cover image The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning

The Commonsense Guide to Estate Planning

Robert H. Runde. McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, $32.5 (305pp) ISBN 978-1-55623-678-5

This is a singularly clear, readable and unintimidating guide to a daunting subject. In disarmingly cheerful style, the authors, both of whom are certified financial planners, write persuasively of the importance of planning for one's inevitable demise, how to achieve favorable tax treatment, calculate insurance needs and make equitable arrangements for handicapped children and surviving parents. To manage the complexities, the authors point out, a certified financial planner, a lawyer and a certified public accountant can help achieve optimum results through tax-sheltering assets from probate, using trusts to sequester life-insurance proceeds or to provide for a grandchild's education--or, better yet, to give away the money beforehand. (Sept.)