You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

Listen to Song...

Have you heard the Anna Kendrick cups song from the movie, Pitch Perfect?  The lyrics resonate for a firm always trying to preserve family memories.  What would you miss most if you lost someone you loved?  If you had to preserve a memory of yourself, how would you want to be remembered?

Some simple things you can do today are make family photobooks, record videos talking about things you want your family to remember, and gathering small items to place in a special memory box.  Anything you can do to preserve lasting memories will be appreciated and treasured more than you know.

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow. What d'you say?

[2x]
When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
The one with the prettiest of views
It's got mountains, it's got rivers
It's got sights to give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you

[3x]
When I'm gone, when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my walk
You're gonna miss me by my talk, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

If you've ever experienced losing a loved one, the lyrics "you're gonna miss me when I'm gone" ring too true.  Call us today at (978) 296-4140 or email info@wilsonlf.com if you would like to preserve your memories.  If you mention this Family Post Blog we will include a "Family Legacy Conversation" in your estate planning package at no cost.

Wilson, lf is a family-focused boutique law firm specializing in estate planning located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  We help parents like you organize your affairs, in style, to protect your investments and provide for your loved ones.  We are so passionate about providing "a plan for every family" that we meet families throughout Massachusetts and DC in their homes or offices and have some evening and weekend appointments available every month for utmost convenience. www.wilsonlf.com

The Talk You Need To Have With Your Parents: It is Not The Birds & The Bees, But Maybe Just As Uncomfortable

When you were a kid, your parents dreaded the talk they had to have with you.  You know the one.  Well, now that you are an adult, there’s a talk you need to have with your parents that is likely to be just as squirm-worthy – which is why so many of us put it off.  

It’s about money.  Specifically, your parent’s money.  The money that may become yours one day. Or may not. 

Whether you or your parents think it’s none of your business, it is.  You are most likely the one(s) who will need to deal with all the financial issues your parents leave behind when they become incapacitated or after they die. 

Not knowing anything about their finances will place you at an immediate disadvantage, making what will be a hard job almost impossible.  

So how do you get the conversation started?  Here are some tips from a recent New York Times column on the subject:

Think about what you need to know.  You need to know more than where to find the will, you need to know if parents have executed powers of attorney, advance health care directives or a trust as well.  You need to know if they have life insurance or other assets and, if so, where the policy is located.  You need to know if they keep a list of all their debts and, if they bank and pay bills online, you need their log-in information for each account.  

Bring in a support team.  Your parents may feel more comfortable discussing financial issues with their attorney or financial planner present to facilitate the conversation. They may also feel more comfortable talking with all their children at once, or to only one – take family dynamics into consideration.  And call us in at the beginning of the process.  We can help ease the way tremendously.

Make a plan.  Chances are you will need immediate access to cash in order to pay expenses related to a parent’s passing.  Since probate can be a lengthy process, you may want to plan for this eventuality by having parents establish a revocable living trust, which allows assets to pass outside probate.  

Document storage.  Be sure your parents do NOT store their important documents in a bank safe deposit box  without taking precautions because getting at them could require you to obtain a court order.  First, make sure they have instructions on where the box is and who has permission to open it if anything happens to them.  Maybe even make sure you are a signer (and there are back-ups besides you) on the safe deposit box.  Or just use a strongbox or safe that is kept in the home instead. 

If you would like to have a talk about estate planning for your family, call our office today to schedule a time for us to sit down and talk. We normally charge $750 for a Family Plan Session, but because this planning is so important, we’ve made space for the next two people who mention this article to have a complete planning session with your parents at no charge. Please call, (978) 296-4140, email info@wilsonlf.com, or visit our website www.wilsonlf.com to learn more about how we can help you give yourself and your parents peace of mind.

Wilson, lf is a family-focused boutique law firm specializing in estate planning located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  We help parents like you organize your affairs, in style, to protect your investments and provide for your loved ones.  We are so passionate about providing "a plan for every family" that we meet families throughout Massachusetts and DC in their homes or offices and have some evening and weekend appointments available every month for utmost convenience. 

The Family Post Blog

Welcome to The Family Post, a blog by Wilson, lf; a boutique family-focused law firm specializing in estate and small business planning.  We help parents and small business owners organize their affairs, in style, to protect their investments and provide for their loved ones.  We are located in Andover, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.  Please feel free to call us at (978) 296-4140, email info@wilsonlf.com, or visit our website www.wilsonlf.com.  We look forward to meeting you!