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.<br /><br />1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans<br />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.<br /><br />2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions<br />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.<br /><br />3. Update Your Beneficiaries<br />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.<br /><br />4. Secure Your DD214<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />

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...

Cathy Yanda, a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner, defines her business by service, integrity, and deep local roots. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she applies a "mission-first" approach to every client goal, whether you’re buying your first home in Galewood or right-sizing a family estate in Oak Park.<br /><br />For Cathy, real estate isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about navigating the most significant transitions of your life with a steady hand and a clear strategy.<br /><br />Specialized Services<br /><br />Senior Transitions (SRES®): Tailored guidance for clients 50+ who are right-sizing. Cathy understands the emotional and financial complexities of selling a long-time family home and specializes in making the process seamless.<br /><br />Military Relocation (MRP®): Expert support for active-duty service members and veterans. Cathy leverages her own experience to ensure you maximize your benefits and find the right fit, fast.<br /><br />Hyper-Local Expertise: Whether it’s the historic bungalows of Galewood or the Victorian classics of Oak Park, Cathy provides data-driven marketing to ensure your property reaches the right buyers.<br /><br />What Makes Cathy Unique<br /><br />The Veteran Edge: Discipline, logistical precision, and unflappable negotiation. Cathy manages the moving pieces of your real estate transaction so you don't have to.<br /><br />Deep Community Roots: Cathy is more than just an agent; she’s a neighbor. From organizing the annual community Toys for Tots drive to her active membership in the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors (OPAAR), she is invested in the long-term vibrancy of our area.<br /><br />Tech-Forward &amp; Human-Centered: Cathy combines modern technology—including the latest AI-driven marketing strategies—with genuine, one-on-one attention. She believes that while tools make the process efficient, human connection makes it successful.<br /><br />Ready to start your next chapter? Whether you’re scaling up or right-sizing, Cathy brings the experience and the heart to get the job done right.<br /><br />Connect with Cathy today.

Cathy Yanda, a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner, defines her business by service, integrity, and deep local roots. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she...

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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Highlights include:<br /><br />• Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night.<br /><br />• 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.<br /><br />• 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.<br /><br />• 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.<br /><br />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....

Chicago a cappella

Chicago a cappella welcomes everyone to experience the universal joy of ensemble singing through fun, innovative concerts and educational programs.

Rachel Barnes

Evanston

Boutique Event Space for Creative Gatherings|Art Experiences

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

Studio 928 is a boutique event space in Oak Park and a light-filled creative studio designed for gatherings that feel personal, inspiring, and memorable. Located on the South Boulevard Murals Corridor in the historic district—just steps from the train—our space blends art, community, and celebration.<br /><br />We specialize in hands-on art experiences and creative events for corporate teams, families, and community groups. <br />From paint-and-sip parties and Prairie-style faux stained glass workshops to corporate team off-sites, birthdays, and pop-up events, Studio 928 offers curated experiences with expert guidance and a welcoming atmosphere.<br /><br />Founded and led by artist Cheryl Vargas, Studio 928 is known for its intimate scale, thoughtful design, and experiences that make creativity accessible—no prior art experience required.<br /><br />Ideal for:<br /><br />Boutique private events &amp; celebrations<br /><br />Creative team offsites &amp; corporate gatherings<br /><br />Art workshops &amp; guided experiences<br /><br />Birthday parties &amp; milestone moments<br /><br />Community events &amp; pop-ups<br /><br />If you’re searching for a boutique event space in Oak Park that offers more than just four walls, Studio 928 is where people come to create, connect, and celebrate.<br /><br />📍 451 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302

Studio 928 is a boutique event space in Oak Park and a light-filled creative studio designed for gatherings that feel personal, inspiring, and...

<h2>River Forest Village Board</h2> River Forest Village Trustee 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes Susan Jones Conti (Independent) 32.83% 669 Carmela Corsini (Independent) 31.94% 651 Colleen Horrigan (Independent) 35.23% 718 <p> </p> <h2>River Forest Park Board</h2> River Forest Park District Commissioner - 6yr. 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 2 % Votes Paul Koester 100% 710 <h2>River Forest Public Schools District 90</h2> SD Bd. Of Ed. River Forest 90 - 4yr. 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes James D. Weiss 33.12% 632 Ralph Martire 32.29% 616 Elizabeth (Liz) Gearen Fischer 34.59% 660 <h2>Oak Park Elementary School District 97</h2> SD Bd. Of Ed. Oak Park 97 - 4yr. 43 of 45 Precincts Reported Vote For 4 % Votes Robert Spatz 24.01% 5,772 Jim O'Connor 25.23% 6,066 Peter Traczyk 25.08% 6,029 Denise M. Sacks 25.67% 6,172 <br /> <h2>Oak Park Library Board<br />(Totals for write-in candidate David Sokol were not immediately available)</h2> Oak Park Village Library Trustee - 4yr. 43 of 45 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes Janet Kelenson 52.04% 6,900 Lane Hart 47.96% 6,359 <br />

<h2>River Forest Village Board</h2> River Forest Village Trustee 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes Susan Jones Conti (Independent) 32.83% 669 Carmela Corsini (Independent) 31.94% 651 Colleen Horrigan (Independent) 35.23% 718 <p> </p>

