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Happy Thanksgiving!

Events, From Gordon's Desk...
thanksgiving thankful

I would like to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you have the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. I’ve taken a much needed moment this holiday to take a step back and think about all GFLF has to be thankful for. I owe so much to my clients, friends, and family who have helped make this year a successful one.

grateful quote

Here are just a few of the things GFLF has to be exceedingly grateful for:

  • To get to work with amazing clients and talented professional advisors.
  • The ability to offer useful, free tools, like this nonprofit policies and procedures guide
  • Supporting community activities through pro bono work.
  • The opportunity to help multiple different Iowa-based charities incorporate as tax-exempt nonprofits.
  • To chance to have given many presentations to amazing groups of people on topics ranging from the current tax law’s impact on estate planning to fiduciary duties of nonprofit boards.
  • Being entrusted with drafting and executing estate plans for Iowans, enabling them to pursue their estate planning goals, achieve peace of mind, and set a plan in place for the future for their loved ones.
  • Getting to work toward maximizing charitable giving in Iowa in our respective, wonderful communities.

But, really, this is a short list—the tip of the turkey, if you will—of what GFLF is perpetually thankful for.

Wishing you full bellies and hearts today,

Gordon Fischer

November 28, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pro-church-media-441073-e1511480854342.jpg 2028 5354 Gordon Fischer https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.png Gordon Fischer2019-11-28 17:37:522020-05-18 11:28:41Happy Thanksgiving!

Pick up the November Book Club Title: Holding the Gavel

Book Club, Nonprofits
books with cactus

With the cold weather upon us, there are few things more appealing than curling up with a warm beverage and an engaging book. I find the winter is a time to settle in and turn inward. It’s a season of consideration of how to better ourselves both personally and professionally.

This is why this month I’m adding Holding the Gavel: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know by Nanette Fridman to the Gordon Fischer Book Club shelf. For anyone who currently or is thinking about serving on a nonprofit board, this book is like a guidebook on what to expect and how to be a successful, contributive member of the board. The book contains insider stories from people who have experience leading boards and valuable information on what good governance looks like.

gofisch-book-club-november-2019

Some of these sorts of books can get dreadfully boring or are too general to be applicable, but this book is both helpful and specific on topics ranging from how best to conduct due diligence to managing difficult board members.

When it comes to passing on and developing a board (and the organization it serves) and leaving it better than you found it, this roadmap of a nonfiction book is worth your time.

Best Board Ever: Your Nonprofit Needs this Free Guide

What are your thoughts on Holding the Gavel? Share your thoughts with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

November 24, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-24-at-9.14.43-PM.png 683 1038 Gordon Fischer https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.png Gordon Fischer2019-11-24 21:17:402020-05-18 11:28:41Pick up the November Book Club Title: Holding the Gavel

Common Estate Planning Excuses and How to Avoid Them

Estates & Estate Planning
stop hand on sign

Based on every statistic I’ve seen, the majority of Americans don’t want anything to do with estate planning or the perceived headaches that come with it. However, making excuses to avoid investing in a valuable legal set of documents (that comes with numerous benefits) will do nothing to cement your legacy and intent for transfer of assets.

Here are some of the excuses I’ve heard from people about why they don’t have an estate plan:

  • “I don’t have any assets, and just a whole bunch of debt.”
  • “Isn’t that just for rich, older people?”
  • “I don’t need an estate plan my wife and kids are going to inherit everything I own.”
  • “I’m super healthy, so I don’t think I would ever need a health care power of attorney.”
  • “My spouse can take care of it.”
  • “Getting a will made for myself is too expensive and time consuming.”
  • “If I talk too much about it, I might jinx myself.”

Yet, everyone over 18-years old, regardless of age, debts, assets, and marital status should have an estate plan in place. (Here are the six “must have” estate planning documents you can focus on initially.) In the beginning it may feel uncomfortable talking about the details of your estate plan—that’s normal. But, there is deep and lasting peace of mind in knowing that there is a plan in place in the event of your incapacitation or untimely death, which far outweighs any discomfort.

So, cast off all excuses by embracing the benefits of having a strong estate plan in place. The benefits include, but are certainly not limited to, peace of mind, financial security for your family, established guardianships for your children, reducing taxes, fees, and costs, and saving your family and friends untold time, trouble, and heartbreak.

Ultimate Estate Planning Checklist

Have questions? Need more information?

A great place to start is the Estate Plan Questionnaire. Of course, feel free to reach out any time. You can contact me by email at Gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com or give me a call at 515-371-6077.

November 21, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2019-05-10-at-11.31.43-PM.png 651 1021 Gordon Fischer https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.png Gordon Fischer2019-11-21 09:10:572020-05-18 11:28:42Common Estate Planning Excuses and How to Avoid Them
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Gordon Fischer Law Firm, P.C.

Gordon is based in Cedar Rapids and serves clients all across Iowa

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(515) 371-6077 gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com
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