Get to the Point: Who Is Scanning QR Codes? Here's a Quick Update.

This is the same technology used by SendOutCards for their brand new video cards! How cool is this, send a card, include a personalized message and some photos and a video! You use your smart phone to scan the QR Code that takes you to your personalized video. Technology is amazing. Want to know more about SendOutCards and this cool new technology? Contact me. CardDivas.com.

Get to the Point: Who Is Scanning QR Codes? Here's a Quick Update.

Planning for Your Pets Workshop

Join me for a Planning for Your Pets Workshop. We'll discuss not only the importance of planning, but making sure your pets are provided for in the event of your disability or death.

Planning for Your Pets Workshop

Drug Labeling Blues: How Far Should Veterinarians Go to Ensure Their Patients Are Being Dosed Correctly? | PetMD

This is a problem for both pet and humans. Read your labels carefully.

Drug Labeling Blues: How Far Should Veterinarians Go to Ensure Their Patients Are Being Dosed Correctly? | PetMD

Proposed Medicaid Legislation - Hoyt & Bryan May Lunch & Learn

This is our last Lunch and Learn before our summer siesta. We will reconvene in the fall.

We hope anyone interested in Medicaid and Asset Protection Planning for Long Term Care will join us for this legislative update. The Florida legislature has been busy this year, discussing all types of possible changes to the Medicaid system.

We'll look forward to seeing you there!

May Lunch & Learn Register Today

The IRS Tightens Screws on Trust Tax Returns

The IRS Tightens Screws on Trust Tax Returns

Downunder Horsemanship - Training Tip of the Week

Horse enthusiasts, take note. Clinton Anderson's tip of the week may just come in handy.

Downunder Horsemanship

3 Reasons Why It’s Ok to Misspell Your Website’s Keywords

We are all interested in getting to the top of the search engine charts. As a result SEO (search engine optimization) has become very fashionable. Gloria Rand has an interesting take on this popular subject.

Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce Group News | LinkedIn

Does Beefing Up Our MRSA Protection Mean More Meat-lessness? | PetMD

Probably just another good reason not to eat meat. I've been meat free for over two years now. Admittedly, I still do eat fish, but no chicken, pork, beef, lamb, etc. I feel really good.

Does Beefing Up Our MRSA Protection Mean More Meat-lessness? | PetMD

Tax Cuts in Tallahassee for the Disabled

A few weeks ago, Governor Rick Scott announced $170 million in spending cuts that would affect the Agency for Personal with Disabilities and their ability to make payments to service providers. An estimated 30,000 Floridians with sever developmental disabilities receive services that help them live in their homes.

As a result of the announced cuts, hundred of individuals representing advocates for the disabled converged on Florida's Capital to voice their disapproval to Governor Scott.

In response, the Governor's office issued the following statement:

Providers To Get Full Rates Restored,
At Least For The Moment

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT LIFTS EMERGENCY RULE FOR APD
Reaches deal with House and Senate to release funds for services

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced an agreement with the House and Senate that would provide an infusion of cash that will prevent the Agency for Persons with Disabilities from discontinuing services.

“I thank Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon for joining me to protect the community APD serves, and I applaud the hard work of the staff at APD for finding a solution to this problem,” Governor Scott stated. “After years of deficit spending that put these services at risk, I’m glad that we’re taking steps to finally bring responsible financial management to this agency and the people they serve.”

After an Inspector General report disclosed that the agency would likely run out of cash to pay for needed services in early May due to an unprecedented $174 million budget shortfall, Governor Scott issued an emergency order stretching funds through the end of the fiscal year to avoid any cutoff of services.

The Governor’s Office worked closely with the Legislature to find a way to provide immediate funding so that the Emergency Order could be lifted and to find a long term solution to the problem. Governor Scott also continues to work with the Legislature and members of the disability community to develop strategies to prevent future shortfalls in APD's budget.

Today’s deal lifts a hold on approximately $30 million that will cover the agency’s provider costs through the end of the fiscal year.

From: Governor's Press Office

Thanks to everyone who participated in getting these cuts reversed. We need to support our most vulnerable citizens, providing them with the services they need to live independently.

Legacy For Your Pet Video by Active Lifestyles

This is a video clip of a recent television program - Active Lifestyles on Orange TV - I was interviewed on. On the program I discuss the importance of planning for your pets.

Legacy For Your Pet Video by Active Lifestyles

Leverage Your Marketing Dollar with Social Media

Leverage Your Marketing Dollar with Social Media

Attend Truth About Estate Planning Workshop

Attend Truth About Estate Planning Workshop

10 Strange Will And Testaments - Investopedia - Personal Finance - Forbes

One thing this article says is true, everyone needs an estate plan. If you don't have one, your state has one for you! It probably will not be what you wanted or expected. The best way to create an estate plan is by design, not by default. For more information, attend a complimentary information workshop at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC.

