Author: Sara Thomas

Our Top 10 Most Common Estate Planning Questions: Part 1

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date January 16, 2025
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Regarding estate planning, I get many questions about many topics. One of the most common questions I hear concerns account ownership and asset management. Understanding how accounts are titled and who has access to them isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring your assets transfer smoothly to your loved ones while protecting them from potential risks.

In this first installment of a two-part series, I’ll answer the most common questions about asset ownership and management. I’ll also outline ways in which you can make things as easy for your family after your death. So, let’s dive in, beginning with a question about joint assets.

Q: What’s the difference between joint ownership and transfer-on-death designation?

A: Joint ownership means both parties have full access to and ownership of a specific account or piece of real estate while they are alive. When one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically receives full ownership. This can be convenient but comes with risks—a joint owner can withdraw all the money at any time, and the account could be vulnerable to either the joint owner’s creditors or legal judgments.

On the other hand, transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary designations give you sole control during your lifetime. Your designated beneficiary has no access or rights to the account while you’re alive but receives the assets automatically upon death. This arrangement prevents another person from accessing your assets while you’re alive and avoids the court process (called probate) after you die.

One important note: When you have a joint owner on your account or a designated beneficiary, that person will receive all the funds after you die, no matter how old they are or what your family dynamics are. This can create conflict in your family or cause someone fiscally irresponsible to inherit a windfall with no safeguards potentially. Lawsuits are filed all the time by disgruntled siblings who find out that the caretaker sibling receives all the money in a parent’s account (or sole title to real estate) rather than being distributed equally among all siblings. If this concerns you, read on to find out how you can book a call with me to learn about your options.

Q: If I hold my property jointly or use a TOD or POD, do I need to have a Trust?

If you use joint ownership or TOD/POD instead of a Trust, you need to consider some traps for the unwary. First, as indicated above, jointly owned property could be at risk from creditors of either party. I think of my client, the granddaughter, who was titled on grandma’s bank account. When the granddaughter’s husband didn’t pay the bill on the copier contract for his business, the copier company sued and got a judgment against him. Next thing you know, grandma’s account gets garnished because it was held jointly with the granddaughter, and so the granddaughter was liable on the copier judgment.

Suppose you use a TOD or POD to avoid a scenario like that. In that case, the problem is that the TOD/POD only operates in the event of death, not incapacity, and TOD/POD could result in the wrong person ending up getting the assets or the assets ending up in probate if there is an unexpected “order of death” issue. Imagine grandma leaving the house to grandson using TOD, but grandma and grandson are in the car together when there’s an accident, and grandson dies first, with grandma dying shortly thereafter, and before she could change the TOD/POD. Who gets the property, and how? In this case, the property would have to go through probate and pass to grandma’s “next of kin” according to the state intestacy statutes. Given that grandma was leaving her property to her grandson, she likely didn’t want the “state’s plan” for her assets. But that’s what she’ll end up with.

The solution is not to use joint ownership or a TOD/POD to pass title to assets at your death. Instead, set up a trust and retitle the property. Then, everything can be handled easily, privately, and in our office for the people you love.

Q: What happens to retirement accounts and life insurance policies after death?

A: These accounts pass directly to your named beneficiaries, bypassing probate and any instructions in your will, as long as you have named beneficiaries and if you haven’t named a minor as a beneficiary. This is why keeping your beneficiary designations up to date is crucial. If your beneficiary designations are outdated – listing an ex-spouse or deceased person, for example – your assets might not go where you want them to. Even worse, if no beneficiary is listed, these accounts would go through probate, costing your loved ones unnecessary time and money. Suppose you’ve named a minor as a beneficiary. In that case, assets will be subject to a court process to hold the assets under court order until your minor beneficiary is “of age” – usually 18 or 21, depending on state law.

Q: Do I need an inventory of my assets?

A: Yes, and it’s critically important that you create an inventory and keep it current. We include this in all of our planning options because it’s one of the most critical parts of the planning process, even though, surprisingly, it’s not part of most estate planning with traditional lawyers or legal insurance plans. Our unique Life & Legacy Planning^Ⓡprocess includes an asset inventory because if you don’t inventory your assets, your family will not know what you have, how to find it, and how to access it as easily and affordably as possible. Lost assets end up in your state’s treasury as unclaimed property. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, approximately 1 in 7 people in the U.S. – or about 33 million people – have unclaimed property, totaling roughly 77 billion dollars. You need an asset inventory if you want to ensure that your assets go to the people or charities you want rather than to your state government’s unclaimed property fund. And it must stay up to date.

Q: How often should I review my asset inventory and account designations?

A: Your inventory and beneficiary designations need to be kept updated over time to reflect your current circumstances when you die. Your Life & Legacy Plan includes regular, ongoing reviews of your asset inventory so no asset gets lost.

It’s also important to update your asset inventory and account designations whenever you experience a significant life event such as:

Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Death of a beneficiary
Purchase or sale of significant assets
Moving to a new state
Starting a business
Retirement

When you work with me, you won’t have to remember this alone. I’ll proactively remind you to update your inventory and beneficiary designations and help make it as easy as possible for you to take action.

Q: What’s the best way to organize and store my asset information?

A: Create a clear, organized system that your loved ones can easily access if something happens to you. However, be careful about including sensitive information like passwords in your will, as it becomes public record after death. Instead, consider keeping this information in a secure location and telling your trusted family members, executor, or trust administrator how to access it. I will help you explore the best way to do this when we work together.

How We Help You Get Organized and Protected

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that includes a complete asset inventory, proper account titling, and coordinated beneficiary designations. We’ll help you understand the implications of different ownership structures and guide you in making the best choices for your family’s unique situation. Plus, we’ll help you keep everything updated through regular reviews, ensuring your plan continues to work as intended. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that your assets will go to the people you want in the way you want.

This article is a service of August Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Tags Asset Inventory, Estate Planning, Estate Planning FAQs, Joint Ownership, POD, TOD

Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 2

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date January 8, 2025
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In Part 1 of this series, we explored general estate planning considerations in today’s changing landscape, especially those related to taxes, interest rates, and asset protection. Now, let’s focus on protecting families with unique planning needs, including LGBTQIA+ families and those with special-needs children.

In this political transition, comprehensive estate planning becomes crucial for these families, who may face legal rights and protection changes. Recent political developments have heightened concerns about potential changes to LGBTQIA+ rights, healthcare access, and educational protections. While we can’t predict future legal changes, we can create strong safeguards through careful planning—just in case. Let’s dive in to find out how.

