Archive for July 28th, 2008

The Estate Plan Advanced Institute

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Mary-Ann who heads my Business Development Department and I went to sunny (110 degrees) Las Vegas to attend The Estate Plan Advanced Institute hosted by The Estate Plan.  My trip started on Tuesday with a long drive down Interstate 95 with my lovely 13 year old daughter, Sierra.  Often I would ask myself as I saw a tiny cluster of homes off in the distance or a perfectly maintained dirt road leading to what I thought was absolutely nowhere, why in the world would anyone live out here?  What do they do?  How do they survive?  I mean the very act of standing out in the sun causes any exposed skin to crackle in the blazing heat.  Honestly, I never saw one bird, rabbit, squirrel or bug and rarely did I see a human being.  The absolute vastness of the Nevada desert is in itself amazing.   Tiny towns full of history dot the way:Beatty, Goldfield, Tonapah and of course, Area 51.  A lot of military installations fill in the rest and the occasional brothel.  The Nevada Test Site has been marked as a historic site, but don’t get out and read the sign or you’ll probably glow for the rest of your life!

The event itself was fun because it was held at the MGM Grand.  Fabulous food and humungous swimming pools.  I made Sierra walk the Las Vegas strip until she turned to me and said, “are we done yet?”  Yes, dear let’s go back and swim!  

The event was successful.  Both Mary-Ann and I get to connect with a lot of people we already know but typically only see once a year.  Plus it allows us the opportunity to make new acquaintences as well.  Henry Abts who wrote the book, The Estate Plan is a blessing.  His passion to help people avoid probate and reduce their estate taxes is still his focus and lasting mission.  If you do not know why you should have a Living Trust, order his book from us and read it!

After the event, Sierra and I went to stay at my Dad’s house since he just moved to Las Vegas.  The entire north side of town is completely brand new. His home is gorgeous and it was great to spend time with him.  However, after seeing all of the growth and development and the hoardes of people visting Las Vegas, I’m not certain I can fully believe our state government telling me gambling wins are down and we are in such a huge deficit.  Another event going on simultaneously at the MGM Grand had over 4,000 people attending for a solid 4 days.  That’s one event, one casino.  Please!

Anyway, the trip home was a little more eventful.  I decided to take a detour through Yerington, a town I had never been to (SE of Minden/Gardnerville) and was delighted to see all of the farms and ranches…it was so green and lush compared to the pale brown I had just driven for another 7 hours.  Even though it cost me an additional hour of driving time, it was worth it. My philosophy: You live in a state, you might as well spend time seeing it!

Since we were gone for 6 days, it’s really great to be home again.  Now I just have to unpack!

 

 

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Teaching the Teachers

Monday, July 28th, 2008

I recently spoke at an event here in Reno titled: “Teaching the Teachers” which is hosted by one of my friends and favorite people, Meggin McIntosh, PhD.  She brings me in for two reasons.  The first is to demonstrate the skills necessary if you want to become a professional speaker and second, to help her attendees understand the importance of asset protection and tax reduction as they begin to build their new career (most are recently or soon to become retired school teachers, principals and administrators). 

I have a lot of fun with this group because the information I share falls into the category, “I didn’t know I needed to know that!”  I entertain, scare and educate all at the same time.  The feedback is always very positive.  The fact that I have an appointment with every one of them tells me I left them thinking about their own life and how this information if not acted upon will directly impact their ability to build a successful businesss in the future.  So that’s a good thing. 

Now allow me to toot my own horn….

“Cheri Hill is an amazing resource in an area that is typically dry in content. But today her talk was both fascinating and entertaining. I am looking forward to seeing her again.  Thank you for a terrific talk in financial education.”

“Cheri is definitely an expert in her field! She spoke directly and concisely about what we needed to know in order to set up our own business with knowledge and foresight. I was somewhat overwhelmed with what I DIDN’T know, but I think that Cheri’s business acumen would soon set that straight!

WOW! Lot’s of information - well organized, carefully explained, great examples - I already have an appointment!

Cheri is amazing. She presented complex information in an easy to understand format…and she scared the crap out of me! So, I booked an appointment with her company and bought her book. It always amazes me how much I don’t know! Cheri is an excellent addition to this class. Her information and services are invaluable.

Cheri was energizing and terrifying all at the same time. Wow! There is so much to think about and I appreciate knowing that, when I’m ready, she will be there as a resource for me. Thank you for letting us learn from your mistakes!

 

 

 

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