you can do is pack an emergency kit. AAA sells premade kits through outlets like Amazon, and you can find a basic kit with things like jumper cables, ponchos, rope, batteries, pliers,

At this point, you’re almost a safety black belt. But to take your kit to the next level for winter driving, there are three more little-known items you should stash in your trunk: a shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter, and an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid. If you get stuck in a snowbank, the shovel will help you dig your way out without risking frostbitten fingers. The sand or cat litter will boost your traction if you sprinkle it around your wheels in an icy spot, and the extra wiper fluid will make all the difference if you run out during a snowstorm.

Once you’re prepared, crank up the Christmas carols and get driving!

Gift-Giving on a Budget

Tips for Single Parents

For many parents, one of the best parts of the holidays is seeing their children’s faces light up with excitement as they open their gifts. It’s a truly magical time, and many try to top last year with the greatest gift yet. If you’re looking at your budget and wondering how you’ll be able to afford your child’s next great gift, consider this your go-to guide. You can give your child something they will cherish forever without going broke. Work With Your Ex Before making any purchasing decisions, be sure to communicate with your ex about the gifts you plan to give. It can be detrimental and toxic to try to “outdo” your ex when giving your child gifts. This can often lead to feelings of resentment and anger from your child. Instead, share what you plan to give

your child with each other and consider purchasing a gift together if you have a big item in mind! Consider Experiences Technology is a gift of the past! Instead, more people want experiences and memories as gifts! Kids will remember the sentiment behind the gifts you get them more than they will remember the item itself. By giving an experience, you’re providing your child with memories that will last past Christmas morning. Book a small, local vacation; schedule a cooking or rock climbing class; or create coupons good for one activity of their choosing with just you. Whatever you choose, they will love the sentiment. Shop Savvy Sometimes, kids just want the latest technology! There are options for parents who want to give their children something big but don’t have the funds to fully commit to a large item. Instead, get a little creative. Look for coupons or special discounts on the items you’re looking for and enlist the help of people you trust. You could also purchase a gift card designated to only be used to purchase the item they want. If they’re really serious about wanting it, offer to help them earn the item through chores, mowing lawns, or finding a job.

The holidays don’t have to be stressful! There are plenty of options for parents on a budget that will still ensure your child has a magical holiday.

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To Help Your Children Overcome Your Family’s Divorce Consider Mentorship

The value of a mentor cannot be overstated. For many kids, receiving guidance from an adult who isn’t one of their parents can make a profound difference in their lives. If your family is going through the process of a divorce, or if you believe your child needs extra guidance after your divorce, finding the right mentor could be exactly what your family needs. Mentors are adults who don’t act as parents, teachers, or other adult figures in a child’s life. Instead, they serve more as friends. They’re someone who will listen, offer advice when needed, and provide a trusted resource to children when they worry about approaching their family members. For many parents, it can be difficult to admit that your child may benefit from a mentor. You may feel you and your child’s other parent should be all your child needs,

but for many children of divorce, the complex emotions that come from this situation can make it difficult for them to reach out to a loved one. A mentor can serve as a trusted adult outside of their home life or situation. For many, this can be the perfect opening to venting, seeking advice, and overcoming anxiety. Statistics also prove just how powerful mentorship can be. Youth.gov has found higher graduation rates, more college enrollment, and improved attitudes about learning among those who were mentored. Mentees also cited improved confidence and stronger relationships with those they love. Their behavior at school and decision-making skills also improved! Parents can choose from many programs when considering mentorship opportunities for their children. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America offers “little brothers” or “little sisters” consistent support throughout an entire year, while the YMCA has numerous programs for children in need of homework assistance, social and emotional development skills, and more. Find more opportunities at RaisingArizonaKids.com

Our team at the Law Offices of Kevin Jensen can help you find the resources you and your family need to move forward after a divorce. To learn more, contact our team today.

Festive Apple Cider

LAUGH BREAK

If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!

Ingredients

• • •

1 lemon

• • • •

2 tsp allspice berries

1 gallon pure apple cider 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise

1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced

2 tbsp honey

3 cinnamon sticks

•

2 tsp whole cloves

480.632.7373 Directions 1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy! 3 Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com.

3740 E. Southern Ave., #210 Mesa, AZ 85206

What Brandon Yost Loves Most About Christmas (Hint: It’s Not Gifts!)

Winter Road Trip Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Holidays Can Still Be Special on a Budget!

Why Mentorship Programs Are So Valuable for Kids

Festive Apple Cider

3 Gift-Giving Tips Ah, the holidays. It’s a time of sweet treats, family, and giving back — and sometimes giving a little too much. When it comes to the perfect holiday gift, many people spend 10 if you’re really popular. Now, place the names of the people who didn’t make the cut into a second list. If you still feel the need to

That Won’t Kill Your Savings

Recipients love the gift when they open it, and they love it when they get to use it!

do something for them, send homemade cookies or a handwritten note instead of purchasing something. This limits how much you actually have to spend! Think beyond store-bought or expensive items. Sure, everyone wants this holiday season’s “it” item, but sometimes the best gifts don’t even come wrapped under the tree. Instead, look to your own talents as a clue to what you should give. If you’re a great crafter, create something unique for the people on your list. If you can offer the gift of time, provide a free night of babysitting for your friends with kids or an experience at the local theater. These gifts have a bonus factor:

Set a budget — and stick to it. Setting a holiday budget ensures you only spend what you can afford. It also narrows down your search. If you choose to buy your neighbor something, but they aren’t your top priority, set their budget at a lower level, like $25–$50. If you have a sibling who has had a rough year and you’d like to make their holidays a little brighter, bump their budget up. This narrows the focus of what you’re looking for so you don’t stumble into something you can’t afford. Ultimately, it’s the spirit of giving during the holidays that makes them so rewarding. With a little ingenuity, you can be generous and avoid the stress of excess debt come January.

too much money. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on gifts during the December holidays alone! It’s possible to cut back and make it to January without major debt. Here’s how.

Check your list — twice! The list is going to be your secret weapon to tackling the holidays with your savings still intact. Start by writing down the name of every person you’d like to get a gift for. Now, with the exception of your immediate family members, narrow the names down to your top five — top

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