Client Newsletters 2011

By April 11, 2011 March 31st, 2021 No Comments

January 3, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Happy New Year! Please note that in January our office will be closed on January 17th for Martin Luther King Day as well as January 26th – 28th for vacation days. In February, our office will be closed on February 21st for the federal holiday, George Washington’s Birthday.

On December 14th, I enjoyed chairing a continuing legal education course for the Washington State Bar Association, “Harnessing the Power of the Internet for your Practice.” Topics included internet investigations, cloud computing, and the ethics of social media, including the importance of protecting client confidences while using social networking sites. I strongly believe that attorneys can use technology to serve their clients in more efficient and cost effective ways, so I appreciated this opportunity to provide service to the legal community, and learn about new technologies that can benefit all of you.

On February 24th, Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners and I will give a workshop at Merrill Gardens retirement community in Mill Creek. We’ll focus on estate related work that most of us either need to tackle for the first time or to review, including estate planning, updating beneficiary designations on bank and retirement accounts, etc. Also, we will discuss how thoughtful, deliberate work in estate and financial planning can serve as part of your personal legacy, in terms of charitable contributions, end of life communications to family and friends, ensuring pets and other family members are properly cared for, etc. How can your estate planning best reflect your values? I enjoy delving into the details, and helping attendees with their unique concerns. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please contact my office.

Here is a link to a December 17, 2010 article from the New York Times describing the changes in estate tax law. In brief, the new law sets the estate tax exemption at $5 million, and imposes a 35 percent tax rate on amounts exceeding this exemption. It is set to expire two years from now.

“Concentrated thoughts produce desired results.”  ~ Zig Ziglar

 

February 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

For the third year in a row, I’m thrilled to be named by Seattle Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager. Seattle Magazine selects the recipients for this award based on client and peer evaluations of numerous criteria including: customer service, integrity, knowledge and expertise, communication, value for fee charged, overall satisfaction and overall reputation. Thanks to all of you for your good words and support! I will continue to work hard to meet these standards.

On February 24th, Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners and I will give a workshop at Merrill Gardens retirement community in Mill Creek. We’ll focus on estate related work that most of us either need to tackle for the first time or to review, including estate planning, updating beneficiary designations on bank and retirement accounts, etc. Also, we will discuss how thoughtful, deliberate work in estate and financial planning can serve as part of your personal legacy, in terms of charitable contributions, end of life communications to family and friends, ensuring pets and other family members are properly cared for, etc. How can your estate planning best reflect your values? I enjoy delving into the details, and helping attendees with their unique concerns. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please contact my office.

Please note our office will be closed on February 21st for the federal holiday, George Washington’s Birthday. We will also be closed on March 24th for a vacation day.

“People are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.  That is why they remain bound.”   ~ James Allen

 

March 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Here is a copy of my article “Rebel without a Cause (or a Will) – Meeting the estate-planning needs of younger clients”. This article was published in the February issue of DeNovo, the publication of the Washington State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. I strongly believe that every adult needs to tackle their estate planning issues. Although young people tend to procrastinate or not even think about the need to do estate planning, they are not invincible. Younger clients often have compelling needs for this work due to non-marital living arrangements, young children, etc. I hope you find this article interesting! Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

In last month’s newsletter, I did not mention that I was on the radio in late January! I was the featured guest on AM 1150, Femme Finance, discussing the implications of the new tax bill signed into law by President Obama on December 17th. I focused on the estate tax aspects of this bill, and also discussed how the new tax bill impacts businesses. I was excited to be able to address the strengths and weaknesses of this bill before a national radio audience. I shared my frustrations at having a two-year compromise on the moving target of the federal estate tax exemption, rather than a permanent solution. If any of you heard the show, please let me know what you thought!

Please note our office will be closed on March 24th for a vacation day.

“Genius is divine perseverance. Genius I cannot have, but perseverance all can have.”   ~ Woodrow Wilson.

 

April 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

On May 3rd, I’m excited to speak to the Seattle chapter of Ladies Who Launch, as part of a panel discussion entitled, “Biz Basics – 1+2+3 = Answers.” Ladies Who Launch is a national organization of women entrepreneurs. For more information, please contact our office or visit the Ladies Who Launch website at www.ladieswholaunch.com.

I recently joined Women’s Business Exchange (“WBE”), and am looking forward to actively participating in this group. WBE’s mission statement states, in part, “WBE is committed to creating a community of compassionate leaders. We empower women to grow personally and professionally by providing opportunities for leadership, networking and mentoring.” Please see www.wbex.org for more information about WBE.

