Are you a bird watcher or maybe you just enjoy seeing them when you do? Spring is a prime time to view Minnesota birds before the trees get full of leaves.  Listen to the sounds of nature that surround you in your own back yard. 
https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/explore/regions/midwest/minnesota/minnesota-birding-season-spring.php
​

Are you thinking about retirement? If not, you should start planning ahead. One thing that is important to think about in your planning is having a will and trust in place. Wills and trusts can be written starting at age 18. Take a few minutes to learn more about the basics and why it’s important to get your affairs in order now. 
https://money.cnn.com/retirement/guide/estateplanning_basics.moneymag/index.htm
​

Tax time! Do you still have questions regarding your 2020 taxes? When are they due? What is exempt?
Here is the MN Dept of Revenue site for more information. https://www.revenue.state.mn.us

Are you getting bored with the same weekly meals? If you feel like spicing things up in the kitchen and learning about the 2021 Food Trends, take a look at this site for some really interesting trends. https://www.delish.com/food/a35036824/food-trends-2021

Tax time, everyone’s favorite time of the year. Questions many people are asking themselves: When can I file? When are taxes due? If I received a stimulus check, will that affect my tax return? Find out answers to your great questions and so much more at https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/tax-software/when-can-you-start-filing-taxes

Many times, people think Estate Planning is for older people or wealthy people. Estate Planning is something that can be done as young as 18 years old and you do not have to be wealthy. There are many aspects to Estate Planning. To learn more about Estate Planning and how it protects you and your loves ones, read further at the link below.

​https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/family-finance/articles/things-you-need-for-an-estate-plan-at-any-age

There are so many New Year’s Resolutions and whatever you decide to conquer, will be great! One idea is to get more organized with your home files. Maybe papers are in random places throughout your home, or in one giant folder in a drawer or maybe just in a drawer. Now would be a good time to go through your files, organize and see what important documents need updating! Check out this site on setting up a home filing system.  https://www.thespruce.com/organizing-a-home-filing-system-264825

Homemade Apple Cider! This sounds delicious. I also think you could also find other ways to spice up the recipe. Be creative! It's always comforting to cozy up with a warm beverage that soothes the soul.  https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28224491/homemade-apple-cider-drink-recipe/

As we look ahead to 2021 what do we need to know regarding estate planning? Depending on the outcome of the election, certain tax laws may change, which means how you plan for your estate could also change. Right now, the federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions are $11,580,000 for individuals and $23,160,000 for married couples with a tax rate of 40%.  These exemptions are slated to increase in 2025. However, the tax rate could increase to 55% and a lower exemption as soon as 2021. So, what does this mean? It means, in anticipation of these changes you may want to maximize the benefit of using the current higher exemptions and get your estate in order by the end of 2020 as some say the exemption could go as low as $5,000,000.  Minnesota residents also need to consider the Minnesota estate tax which currently is at $3,000,000 per person and you cannot share $6,000,000 per couple.  If there isn’t proper planning the initial $3,000,000 exemption when the first spouse passes away may be lost.  For more information:  https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/looking-ahead-to-2021-with-a-focus-on-61595/
​