Elm Creek Manor in Muenster, TX

In a random survey of clients and friends recently, we discovered that people prefer uninterrupted, quality time away for romance over lavish gifts for Valentine's Day. With the hectic pace of our practice, we truly cherish time away. Below are two of our favorite romantic hideaways.

Elm Creek Manor (photo, left) is our go-to place when we need to get away. Tucked away in a lovely rural setting just minutes north of Dallas in Muenster, this is a gem that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. We like to stay there every year after the Germanfest Bike Rally which winds up in Muenster. This year's 100-mile ride is on April 30; click here for details. Their five-course gourmet meals, available only to registered guests, feature organic vegetables and fruit grown at the ranch, plus their amazing ranch-raised aged beef. For more information, click here. When you call, tell Marsha and Brad that the Tannerys sent you.

If we have a bit more time to drive, we'll head down to the Texas Hill Country to the Palo Alto Creek Farm in Fredericksburg. The photos on the website (link above) don't do it justice! The minute you set foot on the property, you are transported back in time to the quiet and peaceful pace of rural Texas. Set beside the sparkling Palo Alto River, this classic Texas B&B still has all the original outbuildings from when it was settled by German farmers in 1854. Palo Alto Creek books out way in advance and only has four guest suites, so plan ahead if you wish to visit. This place is no "Green Acres." They offer gourmet food and full-up spa services to their guests.

Nothing says "I love you" like a shiny new life insurance policy. Before you race out to buy an
expensive gift for your loved one, first check to see if you carry adequate life insurance coverage. You'd be better off spending money to protect them in the odd chance you aren't immortal. Life insurance proceeds will certainly last longer than a dozen roses or gourmet chocolates. At the jacked-up holiday prices for flowers, life insurance could be the more affordable choice.

In our practice, no one really seeks out a conversation about life insurance products because, face it--death is involved. It's a difficult conversation to have, as often myths and facts collide in consumers' minds. Basically, there are just two types: permanent and term insurance, and both products have a place in your overall wealth plan.  

The primary wage earner in a marriage may be adequately insured, typically through employee benefit plans. Yet the other spouse is often woefully underinsured. Couples do not take into consideration the time and money it takes to raise children if they had to do it alone. In the late '90s, Michael went through a period of being a divorced single father for three years. He discovered he had significantly more expenses and less time at work which had an impact on his earnings ability.

Life insurance should always be looked at in the context of an overall wealth management plan. For example, life insurance can be held by a trust, thus bypassing estate tax. Talk to a qualified wealth advisor, your estate attorney or your CPA about the tax implications of life insurance and estate planning.

Chrissy's Challenge

Tina's Tip

Wearing red reminds women to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. Heart disease can be reduced or eliminated through lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and proper nutrition. To find out more, click here. 

 

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