A lesson on how consultants can make a difference in an organisation.
Last week, we took some friends to a new Indian restaurant, 'Sam Bukks's Place,' and noticed that the Indian waiter who took our order carried a spoon in his shirt pocket. It seemed a little strange. When the busboy brought our water and utensils, I observed that he also had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Then I looked around and saw that all the Indian staff had spoons in their pockets. When the waiter came back to serve our soup I inquired, 'Why the spoon?'
'Well, 'he explained, 'the restaurant's owner hired Andersen Consulting to revamp all of our processes. After several months of analysis, they concluded that the spoon was the most frequently dropped utensil. It represents a drop frequency of approximately 3 spoons per table per hour. If our personnel are better prepared, we can reduce the number of trips back to the kitchen and save 15 man-hours per shift.'
As luck would have it, I dropped my spoon and he replaced it with his spare. 'I'll get another spoon next time I go to the kitchen instead of making an extra trip to get it right now..' I was impressed.
I also noticed that there was a string hanging out of the Indian waiter's fly.
Looking around, I saw that all of the Indian waiters had the same string hanging from their flies. So, before he walked off, I asked the waiter, 'Excuse me, but can you tell me why you have that string right there?'
'Oh, certainly!' Then the Indian waiter lowered his voice. 'Not everyone is so observant. That consulting firm I mentioned also learned that we can save time in the restroom. By tying this string to the tip of our you-know-what, we can pull it out without touching it and eliminate the need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent in the restroom by 76.39%.'
I asked quietly, 'After you get it out, how do you put it back?'
'Well,' he whispered, 'I don't know about the others, but I use the spoon.'
Thanks to young Patto for raising my concern as to the possible multiple uses of cutlery!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
End of year message & site comments
The following email will be going out to all our clients of www.wherethereisawill.com.au and www.wherethereisawill.co.nz in time for Christmas. We make mention of the Australian Government site 'Donate Life' as we believe that this is a great way that we here in Australia can contribute to the lives of people that we have never met.
To all our clients we wish you the best of time as you celebrate the ending of 2010 and the welcoming in of 2011.
I am sure that I speak on behalf of my wife Vivien, as well as Michael and Julie Smits, the other Co Owners, as I say that the season is all the more important as it is the time we rejoice in remembering and celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, an event which is just as important today as it was some 2000 years ago.
As you enjoy the festive season, this may be just the time to start thinking of new personal goals and resolutions, and in this regard we would draw your attention to the Donate Life website that is featured at the start of out 'Useful Links' page. During the year both Vivien and I have signed up and we would encourage you to give it some serious thought as it is a great way to have an active on going part in another person's life.
You may also want to take this time to check out and amend as appropriate your personal file.
As far as the 'free membership' of the site goes, this is still on offer for new clients to enjoy and they can sign up via the 'Special Offers' page.
Again, on behalf of Vivien, Michael and Julie, I wish you well for 2011.
Regards,
Graeme Brattle
Co Owner
To all our clients we wish you the best of time as you celebrate the ending of 2010 and the welcoming in of 2011.
I am sure that I speak on behalf of my wife Vivien, as well as Michael and Julie Smits, the other Co Owners, as I say that the season is all the more important as it is the time we rejoice in remembering and celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, an event which is just as important today as it was some 2000 years ago.
As you enjoy the festive season, this may be just the time to start thinking of new personal goals and resolutions, and in this regard we would draw your attention to the Donate Life website that is featured at the start of out 'Useful Links' page. During the year both Vivien and I have signed up and we would encourage you to give it some serious thought as it is a great way to have an active on going part in another person's life.
You may also want to take this time to check out and amend as appropriate your personal file.
As far as the 'free membership' of the site goes, this is still on offer for new clients to enjoy and they can sign up via the 'Special Offers' page.
Again, on behalf of Vivien, Michael and Julie, I wish you well for 2011.
Regards,
Graeme Brattle
Co Owner
Monday, July 12, 2010
Donate Life. Pave the Way and Plan Now
One of the greatest things that we can do with our lives is to ensure that at the end of our allotted time, that our life can live on in other peoples lives as more than just a fond memory.
Now, while this may be quite a noble proposition, to make it happen requires the involvement of several parties, the chief of which will be your immediate family members.
I can only speak of the situation that relates to us here in Australia and I would certainly encourage you to make enquiries as to the rules as they relate to where you reside, wherever that may be.
Anyway, back to the matter of looking ahead. In Australia you can indicate your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor by either lodging your registration with the Australian Organ Donor Register or by indicating your desire at the time you renew your driver's licence.
Almost anyone can donate, and while it is true that your age and medical history will be taken into account, one should not assume that they are either to young, too old or even not healthy enough (although death is a bit of a killer in the matter of your ongoing health) for you to offer yourself to others in this manner.