<h2>River Forest Park Board</h2> River Forest Park District Commissioner - 6yr. 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 2 % Votes Paul Koester 100% 710 <h2>River Forest Public Schools District 90</h2> SD Bd. Of Ed. River Forest 90 - 4yr. 9 of 10 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes James D. Weiss 33.12% 632 Ralph Martire 32.29% 616 Elizabeth (Liz) Gearen Fischer 34.59% 660 <h2>Oak Park Elementary School District 97</h2> SD Bd. Of Ed. Oak Park 97 - 4yr. 43 of 45 Precincts Reported Vote For 4 % Votes Robert Spatz 24.01% 5,772 Jim O'Connor 25.23% 6,066 Peter Traczyk 25.08% 6,029 Denise M. Sacks 25.67% 6,172 <br /> <h2>Oak Park Library Board<br />(Totals for write-in candidate David Sokol were not immediately available)</h2> Oak Park Village Library Trustee - 4yr. 43 of 45 Precincts Reported Vote For 3 % Votes Janet Kelenson 52.04% 6,900 Lane Hart 47.96% 6,359 <br />

A look at the results in the area's uncontested races for office.

Race Results: Uncontested Elections in Oak Park and River Forest

Politics & Government

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Square

Lakeview

<h4>June 6-7, 2026: 5th Annual Rosemont Uncorked</h4>
<p>Rosemont Uncorked returns to Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont on June 6–7, 2026, with two days of outdoor wine tasting, live music, and easy access from Chicago and the suburbs. <strong>Your ticket is a flexible weekend pass</strong>, so you can come Saturday, Sunday, or both days with the same admission, enjoy a souvenir glass, and use your tasting tickets to explore reds, whites, rosés, meads, and bubbly from wineries across Illinois. Grab a spot on the lawn, listen to bands, visit the park’s restaurants, and stock up on your favorite bottles to take home—all in one walkable entertainment district.</p>
<p><strong>Festival hours are:</strong></p>
<ul><li>Saturday noon–7 p.m.</li><li>Sunday noon–5 p.m.</li><li>VIP ticket holders may enter at 11 a.m. for first pours and the best choice of seating.</li><li>Designated driver and youth tickets are available.</li><li>Parkway Bank Park offers convenient parking plus easy connections to the CTA Blue Line and a free circulator bus.</li></ul>

Local Event: Rosemont Uncorked

Rosemont

Rosemont Uncorked

June 6-7, 2026: 5th Annual Rosemont Uncorked
Rosemont Uncorked returns to Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont on June 6–7, 2026, with...

Baird & Warner

<p>JOIN&nbsp;THE&nbsp;FUN!!&nbsp;Get ready to lift your voice and move your body at this high-energy afternoon event celebrating the best women anthems of all time. This inclusive gathering creates a space for women to sing, dance, and network, with all guests ages 10 to 110 welcome to join the fun. Text Cathy at 773.315.7005 for more info</p>

Local Event: Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

JOIN THE FUN!! Get ready to lift your voice and move your body at this high-energy afternoon event celebrating the best women...

🌱 Patch AM: How is Oak Park’s Don Harmon...

Coming up on the Oak Park Patch calendar: Rosemont Uncorked

🌱 Patch AM: How is Oak Park’s Don Harmon shaping Illinois’ next state budget?

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a judge delayed the decision on...

And on the Oak Park Patch calendar - North Shore Artisan Market - Winnetka (This Sat-Sun, May 30-31)

🌱 Patch AM: Why a judge delayed the decision on West Suburban’s future

🌱 Patch AM: Want to help lead Oak Park’s...

Also, don’t miss North Shore Artisan Market - Winnetka (This Sat-Sun, May 30-31) on the Oak Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Want to help lead Oak Park’s schools? Here’s how to apply

Wilmette-Kenilworth

Mall’s Last Hurrah | Customer Hurls Banana...

A bar and restaurant with notoriety is up for sale, and it's the end of an era for an iconic mall.

Mall’s Last Hurrah | Customer Hurls Banana Split | Troubled Bar For Sale: IL Business News

Business

Across America

3 Carmakers Say Airbags Don’t Deploy Correctly...

E. coli, salmonella and other issues prompt food recalls; a lounge chair poses an amputation threat; and plush toys contain asbestos.

3 Carmakers Say Airbags Don’t Deploy Correctly In 520K Vehicles: Recall Roundup

Health & Fitness

‘Living In A Work Of Art’: Oak Park Woman...

Samantha Lotti admired Frank Lloyd Wright homes but expected to buy one. Three steps in, ‘I fell in love with this house,” she said.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Politics & Government

Race Results: Uncontested Elections in Oak Park and River Forest

A look at the results in the area's uncontested races for office.

Casey Cora, Patch Staff

River Forest Village Board

River Forest Park Board

River Forest Public Schools District 90

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park Library Board
(Totals for write-in candidate David Sokol were not immediately available)

More from Oak Park-River Forest

Where Do Oak Park Homeowners Go After They Sell?

Should You Buy the Oak Park or River Forest House That Needs Work?

Free Outdoor Concert Series Monthly at Oak Park Arms

Rosemont Uncorked

Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

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

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

Oak Park Conservatory

Chicago a cappella

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Race Results: Uncontested Elections in Oak Park and River Forest

A look at the results in the area's uncontested races for office.

Casey Cora, 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"/>

River Forest Village Board

River Forest Park Board

River Forest Public Schools District 90

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park Library Board(Totals for write-in candidate David Sokol were not immediately available)

Casey Cora, Patch Staff

Oak Park Library Board
(Totals for write-in candidate David Sokol were not immediately available)