S LLmIiVthINakGe a community magazine
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205 - 384 - 6942 New Boat Showroom Landau Pontoon Boat Sales “Brand New 2021 Landau 232 Tri-toon rentals. Powered by 140 four-stroke . Powerful yet fuel efficient. Online booking for pricing and availability.” Bennington Pontoon Boat Sales Call Michael 205-384-6942 for Pontoon Boat Sales • Dry Storage RV Park Area • Pontoon Rentals • Wet Storage • Ship Store • Boat Sales • Boat Service (Routine Service & Appointments) • Fuel 24/7 • R V Park (Applications Required) www.duskinpointmarina.com ~ 198 Duskin Point Road, Jasper, AL 35504 smithlakeliving.com I 3
Duncan Bridge Marina & rV retreat 55 Marina Drive Arley, AL. 35541 duncanmarina3@gmail www.duncanbridgemarina.com 205-387-1208 RV Retreat • Wet / Dry Slip Boat Storage • Public Boat Launch $ 10.00 Fee 205 - 387 - 1208 • Gas - 90 Octane Non Ethanol • Store - Boating Accessories & More • Beach Area - Picnic Tables Duncan Bridge RV Retreat offers long term parking on concrete pads up to 20’ x 50’. All pads have full hook-up and utilities (water, power, sewer, and wi-fi ). The park has year around water with a dock for easy access to water, bath house, and is very convenient to Duncan Bridge Marina. Pricing starts at $ 300 a month.. 4 I smithlakeliving.com
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• 7 Smith Lake Info / Water Level CONTENTS • 56 For the Love of Bells • 9 ALEA Marine Patrol Meeting. By Samantha Acton By Eddie Hand • 62 Shar-itt Farm • 14 A Life of Service By Eddie Hand By Kristine Bullock • 66 Shelbie Z • 20 Flag Dedication - Sheriff’s Crane Hill Field Office By Rachel Sweigard. • 67 SmithLakeLiving™365 • 24 Freedom Insurance Agency - Gloria Williams • 68 A Money Saving Fact from Brian DeWitte By Rachel Sweigard Smith Lake Blind Company • 26 Real Estate Market Trends on Smith Lake • 70 BMS Marine Moves to New Location By Kristine Bullock By Rachel Sweigard •28 N&N Meat Company • 72 Achieving Objectives Shared Participation LTVC Cullman By Rachel Sweigard By Tom Miller •36 Lake League - Poor Man Poker Run • 74 Events By Rachel Sweigard • 38 Are They Equipped? • 78 Advertiser Index By Jeff Roberts Smith Lake Living™ { FALL 2021 } 36 LAKE LEAGUE POOR MAN POKER RUN A Life of Service 14 9 FREEDOM 20 INSURANCE AGENCY ALEA -MARINE PATROL 24 28 N&N Meat Market FLAG DEDICATION www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com 6 | smithlakeliving.com
Boat launch dock @ Smith Lake Dam Smith Lake Info: Elevation above sea level ( Full Pool): 510 feet Area: 21,200 acres Shoreline: 642 miles Lake level depth at dam: 264 feet Watershed drainage area: 944 square miles Smith Lake Dam Facts: In service September 5, 1961 Two generators, rating 78,750 kilowatts each Type Rock-fill Length 2,200 feet Maximum height 300 feet Smith Lake is licensed by FERC with the following uses: energy, flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish/wildlife habitats. Boat Dock at Smith Lake Dam Low Water Level on August 14, 2021 Water Level 502‘ Lake Level - August 14 , 2021 ................... 502.02’ LICK CREEK BOAT RAMP Rule Curve Lake Level August 14 , 2021 ..... 505.9’ A.P.C. Shoreline Permit 3.7 Feet Below Rule Curve Local Office (205) 384-7385 7.8 Feet Below Full Pool Historical Average Lake Level ................ 504’ www.apcshorelines.com Record High Water Level The repair fees for Residential, Multifamily, and March 1973 .......... 521.2’ Commercial dock repairs are for major repairs. Call APC Shoreline for review of your plans. Record Low Water Level October 1971 ........ 488.8’ smithlakeliving.com I 7 Source Corps of Engineers Water Temperature 92 degrees F August 14, 2021
Smith Lake Living FALL 2021 Vol. XVII No.3 Smith Lake Living, LLC Over twenty years of living at Smith Lake has gone by fast, and producing Smith Lake Living, a community magazine, 788 County Road 97 for the past sixteen years has been an honor and blessing, Bremen, AL 35033 and has enabled me to meet so many great lake folks. Editor Over the years, we have witnessed many changes on and around Smith Lake. We have seen an increase in numerous Kristine Bullock things including property values, the number of lake homes, boat traffic, the number of docks, roadway traffic, litter, and Photography full time residents just to name a few. Eddie Hand Smith Lake is a beautiful lake that offers all types of rec- reation for residents and visitors, and holds the title of the Contributing Writers “Cleanest Lake in the State.” * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * Residents and visitors - please help us keep our community * Rachel Sweigard * Tom Miller * litter free. When boating, remember the rules