Some Things are Simple but Not Easy
So what are we talking about today? Number 1, that’s YOU. Taking care of yourself happens when you do the right things. Most of them are simple and easy. I’ll give you a list of these at some point. Some are only simple, and not so easy. I’ll give you one of those today. ESTATE PLANNING. Everyone needs an estate plan and I’m here to encourage you to be a responsible adult and make yours. If you already have one, then I’m encouraging you to make sure it is current.
Why Estate Planning?
I have only 300-400 words in this blog, so I’ll be brief on some points. Estate Planning is a way of protecting you and those people and things you care about most. Everyone has STUFF. Some people more than others. Clothes, a car, money, investments, maybe a home, furniture, decorations, knick knacks, and of course at least one set of golf clubs. This stuff is valuable to you as long as you are alive. After that it becomes less important to you, but you may want to decide who gets it after you no longer can use it. That’s where your estate plan comes in. The documents that you create that tell everyone who gets what is your estate plan.
For Example
My wife gets the house and most of the money. And a lot of junk that I have steadfastly refused to part with. The kids get a little bit of money and some personal items I picked out for each child. I know they’ll be thrilled with my choices! Other stuff–my car, my FOUR sets of golf clubs, and other valuable items can be decided by my wife and kids, whether to share, sell, donate, or some combination. All of this comes about because I created the documents that tell people what I want to have happen.
Start With An Attorney And A Will
Don’t try to be clever or thrifty and make a do-it-yourself estate plan. Find an attorney who specializes. You probably don’t want a Family Physician to perform brain surgery and neither do you want someone who is primarily a Real Estate attorney to help you cobble together your estate plan. If you care enough to do this, do it right.
Your attorney will likely have a questionnaire for you and will talk with you about what you own and owe, and what you want to have happen at your passing. This is the starting point. There are many reasons to create your plan and several documents which will be included besides your will. We’ll discuss those in future blogs. But for now gather your thoughts and call that attorney!