Estate Planning

Estate planning is an area that most people avoid talking about. They pretend that if I ignore it, it will take care of itself. It is understandable the aversion to talk about your estate since it has to do with the planning of our end. There is not easy way to talk about this topic, it is painful and it is a reality. Regardless of how difficult this subject may be to you, you must address it if you want your assets after your death to pass to the proper hands.

John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil in 1870 and became the richest man on the planet. When he passed away, his accountant was asked, “How much of an estate did he leave?” His accountant’s answer was: “All of it.” During his lifetime John D. Rockefeller accumulated many assets. He also gave generously
both during his lifetime and through his estate. But he also understood Psalm 49:16-17, “Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.” (NIV)

During our lifetime we work more than forty years to accumulate assets and spend approximately ten years conserving what has been earned. However, the sad reality is that on average we do not spend even two hours to plan for distribution of those assets accumulated. Many times there is little planning and in some cases no planning at all. The chaos that often occurs following the death of a loved one can be burdensome. However, this burden can be eased, through proper planning.

A key element of proper planning is the implementation of an estate plan. The basic document in any such plan is a will and many plans also include a trust. I have prepared a Guide to Planning Your Will and Trust which is designed to encourage you to think about how you want your assets to be distributed at death and assist you in gathering the information your attorney will need to prepare a will and trust that accomplishes your goals. This will help you organize your thoughts and save you time and money in professional fees.

If you are a Christian, you understand that through proper planning, a legacy of love and care that you leave for your family and friends can be encouraging and in many cases even inspiring. The Bible tells us, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV). Part of becoming a “good and faithful servant” is to create a good plan for your family, regardless of the size of your estate. This important stewardship of the property that God has entrusted to you can both protect and provide for your family.

The reality is that every day has 24 hours – 1,440 minutes – 86,400 seconds. Or does it? A short day is coming for all of us – a day when we will not reach the 86,400th second, and will pass on to our final reward. We may have lived a long and useful life, filled with great memories. First, the “learning” years – youthful and vibrant time spent in school with classmates. Second, the “earning” years – that first job, building a career and meeting many friends and business associates. Third, the “retirement” years — when you finally have time to enjoy visits with all of your family and friends.


I encourage you to take time, sooner than later, and prepare or update your estate planning. If you are interested in the guide I have prepared, please email me and I will gladly send you the guide at no charge to you. The guide will be emailed within 48 hours after receiving the email (emails will start being sent January 3, 2012).

As was true with John D. Rockefeller, everything will be given to someone or for some purpose.