What if You Get Hit By a Bus?

If something unexpected happened to you (like getting hit by a bus), where does that leave your loved ones? You've got to take care of the "big stuff" now. Estate planning is best done when it is not an emergency. If it's urgent, you've waited too long.

The Bus List's three easy-to-follow sections are all about getting your own Bus List written. It cuts through the legal rigmarole and helps you get done what needs to get done:

Body - Detail any last requests, including arrangements

Brains - Appoint individuals to represent you

Bling - Pass along your most valued assets seamlessly and inexpensively

Each section of The Bus List-Body, Brains and Bling-ends with a "Next Steps" checklist. Complete each applicable step, execute the appropriate documents and you're done.

Your Bus List makes it easier on your loved ones during a time of great sorrow and grieving. Everything they need to know, like last arrangements, location of important documents, and access to assets is right there in one place. Compiling your own Bus List is one of the kindest, most thoughtful gifts you can bestow on your surviving loved ones. Be sure and make it your last, best gift.

Part I of The Bus List was written with busy folks in mind who want to get their own estate plan in place as quickly and easily as possible.

After completing Part I and writing your own Bus List, take a deep breath and consider delving into other important estate planning topics in Part II:

• Location of Your Bus List
• Estate Liquidity
• Federal Estate and Gift Tax
• State Estate, Gift, and Inheritance Tax
• Community Property vs Common Law States
• Should I Hire an Attorney?

As far as confusing legal terms go, I apologize in advance for using some of them, but there is no getting around it. To help, I've compiled a comprehensive Glossary of those nasty words, where you'll find easy-to-understand and at times humorous definitions that will add to your breadth of understanding. You'll find it way more useful and entertaining than your dictionary.

I publish electronic and print-on-demand books for a reason: It's the only way to deliver the latest information to you, which has been changing a lot lately. I stay on top of things and update all my financial planning-related books, including this one, whenever necessary.

Remember, estate planning is best done when there is no urgency. Get started on your own Bus List now. Don't procrastinate any longer. Scroll to the top of the page and click the "Buy" button. Once you've got your Bus List written, you'll sleep a bit easier at night knowing you've got you've got the big stuff covered.

Many of the investing principals presented in my books are what a lot of brokers, financial advisors, insurance agents, big mega-banks, and Wall Street don't want you know: You can manage your own plans and quite possibly outperform them all!

Taxed advantaged accounts like employer-offered 401(k) type plans, Roth and Traditional IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts are the low hanging fruit of the investment world. You've got to max these out before you even think about investing anywhere else. Why? Everything else being equal, you'll earn a higher after-tax rate of return in taxed advantaged accounts than in regular taxable ones. Combine those accounts with an investment plan and low fees, and you've got the most effective investment weapons on the planet!

You don't need an expensive broker or financial advisor to invest in these accounts. It's better to keep your costs super-low and invest those commissions and fees. That will make a huge difference over time and is probably a lot easier than you think. All you need is a bit of interest, the want to grow rich, and some

Through my books, live seminars, and webcasts, my only goal is to help you better understand these sometimes confusing topics. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or just want to get a handle on your advisor's recommendations, be assured the information I deliver is current and free of conflict.

My financial career started early. As the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft years ago, I was looking at a bit of money at a very young age and felt those slick agents and financial advisors didn't have my best interests at heart. Since then I've taught thousands how to better manage their benefits, build wealth, and plan for retirement.

I love teaching and writing, and I have a Master's degree and Certified Financial Planner(R) status. That's why I enjoy explaining these sometimes hard-to-understand financial planning-related topics.

After moving on from the NFL and the Detroit Lions, my wife Katherine and I settled in Sonoma County, California, where we raised our two kids and still reside. Besides teaching and writing, I enjoy hanging out in the garden and spending time with family and friends.