Understanding the Stakes for LGBTQ+ Families

Recent political shifts have shown how quickly federal protections can change. The incoming administration has indicated plans to roll back various LGBTQIA+ protections (see here and here), including changes to Title IX interpretations and healthcare access. While marriage equality currently remains protected by federal law, LGBTQIA+ families may want to consider creating multiple layers of legal protection independent of federal policy.

Healthcare decision-making rights are also a concern, and current legal protections are not guaranteed. If there’s a significant shift in law and policy, some healthcare providers may challenge a spouse’s right to make medical decisions. However, creating comprehensive healthcare directives ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones can advocate for you in critical moments.

Documenting and protecting parental rights becomes especially important for LGBTQIA+ couples with children. Given potential changes to federal education policies and Title IX interpretations, clear legal documentation of parental rights and educational decision-making authority becomes crucial. This includes creating legal frameworks that remain valid even when traveling between states with differing levels of LGBTQIA+ protection.

If you’re concerned about any of these potential changes, I can help. Read on to learn how to schedule a complimentary consultation call with me.

Protecting Healthcare Access and Rights

In addition to concerns about a change in federal policy, recent state-level restrictions on healthcare access highlight the importance of comprehensive planning for medical decisions. It’s time to create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan with detailed provisions for healthcare choices and medical advocacy. For families with transgender members, especially, consider documenting current medical providers and creating contingency plans for accessing care if federal or state policies change.

With my Life & Legacy Planning^Ⓡ process, I’ll help you establish comprehensive medical powers of attorney and healthcare directives that clearly state your wishes and designate trusted advocates. These documents become especially important when traveling between states or if federal protections shift. We can also include specific language about gender-affirming care and other medical preferences to ensure your healthcare choices are respected.

Safeguarding Educational Rights and Family Recognition

With potential changes to educational policies and funding, families should consider additional protections for their children’s educational rights. This includes clear documentation of parental authority and educational decision-making powers. Consider creating additional legal frameworks to protect your children’s rights to use their correct names and gender markers in school settings.

If the Department of Education makes significant changes, comprehensive educational planning becomes even more crucial for families with children with special needs. The Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education Programs, provides resources to support students with disabilities through age 21. I can help you find support to document current educational supports and create contingency plans for maintaining services if new federal education policies or funding changes affect special education programs.

Building Comprehensive Legal Protection

Traditional estate planning often falls short of protecting vulnerable families during political change. Your plan should include multiple layers of protection that work together to secure your family’s future regardless of policy shifts, and this simply doesn’t happen when you think about estate planning as a set of documents, which is the traditional model. Instead, you need a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan to protect your family entirely. When you work with me, your Life & Legacy Plan, customized for your unique family dynamics, might include:

Trust structures that provide clear documentation of your intentions and protect your family’s financial security independent of federal recognition of relationships.
Backup plans for accessing essential services and support if federal or state policies change.
Documenting your current rights and protections while they remain in place creates evidence of your family relationships and intentions that can support future legal claims.

We support you in creating your comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that works for you and your family when needed.

The Importance of Regular Reviews and Updates

Regularly reviewing your estate plan becomes essential as political and legal landscapes shift. What works today might need adjustment as circumstances change. My Life & Legacy Planning process includes regular reviews and updates, so your plan stays current with legal developments. This ensures your plan works when needed, rather than sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

Since I know you’re busy, you never have to think about reviewing your plan. We will contact you proactively and regularly to update your plan as laws and policies change.

How We Help You Protect Your Family

The time to act is now. Don’t leave your family’s security to chance. I help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that accounts for your unique circumstances and ensures your family stays protected regardless of legal or policy changes. We’ll help you understand your options and create a plan that truly suits your family’s needs.

Tags Estate Planning, Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs, Estate Planning for LGBTQIA+ Families, Families with Special Needs, LGBTQIA+ Families, Special Needs Planning

Estate Planning

Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 1

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date January 2, 2025
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With a new presidential administration onboarding, the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to create or update your estate plan, there’s no time like the present, which presents opportunities and urgencies that demand attention. With anticipated changes on the horizon and favorable conditions that won’t last forever, understanding your options has never been more critical.

In this two-part series, we’ll explore what we know for certain, what remains unclear, and most importantly – what you can do about it. Next week, we’ll look at strategies for protecting loved ones who may be especially vulnerable in the coming years. But this week, we focus on taxes, interest rates, and asset protection. Let’s dive in.

What We Know About Taxes and Interest Rates

Here’s what we know: The current estate planning environment offers some significant advantages that won’t last forever. The estate tax exemption for 2024 sits at $13.61 million per person ($27.22 million for married couples) – the highest it’s ever been. That number increases in 2025 to $13.99 million per person (or $27.98 million for married couples). You can transfer substantial wealth to your loved ones without triggering federal estate taxes. This creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many families to secure their legacy and protect their assets from future estate tax exposure.

However, we also know that this generous exemption is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2025. Without new legislation, the exemption amount will drop significantly – to approximately $7 million – on January 1, 2026. This means that gifting assets out of your estate in 2025 could give you a $7 million opportunity to move assets that otherwise could be subject to estate tax rates that have been as high as in the past. When you are considering whether to gift assets out of your estate in 2025, remember to consider:

1. Not just the current value of your assets, but what they will grow to over your lifetime;

2. You can gift assets in ways that allow you to maintain aspects of control and even use. Call me and let’s discuss it.

3. The earlier in the year you get started on your considerations, the less expensive your planning will be, and the more likely we can get it done in time, so if you are likely to have an estate over $7 million in value at the time of your death, call me immediately to schedule.

Pausing here momentarily, I want to point out something important: Your estate may be larger than you think. For tax purposes, your estate includes your home’s fair market value (minus the mortgage) and any other real estate you own, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other assets. So, while you may have assets that total less than the $13.99 million exemption in 2025, you very well could be affected by the 2026 exemption. If you want to know for sure, I can help. Read on to find out how to book a call with me.

Additionally, 2024 gift tax laws allow you to give up to $17,000 per person annually without triggering any tax consequences. For married couples, you could give up to $34,000 to each child, grandchild, or anyone else to protect assets and pass them to your loved ones without tax liability. This is separate from the lifetime estate tax exemption and represents an additional tool for reducing your taxable estate. In 2025, the gift tax exclusion will increase to $19,000 per person.