of the road, * Jeff Roberts * Eddie Hand * and be courteous and respectful of other people’s proper- ty. Think before you jump to prevent electric shock drowning, Smith Lake Living Magazine Leave No Mark, and enjoy our clean water and picturesque Published by area Smith Lake Living, LLC See you on the Lake ! Eddie Hand Advertising Publisher For information about advertising Smith Lake Living in Smith Lake Living Magazine, please call “ a community magazine” Eddie Hand 256- 287-1545 Email: [email protected] ISSN 2150-3486 Scan on your smart phone Letters Issued by www.smithlakeliving.com Letters to the publisher are welcome, but must United States Copyright include the writer’s name and a daytime Office phone number. Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Washington, DC SUBSCRIBE TO S LLmIiVthINakGe Cover Smith Lake Living Magazine Lake League ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE Poor Man Poker Run $ 15 check only By Eddie Hand (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) a community magazine Mail to: Smith Lake Living LLC 788 County Road 97 All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be Bremen, AL. 35033 reproduced without written consent of the publisher NAME: ________________________________________ Copyright 2021 Smith Lake Living is a registered ADDRESS:_____________________________________ Trademark owned Smith Lake Living LLC _____________________________________ SMITH LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE is distributed free of charge. CITY | STATE | ZIP CODE PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________FL 21 8 | smithlakeliving.com
ALEA - MARINE PATROL MEETING... AT THE SMITH LAKE CIVIC ASSOCIATION BUILDING Captain Brooks - ALEA Marine Patrol addressed Smith Lake residents about Wakeboard Boats complaints. By Eddie Hand On July 17, 2021, the Smith Lake Civic Associ- Captain Brooks stated that HB–238, which ation hosted a meeting at their facility on Smith Lake did not pass at the last legislative session in Mont- Dam Road. The meeting drew a large crowd of lake gomery, would have made it illegal to travel in a boat residents eager to hear comments from Captain Matt above idle speed within 100 feet of a dock if the Brooks, Deputy Chief with the Marine Patrol Division body of water was 300 feet wide. Also, boats would of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). be required to be at idle speed within 50 feet of a Captain Brooks gave a long address about boating dock if the body of water was less than 300 feet safety, the number of registered boats, the number wide. This bill failed in part because it would have of boating licenses, the rules of the road, required made large areas of Smith Lake idle speed only, vessel equipment, and life jacket requirements. He would have moved all boat traffic to the center of the also provided an overview of division personnel, bud- lake, and changed the licensing requirement terms get, and much more. of recreation in Lewis Smith Lake. Upon completion of his presentation, Captain Brooks opened the meeting for questions. A large Continued on Page 18 amount of lake residents expressed their concerns about shoreline erosion and dock damage from wakeboard boats. smithlakeliving.com I 9
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A Life of Service By Kristine Bullock Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Jim Eason embodies a life that has been lived in service to others. As he has paved his path through this journey on earth, each step has made a difference in the lives of others. Through humility and kindness, Jim reminds us that through serving others not only may we find happiness, but we also may leave this world a little better than we found it. Jim grew up in Cullman, Alabama, and attended West Point School. His family lived on a farm complete with two chicken houses, cows, and at times up to 50 hogs. Jim graduated high school in 1968, and went into service with the Army in 1969. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Becky, and together they proudly celebrate 51 years of marriage. The couple has been blessed with two sons and one granddaughter, who now teaches at Jim’s old alma ma- ter. Jim retired from the Army in May 1995 after serving with the 5th, 7th, Training, and 20th Special Forces Groups. After his retirement, he went on to become a Junior ROTC instructor at Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama for ten years. During his tenth year teaching, he experi- 14 | smithlakeliving.com
