Each month I notice there are more and more free estate planning workshops here on the South Shore. Most are held in public libraries and Council on Aging facilities. Why not take advantage of these no obligation informational sessions to learn more about it. Start the planning process now. Attend the free sessions, listen and take it all in. Granted some of the presenting Elder Law attorney may be looking for business, use their expertise to learn by asking questions.
There is a plethora of free information on the internet and the local libraries. You can find many free booklets or worksheets to get you started with the process of collecting your data to make decisions. When attending free workshops, you will also receive literature, make use of it.
Educate yourself about all aspects of estate planning; asset protection, wills, trusts, power of attorney, health care proxy. The learning process will take time and should be given much thought. The more you know, the less you'll feel overwhelmed with the subject matter.
Careful estate planning can prevent confusion, chaos and drama for your family. Loss is difficult enough, avoiding the frustration to locate necessary info will be eliminated. You will appreciate the value of having organized your documents. You will always know where to find all your records, have them at hand at tax time. Knowing where your stock certificates, property titles and any deeds or licenses are located is important.
I view estate planning as a type of insurance if you will. Don’t let the task overwhelm you, take that first step into learning what it involves and begin to gather your thoughts and information. Having your destiny in place in case you become too ill or heaven forbid, incapacitated in some way, is to your benefit. You will be in control of your life until the very end.