Interest rates are another crucial factor. After a period of historic high interest rates intended to curb inflation, rates have finally begun to decline (though at the time of publishing, rates are fluctuating). Lower interest rates could make specific estate planning strategies particularly effective, especially if you want to transfer wealth to future generations. To learn more, book a call with me below.

Now that you’re clear on the current state of taxes, interest rates, and asset protection, let’s shift gears and discuss what’s uncertain.

What Remains Uncertain

We can anticipate changes with the new presidential administration and legislative session, but what those changes are is unclear. Different administrations often have vastly different approaches to tax policy, which can significantly impact estate planning strategies.

Here’s what we don’t know:

Whether new legislation will freeze the current exemption and stop the estate tax exemption from dropping in 2026
How long interest rates will continue to decline
What changes might come to the gift tax exclusion and other wealth transfer tools
Whether state-level estate taxes might change in response to federal shifts
How treatment of retirement accounts and inherited IRAs might evolve
Whether new restrictions might be placed on currently available planning strategies

With all this uncertainty, you may feel tempted to sit back and see what happens. However, waiting could mean missing valuable opportunities to protect your family’s financial future. History shows us that when tax laws change, they often do so quickly and with limited opportunities to act before new rules take effect. So, the time to at least have a conversation and start the discussion is now.

Why You Need to Take Action Immediately

Combining what we know and what remains uncertain creates a clear imperative: you should take immediate action. Here’s why:

Current Benefits: Today’s high exemption amounts and declining interest rates create optimal conditions for transferring wealth. By acting now, you can lock in these advantages before they potentially disappear. Many of the strategies available today might be limited or eliminated in the future.

Future Protection: I help you create a properly structured Life & Legacy Plan that can help shield your assets from future tax changes. While we can’t predict what changes will come, we can build flexibility into your Life & Legacy Plan to adapt to various scenarios. This might include using specialized trusts, family-limited partnerships, or other advanced planning tools that can provide long-term benefits regardless of how tax laws change.

Peace of Mind: Beyond tax considerations, creating a Life & Legacy Plan ensures your wishes will be honored and your loved ones protected, regardless of what changes come at the federal or state level. This includes ensuring your healthcare directives are current, your power of attorney designations are appropriate, and your asset protection strategies are robust. I also help you keep your plan updated over time so your plan always works – no matter who’s in office.

Family Security: The actual value of estate planning goes far beyond tax savings. It’s about ensuring your family has the resources and guidance they need when you can no longer provide them. This includes protecting your children’s inheritance, providing for family members with special needs, and ensuring your charitable goals are met.

Speaking of family members with special needs, check back next week. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore specific strategies for protecting vulnerable family members and preserving family harmony through times of change. We’ll also discuss planning considerations for LGBTQ+ families, families with children who have special needs, and other situations requiring special attention in today’s environment.

Your Next Steps

I understand that these changes and uncertainties can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a Life & Legacy Planning® Session designed to help you understand exactly how these current conditions and upcoming changes might affect your family.

Don’t wait until the last minute to act. While tax considerations are important, the real value of estate planning lies in protecting your family and preserving your legacy.

Take the first step toward securing your family’s future by booking a Life & Legacy Planning Session. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Change, Estate Plan, Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Lessons from Tony Bennett’s Estate Battle

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date December 23, 2024
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When legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left behind an estimated $100 million estate and, unfortunately, a family divide threatening to tarnish his legacy. His daughters Antonia and Johanna Bennett are now suing their brother, Danny, who serves as trustee of their father’s estate, alleging a lack of transparency and potential mismanagement of assets. Let’s explore what went wrong and how you can protect your family from the same fate.

Background

A complex legal battle is unfolding in the New York Supreme Court. Tony Bennett’s daughters Johanna and Antonia have filed suit against their brother Danny, who serves as trustee of their father’s estate. The lawsuit raises alarming questions about the management of Bennett’s assets. While the legendary singer earned over $100 million from live performances in his final 15 years, his daughters were told the estate was valued at less than $7 million.

The dispute centers around Danny’s role as both trustee and former manager. In July 2022, Danny orchestrated the sale of Bennett’s memorabilia, personal property, and name and likeness rights to Iconoclast, a company specializing in legacy works. The daughters allege they were in the dark about which assets were included in this deal and have received only “a modest distribution.” They also claim Danny received $1.2 million in loans from their father in 2020 and lifetime gifts totaling $4.2 million – more than double what Bennett’s other children received.

Making matters worse, when Johanna and Antonia were finally allowed to visit their father’s apartment in 2024, they discovered many of his personal belongings were either missing or declared off-limits due to the Iconoclast sale. They learned that most of their father’s clothing had been donated to charity without their knowledge, despite these items being specifically bequeathed to Bennett’s children in the trust. An auction of Bennett’s belongings was held in April 2024, but his daughters allege they were largely “kept in the dark” about the details and had to rush to identify which items they wanted to keep.

Court filings also state that the trust was established in 1994, but we don’t know if it was ever reviewed and updated. We also cannot know if Mr. Bennett was ever advised about the potential disputes that could arise from naming one of his children as his sole trustee and administrator of the estate.

Why Family May Not Be the Best Choice

Like Mr. Bennett, many people select family members to administer their estate after they die. They trust family members and assume they’ll do the right thing. Or they haven’t been properly advised about the potential consequences of naming a family member as the estate administrator. However, as the Bennett lawsuit teaches, family members aren’t always the right people for the job. Here are several common issues that arise when family members serve as trustees:

Power Imbalance: Having one sibling control their siblings’ inheritance creates an uncomfortable dynamic and breeds distrust.

Dual Roles: Danny’s position as trustee and former manager created a potential conflict of interest. Questions about decisions and motivations often arise when personal and professional roles overlap.

Transparency Issues: The significant discrepancy between known earnings and reported estate value raises red flags about financial transparency – a crucial element of trust administration.

Emotional Complications: Family relationships can cloud judgment and make it difficult to maintain the objectivity required of a trustee.

If you’re concerned about family conflict after you die, consult with a trusted advisor who can educate you about the potential ramifications of your decision and guide you to choose the right person—whether a family member or not. My priority is helping you make the process as easy on your loved ones and giving you peace of mind that you’ve done everything possible to keep your family out of court and conflict.

How to Prevent a Similar Conflict in Your Family

The primary way to prevent conflict in your family after your incapacity or death is to start courageous conversations with your family now. Conflict occurs when people are surprised about choices made by a loved one that are only revealed after it’s too late to gain understanding. Deep grief combined with surprise is a volatile combination. Communicating often and early is the best way to save your loved ones from this fate. If you’ve created your plan with my office and desire me to host a family meeting, reach out, and let’s schedule it. If you have not yet created your plan, let’s start there.

