Well, if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we need to be prepared for everything.
As we dive into the new norm of triathlon, we are getting more and more creative. But, with that creativity comes some risk.
With swimming pools closed, more and more of us are relying on open water swims to keep honing our aquatic skills. I would hope that before you just jump in, you have a plan.
You need to make sure that you have one, if not two, strokes that you are comfortable with. You need to learn to master the art of “sighting”. Gone are the lines of the pool to keep us straight. With no walls to lean on to catch your breath, you will need to learn to tread water and to turn without the luxury of kicking off the wall. Breathing from both sides is also a plus.
But the best way to swim in open water is with a group so that if you have any urgent issues, you have someone to help. Groups are also great for tips on getting better.
So, we know how to make sure that we are prepared for your open water swim. Are you just as prepared for life?
Before taking that dive, you should make sure that your estate plan is properly in order. The “sighting” part of your estate plan would be to understand your assets, how they are held, and who you would like to inherit them.
You will “tread water” at your consultation. This will give you the opportunity to get your bearings and help you get the strength to keep going. The “turning” point is when you decide to jump into a plan, even if it is with baby steps.
Learning to breathe on both sides would be starting with your advance directives: Durable Power-of-Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, and HIPAA Authorization.
As you become more comfortable you will also consider your options for trusts and how they work best for you. The trust is also helpful in your “group swim.”
It gives you the leeway to get other people involved with your plan so that you do not become overwhelmed. We will then round out this plan and your “training” with a Last Will and Testament to pull it all together.
Now you are prepared to safely dive into your triathlon goals – ready for everything!
Deanna M. Eble is a Partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. of Garden City, Islandia, Lido Beach, and Manhattan, New York. She focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, and Medicaid Planning, and has practiced in these areas for more than fifteen years. Deanna is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Elder Counsel and is admitted to the New York Bar. She earned her law degree at Hofstra University School of Law. Deanna frequently presents seminars on Elder Law and Estate Planning throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Go to https://www.vjrussolaw.com/team/deanna-m-eble/ for more information.
