TALK ABOUTYOUR ESTATE PLANWITH FAMILY Don’t Leave Behind an Unwelcome Surprise As you have these conversations, you might gain
Death is a topic most people struggle with, especially when it’s their own. It’s hard enough for many people to make their estate plan, let alone talk about it with their loved ones. As a result, too many decide their inheritors will figure it out once they’re gone. After all, the point of an estate plan is that it’s all right there in writing. While it’s tempting to avoid uncomfortable subjects, it results in strife later down the road. When a person dies, their loved ones experience intense emotions, including anger. Too often, that anger gets directed at the estate plan and other family members. Surprises can drive a wedge between relatives who were previously close, and sometimes, the fallout lasts a lifetime. No one intends to cause their family additional pain, so that’s why it’s so important to discuss your division of assets in advance. Anyone who will receive an inheritance should know about it, and anyone who might reasonably expect one should know if they’re not. Though these conversations can be difficult, it’s best to get everything out in the open. The people you love may have a lot of questions about why you’ve made certain decisions. Though you don’t legally owe them an explanation, one can go a long way toward repairing hurt feelings. It’s wise to explain your thought process and what you hope to achieve, whether that be an education for your grandchildren, financial stability for a sick relative, or to balance out previous support you’ve given to your children during your life.
valuable insight. Maybe the person you planned to name executor has no interest in taking on the role. Or perhaps the child you planned to leave property to doesn’t want it. You might also learn that some items have previously unknown sentimental value you never realized, changing your plans. Whatever you do, don’t leave your family in the dark. An estate plan is a gift on multiple levels. It passes along monetary and physical assets to our loved ones and ensures they won’t have to deal with the headaches that come with a relative dying intestate. Make one final gift by providing them with advanced certainty. A period of grief is the wrong time for surprises.
Great Truths
Easy March Madness Chili
Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!
Ingredients
• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp ground cumin •
“Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.” –Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes 2 16-oz cans small red beans 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
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Directions
1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. After the mixture boils,
reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
www.eversolelaw.com
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