If you do not believe you can get your loved ones on the same page, I sometimes recommend choosing a non-family member or professional as your Successor Trustee. For instance, a professional or corporate trustee can provide the objective oversight needed to maintain family harmony while ensuring proper estate administration. This might have been a better choice for the Bennett family.

However, if you strongly prefer having a family member serve as trustee, you can implement additional safeguards with an effective estate plan. An effective plan may include adding co-trustees or creating independent oversight mechanisms to help ensure transparency and accountability. It might mean appointing a professional advisor to review major decisions or requiring regular external audits of estate administration.

Finally, make sure your chosen trustee has access to proper professional support. Managing an estate requires complex legal and financial knowledge that most family members don’t possess. That’s why my Life & Legacy Planning process has built-in mechanisms to ensure your chosen representatives will always have help from me when needed. However, ongoing support for your family is rarely a part of a typical estate plan.

Essential Elements of an Effective Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan that truly protects your family requires careful consideration. It requires guidance on how to pick the right representative for you and your loved ones. It requires proper documentation of assets, including detailed records of everything from real estate to intellectual property rights. It requires clear distribution guidelines. It also involves transparency to help maintain family trust and prevent disputes from arising.

However, if you create a DIY plan, use a cheap online service, use a financial advisor who offers estate planning services, or work with a traditional estate planning attorney, these elements will likely not be in your plan. Instead, you need a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that will work when you need it to.

When you work with me to create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan, I will help you:

Choose the right trustee for your situation;
Create systems for transparent asset management;
Establish clear communication protocols;
Protect family relationships from conflicts;
Document your wishes on video or an audio file so your family understands precisely what you want;
If you have minor children, gain peace of mind knowing that they will never be taken into the care of strangers if something happens to you, and
Review and update your plan regularly to account for family dynamics, assets, and life circumstances changes.

We cannot know whether Mr. Bennett was advised of the potential consequences of naming his son to serve as trustee or whether he was given proper guidance on what he could have done to keep his family out of court and in conflict. But when you work with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll support you in creating a plan that leaves a legacy of love and peace, not discord and strife.

How We Help You Create a Plan That Works

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that protects your assets and preserves family harmony. We’ll help you address potential conflicts before they arise, ensure your wishes are clearly documented, create a framework for managing your assets even if you become incapacitated, and be there for your chosen representatives when you cannot be. We’ll also review your plan with you regularly so your plan works when you and your family need it to.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance – schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Celebrity Estate Plan, Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Personal Family Lawyer, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett’s Estate Battle

Estate Planning

How To Create a Lasting Family Legacy This Holiday Season

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date December 20, 2024
No Comments on How To Create a Lasting Family Legacy This Holiday Season

The holidays, a time for family, reflection, and gratitude, present a unique opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting family legacy. While financial inheritance is important, the value you pass down extends far beyond money—your values, insights, stories, and experiences. These intangible treasures shape the essence of your family’s identity and can serve as a guiding light for generations to come.

Unfortunately, many families leave this legacy-building process to chance. However, intentionally capturing and preserving these meaningful aspects requires more effort and focus. As part of our unique planning process, we help families solidify their legacy through a recorded Family Legacy Interview—a priceless gift for their loved ones.

This holiday season, we invite you to embrace the joy of storytelling by asking meaningful questions and recording the answers. This process can deepen family connections, uncover hidden wisdom, and create a legacy that your children and grandchildren will eagerly cherish for years to come.

Start a Family Tradition of Reflection

The best way to preserve your family legacy is to start with meaningful conversations. These discussions allow family members to reflect on their lives, share insights, and recount stories that might otherwise remain untold. We’ve found that asking the right questions is a powerful way to unlock memories and reveal the values that have shaped your loved ones.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled 32 meaningful questions that can serve as a guide during your holiday gatherings. Whether sitting around the dining table, gathered by the fireplace, or enjoying a quiet one-on-one moment, these questions can inspire deep and heartfelt conversations.

Here are some examples to spark meaningful conversations and preserve your family history:

What comes to mind when you think about growing up in your hometown?
What did you love to do as a kid before high school?
What did you love to do in high school?
What do you remember most about your teenage years?
What do you remember most about your mom (grandma)?
What was most important to her?
What do you remember most about your dad (grandpa)?
What was most important to him?
If Grandma and Grandpa had a message to pass along to the grandchildren, what would it be?
How did you meet your spouse? How did you know (s)he was the one?
How did you choose your career? What was your favorite part about it?
What made you successful?
What did you believe about yourself that helped you become successful and deal with hard times?
What times in your life “tested your mettle,” and what did you learn about yourself by dealing (or not dealing) with them?
What three events most shaped your life?
What do you remember about when I was born?
Were you ever scared to be a parent?
What three words would you say represented your approach to parenting and why?
When you think about [sibling], how would you describe him/her?
What message do you have for [sibling] that you want him/her to always keep in mind?

[Do the last two questions above for each sibling in your family]

When you think about [spouse], how would you describe her/him?
What message do you have for [spouse] that you want her/him to always keep in mind?
What three words best describe who you tried to be in life? How would you like to be remembered?
What do you think your children and grandchildren should focus on professionally?
What have you learned about people in life?
What do you think the world needs more of right now?
What do you believe people want the most in life?
What were the three best decisions you ever made?
What are you most proud of?
What were five of the most memorable moments of your life?
What message would you like to share with your family?
What are you most thankful for?

Asking these questions is just the beginning. Recording the answers ensures that future generations can experience shared wisdom and stories. Whether you record these conversations using your smartphone, a video camera, or a written journal, the effort creates a lasting keepsake.

The Power of Recording Your Legacy

Capturing your family’s stories and values in a tangible form makes the experience even more impactful. The recording becomes a treasure for future generations, allowing them to hear the voices, see the faces, and feel the emotions of their ancestors. It’s a gift that transcends time and provides a profound sense of continuity and connection for your family.

As estate planning professionals, we’ve seen how meaningful this process can be. We include a Family Wealth Legacy Interview in every estate plan we create. This interview ensures that your stories and insights are preserved alongside your financial and legal documents, creating a holistic legacy plan.

Beyond Stories: Protecting What Matters Most

While recording your family’s legacy is essential, it’s only one part of safeguarding your family’s future. To ensure your values and assets are protected, creating a comprehensive estate plan—or what we like to call a Life and Legacy Plan-is crucial. This type of plan doesn’t just focus on financial wealth but also captures and protects the intangible aspects of your legacy, ensuring a holistic approach to preserving your family’s heritage.

