Estate Planning: Don’t Forget to Track Your Accounts and Passwords!

I’m not sure about others, but in many cases I no longer get paper statements whether it be for bills, insurance, investment accounts, etc.  So if something happens to me, how will my family know what assets I have?

The four main areas to track are:

1 – Financial Accounts;

2 – Human Resource Components;

3 – Internet Accounts; and

4 – Key Relationships.

In this digital day and age, it’s important that we leave “breadcrumbs” for our family to locate these assets.   As the attached article states, put all of this information in a single place and make it an annual ritual to update your list.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/megangorman/2018/04/27/want-to-have-an-organized-estate-plan-track-your-passwords-and-accounts/#567ba1b32ac9

 

 

 

 

“Horror Stories: When You Die Without A Will”

I came across the attached article today and it highlights the extremes as to why everyone over the age of 18 should have a Will in place.  The lowdown:

1 – Death causes siblings/heirs to fight with each other.

2 – Mom or Dad remarries.  New husband or wife gets everything.

3 – Life Partner gets no legal rights.

4 – Life Insurance ends up in the wrong hands.

5 – Heirs are left trying to find the deceased’s assets.

6 – Partner owes enormous taxes on property.

7 – Court filings and Probate process in general can be time consuming and expensive.

Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones!

Horror Stories: When You Die Without A Will (forbes.com)

Estate Planning for Nonparents

“Nonparents”.  Love this term!  Many of us are very fortunate to have people who are near and dear to our hearts that nurtured or influenced us.

For those who are nonparents, estate planning can be more difficult: Who will be your guardian if you become incapacitated?  Will there be anyone to take care of you?  Who do you trust to take care of your finances?  Who will you leave your possessions to?

This quick article is a different perspective – leaving a legacy to everyone’s children.