Beginning two months ago, I only felt I could do serious blogs, serious Facebook posts, etc.  Now, I feel that if I only keep up the seriousness until the pandemic is over, I may never be able to make light of things again!  So, here is something that one of the financial advisors I work with shared with me the end of February before the pandemic hit.  It isn't funny, but it is very sarcastic ... The Top Five Reasons to Die Without a Will:

1.  The court dan do a better job deciding how to disburse your assets that you can.  For instance, in talking to a client this morning, she discovered that if she doesn't have a contingency for one of her children predeceasing her, her assets would go to her ex-husband.  I don't think that was her intention.

2.  The court can choose a better personal representative to handle your estate during probate, which will happen if you don't have a will, than you can.  Enough said!

3.  The court can choose a more caring guardian for your minor children than you can.  Not to mention, those children could be in the foster care system until that decision is made.

4.  The government will use your estate tax dollars more efficiently than your favorite charity would use a charitable bequest.  Yes, Minnesota still has a low threshold for estate taxes when you take in to consideration your life insurance, equity in your home and your retirement plans, so without careful planning you will be paying a tax on some assets you were already taxed on.

5.  And, Finally, your grieving loved ones will be better off looking after your affairs without your will.  Keep in mind, you are not doing a will for you, it is a gift to your family.  It is the last thing they will remember about you and it can leave a lasting impression!