Best Intentions Book

Sometimes, despite careful planning and the best of intentions, life works out differently than expected. In Best Intentions, authors Colleen Barney and Victoria Collins examine the impact of estate planning and share stories and letters from and about real people. These are people who, despite careful planning, did not pass on to their loved ones what they had intended-their own special life lessons, messages and financial inheritance.

Most books on estate planning center on avoiding probate and paying less in taxes. For the first time ever, a noted financial planner (Collins) and a respected estate attorney (Barney) present a completely new look at a subject usually considered dry and technical, even morbid. They use letters and stories by and about children, parents, and others to focus on nontraditional estate planning concepts like passing on visions and ideals, values and morals, work ethic and guidance, and love.

Emphasizing people, their lives, and their desires and goals for future generations, the authors show readers how to:
*Understand their own family, social, emotional, and economic dynamics.
*Identify what is really important to them.
*Tailor uniquely personal estate plans.
*Explore alternatives to traditional estate planning concepts.
*Balance the financial and emotional aspects of estate planning.

Sooner or later, estate planning becomes an important aspect of every individual's life plan. Best Intentions enables readers to apply practical, topical, and timely recommendations to their own personal circumstances-whether their net worth is $10,000, $10,000,000, or more.

About the Authors:
Colleen Barney, Esq., is an attorney specializing in the transfer of wealth among generations. In 1996, she became California's youngest certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. Her comments about estate planning frequently appear in local and national media outlets.

Victoria Collins, Ph.D., CFP, is a 20-year financial planner with a doctorate in cognitive psychology. She is a popular media spokesperson, the author of five previous books on financial planning, and the contributor of a weekly column for the Women's Financial Network.