There's something special about a Washtenaw County summer weekend — the kind where you can genuinely choose your own adventure, whether that means cheering on a cause, catching up with neighbors, or just finding a quiet bench near Top of the Park with a good book. This first weekend of August is no exception, and honestly, it's a nice reminder of why so many of my clients tell me they never want to leave this community, even when it's time to downsize. Here's what's on the calendar for Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd — and a few thoughts on who each event is really for. 🎖️ Washtenaw County Vet Fest — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Washtenaw Community College Now in its fifth year, Vet Fest brings together local veterans organizations for a day of free food, community, and — importantly — direct access to benefits and resource providers. It's organized through WCC's Wadhams Veterans Center, which has earned gold-level recognition from the st...
Over the next two decades, more money will change hands in this country than ever before. Researchers call it the Great Wealth Transfer: an estimated $124 trillion moving from baby boomers and older generations to their heirs between now and 2048, according to Cerulli Associates. Here's the part most families haven't thought through: a huge share of that transfer isn't going to adult children first. It's going to a surviving spouse — and for most couples, that surviving spouse will be the wife. 💍 📊 The numbers behind it Of that $124 trillion, roughly $54 trillion is projected to pass to widowed spouses. 95% of those surviving spouses will be women. About $40 trillion will go to widows who are baby boomers or older. The reason is simple biology and statistics: women in the U.S. outlive men by close to five years on average. That gap means most wives will eventually be managing money — and a house — on their own. ⏳ 💸 Why it's called a "tax" Here's t...