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Estate planning can be a complicated process, full of legal jargon and paperwork. It can feel overwhelming when determining how to create a will or trust, but thankfully, there are resources to help. The best estate planning books by these respected authors can help equip you with your knowledge and tools you need for effective estate planning for your family.
If you need more hands-on help, a financial advisor could help you create an estate plan for your family’s needs and goals.
Data and Methodology
We identified the books below through exhaustive research and analysis of the estate planning book market. They are listed in an order that’s in direct correlation with their individual composite score based on our methodology, which includes consumer ratings from multiple popular online bookstores.
1. “Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To,” by Melanie Cullen and Shae Irving, J.D.
It can be a chaotic time when a loved one passes. The last thing you need is to be searching for documents or information.
In “Get It Together,” Cullen and Irving outlines everything you need to do so your loved ones are taken care of in the future. With this system, you will create a binder that contains all your vital information, such as account passwords, insurance information, tax records and other estate planning documents.
With this book, you havea great place to begin your estate planning. The book really takes the guesswork out of preparation. So, if you are just starting the process, “Get It Together” is the perfect companion for the trip. That’s why it is our #1 pick for the best estate planning books.
2. “The Millionaire Fastlane” by MJ DeMarco
“The Millionaire Fastlane,” authored by MJ DeMarco, is a transformative guide that challenges conventional wisdom about wealth creation. The book presents a unique perspective on achieving financial independence, advocating for a mindset shift from the traditional “slow lane” of saving and investing over decades to a “fast lane” approach that emphasizes entrepreneurship and innovation.
While “The Millionaire Fastlane” primarily focuses on wealth creation, its principles can also be applied to estate planning. The book encourages readers to think strategically about their financial future, which is a crucial aspect of effective estate planning. By adopting a fast lane mindset, individuals can potentially grow their assets more rapidly, providing a larger estate to manage and distribute. This approach can lead to more comprehensive estate planning, ensuring that wealth is preserved and passed on according to one’s wishes.
3. “Living Trusts for Everyone: Why a Will Is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates,” by Ronald Farrington Sharp
“Living Trusts for Everyone” gives you the tools to set up a living trust without a lawyer. Throughout the book, Sharp lays out why living trusts are better than wills. He points out how they set up inheritance and help avoid probate. This book gives you the resources you need to negotiate lower lawyer fees, along with useful form letters.
Its ease of use, step-by-step instructions and great advice on how to avoid court and paying attorney fees is why it makes our list. “Living Trusts for Everyone” is an important book on estate planning you should read before planning yours.
4. “The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts: Advice That Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Legal Fees and Taxes,” by Alexander A. Bove Jr. Esq. and Melissa Langa Esq.
This classic guide breaks down a large number of complex legal topics around estate planning. These topics range from how to establish power of attorney to how to avoid your will being contested. Langa and Bove combine their decades of experience to give you insights into the particulars of estate law.
If you are searching for a comprehensive guide on wills, trusts and estates, look no further. The ground covered here is substantial, and that is why it finds a home on our list of best estate planning books.
5. “Beyond the Grave, Revised and Updated Edition: The Right Way and the Wrong Way of Leaving Money to Your Children (and Others),” by Jeffery L. Condon
The less confusion surrounding your estate and heirs, the better. “Beyond the Grave” lays out how to ensure your inheritance instructions will be honored. With several cautionary tales about common estate planning mistakes and issues, “Beyond the Grave” covers tough topics like debt, divorce, estate mismanagement and other family drama.
On top of that, it shows you ways to lessen taxes, making sure your heirs receive the most money possible. All this is why “Beyond the Grave” scores high on our list of the best estate planning books.
6. “Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids,” by Catherine Hodder Esq
Are you stuck between planning for aging parents and your own kids? Then “Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation” is for you.
With the help of this book, you can feel prepared to have difficult talks with your parents about their estate. On top of that, it will teach you to plan for your own estate so you can make things easier on your kids.
The number of scenarios this book covers makes it a winning choice for estate planning. It covers what to do if there is an unexpected death or if there is a divorce, as well as reviewing every legal document you should have for your estate and more. Its emphasis on family and how to talk through hard subjects makes it one of the best estate planning books today.
7. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
“Think and Grow Rich” is a seminal work in the realm of personal development and financial success.
Published in 1937, the book distills the principles of wealth accumulation through the experiences of successful individuals like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. Hill’s work emphasizes the power of thought and the importance of a definite purpose, persistence and a burning desire to achieve your goals. While the book primarily focuses on personal wealth, its principles can be applied to various aspects of life, including estate planning.
The principles outlined in “Think and Grow Rich” can be instrumental in the decision-making process for the management and distribution of your assets. For instance, Hill’s emphasis on having a clear vision aligns with the need for a well-defined estate plan. By setting specific goals for your estate, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizing potential conflicts among heirs.
8. “ABA/AARP Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans, and Final Wishes,” by Sally Balch Hurme
From the American Bar Association (ABA) and the AARP comes this valuable resource. This checklist helps you get everything together so your loved ones are prepared. Here you can determine medical, funeral and financial decisions to be made when you get ill or after you are gone.
The focus of this book is on preserving your legacy by making it easier for your heirs. The “ABA/AARP Checklist” helps give you the confidence that your family will have what they need when it is your time to go.
9. “The Wealth Barber” by David Chilton
“The Wealthy Barber” is a personal finance classic that offers practical advice through an engaging narrative.
The book is structured as a story, making complex financial concepts accessible and relatable. It follows the journey of three young adults who seek financial wisdom from a barber named Roy, who has managed to accumulate wealth despite his modest income. This storytelling approach demystifies financial planning, making it easier for readers to grasp essential concepts.
The book emphasizes the importance of having a will and understanding the implications of not having one, known as intestate. Through the characters’ discussions, readers learn about the potential pitfalls of neglecting estate planning, such as family disputes and unintended distribution of assets.
By illustrating these scenarios, the book encourages readers to take proactive steps in securing their financial legacy.
10. “The Wall Street Journal Complete Estate Planning Guidebook,” by Rachel Emma Silverman
From the trusted Wall Street Journal comes this guidebook on how to make death and taxes easier. This book will help you make decisions on how to divide your estate among heirs. It will also help you navigate conversations with attorneys and estate planners by breaking down legal jargon.
Do not wait to start planning your estate. The “Wall Street Journal Complete Estate Planning Guidebook” lays out what you need to know so you can get started early.
Bottom Line
It is never too early to start planning your estate. These best estate planning books can help prepare for you for that process books on estate planning. Writing a will, organizing documents and having hard conversations with loved ones are all key parts of estate planning, But these books give you the resources to plan with confidence.
Tips for Getting Your Family’s Finances in Order
- A financial advisor could help you set up an estate plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goal, get started now.
- You need to have your affairs in order for yourself, but more importantly, for your family. This is especially true if something were to happen to you and you’re unable to make your own decisions. Use our comprehensive estate planning guide to understand all of the components of estate planning.
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