August is officially a BIG birthday month in our family. In fact, as I compose this blog I realize it is both my niece and my sister-in-law's special day today. Alan and I celebrate our birthdays later in August along with our trusty dog, Marcello. He is going to be 13 years on the 10th and has earned gray hair to prove it. My late mother, my sister, and Alan's daughter, Simone, all lay claim to the 8th month as their birthday one.
My mom always made my childhood celebrations so special with backyard parties and a homemade "Barbie" cake that was beautiful and delicious. As a "grown up" I tend to dedicate August as a time to enjoy life. Yes, I am working and taking care of tasks, however I really do stop to smell the roses and remember to be grateful for another year of circling the sun.
So, I would like to send Happy Birthday wishes to all of you Leo's and Virgos out there! Enjoy your month.
Back to School and More Happenings this Month!
It seems like yesterday that school let out for the summer. Next week, many Alabama children will be headed back to the classrooms for an exciting new year. Of course, I don't need to remind you to respect school zones and bus stops. I normally plan my trips to avoid both if possible!
Meanwhile there are some fun FREE events taking place in August including a celebration of Mr. Bellingrath's birthday at Bellingrath Gardens on August 6th. All you need is proof of residency in Mobile or Baldwin County. The gardens open at 8AM! Hope to see you there!
The History Musuem of Mobile continues to offer FREE first Sunday at the Museum! Definitely a worthwhile place to spend the afternoon!
There are some well known artists performing in our area this month including Lauren Daigle, Christopher Cross, Three Dog Night, Foreigner, Styx along with John Waite, Jeffrey Osborne, Train, Reo Speedwagon and more. These concerts are at The Saenger Theatre Mobile, The Wharf, and other local venues. These events are by ticket purchase so do your research for pricing and seats!
What's Cooking?
Here are a couple of my favorites from the past 30 days of cooking and trying some new recipes.
First I want to say that this is NOT an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. I found this recipe online from a chef that I follow. It is tasty however it does bend the rules for what is known as a traditional Philly. After posting on Youtube, a few native Philadelphia residents chimed in to let me know how to improve this sandwich. Frankly, I am going to keep making this version and try the suggestions also. Enjoy!
Do you want to know how to boil shrimp so that the shells don't stick to the seafood? Watch as my NOLA born hubby shows viewers how to boil shrimp to perfection. Boiled Shrimp is a favorite along the coast and we've got some of the best in South Alabama. Shout out to Mr. Cecil Barnes at Shrimp by the Pound. He's in the red truck on the corner of Cottage Hill/Schillinger every Wednesday-Sunday.
My neighbor, Larita's blueberry bushes were loaded down with fruit. She generously shared her crop with me and I made a delicious Blueberry Cobbler. Click here to watch the video and enjoy this delicious Southern dessert served warm and topped with your favorite vanilla ice cream.
Fair warning: You might overeat this one because it is so good. I used Cheddar and Gruyere Cheeses along with some Parmesan for a rich and filling Mac-n-Cheese. It stores well in your refrigerator for leftover lunch emergencies! The panko topping gives it a wonderful crunch. Give it a try and let me know if you like it as much as we do.
Sidenote: A little bit of history about Mac-n-Cheese. It originated in Italy in the 13th Century. It became popular throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America. Thomas Jefferson's Chef, James Hemmings, was trained in French cooking techniques while in Europe with Jefferson. He perfected the recipe and it was served at state dinners once Jefferson became president.
Tax Tips with Richard Lindsey
Richard Lindsey's"Real World" Business Strategy Note
How Business Owners Can Protect Their Assets and Legacy
“My own view is that every company requires a long-term view. For a business owner, that long-term view should include a solid estate plan.” – Jeff Bezos
When business owners with substantial assets pass away (those with over 100K, like you) their estates are settled in one of three primary ways:
No Will: Without a will, the state's legal code determines how the assets are divided, typically through a legal process called probate.
With a Will: Having a will still requires the estate to go through probate, but the distribution follows the directives laid out in the will.
Living Trust: With a valid living trust where assets have been properly transferred, the estate is managed privately according to the trust's terms, bypassing the probate court.
For business owners, understanding these options is crucial because it affects not only your legacy but also the ease with which your loved ones can manage after your departure. This is something you obviously care about, and have the power to make significantly easier — through estate planning.
Neglecting estate planning means relinquishing all control over these decisions. (Definitely NOT what you want.)
In those cases, the probate court, possibly prodded by family members or creditors, dictates how your estate is resolved. The probate process is notoriously lengthy—often taking over a year—and can be quite expensive and public. This exposure can lead to family conflicts and unwanted public scrutiny.
Creating a will allows the court to follow your specified instructions for asset distribution, though it doesn't permit you to control the timing or conditions of the inheritance.
Alternatively, a living trust provides much more control. By engaging with an estate planning expert, you can dictate not only who inherits your assets but also when and how they do so, all outside of court involvement.
And, a living trust keeps the estate settlement private and typically speeds up the process.
So why would someone choose a will over a living trust?
Honestly, the decision usually comes down to a lack of understanding or concerns about the costs involved in setting up a living trust.
For those not ready to dive into a living trust, starting with a will that includes an advance healthcare directive and a durable power of attorney is a great place to start. These documents ensure that designated individuals can make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Estate planning for business owners these days should also include digital asset management and strategies for handling global investments, so be thorough as you go through this process.
While it's important for every adult, business owners in particular need to have comprehensive estate planning to protect both personal AND business assets.
Richard A. Lindsey, CPA
Your Small Business Tax Expert
Lindsey & Waldo, LLC
"You see the numbers, we look for the opportunities"
(251) 633-4070
WE’VE MOVED TO 4328 BOULEVARD PARK S, MOBILE, AL 36609
Hurricane Prep
No one wants to be caught unprepared for hurricane season. Now is the time to get things in order in case you loose power or have to evacuate during a storm.
Click here for a comprehensive guide for preparation.
Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days or more. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You'll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones. You can use your car charger for your cell phone.
Check out the images and lists below for more helpful hints.
If you are thinking about a generator for your home contact Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning at 251-259-4664. They would be more than happy to help you!
Tip: Lisa Harkey of AlaCoast Insurance shared this invaluable tip with me. Store water in all of your empty mason jars. The water can be used for brushing your teeth, flushing toliets, etc.
Grocery List
Non-perishable foods: Canned beans, tuna, chicken - enough for 14 days
Ready to eat foods - fruits, vegetables, meats
1 gallon of water per person per day (14 days worth)
Water for your pets and for hygiene use - see Lisa's tip above!
Cereal, trail mix, protein bars
Canned juice and milk
Canned soup
Peanut butter, jelly and bread
Crackers, cookies and bread
Anything that you might need to cook whatever is in your freezer (oils, charcoal, etc.)
It is so much better to be prepared and not need any of this! I am hoping that we will have a very quiet hurricane season along the Gulf Coast.
I'll close this blog with a note of gratitude for things that I encountered this week. I am thankful to my husband's incredible driving skills that literally kept us on the planet. We were heading into NOLA and suddenly were in the middle of a high-speed police chase. His quick thinking kept us from being hit by a zealous undercover police car. For that I am immensely grateful.
I am also thankful that my bestie is recovering well from a recent health scare. I can't imagine life without her.
I am also grateful to the business partners that continue to entrust me with marketing. We've built some longterm relationships and I want to thank you.
Happy August everyone! Go out and spread some love upon this hurting world. Love is the most powerful energy on the planet. ~ Charlsie
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