Jim Eason - Patriot Guard Rider enced what some may consider a series of miraculous events after being revived from a sudden cardiac arrest. Two days after the incident, Jim had quadruple bypass surgery. He made a prom- ise to himself that as soon as he could do 50 push-ups, he would buy a Harley. Nine weeks later – he did. Jim’s volunteer efforts are in some ways marked by that Harley purchase. He joined the Patriot Guard Riders, a non-profit which ensures dignity and respect at memorial services hon- oring fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans. Jim is also a member of the Alabama Patriot Riders, volunteered with a Prison Ministry Group in Priceville, is an officer of the Litter Trash Cleanup Volunteers (LTCV), and has been president of the Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc., an established group who work toward cleaning Smith Lake, for seven years. Jim and Becky have lived on Smith Lake full time since 2008. The land has been in Becky’s families since her father went off to World War II. The couple started building their insu- lated concrete form home in May 2008, and they moved into the house in January 2009. Becky Continued on Page 16 smithlakeliving.com I 15
GREAT ROOM POOL AREA HOME ENTRANCE LAKE VIEW / DOCK 16 | smithlakeliving.com
Jim rides “Stallion” by Thoroughbree Motosports, Troup, TX. Jim holding safety meeting before lake cleanup. Jim & Volunteers at lake cleanup. is a retired educator, and finished her career as director of the Cullman Area Career Technical School. Jim’s life is marked by the thousands of lives he has undoubtably touched. His story is a reminder that we were put on this earth to serve, and our journeys may be all the more enriched as a result. Jim lovingly remarks, “none of this would have been possible without Becky’s love and support.” g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 17
Smith Lake Living attended the meeting as well as an after-hours discussion. Captain Brooks stated that the ALEA would not limit the law to specific boat types, meaning that if the bill passes, the idle speed requirement would be required for all boats. For residents living in sloughs like Pigeon Roost or Clear Creek, they would have to maintain idle speeds when going fishing in the back of their slough. Captain Brooks reported that the ALEA hopes to see the idle speed only bill back in the 2022 legislative session in Montgom- ery. Several points came up in the meeting including the fact that there has been an increase in homes, people, boats, docks, and the population is expected to continue to increase. Smith Lake Living hopes that everyone can enjoy our beautiful lake while being courteous to others and respectful of other people’s property. g hSmith Lake Livingtm State Senator Jabo Waggoner introduced ALEA Marine Troopers 18 | smithlakeliving.com
190 2020 The #1 Listing and Selling Realtor on Smith Lake. smithlakeliving.com I 19
FLAG DEDICATION SHERIFF’S CRANE HILL FIELD OFFICE A flag and flag pole were dedicated on July 29, 2021 at the Cullman County Sherriff ’s Office in Crane Hill. Woodmen of the World graciously donated the flag, which was presented by Josh Drummond. The invocation was given by Larry Guthrie, and the Cold Springs High School Band performed the National Anthem. An honor guard was present, which consist- ed of local community veterans. The event was a great success thanks to members of the community. Matt Gentry, a Cullman County Sheriff, stated, “It is such a privilege and honor to be able to dedicate this flag to our community. This flag is a symbol of our great country, and will serve as a reminder of the free- doms we receive at the cost of our founding fathers, veterans, and serving military.” g hSmith Lake Livingtm LOCAL VETERANS CULLMAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTIES & STAFF 20 | Cold Springs High School Band,William Johnson,Band Director Sheriff Matt Gentry, Commissioner Chairman Jeff Clements, Deputy Jim Butts smithlakeliving.com
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Lakeshore Inn & Marina Lodge • SPACIOUS , CLEAN & COMFORTABLE ROOMS Marina ~ Boat Storage • STANDARD KING, DOUBLE ROOMS & SUITES Pontoon Rentals • LAKESIDE PATIO, PICNIC TABLES, & STUNNING Floating Gas Dock ~ VIEW OF BEAUTIFUL SMITH LAKE 24 hour credit card service. • TV, WET BAR & MINI-FRIDGE • NO SMOKING / NO PETS (205) 489-2462 Lakeshore Inn & Marina www.lakeshoreinnandmarina.com 364 East Lakeshore Drive Double Springs, AL. 35553 BAR & GRILL • DRINK SPECIALS smithlakeliving.com I 7 • SPECIALTY DRINKS • 13 LED TV’S • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY WEEKEND 22 I smithlakeliving.com
