Breakthrough Wills and Estate Planning Series

#8 Do-It-Yourself Quiz

Avoid the biggest financial mistakes you can make when preparing your will. Read my previous post, #7 Do-It-Yourself Dangers.

Answer Yes or No to each question in the following quiz and read my comments below them. I believe this exercise will convince you that you can afford professional advice.

Can You Protect Yourself?

1. Do you think your estate is so simple you don’t need expert advice?
   You’d be surprised how many problems can arise even in small estates when clear directions are not left behind.
2. Do you think you can’t afford help?
   Good professional advice comes in all price ranges. Find advice that suits your budget.
3. Do you feel doing it yourself is better than nothing?
   I know of a case where someone made his own will and left everything to his wife – or so he thought. He left out one sentence and left his estate to charity.
4. Are you insured for a mistake?
   Legislation and court decisions change the law every day. Licensed professionals are insured and maintain high standards with ongoing education.
5. Who will be the silent victims?
   Are you aware that you may be dragging your family members into the problem? When you are gone, they will have to pick up the pieces.
6. Have you received a second opinion?
   If you have planned your estate yourself, do everyone a favour and have your handiwork checked by professionals.

How Professional Advice Pays Dividends

Good advice pays for itself in dividends in the long term.

A well-drafted, professional will may cost you hundreds of dollars, but it will serve your needs for 10 years or more. Average the cost out over those years, and you’ll see you’re spending pennies a day for this protection.

The next step in planning is to understand what your estate looks like. This shows you an easy way to master the fundamentals of giving your money away.

Review

~ You have identified those people, pets and causes you need to protect.
~ You have prepared your personal wish list to avoid having an estate sale.
~ You know how to find professional help to put your mind at ease.

Without a solid estate plan, your money can be wasted by paying unnecessary taxes, years of delay and legal costs. I can help you. Contact me for a meeting.

I am a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law.