Shoup Legal - December 2021

Shoup Legal - December 2021

Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. DECEMBER 2021

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Reflecting on theThings That Matter to Us The end of the year presents us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on all of our experiences, good and bad, throughout the past 12 months. There have been a lot of obstacles to overcome during 2021. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of employment, or a number of other difficulties that came with the ongoing pandemic, it’s easy to get stuck in the negatives. During these times, I feel that gratitude can help make things a little easier. There are many different ways to incorporate gratitude into your life, but it’s important to remember that not every method will work for every person. You have to find a way that actually makes a difference for you. Keeping a daily journal where you write down the things you’re grateful for can help you appreciate all of the blessings in your life. A gratitude journal help us remember what we’re grateful for, and it’s a great resource to look back on during difficult times if we need a reminder. You have to be disciplined to effectively keep a gratitude journal, and that’s not easy for everyone. I’ve used a gratitude journal in the past, but there are other methods that work better for me. I take some time each day to think about all of the things I’m thankful for. I have my health, an amazing family and team, and the opportunity to do work that I love that genuinely helps people. These are things we all take for granted sometimes. By focusing daily on what we have and showing appreciation for those things, it becomes much harder to take them for granted. I use a different approach when teaching my kids the importance of gratitude. My kids always say their prayers at night and focus on the things that they want. I encourage them to look at the bigger picture and put emphasis on the things that really matter to them. They often come up with the most unique ideas, but they learn the importance of gratitude in the process.

It’s nearly impossible for us to feel grateful and depressed at the same time. If you feel depressed about a certain situation or experience, you have to find something that helps you rise up from it. For me, I will go for a run or cuddle up with my 4-year-old daughter if I need a quick pick-me-up. I look for activities that bring me joy and help me remember how blessed I am. That’s not to say that every person or situation is the same. The holidays can be an extremely difficult time for people who have experienced loss, especially if it’s a recent loss. The depression that comes with these feelings does not fade away as easily. Sometimes, there’s no way around it. We just have to get through the difficult times to see that we can continue pushing on. We’ve helped and supported many families experiencing the holiday season after a loss, and we know how difficult it can be. There’s no magic words or secret recipe to make the experience easier, but we try to help and be available in whatever way our clients need.

As you take time this holiday season to reflect on your past experiences, remember the importance that gratitude plays in your daily life. Appreciate the

good times while acknowledging the bad. As you look to the new year, I implore you to take some time each day to focus on gratitude. Whether it’s through a gratitude journal or just recalling what you’re grateful for, the idea of gratitude can make a difference in our lives. –Andrea Shoup

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Cryptocurrency — Is It Safe? AN OVERVIEW OF THE RISKS OF VIRTUAL MONEY

cryptocurrency, you might wonder if it’s secure or whether hackers can take it from you.

If you’re considering putting most of your funds into cryptocurrency to use like a checking account, however, it may not be the best decision. The market fluctuates dramatically, even if the values have, overall, risen to enormous highs over the past few years. Is cryptocurrency safe to invest in? As a newly created market, cryptocurrency is still fairly volatile in the eyes of financial experts. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to invest or play the market. Just make sure to keep your cryptocurrency portfolio diversified, and don’t invest too deeply in one currency over another. Research the cryptocurrency exchange you plan to use. Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and try to talk with experienced crypto investors to gain their tips and insights. By utilizing this knowledge, you can use crypto thoughtfully and safely, and you’ll have some insights to share when people ask you the same questions.

Luckily, the blockchain technology of cryptocurrency records every single transaction as timestamped “blocks” in a digital ledger. Additionally, every transaction requires a two- factor authentication process. It’s a complex, technical process, but it makes cryptocurrencies extremely difficult to tamper with, especially the biggest currencies like Bitcoin or Ether. Not all cryptocurrencies are “unhackable,” however. In 2018, hackers robbed Coincheck investors of nearly $534 million. Is cryptocurrency safe to use? Currently, it’s perfectly legal to buy and sell with cryptocurrencies. In fact, if you use a crypto exchange like Gemini, many big-box merchants have partnered to trade and sell their goods for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

