One Year Anniversary -- Don't Buy More Sunscreen.

Last year I posted about the shocking simultaneous deaths of young parents of three young boys. They died in a freak car accident in Arizona. The one year anniversary of their passing is coming up later this month.

I am constantly reminded by them whenever I see young families in my pool or at another person's pool. The pool is the connection to how I met the loving couple.

I always wonder silently if Mom and Dad have their estate plan in place. It avoids all sorts of hassles to have guardians nominated for your minor children, to have your home placed in a Living Trust and to make your wishes known in a medical directive.

Two weekends ago, our family was invited to join a summer BBQ hosted by a local networking group. We went and joined many other professionals that I know and their families. Part of the networking group concept is to help each other get more business. So in turn everyone learns more about everyone else's business.

A young couple with two gorgeous children were there. I knew their father well as he was part of the networking group. He inquired about Living Trusts with me time and time again for his family, but never followed up. He kept telling me that he could not afford my fee, which I felt odd as he also confided thet he owned multiple properties. Maybe he will take the DIY approach and will never tell me.  Though in my heart of hearts, I know that this is not likely. But as we swam with the kids, all I kept thinking they have life jackets, floaties and sunscreen, but do you really have in place the very things that will truly protect them if something happens to Mom and Dad?

Maybe the next purchase you buy for your kids shouldn't be a bike helmet, more sunscreen, but instead spend the money in an investment that will protect your family in case something happens to you. 

Besides if you work with a reputable attorney, the fee for estate planning will be modest in comparison to the alternative.