Who Was Nelson Mandela? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the word Apartheid, translated in English means, “apartness.” By this definition, and in the hearts of many, anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, President Nelson Mandela was the great unifier of South Africa. He dedicated his life to fighting against the apartheid policy. This policy sanctioned racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against nonwhites in his country. It was a long … [Read more...]
Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Jane Fonda
Who is Jane Fonda? Actor Bradley Whitford once said, “Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make you own love.” Jane Fonda is nothing if not a woman of action. Undoubtedly, the renowned actress, writer, and political activist has had her share of missteps through the years. Nonetheless, her willingness to consistently reinvent herself and to try something new, when she believes in it, is commendable. Fonda once … [Read more...]
Texas Trivia – Name the first of six flags to fly over Texas.
The six flags of Texas refer to more than just every Texan’s favorite amusement park. Throughout the history of the state, six nations have held sovereignty over some or all of the territory of Texas. Each had its own respective flag or flags but the first to fly was the kingdom of Spain’s! From 1519 to 1821, Spain raised two different flags over Texas. This is because a new Spanish flag was adopted by King Charles III in 1690. This is actually a pattern throughout the state’s history. The … [Read more...]
Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Paul Walker
Who Was Paul Walker? Paul Walker was an internationally famous American actor. He began his career guest-starring in several television shows such as The Young and the Restless and Touched by an Angel. Walker gained prominence with breakout roles in coming-of-age and teen films such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues. In 2001, Walker gained international fame for his portrayal of Brian O’Conner in the street racing action film The Fast and the Furious. He would reprise the role in five of … [Read more...]
Five Questions to Consider before Appointing Your Executor
Before you sit down to draft your Last Will and Testament you will undoubtedly spend a considerable amount of time contemplating the gifts you intend to make in your Will. Who will you include in the Will? Which beneficiary will receive which assets? Like most people, these are all questions you might ask yourself. Unlike like most people, you shouldn't make the mistake of giving very little thought to the appointment of your Executor. What to Consider Before Appointing Your Executor Many … [Read more...]
Texas Trivia – Who played the hero in the movie “Lone Star”?
It depends on which movie! Clark Gable played Devereaux Burke in the 1952 classic western about the annexation of Texas. Then, in 1996, a movie by the same name but entirely different plot was released. The later film starred Chris Cooper as the county sheriff Sam Deeds. Sam finds himself exploring a murder that is directly linked to the previous legendary sheriff in town who just so happens to also be Sam’s estranged father, Buddy Deeds. Buddy is played by the one and only Matthew … [Read more...]
Why It Is So Important to Update Your Estate Plan When You Divorce
Having a comprehensive estate plan in place is essential for all adults. This is true regardless of the value of your estate or your age. If you have an estate plan in place you are ahead of the majority of Americans; however, you shouldn’t stop there. Updating your estate plan when certain life events occur is just as important as creating the plan in the first place. Divorce is a prime example of this. You will need to take the time to update your estate plan should you're marriage come to an … [Read more...]
Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Sam Simon
Who Was Sam Simon? What do the hit shows, Taxi, Cheers, and The Simpsons all have in common? Each was worked on by the witty mind of Sam Simon. Simon contributed to many popular works in his time; Yet, his biggest claim to fame is by and far his role as the co-creator of The Simpsons. The Simpsons is the longest running animated series in television history. He finally left the show in 1993 to work on The George Carlin Show and The Drew Carey Show. During this time, Simon also began to … [Read more...]
Why Put Assets into a Trust Instead of Gift them in a Will?
When the topic of estate planning comes up, one of the first questions you may be faced with is whether or not to include a Trust agreement in your plan. If you have never made use of a trust agreement before you likely have a number of important questions. For starters, why should you should put assets into a trust rather than gift them in a Will? There are actually several reasons why gifting assets through a trust often makes more sense. Why Put Assets into a Trust? Although your reasons … [Read more...]
Texas Trivia- What Texas Tech star went on to play in two Super Bowls?
Texas Tech two-way football star, E.J. Holub is renowned for being the only player to start two Super Bowls on both offense and defense! Holub was a linebacker and center known to play both positions throughout a single game. The Texans snagged the football legend in the first round of the draft and it certainly payed off. While a part of the Texans for 10 seasons, Holub played three different positions and made cheer worthy plays in two Super Bowls, winning the second in 1970. His jersey … [Read more...]