14538 County Road 222 Crane Hill, Alabama 35053 L to R Kayla Reel (Realtor), Christine Patterson (Realtor), Connie Teems (Broker/Owner), Tonya Freeman (Realtor), Riley Harris (Office Manager). Here at Integrity Real Estate, our goal is to assist our clients in the buying and selling process. We believe the best way to achieve this goal is with honesty and true commitment. Follow Us on FACEBOOK @integrityrealestate2020 www.teemupwithintegrity.com smithlakeliving.com I 23
Contact Gloria Williams to review your insurance portfolio. By Rachel Sweigard Life on Smith Lake is a little different than life in mal out-of-pocket expense in the event of a total loss. other areas of the country. It is a little slower, more Freedom Insurance Agency is equipped to help res- relaxed, and definitely more fun! Despite these dif- idents of the lake and surrounding areas with their ferences, homeowners on Smith Lake still have a few insurance needs. Williams believes that what sets basic needs, one of which is having a choice in in- the agency apart from others is that they are local surance. Gloria Williams of Freedom Insurance Agen- to the area, and strive to provide customers with the cy works with residents of Smith Lake to ensure that best possible service. She also states that the agen- they are adequately insured while receiving the best cy knows the needs of lake residents, and agents are customer service possible. prepared to help families find insurance that fits their Williams states that insurance needs are a bit dif- needs. Williams shares that the people on the lake ferent on the lake. To begin, homeowners on the lake are some of the best people around, and her agency often need insurance to cover any pier or dock on the wants to help clients as much as they can in stressful property in addition to any watercraft that they may times such as a loss of a property. own. Williams states that it is important that home- Williams is very involved in the community, and en- owners realize that some insurance companies do not insure second homes, a category that many lake joys giving back to the place she loves to live. She has been a part of events including the annual Strawber- homes fall into, which can make finding insurance dif- ry Festival, supports scholarships for area students, ficult and confusing. Williams also explains that it is and attends various events held by area churches. important that homeowners confirm that their policy Freedom Insurance Agency is ready to provide Smith covers their home and other structures on the proper- Lake residents with all of their insurance needs ty as well as the land itself. If land is not insured, this paired with exceptional customer service. Freedom will create a discrepancy if there is ever a loss on the Insurance Agency is located in Cullman, and can be property. Williams recommends that all homeowners reached at (256) 737-0011 or at www.freedomagen- ensure that their policy has a bit of cushion against cy.net inflation so that their home can be rebuilt with mini- g hSmith Lake Livingtm 24 I smithlakeliving.com
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Real Estate Market Trends on Smith Lake By Kristine Bullock There is no question that the real estate market around the country has set historic trends in the past few years– especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home values have soared, buy- er demand has increased, and mortgage rates have hit all time lows. The market at Smith Lake has been no stranger to these trends. Lake Homes Realty, a full serviced brokerage licensed in 33 states, publishes a quarter- ly report which contains multi-market information. In their latest report which was published in Summer 2021, it showed that Alabama’s lake markets as a whole have increased by 10.18% since Spring 2021, which equates to nearly $95 million. Smith Lake contained the highest num- ber of listings at 643, and had the second largest market behind Lake Martin. Currently, Smith Lake ranks sixth as the lake with the most expensive homes in the state. According to Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, real estate experts are expecting a boom in 2021 and 2022, but it is uncertain at this time whether that opinion will prove to be true. Real estate inventory on Smith Lake has been at an all-time low. This is consistent with the trends seen around the country where the number of for-sale homes hit the lowest level ever recorded. When inventory is low and demand is high, it creates a seller’s market. Bidding wars erupts as home prices rise, and sellers have the clear upper hand in negotiations. Only time will tell whether real estate projections will ring true. Meanwhile, Smith Lake homeowners can rest assured that they have made a sound investment by purchasing a home on the cleanest lake in America. