 Some people get scared off by the term "estate planning" because they think it sounds like something only the wealthy need to do. When in truth, one of the greatest gifts you can make for your loved ones is leaving instructions regarding your wishes. Not only for after you die, but in case you can't make health or financial decisions while you're alive.
Remember, it's not always about money, it's about planning to make things easier, for the transfer of your assets and if anything should happen to you.
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 In the past few weeks, an escalating number of clients have hurried to meet by videoconference and phone with their legal advisers.
Mortality is on everyone’s minds. Spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, clients who I haven't touched their legal documents in years as well as prospective new clients, have been reaching out to update their existing estate planning documents, or write new ones. COVID-19 has caused scores of people to write Wills and make critical estate planning decisions about who will oversee their medical care and finances if they become ill or incapacitated. Yet, more than 50 percent of people age 55-plus do not have a Will or the other key estate planning documents they might need during the pandemic, according to Caring.com.  If you have adult children, do they know how much money you make, how much you have tucked away, and how much you spend each year?
It is quite common that adult children are caught unaware or without access to funds when tragedy strikes. When a parent's finances are revealed only after death, or when a debilitating illness strikes, the responsibility can place a lot of stress on the offspring.  Simple, essential steps for putting your affairs in order
The steady drone of coronavirus news this year has spurred countless older Americans to face a long-procrastinated task: writing — or rewriting — their wills. A 2016 Gallup poll found that more than 30 percent of people 65 and older and more than 40 percent of people ages 50 through 64, do not have a will. The main reasons people stall, according to Caring.com? Most say they haven't gotten around to it, or they don't have enough assets to leave to anyone.  Making smart decisions in times of panic may not be easy, but for those who can keep a cool head and follow a plan, there are some calculated steps you can take towards growing your wealth despite the situation. Now, and for generations to come.
The headlines over the past months have been riddled with two serious threats to the health and well-being of people across the U.S. The first and obvious threat is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The other obvious danger is the stock market, which entered bear market territory for the first time in 11 years.  The 7 Questions you should consider to avoid confusion or conflict after your death. If you have ever considered how you want your estate to be distributed after you die. Hopefully, you’ve written a will to make sure your wishes will be followed. If not, let’s talk!
Assuming you do have a Will, your estate is planned…right? While most of us would like to think that estate planning is that simple, there are other things to consider as part of the process, and topics that need to be revisited over time. Sometimes, your life changes. Sometimes, the law changes. When you die, your executor will typically have more than 100 tasks to handle to settle your estate. Which means anything you can do in advance to add clarity and lessen the burden of that person’s work is always a good idea. Here is a list of seven things to consider, when making sure your estate has a plan in place: |
