Planning for 2021: A Little Different This Year

WOW! What a year 2020 has been!

Well, I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year unlike any in recent memories. We will all be happy to sing Auld Lang Syne and toast to a new year at midnight on Dec. 31. For many of us, planning for 2021 will look very different.

I’m sure many of you started 2020 with the intention of keeping your new resolutions which likely included popular goals such as  to try new things, lose weight, go to the gym, improve mental health, be a better person, upgrade technology and stay motivated. Most people’s goals were curtailed early in the year due to Covid-19, job loss and financial insecurity, social unrest and an unprecedented election. We must not beat ourselves up for not accomplishing our 2020 resolutions and goals but there are a few things we can take control of in 2021 to offer ourselves some mental peace and more financial security.

2021 Resolutions Will Likely Be Different Than in the Past

A recent survey suggests that for 2021, people are ditching their materialistic goals for goals that include saving money and learning new skills. People are also adding more ‘experiences’ to their goals. We are also seeing that people want to commit to creating better budgets and paying down debt. At Hurley Elder Care Law, we are encouraged to see that people are focusing on their long-term financial health. Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to educating people about the importance of estate planning. However, it has been an obstacle for us because due to human nature, many people put off to tomorrow what they can do today. Planning for your long-term care needs and eventual death is not fun or exciting. It is often a taboo subject and most of us think we are invincible and ‘those things happen to other people”.

Nobody Wants to Think About Death… but You Should

In 2020 over 280,000 people have died due to Covid-19 so far. We don’t know how many of these people had their estate plans in order but can guess that many did not. In the past decade we have also seen numerous situations of celebrities who died without a will including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince and Amy Winehouse. In a recent case, 46-year-old, former Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh, died without a will due to complications from a house fire.  These high-profile cases have demonstrated the need for proper estate planning at any age. We don’t want to be a Debbie Downer during what is supposed to be a happy time of the year, but we would be remiss if we didn’t try to encourage you to make this part of your New Year’s plan. We know from personal experience as well as client testimonials that a sense of contentment and peace is felt once legal and financial ducks are in a row.

Estate Planning Can be Easy and Painless

Although concerns about Covid-19 have hampered many of our plans this year, luckily, creating your estate plan is easier than ever. In the past, a face-to-face meeting was required to get document signatures. Currently there is an Executive Order in place that allows virtual signings (through Jan. 8). So now our office is able to offer in-person (with many Covid precautions in place) or virtual (Zoom) meetings. We assist you with technology and patiently walk you through every step. We want to be your partner in getting your affairs in order and starting the new year with a renewed sense of peace. Call our office at 404-843-0121 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. We are also happy to share helpful resources such as our “Being Prepared: A practical guide to getting your affairs in order” checklist and other tips for talking with your family about your plans.

Thank you! We Appreciate You!

Lastly, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all our clients and strategic partners for working with us in 2020. Our Hurley Elder Care Law team is stronger than ever, and we appreciate every one of you who helped us adjust, and to use a 2020 cliché word, “pivot” many times throughout the year. Our 2021 resolutions and goals are also less materialistic, and more experience based. We want to deepen our relationships with the many people who truly help us do the important work of helping families that we do every day. We are committed to further providing our holistic approach that combines legal, financial and emotional support to our clients and their families. Here’s to 2021!!! Cheers!