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.
Monday, April 26, 2010
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.
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