Even if you think that you may not be healthy enough, there is every chance that some of your organs and tissues will be suitable for donation. There are some conditions however that will preclude your desire to assist another person and one of these would be if you were suffering from a transmissible disease such as HIV.
Having said that, even though you may pass the health test with flying colours and you may be in the peak of condition for your age and circumstances, at the time of your demise it just will not happen unless you have the consent of your family.
So how do you get the family members to be supportive of your decision to allow part of your body to live on in the life of another human?
Reality dictates that family members are most likely to agree to your wishes if the matter has previously been raised and discussed with them. Should the matter come out of the thin air, so to speak, they will more likely decline your request, thereby having a minimum of two people disappointed with that decision. Those people being yourself and the other one being the potential recipient of your donated tissue and organs.
So, first things first. Read all you can about organ and tissue donating. Register your wishes on the Organ Donor Register and finally and this cannot be stressed enough, make sure that you inform your immediate family members of the action you have taken, and seek their acknowledgement that they support your wishes.
To ensure that your relatives over the course of time do not forget your wishes, there is another action that you can take, and that is to place a copy of your organ donor registration in a place that is easy to locate. Keeping a copy with your will papers would be one way of achieving this. Another way, is to use the facility of a website such as www.wherethereisawill.com.au to record your wishes.
Either way, on your passing speed is the essence when it comes to your relatives making a decision to comply with your wishes as there is only a limited timeframe available before the window of opportunity to use your bodily parts deteriorates, thereby lessening your offer of assisting another persons life eventuating.
Well, there it is. To be able to donate life to another person is a wonderful gift, but without you taking action now, that gift may end up never being delivered.
To see what you need to do to be a donor, have a look at the site www.donatelife.gov.au where there is a link to the Australian Organ Donor Register.
As the site Donate Life encourages - Remember the three D's, Discover, Decide & Discuss.
Now, while this may be quite a noble proposition, to make it happen requires the involvement of several parties, the chief of which will be your immediate family members.
I can only speak of the situation that relates to us here in Australia and I would certainly encourage you to make enquiries as to the rules as they relate to where you reside, wherever that may be.
Anyway, back to the matter of looking ahead. In Australia you can indicate your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor by either lodging your registration with the Australian Organ Donor Register or by indicating your desire at the time you renew your driver's licence.
Almost anyone can donate, and while it is true that your age and medical history will be taken into account, one should not assume that they are either to young, too old or even not healthy enough (although death is a bit of a killer in the matter of your ongoing health) for you to offer yourself to others in this manner.
Even if you think that you may not be healthy enough, there is every chance that some of your organs and tissues will be suitable for donation. There are some conditions however that will preclude your desire to assist another person and one of these would be if you were suffering from a transmissible disease such as HIV.
Having said that, even though you may pass the health test with flying colours and you may be in the peak of condition for your age and circumstances, at the time of your demise it just will not happen unless you have the consent of your family.
So how do you get the family members to be supportive of your decision to allow part of your body to live on in the life of another human?
Reality dictates that family members are most likely to agree to your wishes if the matter has previously been raised and discussed with them. Should the matter come out of the thin air, so to speak, they will more likely decline your request, thereby having a minimum of two people disappointed with that decision. Those people being yourself and the other one being the potential recipient of your donated tissue and organs.
So, first things first. Read all you can about organ and tissue donating. Register your wishes on the Organ Donor Register and finally and this cannot be stressed enough, make sure that you inform your immediate family members of the action you have taken, and seek their acknowledgement that they support your wishes.
To ensure that your relatives over the course of time do not forget your wishes, there is another action that you can take, and that is to place a copy of your organ donor registration in a place that is easy to locate. Keeping a copy with your will papers would be one way of achieving this. Another way, is to use the facility of a website such as www.wherethereisawill.com.au to record your wishes.
Either way, on your passing speed is the essence when it comes to your relatives making a decision to comply with your wishes as there is only a limited timeframe available before the window of opportunity to use your bodily parts deteriorates, thereby lessening your offer of assisting another persons life eventuating.
Well, there it is. To be able to donate life to another person is a wonderful gift, but without you taking action now, that gift may end up never being delivered.
To see what you need to do to be a donor, have a look at the site www.donatelife.gov.au where there is a link to the Australian Organ Donor Register.
As the site Donate Life encourages - Remember the three D's, Discover, Decide & Discuss.
Monday, April 26, 2010
New 'Private' page and extra links to articles
Greetings to you all,
I would encourage you to take some time out and check out the following:
A) In response to a number of comments and requests, we have added a 'Private' page to each persons individual site.
