Tag Archives: executor

What’s the State of your Estate?

Retirement & Estate Planning, Wealth, , , , , , , , ,

Many people are so focused on trying to make ends meet that they can find little time to think about the requirements of the future. “What’s the use of putting aside money for tomorrow if I can’t even pay my bills today?” they may say. Even further from consideration is making plans for what should be done with their money when they die.

Maintaining the money that you have worked hard for is a vital element of financial planning. You should not only concentrate on managing the funds you currently have or on earning more money; it’s also crucial to work on protecting your assets throughout your lifetime and beyond. Financially successful people always make preparations to preserve their wealth for future generations.

Since the beginning of the year, we have been discussing our 2012 Money Manifesto, which shows you how to create a comprehensive action plan to improve your finances. One of the manifesto’s pledges is that you should create an estate plan and leave a financial legacy of wealth for your beneficiaries to enjoy. Continue reading What’s the State of your Estate? →

Till Death Do Us Part

Retirement & Estate Planning, , , ,

“…to have and to hold from this day forward…to love and to cherish, till death do us part…” – excerpt from the Book of Common Prayer

This quotation is taken from the rites for the celebration and blessing of a marriage ceremony. Although the words herald the official union between a man and woman, in some ways they also speak to the relationship that we may have with our money.

For some people the acquisition of money is a passionate pursuit. Once it has been attained, their wealth is paraded like a beautiful trophy wife. Their possessions are held very close to their hearts, and this love affair lasts throughout their lives. Unfortunately this wedded bliss is only for a time, as in death they must part ways with their money.

The reality is whether we have lots of money or very little, whether we hoard money or pass it on charitably, death will come to take it away from us all. While we may physically leave this earth, our wealth usually remains behind, and it makes sense to make proper arrangements to distribute it when we are gone. Continue reading Till Death Do Us Part →