Jan. 6
Mike Harris
Jean Stacy
Jan. 13
René Protacio
Carl Friedman
Jan. 20
Fern Friedman
Ginger Adam Little
Jan. 27
Michael Green
Kay Bahari
Feb. 3
Sue Seyster
David Heyman
Feb. 10
Michael Garner
Business Strategy Session
Feb. 17
Nancy Haberman
Dr. Savitha Siddappa
Feb. 24
Esta McIntyre
Raj Prakash
Mar. 2
Steve Friedman
Jean Stacy
Don’t let the term “trampoline” scare you away! Check out this class Thursday nights at 7:00 P.M. at My Health Studio. Gain the incredible benefits mini-trampoline jumping can offer:
Great music and lots of laughing! This is a whole body workout!
Ginger Adam Little 10/21
Business Strategy Session
Michael Green 10/28
René Protacio 10/28
Sue Seyster 11/4
Business Strategy Session
Kay Bahari 11/11
Michael Garner 11/11
David Heyman 11/18
Business Strategy Session
Carl Friedman 12/2
Nancy Haberman 12/2
Dr. Savitha Siddappa 12/9
Business Strategy Session
Esta McIntyre 12/16
Raj Prakash 12/16
January 2012
Steve Friedman
Pamela Padrick
Mike Harris
Fern Friedman
Ginger Adam Little
Michael Green
David Heyman
Sue Seyster
Kay Bahari
Michael Garner
David Heyman
Carl Friedman
Nancy Haberman
Dr. Savitha Siddappa
Esta McIntyre
Raj Prakash
Scott Smith
Pamela Padrick
Dates we are Dark – This represents the current contract.
November 25
December 24
December 30
New contract to be negotiated.
Personal property, which includes jewelry, dishes, furniture, books, tools, computers, pictures, paintings and collections, often cause many more challenges than assets objectively worth far more. Personal property is more likely to have sentimental value and meaning to the beneficiaries far beyond its cash value.
In my family there were arguments, bad feelings and estrangement over who took glass milk bottles. I have seen litigation costing tens of thousands of dollars start and stop with the dispute and resolution of the distribution of photographs and figurines, worth perhaps a few hundred dollars. I have had sixty-year old siblings get into fistfights over dishes.
Personal property can cause nightmares for a Trustee charged with gathering and protecting assets of the estate. Personal property rarely has a paper trail showing who owns it. It is often small and easily transported. It is unusual for there to be a written record of everything in an estate before the Trustee makes one. Family members, often with a feeling of entitlement, will take personal property before it is recorded. Such property is said to “grow legs” and wander off.
Disappearing property is a problem that can tear families apart. For example, say that one child takes a distinctive necklace from her mother’s jewelry box without telling her siblings. The siblings are angry when the necklace cannot be found. Pictures of their mother wearing the necklace are produced to show that it hadn’t been sold or lost. Now the family is upset, suspicious of each other and distrustful. Future disputes become more difficult to resolve and are more likely to lead to fights. The necklace itself can’t be worn for fear of it being seen. (This is especially true with the prevalence of photographs being posted on social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and GooglePlus.) Add the emotions of a parent’s death and you have a situation rip for an explosion.
Tips to Avoid Personal Property Issues:
Managing personal property is just one part of the complex job a Trustee undertakes when administering a Trust (or a Personal Representative during a Probate), but it can be a critical in setting the attitudes and expectations of the beneficiaries for the rest of the process.
Michael E. Garner
Cornerstone Law Center
If you are in the midst of a divorce or breakup, the last thing you want to do is make more decisions . . . or see another attorney. However, making changes to your estate plan may be one of the most important actions you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Most estate plans give all of one spouse’s assets to the other. Even if you don’t have a Will or a Trust prepared, until your dissolution is final your spouse will wind up with all, or a substantial portion, of your assets under California’s intestacy laws. You can take control buy changing previous provisions or making a new trust.
Changing or creating your plan does not have to be difficult or time consuming. My clients can create and finalize their plan in just two one-hour sessions. You can make general plans now and update them once the dissolution is final and you have additional time and energy to spare.
