Law Office of Matthew Konecky - April 2021

Law Office of Matthew Konecky - April 2021

THE KONECKY

JOURNAL

561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 | www.matthewkoneckypa.com 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

APRIL 2021

AGood Old-Fashioned Family Adventure

While the last year brought with it many changes — good and bad — it also challenged us to be more creative when it comes to entertaining ourselves. This fact was especially true for us as a family. My wife, Ashley, and I have a young child, so we had to keep the ball rolling. Between the two of us, I think we managed to do just that. We’ve always been outdoor people, and I think our daughter, Jade, is certainly taking after Mom and Dad. But prior to the pandemic, most of our exploring was along the Southern Florida coast, visiting different beaches. As our options became limited with beach closures due to COVID, it was at this time that we realized how much we hadn’t explored. Here’s a great example: We love going to Juno Beach. It’s our family’s favorite beach, and we always have a good time playing in the sand and surf. However, when Juno Beach closed last spring and summer, we decided to check out the nearby Juno Dunes Natural Area in efforts to keep active and get fresh air. While we’ve driven by this natural area on the way to beach multiple times over the years, it had never occurred to us to stop by until the pandemic forced us to get outside of our “box.”

Although we felt far removed from civilization, we were still literally only minutes from the beach and a short drive from home. If you haven’t been to one of these nature areas, it’s like being in a bubble out of time. Between the plant life and the wildlife, it’s hard to believe this all exists so close to our metropolitan area. We encountered snakes, birds, and other critters. The grounds provide a chart of what you might expect to see, and even I was surprised at the sheer diversity of that single nature area. Over the past several months, we’ve explored other local trails as well. There’s the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area, for instance, and the Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area. Each of these spots gives you an idea of what Florida looked like before it was developed and heavily populated. There’s always something new to discover around every corner. In the end, these natural areas became a fun escape for our family and something we all looked forward to on the weekends. They allowed us to escape from our normal surroundings without having to go very far. Even today, with many places still operating at limited capacity and fewer options to choose from, it’s hard to beat going on an old-fashioned outdoor adventure with the family.

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On our visit to Juno Dunes Natural area, we learned just how much was there. We were met by extensive trails and

wildlife. In fact, it wasn’t long until it felt like we were hiking in the middle of nowhere.

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2 Simple Budgeting Strategies You Can Implement Today No Spreadsheets Required

“Matthew gave me peace of mind throughout this super stressful process. I feel the outcome was tenfold what I expected. He had everything ready the day of court, and I feel like I walked out the winner in the case even with a guilty plea. My punishment is now very minimal. Glad I chose Matthew Konecky!” –Robert W. “Matthew is an expert in his field. He is highly knowledgeable and adept at what he does. One of the biggest takeaways for me in hiring Matthew for his services was that he took the time to listen, to understand me as a person, and to FULLY understand all aspects of my case. Should you find yourself in need of legal representation (criminal or AMESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL Paying off debt and saving money are the building blocks of a healthy financial life, but the statistics are dire: One-third of Americans haven’t saved a single penny for retirement, 38% of households have credit card debt, and 44% don’t have enough cash saved to cover a $400 emergency expense. If you see yourself in those numbers, there’s no better time than now to start working on healthier financial habits because April is Financial Literacy Month. Even with myriad apps available to help, budgeting can still feel intimidating. So, why not keep it simple with these two systems you can implement today? The 50-30-20 Strategy Before she was a U.S. senator, Elizabeth Warren was a tenured law professor at Harvard, specializing in bankruptcy. During that time, she published the widely acclaimed personal finance book, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.” Some 16 years later, her advice still holds up. That’s because Warren’s approach to money is simple and flexible. She suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs like housing, groceries, and utilities; 30% to wants like entertainment, vacations, and eating out; and 20% to savings, which starts by building a three-

month emergency fund and then allocating savings to a retirement fund thereafter. If you have credit card debt, Warren suggests allocating that final 20% to debt repayment before you start saving. Otherwise, you’ll just backslide as interest mounts on your existing debt. If you’re able to save more than 20%, adjust the ratios accordingly. If you can’t save 20% just yet, start with less (even 1% each month adds up!) and make a goal to increase your savings by 1% each month or quarter. The Anti-Budget Strategy If Warren’s budgeting strategy feels too complicated, try financial expert and “Afford Anything” podcast host Paula Pant’s anti-budget. Each time you get paid, skim 20% (or whatever your current savings goal is) off the top, put it in a savings or retirement account, and spend the rest however you’d like. Pant’s logic here is that if you tell yourself you’ll save “whatever’s left over at the end of the month,” you’re unlikely to save anything. Free yourself from the worry by saving first, then spend the rest guilt-free.

If 20% feels like too lofty a goal, start with whatever feels doable and work to increase that by 1% each month or quarter.