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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N&N Facebook to sell. Not only did they sell within 15 min- utes, but there was so much interest that they sold all their other steer months in advance. MEAT COMPANY N & N Meat Company boasts that all of their items are local to the area. They sell all cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, as well as homemade traditional brats, or flavors such as jalapeno cheddar or kraut. They also sell traditional sausage, or flavors such as maple blueberry. N & N Meat Company carries deli meats cut in-house, cheeses in flavors such as Mediterra- nean sunset, blueberry cheddar, and sriracha, home- made pies and turnovers, specialty oils and vinegars, specialty seasonings for cooking and grilling, produce from local gardens, and homemade soups. The beef sold at N & N Meat Company are USDA Prime cuts, and local to Alabama. Customers can purchase a whole, half, or quarter cow. The pork at N & N Meat Company is from a farm in Oakman, Alabama. Norris states that customers should not come in with the expectation that they are going to get the same items at the meat market that they would find in a grocery store. Norris says that N & N Meat Company is attempting to set themselves apart from grocery stores in both taste and quality. She explains that they want to support the hard-working farmers in the area, and encourage customers to do the same. “If [customers] come looking for a grocery store experience, [they] won’t find that here because we’re not a grocery store.” In the future, Norris hopes that the meat market will expand to sell items such as stuffed burgers. Renee & Ken Norris -N&N Meat Company Owners Additionally, they would like to occasionally clear the Proudly hold photo of Granddaughter - Piper Lynn Norris parking lot for food trucks. In the fall, she would like for the meat market to sponsor community events such as By Rachel Sweigard Continued on Page 30 Many people are nostalgic for the old way of grocery shopping when they knew exactly whose garden or farm their meat and produce came from. Now, customers can make that dream a reality thanks to N & N Meat Company. N & N Meat Company is a new business on High- way 195 in Jasper next to Showcase Lighting and Floors. Renee Norris, one of the owners of both businesses, states that the meat market began with a dream to bring the markets of the Midwest to the South. Norris and her family have previously raised cattle. While they were visiting their son in Missouri, they went to a meat market and thought that it would be nice to bring that business idea to Alabama. Shortly after, Norris put five steers on 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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chili cook-offs. Norris hopes that the market will become a place for the older generation to visit on their front porch and share their wisdom with future generations who are willing to listen. N & N Meat Company can be found at 1383 Hwy 195 North in Jasper, and can be reached at (205) 387-0238. “Like” their Face- book page for updates about the business and future ventures. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 30 | smithlakeliving.com
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~ Specializing in cUSTOM BlinDS anD SHaDeS ~ Custom Sizes Professionally Installed - Call for a Quote Follow Us on Facebook Smith Lake Blind Company ~ Brian DeWitte Owner 205 873-1379 Natural Woven Roman Shades with privacy lining featured above are a big [email protected] favorite for Smith Lake homes. Jim Bain “Convenient and Automatic Boat Protection” 256-794-1443 www.touchlesscover.com Touchless Covers of Alabama 32 | smithlakeliving.com
205-387-0297 • TMSAtuouibrrtroe&oFGrSsrlohansostwIenrDsEtaanlvlcaliotdisounLreosngJ-aOspweSnreear&rrveSinamgsi.tthheLake • • • Custom Shower Enclosure Auto Glass Installation Visit our Location: 1800 - 6th. Ave. So. -Jasper, AL. Follow us on Facebook Metal Buildings - All Sizes ! Our Structures are made of all Steel ! Welded for Strenght ! NO WOOD or BOLTS Brain Clements 256-383-2066 / 256-287-9558 www.bamasteelstructures.com Owner 23911 Co. Rd. 222 Bremen , AL. 35033 smithlakeliving.com I 33
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e Yourself In A New pontoon We’re an authorized Avalon and Tahoe dealership serving all of Smith Lake. Come see us today. The Grille AT TRIDENT MARINA Full restaurant and bar inside, outside and dockside 256●841●4016 • Beer • Wine • Mixed Drinks • Liquor smithlakeliving.com I 35
