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Read GoFisch: January 2019 Edition of GFLF’s Newsletter

Newsletter
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The January edition of GoFisch is live! This month’s edition features:

  • Personal and professional resolutions you can actually keep
  • First GoFisch Book Club pick for the year
  • Nonprofit & philanthropy news worth knowing
  • Must-read blog post highlights
  • Interesting panel discussion on estate planning

Like what you read? Don’t forget to subscribe to GoFisch and tell your friends. I like to think of it as the least boring law firm newsletter you could hope to read! Also, if you ever have any suggestions for content you would like to see, do not hesitate to contact me.

January 15, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-15-at-11.06.37-PM.png 690 867 Gordon Fischer https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.png Gordon Fischer2019-01-15 23:08:152020-05-18 11:28:49Read GoFisch: January 2019 Edition of GFLF's Newsletter

January GoFisch Book Club Pick

Book Club

If you set a resolution to read more books this year, you’re in good company. Most of us could all read a little more. Luckily, January is, in my opinion, actually one of the best times to start a lasting reading habit. The days are short, snow blankets the ground, and nothing sounds better than staying in with a warm mug and a good read.

gofisch book club january

So far, the GoFisch Book Club has added a variety of titles to the list, ranging from fiction relating estate planning to charitable giving nonfiction. This month all readers and especially nonprofit professionals can benefit from diving into Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.

It’s not a new book (it was published in 2006), but it is a book that will be a standout on your business bookshelf. Of course, it’s “stats” speak for themselves: Made to Stick has been translated into 29 languages and topped all the lists. It’s an easy, engaging, funny read that doesn’t plod or self-aggrandize like the narratives in some business books. With plenty of real-world stories, the authors Dan and Chip Heath explain how to communicate and build on creative ideas that take projects, programs, and products to the next level. Undoubtedly, a book like this can help nonprofit leaders take the execution of their missions up to the next level.

What books would you like to see selected by the GoFisch Book Club in the coming months? I always love to hear reviews, so shoot me an email at gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com!

January 11, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
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Top 10 Estate Planning Goals

Charitable Giving, Estates & Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts & Estates
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An estate plan is simply a set of legal documents to prepare for your death or disability. The specific documents you’ll need depends on various factors, including the number, size, type of your assets, and your overall estate planning goals.

If forced to list the top 10 major components and the associated goals of a comprehensive estate plan, I’d list the following (in rough order of importance):

  1. A plan for orderly disposition of all your property of your choosing.
  2. Naming guardians to raise and care for minor children.
  3. Naming fiduciaries to handle minor children’s assets.
  4. A plan to help fund the charities you supported during your lifetime.
  5. A financial power of attorney so you can name an agent to manage your financial decisions, if you are ever unable to do so, with as specific (or non-specific) directions to the agent as you desire.
  6. A healthcare power of attorney so you can name an agent to manage your financial decisions, if you are ever unable to do so, with as specific (or non-specific) directions to the agent as you desire.
  7. A plan for succession or sale of a business (often a close corporation or family business).
  8. A plan to dispose of property in a tax advantaged manner.
  9. Planning for life insurance to support those economically dependent on you and/or to provide liquidity for the estate.
  10. Making known your wishes (whether simple or complex) regarding the disposition of your final remains.

Of course, any order of importance is unique to that individual. Someone with, say, minor children will find items #2 and #3 incredibly important. Someone else with adult children, or no children at all, but with a very large estate may look at #8 as quite significant. One list doesn’t fit all, just like there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning.

 

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What are your estate planning goals? Feel free to share with others in the comments below.

Estate planning is a smart step you can take today. The easiest way to get started is with my free, no-obligation estate plan questionnaire. If you have questions or want to discuss your individual situation, don’t hesitate to reach me by phone (515-371-6077) or email.

January 10, 2019/by Gordon Fischer
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Gordon Fischer Law Firm, P.C.

Gordon is based in Cedar Rapids and serves clients all across Iowa

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(515) 371-6077 gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com
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