The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to gather with loved ones and reflect on what truly matters. It’s a time when family stories naturally come to the surface and when the importance of connection feels most profound. Use this season to initiate these meaningful conversations and take the first steps toward preserving your family legacy.

We are here to guide you through the process. From conducting a Family Legacy Interview to creating a comprehensive estate plan, we’ll ensure that your life’s values, lessons, and treasures are thoughtfully preserved and protected. Our expertise and support will make the process smooth and rewarding, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: family and their legacy.

Create Your Legacy Today

Don’t let another holiday season pass by without capturing the priceless wisdom and stories of your loved ones. Use our list of questions as a springboard to discover the hidden gems in your family’s history. And when you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session with us. Together, we’ll create a plan to ensure your legacy will be a cherished gift for future generations. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Estate Plan, Family Interviews, Family Legacy, Holiday Traditions, Personal Family Lawyer

Estate Planning

How the Holidays Can Inspire Your Family Legacy Planning

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date December 11, 2024
No Comments on How the Holidays Can Inspire Your Family Legacy Planning

As the holidays approach, many families are busy planning menus, coordinating travel, hitting those holiday bucket list activities, baking treats for friends and neighbors, and preparing for a big feast. While these are important traditions, these cherished holidays offer something even more valuable—a perfect opportunity to think about, discuss, and preserve your family’s legacy.

In this article, you’ll discover practical ways to capture family stories during your holiday gatherings, start meaningful legacy conversations without awkwardness, and transform these precious moments into a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that protects your family’s values and assets for future generations. This year, consider using your holiday gatherings as a springboard for the meaningful conversations that can shape your family’s future.

The Heart of Legacy Planning: More Than Just Money

When most people think about legacy planning, they often focus solely on financial assets. But proper legacy planning encompasses much more. It’s about preserving your family’s stories, values, traditions, and the wisdom gained through generations. After working with families to support them with their estate planning and being there at the end of life, I’ve learned that these are the things that matter most. Values, insights, stories, experiences, and sentimental items are almost always more important to families than financial assets, though money also matters.

Those moments around the holiday table, sharing old family recipes, telling stories about ancestors, or discussing what matters most to your family are the building blocks of a meaningful legacy. The holidays, with their focus on gratitude and family togetherness, provide an ideal setting to explore these more profound aspects of your legacy.

Using Holiday Gatherings to Plan for the Future

With some planning, the holidays can be a great time to discuss the future. These conversations don’t have to be formal or heavy—they can emerge naturally from your holiday interactions:

Talk About Family Values: When expressing gratitude, encourage family members to share what they value most about being part of the family. These discussions inform how you structure your estate plan to reflect and perpetuate these values.

Discuss Family Philanthropy: If giving back is essential to your family, use this time to talk about causes that matter to everyone. This can lead to meaningful discussions about charitable giving and how to incorporate it into your legacy plan.

Addressing Family Dynamics during holiday gatherings can often reveal important insights to consider in estate planning. Who are the peacemakers? Who might need additional support? Understanding these dynamics can help you create a plan that promotes family harmony rather than conflict. By openly discussing these dynamics, you can ensure that everyone’s needs and concerns are considered, potentially reducing the risk of future family disputes.

Bring Up Your Planning: If you’ve recently completed your estate planning process or plan to before the end of the year or early next year, this is a great time to bring up your plans. Consider saying: “Because I want to make sure that everything is as easy as it can be for you all if something happens to me, I’m doing/did a kind of estate planning called Life & Legacy Planning, and I’d love to share about it with you because you’ll all be impacted. Are you open to having a conversation about that and what we all want to happen for ourselves if we become incapacitated or when we die?”

Understanding your family’s values, philanthropic interests, and dynamics isn’t just about having pleasant conversations—it’s about gathering crucial information to help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that genuinely serves your family and preserves harmony for future generations.

Capturing Your Family’s Story

The holidays are a time for storytelling, a chance to share and preserve the precious memories and important family history that often emerge when families gather and reminisce. This joyful act of capturing family stories not only connects us to our past but also strengthens our bonds for the future. Here are some ways to make these moments even more special:

Record Your Family’s Food Heritage: That special stuffing recipe from your grandmother isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about family history. Document not just the recipe but the story behind it. Why is it important? How has it been adapted over generations? Who taught it to whom? If your relative is still alive, ask them to write out the recipe with essential notes. Having something in their handwriting can be very special for the younger generations.

Create a Family Interview Tradition: Designate time after dinner for family interviews. Have younger family members ask older ones about their childhood, important life lessons, or family history. Record these conversations (with permission) using your phone or video camera. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Share Family Artifacts: Bring out old family photos, letters, or heirlooms. These physical items are not just objects but gateways to our family history and values. They often spark stories and discussions that deepen our appreciation for our family’s journey. Use these moments to explain why certain items are meaningful and what they represent in your family’s legacy.

Making Legacy Planning Part of Your Holiday Tradition

The key to successful legacy planning is making it an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Consider establishing new Thanksgiving traditions that support this goal. Here are a few ideas:

Create a Family Time Capsule: Each year, have family members contribute something meaningful to a time capsule—letters, photos, or small items that represent the year’s important moments.

Start a Family Mission Statement: Work together to create and update a family mission statement that reflects your shared values and goals. This can guide both current decisions and future legacy planning.

Document Family Medical History: While families are together, take time to update your family medical history. This information is crucial for future generations and can inform healthcare decisions.

Remember that legacy planning isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing journey that can be woven into your family’s holiday traditions each year. By incorporating these intentional practices into every holiday gathering, you’re capturing and preserving what matters most and building a stronger foundation for your family’s future. It’s a commitment, a responsibility, and a labor of love that will endure for generations.

How We Help You Create a Lasting Legacy

While holiday conversations are valuable for legacy planning, they’re just the beginning. To protect your family’s legacy and ensure your wishes are fulfilled, you need professional guidance and support to create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan. Our Life & Legacy Planning process goes beyond traditional estate planning to capture your assets, values, wisdom, and family story. We help ensure that your conversations around the holiday table become a legacy for future generations.

