When you think about death or illness, it’s easy to shut down. Claudia wrote Leaving Nothing to Chance to make those conversations easier. You’ll learn how to set up your will, build a trust, choose who speaks for you when you can’t, and make sure your family avoids court.
You don’t need a law degree to follow this. Each chapter breaks down one part of estate planning. You’ll see what a will does, how a trust works, and why powers of attorney matter.
This isn’t about fear; it’s about love. You act now so your partner, parents, and children aren’t left guessing. Real stories of families and public figures show why leaving a plan is a kindness.
By the end, you’ll have a draft plan you can act on. It reflects what matters to you and covers your medical and financial decisions. There’s room to adjust as your life changes.
An introduction to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives. See how they fit together and why you need them.
A look at probate and what happens when there is no plan. Examples show the delays, costs, and heartache of leaving decisions to the courts.
A side-by-side comparison of wills and trusts. Learn when a simple will is enough and when a revocable trust protects privacy and keeps your estate out of court.
A guide to picking the people who will speak for you if you can’t. It covers financial and healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, and HIPAA releases.
It’s not just for the rich or the old. This chapter answers the excuses and shows why a modest estate still deserves a plan.
Stories from Prince, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and others show how vague notes, no plan, or outdated documents created long, public fights.
* eBook includes iBooks, PDF & ePub versions
Claudia lost her husband unexpectedly in her thirties, and they had no will. She spent months in court just to keep the house and pay medical bills. That experience pushed her to study finance and become a certified estate planning specialist. For the past decade, she has taught families how to make simple, clear plans. Claudia speaks with honesty and has helped thousands of people write their first will. When she’s not writing, she volunteers with hospice groups and runs workshops in her community.
“I always avoided estate planning because I thought it was too hard. Claudia’s book felt like talking to a friend. I finished my will in one weekend.”
“Chapter two hit home. I saw what could happen if I did nothing. Now my parents and I have our plans in place.”
"What I loved was how direct the tone is. No jargon, no scare tactics. Just straightforward steps.”
“The stories in this book made me realize estate planning isn’t about money; it’s about care. I bought copies for my siblings.”