Estate planning is an important and everlasting gift you can give your family. And setting up a smooth inheritance isn’t as hard as you might think. — Suze Orman
Pardon the pun, but that’s the plain truth. And most estate-planning books have deadly covers. It’s probably why many people do not have an estate plan!
Want proof? Drop the phrase “estate planning” in conversation, and listen as the room goes silent. Most not only dread the topic, they avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, those costs are high, and they’re paid by friends and heirs. I experienced this first hand when my father “died tomorrow.”
We want to make a difference in the way we talk and think about estate planning. We want to inspire people to think about and plan for the inevitable; to inspire them to shape their legacy while also sparing their families unnecessary pain.
But how can an estate-planning booklet deliver inspiration? If you look at the materials out there now, you’ll see a banal collection of attempts — like a quiz for donors on estate planning, or books with titles like Estate Planning for Dummies that have cover photos of near-death couples (sorry for being blunt) sitting with an attorney.
Besides, that’s not when most people write their estate plan!
I don’t know about you, but those uncreative offerings don’t make us feel inspired or create an emotional connection. And we sincerely doubt that they’re going to motivate anyone to include charitable causes in their estate plans, either. Simply put,
Features and reasons to get this book:
Prologue (Why I wrote this book.)
Let’s Be Honest
When was the last time you thought about estate planning? Are you thinking, like so many, “I’m not famous. I don’t have big bucks. So, what’s the point?” Oh, there’s lots of points…
No Worries. You Don’t Need a Will. The Government Will Take Care of It for You.
If you die without a will, no problem. Uncle Sam and his friends know just what to do. That’s okay with you, right?
Diaries Make Great Reading
Now’s your chance to write a “must read” for your family and friends. These tips will help inspire you to think about the story you want to tell.
Writing Your Will Makes You Fall in Love Again
My wife cried when we met with our lawyer. That’s okay. Creating a will helps you realize that you must live for the present. It can help you fall in love with your life’s purpose all over again.
Your Last Invoices
One’s from the government, and one’s from your funeral parlor. Plan ahead, otherwise you run the risk of overpaying both. In this chapter, we’ll show you mistakes that could be costly to you and your heirs.
Live Peacefully. Leave Gracefully.
How do you want your story to end? With you leaving gracefully as the hero who made plans, or as the villain who left the wreckage of life behind?
Get It All Together
It’s time to talk about the nuts and bolts: the things you absolutely must have in your estate plan, some of the things you’ll want to consider adding to it, and what you need to get started.
Final Plans
Decisions, decisions! We’ll go over some of the basic decisions you need to make, to give you a head start on your planning.
Working with a Funeral Home
The vast majority of funeral homes operate ethically and in their clients’ financial and emotional best interest, but some are not as trustworthy. Either way, there are a few avoidable expenses to look out for.
Now’s Your Chance to Save the World!
Don’t worry. It’s not too late to make a difference if you have a will.
References
Here you’ll find some great resources on what we talked about, and more!
Glossary
Didn’t quite understand that term? Look it up, here.
Read the prologue of the personal book and various chapters to come written by Viken Mikaelian, Founder, PlannedGiving.com & MajorGifts.com.
2103 Bayshore Boulevard
Unit 1501
Tampa, FL 33606
Copyright 2024 © PlannedGiving.Com