10 Strange Will And Testaments - Investopedia - Personal Finance - Forbes

Digitize Business Cards with a Phone App « Marketing for Home Builders, Professional Speaker, Internet Expert :: Meredith Oliver

Thanks to Meredith for this great information. I have hundreds of business cards I've collected.

Digitize Business Cards with a Phone App « Marketing for Home Builders, Professional Speaker, Internet Expert :: Meredith Oliver

Service Dog Scammery, Redux | PetMD

This is not a topic I've ever given much thought. Yes, I've thought about service dogs--love to see the benefits the provide to the disabled. What I hadn't thought about was the fact that people really would fake a dog's credentials in order to gain their dog access to places restricted to dogs. Good thought provoking article.

Service Dog Scammery, Redux | PetMD

Estate Planning Issues Following Divorce

This is a great reminder that when our life changes in a substantial way--like divorce that our estate planning and beneficiary designations need to be reviewed and updated. For more information attend one of our upcoming educational workshops at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC.


Estate Planning Issues Following Divorce

Autism Society - National Autism Awareness Month

Autism is a growing concern. Nearly 1 in 70 boys will be diagnosed with autism. Families with autism need education and guidance to assist with all of their planning options. Let's join together to become aware of autism. Support the Autism Society and National Autism Awareness month.



Autism Society - National Autism Awareness Month

Liza Horvath: Exploring special needs trusts - MontereyHerald.com :

Planning for the special needs of a special needs child requires a commitment to getting it done right. Lisa points out the importance of special needs trusts when planning for individuals who may be or become government benefits recipients. For more information on special needs planning, attend our workshop, Special People, Special Planning - Creating a Safe Legal Haven for Families with Special Needs. Also, plan to join us for our upcoming special needs conference in August hosted by The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC.



Liza Horvath: Exploring special needs trusts - MontereyHerald.com :

More wills now including digital assets

This is a topic that needs a lot more attention. Many of us are creating online brands and reputations that we haven't even considered how we are going to protect. If you have digital assets that need protection, see a board certified estate planning attorney today!



More wills now including digital assets

Who Will Take Care of Your Pet If Something Happens to You? - Bloomingdale, FL Patch

Thanks for keeping people informed about the importance of planning for their pets. For more information read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet" by attorney Peggy R. Hoyt, available on Amazon.com and LegacyForYourPet.com.



Who Will Take Care of Your Pet If Something Happens to You? - Bloomingdale, FL Patch

Why Our Dogs Die... | PetMD

Sad topic, true. I lost two dogs last year. Both to some form of stomach cancer. Really got me thinking about the dog food they eat. I've changed to a better brand. Costs, more but it's worth it.

Sometimes our pets do die first. It's like losing a child--certainly a member of your family. Grieving for a pet has all of the traditional phases as grieving for a friend or family member. It takes time to heal. I think having more than one pet helps. For more information on pet loss and grieving, I have a chapter in "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet."

Why Our Dogs Die... | PetMD

What happens to Fido when you die? | Prism Money | Analysis & Opinion | Reuters.com

As you can see, planning for your pets is a popular topic all over the United States. For more information on protecting your pets, read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet".

What happens to Fido when you die? | Prism Money | Analysis & Opinion | Reuters.com

Furry Beneficiaries

You probably know I'm passionate about pets. Well, I'm also passionate about estate planning for pets. In fact, you can read all about this passion in my book "All My Children Wear Fur Coats- How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet." In addition to some of the suggestions contained in the article below, I recommend considering separating the different roles that might be provided for the pet. You may have caregivers, trustees and an Animal Care Panel (tm) charged with overseeing caregivers and making care recommendations to trustees. I also suggest using a disinterested trustee such as Animal Care Trust (ask me for additional information).

It is good advice to fund your trust carefully despite the fact I don't agree with the Leona Helmsley decision to reduce the amount she left to her beloved Trouble. She should be able to leave whatever amount of money she feels is appropriate to her pet. After all, it's her money, she earned it and paid taxes on it. She should have the ability to decide how it's distributed at her death. We don't limit how much we leave to human children (now there's a novel idea).

Our pets deserve protection both during and after our lifetime. Estate planning for pets is becoming increasingly more popular and attorneys are starting to embrace this idea more fully--especially if they have their client's best interests at heart. And there's nothing closer to my heart than my pets. Happy planning!