Take the first step toward preserving your family’s legacy. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Estate Plan, Estate Planning Attorney, Family Legacy Planning, Holidays, Personal Family Lawyer

Estate Planning

Honoring Service: Essential Estate Planning Tips for Veterans and Their Families

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date December 1, 2024
No Comments on Honoring Service: Essential Estate Planning Tips for Veterans and Their Families

Every day, we honor the brave individuals who have served our nation with dedication and resilience. Your service was a testament to your commitment to a better, safer future – and now it’s time to extend that commitment to securing a stable future for your loved ones. Through a personalized estate planning process I call Life & Legacy Planning, you can ensure that your family is well-cared for and your legacy is preserved. Just as you approached each mission with precision and care, this planning requires the same detail and intentionality to safeguard your family’s future.

In this article, I will help you understand the unique estate planning opportunities available to veterans and the steps you can take to secure your family’s tomorrow.

Understanding Your Veterans Benefits

Your military service has earned you and your family special benefits that extend beyond your lifetime. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs to provide for your loved ones after you’re gone. It’s crucial to understand these benefits and take steps to ensure your family can access them. This includes keeping your discharge papers (DD Form 214) with your estate planning documents and informing your executor of their location.

You should also maintain a current list of all VA benefits you receive, as this information will be crucial for your family to continue receiving eligible benefits. When you work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, I will help you organize the information your family will need so they know they’ll receive all the benefits they are entitled to. There will be no guessing, extra work, or lost benefits simply because they didn’t know what was available to them.

Creating Your Estate Planning Strategy

Life & Legacy Planning for veterans requires careful consideration of both military and civilian assets. I recommend you create a comprehensive list of your assets, including:

Military pension and retirement accounts
Life insurance policies (both military and private)
Property and real estate
Investment accounts
Personal possessions with monetary or sentimental value

With an inventory, your family will know how to find your assets so assets you care about aren’t lost or difficult to find.

Note that service members can create basic estate planning documents through the military legal assistance office at no cost. Depending on your needs, this may or may not be an adequate option. For example, if you have minor children, you need a comprehensive plan that will keep your children from being taken into the care of strangers or raised by people you’d never want to raise them if something happens to you. Or, if you have a blended family, no children, a business, a child with special needs, or significant assets, you need a comprehensive plan that will keep your family out of court and conflict, which a free, documents-only plan will not do. Finally, for your plan to work when you need it to, your plan needs regular reviews and updates as your life changes, your family dynamics change, and your assets change.

A free, documents-only plan is just that – documents. You won’t have a trusted advisor who has your back and will ensure your plan stays updated over time. But you get all these benefits (regular reviews, a comprehensive plan that keeps your family out of court and conflict, etc.) when you work with me and create a Life & Legacy Plan. So, I encourage you to educate yourself before making a plan based only on documents. I have many free resources to help, or you can book a complimentary consult call with me using the booking link below.

Working with a Trusted Advisor

While the military legal assistance office provides valuable services, you may benefit from working with an attorney who understands both veterans’ benefits and estate planning, especially if you have a potentially complex situation, like a blended family, a family member with special needs, a debilitating illness, no children (yes, this is often a complex matter, not a simple one!), or many varied assets. A competent attorney can help you:

Structure your estate to maximize benefits for your survivors
Create trusts to protect assets if you need long-term care
Navigate complex VA regulations
Ensure your estate plan complies with state and federal laws
Update your plan as laws and regulations change

Please book a complimentary call with us below for more information and guidance about what is best for you and your loved ones.

How We Help You Honor and Protect Your Legacy

Your service to our nation demonstrates your commitment to protecting what matters most. It’s time to protect your legacy through careful estate planning. By taking these steps, you’re continuing your tradition of service by ensuring your family’s security and well-being. Remember that Life & Legacy Planning isn’t a one-time task. Regular reviews, especially after significant changes like marriage, divorce, birth, or significant changes in your financial situation, are imperative to ensure your plan works when you and your loved ones need it. When you work with me, we include these regular reviews to give you peace of mind that your plan is always up-to-date and ready to serve your family.

Veterans have already given so much in service to our country – you shouldn’t have to worry about your family facing legal challenges or missing out on earned benefits. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that honors your military service by ensuring your loved ones stay out of court and conflict while maximizing the benefits you’ve earned through your service. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored and your family will be protected with the same dedication you showed to safeguard our nation.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn how we can help secure your military legacy. Contact us today to get started.

Tags DIC, Estate Plan, Estate Planning for Veterans, Life & Legacy Planning, Military Service, Personal Family Lawyer, VA Benefits, Veterans

Estate Planning

Shining a Light on Shelley Duvall’s Death and Estate Plan

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date November 19, 2024
No Comments on Shining a Light on Shelley Duvall’s Death and Estate Plan

Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals important lessons about estate planning that everyone can learn from.

In case you haven’t read about what’s happened to her estate since she died, Duvall’s death left behind unresolved legal matters, especially concerning her long-term partner, Dan Gilroy. Without a will, Gilroy is now navigating a complex legal process to inherit a portion of Duvall’s estate, valued in the six figures. There are valuable takeaways from this situation for those who aren’t movie stars but want to protect their loved ones and assets. Let’s look at what you can learn from Dan Gilroy and Shelly Duvall’s story to ensure you avoid similar challenges in your life and after your death. Remember, these issues were entirely avoidable with the right planning.

The Importance of a Life & Legacy Plan

The most striking takeaway from Shelley Duvall’s situation is the importance of having an estate plan, particularly a Life & Legacy Plan. This plan, unlike a traditional estate plan, not only outlines the distribution of your assets but also includes your personal values, life lessons, and any other non-financial legacies you wish to leave behind. Without such a plan, your state decides who will inherit your property, and your loved ones must go to court to figure it all out. Anytime you have to go to court, it can be a lengthy, stressful, and expensive process. In addition, someone else who’s a stranger to you and your loved ones (i.e., a judge) makes decisions for you and those you love. So, when you don’t have a Life & Legacy Plan, the distribution of your estate may not align with your wishes. In Duvall’s case, her partner of over 30 years, Dan Gilroy, is left in a position where he has to prove his right to inherit a portion of her assets.

Creating a Life & Legacy Plan ensures that your wishes are fulfilled after you’re gone. Whether you’re married, single, or in a long-term partnership, having a plan that clearly outlines who gets what can save your loved ones from confusion, frustration, and heartache. Contrary to what you may think, it’s especially important for those who don’t have children, as the distribution of assets can become even more complex.

In Duvall’s case, her three brothers may end up with a significant portion of her estate, which may not have been what she wanted. You can prevent these uncertainties by making a will that reflects your true intentions.

