Don't Leave Drama for Your Kids

If you think your children have the time and resources to tie up all the loose ends you left them - think again! Whatever you leave becomes someone else's problem. This can lead to bitter arguments while things are sorted out. There is no such thing as a perfect plan, but anything is better than nothing. And nothing happens quite often. Here are some ideas so you don't leave the drama for your kids.

Start thinking about what you want to happen with your estate. Begin with the big things: your home, vehicles, retirement accounts. Are your beneficiaries current? Do you have documentation in a place so that your Executor and loved ones can find it?

Once that is figured out, move onto your possessions. Choose a realistic stance: every item is not an heirloom. Separate out what has been important to you that you can pass along to a loved one. Start clearing out spaces - if you don't do it, someone else will, and they will not take much time to decide on the fate of the item.

If you feel pretty good about your state of affairs, work your way into the sentimental items: photographs, letters, artwork, journals, cards, etc. Can it be scanned so multiple loved ones can share it?

Even if you only do a few of these things, your loved ones will be grateful!