This Saturday, we celebrate our Country's Independence Day! Many in the area already have made their plans accounting for the public beaches to be closed in Collier County, starting July 3 to July 7, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Contact me and I can explain how you can legally be at the beach during the closing hours! But, I digress!) 244 years ago, when our Founding Fathers decided to declare our Independence from Great Britain, it was done with a lot of planning, discussion and thought. The colonists wanted freedom and their own set of rules for their lives and did not want to continue to be under the authority of a country over 4,000 miles away.

When we think of our personal independence, words or phrases such as freedom, control, being self-sufficient, and having peace of mind come to mind. People naturally want freedom and independence, yet many unknowingly fail to take steps to protect their freedom and independence. You gift yourself independence by planning for you, first, and your family second! What happens if you don't plan? You can lose your independence to the rules of the State; you have to pay the State to make sure you comply with its rules—whether or not they are rules you want to comply with—to accomplish what you need; and you lose your independence when you or your family have to wait on the court system to be able to take action on your behalf. You can avoid losing your independence to the State. You have the power to protect yourself. You have the power to protect your family. Just like our Founding Fathers, who planned and took action to gain their independence and control over their lives, you can do the same for you and your family. You have too much to lose if you leave it to chance!

On an everyday basis, I advise and help people plan for their independence. Call or write my office. I look forward to helping you and your loved ones keep your freedom and plan for your independence. Happy 4th of July!