Everyone has important paperwork and personal information -- but it's not always easy to find. Whether you need to organize records for yourself, your family or your executor, Get It Together will show you how to keep track of:
and much more
This workbook provides a complete system for structuring and organizing a records binder. If you'd like to work on your computer, use the CD-ROM -- then simply print your work and put it in a binder.
Download Description
"Everyone has important paperwork - but not everyone is prepared to find it. Whether readers need to organize records for themselves or their survivors, Get It Together shows them how. Designed for ease of use by both readers and their survivors, Get It Together helps them track down: . instructions for survivors . final arrangements . estate planning documents . employment records. insurance policies . tax records . retirement accounts . government benefits . real estate records . and much more
Customer Reviews:
Not as expected.......2007-10-19
We were hoping to set up a will and living directive, but the CD didn't have that. The forms are in PDF format so you print them off and fill them out?? Not sure why that is, deliver a Word doc so people can type it in. It's a great get all the information together type of book, just not great on the other parts of what to do if you become incapacitated type situations.
Everyone has important paperwork and legal information which loved ones should have access to.......2007-06-04
Everyone has important paperwork and legal information which loved ones should have access to: GET IT TOGETHER: ORGANIZE YOUR RECORDS SO YOUR FAMILY WON'T HAVE TO appears in its second updated edition to tell how to sort important records, help your family find needed information, and how to do so with or without a computer in hand. Step-by-step descriptions of what documents will be needed, how to organize and protect them, and how to provide selected users with keys for finding them quickly make GET IT TOGETHER a top pick for any public library reference section.
Covered All The Bases...And More.......2007-01-25
I bought this book thru Amazon in June 2006 because of my experiences working with a close friend who had just lost his father rather unexpectedly. My friend faced a monstrous task of trying to track down his father's assets, business records, last will, credit accounts, etc. just to scratch the surface. As a participant in his frustration, I began to think about the arrangement of my personal life and how my loved ones would tend to my estate.
"Get It Together" brings so much to the table to deal with. I think most people refuse to face their mortality and the task of making such arrangements, let alone there really is a large volume of papers, decisions, conversations, and organization to be handled. GIT is very thorough in all topic areas (see Table of Contents). The book discusses the emotions involved with each topic area, numerous websites to obtain additional information, what to get a copy of, keeping the info current and arranging your "estate" or life, for that matter, to benefit those close to you.
My parents or other people I look up to would never or be highly uncomfortable discussing these topics in detail. This book is perfect to compensate for the lack of those conversations. Now, just a warning for those willing to purchase and conform to this book. I was quite diligent in following all their instructions and recommendations to the "t". It took longer than expected, about 12 weekends, until I had gathered and organized everything to my satisfaction and I don't have a wife, kids or other complicated situations...just me alone.
But I have such a peace of mind that my successors will have no trouble making decisions or tracking down stuff because it's all there with explicit directions from me. I find going forward that I try to keep my life organized in a simple fashion and refuse to take on unnecessary stuff that I will need to add to my planner. And I feel no stress at all looking at my desk now because all the meaningless clutter is gone and GIT was a big reason for that.
Finally, the greatest resource is the forms CD included with the book, which saves a great deal of time when the organizing process starts and got me unstuck in some areas.
Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To by Melanie Cullen.......2006-05-28
My mother died suddenly and left her estate in a total mess. I was left shocked, grief-stricken and alone in struggling to make sense of what needed to be done. I wouldn't wish that ordeal on anyone let alone on those I love. This workbook and companion organizer is the perfect solution. Nothing will be left to guesswork if I am incapacitated or dead. It is thorough yet simply organized and written from a compassionate perspective. It is a gift of love to provide this kind of direction to those who must make decisions on your behalf.
Just What I Needed.......2006-05-24
I've recently retired and am looking forward to years of "re-engaging" with activities I haven't had time to focus on during all those years of full-time work and rearing children. Get it Together is exactly what I needed to provide essential background information and help me organize all the documentation I want my family to have. Now I can travel and do the things I've been looking forward to without worrying about whether my children will be able to figure out what I would have wanted them to know in case something should happen to me.