This 'Private' page is there for you to use to record pieces of information that you want to remain just for your eyes only. In this page we have given you 4 boxes, each in which you can record up to 1500 keystrokes of information.
As we state in the preamble at the top of the page:
"This Private page of your account is set aside for you to record information available for your eyes only. Because the information contained within this page is for your eyes only, you will not at any stage receive an email from us confirming its contents. Should you wish to have a 'hard copy' you should 'print this screen'.
Any 'third party' conducting a search for the documents you have registered with Where There Is A Will will not have access to information recorded on this page.
Each of the boxes shown below enable you to record up to 1500 characters of information.
Please note: you MUST NOT record either passwords or Credit Card numbers in this page.
We will not be held responsible for the security of such information."
To access the new page, just take the following steps;
1. From the Home page, click on the 'Register a Document' Page.
2. On the 'Register a Document - Individual' screen complete the top section of the page with your email address, password and Date of Birth as shown and then click on the 'log in' button.
If you have previously registered a document with Where There Is A Will log in here:
Existing Account Holders
Email Address
Password Date of Birth: (DD/MM/YYYY)
3. This will then bring you to the next screen which has several options displayed at the top of the page.
View Previously Lodged Documents
Private Page | Log Out
4. Click on the 'Private Page' option to go directly into the new page.
Amend Lodgement Details | Update My Details | Log Out
When you are ready, scroll down to the first box and start to record the information that you wish to lodge on the page.
When you have finished recording your information, click on the 'Save Changes' tab that is located directly below the box in which you have recorded your information.
5. Should you wish to keep a hard copy of what you have just recorded, you will need to do a 'screen print' before you exit from the page as we will not be sending you any confirmation as to what you have recorded in any of the boxes.
This new Private Page is so hot off the press so to speak, that we are still working out some questions and answers for our page 'Frequently asked Questions' and we hope to be able to have these added to our site before the first of May.
In the interim should you have any questions about the new 'Private Page', I can be contacted on 0427 523 119. Or should you prefer, you can send me an email to graeme@wherethereisawill.com.au and I will endeavour to respond to your query within 24 hours.
B) Links to other sites
We have added some new links in our 'Useful Links' section of our site.
In the Associated Articles we have added a link to a book entitled 'Wrapping it Up' . According to the books promotional statement this is the ultimate guide to assist a person in the task of wrapping up a deceased person's home. It provides all of the practical advice you don't know you need until you find yourself having to do it. If you are planning to wrap up a loved one's home, or have suddenly had the responsibility thrust upon you, this book will assist you to sort through all of the practical aspects involved in undertaking such a task.
I have had a look through the book and found it to be very practical and informative. http://www.wrappingitup.com.au/wrapping-it-book
The next area relates to Estate Planning and in this section we have added a couple more links to some general information articles.
In finishing, I would like to again express my thanks to those of you who take time to draw my attention to items that may be of interest to other members who are using the site. Please keep up the good work. Likewise, if you have any recommendations or suggestions in relation to improving the site I would welcome you sharing your thoughts. I can be contacted by either the site or via my mobile 0427 523 119.
Regards,
Graeme Brattle
Co Founder.
The above was sent out as an email to all existing members of the WTIAW Site.
I would encourage you to take some time out and check out the following:
A) In response to a number of comments and requests, we have added a 'Private' page to each persons individual site.
This 'Private' page is there for you to use to record pieces of information that you want to remain just for your eyes only. In this page we have given you 4 boxes, each in which you can record up to 1500 keystrokes of information.
As we state in the preamble at the top of the page:
"This Private page of your account is set aside for you to record information available for your eyes only. Because the information contained within this page is for your eyes only, you will not at any stage receive an email from us confirming its contents. Should you wish to have a 'hard copy' you should 'print this screen'.
Any 'third party' conducting a search for the documents you have registered with Where There Is A Will will not have access to information recorded on this page.
Each of the boxes shown below enable you to record up to 1500 characters of information.
Please note: you MUST NOT record either passwords or Credit Card numbers in this page.
We will not be held responsible for the security of such information."
To access the new page, just take the following steps;
1. From the Home page, click on the 'Register a Document' Page.
2. On the 'Register a Document - Individual' screen complete the top section of the page with your email address, password and Date of Birth as shown and then click on the 'log in' button.
If you have previously registered a document with Where There Is A Will log in here:
Existing Account Holders
Email Address
Password Date of Birth: (DD/MM/YYYY)
3. This will then bring you to the next screen which has several options displayed at the top of the page.
View Previously Lodged Documents
Private Page | Log Out
4. Click on the 'Private Page' option to go directly into the new page.
Amend Lodgement Details | Update My Details | Log Out
When you are ready, scroll down to the first box and start to record the information that you wish to lodge on the page.
