September 2025 Newsletter
Dear Reader,
As the rhythm of fall settles in—school routines restart, calendars fill up, and the pace picks up—many of us find a renewed sense of focus. In my law practice, this season often becomes a time to re-engage with important tasks, especially for clients who began their estate planning earlier in the year but set it aside over the summer. Now is the perfect moment to revisit those plans and make sure they’re moving toward completion.
This month’s newsletter highlights three September “recognition days” that connect directly to issues we frequently discuss with clients. Each article offers practical insight, whether you focus on the one most relevant to you or review all three for a broader perspective.
First: National 401(k) Day (September 5)
Aligned with Labor Day, this observance prompts us to consider how retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, fit into your overall estate plan.
Second: Stepfamily Day (September 16)
We work closely with blended—or “bonus”—families, and it’s crucial to address their unique planning challenges. Too often, older estate plans become outdated when family structures change. Thoughtful planning ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected.
Third: National Centenarians Day (September 22)
As a colleague once remarked, “We are living longer—but are we living better?” A strong estate plan includes strategies to support quality of life as we age, including the possibility of increased care needs.
At Lannik Law, we hope these articles help you identify areas where planning now can give you peace of mind and ensure that important matters truly get done.
Warm regards,
-Susana
Happy National 401(k) Day!
Bookending the first week of September with Labor Day is a less recognized holiday that may not get much national attention but should if you are planning for your future: National 401(k) Day. Though we are in an era of overall declining economic confidence, many Americans are still somewhat upbeat about their retirement savings. However, how you feel about your 401(k) account may not reflect what is actually in it. Read more to learn about how National 401(k) Day is an ideal opportunity to take stock and ensure that your plans keep pace with your expectations—for both yourself and your loved ones.
Stepfamily Day: Smart Estate Planning for Blended Families
Happy National Stepfamily Day to all who celebrate it! At its heart, National Stepfamily Day on September 16th is a celebration of second chances and the resilience it takes to embrace the unique challenges of blending families. Read more to learn about how those challenges can extend beyond trying to get along as “one big happy family” and into financial and legal realms where planning for the future requires as much care and sensitivity as navigating the family relationships themselves.
National Centenarians Day: Planning for a Longer Life (and Legacy)
Who wants to live to be 100? That depends on who you ask. The number of Americans who are 100 years old or older has nearly tripled over the past three decades and is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years. Though an aging population is a public policy challenge, reaching age 100—and beyond—is also a personal milestone that more Americans than ever are celebrating. Read more to learn about how your financial and estate plans need to keep pace with that new reality.
Adventures in Katmai: A Wild Perspective on Family Planning
I have the good fortune to have a son, Sam, whose passion is wildlife photography. Each year, he’s kind enough to include me on one of his trips—and although I’m usually the only non-photographer in the group, I never feel out of place. I love studying the animals, observing their behavior, and learning about their survival instincts. These outdoor adventures bring together groups of photographers whose talents and enthusiasm mirror Sam’s, and I truly enjoy getting to know them—they’re often intelligent, sensitive, and a lot of fun!
A special bonus? I get to enjoy the stunning photos Sam captures. One of his images is featured above.
This summer, our travels took us to Katmai National Park in Alaska to observe brown bears in their natural environment. At this time of year, they feast on spawning salmon and berries—preparing for the winter ahead—which makes it an ideal (and safe!) time to photograph them. So focused on stocking up, they paid little attention to us, even when they wandered as close as 5, 10, or 20 feet away.
The photo above shows two sibling bears engaged in a lively (and somewhat rough!) play session. If you have siblings of your own, this scene might put your past squabbles into perspective!
As an Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney, I couldn’t help but reflect:
My goal is to help families avoid “disputes” like these through thoughtful, proactive planning.
Warm regards,
-Susana
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Hear how families describe their experience working with our firm.
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"Impressed"I found attorney Lannik professional, courteous, and gave honest feedback without passing judgement on the other attorney. She was very gracious, listened attentively, and offered her perspective.- Dan U.
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"Highly Recommend"She was very helpful in putting my funds in the correct places to protect my assets.- Mary D.
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