Please note our office will be closed on May 30th – June 3rd for scheduled vacation days. If you need any work to be done during this period, please let our office know as soon as possible. In addition, Lisa Vargo will be out of the office on vacation April 18th – 21st.

“I am not here just to make a living; I am here to make a life.” Helice Bridges

 

May 2, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Enclosed please find a copy of my article, “Don’t be a Rebel without a Will.” The Puget Sound Business Journal published this article on March 25th. I’m excited that the Puget Sound Business Journal published this piece! It’s important to remind people that, like it or not, we are not invincible. Estate planning is important and appropriate for people of all ages and all asset levels. Many people think that, if they are young, healthy, middle or lower income, childless, single, busy, or ____________ (fill in the blank) – estate planning is not appropriate for them. This misperception prevents them from helping the people who love them. If you care about the people you leave behind, you’ll want to create a clear path for how everything should be handled – even if you don’t have children or a large estate.

The reality is, if you have even one important person in your life, you should have up to date estate planning documents. By doing so, you’ll make sure that person is well taken care of, and not forced to clean up the messy situation you left behind by dying without a Will. If you have any questions about my article, or if you’d like to do some initial estate planning or update your existing documents, please let me know. I’ll be happy to help.

Please note our office will be closed for vacation days on May 30th – June 3rd, and also on June 29th – July 4th.

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you do not try.” Beverly Sills

 

June 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

After months of hard work, I’m pleased to report that our brand new website is now up and running! Please check it out at https://www.staceyromberg.com. You’ll find that the site has many new features, such as search capacity, in order to make it more user friendly – in addition to podcasts, videos, and other bells and whistles! I enjoyed working on the site, and certainly learned much in the process about WordPress and site development. I would love to hear from you about what you think! Please give me a call or e-mail me with your feedback.

Also, in conjunction with the new site, I have a new Facebook business page at: http://www.facebook.com/StaceyRombergAttorneyatLaw. I’d appreciate it if you would “Like” me on Facebook since I’m trying to build up a following! I’m also on Twitter, with the user name of “StaceyRomberg”. On my new website, you can easily connect with me on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the appropriate icons.

I would love to follow my clients as well! Please let me know if you have a Facebook business account and/or a Twitter account, so I’m able to connect with you and track all of your successes.

Please note that, other than the administrative task of preparing invoices, our office will be closed for vacation days on May 30th – June 3rd. The office will also be closed on June 29th – July 4th. We tend to be especially busy right before and right after the closure dates. Please keep that in mind as we coordinate your work so we can remain on track!

“Success is the prize for those who stand true to their ideas.” John S. Hinds.

 

July 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Happy summer! I’m excited to report that I’m now a brand new member of the Northwest Entrepreneurial Network, or “NWEN.” www.NWEN.org. NWEN is a non-profit organization that, pursuant to its mission statement, is “dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed.” A significant part of my legal practice is, to be precise, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed! Since our values line up so well, I’m truly happy to have joined NWEN. I look forward to opportunities to learn more about the challenges facing entrepreneurs in this rocky economy, so that I can become a more valuable resource for my clients.

On June 8th, both Lisa Vargo and I attended a continuing legal education (“CLE”) course sponsored by the King County Bar Association covering 2010 legislative and case updates in Washington estate planning and probate law. We found it to be helpful, and appreciated the opportunity to stay current. In addition, on July 25th, Lisa will attend a CLE sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association regarding the 2011 Washington Trust Act. This Act, which will go into effect on January 1, 2012, will significantly impact the administration of Washington trusts. Both Lisa and I will be spending time to study this new Act, passed during the last legislative session, to make sure we can properly advise you regarding these changes.

Please note that our office will be closed for vacation days on August 19th, and also on September 5th – 9th. We tend to be especially busy right before and right after longer closure dates. Please keep that in mind as we coordinate your work. Let us know in advance if an appointment is needed or work needs to be completed during this time frame – so we can keep on track!

“I would rather fail in a cause that would ultimately succeed, than succeed in a cause that would ultimately fail.” Woodrow Wilson

 

September 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

On September 8th, I will be celebrating my 12th anniversary of starting my own law practice!  Thanks so much to all of you for your support and business. I’m grateful every day to have my own business, and work with such wonderful clients!

On September 21st, as a member of Seattle’s Estate Planning Council, I’ll be attending a presentation regarding the revisions to Washington’s trust law, which will become effective in January of 2012. I’m excited to learn more about these changes, and to be better prepared to advise all of you on how the new law may impact trust preparation and administration.