By Rachel Sweigard One of the best things about Smith Lake is the L to R: DEBRA DUNN, DAVID DEMPSEY, MELISSA GAIL CURTIS, BRIAN CZUP residents’ willingness to make the lake community a better place. At any given time, various charity events For more information about upcoming events are happening around the lake to benefit specific indi- on the lake, please visit www.lakewide.org, or the viduals, groups, or the community as a whole. Facebook pages for Alabama Lakewide Charities, Lake League Real Estate, and the Lake League - Poor The annual Lake League - Poor Man’s Poker Man’s Poker Run. Be sure to look for an upcoming Run took place on August 7, 2021, with all proceeds community event in October called “Spook the Lake.” going to support the Smith Lake search, rescue, and More information will be made available through the recovery efforts, Wake the World Alabama, and se- websites and pages mentioned above in the coming lect Smith Lake nonprofits. The event is sponsored weeks. by Alabama Lakewide Charities, and this year marked its fourth consecutive event. Melissa Curtis of Lake Brantley Beasley winner of the... League Real Estate is one of the event’s organizers, 2021 Lake League’s Poor Man Poker Run. and states that there is a real need for search and rescue equipment on the lake. When tragedy strikes, Continued on page 44 those participating in the search efforts often must wait for hours or even days while the appropriate g hSmith Lake Livingtm equipment is brought to the area. Curtis says that the equipment often comes from cities like Andalusia in South Alabama or sometimes out of state depending on the needs of the search. This is undeniably incon- venient, and prolongs the search process. Having equipment on hand will shorten the search efforts in an already trying time. The event organizers hope that this event al- lows Smith Lake residents to enjoy a day of fun, com- petition, and comradery while supporting an import- ant cause. This year’s poker run featured door prizes from various businesses and individuals around the lake. HydroHoist of Alabama donated a dock locker, Smith Lake Park donated t-shirts, putt-putt golf certificates, and one free night of camping, and others donated a gift certificate for their business. Countless other businesses in the area stepped in to donate door priz- es such as Yeti coolers, gift cards, and other merchan- dise to make this event great. The organizers of the event hope to continue seeing the Poker Run grow in the coming years. NELSON BROTHERS’ DOCK 36 | smithlakeliving.com
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Are They Equipped ? Earlier this year, I was the guest speaker for By Jeff Roberts a class of college students. During the ‘questions and answers’ portion of my talk, one of the undergraduates cludes properly equipping those who are to receive it. The asked me, “What is the hardest part of your job?” I be- stakes are high here, and it involves the results from a life- lieve they were expecting me to explain the complexities time of careful decisions. Just think about what you are of linear regression analysis or a deferred tax recapture worth. In fact, one of the first things we do when someone strategy, because they seemed genuinely confused when new walks into our office is prepare a net worth statement I replied, “Watching heirs blow through inherited wealth in (assets minus liabilities). You arrive at total assets by add- a mere fraction of the time it took to create it.” To make ing up the value of everything you own (your house, cars, my point, I then asked everyone in the room to answer toys, property(s), bank accounts, investment accounts, a simple question… “What would you do if you inherited retirement savings, etc.). Total liabilities are a simple $1,000,000 from your parents right now?” The most re- summation of everything you owe (your mortgage(s), car sponsible answers given were: loan(s), student loans, etc.). Subtract the liabilities from the assets, and you have a rough net worth figure. Lastly, Pay off my student loans. add any life insurance death benefits to the net worth, and Pay for the rest of my schooling. that is what you will leave to your heirs. We work with cli- Buy a house. ents whose numbers add up to $500,000 and others that Save it. total $150,000,000. The logic is the same regardless of The more colorful answers were far greater in number: size. Let’s assume your math adds up to $2,100,000. If Retire. you are leaving everything to your three children (for ex- Buy a Mercedes AMG GTC. ample), then they will each receive $700,000. Are they Absolutely nothing! equipped to handle it? Were you equipped to handle it Buy me some bitcoin. at that age? Are they already demonstrating the kind of Buy a house on the beach. financial responsibility worthy of receiving a gift of