When people hear the word “cryptocurrency,” some may associate it with cybercriminals and unscrupulous activity. But is using cryptocurrency actually safe? Let’s take a look at several common concerns to answer that question. Is cryptocurrency secure? If you put your money into a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), you know your money is safe (unless something extremely drastic happens to the economy). However, if you put your money into

TIPS FOR HAVING AN ESTATE PLANNING CONVERSATION WITH YOUR FAMILY

Creating an estate plan is essential to protect your family’s future, but it’s not the easiest topic to discuss with your loved ones. Most people don’t like to think about their mortality, and children don’t want to imagine a world without their parents. Even though it’s a difficult topic to discuss, it is important that everyone has an estate plan in place and that those close to you know what to expect. Estate planning is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out in the event you pass away or become incapacitated. While many people think estate planning focuses solely on finances, it also can be used to decide who will serve as guardian over your children, manage your health care and financial decisions if you become incapacitated, and much more. Whether you’re a parent discussing your estate plans with your children or a child approaching your parents about creating an estate plan, here are a couple tips to make the conversation easier. Approach With Empathy To put it simply, this conversation might not be easy for you or your family. It can be a sensitive topic that people are not keen to talk about. It might help to plan ahead and let your loved ones know when the conversation will take

place. That way, everyone can prepare to discuss the topic and come up with any questions they may have. When you have the conversation, be open and honest and make the effort to respect everyone’s feelings and opinions. Focus on the Positives It can be difficult and stressful to bring up topics related to mortality and money, so try to look at it in a more positive light. Estate planning is a proactive measure. By creating an estate plan, you are taking a meaningful approach to give your family peace of mind while saving them time, money, and stress in the long run.

We recently helped three brothers with an estate plan for their parents. They simply wanted to make sure that Mom and Pop were taken care of, so they stepped up to help. Everyone needs to have an estate plan. By approaching your loved ones with empathy and focusing on the positives, you can begin to have estate planning conversations to prepare for the future.

Plan today for peace

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OUR NEWEST ATTORNEY At Shoup Legal, we pride ourselves on gathering the best possible talent to help and support our team and clients. Every member of our team plays a vital role in our day-to-day business, and our newest attorney is no exception. KC Bean has only been with our company for several months, but he has taught us valuable information that he’s gained in his 20 years of legal experience. KC has always been fascinated with technology, which led him to develop an interest in intellectual property and patent law. He was hired as a summer associate at his patent professor’s office and was brought on full time after graduating. After 10 years, that company was sold to a private equity firm that used the company as a platform for acquisition and growth, which gave KC extensive experience in product development. He prosecuted over 120 patents and played a role in multiple multimillion- dollar transactions over a seven-year period. After that company went public, KC started his own firm before one of his clients put together a lucrative opportunity for him that he could not pass up. He helped grow that business before joining another startup and helping them grow. After working with yet another startup, KC was back on the market and found a new home with us here at Shoup Legal. KC’s main responsibilities focus on business practice. He’s been working with clients to ensure that all of their transactions are well documented and all risks are minimized. Through his experience, he is able to provide value to his clients with strategic and exit planning. Sales marketing, product development, finances, and operations are just a few of the areas in which KC holds immense experience. KC has valuable knowledge when it comes to startups and the formation of a new business. KC is available to help our clients with the purchase or sale of a business, creating maintenance plans, mitigating risk, and even acting as a general council for larger clients to support their needs. KC can truly help in any aspect of business law. When KC is not at work, he enjoys researching the newest tech advancements, traveling, and enjoying a craft beer with friends and family. We are so excited that KC is a part of our team and know that he will help our clients for years to come. Introducing KC Bean

DIY Holiday Eggnog Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.

Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com

Ingredients

• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!

TAKE A BREAK

e of mind tomorrow.

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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. 39755 Date St., Ste. 203 | Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 445-4114 | www.shouplegal.com

1 | Gratitude for the Things That Matter 2 | Is Virtual Money a Safe Choice? 2 | Estate Planning Conversation Tips 3 | Introducing KC Bean 3 | DIY Holiday Eggnog 4 | Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro Inside This Issue

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE LIKE A PRO Creating a Holiday Masterpiece

One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel.” Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays! Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop.

M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute little accents all over the house and yard. Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

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