They say nothing is certain except for death and taxes. Even so, not enough of us plan ahead for these inevitabilities. Today, we are going to talk about financial planning, estate planning, and generally planning for the worst. Specific rules, like the requirements for a will, are going to be different everywhere, but wherever you are, the need to think these plans through is the same.
While I spoke to multiple people in preparation for this column, I’m only going to name Kimberly Greenidge of Greenidge Pro Services, a tax preparer and financial coach in New York City. The licensed financial advisors can’t be named because the terms of their licensing and employment restrict making public statements. I appreciate their help. Similarly, because we are going to touch on some legal topics, I remind you that while I am a lawyer, I am not your lawyer, and nothing I write is legal advice. My thanks to Kimberley Greenidge and to my anonymous sources. With all that said, let’s go!