Estate Planning Forms and Documents
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11 Essential Estate Planning Documents, Forms and Strategies
The most neglected assets in retirement and financial plans probably are the family home and home equity. Even though these are among the most valuable assets most people have, they are, at best, an afterthought in planning. Home equity should be an integral part of your retirement plan, and that makes it what I call […]
Shelter Your Financial Security from Natural Disasters
The recent string of high-profile natural disasters caught many people by surprise — and created major gaps in their financial security. If you made it through these disasters with few or no problems, say a prayer of thanks and realize it likely is only a matter of time before a potentially catastrophic event rolls your way. It doesn’t have to be an historic […]
How to Put Together Complete Estate Planning Documents and Strategies
Many people think they have estate plans but really don’t. I’m not talking about the many people who haven’t done any planning and don’t have even a basic will. I’m talking about people who have taken action on their estate plans and yet have plans that are woefully incomplete. There is more to a complete […]
What is Your Estate Plan Missing? The Importance of the Proper Forms and Documents
Many people believe that a will and a trust or two is an estate plan. Others think that a living trust or joint title with a spouse is all they need. That is why most estate plans are woefully incomplete. There is much more to an estate plan. Heirs and loved ones often suffer from […]
How to Put Together a Disaster Recovery Document Kit for your Estate Plan
The 2005 hurricane season caused many people to focus on an issue that had seemed remote. But millions of people realize they are more vulnerable to disasters than they had thought. A surprise to many people is that the potential damage to their persons and property is not the only concern. Personal information and documents […]
Having the Last Word – The Letter of Final Instructions
Most estate plans are missing a key ingredient. Too many estate planners do not recommend it, and it isn’t even mentioned in many estate planning discussions. One reason might be that, despite its importance, the document is not legally binding on anyone. This document can clear up a lot of issues. It can save time […]
When You Don’t Prepare for Estate Planning – The Importance of Documents
Without a letter of instructions and good organization, the heirs are forced to engage in the old-fashioned property and document search. Sometimes it is comical. Sometimes things get ugly. Always a lot of time and effort is wasted. Estate planners tell stories of important documents that never are found and of other documents that are […]
Six Kinds of Estate Planning Family Documents and Forms to Secure
Some documents are so important that they, or copies, should be stored securely. I don’t recommend a safe deposit box, for reasons explained in my June 2002 visit, which is available in the web site Archive. Consider a fireproof container or keeping copies at both the home and the office. The Federal Emergency Management Agency […]