When you have finished recording your information, click on the 'Save Changes' tab that is located directly below the box in which you have recorded your information.
5. Should you wish to keep a hard copy of what you have just recorded, you will need to do a 'screen print' before you exit from the page as we will not be sending you any confirmation as to what you have recorded in any of the boxes.
This new Private Page is so hot off the press so to speak, that we are still working out some questions and answers for our page 'Frequently asked Questions' and we hope to be able to have these added to our site before the first of May.
In the interim should you have any questions about the new 'Private Page', I can be contacted on 0427 523 119. Or should you prefer, you can send me an email to graeme@wherethereisawill.com.au and I will endeavour to respond to your query within 24 hours.
B) Links to other sites
We have added some new links in our 'Useful Links' section of our site.
In the Associated Articles we have added a link to a book entitled 'Wrapping it Up' . According to the books promotional statement this is the ultimate guide to assist a person in the task of wrapping up a deceased person's home. It provides all of the practical advice you don't know you need until you find yourself having to do it. If you are planning to wrap up a loved one's home, or have suddenly had the responsibility thrust upon you, this book will assist you to sort through all of the practical aspects involved in undertaking such a task.
I have had a look through the book and found it to be very practical and informative. http://www.wrappingitup.com.au/wrapping-it-book
The next area relates to Estate Planning and in this section we have added a couple more links to some general information articles.
In finishing, I would like to again express my thanks to those of you who take time to draw my attention to items that may be of interest to other members who are using the site. Please keep up the good work. Likewise, if you have any recommendations or suggestions in relation to improving the site I would welcome you sharing your thoughts. I can be contacted by either the site or via my mobile 0427 523 119.
Regards,
Graeme Brattle
Co Founder.
The above was sent out as an email to all existing members of the WTIAW Site.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Plan now to avoid paying later.
Planning now can save you taking risks later in life with your financial future.
Why delay when it is today that you have so many options available for you to consider. Should you delay then external circumstances can then step in which can have the effect of limiting those options that are available for you to pursue in your goal of wealth building. For as they say, 'Time waits for no man'.
A very reasonable and safe way to go about fleshing out your planning is to consider seeking the assistance of a reputable Estate Planner (EP), to work alongside and with you as you explore the myriad of options and products that are in the market place and all claiming to be the mecca of providing the best solution to your requirements.
So what does an EP actually do to assist you? Well, in a nutshell their role is to provide the means and wherewithal to ensure that your estate is passed onto your beneficiaries in the most financially efficient and tax effective way possible.
This means that your EP should become an ongoing partner in the area of your financial management. You need to have the reassurance in knowing that any changes in the law that have an effect on the choices that you have made are quickly brought to your attention, so like a ship that can change direction by a quick turn of a small rudder, so a quick tweak of your portfolio now may make save you from perhaps a financial shipwreck later on.
Some points for you to consider in relation to having an estate plan:
. It should not be too expensive to maintain;
. It should be easy to administer;
. It should be regularly reviewed, and most of all;
. It should provide a balance between life-time enjoyment of your income and assets while allowing those assets to be preserved for your family/beneficiaries to appreciate on your passing away.
Does this seem like a tall order for you to ask of a FP? No need to answer out aloud as I agree with you, I don't think so either.
Now as I have mentioned above, there are myriads of options and products that are available for you to consider, and I have provided the references to a couple of links at the foot of this article that you may find worth reading before taking your next step in your goal of achieving your financial security.
But there is also another matter that I would like you to consider, and that is the need for you to have a Will that is so set up as to ensure that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want and have worked for in the implementation of your estate planning strategy.
Broadly speaking your will should cover three areas: how some types of your wealth will be distributed, it appoints the person and/or organisation that you have entrusted with managing your estate, and finally it helps to ensure that the estate is handled in keeping with your wishes.
Having then set up your will, the next thing is to ensure that the people who need to know that you have left a will, do indeed know where you have left it.
The answer to this is to use a facility that is easy to access, user friendly and able to be updated at a moments notice 24/7. The on line facility Where there is a Will does just that. It allows you to confidently register details of where all your special documents - such as your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney etc - are kept.
So for peace of mind, plan now for your financial security to avoid paying the price later, and remember that when it comes to wills, your peace of mind is not just knowing that you have left one, it is knowing that others know where you have left it.
References:
Estate Planning - http://www.netlawman.com.au/info/estate-planning-australia.php
Five Levels of Estate Planning - http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2795426
Where there's a will, there's more than one way to plan your estate - http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/16/1089694558754.html?from=storylhs
Business site - http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/
Why delay when it is today that you have so many options available for you to consider. Should you delay then external circumstances can then step in which can have the effect of limiting those options that are available for you to pursue in your goal of wealth building. For as they say, 'Time waits for no man'.