Get it Together has given me an entree to discuss things with my children and to encourage them to do their own planning for the future.
Book Description
Start planning for the future today.
Although a majority of Americans know they need a will, about 70% of them don't have one. In fact, the legalities involved are not very complicated and most people can get it done easily with this book. Estate planning is largely the same. In this revised and updated edition of Complete Idiot's Guide to Wills and Estates, readers will find a complete inventory of everything to be considered in creating wills and estate planning, vital information on trusts, taxes, and eldercare planning, and much more.
• All tax information revised and updated
• Sections on IRAs and Roth IRAs have been revised to reflect changes in the law
• Features online estate and financial planning sites
• Additional coverage of post-mortem estate planning
• Additional material on eldercare planning, such as living and support arrangements
Customer Reviews:
Crystal Clear, Easy to Read.......2006-07-14
My husand and I just wanted to put together a living will and health care directive and at this point just need something fairly simple. This book is easy to understand, yet comprehensive.
Very good book - wish it was my text for class.......2005-10-17
Have not had a chance to read cover to cover yet, but it looks very well written and organized so far, so that any normal person can absorb and understand. Wish this was the required text for my class. No doubt it will probably fill in the gaps that my real text missed, since this book seems more grounded in reality, than textbook theory. It may not help me on the test, thought I'm sure it will; but I'm sure it will help me in real life.
Very understandable over view of a complex subject!.......2001-09-04
As a development officer for a prep school, I was looking for a book that would give me a birds-eye view of issues involved with estate planning. Steve Mapleýs The Complete Idiotýs Guide to Wills and Estates does this masterfully. And, to my relief, in plain English. Impressive for an attorney thatýs taught and practiced for the over 25 years!
In very easy-to-read language, Maple thoroughly lays out the whole terrain of estate planningýfrom having a will to ways to save on current taxes and issues to consider in caring for aging parents. Going beyond mere explanation, heýs packed this book with helpful forms and lists to get the reader started in their own estate planning. I picked up this book to help me with my conversations with donors but I ended up sitting down with an attorney to work on my own plan!
Maple groups his 24 chapters into five sections:
Part 1: Assets, Assets, Assets
Part 2: About Wills, Trusts. . . and Probate
Part 3: All in the Familyýand Just a Little Beyond
Part 4: Taxes You Must Pay, and Those Maybe You Donýt
Part 5: Retirement, Elder Issues, and the Broad Planning Picture
The structure of The Complete Idiotýs Guide to Wills and Estates makes it a great book for busy professionals. Itýs very easy to read in short chunks of time. And itýs not just for the beginner. Although itýs now somewhat dated, Maple gives some pretty technical examinations of taxes and IRS regulations. For readers that way find themselves losing interest during the dryer technical sections there are tips, quotes, and anecdotal information interspersed throughout. As a development professional, I was particularly glad for Chapter 18 ýHow Charitable Donations Can Save You Money.ý Iým trying to figure out how I could make this chapter required reading for prospective donors.
More than any planned giving seminar Iýve attended, and for a lot less money, The Complete Idiotýs Guide to Wills and Estates has helped me see estate planning from the donorýs perspective. I highly recommend this book.
up to snuff.......2000-11-15
I'm a big fan of the idiot's guides since they are always clear and easy to follow. The authors do an excellent job of explaining complex terms and concepts so even an ordinary person can understand the reasons behind drafting a will. After reading this book, you'll see that you'll want to do everything you can so that you do not find yourself "intestate" -- then the state fights over what belongs to whom. Although it's difficult to think about dying, it's even worse to think about having all your money thrown to taxes or tied up in court as relatives fight. Prevent this ugly mess by learning the basics of wills and estates. I should add that this book goes well beyond the basics -- even a millionaire could learn a few good tips from this excellent book.
good to start out with.........2000-04-05
Excellent source of information for anyone who doesn't have a clue where to start. Easy to read and packed with hints. Motivating little scenarios to keep those of us who have been procrastinating in motion. Both my husband (who this was all new to) and myself (with a background in accounting) found it to be useful.
