Page 55 - Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning Third Edition_Neat

Chapter 8. Distribute for events or core
values, irrespective of age.

We think it’s better to distribute in a manner
that enhances the lives of our loved ones rather
than potentially fundamentally changing who
they are as people. We think it is better to do it
in terms of events that are important to mom
and dad or grandma and grandpa. In other
words, if they were alive and able to give the
money directly, what events would they
support? Would you ever just give a child
hundreds of thousands of dollars simply for
attaining the age of 25 if you were alive? Why
would we do this when we are dead? There are
core values that are important to most of us
and it likely is not about attaining a certain age.

If you don't have an estate plan at all, your
children or grandchildren will inherit your
wealth upon reaching their age of majority.
What long term message do you send to that
18-year-old child if you simply transfer
significant cash to them at the age of 18?
Initially, they may be elated by the inheritance
and spend years having fun but are you
sending a message of love? Are you

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