You estate plan also affects much more than just who gets your stuff. Your plan will control who manages your health care and financial decisions if you are too sick to direct your own care. Your plan will also control who is nominated as a guardian for your minor children.
You should consider several areas when thinking about your estate. Consider the beneficiaries on your 401(k), IRA, 403(b) or other retirement accounts. Remember to check and update your life insurance beneficiaries. You will also want to update your bank and brokerage accounts which have a “Payable on Death” beneficiary.
I have found it important to help my clients who are going through a divorce keep things simple. We generally work with their family law attorney, financial advisor and insurance advisor to make sure changes occur smoothly and work with each client’s specific situation. We also follow up within a year, after the dissolution is final, to review the decisions and make sure the client’s plan does reflect their current wishes.
While you may not feel like you can stand to make another decision, it is an important time to make sure your estate plan still reflects your goals.
Michael E. Garner
Cornerstone Law Center
How Long Should You Rest Between Exercises?
Every minute of a workout is an opportunity to increase intensity and burn more fat. Don’t waste precious minutes sitting and taking long rest periods between exercises. Those who train with me are used to hearing my request to have them pace between exercises in a circuit. While it is important to catch your breath if you feel winded, most of the time you would benefit more from an active rest. Perform an activity such as brisk pacing, knee lifts with punches or side-to-side ab twists for 30 seconds between exercises to turn your regular workout into High Intensity Interval Training.
Focus on the Negative!
I’m not talking about the negative thought but, rather, the process of lowering a weight during resistance training. Every time that you perform a weight lifting repetition you are using three types of strength.
Many folks completely miss the benefit of the negative in each repetition by allowing the weight to drop quickly with little control. However, the negative portion of each repetition is just as important as the positive, perhaps even more so.
Focus on the negative segment of each repetition by lowering the weight very slowly. Concentrate on the negative contraction, and make each rep count. If you are advanced, then use a training partner to assist you in moving heavier-than-normal weight into a contracted position, then lower it very slowly.
Another way to utilize negative repetitions on a machine is to lift the weight using two limbs but then lower it with just one. For example, use both legs to lift the weight on a leg extension machine, but then lower it back down slowly using only one leg.
Generally we think of multi-generational planning as moving from parent to child to grandchild, and so on. Recently a trend has developed where savvy children are encouraging, and even funding, their parents and grandparents to plan or update their estate plans.
Children are often concerned about protecting their inheritance from a parent’s second or third spouse. Some want additional protections from divorce or lawsuits in their own lives. Others want particular heirlooms or other family legacies to stay in the family.
Many times people just don’t want to think about a time when they will be gone, and so they avoid doing any planning at all. Surveys generally show that over 50% of the population fails to plan for what happens after their death. Now, I see adult children trying to prevent problems by getting their parents to do the planning, in some cases paying for the plan themselves.
I think there is some justification in this, as it is the children that will primarily benefit from the planning. They can avoid the time, costs and expense of probate. They avoid the years of fights with siblings. They benefit from well-crafted asset protection.
One item of particular sensitivity is the transfer of a business from one generation to the next. Often that transfer takes place over years as value and control change hands. Failure to plan the transfer of a business to the next generation can cause a series of problems. Businesses can lose significant value (80% or more) when the owner is suddenly disabled or dies. This decrease in value due to sudden disruption hits professionals, such as accountants, financial planners, medical professionals, and attorneys particularly hard because clients are often tied to a particular person and it takes time to transfer their trust and confidence to another professional.
When there are multiple beneficiaries who will inherit a business, often causes conflicts. These conflicts are heightened when some of the beneficiaries are involved in the business and others are not. Issues such as a fair valuation of the business, use of business revenue (as dividends or to grow the business), control and interpersonal differences – difficult to resolve in isolation – become amplified by grief and other emotions that accompany tragedy.
Even casual attempts at planning can cause problems. For example, Bob’s son asked me to consult with him and his dad. Bob (the father) owned a business that was worth about $2 million dollars. Bob also owned a building with a net worth of about $4 million. The business was located in, and used the building to run the business from. Bob’s son was involved in the business but Bob’s other two children were not. The answer of how to divide Bob’s estate seemed simple and so Bob’s trust gave the business to his son who was working in it and the building to the other children.