Book Description
Buying a home is an excellent investment, and more and more women are taking the plunge--with or without Mr. Right. Financial expert Vanessa Summers tells women how to do it-even if they have less-than-perfect credit or no extra cash for a down payment.
Readers will get the inside scoop on:
- Why a home is the best investment a single woman can make
- How even the credit-challenged can buy
- How much monthly mortgage they can afford on their salary
- How to find a great real estate agent and the best deals
- The art of "Trump-like" negotiation and closing the deal
Packed with practical, savvy advice, Buying Solo is the must-have guide for any woman who realizes that building equity and investing in herself isn't just smart, it's essential.
Customer Reviews:
Insulting title.......2007-07-25
I always find it "interesting" that certain topics feel the need to have "special instruction" for women.... i.e., "investing for women", "car repair for women", and now "buying a home for women". I guess women are more ignorant when it comes to these topics? They need to be spoken to differently? Buying a home is buying a home, and the issues are no different for men and women. SURE, maybe women are treated differently by brokers, mortgage lenders, etc., but then, if you have been a woman your whole life(!), you have probably already figured out how to handle yourself in the world. I feel books such as this one are just pandering and feeding into the whole idea that women are somehow more "fragile" and need to be spoken to like little children, and in simple, short phrases, so that their "delicate minds" don't overload. I find such a mentality insulting and ignorant, and just a cheap ploy by the authors to get certain susceptible women to buy their product.
Too many inaccuracies!!.......2007-07-22
As a Realtor looking at the information Summers provides, it seems that no one proof read what she wrote. There are typos throughout. And if the rest of it is as accurate as her section on using Realtors, wow! She says on p 113 that if the Jones have a house worth $100,000, they must sell it for $120,000 to pay the 6% commission. $20,000 is not 6% of $120,000! The commission is not $12,000 as she says. That's 10%. Furthermore, the house is worth what it's worth whether a real estate agent is involved or not. No money is added to the price to pay a commission. Yes, you can negotiate a commission, but it's not the buyer's concern since the buyer doesn't pay it. And if the home is for sale by owner, you can bet that the homeowner wants that phantom "commission" money for him or herself, and will not share it with the buyer.
I was thinking about using this book to educate my buyers who are mostly women first-time homebuyers. But the information is so wrong, it would be impossible to correct it. It's obvious that Ms Summers is a writer who gathered a lot of info and put it together, but has little day-to-day experience with the subject. If she thinks the commission is $12,000 and my share is $6000, I would very much like to sell her a house! (It's more like $2000 that goes to the agent.)
Undecided.......2007-05-17
I received this book recently and at first site I was disappointed. It looks poorly put together - the front cover looks like it is a photocopy of another and the pages seem to be of low quality.
However, the topics covered in the book seem to be good and I'm looking forward to diving into the book soon.
OK book.......2007-05-15
Some of the information is basic and repetitive from what others are saying but I found it slightly helpful for me. I am looking to purchase my 1st home solo soon....
Informational, but title does not suit content..........2006-08-27
Buying Solo was the first book I read on home-buying. There were helpful tables given to calculate morgtage payments and affordability factors, but nothing that you couldn't find online or in other books. I'm not sure how many books regarding this topic the other reviewers read, but I was surprised to see so many gave this book five stars.
I read this book from cover to cover and only recall one page that suggested this was a book for women to buy solo. I can sum it up for you in one sentence: Be confident, don't let the realtors break your spirit just because they have more faith in couples with twice the income.
Otherwise it's all the same material as all other home-buying books.
Book Description
The forms and information you need for peace of mind...
If you care for a child or other loved one with a disability, you've no doubt thought about what will happen when you're no longer able to give that care. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma -- create a "special needs trust."
Special Needs Trusts shows you how to leave any amount of money to your disabled loved one, without jeopardizing government benefits. It provides plain-English information and forms that let you create a special needs trust by modifying your will or living trust document.
Funds in a special needs trust can make a big difference in quality of life by paying for:
and much more
Special Needs Trusts also provides a formal letter to the trustee, which explains this very important role, and a personal letter to the trustee, which provides information about your loved one.
