Parents, do yourselves (and your children) a favor: Write a will. Over the past few days, two of my friends with children have told me that they didn't have wills. "Yeah, we need to do that," they say. Yes, and here's why you shouldn't put off drafting this important document if you have children.
Your children need a guardian. If something happens to you, someone will need to take care of your children. I know how difficult it can be to decide who will be the right person for the job. In fact, estate planning attorneys often say this is one of the main reasons people put off writing a will. But wouldn't you rather decide who will care for your children rather than letting a judge decide? That's right -- the court will appoint a guardian if you don't name one in a will. So stop putting off this decision, and get peace of mind by designating a guardian of your choice. And name a backup in case something happens to the first person you named.
Your children need someone to manage their money. Even if you're not Daddy Warbucks, chances are you'll have some money to pass on to your children when you die -- or a life insurance policy that will pay out on your death. Do you really want your teenage son to decide how best to spend the cash? A will allows you to name someone (it can be the same person as the guardian) to manage the money and property you leave to your children.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Expect to pay about $300 for a lawyer to draft a simple will. You could pay up to $1,000 for a more comprehensive estate plan that includes a living will or health-care directive and a power of attorney document. Online forms can be an affordable way to write a will if your finances are uncomplicated (see Cut the Lawyer Out of Your Will?). Even if you do use one of these documents, you should consider getting a lawyer to review it.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
-
4 Ways to Thwart Elder AbuseCaregiving Being prime targets for scams, seniors need to be vigilant about protecting themselves.
-
4 Tips to Build a Better 401(k)investing Keys to getting the most out of your plan.
-
5 Better Investments Than Powerballsavings Your odds of getting a good return on your money are much higher than winning the lottery.
-
Get a Cash Bonus for Opening a New IRAIRAs Switching jobs or retiring? Some brokerages offer cash incentives for your rollover 401(k) money.
-
5 Things ‘The Golden Girls’ Can Teach Boomers About Retirementretirement Whether you’re preparing to retire or already there, this popular sitcom can teach you everything you need to know
-
10 Best Freebies for Retirees
Making Your Money Last Retiree-friendly goods and services are available at no cost – if you know where to look.
-
Undo Your Social Security Claiming Decisionretirement How to reverse an early benefit claim designation.
-
6 Great Online Financial Tools to Simplify Your Life
savings These online resources will help you get your finances in order.
