Our Weekly Tip: Talk About Estate Planning

Credit: http://www.gretchenwegner.com/

Our Tip of the Week: For many, estate planning is a complex and distasteful endeavour full of legal jargon and a nagging feeling that you’d rather be living your life than planning for its end. However, organizing your estate can be an act of love toward those you will leave behind. Including them in your plans through discussion can add a whole new dimension to this otherwise dry and boring task.

How-to Suggestion: Set aside a time when everyone can sit down together in-person, or via telephone if you’re living in different cities. A meal is always an excellent occasion to bring people together. Share the topic of the gathering in advance, and when you’re ready to breach the subject, begin by saying something like, “I know that estate planning is something we’d all rather not talk about, but I want to make sure that everyone is taken care of when I die, and this is my way of doing that. So, let’s talk about this to prevent future confusion and a lot of headaches for you.” A little humor can go a long way.

How you approach the subject of estate planning in your family will be unique to your needs and interpersonal dynamics. Regardless, having those conversations now will foster clear communication, understanding and trust with the people you love.