Where There's a Computer
If you don't have a will, a U.S. News & World Report story suggested several relatively easy and inexpensive solutions. According to the article, do-it-yourself wills are best suited for people worth less than $2 million (the threshold for triggering estate taxes), and those with a fairly straightforward situation (no step children, no family business, no property owned in multiple states). If you have an uncomplicated financial life, the story suggested checking out websites like LegacyWriter and BuildaWill . After completing an online questionnaire and spending $19.95, you'll have a will. There are also downloadable computer programs like Quicken WillMaker Plus for $39.99, which the story said offers "greater legal information." One other option is LegalZoom , which also starts with a questionnaire but then has a "specialist" review your answers for completeness. The price starts at $69.
Matt's View
If you don't have a will--some surveys have found that up to 70 percent of U.S. adults don't--make this one of your top resolutions for 2008, especially if you have children.
This article filed in: Estate Planning
Managing Money by The Book
- "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
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