Money Matters

#MoneyMasterClass Recap–Week 30

Gail covered some more heavy topics this week, including finding a guardian for your children if you have them, the necessity of making a will, and what it means to be an executor of an estate.

Guardianship

This is something no one wants to think about, but it’s also something not to leave to chance. Gail offers some really practical advice on making this choice.

Confronting Death

If choosing a guardian for kids wasn’t enough of a difficult topic, Gail reminds us we are all going to die. She, of course, has a purpose for saying it, but I love her bluntness!

When we were originally talking about wills in Week 27, I wasn’t sure what I would need one for because I don’t have kids or assets really that it seems a will is for. But as Gail lays out this week, there are a few more practical details that a will covers, such as naming what will happen to your household contents.

Executor of Your Estate

Gail explains some of the details behind what it means to be an executor of an estate. I’ve learned a lot this week that I hadn’t considered before.

Some of the warnings she gives are:
– You can be held personally liable for mess ups when fulfilling the role of executor.
– Wait to pay out bequests so you know there is enough to cover debts and taxes–otherwise you might have to pay out of your own pocket!
– A special tax return needs to be filed every year the estate makes money.
– You can turn down the role if you do get name as executor of an estate.

What steps have you taken towards estate planning?

New to the Money Master Class? There’s still time to get started!
Check out this Twitter Archive to see all of Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s #MoneyMasterClass tweets from the start.
Find the resources, spreadsheets, and quizzes here: Money Master Class
Check out my weekly recaps to get caught up.
Start here with the Money Master Class Intro and Week One Recap

Check out Gail Vaz Oxlade’s books here:*

Money Rules
Debt Free Forever
CEO of Everything
Money Smart Kids

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