First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective, Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end. Aristotle … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Destroy Old Wills
We have previously told you a couple of very basic, but important, estate planning tips. We have told you that when you make a new Will, you need to be sure that you destroy any old Wills. We have also told you that you need to make sure that your heirs can easily find your Will. A case in New York highlights why you need to listen to these tips. Elmer H. Bobst was multi-millionaire who passed away over 30 years ago. At the time, his estate was Probated and distributed according to Letters … [Read more...] about Destroy Old Wills
Texas History – Do You Know How the Town of Weslaco Got Its Name?
The town of Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley was named for W.E. Stewart Land Company (WESLaCo), which promoted the land development when the Missouri-Pacific Railroad came through Hidalgo County. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How the Town of Weslaco Got Its Name?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
John Seward Johnson, Sr. (1895-1983) - Businessman John Seward Johnson, also known as Seward Johnson, was one of the sons of Robert Wood Johnson, Sr. (co-founder of Johnson & Johnson). He founded the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI). Johnson was married three times, and he had six children. While he was married to Esther Underwood, his second wife of 32 years, he engaged in extramarital affairs with his chambermaid, Barbara Piasecka. In 1971, they married and none of Johnson’s … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Another Thing Families Can Fight About
Many times in this space we have told you that when there is money involved in an estate, families will fight over that estate if they have any basis for doing so. This is why you need an estate plan so that your wishes are known. It helps avoid family fights. The fights are often not even about who gets what. Families can fight over other things if you do not have an estate plan. Consider the estate of rapper Nate Dogg who passed away without a Will. Someone still has to administer his estate … [Read more...] about Another Thing Families Can Fight About
Texas History – Do You Know Who is the Father of the Grape Industry in Texas?
Thomas V. Munson of Denison is considered the father of the grape industry in Texas. In the 1890s he developed many new varieties of grapes and was responsible for many grapevine cuttings being shipped to France, where they were credited with saving the French vineyards from destruction by the grape phylloxera. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who is the Father of the Grape Industry in Texas?
Thought for the Day:
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. Ralph Waldo Emerson … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Estate Plan Roles
A common problem in estate planning is choosing the wrong people to appoint to the various roles in the administration of your plan. The wrong choice of Executor, for example, can seriously complicate the Probate process. Similarly, appointing someone to be a Trustee who is not up to the task can also be disastrous. A current example of this phenomenon comes from the actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. Her husband is her power of attorney as she is seriously ill and unable to manage her own affairs. It … [Read more...] about Estate Plan Roles
Texas History – Do You Know When the Coat of Arms for the Republic of Texas Was Established?
The Republic of Texas coat of arms was established by an Act of Congress on January 25, 1839. It was declared to be a five point star on an azure background encircled by olive and live oak branches. The national seal bore the arms encircled by the words "The Republic of Texas." The Constitution of 1845 provided for the same seal with the words changed to "The State of Texas." … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know When the Coat of Arms for the Republic of Texas Was Established?
