After living through this, I knew there had to be a better way

After my parents died, I knew that there had to be a better way of handling all of the endless details of their lives and deaths and their stuff, from heirlooms and forgotten junk to file cabinets and cars. Financial statements and bills would arrive in the mail and a mysterious small dividend kept showing up in the checking account balance. It took months and months to sort all of the physical things and years to settle all of the last details. 

One of the wills had been written years before and never updated but so many things had changed.  We like to think that we have nice and reasonable family members but that was not the case here. One person, who shall remain nameless, insisted that there was another will and it would just be a matter of finding it.  Of course, no other will or trust was ever found.  Another family situation involved some likely embezzlement (but it was not proven and nothing could be done).  This from what I consider to be an average, middle class family.

After living through this, and deciding I’d better get my own affairs in order, I was surprised to realize that I did not know how my accounts were titled. I had forgotten about some of the beneficiaries I had named. It all made sense at the time but I could imagine how difficult it would be for someone else trying to untangle it down the road. 

I do have my affairs in order now. I am so happy that the details of my messy life are now tucked safely away where my representative can access them – but only if necessary.  And I do not have to spend time spent with friends and relatives updating them on the details of my ever changing life.

This is what first inspired this project.  I started doing research. I conducted interviews for months. We have worked long and hard to bring to ourselves, friends, relatives and subscribers a practical personal guide to make life easier if and when disaster does strike.  Hoping for the best but planning for the worst, I encourage you to subscribe to some peace of mind as I have.

That’s my story,
Vicki

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Everyone needs a will – that’s critical. But legal documents don’t give your personal agent all of the practical information they will need. With Will and a Way, the details are made clear. And in case of a disaster, like a fire or flood, this information is easy to access and imperative to have.

Information shared here is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. Suggestions and resources are presented for your consideration and may or may not apply to your personal situation. Please consult your advisers.