Today, estate planning is essential for everyone - not just the very wealthy. Tax and legal issues affect all estate transfers at every level of income, and chances are good that they will substantially reduce the amount your loved ones receive, unless you plan ahead.The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning is designed to walk you through the estate planning process from start to finish, with easy-to-understand graphs, charts, and illustrations to show you just how each step you take relates to the entire process. This simple, candid approach takes away the fear and uncertainty that often surround this difficult and little-understood aspect of your financial life. Intended for those with relatively simple financial situations, as well as for those with highly complex holdings, The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning is the ideal introduction to a process most of us don't like to think about - but know we should.This practical guide cuts through the confusing muddle created by insurance agents, banks, and others who are aggressively marketing their products and services to those approaching retirement - and helps you determine the course that's right for you.Chock-full of accessible information, The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning offers a step-by-step guide to estate planning, from setting your objectives, to determining what you are worth, to providing for those who are closest to you; detailed descriptions of simple wills, living wills, and basic trusts; helpful definitions of terms, an explanation of options, and a guide to evaluating their pros and cons; a listing of controversial issues you should discuss with professionals; and a special section that addresses the unique needs of small business owners.None of us wants to leave a legacy of hurt and worry in our wake. The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning provides the basic strategies and techniques that anyone should follow when putting together a long-range plan to provide for their loved ones - and shows how to implement that plan with the assistance of qualified professionals. Read Less