Shoup Legal - March 2022

Shoup Legal - March 2022

Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. MARCH 2022

A LIFELONG PASSION THE JOYS OF READING

There are few feelings better than opening up one of your favorite books and getting lost in the pages. Reading is a huge part of my life and has been for as long as I can remember. It’s a fantastic way to learn new ideas and information that we can utilize in our day-to-day lives. It’s also a great way to keep yourself entertained for hours on end. On March 2, we celebrate Read Across America Day, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by grabbing a new book or one of my favorites and reading for a few hours. My reading routine is a little different from most people’s. First and foremost, I do not use electronic books or Kindles. I like to feel the book in my hand, so I need a physical version. I’m also almost always reading two or three books at a time. I keep a stack of books, which I’m constantly adding to, that determines what I’ll read next. They’re usually personal development and growth books, so there’s no real risk of mixing up characters or plots. For the past four years, I have been reading the Bible cover-to-cover. I’ve read pieces and passages when I needed them in the past but have never read the Bible all the way through, so it’s been a long time coming. I’m currently in the middle of Acts, so I’m nearing the end. It’s been an enlightening read so far, and it’s so important to me that I see it all the way through. While I read a lot of personal development and growth books, I do have some guilty pleasures as well. I absolutely love the typical John Grisham attorney books. I grew up reading them, and every once in a while, I will go back and give them another read. It’s a dangerous game because once I pick one of those up, I won’t put it back down. Another of my favorites is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, which I recently finished reading for the third time in the past year.

Since I have enjoyed reading so much throughout my life, it’s important that my kids also enjoy it. I love reading with my kids. It doesn’t matter how many times I read “Where’s Spot?” or “Dear Zoo,” I enjoy reading them every time. My parents always took time to read with me, so I try to continue that tradition with my children. My love of books seems to have started to rub off as I consistently find my fourth-grader reading on his bed. If you don’t find reading enjoyable or are struggling to find books you like, you need to make sure the books you’re picking are on topics you’re interested in. If your best friend is really enjoying a book, that does not necessarily mean you will like it. When you think about the purpose of reading, it almost always comes back to entertainment, so you have to ask yourself what topics intrigue you. You probably just haven’t found the right genre or author yet. Even if the topic is not something you’re super interested in, some authors’ writing styles are so engaging that you can still get hooked and have a good read. Try as many different genres and authors as possible until you find one that you truly enjoy.

Reading can open us up to many new worlds and experiences. It reduces stress, improves concentration, enhances knowledge, and even increases creativity. It’s also great for entertainment purposes when you need a break from the many screens that consume our daily lives. There are many great benefits to reading. You just have to get out there and find a book that interests you.

–Andrea Shoup

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Credit or Debit? When to Use Each Card

Credit Card •

When it comes to purchasing items, you have a choice about whether you should use your debit or credit card. Although these rectangular pieces of plastic look the same, they are very different. With credit cards, you’re borrowing money, whereas a debit card takes money directly from your account. That being said, is there a better time to use credit than debit? Here are a few instances to help you determine when to use which card.

Your credit card is preferred for safer online shopping to prevent your debit card information from being on the internet. However, check your browser and shopping apps to make sure your credit card is the preferred payment method. • If you have any subscription services or bills, your credit card works great for recurring payments. Your fees will be paid automatically, and these regular on-time payments will help raise your credit score.

Debit Card •

If you need to access cash quickly, it’s best to use your debit card. If you use an in-network ATM, you can withdraw cash without a transaction fee. But if you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank and the ATM provider

• If an emergency occurs, put it on your credit card. This will give you some time to pay off the expense if you need it.

will charge a fee. Although you can use your credit card to withdraw money, the fees are usually even higher. Debit cards can help you avoid merchant fees from businesses. Some online retailers, restaurants, and small businesses have a surcharge when you use your credit card, but debit cards are excluded from these fees. If you make an international purchase, you may want to use your debit card if your credit card company charges foreign transaction fees.

Which card you use is a personal preference. Use whichever method you’re comfortable with and makes sense for you. Always check your balances and fees to ensure everything is in order and cost-effective. If you see suspicious activity on your account, contact your bank for assistance.