When we analyzed the situation, it was revealed that the business was not paying anything close to fair market rent (about 20% of fair market rent). This created a conflict and a fairness issue. If the two children were to raise the building’s rent fair market value then the business would become only barely profitable and the business’ true value would be significantly less than $2 million. If the rent was not raised the other two children would not receive fair value on their inheritance and their actual inheritance would be worth considerably less.
We were able to present several solutions to Bob and his family and resolved the conflicts in Bob’s original plan. In addition, with the true value of the business revealed Bob and his son were able to make changes to the business that increased both its profitability and the value of the building.
Thanks to his son’s actions, Bob and his family were able to avoid facing a problem at the worst possible time.
By acting before a crisis arises and seeking the expertise of trusted advisors you can mitigate or prevent problems for your family and yourself. The key is to do the planning before a situation develops.
If you’ve arrived at this post via e-mail link, then you’re in the right place to participate in a discussion about creative approaches to entrepreneurship. Once registered on the blog (you need only register once), you can log in to comment on any post.
To initiate a new topic, create a new post from your dashboard. Before publishing, make sure to check off the appropriate category(ies), in this case, Creative Approach.
I’ve been cleaning and clearing for several weeks, and in the process listening to snippets of the news about the state of the economy. The downgrade by the S&P of the United States of America’s credit rating is a bitter taste of medicine for all.
In my email of July 24 I suggested that:
In addition to dealing with the present we need to get ahead of the game by preparing for the future…for a future. With our combined skills and passions, we entrepreneurs (of all people), are most prepared to lead the way. Some call it teaching; others, coaching. Working together and helping each other is part of what makes us human, and ensures our survival as a species. Science has taught us this much.
I’m looking for members who want to work together and join in a discussion about how we can design a program to provide entrepreneurial opportunities. If you think you don’t belong here because you think you’re not creative…don’t let the word scare you away…by the very nature of the fact that we are all entrepreneurs or independent reps, as well as networkers, makes us creative by nature. We have not conformed to the Stepford World.
If you think there’s nothing in it for you, it doesn’t exist yet, and there obviously needs to be incentive for business, which, I’m sure will be part of our discussions.
In a world where everyone needs to make a living, life is short and you only live once, I’ve always believed you should be able to kill two birds with one stone, do what you love, and live indoors and put food on the table. (Is that too metaphors in a single sentence?)
Would you like to be part of a group that creates a structure in order to share information about how to become effective entrepreneurs and transition to new entrepreneurial careers?
That being said, let the discussion begin.
Do you have a pet dog, cat or horse? Are you concerned about what would happen to them if you died?
If you live in California (or one of the other 40 states with similar laws) you can create a “Pet Trust.” Passed in 2008, Probate Code section 15212 sets out the guidelines for creating a pet trust.
To begin, identify your pet. Then pick one or more people you trust to care for the animal and manage the money (the “Trustee”). Finally, choose where you want any left over money to go following your pet’s passing. Pretty simple. Even better you can include your pet trust in your revocable living trust, create a stand-alone trust, or create it with your Will.
A few of words of warning:
As with any Trust, you want to make sure the attorney drafting your documents is experienced and explains all of the issues involved with a Pet Trust. Otherwise you may be giving legal headaches to the person you want to care for your 85 year old parrot.
Michael E. Garner
Cornerstone Law Center, Inc.
www.cornerstonelawcenter.com
Quality video is the best way to attract new revenue. Today’s average consumer is in a hurry. Given a choice, today’s average consumer would rather watch a movie than read the book the movie is based on. Watching the movie takes a lot less time. Prospects researching the Internet are looking for quick answers. Using video in your marketing delivers your message in a format your audience is ready and willing to consume.
