Estate Planning For Dummies

by Jordan S. Simon, Joseph Mashinski

Get your arms around wills, trusts, probate, inheritance taxes, and other important estate planning essentials

Estate Planning For Dummies teaches you the ins and outs of estate planning. It’s all about drafting wills, dealing with probate, assigning powers of attorney, establishing living trusts, and beyond. Think you don’t have enough assets to merit estate planning? Think again. This everyone-friendly guide walks you through building a solid estate plan, whatever your current financial situation. In easy-to-understand language, you’ll learn the ins and outs of estate planning, including what happens to your stuff—cash, real estate, businesses, retirement funds, everything—when you pass away. This new edition is updated for the many recent changes in estate taxes and inheritance law. Make sure your assets get into the pockets of your heirs or wherever you want them to go, and learn how to accomplish it the For Dummies way.

Understand state and federal estate and inheritance taxes Build an air-tight will and make sure your heirs get as much as they can Protect your estate’s privacy even after you’re gone Plan for the transition of a family business Prevent disagreements and uncertainty among your heirs Figure out how to pass on your digital assetsThis friendly guide is a must for people of any age in the process of drafting their wills and planning where their assets ultimately end up.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2023

Reviews

[TJ Totland · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Estate Planning For Dummies* is a practical guide that demystifies the often intimidating world of wills, trusts, probate, and inheritance taxes. This book is tailored for readers of all financial backgrounds, emphasizing that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. With clear explanations and step-by-step instructions, it walks readers through the essentials of drafting a will, assigning powers of attorney, and establishing living trusts, all while keeping legal jargon to a minimum.

One of the book’s standout features is its emphasis on minimizing estate taxes and avoiding probate pitfalls. It offers strategies for protecting privacy, planning for family business transitions, and even managing digital assets—an increasingly relevant concern. The updated edition reflects recent changes in estate and inheritance laws, making it a timely resource for anyone looking to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. The authors also include helpful tips for special circumstances, such as planning for incapacity or pet care, which adds a thoughtful layer to the planning process.

While the book is part of the “For Dummies” series and maintains the brand’s signature user-friendly tone, some readers may find the depth of coverage more introductory than comprehensive. However, for those new to estate planning or seeking a refresher, it serves as an excellent starting point. The inclusion of tear-out cheat sheets, top ten lists, and navigational aids makes it easy to reference key concepts quickly. Overall, *Estate Planning For Dummies* is a valuable tool for anyone aiming to take control of their financial legacy with confidence and clarity.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

very little information in lots of words

Lots of fluff and not enough detail especially about trusts beyond anything very basic. Only read this book if you know nothing and don’t mind the fluff. First dummy’s book that I have read that I thought was a waste of time.

[CT Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough. A good reference for the future.