I was inspired to create Before I Croak by observing what my parents did right and my father-in-law did wrong in terms of estate organization. Everyone has personally experienced or knows someone who has, a situation where poor estate planning and organization caused confusion, anxiety, and anger among siblings and other loved ones. This should never happen.

It is the only, all-in-one resource written in plain English that contains simple, step-by-step instructions and forms to organize your life's work.

It is important to give back whether in time or money. As a parent of two daughters, championing women’s issues has always been a priority. Publishing Before I Croak created an opportunity to provide support in a meaningful way for the first time. Savvy Ladies® is a natural fit because the organization is committed to helping reduce economic and racial disparities in financial education for women.

Email support@beforeicroak.net. I work hard to respond to every question I receive, but I get a lot of them and there is only me.

Begin identifying your assets, determining beneficiaries, appointing guardians for minors, creating a will, establishing healthcare directives, and consulting with professionals for legal and financial guidance.

Probate is the legal process where a deceased person's will is verified, debts are settled, and assets are distributed according to the terms of the will or state laws if there is no will.

To avoid or minimize probate, you can utilize strategies like creating a living trust, designating beneficiaries for assets like life insurance policies and retirement accounts, gifting assets during your lifetime, and establishing joint ownership or payable-on-death designations for certain properties and accounts.