Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

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Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized international curriculum combine the best of both worlds, giving our Preschool, Primary, Middle School and High School students a truly global outlook rooted in Chicago’s rich heritage.

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British International School of Chicago, South...

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized...

Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty

Oak Park Conservatory

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites. Free and open to the public, the Conservatory offers visitors a lush escape into nature with three distinct indoor showrooms — the Mediterranean Room, Tropical Room, and Desert Room — each showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Outside, the urban gardens continue the experience with native Illinois landscapes featured in the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden. Sweeps of prairie grasses and native blooms welcome you at the entrance, inviting you to slow down and explore this hidden oasis in the heart of the village. Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory provides year-round opportunities to connect with nature through programs, events, and community initiatives. Highlights include: • Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night. • Plant &amp; Garden Markets: Shop a variety of seasonal plant sales, including the Winter Seed Sale, Valentine’s Market, Spring Plant Sale, Perennial Pollinator Sale, Succulent &amp; Cacti Sale, Fall Mum &amp; Bulb Sale, and Winter Greens Market. • Private Event Rentals: Celebrate life’s milestones surrounded by natural beauty. The Conservatory is available for weddings, showers, graduations, birthday parties, memorial services, and other special occasions. • Educational Programs: Participate in a variety of hands-on programs for all ages — from adult gardening workshops to free early childhood nature programs that inspire young explorers. Whether you’re a lifelong plant lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a space to reconnect with nature, beauty, and community — right in your own backyard.

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites....

Proviso East High School Principal Tony Valente Thursday will host a Q&amp;A session for parents at the Forest Park Community Center to "Welcome new and returning Proviso East students and parents," according to the <a href="http://www.pths209.org/community_corner/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Proviso Township High School District 209 website</a>. The event will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Forest Park Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Forest Park

Principal to welcome new and returning students and parents to Proviso East.

Proviso East Principal to Host Meet-and-Greet in Forest Park

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Madison Street Theater

Madison Street Theater is thrilled to present, I and You. MAY 22 - JUNE 6
This&nbsp;is an award winning two-person play written by Lauren Gunderson. An ode to life, love, and the strange beauty of human connectedness.
One afternoon, Anthony arrives unexpectedly at Caroline's door, holding a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman's&nbsp;Leaves of Grass. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn't been to school in months, but she is as quick and sardonic as Anthony is athletic, sensitive, and popular. As these two let their guards down and share their secrets, their seemingly mundane poetry project unlocks a much deeper mystery that has brought them together.
$15 Student Tickets!!

Local Event: I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

Madison Street Theater is thrilled to present, I and You. MAY 22 - JUNE 6
This is an award winning two-person play written by...

🌱 Patch AM: Rachel Swain Record Release Show @...

You won’t want to miss I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Rachel Swain Record Release Show @ Robert's Westside and 11 more events

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Ask An Expert Gardener - Organic...

Be sure to catch Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Ask An Expert Gardener - Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop and Q&A and 11 more events

🌱 Patch AM: Berwyn Public Library's 5th Annual...

You won’t want to miss Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Berwyn Public Library's 5th Annual Local Authors' Fair and 11 more events

Winnetka-Glencoe

Cop’s Rage Cage Opens | Major Chain Closes...

A local pub is shutting down after an unsolved murder, and McDonald's first-ever stadium deal: IL business news.

Cop’s Rage Cage Opens | Major Chain Closes Eatery | McDonald’s Names New Stadium: IL Business News

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Deli Meats Linked To Listeria Outbreak: Recall...

Waymo recalls entire fleet due to potentially deadly software glitch; cream to treat common skin disorder may cause staph infections.

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Proviso East Principal to Host Meet-and-Greet in Forest Park

Principal to welcome new and returning students and parents to Proviso East.

Charlotte Eriksen, Patch Staff

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Al Spears & The Hurricane Project and Downtown Charlie Brown - Concert

I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

Oak Park Conservatory

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Proviso East Principal to Host Meet-and-Greet in Forest Park

Principal to welcome new and returning students and parents to Proviso East.

Charlotte Eriksen, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Charlotte Eriksen, Patch Staff