View A Sample “Instructional” Video
View “How To Make A Powerful Customer Testimonial” Video
Your audience expects you to have video on your website, as well as social networking and video sharing sites like Facebook and YouTube. The growing trend is now a business reality; everyone is using video to produce a major marketing impact for a modest investment. When a customer or prospect views videos that describe your company, demonstrate your products or provide instruction, they are receiving something of value from you. Your customers and prospects appreciate your gift, see you as a knowledgeable source and are more likely to buy your service or product. The result is increased revenue from your existing customers and new revenue from your prospects.
Video establishes an emotional connection. Video is effective because it goes beyond the presentation of information. It establishes a powerful emotional connection with your viewers. This emotional connection ensures that your information is retained by the part of your viewer in which the real decision-making happens: the emotional centers of the subconscious. Imagine a prospect deciding whether to buy from you or a competitor. People buy on emotion and justify their purchase by reasoning. When a prospect has a good feeling about a purchase decision, they are more inclined to proceed. The prospect will use your features and benefit statements to justify that decision. When the emotional part of a prospect’s mind makes a decision, the rational part will sometimes modify that decision, but rarely overrules it.
Google and AOL commissioned a study of 2,394 online users between 18 and 54 years old. The study, conducted by TNS Global, showed that 64% of respondents took action after seeing an online video. 44% went to the advertiser’s website, 22% visited an off-line store, and 21% discussed the advertised product with colleagues, friends or family. These results far surpass the response that is typically expected using text and graphics alone.
Video, compared to print and static photos, more closely mimics the way humans have always communicated: stories and demonstrations. Video provides a platform for the creator to communicate a message, on multiple levels, by using visual imagery, the spoken word, music and visual text. Producing a quality business video, that results in increased sales, can be easy and inexpensive. The production must be strategic and professional. In contrast to the self-produced video, a professional video is a result of high-quality equipment, years of experience and a time-tested strategy.
Video is now an affordable tool to attract new customers. Video can be shown from websites, laptops, mobile phones, iPods and iPads, DVDs, emails, PowerPoint presentations, flash sticks, as well as CD business cards. And, video can be utilized at conferences, exhibitions, seminars, webinars, sales meetings, in-store demos and more.
Start using video today and receive the benefits.
http://lighthousevideoservices.com/index.html
Contact: Scott Smith
Scott@LighthouseVideoServices.com
Carl Friedman 5/13
Nancy Haberman 5/20
Bill Ross 5/20
MEMORIAL DAY
Dark 5/27
Dr. Savitha Siddappa 6/3
Raj Prakash 6/3
Celeste Charbonnet-Cross 6/10
Esta McIntyre 6/10
Frankie Anthony 6/17
Dr. Ann Knight 6/17
Mike Harris 6/24
David Heyman 6/24
Business Strategy Session 7/1
Brian Padrick 7/1
Fern Friedman 7/8
Steve Friedman 7/8
Ginger Adam Little 7/15
Business Strategy Session 7/15
Michael Green 7/22
Randy Friedman 7/22
Sue Seyster 7/29
Kay Bahari 7/29
Michael Garner 8/5
Ann Knight 8/5
Dr. Savitha Siddappa 8/12
Bill Ross 8/12
Esta McIntyre 8/19
Raj Prakash 8/19
Scott Smith 8/26
Nancy Haberman 8/26
LABOR DAY
Dark 9/2
Carl Friedman 9/9
Business Strategy Session 9/9
Frankie Anthony 9/16
David Heyman 9/16
Pamela Padrick 9/23
Business Strategy Session 9/23
Business Strategy Session 9/30
Steve Friedman 9/30
Fern Friedman 10/7
Brian Padrick 10/7
Mike Harris 10/14
Open for New Member 10/14
Ginger Adam Little 10/21
Business Strategy Session 10/21
Dates we are Dark – This represents the contract
September 2
November 25
December 24
December 30
So many clients tell me how much they hate counting calories! The fact is that no matter form the calories come in … if we take in more than we burn off, we will gain weight. Here’s the good news… once you’ve logged your food and counted calories for a few weeks, it’s likely you won’t need to continue; you’ll know the counts without having to look them up. If you’d like to know what your recommended caloric intake is — whether you want to lose, maintain or even gain weight — give me a call for a complimentary assessment. We have state-of-the-art technology to get you started.
