Dad’s old garden hat is still hanging next to mine on a hook in my laundry room. Every time I head out to the garden, Dad accompanies me in spirit. Much of his advice to me through life also applies to the lessons of raising a successful garden, whatever “garden” we may be cultivating at any given time.
I was called over to her home to see if there was anything of value that could be sold to keep up with the costs of mom’s care. Mom spent all of her money on these things that are not only undesirable on the market to most, but they have also cluttered up the daughter’s home.
There is not one among us who has not felt the sting of failure or the tears that accompany that sting. But here’s the thing we need to remember.
Most people reading this might be quick to respond with an emphatic “No.” However, I beg to differ. According to a client of mine who is 101 years young, we have much more than a pot of gold.
In the span of a 24 hour day, what’s 5 minutes? In the grand scheme of things, it’s certainly not much. To some people, 5 minutes is an eternity.
Call me old-fashioned. Call me a twentieth century throw-back. It is apparent to me each time I meet a client, pick up the latest gadget, or look in the mirror, that I came from a different time.
Treasure is in the eye of the beholder. What one person holds dear, another wants nothing to do with. We find a ton of handwritten notes intended for those left behind. These notes are meant to guide the loved ones after their death and they often include a myriad of information.
As with all strange things we find in estates, we had to give her a name. There could be no better name than “Buster.”
Many of my clients are concerned about the state of our economy. In the midst of uncertainty, it is only natural to feel off-balance and a bit insecure. It’s hard to make solid decisions when so much is up in the air.
Every once in a while, I get an email that just about knocks me off my chair. While I always do my best to assist and even educate my clients so they can empower themselves to make the right decisions, there are some people I just can’t help.
From that moment to this, I never forgot what they told me. Both of them are gone now, but they left an impressionable young lady with something she could never pay for, because it was priceless.
In every home, in every estate of a deceased loved one, there are items we have to deal with that don’t seem to have a place with us anymore. Perhaps they are no longer useful, or the sentiment has worn off. Maybe there are so many items, there’s no way you can take them all!
Don’t take things just to take them! As our parents pass away, the temptation to sock away their belongings is great, but take the time to really think about what you are doing. Don’t get stuck paying for ludicrous storage bills that far outweigh the value of what you place inside there.
My world revolves around many beautiful things and what they may be worth; then sadly, I watch people fight over those things after a loved one dies. Having met with thousands of individuals in my career, I can safely say I have learned from each and every one of them.
How much fun could it really be with everyone so advanced in years? Transported back to the 1940s, the hands of time literally spun backwards to return them to their prime in life. This was their night and they proudly took ownership.
Now is the time of year to not only give to others, but to give to yourself as well. Sometimes I think we forget that.
Lately I’ve been noticing more and more people with lower spirits than normal and what seems like ever-growing obstacles in their lives. Across the board, most everyone is not necessarily complaining, but weary and concerned. Rightfully so.
He’s a Southern gentleman in his 70s and the father of a dear friend of mine. John has no idea that he serves as a great inspiration to many … that’s how genuine he is. To this humble, salt-of-the-earth man, he is just as happy to get up each day and fill it with as much as he can, until he does it all again tomorrow. He won’t sit still for very long because “there is always something that needs to be done, so I get up and do it.”
Don’t shoot the messenger because I am being upfront and honest with you, so that you can make solid, knowledgeable decisions regarding the items you want to sell (or not). Let’s sit for a moment and talk about your options, which options would be best for your estate situation, and the expectations you may have about your possessions.
I’ve never once looked back. I’ve never regretted a thing. I am not rich, but in so many ways I am, because my clients allowed me into their lives.
The spoiled, uncaring family, who wasn’t willing to tend to his remains but more than willing to take his money, was a no-show, despite the best efforts of the law firm to come and get Mr. Smith. It was then legally arranged for me to do this. I saw to it that Mr. Smith got his final wish, praying over his ashes as a stranger, but one who clearly cared more for him than his own family.
While there are no laws that pertain to human behavior when handling an estate and the distribution of property, these commandments should be “etched in stone” to remind us how we should behave.
You could see the worry and anxiety on everyone’s face and the struggle to part with just a little bit of money, even though they were getting great deals. People will always buy, and things will always sell, but just not for the prices they used to … at least not at the moment.
Here are the words a daughter used to encourage her father to face fears of dementia.