While I was sipping my coffee the other morning, my grandfather, whom we affectionately call Papa, called me from his smartphone to ask about the specifications for a birdhouse he is building me. Building birdhouses has become one of his passions, and I am fortunate enough to be next in line. My Papa may not realize it, but this birdhouse he is constructing holds very heavy weight.
Earlier this year, we found out our Papa is dying. Yes, everyone is dying, but he has a condition that will likely speed up his ticking clock. Tonight, we are having a socially-distanced celebration for his 83rd birthday which is on Sunday 9/27. Each memory, phone call, text, and holiday could very well be his last, but if you sat in a room with him you would never know. Aside from the needed meeting with his financial advisor to review his estate documents, financials, and end of plan arrangements, and an oxygen tank he didn’t have before, he is still the same old Papa, one of the most loyal and influential men in my life, and one of my biggest supporters.
When it comes to death and end of plan, I still don’t know which pain is optimal – the pain of knowing, or the pain of all of a sudden. I do know, that protecting your family and yourself with the proper estate plan and financial plan, although excruciating to discuss, are absolutely necessary. Financial and asset-based legacy is hardly what makes a person, but it does help protect your family when you no longer can.
In this article, Rachel Cruze teaches us how to discuss estate planning with our parents, regardless of the generation you currently occupy. She explains strategies to increase the conversation’s effectiveness, and areas of the estate plan that are crucial, like powers of attorney.
Yes, the conversation will be tough, but overtime, it will get easier, and talking about your parents’ wishes will show you care.
Above all, you don’t have to be alone in this conversation. As your Financial Advisor, I work closely with your Estate Planning Attorney to make sure you and your loved ones’ end of plan arrangements are ready and waiting prior to crisis mode. If you need to establish an Estate Plan, reach out to me, I am here to help, now and at the end of plan. UPcoming book club meetings
Welcome to Courtney’s Coffee Talks with a Side of Books centered around having a great time and being inspired. As your Financial Advisor, I want to spread some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned through my favorite books. Happening every third Thursday of the month at noon via Zoom.
https://raymondjames.zoom.us/j/98688710592
Meeting password: coffee
Office Happenings
On Saturday, August 24th, my Raymond James team and I partnered up with Keep Orlando Beautiful to pick up litter at George Barker Park as part of Raymond James Cares Month, am initiative focused on giving back to our communities.