3 Books I Wish My Clients Would Read

I spend my days helping clients navigate life’s trickiest decisions: planning for the future, ensuring their loved ones are cared for, and protecting their legacies. But I’ve often thought about how smoother these discussions could be if clients had more background knowledge. There are so many great resources out there that can offer a deeper understanding of the process, and today I’m sharing three books I wish every client would read before we sit down to discuss their plans. These books won’t make you an expert overnight, but they’ll definitely help you feel more confident about the decisions you’re making for your family and your future.

1. "The Barefoot Investor" by Scott Pape

While this book is mainly about personal finance, it touches on essential topics that tie directly into estate planning. It offers practical advice on budgeting, managing money, and growing wealth—concepts that will make your estate planning more thoughtful and efficient. Pape also dives into the importance of creating wills and making financial arrangements to secure your family’s future. It’s one of those books that will make you think about your money not just in the short term but with a long-term, legacy-building view. It is a great starting point for anyone looking to get their financial house in order.

2. "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom

Now, I know this one may seem like an odd choice, but bear with me. While this book is fiction, it’s all about reflection, life’s deeper meaning, and the impact we have on others. For me, it’s an emotional reminder of why we plan and how important it is to leave a legacy that reflects our values. Estate planning is as much about the heart as it is about the paperwork. It’s about ensuring that our loved ones are cared for, that we’ve done our best to prepare them for the future, and that our life’s work is passed on in a meaningful way. This book might make you think about the big picture and help you align your estate planning decisions with what really matters to you.

3. "My Life Manual " by Hazel Todd

If you want a comprehensive guide that covers the nitty-gritty details of estate planning, I highly recommend my book, Take Control of Your Affairs. Specifically tailored for Australian law, it will help you organise your financial affairs, draft a will, protect your assets, and even plan for your loved ones’ futures. Whether you’re worried about your executor handling your estate or ensuring your pets are cared for, this book offers valuable tools for making the process as smooth as possible for those you leave behind.

Armed with the right knowledge and a clear understanding of your goals, you can make confident decisions that will protect your family and legacy. These three books, in their unique ways, provide valuable insight that can guide you as you prepare for the future. Whether it’s improving your financial literacy, reflecting on your legacy, or simply understanding the technical aspects of estate planning, these reads are a great place to start.

If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend giving them a read. And, of course, if you have any questions or would like to discuss your estate plan, I’m here to help.

DISCLAIMER

This is a commentary published by HazeLegal for general information purposes only. This is not meant to be taken as particular advice. You should seek your own legal and other advice for any question, or any specific situation or proposal, or get in touch with the writer at http://hazelegal.com.au before making any final decision. The content also is subject to change. A   person listed may not be admitted as a lawyer in all States and Territories.

© HazeLegal, Australia 2024.

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