I recently read a book that I think is helpful for all of us, either as we begin to plan for the next stage of our own life or are helping our parents, in-laws, or other people deal with issues in their life. It's entitled Next Steps: A Practical Guide to Planning for the Best Half of Your Life--Trusted Advice on How to Secure Your Future and Avoid Costly Mistakes, written by Jan Warner & Jan Collins. The book is based on their nationally syndicated column "Next Steps."
Bottom line, they provide a comprehensive guide to planning for the future and convey the importance of putting our directions and wishes in writing so there will be "an orderly tansfer of authority" so we know that our partner, children, parents and even our pets will be cared for. They cover issues such as putting together a team of people that is right for you, ways to prepare the necessary documents that we all need, and a lot of the "what if's" in life such as if you or your partner become chronically ill or incapacitated, focusing on issues such as health care planning, long term care issues, understanding basic medicare and medicaid and patient rights issues in assisted living programs and nursing homes, etc. They also focus on issues of divorce and 2nd or 3rd marriages when we're older, cohabitation and domestic partnerships. The final section in the book focuses on end of life considerations such as funerals, burial issues, organ donation, planning for pets, etc. As they point out, things are different today with longer life expectancies, more two wage earning families, the higher cost of care and the uncertainties of our economy. They write in a reable way and also share websites and resources.
There are all sorts of reasons why many of us avoid discussing these issues, but, given my philosophy of trying to control the parts of life we can control, I think it's important to think ahead and plan for ourselves, our children (if we have them) and our parents, if they're still alive. It's actually a form of "insurance" to protect us and our loved ones--to consciously and intentionally plan for the next stage of life. We all hope that we'll remain healthy into our older age, but none of us have a crystal ball. There's a lot of things to juggle. I'm a believer that we can breathe more easily once we know we've taken the time to prepare for some of the possible contigencies of life. We need to understand the issues and risks and choose professionals who can help us develop a plan that's flexible in maximizing our options.
I found this book helpful and informative. I have already taken care of a number of the items they mentioned, but it helped me think about some issues I hadn't considered. I recommend it and would love to hear your thoughts about the book. Take care. Dori


It's understandable that cash can make people disembarrass. But what to do when one doesn't have money? The only one way is to get the loans and commercial loan.
Posted by: ROSACharity23 | August 07, 2011 at 08:09 PM
No matter how many times I read it, it never gets old. You definitely hit the nail on the head on this one. This is something people need to know about.
Posted by: UGGs On Sale | August 08, 2011 at 08:37 PM
No matter how many times I read it, it never gets old. You definitely hit the nail on the head on this one. This is something people need to know about.
Posted by: UGGs On Sale | August 08, 2011 at 08:37 PM
A great post. Keep update!I really like the content of your article
Posted by: juicy couture outlet | September 20, 2011 at 01:04 AM
Already been reading for a couple of days now.. I want to see more!
Posted by: Moncler outlet | September 20, 2011 at 01:06 AM
Thanks for the great article. So fun article is! I agree the idea!
Posted by: Moncler outlet | September 20, 2011 at 01:07 AM
So cute the text is too valuable to me very helpful to me to leave the best comment on your blog is always so good.
Posted by: moncler jacken | October 04, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Very interested in your article, very useful to me the information I read it again and again with my many friends already on your blog, I show you recommend
Posted by: Moncler online shop | October 04, 2011 at 07:36 PM
I passed the search to find your article, I found that they are worthy of my visit I learned a lot not previously learned every time when I read it, I always feel enriched many, very good feeling....
Posted by: Moncler outlet | October 04, 2011 at 07:39 PM
It's understandable that dinero can make individuals disembarrass. The a single method is to get the credits and business advance.
Posted by: roulette | October 15, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Great article!I have been looking for it since 2008.especially the configuration of the article is original.It is so amazing.Thanks a lot!
Posted by: belstaff | October 31, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Achievement presents the only genuine delight in life
Posted by: Ralph Lauren Outlet | October 31, 2011 at 10:32 PM
When I was young, I always like to play some online games, now think it is a waste of life. But now the Internet, I would pay more attention to your thoughts and life, as it is now for me at home drinking coffee and smoking a cigar at your article
Posted by: Prada Outlet | November 16, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Where did you get the post?So amazing,Thanks for your sharing.I will recommend it to more people.
Posted by: Ray Ban Uk | November 23, 2011 at 02:18 AM
Very nide post,I have been looking for it since Sep.I will recommend it to my friends.Thanks.
Posted by: Ray Ban Wayfarer | November 23, 2011 at 02:20 AM
I love your blog very much, more more info, I will concern it again!
Posted by: Mulberry Alexa | November 26, 2011 at 07:58 AM
First came to this site, it is a great blog. So I just post a little comment. Wish to update, I will come back.
Posted by: Nike Air Max 90 | December 02, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Your article is very special, I learned a lot, I will always look at your article, I covered up your site.
Posted by: Ralph Lauren Outlet | December 02, 2011 at 05:03 PM
I like your article very much and I learn more from it.Thanks ^^.
So I want to share something good with you.
hayao miyazaki dvd box set:
http://www.dvdbestonline.com/products/Hayao-Miyazaki-Movies-Collection-31-DVD-Set-2203.html
American Horror Story dvd set:
http://www.dvdbestonline.com/products/American-Horror-Story-Season-1-DVD-Box-Set-2200.html
Posted by: hayao miyazaki dvd box set | January 06, 2012 at 09:52 PM