Estate Planning In Plain English

We had a family emergency this week, that even though it could be anticipated, many people do not anticipate or plan for it to happen. I am talking about a disastrous car accident, that resulted in severe injuries. Now we are dealing with the after math of that, and all that comes with not being prepared. It isn't that we weren't prepared, but the family member involved was not. To make matters worse, care was refused, and now there is no income to pay for things needed. So, we are stuck with stress, grief, and a lot of uncertainty. Take my advice. Don't wait for a tragedy to happen. Talk to your loved ones, and if you can, I say if, because some are so stubborn there really isn't a thing you can do, convince them to prepare. Prepare doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money. But, there are some basics that should be thought out, and planned for. A DNR, a legal one, or Living Will with Health Care Proxy should be one of them. If you have specific wishes, you need to make them known, no matter how uncomfortable. These are things, my husband, and I ourselves will now be tackling. It is a very real lesson learned, in a very difficult way. Don't think it can't happen to you, it certainly can. Estate planning, end of life care, emergency care, care of minor children, etc are all things that should be dealt with well in advance. Pets, don't forget pets. To say the least, our school week has been jumbled, but we are getting through it.We will also be looking into Aflac type policies.  They are affordable and a wonderful thing to have in a state like FL, that doesn't offer workers disability insurance.  At least the employers I have known do not.