SPRING FORWARD

EDITION

March 2019...winter is finally OVER!

February 2019 Edition includes:

• Spring Forward and Fred Rogers' Great Advice
• March Madness Survival and Hometown Carrot Cake Recipe!
• Five Things You Should Be Doing Right Now For Your Personal "Spring Cleaning"

• Laura Meier Named UCP-OC 2019 Gala Chair
• Meier Law Firm 2019 Workshop Calendar
• Thank You For Your Referrals
• Just Call Bonnie

Spring Forward and Fred Rogers' Great Advice

Dear Jonathan johnson,

Spring is finally here, and what's great about that (besides the 70's) is that Spring signals a new season for growth— not just for nature but for us as well. It's the perfect opportunity to let whatever is not working for us go, and give ourselves permission to spring forward. Literally, the time moves forward so we should probably as well.

When I thought of what a personal spring cleaning looks like, I was reminded of the video above that I show my kids from time to time. It's from Mr. Rogers, reminding us that when we feel mad or wronged, or headed down a questionable path, we really can stop whatever we've planned, and do something positive instead. Easier said than done of course but definitely the most rewarding way.

My daughter Kate did a little spring cleaning of her own. The picture above is of her and some buddies, selling my son Jack's clothes after he refused to let them sell cookies with him and his friends about 10 feet over from them. She claimed most of the clothes were in a giveaway bag but I intercepted at least half a dozen items he still wears and loves. Never underestimate a little sister's vengeance.

I hope you have a great week, and as always, we're here if yowwu need anything at all. We love to hear updates about your family, so please click here to send me a note.

Warmest regards,

Surviving March Madness and Best Ever Carrot Cake Recipe!

I don't know how this is possible because Josh is the ultimate sports fan, but somehow he isn't overly into basketball (phew). But being that I've had to endure endless football and baseball seasons, I thought this article with 5 Tips For Surviving March Madness would be helpful for any of us married to March Madness fans. You'll get through this!

Also, with Easter coming up, I have to share a very special family carrot cake recipe from Barbara Davis, who is my childhood best friend's mom. She was known in the neighborhood and church community for being the best cook. I would take her recipes over online recipes any day of the week! Hope you enjoy it.

Hometown Carrot Cake

1 1/2 c. oil

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

2 c. sifted flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

3 c. grated carrots

1 c. chopped nuts

Blend oil and sugar together. Add 1 egg at a time and beat well after each. Mix and sift dry ingredients together, then add to sugar mixture. Add carrots and nuts last. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until done.

Frosting:

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cube butter, softened

1 box powdered sugar

Whip together until fluffy.

5 Things You Should Be Doing Right Now For Your Personal "Spring Cleaning"

By Laura Meier, Esq.

Most of us think of spring cleaning as clearing out the garage or organizing the closet. But really spring is the perfect time for cleaning up something so much more meaningful—our lives.

It’s a great time to think about which direction we are headed, and to make sure we’re on the best path to get there.

A personal "spring cleaning" usually requires a good, honest look at our financial situation. Because whether we love it or not, money makes the world go round and is often needed to take that next step, or help that person out, or fund that new home or new business.

Here are 5 things you should be doing right now for your personal “spring cleaning”:

1. Know the numbers: Most people have no idea the answer to these three simple questions: How much total income do you net each month, how much money do you owe, and how much money do you need to live the lifestyle you desire (including savings, retirement, charitable giving, etc.) Knowing these numbers is the perfect first step to spring cleaning your finances.
2. Evaluate your expenditures: Now that the holidays are well behind us, and hopefully we are seeing more money back in our accounts, spring is a great time to print out your statements and evaluate whether your expenditures are the best use of your hard-earned dollars. This includes everything from your Netflix subscription to the staff you support. A simple way to do this is to assign a simple grade of A, B, C, D, or F next to each expenditure. When assigning the grade, ask yourself, is this expenditure necessary, can I get it for cheaper, how much happiness does it bring me, and could I live without it?

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Laura Meier appointed 2019 Gala Chair for United Cerebral Palsy Orange County

As many of you know, I have the privilege of serving on the board of directors for UCP-OC, a non-profit dedicated to helping children wit disabilities. Please join me in supporting our annual gala this year at the Fashion Island Hotel on Saturday, April 13th. Sponsorship opportunities available, and a guaranteed fun night! Would love to have you join us!

Spring 2019 Meier Law Firm Workshop Calendar

Please join us at an upcoming event! If you would like us to host a workshop for your company or group, please contact Bonnie at (949)718-0420.

We conduct estate planning workshops in Orange County, Long Beach, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Estate Planning Basics

Sunshine Preschool

March 20, 2019 | 7:00pm-8:00pm

Boys & Girls Club of Costa Mesa, 2131 Tustin Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Private Event

Kids Guardian Workshop

Concordia University

March 28, 2019 | 11:00am-12:00pm or 1:30pm-2:30pm

Concordia University Irvine, 1530 Concordia, Irvine, CA 92612

Grimm Hall

Private Event

Kids Guardian Workshop

United Cerebral Palsy

April 16, 2019 | 5:30pm-7:00pm

UCP, 980 Roosevelt #100, Irvine, CA 92620

RSVP to Wendy Wood at 949.333.6430 or [email protected]

10 Legal Protections for Children with Special Needs

United Cerebral Palsy

April 25, 2019 | 5:30pm-7:00pm

UCP, 980 Roosevelt #100, Irvine, CA 92620

RSVP to Wendy Wood at 949.333.6430 or [email protected]

Kids Guardian Workshop

Childs World Preschool

April 30, 2019 | 5:30pm-7:00pm

18422 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

RSVP to Bonnie Johnson at 949.718.0420 or [email protected]

Thank You For Your Referrals and Hosting Our Workshops!

Referrals: Dave Kuzmiak, Oliver Green, Matt Farrell, Alex Varela, Esq., Dominic Ricabona, Galia Szurley, James Hardin, Konrad Karwowski, Tracy Green, Dave Wolfley, Steve Stafford, Jason Osiecki, Alejandro Velasco, Michelle Lim, and Robert Graham

Workshops: Tax & Financial Group, Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, NAMI-OC, Jessica Griffith, and Warrior Hearted Special Children’s Foundation

THANK YOU For All of Your Online Reviews!!

Yelp Review Highlight: "Josh and Bonnie are amazing and easy to work with. They are professionals and know their stuff. We wanted to create a trust that made us feel confident and comfortable with how our kids would be taken care of if something were to happen to us. We were happy using Meier Law Firm and recommend them to any of our family or friends."—Thanh V.

Thank you Thanh and everyone for your gracious online reviews! We really feel so lucky to have such wonderful clients and friends.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could help other people like you find us by sharing your experience online:

Click here to leave a Yelp Review.

Click here to leave a Google Review.

If there is anything more we could have done to make your experience with us a 5 star experience, please click here to let me know. Your feedback is very important to us.

Just Call Bonnie to Meet With Us!

Bonnie makes the estate planning process so easy, she can even get it done over a drink! Here she is celebrating St. Patrick's Day in perfect style.

Give Bonnie a call at (949)718-0420 to talk about your estate planning needs. You can also schedule your initial planning session online.