Consider Your Unmarried Partner’s Rights

Life & Legacy Planning becomes even more critical for couples like Duvall and Gilroy, who lived together for over 30 years without being legally married. Gilroy is now trying to prove that he and Duvall were, in fact, in a common-law marriage so he can claim a share of her estate.

Common-law marriage, recognized in Texas where they lived (but not in all states), requires specific legal standards to be met. These standards include proving that the couple agreed to be married, lived together as a married couple, and presented themselves as husband and wife to others. Without this proof, Gilroy may receive little to nothing from Duvall’s estate. I can’t imagine this is what Duvall wanted.

If you’re in a long-term relationship but not legally married, you should think carefully about what might happen to your assets when you pass away. When you work with me, I’ll help you make choices that are right for you. Then, together, we’ll create a Life & Legacy Plan that reflects your wishes. If you’re unmarried but have a partner you’d like to inherit your assets, we’ll create a plan that documents your relationship and makes it easier to prove if needed. In Duvall’s case, a Life & Legacy Plan would have simplified the legal process for Gilroy.

Address Mental Health and Capacity in Your Planning

Another issue that may come up in Duvall’s estate battle is her mental health. In the years leading up to her death, there was public speculation about her mental state, including a controversial interview with Dr. Phil in 2016, where she displayed erratic behavior. This may raise questions in court about whether she had the capacity to fully understand legal agreements, such as marriage, or whether Duvall had the legal capacity to make the decisions that might come with estate planning. This could be a reason she didn’t have a plan of her own.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health challenges, it’s essential to plan early while mental capacity is clear, and can be documented as part of the planning process. This can prevent future disputes about whether a person can make informed decisions. By working with me and creating a Life & Legacy Plan that reflects your wishes, you can help ensure that your estate is handled according to your desires, regardless of future health issues. Duvall’s case reminds us that waiting too long to address estate planning can lead to complications that leave loved ones vulnerable to long legal battles and uncertainty. The key is to start planning as early as possible to avoid such situations.

Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in a Bind

Shelley Duvall’s passing highlights several vital lessons you can apply to your own life. Whether you have a large estate or not, it’s crucial to have a plan that protects your assets and provides for the people you care about most. By creating a Life & Legacy Plan, considering the rights of an unmarried partner, and addressing potential mental health issues early, you can make sure your wishes are respected after you’re gone. And the best time to protect your loved ones is now.

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are cared for—whether you’re married, in a long-term relationship, or navigating unique mental health concerns. With your plan in place, you can rest easy knowing that your legacy will be preserved and your family will stay out of court and conflict.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to find out more. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples, Personal Family Lawyer, Shelley Duvall

Estate Planning

Debunking 4 Common Estate Planning Myths

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date November 8, 2024
No Comments on Debunking 4 Common Estate Planning Myths

You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning that I hear often. In reality, estate planning is critical for everyone, including you, regardless of age or financial status.

Many people don’t understand what estate planning is – even attorneys sometimes don’t understand it. So, I’ll take this opportunity to set the record straight and debunk some common myths, then explore why you need an estate plan and how to get the right one at the right price.

Myth #1: Estate Planning is Only for the Wealthy

One of the most persistent myths about estate planning is that it’s only necessary if you have significant wealth or valuable assets.

Estate planning isn’t about the size of your estate; it’s about making sure that when something happens to you – as it will – the people you love aren’t left with a big mess to deal with.

Consider this: Do you have a bank account? A car? Personal belongings with sentimental value? A life insurance policy? If you answered yes to any of these, you have an estate. But even more importantly, do you have people you care about? Family members who depend on you? Or people you love who will be stuck dealing with your mess if you don’t care for these things while you can. If so, you need an estate plan.

Estate planning is about more than just distributing assets. It’s about making important decisions that will affect your loved ones. For instance:

Who will take care of your minor children if something happens to you? And how will they take care of them?
Who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated? How will they make those decisions?
Who will manage your digital assets, like email, social media accounts, or cryptocurrency?
Who will make sure your bills get paid?

These questions apply to everyone, regardless of their net worth. By creating an estate plan, you’re not flaunting wealth; you’re taking responsibility for your life and the people you care about. After all, someone will have to deal with these things. It’s unavoidable. You can do it now and make it easy on your loved ones (and have more control over outcomes), or you can procrastinate it or avoid it altogether and leave the people you love with a complicated and expensive mess to clean up if you become incapacitated or after you die.

Myth #2: Estate Planning is Complicated and Expensive

Another common misconception is that estate planning is overly complex and costly. While it’s true that estate planning involves legal documents and careful consideration, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or break the bank. In fact, we promise to make it as easy as possible for you and within the right budget based on your family dynamics, assets, and needs.

The complexity and cost of your estate plan will depend on your specific situation and goals.

Myth #3: I’m Too Young to Need an Estate Plan

You might think estate planning is something you can put off once you’re older, but this is a dangerous assumption. Life is unpredictable, and having an estate plan in place is crucial regardless of your age.

If you’re a young adult, you might have yet to accumulate much wealth, but you still have important decisions to make. For instance:

Who will manage your social media accounts if something happens to you?
Who will take care of your pets?
What will happen to you if you have a small business or side hustle?
Who will be responsible for paying off your student loans or other debts?

Moreover, estate planning becomes even more critical if you’re a young parent. Your estate plan can designate guardians for your children and set up trusts to manage any assets they might inherit. These provisions are necessary for the court to decide who raises your children, leading to family disputes and potentially placing your children with someone you wouldn’t have chosen.

Even if you’re single with no dependents, an estate plan is critical, maybe even more so, because it’s up to you to determine who will care for you if you cannot care for yourself. You don’t want to leave that to a judge to decide. Your plan will ensure your wishes are respected if you become incapacitated, designate who will make medical decisions for you, and specify how you want your assets distributed. This can prevent conflicts among family members and ensure your hard-earned assets go to the people or causes you care about most.

Remember, estate planning isn’t about planning for your death; it’s about preparing for life and the uncertainties sure to come. It’s about taking control of your future and caring for the people and things you love, no matter your age.

Myth #4: Once I Create an Estate Plan, I’m Done

Another common misconception is that estate planning is a one-time event. In reality, your estate plan should evolve as your life changes. Major life events that might necessitate updates to your estate plan include:

Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of children
Death of a beneficiary or executor
Significant changes in your financial situation
Purchase of a home or other major asset
Starting a business
Moving to a different state

Even if you have yet to experience significant life changes, reviewing your estate plan at least every three years is essential. However, we recommend you review your assets and how they are titled annually. Laws change, and what was optimal a few years ago might not be the best strategy.

