Estate Planning Essentials by Marc Seffelaar is a no-nonsense, thorough guide for anyone looking to get their estate in order. The book walks you through everything from writing a will and choosing a guardian for your kids to setting up trusts and avoiding probate nightmares. It’s clear Seffelaar’s aim is to make what is usually a dry, intimidating topic feel manageable, and he pulls it off pretty well.

What I really liked about this book is how practical and grounded it is. Seffelaar gets to the point about why having a will isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. He breaks it down in a way that feels personal. For instance, he writes about how not having a will can tear families apart with fights and legal messes something I’ve seen happen in real life. That hit home. The way he talks about planning as an act of love, not just a legal task, felt real and relatable.

Another thing that stood out was how the book digs into the emotional side of estate planning without getting too sentimental. The chapter on choosing a guardian for minor children? Whew. That one really got me thinking. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about values, stability, and trust. Seffelaar doesn’t sugarcoat how hard that choice can be, but he gives solid advice on how to talk to potential guardians and prepare them. He even suggests naming backups, which I hadn’t thought of before. It felt like advice from a friend who’s been through it, not just a lawyer rattling off rules.

That said, some parts do read a little like a checklist. The chapter on asset inventory dragged for me. It’s packed with details; bank accounts, intellectual property, digital assets but I found myself skimming. That stuff is necessary but I wish there was a bit more storytelling or examples in that section to break it up. It’s functional, just not as engaging as the rest. His discussion on trusts and avoiding probate was super clear. Trusts have always sounded mysterious and lawyer-y to me, but he demystifies them with calm clarity.

I’d definitely recommend Estate Planning Essentials to anyone who wants to get serious about their will or just understand the basics of estate planning. It’s especially great for people who feel overwhelmed by the whole thing, Marc’s tone is steady, encouraging, and never patronizing. This book would be a great fit for new parents, small business owners, or frankly, anyone who doesn’t want to leave a mess behind. It won’t make the topic sexy, but it sure makes it doable and that’s half the battle.

Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0CSKP2TH1