Are you like the groundhog? Occasionally, you stick your head out of your warm, protected cave of ignorance to think about what would happen to your family if something unexpected happened to you.
When considering your estate plan, are you the type to peek out, see your shadow, and return to your safe and warm bunker and hide? Or do you leave, face the day, and charge full steam ahead?
Interestingly, the tradition of the groundhog being afraid of seeing his shadow is recent. The tradition started as a medieval superstition that all hibernating animals (not just the groundhog) came out of their dens to check the weather in early February. If the animals could see their shadow, winter could go on for another six weeks, which meant they could go back to sleep. A cloudy day told spring was just around the corner, and they could venture out. As you can see, the shadow didn’t “scare” the animal back into the safety of their den. It was an alarm clock!
So, with that myth dispelled, I also want you to stop using the fear of your mortality as a reason for postponing doing your own will or trust.
Consider estate planning as ensuring that your legacy will go to the people you want, how you want, and when you want. It will also allow you to save your loved ones’ court costs and attorney’s fees and, most importantly, will enable them to mourn your loss without the additional burden of dealing with government red tape, a chaotic court system, and financial confusion.
So, as we see all the news and excitement surrounding Punxsutawney Phil this year, take a long look at yourself and see if you are ready to ensure your family is cared for no matter what. If your plans could be more robust, I invite you to meet with me to discuss your options.