You get what you pay for

“Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.”

- Clint Eastwood

How was your long weekend? Hey–whatever your opinion about labor unions, I think we all appreciate an extra “day off” now and then (though, as with many business owners, my “day off” wasn’t exactly just burgers and the pool…working hard on client paperwork around here)!

Yes, as you may have heard, “Labor Day” originated during the time of 7-day workweeks of 12-hour days, in the late 1800′s, as our country was in the throes of the Industrial Revolution. Times have certainly changed since then–and our economy is no longer driven by the manufacturing jobs of the past.

Now, it’s about *knowledge*…and that’s why I take the time each week to inform YOU with “straight talking” steps you should be taking with your family’s situation, and how to be prepared for any circumstance.

Well, this week, I wanted to touch on something that I’ve (obliquely) addressed in the past, but it really should be expanded upon…

When Cheap Isn’t Cheap

I hate to break it to you, but did you know that many lawyers like to joke to one another about how “good” those online legal programs (LegalZoom®, Pre-Paid Legal®, etc.) are for our business? Why would that be?  First, because they are NOT as “easy to use” as claimed, and secondly…they actually cost you an arm and a leg in the long run.

You might think they seem like an inexpensive and safe option. But I’m not referring to the money for the service itself.

Using those programs can end up leaving thousands (or much more) of your assets in the coffers of Uncle Sam…even if you follow all of their instructions to a tee. I see it all the time–frustrated clients bringing in online-generated plans, astonished at all the “hidden savings” my staff and I are able to find for them.

The security you get is actually false security.

Now, it’s not my intention to scare you, but again–I’ve seen it more than I’d like. Frustrated families coming to see me during a period of great stress, and my staff and I having to attempt to “undo” poorly-crafted plans created by well-intentioned families (or even other lawyers) which ends up costing everybody far more than they’d like.

So, I hope you are with me:  you agree … choosing a well-trained and caring professional, who will put YOUR interests first–rather than just making another “sale” online is critical.

“Do I need full legal services?“

You do if you own any assets, including real estate, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts or life insurance that would need to be distributed to your loved ones after your death.

However, you *don’t* need full services if all you own is a car, some furniture and clothing.  In that case, you can take care of your planning by setting up a Living Will (aka Advance Health Care Directive) and a Durable Power of Attorney–two documents that all adults need regardless of the size of their assets. We can get you set up with these at very minimal cost.

But if your situation is any bit more complicated than this–don’t go online. Work with someone that can actually sit down with you and come up with the right plan for ALL your needs.

I’m personally dedicated to the success of your family — and your peace of mind. Can other lawyers say that?