Friday, October 28, 2011

Too Many Fall Leaves

By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise, Idaho

Can you keep up with all the things you think you need to be doing?  No?  Well, NO is my answer!

The leaves are falling, I rake them every day, and in the morning they are back again.  Pooh - I didn't plan to spend the extra half hour each evening doing this chore, so something else had to slide.

How can you get a grip rather than chasing what calls for your attention this moment?

Take some time, even if just 10 minutes, and decide what is important in the big picture "to do" today, this month, this year to get you where you want to go.  Make a list.

In 2008, Congress took a look at the following statistics:

• It is estimated that more than 120 million Americans lack an up-to-date estate plan.
• Two thirds of Americans over age 65 believe they lack the necessary knowledge to plan adequately for retirement.
• Nearly one-half of all Americans are unfamiliar with basic retirement tools, such as a 401(k) plan.

The result was passage of HR 1499 declaring the third full week in October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week.

Now I am telling you this a week late, but even so, the information is a great reminder to focus on the big picture of the important steps to take to make certain you have the best and most secure future that preserves your independence, protects your family and protects your assets.

Check your own estate plan to be certain the documents you have are up to date with the current law and your changing circumstances.  That way you will accomplish your personal goals.

Happy Halloween and pretty Fall to you.