Law Office of Paul Black - June 2022

Law Office of Paul Black - June 2022

404.410.6820

www.Georgia-EstateLaw.com

June 2022

When we enter June, the holiday most people think of is Father’s Day. Although this day is very important, June is also Men’s Health Month, which is equally as important. While I celebrate Father’s Day, I also encourage the men in my life to take care of themselves. Men’s Health Month is intended to spread awareness and continue conversations about men’s health issues. This topic is important to me because of the time with my father. My dad is an amazing man. He practiced law for 28 years, inspiring me to become an attorney. But what I admire most about my father is how incredibly caring and giving he is. He has a deep sense of justice and an instinct to care for everyone. These characteristics were reflected in his work as an attorney. He was always willing to help any client who came through his door — no matter the situation. My father was the kind of man who never turned anyone away. He was always volunteering at local charities and donating food at the end of the year. He appreciated the value of volunteer work and wanted to help his community in any way possible. Although my father did everything to care for others, he hardly cared for himself. Back in 2001, he suffered a stroke that left him unable to bathe or dress himself because the left side of his body was paralyzed. Watching my own father go through this experience inspires me to take better care of myself. We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t love someone until you love yourself.” I think this statement explains why you can’t properly care for others if you don’t care for yourself first. When my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, my dad was an early caregiver spouse. But because he wasn’t taking care of himself, he was unable to take care of my mom. While my father’s story and legacy inspired me to become an elder law attorney, I also think his story is a cautionary tale of why it’s essential to take care of yourself. You never know what’s going to happen in this life. That’s In More Ways Than One My Father Inspired Me

why it’s essential to eat right, exercise, and have annual checkups to ensure your body is working properly.

While being an elder law attorney, I have clients who have parents, grandparents, brothers, and uncles who’ve suffered from health- related issues. I can empathize with my clients and their struggles because I understand how challenging it can be to get your loved ones the help they need. This is one of the reasons I took this career path — I wanted to provide others with the proper care they deserve and help them plan for the rest of their lives. The big picture is this: We should honor the men in our lives by taking care of ourselves — even if they didn’t. We have more resources about dieting and healthy lifestyles than our parents and grandparents ever had. We only have one body and one life, so let’s take care and live it to the fullest.

Do you have estate planning or elder law-related questions? Write to me at [email protected] with “Asked and Answered” in the subject line. Your identity will be kept confidential. The opinions offered in this column are not intended to replace or substitute any financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. -Paul Black

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6 GIFTS DAD IS SURE TO LOVE IT’S DAD’S DAY!

sat on, and are sometimes forgotten about and sent through the laundry. A new one just may be in order! MASSAGE GUN Massage guns are rising in popularity. To help Dad recover from soreness and injury or just a tough workout, a massage gun will do the trick! The best part is that they range in price, and you can even purchase one on Amazon! APPLE WATCH STRAP Does the dad you’re celebrating own an Apple Watch? If so, help him customize it with a new Apple Watch strap. You can choose from many materials, colors, and designs so he can blend in or stand out as much as he wants. A NEW COOLER Men love their coolers — it’s a foolproof Father’s Day gift! Whether Dad loves to

camp, fish, tailgate, go to the beach, or barbeque in the backyard, he’s sure to appreciate a new way to store ice, drinks, food, or bait! TOOL BUCKET ORGANIZER Is your dad a bit of a handyman? Help him get organized and never lose track of his tools again. Tool bucket organizers come in many forms and, again, can be purchased right online, making your shopping easy! BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES OR SPEAKERS If your father doesn’t have Bluetooth headphones or speakers yet, he’s missing out. The opportunity to jam out wirelessly while working out, cutting the grass, doing hobby work, or just relaxing is effortless with this thoughtful gift.

Dad is a very important person in your life! Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, it can be tough to come up with the perfect gift, whether it be for your dad, a new dad, your grandfather, or a father-figure in your life. Getting creative can be tricky, but this list is sure to help you with an idea or two for all different price ranges! WALLET Why not go really classic and opt for a thoughtful and practical gift? Most men’s wallets see a lot of wear and tear. After all, they’re toted around in pockets all day long,

Say ‘Ciao!’ to Traditional Retirement Things to Know Before Spending Your Golden Years Abroad