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INTRODUCING OUR MARKETING ASSISTANT, TRENT PRAY

At Shoup Legal, we have gathered some of the brightest, most caring, and compassionate people from our community to help you with whatever you may need. Every member of our team is willing to go above and beyond to ensure each of our clients feels appreciated and understood. Even members of our team you don’t communicate with every time you call our office or step through our doors are ready to assist you in whatever capacity they can. Our marketing assistant, Trent Pray, is one of these individuals and has been a valuable asset since his very first day. Trent grew up in California and went to a California State University but always had a desire to travel and live in Europe. In 2016, his dream finally came to fruition as he made the move to Prague in the Czech Republic and began teaching English. He did this for a couple of years but was diagnosed with cancer and decided to return to the U.S. for treatment.

an employment agency that put him in contact with us. He was originally only supposed to work one day with us, but his work ethic and captivating personality extended his invitation until he became a full-time employee. Trent did return to Europe once he was cancer-free but chose to return to the states once the pandemic began. He reached out to us, and we brought him back immediately. He started as an executive assistant but was quickly promoted to marketing assistant. He now plays a role in advertising, our website, and this newsletter among other things. We’re excited to see what comes next for Trent as he’s proven himself very valuable in this new role. When Trent is away from the office, he likes to spend time at his family’s property where they have horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, dogs, and cats. He also loves spending time outdoors and traveling. He wishes to travel more in 2022 and to visit Europe again at some point in the near future.

After a year of treatment and recovery, Trent decided to rejoin the workforce and approached

Plan today for peace

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Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup

Is the chill of winter lingering? A hot bowl of this Asian-inspired soup will warm you right up! Our recipe makes 4–5 servings.

Ingredients

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3 cups chicken broth 1 tsp red pepper flakes

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1 garlic clove, chopped 10 leaves bok choy, thinly sliced 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Doctor’s Visits, Driving, and Finances It’s never an easy situation when a loved one is diagnosed with or begins showing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Over the next few months, we will be taking an in-depth look at ways to make the situation easier for you and your loved one. One of the biggest responsibilities you may inherit during this time period is taking your loved one to their doctor. This can be difficult because your loved one may wonder why they need to see a doctor or may not be happy about having an appointment. Thankfully, you can do a few things to make the situation easier on you, your loved one, and even the doctor. Before you even leave the house, you should put together a list of all of the medications they are currently taking. Make sure you include amounts and frequency. You can even bring their medications with you to make it easier. You will also need to obtain a clear understanding of their medical and family history so the doctor has a full understanding of the situation. If your loved one is still driving, the doctor may advise them they need to stop. This can be incredibly difficult, and they will need your support. You may even need to have this conversation with your loved one before the doctor informs them. If that’s the case, stress the positives and offer alternatives. You will have to address any type of resistance but reaffirm your love and support for them. If necessary, appeal to their personal sense of responsibility. Keep in mind that you might need to have this conversation more than once. Additionally, you will have to step up and make more decisions regarding your loved one’s finances. You may need to minimize their spending habits, so make sure their cards have been canceled and that they aren’t walking around with a credit card. Give them small amounts of cash to keep on hand in case they need to pay for something when you’re not around. Those with dementia are often the targets of scams, so you need to pay attention to their finances. Assisting a loved one who has dementia is not an easy situation, but it may become necessary. Keep these tips in mind and check out next month’s newsletter for information on how to step in and act for your loved one. HELPINGYOUR LOVED ONEWITH DEMENTIA

2 tsp soy sauce 2 tsp sesame oil

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Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. 2. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. 3. Add bok choy leaves and rotisserie chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the bok choy is dark green and tender. 4. Enjoy with slices of your favorite whole-wheat bread!

Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com

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 | The Joys of Reading 2 | Should I Use Credit or Debit? 2 | Introducing Our Marketing Assistant, Trent Pray 3 | Helping Your Loved One With Dementia 3 | Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup 4 | Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning! Inside This Issue IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning

It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect.

Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually

Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better.

It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body. This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel- good hormones.

Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being.

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