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the least of which is the emotional aspect. To help, pose it like this: 'If I where going to sell this today, how much would I put it on the market for?' Hint: IRS Form 706 may be helpful in starting your list.

Plans: What current plans do you have? A will, living trust, living will, insurance and/or retirement plan beneficiary cards, Payable-On-Death Agreements, Joint Tenancy (as apposed to Joint Tenancy-In-Common), etc. While the task itself it simple, collecting them all and doing so accurately can be a bit of a challenge.

Planner: Normally the simplest 'P', and often the shortest list. This is a list of any/all advisors you have-professional or not. This list often includes an: Attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, Investment Broker, and Insurance Advisor. However, you should not overlook others in your life whose counsel you trust and respect-children, pastor, parent, and the like. If charity or charitable giving is important to you in life, you should consider adding a Charitable Gift Advisor to your team as well-you might be surprised at what they can add (often at not cost to you). The most overlook member(s) of the team are you and your spouse. You don't necessarily need all of these folks, but if you have worked with people in these roles, note that and then you can bring in one or two of your closest advisors to see who all should be part of your 'working group'.

Priorities: Far and away the most difficult part of the process and the "P" that requires the greatest thought and consideration on your part. What are your priorities? What is it that you want to accomplish with your plans? To help in this there are two questions that you may find beneficial:
1) If you died yesterday, what would you want your legacy to be? This should be inclusive of the values you wish to pass on, and your mark on your community and family tree.
2) If money were no limit, what would you do for those listed above in your "People" list?

Now you have your "Five P's". You have taken days or even a couple weeks to mull over the lists, making sure they are as inclusive and complete as you can possibly make them. Now what?

Now you pull together those key advisors from your "Planners" list to start to match the other four "P's" together in the most logical and fulfilling manner. This is not nearly as easy as it sounds, but it can, and must, be done.

While every estate plan must, by its very nature, be personal and unique, there are some things any good

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