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Legal BriefsFamily Trusts Are Not Just For The WealthyEBy Kathleen Cassidy Goodman, PLLCveryone has heard someone referred to as a “trust baby,” and the assumption is that he or she isthe child of a wealthy parent. But that is not always the situation. A Trust may be used by just ordinary people with a house and small savings. Contrary to the wide spread belief, a Trust is a method some parents, or a spouse, use to protect their loved ones from being taken advantage of or to protect their beneficiaries from themselves. While a Will is used to transfer your assets to individuals upon your death, a Trust can contain provisions that limit the amount of money a beneficiary is to receive. You can even set out the method to disburse your gift to them over time. You may have concerns about a beneficiary’s ability to manage his or her affairs, or you may have a vulnerable child. With a Trust you can limit a beneficiary’s ability to access all of their inheritance all at one time. You can distribute a small amount of a beneficiary’s inheritance at regular intervals, to prevent them from making bad choices or being taken advantage of by others.Assets held in Trust are usually protected from creditors of the beneficiaries. For example, if you pass away and give your assets to your children in your Will, upon your death they may never see the money. If they are deep in debt, their creditors maySATURDAY MARKETCustom handcrafted faux floral wreaths and arrangements for your home, office or special event.Inside The Oasis Salon Suites & Spa1826 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78248 | 210.951.0101(210) 277-0065 • dimartinospizzeriasa.com• Pizza • Calzones• Salads • Subs • WingsBUSINESS HOURS:Mon: Closed • Tue - Thu: 11am- 9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm • Sun. Closed25020 Blanco Rd, Suite 130 San Antonio, TX 78260We Deliver!$5.00 OFF any specialty pizza! Bring in or mention this ad • Expires 9-30-25We Are Almost FULL, Come See Why!!Welcome toHome sweet HomeCome take a tour and enjoy an amazing culinary experience in our beautiful dining room!Call Tina for more information!(210) 404-144418323 Sonterra Place San Antonio, Texas 78258Independent and Assisted Livingwww.franklinpark.orgLearn More About Us at...franklinpark.org#104458OPPORTUNITYtake their inheritance – the money you worked so hard to obtain.Another valuable benefit of a Trust is that a Trust can be used if you become incapacitated. Even though you are incapacitated, your Trust can continue to manage your private assets without the need for any court involvement. A Trust is not normally filed with the Courts and the details and the amount of your estate may be kept private. Yes, a Trust is more expensive initially, but if properly prepared and operated during your life, your beneficiaries will be able to avoid probate and the associated fees.Kathleen Cassidy Goodman is an attorney in areas of estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and business law. She can be reached at her office in Helotes at (210) 949-1000 or for more information, visit www.bexarlaw.comActivities That Exercise The BrainPBy Stafflives.Speaking a new language opens up newopportunities for travel and socialization and also strengthens the brain. This enhanced connectivity might play a role in delaying the onset of dementias, according to researchers.Trying something new might stimulate the brain in ways that improve its function. A cognitively demanding skill, such as photography, playing an instrument and other activities could enhance memory function. Teaching such skills to others also can reinforce brain functions.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that dancing might help combat Alzheimer's disease by improving bloodcirculationthroughoutthebody.Italso forces a person's memory and processing speed to work at a higher capacity through learning the choreography.Crossword puzzles, word searches, word games, and brain teaser-like puzzles are entertaining and work the brain. Research has shown that even doing jigsaw puzzleseople of all ages can benefit from incorporating activities that exercise the brain into their daily"recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging," according to Healthline.Socializing with other people can stimulate attention and memory. This helps to strengthen neural networks in the brain that makes the brain work harder. This increase in mental activity can pay off in the long run. Socialization is also beneficial for mental health, especially among older adults who tend to be more isolated.People are often concerned with giving their bodies a workout, but they also should focus on activities that strengthen their brains.September 2025www.stoneoakhighlights.com 15EQUAL HOUSING