Regular reviews also give you a chance to reconsider your choices. Keeping your estate plan up-to-date ensures it continues to reflect your wishes and provides the best possible protection for your loved ones. Think of it as a living document that grows and changes with you, rather than a static set of instructions. It’s so important that we include regular reviews at least every three years in all our Life & Legacy Plans, and have systems to keep your plan up to date.

How We Help You Take Action Today

Estate planning is not a luxury for the wealthy, a complex process beyond your reach, or something you can put off until later in life. It’s a fundamental aspect of responsible financial planning that everyone should consider.

Our Life & Legacy Planning process is specifically designed to start with getting you educated and organized, so we can support you in choosing the right plan for you and your loved ones. We’ll outline strategies for your assets, prepare for potential incapacity, and ensure your family is cared for, even if the unexpected happens. Our approach includes regular reviews to keep your plan current with life changes, and we even help capture family memories and traditions. With our guidance, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.

When you consider the peace of mind and potential savings in time, stress, and money for your loved ones down the line, Life & Legacy Planning is often the best way to save your loved ones time and money while also creating optimal value and use of your resources during your own lifetime. Think of it as insurance for your legacy—a small cost now can save your loved ones significant trouble and expense later.

Take the first step towards peace of mind–schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation and learn how we can help you create your personalized Life & Legacy Plan. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Estate Planning Attorney, Estate Planning Myths, Personal Family Lawyer

Estate Planning

A Comprehensive Guide to Disaster Preparedness

Post author By Sara Thomas
Post date October 31, 2024
No Comments on A Comprehensive Guide to Disaster Preparedness

In today’s world, where natural disasters and unforeseen events can disrupt our lives immediately, preparedness is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency situation, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to provide a strong foundation for your financial security and personal well-being. From building an emergency kit to investing wisely and protecting your home, we’ll explore practical steps to ensure you’re ready for any challenge that may come.

First, let’s discover that immediate preparedness can empower you to navigate uncertainties confidently and resiliently.

Immediate Preparedness: Your First Line of Defense

Create a Go-Bag. Your first step in disaster preparedness is to create a “go-bag.” This essential kit should contain items to help you survive for at least three days following a disaster. Pack clothes, toiletries, and any necessary medications. Include non-perishable food and water (or a water filtration device) to sustain you during an emergency. Include copies of important documents such as identification and insurance policies.

You may also include a recent family photo in case someone in your family needs to be identified, as well as a device with pictures of your home and its contents if you need to submit photos for an insurance claim. Having cash in small denominations can also be crucial in an emergency. Lastly, include a flash drive containing digital copies of all your important documents for easy access and portability. We provide this to all of our clients and keep electronic records of your documents as well. Keep your go-bag near your home’s primary exit so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate.

Stock Up on Essentials. Beyond your “go-bag,” maintain a 1-3 month supply of non-perishable food at home. This longer-term stock will sustain you through extended emergencies or periods of scarcity. Consider investing in a generator to provide power during outages. Solar power equipment can offer a sustainable energy source during prolonged emergencies. Water filtration devices are also crucial, ensuring you have clean water even if municipal systems fail.

Plan for Extended Independence. Prepare for situations where you might need to live away from home for two weeks to a month. Invest in high-quality camping gear, including robust water filtration systems and efficient cooking equipment. Scout locations in your local community where you could safely hunker down if needed. Familiarize yourself with these areas and plan potential routes to reach them. Some people find investing in a vehicle like a camper van beneficial, equipping it with essential survival gear. This mobile approach to preparedness can provide flexibility in various emergency scenarios.

Financial Preparedness: Building a Strong Foundation

Manage Your Cash Wisely. Smart cash management forms the basis of financial preparedness. Keep between $1,000 and $20,000 in cash at home, stored securely in a safe. Use small bills to facilitate easy exchange in emergencies. Also, maintain 1-12 months of living expenses in a local bank account, but be aware of FDIC limits. The exact amount you keep liquid will depend on your personal situation and how quickly you can generate income, if needed.

Invest in Proper Insurance Coverage. Review your homeowners’ insurance policy carefully to ensure it provides adequate coverage. Your policy should cover entirely replacing your home’s structure and belongings. It should also include “loss-of-use” coverage, which pays for living expenses while your home is being repaired. For comprehensive protection, consider additional policies. Earthquake insurance is crucial in many areas, even those not traditionally associated with seismic activity. Flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is essential as flooding can occur almost anywhere. Look into specialized windstorm or hurricane policies if you live in a high-risk area for hurricanes or tornadoes.

Create a Life & Legacy Plan. Work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, which is a comprehensive estate plan that accounts for what happens to you if you were to become incapacitated and what happens to your assets and your family after you die. Together, we’ll ensure your assets aren’t lost to the government, your kids are raised the way you want by the people you wish to if something happens to you, and your family doesn’t end up in court and conflict. Read to the end, and I’ll show you how to book a call to learn more.

Invest in Human Capital. Once you’ve covered your basic preparedness needs, focus on the people around you. Support those who help raise your children, recognizing their crucial role in your family’s well-being. Invest in local farmers growing food in your area, strengthening your community’s food security. Invest in artisans who can help you rebuild if needed. Work on healing relationships with family members and building a solid support network. Develop relationships with trusted advisors and supporters who can guide you in various aspects of your life and financial journey. We often overlook investing in human capital in service to financial investments that grow our money, but it’s the humans you will need in an emergency.

Final Considerations

The most valuable items are sometimes challenging to replace, even with cash or insurance proceeds. So, digitize photo albums, home videos, old letters, and family histories. Store digital copies in the cloud for easy access from anywhere.

Finally, regularly review and update your preparedness plans, adjusting them as your circumstances change and as you learn about new potential threats. If you need assistance with this—or even accountability—book a call with me.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’re not just preparing for disasters – you’re embarking on a journey to financial liberation. Remember, wise stewardship involves investing your time, energy, attention, and money (TEAM resources) across all aspects of your life.

How We Help You Prepare For the Unexpected

The journey to comprehensive preparedness starts now. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be protecting yourself from disasters and building a more resilient and secure future for yourself and your loved ones.

We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan, which outlines your assets and incapacity plans, even if the unexpected happens. We’ll also review your plan with you regularly so it changes as your life changes, and we’ll even help you capture family memories, stories, and traditions so those are never lost – no matter what happens. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today to get started.

Tags Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedness, Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Estate Planning Attorney, Peace of Mind

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