10 New Years Money Resolutions, Part 6

Here's part 6 of a series from Money magazine that lists their 10 New Years Money Resolutions:

Resolution 6: Protect your family

There's a simple reason that 55% of Americans don't have a will: "It's difficult to talk about death and money," says Colleen Barney, author of Best Intentions: Ensuring That Your Estate Plan Delivers Both Wealth and Wisdom. And it's even harder to make emotional choices about, say, who will raise your kids. But ignoring the topic could one day leave those tough decisions in the hands of a probate court judge. Try reducing the tension in the situation with a highly pragmatic approach.

1. Start the conversation.

2. Choose a guardian.

3. Make it public.

4. Write the will.

My thoughts:

1. As I've posted previously, updating my will is one of my resolutions for 2006.

2. Also see Benefits of a Will from Free Money Finance.

Click here to read part 7 of this series.