Furry Beneficiaries

Sentient property: a novel animal law proposal - September 15, 2004

This is an old article (2004) but the information is still valid. Our legal system still treats animals like personal property - the same as desks and chairs. Anyone who loves animals know they are more like children (See "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet). I applaud Carolyn Matlock for her efforts on behalf of animals.

Sentient property: a novel animal law proposal - September 15, 2004

Midweek-Mojo---See-You-at-3-00!

These are terrific words of wisdom from my friend Jenn Lee. If you are like most people, opposites attract. My husband Joe and I couldn't be more different either, except we've found a way to make our relationship work - for almost 21 years now! Life is preciously short and free time comes at a premium. Let's take Jenn's advice! See you at 3:00!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Midweek-Mojo---See-You-at-3-00--.html?soid=1102064778872&aid=K74FEaP7gvQ

What did you learn from you business today?

Every day our businesses have something to teach us. For some of us, it’s learning that a law practice is not simply the practice of law, it is being in the business of providing legal services. I think there’s a significant difference. Robert Kiyosaki, author of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series was right. You can be an employee, you can own a job, you can own a business or you can be an investor.
.

Most small business owners simply own a job. They day they stop showing up is the day they no longer get a paycheck. As a result, you can feel like you are simply a hamster on a wheel—constantly running but never getting any closer to your goal. I know I felt that way when I was an employee. Before opening my own law practice in 1999, I had never been anything but an employee. I always worked for someone else, under someone else’s rules. Although I got a paycheck at the end of every week, I never felt like I had any control over my future—it all depended on what someone else thought.

When I had my “entrepreneurial seizure,” a term coined by Michael Gerber in The E-Myth, and decided to open my own law firm, I was terrified. What did I know about running a business? I had a good background. I was well educated with a double major undergraduate business degree AND an MBA from Stetson University. I had a law degree and I had worked for more than fifteen years in other people’s businesses. Little did I know what it was really going to take to run a successful business.

In hindsight, probably the smartest thing I did was bring one of my team members with me when I ventured out on my own. I didn’t know how I was going to pay her salary (or my own) but her presence, diligence and commitment to my success were key in getting me off on the right foot. She was able to concentrate on the smaller details of running the business like buying the office supplies, making the coffee, answering the phone, doing the filing, etc. while I was able to focus on my unique abilities—primarily the ability to attract new business and provide legal advice.

It wasn’t long before I knew I didn’t want to practice on my own—in fact, I knew this before I ever started, but it took me a few months to convince my partner, Randy Bryan, to give up the security of his employee paycheck and join me in our venture, known as The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan. It’s now been twelve years. We’ve had three offices of increasing size, numerous full and part-time team members who have all contributed to our success. We own our building, have two associate attorneys we are grooming for a front and center rule in our practice and a core of long-term team members that make every day possible. We might still own a job, but everyday get closer to the dream of owning a business—one that operates well even when we aren’t there.

I learn something new every day. What did you learn today?

Gimme a Break! How Hard Can It Be to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth? | PetMD

This is good advice. However, I have not had good success brushing Leiden's teeth (or any of my other 4 dogs). Notwithstanding, they get a regular dental checkups at the veterinarian's office. Required for Leiden because her breath get so bad! We could all try to do better on brushing. Bones just don't cut it!

Gimme a Break! How Hard Can It Be to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth? | PetMD

Conscious Living Guide

This newsletter is written by my friend Christine Agro. We were introduced by the universe and she was a tremendous help to me with my horse Tahoe. She is a unique spirit.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-Conscious-Living-Guide--TM--Volume-1--Issue-17.html?soid=1102390472168&aid=kYnXXPSMdyg

The Gratitude Effect

This is a recent article produced by Debbie Roser and myself regarding the importance of gratitude in our daily lives. We both keep a daily gratitude journal (Gratitude Expressions available on Amazon.com and a companion to our book Thank Everybody for Everything - How to Grow Your Life and Business with Gratitude). It helps to keep us focused on the importance of gratitude in our daily lives. There is always something to be grateful for.

Peggy-Hoyt-Debbie-Roser-The-Gratitude-Effect.pdf (application/pdf Object)

My Own Story of Animal Rescue

Here's a story about a Floridian interacting with nature. We are so lucky in Central Florida. Not only do we have awesome horseback riding - miles and miles and thanks to people like Caren Stauffer who advocates for the equestrians like crazy, we are getting even more. One of my favorite places - to ride or hike or bike is Orlando Wetlands Park. You have never seen so much wildlife. I saw a Bobcat last year. Recently we saw two young otters who played and swam for us for about forty-five minutes. If we had been on foot, they would have been gone. However, since we were on horses, they were absolutely fascinated. They thought we were the wildlife! There are also tons of birds and lots of alligators! If you've got some time, check it out - only no pets allowed - too many gators!

