I have to admit, I have written lots of estate planning articles. Some are better than others. But… This is by far my best estate planning article. I could wow you with legalese. I could tout my degrees and my accolades. However, the best estate planning decision you will ever make is to actually take the step to get organized and get your affairs in order. That’s a decision I can’t make for you. You can lead a horse to water and all that.
The real question is what will make someone want to do planning? What will make them realize the importance of estate planning? I have found that I make the best decisions and come to a decision best when it is my decision. No one can make a decision for me. I have to come to decisions points on my own. That is why I write articles, post videos and give seminars. The entire effort is one of education; giving people the information they need to make a decision.
I thought I would create a list of questions best designed to cause you to think through whether estate planning is right for you:
Q. Who will make my financial and healthcare decisions if I become incompetent or incapacitated due to accident, illness or injury?
Q. How will I pay for long term care if I need it?
Q. Will I lose my retirement?
Q. Will I lose my home?
Q. Are there ways to protect my home and retirement and still pay for long term care?
Q. Will I leave a mess for my spouse or children to sort through if I die?
Q. Will my estate avoid probate?
Q. What is probate?
Q. Do I need to avoid probate?
Q. Will my estate have to pay estate/death tax when I die?
Q. How can I avoid this?
Q. Will I be able to leave a legacy for my children? Grandchildren?
I would ask that you contemplate these questions. If you would like to ask me any of these questions, I would be glad to answer them. I would offer a FREE consultation to answer your questions and offer some solutions based on my education, knowledge, and experience. This may not be the longest or most in depth estate planning article ever written but if it causes you to think, to search for answers, to come to conclusions and take actions then in my opinion it has been the best. Good luck on your quest.
Gregory S. McIntyre
Attorney at Law