Download these books today ! When it comes to the legal process, you may have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. YOUR LEGALRESOURCE

‘My Loved One Has Been Arrested’ The second edition of my first book is now available for download. Inside the second edition, you will find out what happens after your case, how to remove mugshots, and what to do if you were the one arrested. If you want a physical copy, please contact our office today. ‘What You Must Know About Your DUI Case’ Being convicted of a DUI charge can drastically change your life. Learn what goes into a DUI case and what your first step should be. Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!

otherwise), I definitely recommend Matthew Konecky — he is excellent ! He will get you the result you’re looking for!” –Michael R.

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WHYYOU NEEDACRIMINALDEFENSE ATTORNEY EVEN IFYOU’RE INNOCENT

You’ve been arrested, but you’re innocent! Should you hire a lawyer? This is similar to another commonly asked question I often receive which is: “Will the judge throw my case out at arraignment?” There are procedures put into place that protect your First, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights in the United States. The Florida Rules of Evidence and Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure have been set up to cover evidence regarding witnesses, records, documents, and procedures. They outline a standard that Florida courts must follow when adjudicating criminal cases.

What should you do if you get arrested but are innocent?

When you hire an experienced attorney, such as Matthew Konecky, your attorney will walk you through the motions step by step and guide you with the proper verbiage to use when facing a judge in order to obtain a successful outcome. This is crucial — hiring a criminal defense lawyer puts you in a greater position to understand the language of the law, procedural rules, evidentiary rules, and even the constitution. Even if you believe you are innocent and attempt to take the case on by yourself, this may end with a poor result. Abraham Lincoln said it best: “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

If you’ve been arrested in the state of Florida and believe you are innocent, a few words can make or break your case and affect your future. Your actions during this time can either help or hurt your innocence. To protect your innocence, you should: • Hire an attorney. • Remain silent. • Avoid confrontation. • Take your lawyer’s advice. • Be patient. Showing up in court and simply stating, “I’m innocent,” does not hold much power. You cannot expect a judge to take a look at the evidence and immediately throw your case out. There is a proper procedure that needs to be followed, and it’s usually best to get help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

MEME CORNER

Cooking With Ashley

Vegan Potato Salad

Prep for barbecue season by perfecting this delicious vegan-friendly side dish!

Ingredients

• • • •

1 1/2 lbs potatoes, any type 1 cup plant-based mayonnaise

• • • •

3/4 cup celery, chopped 3 green onions, chopped 1 kosher dill pickle, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp white vinegar 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Directions

1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. On high heat, bring potatoes to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook until tender. 2. Drain the water and let potatoes sit for 15 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, celery, green onions, pickle, salt, and pepper. Place in the refrigerator until ready for use. 4. Once the potatoes cool, slice them into 1-inch pieces. 5. Add the potatoes to the dressing and mix gently to avoid mashing the potatoes. 6. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 7. Cool the dish for 1 hour before serving.

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Inspired by ThisSavoryVegan.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 www.matthewkoneckypa.com 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

INSIDE

page 1

Getting Lost in Florida

page 2 page 2

2 Easy, Effective Budgeting Strategies Hear From Our Clients

page 3 page 3

You’re Innocent — Do You Really Need to Hire an Attorney? Vegan Potato Salad

page 4

Make Gardening Better With These 3 Ideas!

Do Something Better in the Garden

3 Ways to Improve Your Harvest

There’s something beautiful about cultivating your own harvest, but you can grow more than simple backyard vegetables. Help your garden “grow up” by trying something unique this spring. Grow Fun Foods We plant gardens for a purpose, so why not make it fun! Plant fresh basil, tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, and more to create a garden worthy of your next homemade pizza. All you will need to buy is the crust! Pumpkin plants can offer fresh gourds for any Halloween fanatic, while new species of fruits and vegetables can create an exciting

space and yard. Determine your soil type and layer mulch or cover crops to protect it. Then, begin planting the same way that’s found in nature — trees grow at the top, shrubs and bushes are below, and other small plants and vines intermingle within. Choose crops that help each other grow (like corn, beans, and squash), and offer aid to your garden without digging up too much soil or disturbing its natural process. Permaculture gardening requires thoughtful planning, but once your crops are in place, nature will take its course. Plant for Your Health Mass production of your favorite fruits and vegetables reduces their key nutrients. Instead, choose fresh, home-grown varieties to yield greater health benefits. This is good news for those living with heart disease, joint disorders, or other chronic conditions. You can grow a garden chock full of nutrient-rich foods! Colorful fruits, root veggies, onions, and beans are great for joint health, while leafy greens can boost heart health. Grow pumpkins so you can harvest the seeds for better brain function, while berries can support your liver.

home-cooking experience. Try the silver cucumber for a sweet taste or pineberries for a mix between strawberries and pineapples. You just might find a new flavor you love. Go With the Flow Creating a year-round garden that practically takes care of itself means using principles of permaculture, a philosophy of working with, rather

Before you dig into these new gardening methods, consult with an expert at a nursery or greenhouse to get the best possible results.

than against, nature. Start by analyzing your

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