Matthew Dunaway July 2018

www.matthewdunaway.com · 205-705-3590

July 2018

HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD Remembering the Impact of Jack Barr

The world is full of people who have an innate desire to do good. Every day, someone looks around and asks, “How can I change the world for the better?” This is a noble pursuit, but I think a lot of people get caught up on the big picture. They develop a mindset where, if they aren’t saving the whales or stopping global warming, then their impact doesn’t matter. In my humble opinion, in order to see a better world, we don’t need an army of global superheroes. We need more people like Jack Barr.

my wife and I moved to Birmingham. We were newlyweds at the time, and Jack and his wife, Carolynn, welcomed Beth and me so warmly into their church. Jack was married for almost 70 years, raising two kids, four grandkids, and many more great-grandkids, and all the while lending his kindness and support to other members of the community when they needed it. Not the sort of man you’d find in the spotlight, Jack almost never did anything ostentatiously. He was a quiet, behind-the-scenes person who provided a steady presence. This was a man who reminded me that we never have a neutral impact in the people we meet. In every situation, whether we’re at work, church, or a baseball game, we leave a positive or negative impact on everyone we encounter. Jack was one of those guys who always had a positive impact on every person who interacted with him. genuinely good person. Before we can fix the world, we have to fix ourselves, and I think there’s a lot to be said about trying to lead a good life and be a good person. If you want to change the world, don’t just focus on the big gestures; focus on inspiring the people around you to take care of their families and build up their local community. Much of the positive impact Jack had on other people came from the fact that he was a

In my humble opinion, in order to see a better world, we don’t need an army of global superheroes. We need more people like Jack Barr.

My daughter, Lily, and Mr. Jack

place in the history books or on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A great man holds his family in high regard, makes a positive impact on everyone he meets, and provides a good, steady presence that others may find comfort in.

Here’s to Jack Barr, a great man who made our local community a better place.

Jack passed away on April 20, 2018, at 89 years old, but his incredible influence on his family, his church, and on our community at large will never be forgotten. Jack was one of those cool old guys who showed the impact one man can have on the world by simply deciding to live a good life. I first met Jack 20 years ago when

Call today – 205-705-3590 1. –Matt Dunaway

Jack Barr is the kind of man I strive to be. A great man isn’t someone who cements his

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You’re just three ingredients away from the perfect summertime treat: chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The s’more is a fan favorite on camping trips and at backyard bonfires alike. Though they say you can’t improve perfection, we’ve found a few creative twists on the classic treat that will make your summer a little sweeter. Creative Twists on the Campfire Classic Can I Have S’more?

Sudoku Strawberry S’more-cake If you really want to wow your guests at the next bonfire, try your hand at this creative take on the summertime classic. Gooey s’mores meet The Elvis A campfire snack fit for a king — of rock ’n’ roll, that is. This s’more pays homage to Elvis Presley’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Swap out the chocolate bar for a peanut butter cup candy and add a few slices of fresh banana between the graham cracker and marshmallow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even add some bacon. S’mores in a Jar Here are s’mores you can enjoy all year long. Layers of crushed graham cracker, melted marshmallow, and creamy chocolate turn a simple jar into a great dessert! Learn how to make the perfect s’mores on the go at family.disney.com/ recipe/smores-in-a-jar.

fresh strawberry shortcake in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is original. Find the whole recipe, including tips on making the perfect shortcake, at aspicyperspective.com/smores-strawberry- shortcake-recipe. S’mOreo A simple but memorable twist on the campfire classic. Grab a box of Oreo cookies, pull a cookie apart, and use that in place of your graham cracker. The cream filling will pair nicely with the chocolate and toasted marshmallow. S’mores Milkshake Too hot for a campfire? Cool down with a s’mores milkshake! The trick is to lightly toast the marshmallows in the oven so they mix well with the other ingredients in the blender. Get the recipe at spoonfulofflavor.com/2013/08/30/ smores-milkshake to enjoy this sweet treat even in the heat of summer.

It’s the simple recipe that opens the door for creative interpretations of the classic s’more. Be adventurous this summer and see what great new s’mores you can create!

If you are searching for a quality and trustworthy bankruptcy attorney around Birmingham, then look no further, because you found him. Matthew Dunaway took the time to explain the entire process and put our minds at ease about our family’s financial future. He’s the type of person who, once you speak to him for five minutes, you just know you’re dealing with a honest and good-hearted person/attorney instead of some random attorney whose intention is to get as much of your money as possible. –Ali W.

