Our Weekly Tip: The Excuses of Estate Planning

What are your excuses for avoiding estate planning?
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Our Tip of the Week: Procrastination is often the product of excuses: “I can do it later,” or “I don’t need to do A now because B is more pressing,” etc. And it’s just this train of thought that can prevent you from serious estate planning. Today, our end-of-life planning tip is simple but effective: take the time to list out all of the “excuses” you have for avoiding estate planning — and debunk them! You’ll find that with a strong written physical reminder in front you that you’ll be much more inspired to get started on your after-death plans.

Every age is the right age to start talking about your estate plan
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“I’m too young to get started; I’m not going to die soon,” “I don’t have nearly enough assets to worry,” or “I’ll wait and bring it up at the next family gathering” are all common excuses.

How-to Suggestion: All you’ll need is a pen and a piece of paper to list out your “excuses.” The most crucial element of this exercise is honesty. What are the things you tell yourself, or that others tell you, regarding estate planning? “I’m too young to get started; I’m not going to die soon,” “I don’t have nearly enough assets to worry,” or “I’ll wait and bring it up at the next family gathering” are all common excuses. Then, you’ll find that the solutions to such excuses were hiding in your brain all along. No one is too young to start estate planning. Don’t wait for a family gathering. Plan on yourself with the goal of talking about end-of-life plans. Finally, pin up your list (in your study, for example) to make sure it stays a visible priority.