Regardless of your age, if you have assets in your name, then it’s never too early to have your will ready. U.S. News & World Report says that many people neglect to draft their wills until it’s too late, either because they’re afraid to admit their own mortality or because they feel they’re too busy. If you’re considering drafting a will, then it’s probably time to get started. Here are a few important things to keep in mind while you write. LIST YOUR ASSETS Before you start working on your will, take some time to identify and list out all of your assets. These can include everything from credit cards and retirement funds to even — according to U.S. News & World Report — frozen embryos left over from DON’T OVERLOOK THESE KEY CONSIDERATIONS 5 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN WRITING YOUR WILL
THE INCREDIBLE RISE OF PICKLEBALL A SPORT FOR ALL AGES BECOMES A CRAZE AMONG OLDER ADULTS You’ve probably heard of pickleball, especially given its rising popularity in the United States and Canada, but you may be wondering what the big deal is about this relatively new fad. Pickleball is an awesome, low-impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great exercise and great fun, and it’s the perfect game for family get-togethers. Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. It was the creation of three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who needed to come up with something to keep the little ones entertained and out of their hair. Soon, however, it became popular among the adults, and they ended up spending more time on the court than their children. “Frankly,” McCallum says, “the kids got pushed out.” Since its early days, pickleball has transformed from an ad-hoc game to a full-fledged sport, complete with official rules, equipment, and leagues. Despite the more formal structure in place today, pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Investing in some paddles and balls won’t cost more than $100, and you can easily convert a tennis or badminton court for pickleball. One of the appeals of pickleball for older adults is that it is not excessively strenuous. It also doesn’t have the steep learning curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of a pickleball, which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is much more about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun from day one. In addition to being a fun form of exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points.
in vitro fertilization. If you’re not sure what is considered an asset, that should be the first thing you research.
CONSIDER JOINT PROPERTY Because it’s under the ownership of two people, joint property with a spouse or other individual falls outside the
purview of a will. If you share ownership of any of your assets, consider whether that ownership is joint or under “tenancy in common,” meaning each owner has a separate, transferable interest. The latter should be part of your will.
DON’T FORGET BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS Beneficiaries named for assets like IRAs are important to note, because their designation at the time of the account’s creation supplants one made in the will. If you’d like to change a beneficiary for an IRA or similar account, you’ll need to make that change at the source. TAKE TIME WITH APPOINTMENT DECISIONS If you have young children, then one of the most important parts of your will is the appointment of their guardians, who will become responsible for them when you’re gone. Don’t rush this choice. Similarly, take your time deciding on a trusted executor who will carry out the terms of your will. HELP NEVER HURTS A will is a complex document, and it’s always best to get professional advice when working on one. Our experts at Obiorah Fields will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what’s best for yours or review the document at any step in the process.
If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grandkids to a fun new sport — and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon.
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