Here are the results of a survey and statistics to illustrate why folks think being an executor is so difficult. Is being an executor difficult? The average executor doesn’t think the job is particularly difficult to understand. But, they do think carrying out the role can be difficult. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/281604/difficulty-in-being-an-executor-of-an-estate-among-wealthy-americans/ Based on a survey by Statista, non-professional executors feel the most difficult parts of serving as an executor or trustee of an estate are: Commitment of time required Many tasks seem simple, and would be if you were doing them for yourself (closing a bank account, getting financial records, etc.). But many executors realize how difficult those tasks are with an estate. Insufficient legal or financial knowledge Yes, you can hire an attorney or CPA to advise on most matters. But what executors really want to know is: what are my chances of getting sued if I make the wrong decision? Filing tax returns Executors must get tax clearance, to avoid being haunted by the IRS later. This can frustratingly take months. Managing disagreement among heirs This is particularly awkward and stressful if it’s your own family. Thanksgiving gets even more awkward! How much time does it take to be an executor? According to a survey by EstateExec.com, the average non-professional executor spends 570 hours to settle an estate. Source: https://www.estateexec.com/Docs/General_Statistics How long is 570 hours? 71 full workdays 14 full work weeks 3 1/2 months of work Make sure you’re ok with this level of disruption to your job or leisure time, before accepting executorship. How long do estates take to settle? On average, 16 months. In our experience, 16 months sounds low. Source: https://www.estateexec.com/Docs/General_Statistics Also be aware that it’s not a steady stream of work. Rather, there will be bursts of hectic activity, with long gaps of waiting in between. FREE Copy of “The Solo Ager Estate Plan” Complete this form to receive your complimentary copy of Anthony’s Amazon best-seller, “The Solo Ager Estate Plan”

Let’s take a look at a real world example of whether a Solo Ager’s estate plan worked towards the end of her life. Ms.H’s Plan: DIY Will + Professional Executor Background Ms. H is a solo ager (unmarried, no kids, over 60 years old) who’s been estranged from her closest relatives (siblings and nieces and nephews) for decades. She made a do-it-yourself will leaving everything to charity. Thankfully, she hired a lawyer to supervise her will signing. Ms. H named me her professional executor in her will, and over the past 10 years her wishes have remained largely the same. Recently Sadly, age has caught up with Ms. H, and she was recently hospitalized for lack of self-care. Her doctors agree they cannot discharge her to live alone anymore, so we’re making arrangements for Ms. H to move into assisted living. She’s understandably anxious about all this, and even contacted her long-estranged niece and asked her to visit. What Went Right with Her Plan? Ms. H avoided a few problems by naming me her professional executor. First, she won’t have to deal with any “court-appointed strangers,” such as a guardian. Instead, she can turn to me, someone she’s chosen and has a relationship with. Second, she felt comfortable reaching out to estranged family, without fear they’d try to sneak into her inheritance. Since Ms. H already has a will and an attorney-executor standing by, her niece has focused solely on reconnecting with Ms. H emotional, not financially. And lastly, Ms. H’s doctors, hospitals, and social worker have all been grateful to have me as a main point of contact for her care. What Went Wrong with Her Plan? Her plan does have a couple of weaknesses. Since an executor steps in after death, I don’t have authority to help Ms. H now. For example, I can’t help make financial arrangements for her to access a better assisted living. She much choose among the options thru Medicare. Also, if unscrupulous and aggressive family comes out of the woodwork, I have fewer tools to fend them off. We’d have to battle in court, which could waste Ms. H’s time and money, and cause her stress. Why a Trust Could Have Been Better If Ms. H had made me trustee, I’d be better to avoid any court-appointed strangers for her. And more ability to upgrade her care, and deter unwanted family, without having to go to court. FREE Copy of “The Solo Ager Estate Plan” Complete this form to receive your complimentary copy of Anthony’s Amazon best-seller, “The Solo Ager Estate Plan”

Most NYers know the deal with co-ops: they’s less expensive than condos, but they come with a lot of rules and headaches. Here are 3 real world examples: Last to unlock Quick to Sue Release of lien ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

Today we’ll share a few recent examples of why folks were so happy and relieved to find me, and name me executor in their will Today's stories: Don’t want to burden the boyfriend Former co-worker as a last resort Relieving an old friend ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

What do you do if you need a probate lawyer, but you don’t have the money now? Let’s talk about contingent fee probate. What are contingent fees? Some limitations Will contests Kinship Uncertain assets ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

Since we keep seeing folks who are going the DIY will route, a few more tips on how to make sure that software or will form actually works Today we’ll discuss: Use local software/forms Keep it simple Hire a lawyer to supervise the signing ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

Talking Solo Agers and Hospice Care with Helen Bauer and Jerry Fenter from the Heart of Hospice podcast. Helen shares her personal experience helping during a Solo Ager friend's final weeks. And Jerry shares some Solo Ager statistics and what he learned from Solo Ager Facebook groups. Links: http://www.theheartofhospice.com/ ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

I keep getting calls, asking me to be executor outside New York. I’m flattered, and honored, and yes AVAILABLE for that role. Locality becoming less important In-state agent requirement Reciprocal nonresident executor law ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

We’ll share the story of how one of my trusts played out, and how it’s accomplished the goal of keeping it in the family ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========

We’ll share a few real-world amateur executor bloopers (of course, anonymized to protect our clients’ privacy) Choosing a disappearing banker The case of the missing $10,000 check "Oh yeah, taxes!" ========== READ Pick up my books on Amazon. Reviews always appreciated! ========== JOIN Sign up to my email list for book announcements ========== WATCH Subscribe to my YouTube channel ========== LISTEN Subscribe to the “Simple Money Wins” podcast at: iTunes: https://apple.co/2XvtoVz Google Play: http://bit.ly/2XRWDRK Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2Xuct5A Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XMDYa3 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/2JwhDnV ==========