A very reasonable and safe way to go about fleshing out your planning is to consider seeking the assistance of a reputable Estate Planner (EP), to work alongside and with you as you explore the myriad of options and products that are in the market place and all claiming to be the mecca of providing the best solution to your requirements.
So what does an EP actually do to assist you? Well, in a nutshell their role is to provide the means and wherewithal to ensure that your estate is passed onto your beneficiaries in the most financially efficient and tax effective way possible.
This means that your EP should become an ongoing partner in the area of your financial management. You need to have the reassurance in knowing that any changes in the law that have an effect on the choices that you have made are quickly brought to your attention, so like a ship that can change direction by a quick turn of a small rudder, so a quick tweak of your portfolio now may make save you from perhaps a financial shipwreck later on.
Some points for you to consider in relation to having an estate plan:
. It should not be too expensive to maintain;
. It should be easy to administer;
. It should be regularly reviewed, and most of all;
. It should provide a balance between life-time enjoyment of your income and assets while allowing those assets to be preserved for your family/beneficiaries to appreciate on your passing away.
Does this seem like a tall order for you to ask of a FP? No need to answer out aloud as I agree with you, I don't think so either.
Now as I have mentioned above, there are myriads of options and products that are available for you to consider, and I have provided the references to a couple of links at the foot of this article that you may find worth reading before taking your next step in your goal of achieving your financial security.
But there is also another matter that I would like you to consider, and that is the need for you to have a Will that is so set up as to ensure that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want and have worked for in the implementation of your estate planning strategy.
Broadly speaking your will should cover three areas: how some types of your wealth will be distributed, it appoints the person and/or organisation that you have entrusted with managing your estate, and finally it helps to ensure that the estate is handled in keeping with your wishes.
Having then set up your will, the next thing is to ensure that the people who need to know that you have left a will, do indeed know where you have left it.
The answer to this is to use a facility that is easy to access, user friendly and able to be updated at a moments notice 24/7. The on line facility Where there is a Will does just that. It allows you to confidently register details of where all your special documents - such as your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney etc - are kept.
So for peace of mind, plan now for your financial security to avoid paying the price later, and remember that when it comes to wills, your peace of mind is not just knowing that you have left one, it is knowing that others know where you have left it.
References:
Estate Planning - http://www.netlawman.com.au/info/estate-planning-australia.php
Five Levels of Estate Planning - http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2795426
Where there's a will, there's more than one way to plan your estate - http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/16/1089694558754.html?from=storylhs
Business site - http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/
Friday, April 16, 2010
Dying intestate or interstate, what is the difference?
The answer to that question is that in one sense there is no difference as the outcome is the same in both circumstances , as the person involved has passed away.
In another sense, they could be worlds apart, as to die interstate means to die in a geographical location outside of the State boundary lines of where the person resided, whereas to die intestate, means that a person has died without leaving a will.
This then begs the unasked question, "What is the difference between dying with/without leaving a will?"
The answer to that is, EVERYTHING, as your will is the way to ensure that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want as part of your estate planning process. Whereas to die without leaving a will means that the estate could end up being broken up and disbursed as the State Government where the deceased formerly resided so decides.
In Australia, the formula that the respective State Governments use to decide the allocation of the assets, differs.
Now the question becomes, " What is estate planning?"
Put simply, it is a way of ensuring that a persons estate is disbursed to the beneficiaries in the most financially efficient and tax effective way possible.
Ok, so now let us consider the structure of a will, " What are the three components of a will?"
Broadly speaking it deals with how some types of wealth will be distributed, it appoints the person or organisation entrusted with managing the estate and finally it helps to ensure that the estate is handled in keeping with the persons wishes.
So lets now move to another question, "What happens if you leave a will but no one can locate it?"
Well, again in Australia the answer is that the State Governments have ruled that it is as though you have never made out a will in the first place. So back to square one with that.
So the next question then becomes, "How can I ensure that the people who need to know that I have left a will indeed know where you have left it?"
The simple answer to this is to use a facility that is easy to access, user friendly and able to be updated at a moments notice 24/7. Where There Is A Will is a valuable online service that allows you to confidently register details of where your special documents — such as your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, etc., — are kept.
So, " What is the last thing that I should take away from reading this article?"
Easy, peace of mind is not just knowing that you have left a will, it is knowing that others know where you have left it.
http://www.netlawman.com.au/info/estate-planning-australia.php
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/16/1089694558754.html?from=storylhs
http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/index.php
In another sense, they could be worlds apart, as to die interstate means to die in a geographical location outside of the State boundary lines of where the person resided, whereas to die intestate, means that a person has died without leaving a will.