that Granted, these responses came from juniors and size? Again, if you have any doubt, then you have some seniors in college and not 45-year-old working parents. work to do. And the bigger the net worth, the more alarm- Interestingly, almost all the students answered in terms of ing that doubt should be to you. a transaction or what the money could do for them. And none of them answered my question (“What would you Traditionally, parents leave their assets equally do…”) from a wholistic perspective… How does the entire to their children. I would challenge that thinking and en- amount of money impact the trajectory of their lives and courage parents to teach their children at an early age goals? No one said, “Meet with someone who can help that the decisions they make in life will directly impact me establish a plan and wisely steward the resources.” how they are to be entrusted with the privilege of inher- With age comes wisdom, right? Well, sit in my ited assets. Ron Blue is widely considered to be the fa- chair for a week, and you will see it doesn’t always work ther of Christian financial planning. In his book Splitting that way when it comes to money. Then, when you add Heirs, Ron wrote one of the most powerful statements on the health fears we have all experienced in the last 18 this subject, “Love your children equally and as such treat months, coupled with political discussions involving sig- them uniquely”. Ron calls this “The Uniqueness Princi- nificant tax law changes that pertain to estate planning, ple” where children should expect inequality. In addition, ‘end of life’ planning may be more prevalent today. So, I feel that one’s heirs should understand what created any here are some challenging thoughts, and perhaps, unique wealth they may inherit, i.e., hard work, sacrifice, bless- perspectives, on the subject of inheritance. ings, prayer, good fortune, regular savings, sound mon- Whether your heirs are in their teens, 20s, 40s, or ey management, wise counsel, having a plan, etc. Heirs 60s, you must ask yourself an important question… “Are should also understand what personal values have guided the people who are inheriting everything I own prepared the decision making that has led to what they may receive. intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually to handle it?” There may even be an expectation that heirs are good cit- If you have any doubt, then you have some work to do. izens, not strung-out on drugs, or not incarcerated. Those Wealth transfer should be viewed as more than just the are the obvious ones. Would you leave substantial money passing of an inheritance. It should be a journey that in- to someone who demonstrates persistent financial irre- sponsibility, willfully leads a sinful life, consistently refuses 38 | smithlakeliving.com Continued on Page 42
Ranks Among Alabama's Top Leaders in Financial Planning Jeff RobertsChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP® Private Wealth Advisor | Founder and President (205) 313-9150 * [email protected] * mavencrosswealth.com MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Dedicated to being \"the obvious choice for guiding clients to joyfully steward their resources.\" Barron's® Top 1,000 Advisors, 2009-2011 Barron's® Top 1,200 Advisors, 2014-2021 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers, 2017-2020 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018-2021 Barron's® listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation's most productive advisors, which is then submitted and judged by Barron's®. Key factors and criteria include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and years of professional experience. Barron's® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for the ranking. The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, firms, regulatory disclosures, and the FT's research. The listing reflects each advisor's performance in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials, and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor's future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Forbes/SHOOK Research listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation's most productive advisors, selected by their firms, which is then submitted to and judged by SHOOK Research. Key factors and criteria include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and credentials/years of professional experience. Selection of winners is done by comparing advisors at a national level, selecting winner, and then sorting them into state-specific lists. A separate evaluation is not done for each state. Portfolio performance is not a factor. This award is not indicative of this advisor's future performance. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. CA Insurance #0G34699 smithlakeliving.com I 39