My Own Story of Animal Rescue

When Pets Outlive Owners, 'Retirement Homes' Offer Refuge

Veterinary schools are starting to offer perpetual care programs to address this very specific, but real need. Planning for your pets is essential. You cannot assume your family or friends are willing or able to take care of your pets. They are your pets and they are your responsibility. I encourage each and every one of my clients to include their pets in some way as part of their estate planning. In addition to the suggested veterinary school suggestions, you can make a specific distribution of the pet to a trusted family member of friend. You can make a distribution of your pet along with a sum of money for the lifetime care of the pet (a better option. Or you can create a trust for the lifetime care of their pet naming a trusted caregiver, trustee and perhaps an Animal Care Panel(tm) for overseeing both the trustee and the pet caregiver. Bottom line, it is essential you have a plan for your pet. You can get more information in "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet."

When Pets Outlive Owners, 'Retirement Homes' Offer Refuge

Does Florida's Constitution Provide Homestead Protection for Same-Sex Couples?

I found this article online. It raises some really good questions for unmarried and same sex couples. We believe that an unmarried couple who owns their home as joint tenants with rights of survivorship will not be affected by the restrictions on descent and devise faced by a single owner who is survived by a minor child. Florida law offers a new homestead trust to provide protection for minor children. For more information, read this article. We offer educational workshops for individuals and couples who have estate planning concerns. You can get more information at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan website.
Does Florida's Constitution Provide Homestead Protection for Same-Sex Couples?

iPad apps for children with special needs

iPad apps for children with special needs

Special Parents, Special Planning

Last night I had the opportunity to talk with a group of parents at Pace Brantley School. We were talking about the importance of planning for children with special needs. I applaud these parents for taking the time out of their busy schedules to pursue educational information to make excellent choices for their children.

Many children with disabilities will never live independently. As a result, there is an obligation to create a plan that anticipates what life will be like when the parents are no longer capable of providing round-the-clock guidance.

Yet, we live in a world where our mantra is, "When I win the lottery," and "If I die." We all know this isn't realistic but we prefer to think that only good things will happen to us and that death is still eons away.

Parents of special needs children must consider the possibility of planning with Special Needs Trusts and need to become informed about Guardian Advocacy for when their children turn 18 and are legally considered adults, capable of making all of their own financial and health related decisions.

I am committed to continue to provide education to families with special needs. For a complete listing of upcoming educational programs at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC please visit our website. You can also read "Special People, Special Planning - Creating a Safe Legal Haven for Families with Special Needs" available through the law firm or on Amazon.com.

Congratulations to those parents who have taken the time to begin this journey.

Attention solo and small firm legal practioners!

If you missed this weekend's Solo and Small Firm Conference held at the Hyatt in Weston, Florida, then hopefully you'll join us next year. This conference was awesome, with more than 100 attendees, lots of fantastic speakers and awesome sponsors. The General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar hosts this annual event and you are invited! If you want to do more, be more and have more, this is the place for you. This is not another dry and boring legal seminar teaching technical subjects. This is where you learn how to hone your entrepreneurial skills and become a truly successful business person - and not just one who spends their entire life at their desk. Balance between work and play is essential to our daily growth, happiness and satisfaction.

Stand out speakers were Steve Riley teaching us how to control entrepreneurial seizures and make significantly more money. I've been a fan of Steve's for many years and he has taught me a tremendous number of ways to be more successful. We also heard from Adriana Linares, one of the best speakers on technology, bar none. She's both bright and beautiful, with amazing tips on how to use our technology to be more productive. She was joined by Nicole Black, author of Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier. Nicole gave us very practical social media tips, as well as ethics. I was thrilled to meet her as I based much of my presentation on her book. Steve Teppler told us all about e-discovery and meta data - he knows just about everything there is to know on the topic. Jim Collins and Randall Borkus talked to us about the importance of collaboration as solo - frankly you just can't know it all - you just have to know who to call. Rick Georges had great tips on social media and discovering information about witnesses. He reminded us how much information is available on the Internet - not just about people we want to know about, but for people who want to know about us! Watch what you post! Kevin Johnson, a member of the Executive Council had an excellent presentation on 21st Century Employment Law - now that's a guy you want to have on your team!

I've not mentioned everyone, but we appreciate the efforts of all of our speakers! I'm ready to hit the ground running this morning with lots of things "to do" on my list.

See you next year!

The Invisible Threat: How Pet Imports Are Undermining Animal Health and Welfare | PetMD

The Invisible Threat: How Pet Imports Are Undermining Animal Health and Welfare | PetMD