Archive for the ‘Midlife Millionaire’ Category

Across the country in December, families will be coming together for the holidays.  Sometimes the holidays are one of the few times of year that family members see each other.

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Five tips for holiday conversations

CNN and Fortune Magazine recently featured a fascinating article  about the legal battle between John Randloph “Bunky” Hearst, Jr., and his ex-wife.  Bunky is one of the grandsons of famed media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who left behind the powerful Hearst Corp.  William Randolph Hearst died in 1951 with a trust and estate worth about $400 million in today’s dollars.  But, more importantly, his trust established a corporate framework that enabled his board of trustees to expand the Hearst holdings into a multi-billion dollar media empire, owning hundreds of magazines, newspapers, television stations, 20% of ESPN, and more.  Here is the wikipedia page about Hearst Corp. that overviews how expansive it is.  William Randolph Hearst’s estate plan is a great example of how trusts can be used to maximize financial legacies and protect your heirs.  While most people don’t have to establish complicated boards to manage extensive business holdings like Hearst, everyone can learn a lesson here.  Livings trusts are the best way to pass along assets (be they vast or limited) because they can be individually tailored to meet the needs of any family.  Do you have modest assets and children who are good with money?  Maybe you want your trust to leave it to them all at once.  Or do you have a greater net worth, or perhaps heirs who would do more harm than good with money left to them?  If so, consider following William Randolph Hearst’s example.

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Hearst Family Legal Battle teaches important lessons

A couple weeks ago, I wrote how  Katherine Jackson had a surprising “change of heart” by dropping her challenge to the executors for Michael’s estate.  In fact, her husband Joe Jackson was shocked — his lawyer called the move “despicable”.  Well, if this exclusive report from the United Kingdom website News of the World is accurate, we now know why Katherine did so. According to this report (which has been picked up by MSN Entertainment along with other websites), Katherine made the deal because the executors, John Branca and John McClain, had agreed to add a trusted family member as a third executor.  And, even better, this new executor would have veto power over decisions of Branca and McClain.  So who is the trusted family member?  Taj — Tariano Adaryll Jackson, Michael’s 36-year old nephew and Tito Jackson’s son.  He is reportedly very close to Michael’s children and mother, and was Michael’s favorite nephew.  He’ll be able to give the family a voice

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New Michael Jackson Estate Deal Reported

Ladies, it’s time to put ourselves on the list.  With everyone pulling us in every direction and all wanting a part of us, it’s so easy to keep moving our own needs down to the bottom of the list, but let’s think again.   

Recent Trip to Brazil

A few years ago, I was told that I needed both knees replaced.  The doctors wouldn’t do the surgery until I was older (after 50) and quite frankly, I am putting it off as long as possible.  In fact, I hope to avoid it.  I tend to be a workaholic, because I love what I do.  The problem I run into, is that I can put self care on the back burner and that’s probably part of the knee problem.  

When I turned 50, I realize that unless I take action now, having lots of money and poor health is a terrible scenario.  Besides, my husband is five years younger than I am and when he retires, we have plans for lots of travel and golf. 

Over the last two months, I have implented three new smart choices in my life and I’d like to share them with you.  My goal is to lose weight, feel more focused and calm today…and then ensure a more vibrant lifestyle later in my life with Mark.

• I joined a yoga class and am attending classes about three times a week.  I notice that I feel much calmer, more focused and feel lighter on my feet.
• I have created a bedtime ritual(inspired by Contributing Expert, Marci Shimoff’s 10:30 Angel Train) where I journal before bed to clear my mind, listen to music, read and stay away from the TV and computer after 9 pm at night.  I am sleeping so much better and waking up a lot earlier.
• I am drinking lots of filtered water with lemon during the day.  Here is the formula for how much water you should drink:  weight divided by two and add a zero.  TIP:  If you weigh 150#, then you want to drink 70 oz of water daily!  Many times when we feel hungry, it could just be dehydration. 

When we get ready to retire some day, having all the money in the world won’t mean a thing if we don’t have our health, right?  By taking these three simple actions, I find I am more affective at work, and happier and more active at home with my family at night.  Plus the yoga class is amazing…my goal is to go five times week. 

What steps are you taking today to live happy, wealthy and healthy?  I’d like to know!  Thanks!

Watch Andrew and Danielle’s interview with Forbes’ John Dobosz! Hear first hand from the authors what happened to the affairs of Jimi Hendrix, Steve McNair, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Sonny Bono.

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Forbes Interviews Andrew and Danielle!