I saw a meme that said: The days that break you are the days that make you. Been there. Done that. Bought the f@$king t-shirt. Immutable truth. Buckle up, buttercup. Jimmy Duggan was right: there's no crying in baseball. I'm a Stoic in my personal philosophy in the...
Code of Whole-Person Professionalism Vol.5
In this final blog on my Code of Whole-Person Professionalism, I cover the final six pledges and associated “annotations,” i.e., pertinewnt or supportive quotes, as well as some parting thoughts. I hope that you enjoyed it. To order my affairs and conduct my work in...
Code of Whole-Person Professionalism Vol. 4
In this blog, I continue the consideration of my “annotated” Code of Whole-Person Professionalism with six more pledges from the Code and their associated “annotations,” i.e., pertinent quotes that support each pledge: To consider my overall duty to the legal system...
Code of Whole-Person Professionalism Vol. 3
In this blog, I continue with three more pledges in my Code of Whole-Person Professionalism and the associated “annotations,” i.e., supporting or illustrative quotes. To consider “the big picture” in my advices to clients, taking into account common sense,...
Code of Whole-Person Professionalism Vol. 2
In this second blog on my Code of Whole-Person Professionalism, I begin to consider each pledge in the Code, and the associated annotations, i.e., supporting or illustrative quotes. In this blog, I’ll examine the preamble to the Code and the first pledge. Fully...
Code of Whole-Person Professionalism Vol. 1
My oldest son, Paul III, recently graduated from Loyola (New Orleans) Law School. For a whole host of reasons, which are my fault, we don’t have much of a relationship at present, although I remain hopeful to establishing a good relationship with Paul III, who, to his...
My New Book is Out–Yours, Mine & Ours: Estate Planning for People in Blended or Stepfamilies
I'm pleased to announce that my latest book my ninth book, is out. Yours, Mine & Ours: Estate Planning for People in Blended or Stepfamilies (Paul Hood Services 2022) is the second book in my Planning Your Future series. As of now, I envision the series to grow to...
The Legendary Bobby Bowden Dead at 91: My Brush with His Greatness
I noted the death of legendary former Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden over the weekend at 91. I had an interaction with Bobby Bowden when I was LSU Homecoming Chairman back in 1981 that was funny but that eventually turned out to be even funnier some 16 years later during a chance meeting.
Donor Advised Funds: What to Do? Is Reform Legislation Likely?
I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the possibility of legislation affecting DAFs. In my opinion, significant reform is necessary and would be beneficial. For starters, I believe that the law should clearly favor local community foundations over the big box DAF sponsors like Fidelity Charitable for several reasons.
The Human Side of Estate Planning: Come on in-the water’s fine!!!
you’ll become a much better estate planner, your clients will get significantly better estate plans, fewer clients will resist signing the documents you suggest that they sign, and you’ll be a much more trusted and valued advisor.