Blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.
“B GR8FUL”
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Protect your Parents
Procrastination is Risky!
Mary was 96 years old and had a lovely 3-bedroom home filled with antiques and collectibles passed down from previous generations. Isn’t it interesting that she cared so very deeply for her possessions while she was alive, yet did not have a legal plan for them upon her death?
Nostalgia is Not Hereditary
Why on earth do we hold on to so much stuff that we never use or even want? That is the million dollar question! As time goes on, I see more and more people holding on to items from estates, that they don’t really need, and truth be told, don’t really want either.
A New Take on “Taking”
It’s perfectly acceptable to let go of possessions, especially if you don’t absolutely cherish them. If no one in the family wants the items, have an estate sale professional sell to those who will cherish them like mom and dad did.
“Help, I’m Lost!”
Get the best professionals and the process will flow smoothly. You may be tempted to “do it yourself” but these experts can solve more issues effectively because they have the resources and experience that you don’t have. Be sure to ask questions, and seek out the few professionals that you trust.
Letting Go of Our Possessions is Hard
I see people who have a very passionate relationship with their material possessions, sometimes more so than with each other. It almost appears that they believe they can take their possessions with them when they leave earth. Holding on to possessions, for the sake of not wanting to let them go, can leave a negative impact on those left behind.
Condition, Condition, Condition
If you are downsizing or selling the contents of an estate, look at the items from the perspective of an appraiser or personal property expert. Consider all the flaws and permanent alterations to pieces before setting expectations too high.
How to Stretch Your Hard-Earned Dollar
Visit some estate sales this weekend and enjoy yourself! You never know what you will find!
How Will People Remember You?
When it comes to making arrangements for estate distribution upon one’s death, too many of us are seized with a dramatic disease called procrastination (with a touch of denial). We will all pass away one day; it’s a certainty. Should a crisis occur, are you and your loved ones prepared at all?
Are We Ever Really Ready?
Sometimes, you just have to do it or not. The opportunity will not remain open forever.
Unforgettable Note We Found in an Estate
Don’t call it my deathbed. Call it my Bed of Life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.
You’d Better Sit Down!
I can’t stress this enough, though I feel like a nag for repeating it often: A majority of the time, your possessions are not worth what you think they are worth. Try to be as realistic as possible.
What Factors Affect Value?
We want to believe that our possessions have exquisite value and will bring much money one day when we are ready to sell. We are disappointed to learn that the heirlooms of mom and grandmother are not worth much anymore, despite the family lore. What can affect the current value of personal property?
One Chip Can Do A Lot of Damage
While one chip can greatly diminish the value of an antique platter, our own self-worth only grows deeper with our well-earned battle scars from a life well lived and loved.
“Warning, Warning!”
Always seek personal property professionals who are highly recommended by other professionals. Let them look, value, advise on your possessions before you do anything else! Do not throw away or give away anything until a professional has walked through!
5 Promises to Yourself This Summer
These days, it appears increasingly difficult to stay on the level emotionally. So much comes at us that it’s depressing to turn on the TV. To combat this heaviness that many feel, I have 5 suggestions to make us feel more buoyant this summer. Please share them with your family and friends, since we all need to support one another.
Who will Care for the Caregiver?
Who will care for you, the caregiver? Ultimately the answer is you. We’ve all heard the saying: “You have to remain strong for those you care for, so please take care of yourself.” But are caregivers really taking the time to replenish their bodies, minds, and souls? If I were a betting lady, I would say no.
6 Big Mistakes People Make with Personal Property
Personal property and heirlooms — we spend a lifetime accumulating them, inheriting them, caring for them, collecting them, and talking about them. But we rarely know the values and we rarely make a plan for what happens to our personal property. Here’s my list of the biggest mistakes. Hopefully, you don’t see yourself in this list.
In Pursuit of Good
Why spend all of that time attacking and hurting others, when turning the other cheek (if possible), ignoring (if possible), or doing something for the betterment of others not only helps and improves the situation, it is also good and right. I am not suggesting it is alright to be a doormat. It is good to stand up for yourself in a professional manner.
Gears and Cogs
Our vision towards almost anything in life really needs to be extended to include the value and work of someone else’s skills and ability to see and imagine. This is difficult to master. When working together, each brings to the table something that we can’t contribute by ourselves.
If I Hadn’t Gone Out in the Storm
If I hadn’t gone out in the storm, I never would have seen this beauty. We all work hard and it can be a challenge to make ends meet and make things work for us. Sometimes we need a sign of hope and joy to remind us it’s the simple things that make us smile the most.
Giving While Still Living
Every estate plan should have a mandatory requirement: give away what you have (or at least part of it) while you are physically and mentally able to do so. Why?
Fighting Over the Same Heirloom
Realize that these situations can be highly charged with tension and emotion. Everyone is not going to be happy 100% of the time. There are very few instances where everything comes out flawless. Spare the relationships by keeping the peace.
The Roses
Until items are gifted to you in person prior to infirmity or death, or until there is a written plan for those heirlooms upon a loved one’s passing, you are entitled to nothing unless it is given to you. Even if you don’t end up with your beloved “rose,” remember that while we would like to have the majority of the cake, it’s good and appropriate to share as equally as possible, even if you feel it shouldn’t be that way.