West Chester Restaurant Festival, Sunday, September 20th

A FAMILY MEETING CAN PREVENT FUTURE FRENZY AND FRICTION

Malvern, PA – “We frequently see a troubling situation that can easily be prevented,” says Phil Gagliardi, CPM, a planner with Hoover Financial Advisors. “A frantic call comes in from one of our client’s children. Their parent is very ill and no longer able to manage personal and financial affairs. None of the children know where any of the estate documents are located, nor do they even know the wishes of their parents.”

The dilemma is not uncommon. Generally, parents don’t want to burden their children with such issues. They sincerely believe things will work out because they took appropriate steps to put necessary plans in place. They have the will/trust, durable power of attorney and all beneficiary designations are proper. However, that is rarely enough. Communicating investment and tax planning strategy as well as ultimate hopes and requirements to the next generation is equally as important as having the documents prepared.

A family meeting is a valuable tool to ensure peace of mind and avoid friction in time of crisis. Everyone involved can ask questions and reach an appropriate level of understanding, which will help prepare children and loved ones if older family members are unable to manage their affairs. They will be ready and not burdened with an extra layer of complexity. Another benefit of this meeting is to build a relationship between outside financial advisors and family members to maintain a level of knowledge and comfort. Gagliardi offers suggestions gleaned from an article at http://www.EstatePlanning.com noting a few components and benefits of the family meeting:

1. Ask your estate planning attorney and financial advisor to be there to explain how your plan will work and why decisions were made.

2. Choose a date and time that is convenient for everyone and a place that is appropriate. The room should encourage discussion but also convey the seriousness of the meeting. Have a beginning and ending time.

3. Make a list of topics to cover. This meeting should be a general explanation of what parents have planned and why, in order to prepare family members for what they can expect and may need to do in the future. Encourage questions and discussion.

4. It is important to give children some idea of the size of any inheritance they may receive. With people living longer and long-term care expenses often lasting for years, there may be little to pass on. If the inheritance is large, it is be better to give them a realistic picture now rather than later. It is helpful to prepare a child for a sizeable inheritance so they don’t go on a spending spree, fall prey to a scam, or be afraid to use the money at all. Some people prefer to keep their wealth a secret, but it should be discussed, especially if there may be controversial issues.

More comprehensive details can be found on Gagliardi’s blog on Hoover Financial Advisors website (http://www.petehoover.com).

Gagliardi joined HFA four years ago. Prior to that, he was a trust officer with Charles Schwab Bank in Wilmington, Delaware. He is one of only 350 individuals in the U.S. to earn a Certified Portfolio Manager® designation. The planner holds a master’s degree in taxation and financial planning from Widener University.

HFA, founded by Pete Hoover, CFP® in 2005, has quadrupled in size since its inception. The firm was selected as the 2012 Small Business of the Year by Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry and the year before it was named among the top financial planners in the Philadelphia region. Headquartered on Moores Road in Malvern, HFA is an independent discretionary firm with no product ties. Services include wealth management, cash flow management, estate planning, retirement planning, financial forecasting, plan preparation and implementation, income tax strategies, insurance solutions and management of financial needs after the death of a loved one. For further information, visit the firm’s website at http://www.petehoover.com or call 610.651.2777.

Althouse Arboretum Grand Opening And Community Picnic! Saturday, September 26th

Come out and join us for a celebration!  We will officially open the Arboretum at 10:30 AM with a very brief ceremony followed by a community picnic.  There will be free food (donations always accepted :), an art exhibit and sale, a silent auction, and other great organizations that will be joining us as we have fun and thank all who helped create this amazing place called the Althouse Arboretum.  Take the opportunity to relax, meet with neighbors, enjoy some walks along our trails and find out what the Arboretum is all about.  Parking will be at the Hillside Aquatic club on Moyer Road.  Shuttle service is available.

We’re having a silent auction at the picnic to raise money for the Arboretum. We already have several beautiful gift baskets donated. If you’d like to donate an item for the auction contact Nancy. A great way to advertise your business and support for the Arboretum!

Sprogel’s Run 5K Race & Walk

Saturday, September 26th, opens at 9am
Cost: $20 for 3 mile run   $10 for Fun Run and Walk
A 5k run along Sprogel’s Run Trail.  Or join other community members in a 1 or 2 mile (your choice after the half-way point!) WALK or FUN RUN. Ending at the beautiful Althouse Arboretum where we will be celebrating our GRAND OPENING with a short ceremony and community picnic!
Details, Maps and Registration info here.

Pennsylvania Farm To Provide White House Christmas Tree In 2015‏

WHAT:                    Selection of Official White House Christmas Tree

Searching will take place at Bustard’s Christmas Trees, the 2015 National Christmas Tree Association Grand Champion winner of the national tree contest.

                                                                                                           

Glenn & Jay Bustard and their family will present the White House Christmas Tree in November/December.  The tree will be displayed in the Blue Room.

                                                                       

Harvest of the selected tree will take place just prior to the presentation.

                                                                                                                       

Winners of the National Christmas Tree Association national tree contest have provided the official White House Christmas Tree since 1966.

WHO:                      Glenn & Jay Bustard, Bustard’s Christmas Trees

                                   

WHEN:                    Wednesday, September 30– time 9:00 A.M. (eastern)

WHERE:                  Bustard’s Christmas Trees (Farm field to meet in Lehighton.)

                                GPS coordinates:  across the street from

                                T Johnson Collision Center

                                1270 Owl Creek Rd

                                Lehighton, PA  18235

ADDITIONAL:         Interviews or background information requests may be directed to Rick Dungey in the NCTA office at (636) 449-5071 or email to dungey@realchristmastrees.org.

It’s Sly Fox Can Jam Time Again In Pottstown! Come One, Come All!