A Simple Estate Planning Checklist For a Challenging Topic

June 17, 2013

What does your current estate plan look like?  If you said you don’t have an estate plan, you’re probably wrong because the state you live in actually has a plan for your estate if you die without a will, trust, or other crucial documents.  If your line of thinking is “what estate…I’m overwhelmed by debt” or “I’m single with no kids” or “I’m young and just getting started in my career,” understand that everyone has an estate and needs an estate plan to make sure your individual, family, and financial goals are met once you die. Continue reading “A Simple Estate Planning Checklist For a Challenging Topic”

Important Steps to Take When Preparing Your Estate Plan

April 27, 2011

In my last blog I told you about my neighbors Mr. and Mrs. P.  Fortunately for Mrs. P, her next door neighbor is a financial planner, so I’m able to help her during this time of transition.  That being said, there are a few things Mr. P could have done to help make his wife’s situation a little easier.  Here are some things you can do to help your loved ones cope with your loss: Continue reading “Important Steps to Take When Preparing Your Estate Plan”

What are the Minimum Documents I Need for a Basic Estate Plan?

April 21, 2011

The other day I was spending some quality time with a very good friend of mine, enjoying the nice spring weather and having a great time talking about various topics, when as often happens the cell phone rings.  After seeing who it was, my friend decided to answer it, gesturing that it would be a short call.  Prescient she wasn’t as it turned out to be not only a long call but emotional as well.  Now I’m not one to engage in the art of eavesdropping but in this call I did not have to. Continue reading “What are the Minimum Documents I Need for a Basic Estate Plan?”

7 Steps to Follow after Losing a Loved One

April 20, 2011

My neighbor Mr. P passed away several weeks ago, and now I find myself in the difficult position of having to help Mrs. P sort through all the financial details.  Mr. P took care of all the financial decisions in their household, so you can imagine how upset and confused Mrs. P is right now.  While there are many important financial decisions that need to be made, very few need to be made right away.  Here are some steps to take following the loss of a loved one: Continue reading “7 Steps to Follow after Losing a Loved One”