"WATDO"©
May Help
You deserve a "well done" for getting to
where you are presently. Taking the step to schedule an initial
appointment demonstrates that you desire to "Plan and Protect Your
Legacy." "WATDO"© is a device that may be helpful in
aiding you as you discuss and think through your estate planning
objectives. Perhaps you will find it useful to write down thoughts you may
have concerning each of these categories.
Who Are You?
The most important aspect of your legacy is your beliefs, values,
experiences, history, struggles, and victories. In answering the question
"who are you" you may want to list, outline, or note those
things you would want your children and grandchildren to know about you,
things that are the essence of what makes you - you.
Affections
Who and what are the objects of your affections? You might consider
listing your spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, other relatives,
and special friends. Other affections may include religious, educational
and health related organizations, special causes, and other charities to
which you have an attachment or a special interest. For many people
affections also extend to pets and animals.
Things
Things are your assets, the "stuff" you own. Although you
will have answered many questions concerning your "things" it
may be helpful for you to focus on and review what assets you own and
their values. Clients are often surprised to see the total value of their
things including the face value of all life insurance and anticipated
inheritances. Thinking through the types and values of your things should influence your planning
and may help you decide what is important to you.
Dangers
Dangers are any obstacles that may interfere with your desired outcomes.
Examples of dangers might include:
-
Upon my death
my church would struggle without my support
-
Long-term
nursing home care may exhaust my resources
-
Giving a huge sum of money to my child may destroy all motivation to
work
Opportunities
Having thought about who you are, the objects of your
affections, your things, and dangers you anticipate, you may want to note
some of the opportunities you have. These are your positive goals, hopes,
dreams, and aspirations. You may find it helpful to imagine what the ideal
outcome of your planning would look and feel like.
In addition, we ask you to complete as best you can the
personal information questionnaire we will supply to you. It is best if
you can fill it in online but otherwise you may do so on the paper copy.
You must make sure we have your answers at least three days prior to the
appointment so that we may be prepared to meet with you.
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