People who move south each winter to avoid the cold weather are commonly referred to as “snowbirds.” There are advantages and disadvantages to the snowbird lifestyle, and it’s important to make sure you understand both before deciding to embark upon your new life as a snowbird. Below is an overview of the pros and cons of being a snowbird. For questions regarding the legal implications of becoming a snowbird, please contact our Florida and New York estate planning attorney for assistance.
Pros
The pros of being a snowbird include:
Escaping the winter – The main reason people head south each winter is to escape the winter. The obvious benefit here is that snowbirds avoid all of the hardships associated with snow and ice. In a warmer climate, you don’t have to worry about slips and falls on the ice, poor driving conditions, or shoveling snow.
Participating in outdoor activities all year – Another benefit to being a snowbird is the availability of year-round outdoor activities. For example, golf and tennis players can enjoy these sports down south during the winter while all of their friends up north are stuck inside.
Enjoying different climates – Finally, snowbirds get to enjoy cold and warm climates without fully committing to either. Some snowbirds, for example, don’t head south until halfway through the winter season, allowing them to enjoy the benefits that cold and warm climates have to offer.
Cons
The primary con of being a snowbird is the amount of preparation it entails. Common preparation tasks include:
- Mail forwarding
- Subscription cancellations
- Notifying people and entities of address changes
- Changing automatic deliveries
In addition, as a snowbird, there are a number of home-related tasks that must be addressed before heading south for the winter, including:
- Setting the thermostat and humidifier to avoid mold and mildew growth
- Emptying garbage cans
- Disposing of perishable foods
- Ensuring that measures are taken to prevent theft or break-ins during the winter
- Hiring a sitter to periodically check on the home
Have Additional Questions? Contact a Snowbird Estate Planning Attorney!
Overall, the snowbird lifestyle is a great way to travel the country and escape the freezing temperatures of the north. However, in addition to the issues discussed above, there are legal considerations that all snowbirds should address. Therefore, if you plan on moving south this winter, you need the assistance of an experienced Florida and New York estate planning attorney. At the Law Office of Angela Siegel, we provide estate planning services to clients who reside in New York, to those who reside in Florida, and to snowbirds who split time between both states. Angela Siegel is licensed to practice law in both New York and Florida, and she regularly assists snowbirds with their unique estate planning needs. Therefore, if you require estate planning assistance, please contact us today for a consultation.