Christine Hughes

Die Smart: 11 Mistakes That Cost Your Family when You Die: Probate, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney (And More) Christine Hughes

While serving as caregivers and executors, we discovered laws and documents we didn't understand or even knew existed. Rules which governed how we managed our parents' financial affairs..and cost our family time and money. We realized nobody teaches someone how to die smart in school. Many of our friends can't answer simple questions: Why doesn't a will avoid probate? Why aren't living trusts just for the rich? What is living probate? Who pays for long term care? Why wouldn't you designate a minor child as a beneficiary? Why is planning for incapacity as important as planning for death? How can you maximize the value of inherited 401ks and IRAs? What happens if you add your child as a joint tenant? Our experience taught us dying is a major financial event in our life. An event where "dying dumb" can cost your family 4 to 8% of your net worth, or more with long term care. Get Smart. Don't lose your money when you die