On September 28th, I’m looking forward to being a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism,” be held in the WSBA’s conference center in downtown, Seattle. This program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. I’ve participated in these programs three times previously, and am excited to have been invited back once again! For more information, please contact my office or visit www.wsba.org. In addition, I’ve enclosed a flyer on the program for your review.

Please note that our office will be closed for vacation days during the week after Labor Day weekend, September 5th – 9th. In addition, we will be closed on October 10th for the Columbus Day holiday.

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” Jim Rohn

 

October 3, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

On September 21st, as a member of Seattle’s Estate Planning Council, I attended a presentation regarding the revisions to Washington’s trust law, which will become effective in January of 2012. I found it productive to learn more about these changes, and to be better prepared to advise all of you on how the new law may impact trust preparation and administration. If you have any questions about the new trust law, please feel free to contact my office.

On September 24th, I once again participated in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program, “Biz Fair.” Biz Fair is a free event, allowing future business owners to attend a variety of courses to help them launch their new enterprises. I taught two classes for budding entrepreneurs, focusing on a variety of legal issues including choosing a business entity, contracts, and commercial leases. The enthusiasm of the participants is contagious! For more information about the Biz Fair program, please see: www.bizfair.org.

On September 28th, I enjoyed being a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism,” held at the WSBA’s conference center in downtown, Seattle. This program focused on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and discussed how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. This presentation was my fourth time participating in this program! It’s such a pleasure to engage with a smart group of lawyers who share my commitment of increasing the standards of legal professionalism and ethics.

Please note that our office will be closed on October 10th for the Columbus Day holiday. In addition, we will be closed on November 21st through 25th for Thanksgiving.

“The path to success is to take massive determined action.” Anthony Robbins

Like us? Let us know at: http://www.facebook.com/StaceyRombergAttorneyatLaw.

 

November 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

This Thanksgiving season, I’m grateful that I work with such wonderful clients! I hope you enjoy this hearty fall recipe:

Green Chile Stew

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbs. minced garlic
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 ribs celery, sliced
Kosher salt
2 tbs. chopped fresh oregano
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. coriander seeds, toasted and ground
1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted and ground
12 to 15 medium Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped, or 32-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 lb. green chilies, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 lb. potatoes, cubed
4 cups vegetable stock
16 ounce can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
(Non-Vegetarian Option – 1 lb. of chicken, chopped, and sautéed until cooked in olive oil and up to 5 tbs. garlic)

1. Heat olive oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Add onion, celery and 1 tsp. salt. Stir to coat with oil and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until celery releases its liquid. Add oregano and spices. Stir well, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes and green chilies. Stir well. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Add potatoes, another tsp. salt, and stock. Stir well. Cover and let stock reach a boil. Stir occasionally to keep bottom from burning. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced easily with a fork. About 10 minutes.

4. Add pinto beans and stir well. (Add in chicken if desired). Cover and cook another 10 minutes.

5. Serve, if desired, with avocado slices, tortillas, jack cheese and Tabasco!

Please note that our office will be closed on November 11th for Veteran’s Day, and November 21st through 25th for Thanksgiving. In December, our office will be closed on December 26th only.

“I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright

Like our redesigned website? Let us know at: http://www.facebook.com/StaceyRombergAttorneyatLaw.

 

December 1, 2011

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Happy Holidays!

Please note that our office will be closed on December 26th for Christmas. In January, our office will be closed on January 2nd (New Year’s), January 16th (Martin Luther King Day) and January 23rd – 27th (winter vacation).

I understand that the holidays are an especially hectic time. However, I ask that you please remember to pay your bill before the end of this year. Remember, for businesses, legal expenses paid by the end of 2011 will be considered a deductible expense for purposes of calculating your final 2011 federal income tax liability.

During the holidays, I like to focus on connecting with people. To that end, I recently updated our website so that my Twitter feeds appear on the home page. Twitter is fun, and a great way to stay in touch! I’d greatly appreciate it if you could follow me @StaceyRomberg, or by clicking on the Twitter icon on my website. If you tweet, please let me know! I’d love to follow you.

In addition, you can find me on LinkedIn, and also on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/StaceyRombergAttorneyatLaw. Do you have a business page on Facebook? Again, please let me know! I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about your business.

Finally, as the year draws to a close, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of you for your business. I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday season. Enjoy yourselves!

“I have failed over and over again. That is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan

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