Are They Equipped ? stewardship instruction, or is a lover of money? When I ask helpful in some small way. Have a blessed day.” and just that question, most say, “Absolutely not!” Yet, their current walk away. The idea is to teach them the joy and love of estate plans often give all heirs the same trophy. giving. But this exercise is also to teach them how to take Personally, I have never married, and I have no their time, pay attention, and seek the needs in the world children (no nuclear family). My immediate family and/ around them. Most of us don’t learn to give because we or extended family would be the traditional selection for were never taught, or we don’t practice. If, by this experi- passing-on my assets. But, for me, blood is not enough. I ence, my nieces or nephews learn to be generous, what is want to know that someone receiving an inheritance from that worth? Best $1,000 I could ever spend! Remember, me lives in alignment with personal values that I share, the goal is to teach them how to be worthy of being entrust- appreciate, or respect. I’m not saying they must vote the ed with something larger (your estate) down the road. same way I do or agree to support my causes. I am saying Remember, too, there are many, many wonderful my heirs need to be kind to everyone. They need to be non-profit organizations that do amazing things, and they aware of and generous with the blessings in their life. They need our generosity. I have seen a lot of estate documents, need to be mature about money. They need to be faithful and very few name beneficiaries outside of family. Consid- stewards of their own wealth. That may be family, or it may er leaving assets to organizations or causes that are dear just be someone whom I trust to honor the wealth it took to your heart. Charities are often overlooked or forgotten me so long to create. Whoever they are, I will want to see about when planning one’s estate. Be sure to address them living the six fundamental principles of money and those in your legal documents. money management: There are many opinions on how to manage the 1. Spend less than you earn passing of one’s assets. Warren Buffett has been often 2. Avoid the use of debt quoted with his take on inheritance, “You should leave your 3. Build short-term liquidity children enough so they can do anything, but not enough 4. Set long-term goals so they can do nothing.” My late father once said to me, 5. Give generously “If there is anything left over when I die, it’s because I mis- 6. Keep an eternal perspective (God owns it all) calculated.” He was definitely joking around with me, but Go a step further and actually teach your heirs to I know people who are actually wired with that mindset. give, as well. I cannot wait for my nieces and nephews Whatever your thoughts, be deliberate about the distribu- to be old and mature enough to practice meaningful giv- tion of assets you create over a lifetime. Having had a front ing. At a certain age (for example, junior or senior in high row seat to the creation of individual personal wealth for school), I will give each $1,000 in $20 dollar bills. The nearly 30 years, I can assure you, it is heartbreaking to instruction will be “You have one year to give this money see the next generation (who has not been equipped) tear away to another person or different persons in any incre- through wealth with careless abandonment. ments you would like (not less than $20). It must be some- Work closely with your financial advisor and estate one you believe is in need. Hand the money to the person attorney to purposely design your estate plans, as well as and say, “I really want you to have this gift, and I hope it is to prepare those who stand to receive it. g hSmith Lake Livingtm The views expressed here reflect the views of Jeff Roberts as of July 28, 2021. These views may change as market or other conditions change. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP® is a Private Wealth Advisor with, and Founder and President of, MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Birmingham, AL. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and wealth management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years. To contact him, call (205) 313-9150 or visit his website at mavencrosswealth.com. Offices are located at 31 Inverness Center Parkway – Suite 550, Birmingham, AL 35242 and 1817 Commons North Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 3692965ACMR0821 42 | smithlakeliving.com
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