Jack: Two sure things in life…
I’m sure you have heard the expression that riffs on the only two sure things in life are death and taxes. And I’m sure we’ve discussed taxes in previous blog.
And also knowing some folks dodge their tax obligations, we’re left with the only real certainty to discuss in this blog entry: the big sleep, curtains, toast, toes up, six feet under, etc.
A couple of days ago, I woke up early in the morning - way too early - and experienced one of those health scares that I understand many of us face as we enter our middle age. Although I’m sure I’ll be put through many a diabolical medical tests in the weeks ahead, all signs and my intuition, which is right nine out of ten times, suggest I’m just fine.
So, as I’m working through this, it occurs to me there is a hefty financial implication to the one certainty in life. A friend who recently lost her father just learned that due to a lack of estate planning the government gets a share of the inheritance. This, along with my detailed examination of the emergency room ceiling tiles, has lead to the decision that this is probably a good time to begin working on what will be the first version of my last will.
It’s not that I am leaving a substantial estate when my time comes (although I’m assured anything is possible), but there is enough there to get my son through the rest of elementary school, high school and hopefully whatever is next. I would like him to gain fast access to that in the event something truly unfortunate happens.
And fortunately, I’m healthy enough to get on with this often overlooked financial planning task. Now to find the appropriate expertise.
