A Compassionate Guide for Navigating Life’s Most Difficult Challenge

Settling an Estate: A Tremendous Burden for Many

• A recent Maru Public Opinion Research poll found that over half of estate executors reported settling an estate was a tremendous burden.
• 74% reported significant stress during the process.
• Nearly half received little to no guidance or support in their role.

Why MyFinalPlanner Was Created

Our founders, Tom and Stephen Voltz, built this site after experiencing the loss of both of their own parents recently. After going through that challenging process, they decided no one else should have to go through it without help and guidance.

Complete Guidance, One Step at a Time

The MyFinalPlanner Resource Center provides comprehensive guidance on every aspect of settling an estate, including:

• Probate and tax forms
• Step-by-step guide for holding a meaningful memorial
• Preventing identity theft
• Appropriately distributing the estate’s assets

Organized by Your Progress

To make it easy to find the right resources for your current stage, we’ve organized everything by where you are in the process:

First Few Days

• Managing immediate needs right after a loss
• Guide to saving thousands on cremation costs (typically $3,000-$4,000, but can be reduced to under $900)

First Few Weeks

• Navigating early administrative and personal tasks

First Few Months

• Dealing with complex issues like estate administration and probate filings (step-by-step guides provided)

Months 6-12

• Longer-term financial, tax, and legal matters

Year 2 and Beyond

• Maintaining steady progress and finally settling all estate affairs

Comprehensive Resources

Each phase is supported by:

• Detailed checklists
• Easy-to-understand, step-by-step guides
• Custom financial templates for tracking assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and administrative costs
• Direct links to current tax and probate forms, with instructions

Our Goal: Easing the Burden After A Loved One Dies

There are so many things to manage after a loved one passes away, and for the most part, they are all new and unfamiliar. It’s often overwhelming and stressful time.

Our goal is to provide you with all the resources you need to wind down your loved one’s affairs and manage everything you need to, at your own pace.

Everyone’s journey is different, and some tools and information here my not apply to you, but often one or two key articles can really make a difference in your journey. We’re here to provide you with the guidance and support you need, when you need it.