This then begs the unasked question, "What is the difference between dying with/without leaving a will?"
The answer to that is, EVERYTHING, as your will is the way to ensure that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want as part of your estate planning process. Whereas to die without leaving a will means that the estate could end up being broken up and disbursed as the State Government where the deceased formerly resided so decides.
In Australia, the formula that the respective State Governments use to decide the allocation of the assets, differs.
Now the question becomes, " What is estate planning?"
Put simply, it is a way of ensuring that a persons estate is disbursed to the beneficiaries in the most financially efficient and tax effective way possible.
Ok, so now let us consider the structure of a will, " What are the three components of a will?"
Broadly speaking it deals with how some types of wealth will be distributed, it appoints the person or organisation entrusted with managing the estate and finally it helps to ensure that the estate is handled in keeping with the persons wishes.
So lets now move to another question, "What happens if you leave a will but no one can locate it?"
Well, again in Australia the answer is that the State Governments have ruled that it is as though you have never made out a will in the first place. So back to square one with that.
So the next question then becomes, "How can I ensure that the people who need to know that I have left a will indeed know where you have left it?"
The simple answer to this is to use a facility that is easy to access, user friendly and able to be updated at a moments notice 24/7. Where There Is A Will is a valuable online service that allows you to confidently register details of where your special documents — such as your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, etc., — are kept.
So, " What is the last thing that I should take away from reading this article?"
Easy, peace of mind is not just knowing that you have left a will, it is knowing that others know where you have left it.
http://www.netlawman.com.au/info/estate-planning-australia.php
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/16/1089694558754.html?from=storylhs
http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/index.php
Monday, April 12, 2010
'Peace of mind' is the catch cry
If you could utilise an online service that allows you to confidently register details of where your special documents — such as your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, etc., — are kept, would that not give you peace of mind?
If you knew that those who you had appointed with ensuring that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want also knew where your latest Will and/or Power of Attorney were held, would that not give you peace of mind?
The importance of this was driven home to me on a personal level a couple of years ago when a friends brother passed away unexpectedly and he found himself being asked by the family to try and sort out what his brother could have done in relation to having a will.
My friend advised that it put quite a strain on not only him but also the members of his brother's extended family as he had previously been twice married.
The importance of having your special documents stored safely and ensuring that the appropriate people know where they are was further highlighted in an article by Phillip McGowan, Partner at de Groots Wills and Estate Lawyers, who concluded that "Proper thoughtful planning now gives you peace of mind ensures that your loved ones will not have to pay, financially and emotionally, later."
Well, the good news is that there is such a site that is available, and the better news is that for the time being that personal listing placed on the site will remain free and at no cost for the life of time that anyone wished to be associated with the site.
Now for the best news, the site is called Where there is a Will and the details are recorded on the Special Offer page.
So there it is, peace of mind need only be a few keystrokes away.
http://www.degroots.com.au/articles.cfm?item=51.0
http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/SpecialOffers.php
If you knew that those who you had appointed with ensuring that your final wishes will be carried out exactly as you want also knew where your latest Will and/or Power of Attorney were held, would that not give you peace of mind?
The importance of this was driven home to me on a personal level a couple of years ago when a friends brother passed away unexpectedly and he found himself being asked by the family to try and sort out what his brother could have done in relation to having a will.
My friend advised that it put quite a strain on not only him but also the members of his brother's extended family as he had previously been twice married.
The importance of having your special documents stored safely and ensuring that the appropriate people know where they are was further highlighted in an article by Phillip McGowan, Partner at de Groots Wills and Estate Lawyers, who concluded that "Proper thoughtful planning now gives you peace of mind ensures that your loved ones will not have to pay, financially and emotionally, later."
Well, the good news is that there is such a site that is available, and the better news is that for the time being that personal listing placed on the site will remain free and at no cost for the life of time that anyone wished to be associated with the site.
Now for the best news, the site is called Where there is a Will and the details are recorded on the Special Offer page.
So there it is, peace of mind need only be a few keystrokes away.
http://www.degroots.com.au/articles.cfm?item=51.0
http://www.wherethereisawill.com.au/SpecialOffers.php
Sunday, April 11, 2010
"Wrapping it up"
This is an excellent, practical 'hands on' guide. I have made reference to it on our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au
Should you wish to order a copy of the book please go to the following site:
http://www.wrappingitup.com.au/wrapping-it-book
Book Summary
"Wrapping It Up" is the ultimate practical guide to wrapping up a deceased person's home. Your lawyer may tell you what you need to do from a legal perspective, but until "Wrapping It Up" was published, nothing was available that focused on the practical things you need to do after a person has died, nor after the funeral, let alone what to do and how to deal with the deceased person's possessions.
