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| Lisa Dunn (612) 599-3484 |
Minneapolis St. Paul Real Estate |
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A New Year's Resolution Worth Making
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One of the big challenges in guiding seniors through a move is the importance of planning. Seniors must make sure they have completed their financial, estate and tax planning prior to putting their home on the market. Neglecting this planning may grave financial consequences to people who have limited financial resources.
Planning is not just a senior issue. It’s an issue that pertains to all of us. We plan which college we go to, we plan our weddings, we even plan what we’re going to have for dinner. However, most of us neglect to complete our will, and health care directives. Now, I know for some this is an admission of our mortality. However, to neglect this planning is handing over the keys to your health, and your estate to someone else. Why would you do that? I don’t even let anyone else plan what I’m having for dinner, never mind planning what should happen to me in the case of a medical emergency!
Let’s start with putting together your health care directive, or what is commonly referred to as a living will. If I haven’t convinced you so far, I have two more words for you to consider. Terry Schiavo. I know, it’s a low blow -but think about it. The last thing you would want is for your family and loved ones to be arguing over what your wishes are for medical care.
There is a document every one should fill out and then talk about with their loved ones. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, or married-with or without children. It’s called the Five Wishes Workbook. It is an easy-to-complete form that lets you say exactly how you’d like to be treated if you should become seriously ill. All you have to do is check a box, circle a direction, or write a few sentences. Once it is filled out and properly signed, it is valid under the laws of Minnesota. I urge you to take a few minutes to fill out this workbook.
I know it’s human nature to procrastinate, especially with something that can be uncomfortable. I guarantee your discomfort in filling out this form will pale in comparison to the discomfort your loved ones will face if you DON’T fill it out.
Please don’t rush out to an office supply store or download wills or health care directives from the internet. Many of them are not recognized in Minnesota as valid legal documents.
We all have easy access to these documents. You can get your copy of Five Wishes from an organization called Aging with Dignity at www.agingwithdignity.org. You can also usually get a health directive, or living will, from your physician. If you live in Minnesota, it's important for you to know that this document meets the requirements under Minnesota Law. It is recognized in most states, you'll want to make sure it's recognized in yours. |
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