For the past few years, there has a been a big movement of people looking into minimalist living. Minimalism isn't just something people 'do', its a way of life, and as such there are certain habits of minimalist living you can adopt in order to live a simpler less cluttered happier life.
As one might assume, with minimalism you declutter your life, you make mindful purchases, keep surfaces clean, create systems and processes and be grateful for what you have.
If you are ready to start a minimalist lifetyle but not yet ready to live in a room with only a bed, a lamp, a desk with a laptop, and maybe 5 shirts in your closet and 3 toiletry items, then preparing your estate planning documents is the first step to a minimalist lifestyle.
One way to help declutter your life and mind, would be to prepare your estate planning documents. A number of people say that worrying about what will happen to their family if they pass away, keeps them up at night.
People always say, "I have been thinking about preparing my estate planning documents, but you know, life just gets in the way." The thought comes and goes quickly. Unfortunately, people do not take action until there is some tragedy that strikes close to home. Typically a family member or friend suddenly passes away and they see the consequences of not having an estate plan in place prior to their passing.
Preparing your estate plan will allow you to put down in writing your wishes with respect to who will or will not receive from your estate when you pass away. You can state who will be the guardian of your minor children (which will hopefully avoid family fighting). You can make sure the money held in trust for your minor children is protected from their creditors and distributed to your children over a period of time. You can also state who will make decisions for you if you become incapacitated and are unable to act on your own behalf.
“ “I have been thinking about preparing my estate planning documents, but you know, life just gets in the way.””
A few estate planning documents everyone should consider preparing:
Durable Power of Attorney: Name someone to manage your financial affairs either immediately or in the future should you become unable to do so yourself.
Healthcare Surrogate: Name someone to act on your behalf if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself.
Living Will: You will state how and if you want to prolong your life if you fall into a vegetative state.
Last Will and Testament: State your final wishes for who will or will not receive from your estate, name a guardian for your minor children and state directions regarding organ donation and burial.
Revocable Trust: More in depth document that will state your final wishes and allow you to place stipulations and retain control of your assets during your lifetime as well as controlling from the grave.
To be able to cross items of your to-do list and clear your mind, can help you on the road to living a minimalist lifestyle. If you realize minimalism is not your cup of tea, at least you have an estate plan in place and have gained some peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of when you are gone.
If you live in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County contact an experienced estate planning and probate attorney at The Hershey Law Firm in Plantation, Florida at (954) 303-9468 to discuss your estate planning needs.
Remember: You Can't Predict The Future But You Can Plan For It!