Told in just-the-facts-type language, “Maximize Your Inheritance” by Jarratt G. Bennett holds value for you and your clients alike. The workbook-style guide discusses managing assets, investing and making the money last.
It walks widows, widowers or heirs through the post-funeral task of building a financial future. The approach is comprehensive yet gentle. The book starts by explaining what to do first, including collecting all the documents on a helpful checklist. Then, more complex issues, such as retirement planning, estate settlement and taxes, and insurance, are thoroughly addressed.
You can use the book as a sort of teaching aid to explain and support your actions. Several chapters have worksheets you can complete with survivors. It will also provide you with insights about the money fears your grieving clients are feeling.
If your clients have read this book, they'll likely have more informed questions. And Bennett dedicates an entire chapter to “Choosing Professional Advisers.” You might want to pay attention to that part in particular, since it can give you an idea of what your clients may be expecting of you.
“Maximize Your Inheritance for Widows, Widowers and Heirs” (ISBN 0793133300) is published by Dearborn Press. It costs $22.95 at bookstores nationwide and online.