FINANCIALLY
Speaking
A
bout 15 years ago a member of my her husband planned ahead. It seems to me that
church introduced me to a recent this was wonderful way to for Bob to tell his wife
widow who had lost her husband that he loved her, even after he was gone.
unexpectedly. Her husband had collapsed at a
P.S.
I Love
You
major retail outlet store and was gone before he outcomes, taught me an important lesson. As a
hit the ground. She was lost, both emotionally result, I collaborated with another author and
and fi nancially. produced a book which was titled, “Handbook
You see, he had handled all the finances
the “When I Die” book, as a ‘nod’ to my father-
she had or where to locate all of the necessary in-law.
and important information. To make matters
book to our clients for over 10 years. This book
system, just piles of paper and a computer she covers the following:
financial holdings and put together a plan going
forward. I had her collect statements and make
phone calls to various institutions. We even had
to hack the computer! It took us months to make
sure we had found everything, resulting in a lot
of wasted time and a widow that had to endure
the anxiety that comes with uncertainty about
her financial future. I was happy I could be there
to help guide her through this difficult time, but
to be honest, it wasn’t easy on either of us.
Contrast that scenario with the death of my
• Where to begin
• Long term issues
• Continuing and changing benefi ts
• Settling the estate
• Commonly asked questions
• Checklists for important documents
• Sample letters
• Asset worksheet
• Liability worksheet
• Expense worksheet
• Income worksheet
The “Handbook for Beneficiaries” is a value-
father-in-law, a retired Navy commander and added benefit that I provide for my clients, who
one of the most organized men I ever met. have found the book to be a helpful tool in
Bob had a “When I Die” folder in his desk that preparing for the future.
outlined where all the important documents,
I have always said that it is important to
financial and legal information could be found. plan with life’s uncertainties in mind. There is
There was great deal of detail in this folder, such a peace of mind that comes when you realize
as who to contact and how, and what to say that this important information is organized
when contact was made. What’s more, he had and complete.
briefed his wife from time to time to ensure that
Take the opportunity now to tell your family
she was fully aware of the folder’s contents. He you love them, even after you’re gone, by
encouraged her to ask questions while he was getting and filling out the “When I Die” book…
there to answer them. I mean the “Handbook for Beneficiaries.” The
The loss of a loved one is never easy, but it
1757569RM-Apr19
I have been giving this professionally printed
worse, there seemed to be no organizational
in to try to help her find and access all their
Jeffrey M. Orth is a
Chartered Financial
Consultant, a Certified
Advisor in Senior Living,
and an Investment Advisor
Representative, with over
15 years of experience as
a business and personal
planning, insurance,
and wealth management
specialist. Jeff is available
for group lectures and
private consultations. Visit
ifitfinancial.com or call
408.842.2716.
for Beneficiaries,” even though I wanted to call it
during their marriage, and she wasn’t sure what
didn’t know the password to access. I stepped
1.
These two stories, and their vastly different
was made much easier for Anna Belle because
time it takes to fill out this book will be time
well spent.
Registered Representative of, and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor,
Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK). Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC, 16845 Von Karman
Ave, Ste. 225 Irvine, CA 92606 (949)754-1700. IFIT is independent of HTK. CA Lic #0C49291
58
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MAY/JUNE 2017
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