Retirement is what you make it, and the possibilities are endless. For many Americans, that has meant selling their possessions, packing up what they have left, and moving abroad. In some cases, an international retirement can be more affordable and provide better health care options. Plus, the opportunity to explore a new region is enticing. Others worry about being away from family, navigating foreign rules, and dealing with language and cultural barriers. If these obstacles don’t scare you away, an international retirement may work. Here’s how to prepare for it. CONSIDER THE MONETARY CHALLENGES. In many cases, retiring abroad can be preferable due to lower costs of living and affordable health care. Plus, you can receive and deposit Social Security overseas. However, there are a few hurdles. For instance, you could end up paying taxes to the U.S. and your new country, which means a double tax. You will also have to transition to a completely digital banking system and understand how your new residence may impact your American-based assets. REVIEW YOUR WANTS VERSUS YOUR NEEDS. Who doesn’t love a tropical vacation, but do you really want to live there permanently? Tropical spots also include hurricanes, bugs, humidity, and lots of sand and water. Rather than packing up and moving to a new country outright, spend a few months in the place you want to call your new home. If

you can live with the good and the bad, it’s the spot for you! If not, try somewhere else until it feels right.

MONITOR YOUR COMFORT LEVEL. It’s difficult to ask your neighbor for flour when you don’t speak the same language. While it’s true that many countries have numerous English speakers, you may run into situations

where communication or customs are difficult. You should learn the basics of your new country’s language and be prepared to be more independent. Until you find a community in your locale, you may not have the same support you have back in the states.

As with all your plans for retirement, consult with a professional to determine if an international retirement is right for you. And if it is, then bon voyage!

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BARRIER

It’s time for fun in the sun! Whether you’re heading out to the beach or lake, catching a ballgame, hosting a barbecue, or taking a boat tour, it’s important to protect your skin to avoid sun damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans develops skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and every hour, two people die of skin cancer nationally. The risk of skin cancer is severe — it’s not just one sunburn. Having five or more sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing skin cancer.

Here are some surefire ways to avoid a pesky, painful, and potentially harmful sunburn.

ALWAYS CHECK: DID YOU APPLY (AND REAPPLY) SUNSCREEN? Apply sunscreen, and then reapply after going in the water or a few hours later. According to the National Cancer Institute, only about 30% of women and less than 15% of men regularly apply sunscreen, which leaves them vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The National Cancer Institute recommends using an SPF of at least 15 and reminds everyone to remember their feet if they are exposed! SEEK OUT THE SHADE. No matter the activity, try to limit your exposure to the sun — you’ll be cooler, too! Look for trees, pavilions, and shelters. When these options aren’t available, create your own shade by wearing a hat and toting along an umbrella. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. UV protective clothing is best for maximum protection. Don’t forget about your eyes — UV sunglasses are important for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Just because sunglasses appear dark does not mean they protect against UV rays!

Time for Safe Summer Fun 3 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

This summer, be sure to have fun but don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburns, possible skin cancer, and early signs of aging due to damage from sun exposure! Lather up!

Inspirational MOMENT

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers Inspired by RecipeRunner.com

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar

For the Skewers • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt

on the other side of fear.” –George Addair

1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides! DIRECTIONS

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Decatur Office Location: Main Location One West Court Square, Suite 750 | Decatur, GA 30030

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

We Only Have One Life

2

Father’s Day Gift Guide Is an International Retirement Right for You?

3

Summer Skin Protection Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers Inspirational Moment

4

Profiles in Perseverance

PROFILES IN PERSEVERANCE A Nonprofit Is Turning Houses Into Homes

When you move into a new house or apartment, it doesn’t become your home until you add furniture and your own personal touches. But it can be difficult to have access to furniture and even access to buying or renting a house. A metro Atlanta nonprofit recognized this issue and is now turning houses into homes for families coming out of homelessness. Furnish with Love helps families get a fresh start by helping furnish apartments for those in need. In order to do this, Kathleen Kelly, the founder of the nonprofit, has professional interior designers volunteering to help her with her mission. “We design and fully furnish homes for families who have done a lot of hard work to get themselves out of really tough situations,” Kelly says. Kelly wanted to give families a place filled with love and happiness.

It can be tough to make a house or apartment feel like a home. But, with the help of designers, Furnish with Love makes each family’s dream home a reality. “We treat them as clients. We meet them, get to know them, and talk to them about their personal styles,” interior designer Beth Krakow says. By doing this, the nonprofit is able to make these families’ new homes a safe place for them. It’s amazing to see how many people they have helped through their volunteer work. “I’ve seen children jumping on beds and mothers crying. It’s so rewarding to see them feel good about a situation that has turned into gold for them,” says Mellissa Craig, the vice chairwoman of the board. Some families were so inspired by Furnish with Love that they decided to return the favor and volunteer at the nonprofit.

Furnish with Love is always looking for volunteers to help refurbish furniture and help move the furniture into the new homes. If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, go to FurnishwithLove.org for more information.

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