Download Description
"The forms and information you need for peace of mind... If you care for a child or other loved one with a disability, you've no doubt thought about what will happen when you're no longer able to give that care. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma -- create a ""special needs trust."" Special Needs Trusts shows you how to leave any amount of money to your disabled loved one, without jeopardizing government benefits. It provides plain-English information and forms that let you create a special needs trust by modifying your will or living trust document. Funds in a special needs trust can make a big difference in quality of life by paying for: annual independent check-ups personal care attendant or escort vehicles and transportation insurance rehabilitation essential dietary needs materials for recreation trips or vacations entertainment athletic training or competitions and much more Special Needs Trusts also provides a formal letter to the trustee, which explains this very important role, and a personal letter to the trustee, which provides information about your loved one.
Product Description
Over 200,000 families have chosen this organizer; the most easy-to-understand, caring and complete way to have peace of mind that you have things in order for loved ones. This guide to your policies, belongings and personal desires is a great gift and comfort to prepare for your family now so they dont have to deal with questions at a more stressful time. With this concise, easy-to-use organizer youll have a complete record of your holdings, investments and insurance policies, as well as your instructions, people to contact and some helpful information in case of illness or death. Size: 8" x 10" with 22 pages, includes pockets to store important papers.
Average customer rating:
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The Women's Estate Planning Guide
Zoe Hicks
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0809230666 |
Book Description
A breakthrough approach to wills and estates, designed to help you make the hard decisions while keeping your family happy
In the world of wills and estate planning, tax saving and asset protection are typically the paramount goals; family dynamics, emotions, and leaving a meaningful legacy are secondary considerations at best. The result, predictably, is often bickering, backstabbing, unmet expectations, and even litigation after the will is read.
Creating the Good Will focuses on the issues that most books in this category miss but that matter most in the end. As a former estate planning attorney and now as a coach, Elizabeth Arnold has dedicated her career to helping people develop wills and estate plans that create harmony, not havoc. She puts the emotional well-being of loved ones ahead of clever tax- saving structures and teaches readers how to protect their relationships and values as much as their hard assets.
In this unique book, Arnold explains how to deal with the emotional baggage and communication blindspots that can undo even the most iron-clad legal document. Filled with resonant anecdotes from her personal and professional life, along with practical information about wills, estate plans, guardianship agreements, trusts, and more, Creating the Good Will is a priceless resource for anyone who wants to leave a legacy of warmed hearts, not heated heads.
Customer Reviews:
Creating the Good Will.......2007-01-10
This book was great. Helpful, easy to read , and with lots of good advice and insite. I've shared copies with 5 people, and will order more. Really helps identify some pitfalls in estate planning. Wish my Mom had used it!
Very helpful book on touchy subject.......2006-08-27
This book deals with the emotional side of the will - how to pass on your values and feelings as well as your money. How to discuss your will (or not) with your heirs beforehand, and how to write it so there will be no wrangling afterwards.
I WISH it would have said a little more about 'how to' have the difficult conversations beforehand - please - put words in my mouth - but others may not have the same issues with that.
Avoid Problems Down the Road.......2006-08-26
As a legal aid hotline attorney and also the owner of a medical supply business, I frequently hear about the stress, conflict and heartache that careless estate planning can cause in families. This excellent book presents individuals planning their estates with excellent suggestions and issues to think about to avoid future problems. There is a lot more to estate planning than dollars and cents and this insightful and thoughtful book helps make important, difficult decisions easier. I will recommend this book to my customer and clients.
The Good Will helps create a holistic will.......2006-02-18
Creating the Good Will is an eye opener. As an elder care columnist/speaker/author I've read and written about this subject many times. As a veteran of 20 years of caregiving, I've had to deal with a lot of end-of-life paperwork. Elizabeth Arnold has written the most readable, well-rounded and compassionate book on end-of-life planning that I've read, and she's made it enjoyable, as well. Her gift for stories, which I believe are the best teachers, makes this book come alive. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject - which we all should be.