Esta McIntyre,
NASM Certified Personal Trainer / Corrective Exercise Specialist
818.889.3737
Your sanity, business success and self preservation rely on you being properly organized. Let me help you get organized in your home or office. Do you need help to simplify your business and office? Are you functioning to your full potential or are you in a rut, deep in disorganization?
Let’s focus on the recent earth shaking activities!! We’re sure you felt them!! The 7.2 Mexicali quake, did that put some uh oh in your day? Did that shake you up enough to understand the importance of “Being Aware and Being Prepared”? Let us help you get organized to be ready for an emergency of any magnitude!!
Let us help you get organized and prepared for the inevitable. Visit us at www.emergencysupplypacks.com or call us at (805) 791-7510
If you think your printer is on the blink, then chances are your out of INK !!!
Time to call Crazy Inkjets and save on your Printer Inks and Laser Toners….
(818) 346-5538 and ask for Carl
More important than did you feel it, but are you prepared?
As you might know earthquakes don’t wait for you to get ready,
they come when they want and with as much power as they want!
Today’s quake was a 4.4 – close to our homes, schools, businesses and churches. Have you been aware of the recent earthquakes shaking all over the globe with great strength and magnitude. The experts have been saying that we are long over due for the BIG ONE in our area.
Don’t wait until it hits to think about what you need, GET PREPARED NOW!
Go to our site www.emergencysupplypacks.com. We have a 72 hour emergency supply pack that will provide for one person.
And don’t forget that for a limited time we are offering a price lower than ever before!
For Conejo Networkers our ESP™ promotional price is $54.00.
It is important that you are organized with what you need to take after a disaster has hit. Proper planning and organization will make a major difference in how you and your family survive the first 72 hours of an emergency.
Sue
Be Aware and Be Prepared!!
Organize for Everything!!
**Note: For every ESP™ sold we will donate $4.00 to Soldiers Angels Military Organization.
My Health Studio State-of-the-Art Aerobics/Dance Studio
From Zumba® and Zumba® Gold to “Baby Boomer Ballet,” our classes promise to burn calories while providing an enjoyable, fun atmosphere. Rock out in our “Just Move 4 Life” class, or turn up the heat in our “Hilarious Hip-Hop” session. Carry on in “Kvetchy Kickboxing” or get limber in our “Yoga for the Young-ish” series. No matter which class you choose, you’ll experience an invigorating and exciting energy boost. Please click on our Class Descriptions button for a full description of classes.
Please visit us at:
31139 Via Colinas, #303
Westlake Village, CA 91362
805.889.3737
805.630.3782
Hooters in Burbank and Anaheim are teaming up once again with Glendale Community College Power Wheelchair Soccer Teams – Rough Riders and Wild Wheeler to raise funds for team expenses. On February 24, 2010 (11 am – 11 pm) please join us for lunch or dinner to help. Hooters will give our teams 20% of what you spend to eat (food and drinks). To help just print this page and bring it in when you visit Hooters. If you have trouble printing or have questions please e-mail me (Sue) at SLSFreelance@yahoo.com and I will send you one.
If you would like to help our teams but are unable join us at Hooter please consider a donation by making your check payable to Glendale Rough Riders and send it to Glendale Community College 1500 N. Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208 Attn: Laura Matsumoto
The teams are qualified under a 501 (c) (3) entity – #95-3876072
All donations will be recognized with a tax-deductible letter for the donor’s records.
To learn more about power wheelchair soccer please check out – www.powersoccerusa.net
Let us help you be more “Aware and Prepared” for any emergency or disaster,
with our ESP™, a 72 hour Emergency Supply Pack.
Our ESP™ is a sturdy easy to carry backpack that is fully loaded with the major essentials to survive for 72 hours after a disaster.
Don’t be caught empty handed when a disaster pushes you out of your home,
office or school! Order your ESP™ today.
Don’t be left unprepared for a small or major disaster.
Purchase your ESP™ Now!! Don’t wait and be caught without your main essentials to survive for the first 72 hours of a major disaster!