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.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

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.

Chicago

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....

Sunday Sale at Harrison Toys. This Sunday December 15. Entire Store 15% off. Magna- Tiles included in this sale. 7502.5 Madison St. Forest Park IL

Forest Park

Sunday Sale

Local Voices

West Side

David Giuliani

La Grange

Western Springs

DuPage County

Elmhurst

Oak Brook

Bucktown-Wicker Park

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North Center-Roscoe Village

Lincoln Park

Village Green Park

Join us in Northbrook this Sat-Sun, June 27-28, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) for the 3rd annual&nbsp;North Shore Artisan Market&nbsp;in idyllic Village Green Park (1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook) in the heart of downtown Northbrook, IL. This delightful outdoor&nbsp;market to&nbsp;showcases 100 top local &amp;&nbsp;Midwest artisans in food, fashion, home goods &amp; decorative art. 
RSVP &amp; let us know you're coming: <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">NorthShoreArtisanMarket.com/RSVP-Northbrook</a>&nbsp;(Free admission | Dog-friendly | Free Parking ) and for programming &amp; weather updates.&nbsp;
Rain or shine event --&nbsp;with wonderful shade throughout the market&nbsp;from Village Green Park's&nbsp;stately oak trees.
* WHAT: Outdoor Market | 100 Top Local &amp;&nbsp;Midwest Artisans | Food, Fashion, Home &amp; Art | Free Admission | Dog-friendly | Free Parking | Kids Playground | Picnic Tables | Shade from&nbsp;Oak&nbsp;Trees | Indoor Restrooms&nbsp;
* WHERE: 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook, IL | Village Green Park
* WHEN: Sat-Sun, June 27-28, 2026 | 10am-4pm both days
* WHY: Shop small, local &amp; sustainable - with talented artisans &amp; small businesses who pour their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products.
What you'll find? Art Jewelry | Ceramics | Gourmet Food | Woodworking |&nbsp;| Prints &amp; Illustrations | Spices &amp; Sauces | Bakery &amp; Pastry Items | Clothing &amp; Accessories | Leather Goods | Macrame &amp; Crochet | Sticker Art | Plushy Toys/Animals | Vintage Jewelry | Cards | Housewarming | Thoughtful Gifts Galore...and more!
Are you a talented artisan looking to vend in 2026 &amp; beyond? Learn more about our curated markets in Northbrook, Winnetka, Oak Brook, Naperville, and Chicago (Fulton Market &amp; Ravenswood) at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/vendors</a>
Apply to vend at our Chicago area&nbsp;markets at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a>&nbsp;
Can't make it this weekend?&nbsp; Check out our 2026 Market Calendar at <a href="https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/calendar." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/calendar.</a>
Vendors - we do NOT charge junk fees just to fill out our common app online.
About North Shore Artisan Market:&nbsp; The North Shore Artisan Market is produced by INV Marketing Group, a Chicago area company based in Oak Brook, IL that operates the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a> (two locations in Fulton Market and Ravenswood), the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a>, the <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville Artisan Market</a> and the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;(Northbrook &amp; Winnetka).&nbsp;We’ve been showcasing &amp; supporting small businesses throughout Chicagoland for 20+ years. Founded in 2004, INV Marketing Group LLC also owns and operates <a href="https://stylechicago.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">StyleChicago.com</a> digital media properties and has produced nearly 200 signature events and pop-up markets in the greater Chicago area.

Local Event: North Shore Artisan Market - this Sat-Sun, Jun 27-28 in Northbrook (Village Green Park)

Northbrook

North Shore Artisan Market - this Sat-Sun, Jun...

Join us in Northbrook this Sat-Sun, June 27-28, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) for the 3rd annual North Shore Artisan Market in...

North Shore Artisan Market - this Sat-Sun, Jun 27-28 in Northbrook (Village Green Park)

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