Carol Bradley Bursack
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories
www.mindingourelders.com
Covering the emotional problems that could occur after a death.......2006-01-27
I thpought I had covered all bases in having a will, a living will and a durable power of attorney. Upon reading Creating the Good Will, I realized there was a lot I hadn't addressed. This month I will talk to my sons about all the issues not covered in my will. There are quite a few, and thanks to this book, I can discuss them now. The book is written in an easy to understand way and should be a must read for those preparing their wills.Things to be discussed are laid out in an easy to follow way. An excellent help for making plans for the future.
Book Description
If you have yet to draw up a will, or need to revise an existing one, you'll find The Complete Will Kit an indispensable reference. Taking you step-by-step through the process of writing a will and maintaining a current estate plan, this comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need to complete your own will quickly, easily, and accurately. With new sections on living wills, powers of attorney, and a comprehensive guide to legal resources in all 50 states, as well as easy-to-use detachable forms and updated state requirements, The Complete Will Kit includes details on:
- Preparing your estate planâbasic provisions, trusts and life estates, joint ownership and right of survivorship
- Revision for special circumstancesâan interstate move, a marriage or divorce, the addition of beneficiaries, the birth or adoption of children
- Bequests and specific instructionsâidentifying beneficiaries, using contingent, residual, and charitable bequests
- How to safeguard your propertyâtangible and intangible personal property, real property, life insurance
- Executorshipâappointing an executor, naming an administrator, special duties
Book Description
SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT WHAT'S YOURS
By the time you're named as a defendant in a lawsuit or divorce proceeding, it may be too late to protect your assets. The time to shield the hard-won fruits of your labor is now! Fortunately, protecting your assets can be much easier and far less expensive than you think. In this complete, practical, and easy-to-follow guide, leading tax and estate planning attorney and bestselling author Martin Shenkman presents the steps you can and should take to protect your home, your savings, and other assets from creditors, litigants, and divorce.
Shenkman explains the essential concepts of protecting what you own from malpractice claims, lawsuits, and divorce. This book offers step-by-step guidance in determining which asset-protection strategies and techniques are right for you. You'll learn numerous legal and effective methods you can use to:
- Protect your personal assets from business and professional claims
- Protect your assets and your heirs' assets from divorce
- Minimize your risk of lawsuits and other claims against your assets
- Create limited partnerships and LLCs to protect your assets
- Make your home-based business judgment-proof
- Use domestic trusts to protect against lawsuits
- Secure real estate and stock holdings against lawsuits
Customer Reviews:
wow.......2006-05-26
This book is absolute gold! I can honestly say that the tips provided in this book have helped me and will continue to help me throughout my life. Martin Shenkman is a genius.
Great advice for doctors and others........2006-05-16
As an attorney, I enjoyed reading this practical easy to read guide to asset protection. I have recommended this book to a number of my clients.
The book addresses practical and creative steps to protect assets using trusts and limited liability companies.
The book also discusses protecting assets from divorce which is a topic few books discuss.
The book explains concepts that will assist the reader in establishing a better working relationship with the reader's attorney.
Shallow and Disappointing.......2004-09-13
I had high expectations for this book, to which it didn't live up. I presumed, incorrectly, that Mr. Shenkman had specific experience as an attorney practicing in this area. My impression is that his writings on asset protection appear to be just a summarization of the writings of others, with little or no original thought. About halfway through this book, puzzled by its consistent shallowness, I finally did some research on Mr. Shenkman and found out that he seemingly just quickly cranks out a new book every time some topic heats up, such as his "How to Buy a House with No (or Little) Money Down".
Books:
- The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke
- The New Trader's Tax Solution: Money-Saving Strategies for the Serious Investor, 2nd Edition, Updated
- The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't
- The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction
- The Real Life Investing Guide: How to Buy Whatever You Want, Save for Retirement, and Take the Vacation of Your Dreams While You're Still Young
- The Science of Success: How to Attract Prosperity and Create Harmonic Wealth Through Proven Principles
- The Standard & Poor's Guide to Measuring and Managing Credit Risk
- The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
- The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition
- The Wisdom of Crowds
Books Index
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Great book, but out-of-date.......2007-05-28