If you are planning to wrap up a loved one's home, or have suddenly had the responsibility thrust upon you, Wrapping It Up is what you need to sort through all of the practical aspects of wrapping up someone's home.
Wrapping It Up "is a good, comprehensive nuts n bolts book about a difficult subject we all will face."
Tony Delroy, Presenter 'Nightlife' ABC Radio.
(Diana, the author of Wrapping It Up, appeared on Nightlife on June 1, 2009.)
"The unique value of 'Wrapping It Up' is that it provides in a calm way, clarity and direction for others who are bound up with so much emotion they can't act effectively or logically. It's a reality check for every adult, helpful now or for the future."
Mike Faber, Public Speaker, U.S.A.
Diana your book ‘Wrapping It Up’ is so practical and informative that it’s removed the fear of that task certainly for me."
Diana Todd-Banks
Diana Todd-Banks is a woman who can overcome even the highest hurdles to make things happen. She wrote Wrapping It Up when she found herself having to wrap up her mother's home (after she died and had not been found for several days). Diana sought advice and help, yet nothing seemed to be available. To her surprise, after extensive research, Diana realised there were no practical guides to wrapping up a person's home after they had died. That's when she decided to write Wrapping It Up.
Should you wish to order a copy of the book please go to the following site:
http://www.wrappingitup.com.au/wrapping-it-book
Book Summary
"Wrapping It Up" is the ultimate practical guide to wrapping up a deceased person's home. Your lawyer may tell you what you need to do from a legal perspective, but until "Wrapping It Up" was published, nothing was available that focused on the practical things you need to do after a person has died, nor after the funeral, let alone what to do and how to deal with the deceased person's possessions.
If you are planning to wrap up a loved one's home, or have suddenly had the responsibility thrust upon you, Wrapping It Up is what you need to sort through all of the practical aspects of wrapping up someone's home.
Wrapping It Up "is a good, comprehensive nuts n bolts book about a difficult subject we all will face."
Tony Delroy, Presenter 'Nightlife' ABC Radio.
(Diana, the author of Wrapping It Up, appeared on Nightlife on June 1, 2009.)
"The unique value of 'Wrapping It Up' is that it provides in a calm way, clarity and direction for others who are bound up with so much emotion they can't act effectively or logically. It's a reality check for every adult, helpful now or for the future."
Mike Faber, Public Speaker, U.S.A.
Diana your book ‘Wrapping It Up’ is so practical and informative that it’s removed the fear of that task certainly for me."
Diana Todd-Banks
Diana Todd-Banks is a woman who can overcome even the highest hurdles to make things happen. She wrote Wrapping It Up when she found herself having to wrap up her mother's home (after she died and had not been found for several days). Diana sought advice and help, yet nothing seemed to be available. To her surprise, after extensive research, Diana realised there were no practical guides to wrapping up a person's home after they had died. That's when she decided to write Wrapping It Up.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
OK, So I have made out my Will - What next!!
A recent Media Release from national law firm Slater & Gordon Lawyers has indicated that in a survey done on their behalf of over 1000 Australians, nearly half of them did not have a valid Will. The research also revealed that some two-thirds of people surveyed without a Will knew that they should have one but for one reason or another have never got around to having one made out. (A)
So, let us assume that you are one of the people who has made out your Will, and you are comfortable after having discussions with appropriate people that you are confident that you have a Will that is valid and would stand up to any court challenge, should a person for whatever reason choose to take such action.
The next thing that you need to consider is where to keep the original and also the duplicate copies.
This is where our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au comes into play. At present, for no cost you can record on our site the location and whereabouts of any document or item that you believe is important. All we would ask is that you make sure that your family and executor know to access our site with three key pieces of your personal information. Your First Name, Family Name and lastly your Date of Birth.
When those details are searched on our site, your file will appear and the enquirer can then follow the necessary steps to proceed as per your instructions.
At all times you are in control of your own listing, and you can make changes 24/7 should circumstances warrant. This means that your information will always be 'up to date,' thereby giving you peace of mind, knowing that you have everything in place should anything untoward happen.
The failure by many of satisfactorily providing a trail for people to follow was brought home in an article by Phillip McGowan of de Groots entitled 'Protecting important documents when a crisis hits' (B)
In this article Mr McGowan went on to state that the reality of the Victorian bushfires and the recent floods in Queensland and New South Wales has highlighted the need to ensure that people need to think carefully as to where important original documents should be stored, whether on their own property or with an external organisation such as a bank or solicitor.
In his concluding paragraphs, Mr McGowan stated that wherever the documents are stored, there should be some way to trace where the documents are located. It is important that family members or the executor know where the original will is located so it can be accessed at the appropriate time and by the appropriate people.
