Many people think that they should start planning their estates when they
reach their mid to late sixties.
We know that the normal progression of life is to get a college degree,
start a career, get married, have children, help our kids through college,
become grandparents, retire, and enjoy life. Then, after we’ve lived
a fulfilling life, we know that we’ll eventually pass away.
As ideal as that sounds, we all know that life doesn’t go according
to plan. People have children who never get married, people get divorced,
they get married two or three times, or, they may never be able to have
a family. Real life is full of twists and turns, and it can be
unpredictable.
We Don’t Have Control Over Everything
Of course, we all die, and it can happen at any age. Most people don’t
know when it will happen to them. Every time we head out the door and
drive to work, we can be in a fatal car accident. Some people don’t
even leave their homes. Fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, assaults and
home invasions take lives every year.
In some inner cities, drive-by shootings and gang-related crimes take the
lives of the innocent, young and old. Athletes at the top of their game
can collapse of a heart attack or die from a traumatic brain injury. People
of all ages die from diseases, such as cancer.
Since 9/11, hard-working people have lost their lives because they went
to work on the day of a terrorist attack.
We exercise, eat right, and take our vitamins. There are no guarantees,
but we do the best we can. What if our best isn’t enough?
It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
What if you don’t live to reach ripe old age? What would happen to
your family if you died today? Will there be enough money for them to
be taken care of? Will they even be able to receive the assets that you
want them to have? Or, would they be tied up in probate court?
Or, let’s say that you do live to a nice old age. You could gamble,
and write a last minute will called a “death bed” will. All
too often, mental capacity and duress come into question, and last minute
wills can be wrought with errors.
By acting now, you don’t have to worry about what will happen to
your family if you die. It’s called peace of mind and by planning
for your estate today…you can have it!