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3 Bad Bankruptcy Myths You Probably Believe Setting the Record Straight

Myth 2: You can’t get a credit card or a loan after bankruptcy. TRUTH: It’s frustrating that, in order to improve our credit, we must take on more debt, but using a new credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to build up credit after a bankruptcy. Secure credit cards require a cash collateral deposit upfront, but they can help you rebuild your credit. Likewise, credit loans are still available to you. Myth 3: If you file for bankruptcy, you are a failure. TRUTH: Walt Disney. Abraham Lincoln. Harry Truman. These are just a few people who had to file for bankruptcy before they were able to go on and achieve greater success. Filing for bankruptcy does not mean you have failed. It means you are committed to succeeding. Bankruptcy is tough, but if you approach it with the right mindset and the right support,

Bankruptcy is a tough, stressful situation to be in, made even more difficult by the misinformation surrounding the topic. Though bankruptcy has been a financial option for a long time, there are still things people get wrong about it. Let’s take a look at some popular bankruptcy myths that might be leading you astray. Myth 1: As long as a bankruptcy is on your credit history, you will have a bad credit score. TRUTH: A bankruptcy may lower your credit score for a brief time, but you can still build your score back up with careful planning. You can start to raise your credit score following a bankruptcy by adding new lines of credit, paying all your debt off on time, and keeping credit card balances under 30 percent utilization. If you are diligent, it is possible to reach a good credit score just one year after a bankruptcy.

you can come out on the other side stronger than ever.

Are there any other bankruptcy myths you’ve been falling for? Get advice from an expert. Give Matthew Dunaway a call at 205-705-3590 and get the honest answers to the bankruptcy questions you’ve been asking.

Charred Chili-Cheese Corn Recipe of the Month

Good News

You’ll find all of the flavors of elote, Mexican street corn, in this dish, without any of the mess. It’s the rare side that can outshine any main course.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Ingredients • 4 ears of corn, husked • 4 tablespoons high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or vegetable • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced • 1/2 red chili (such as Fresno) or jalapeño, thinly sliced Instructions 1. Heat grill to medium. 2. Brush corn with 2 tablespoons oil and grill until visibly charred, 10–12 minutes. 3. Cut kernels off cob and combine with shallots, chilis, lime juice, cheese, and remaining oil.

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 2 ounces fresh cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled • 1/4 cup cilantro • Salt and pepper, to taste

4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

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NSIDE In Memory of Jack Barr .............................. page 1 Take Your S’mores to the Next Level .......... page 2 Our Clients Say It Best .................................. page 2 Don’t Fall for These Bankruptcy Myths ....... page 3 Charred Chili-Cheese Corn ........................... page 3 “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” . .................................................... page 4

‘THE HOBBIT’ BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN A Page FromMatt’s Bookshelf

I fell in love with reading in a dark cave, where a brave hobbit engaged in a battle of riddles against a strange creature that wanted to eat him. Okay, technically I learned to love reading in my fourth grade class after encountering an excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in our big reading book. Up until then, most of my reading involved small, paperback biographies. Being introduced to a fantasy novel blew my young mind. My school had K–12 all in one building, and I had to go on an adventure, upstairs to the high school library, in order to check out a copy of “The Hobbit.” I still remember what it felt like to carry it in my book bag and stay up late at night reading it for the first time.

group of dwarves was amazing. I grew up in a small, sleepy town where nothing happened,

biographies, and classic literature. There are certain things you get out of true literature that you just don’t get when

like Bilbo’s Shire, and as a kid, I dreamed of having a wizard knock on my door and invite me on an epic quest. After “The Hobbit,” I scarfed down Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” books and would spend the rest of my life loving books of every sort. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve branched out into more adult reading,

reading other stuff. But there’s also something special about going back to a favorite novel and reading just for the pleasure of it. Sometimes, a little escapism is good for the soul. “The Hobbit” has elements that most modern fantasy novels lack. Tolkien added depth to his stories. There are lessons to be learned. It’s not just a beach read to be set aside after you finish the last chapter. “The Hobbit” is a book that stays with you all your life.

Reading about Bilbo Baggins going on a grand adventure with the wizard Gandalf and a

spending my time reading histories,

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