"Proper thoughtful planning now gives you peace of mind and ensures that your loved ones will not have to pay, financially and emotionally, later."
Our site www.wherethereisawill provides that peace of mind.
(A) http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf
(B) http://www.degroots.com.au/articles.cfm?item=51.0
So, let us assume that you are one of the people who has made out your Will, and you are comfortable after having discussions with appropriate people that you are confident that you have a Will that is valid and would stand up to any court challenge, should a person for whatever reason choose to take such action.
The next thing that you need to consider is where to keep the original and also the duplicate copies.
This is where our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au comes into play. At present, for no cost you can record on our site the location and whereabouts of any document or item that you believe is important. All we would ask is that you make sure that your family and executor know to access our site with three key pieces of your personal information. Your First Name, Family Name and lastly your Date of Birth.
When those details are searched on our site, your file will appear and the enquirer can then follow the necessary steps to proceed as per your instructions.
At all times you are in control of your own listing, and you can make changes 24/7 should circumstances warrant. This means that your information will always be 'up to date,' thereby giving you peace of mind, knowing that you have everything in place should anything untoward happen.
The failure by many of satisfactorily providing a trail for people to follow was brought home in an article by Phillip McGowan of de Groots entitled 'Protecting important documents when a crisis hits' (B)
In this article Mr McGowan went on to state that the reality of the Victorian bushfires and the recent floods in Queensland and New South Wales has highlighted the need to ensure that people need to think carefully as to where important original documents should be stored, whether on their own property or with an external organisation such as a bank or solicitor.
In his concluding paragraphs, Mr McGowan stated that wherever the documents are stored, there should be some way to trace where the documents are located. It is important that family members or the executor know where the original will is located so it can be accessed at the appropriate time and by the appropriate people.
"Proper thoughtful planning now gives you peace of mind and ensures that your loved ones will not have to pay, financially and emotionally, later."
Our site www.wherethereisawill provides that peace of mind.
(A) http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf
(B) http://www.degroots.com.au/articles.cfm?item=51.0
2.5 trillion in household wealth not protected by valid Wills
While the article is now a couple of years old, I believe that the figures have not improved.
The article relates to the amount of Australian household wealth that may not be protected due to wills not being valid. It is a quick and sobering read. On out site it is under the following trail: Useful Links - Associated Articles - Slater & Gordon
http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf
The article relates to the amount of Australian household wealth that may not be protected due to wills not being valid. It is a quick and sobering read. On out site it is under the following trail: Useful Links - Associated Articles - Slater & Gordon
http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Aussies lack will - Sunday Herald Sun
The following is a gentle reminder of the need to ensure that your Wills are up to date. At the same time you may also wish to look into having what is often called a 'Medical Power of Attorney', if you have not already done so.
'New research shows almost half of Australians don't have a valid will, leaving $2.5 trillion in personal wealth at risk of ending up in the wrong hands.
And of those surveyed who did not have a will. 63 per cent said it was because they didn't have time or hadn't thought about it.
Rod Cunich, a wills expert with Slater and Gordon, said a further 12 per cent mistakenly believed their estates would go to their families regardless of whether they had a will or not.
Slater and Gordon is launching an online will service asking multiple questions to determine complexity of the case.'
Then the following advertisement was in today's Herald Sun:
'Not in the Will?
If you've not been provided for in a deceased's Will we may be able to assist you to challenge that Will.
For a free consultation phone Brendan Pendergast at Maddens Lawyers.
Free Call 1800 815 228.'
For those of you who have not yet taken advantage of using our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au to record the whereabouts of your important documents (not the contents - just the locations), go to our Special Offer link to make your free online application.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on Mob 0427 523 119.
'New research shows almost half of Australians don't have a valid will, leaving $2.5 trillion in personal wealth at risk of ending up in the wrong hands.
And of those surveyed who did not have a will. 63 per cent said it was because they didn't have time or hadn't thought about it.
Rod Cunich, a wills expert with Slater and Gordon, said a further 12 per cent mistakenly believed their estates would go to their families regardless of whether they had a will or not.
Slater and Gordon is launching an online will service asking multiple questions to determine complexity of the case.'
Then the following advertisement was in today's Herald Sun:
'Not in the Will?
If you've not been provided for in a deceased's Will we may be able to assist you to challenge that Will.
For a free consultation phone Brendan Pendergast at Maddens Lawyers.
Free Call 1800 815 228.'
For those of you who have not yet taken advantage of using our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au to record the whereabouts of your important documents (not the contents - just the locations), go to our Special Offer link to make your free online application.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call on Mob 0427 523 119.
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