The Cottage, the Spider Brooch, and the Second Wife: How to Overcome the Challenges of Estate Planning

by Sandy Cardy, Mike Fitzgerald

This is the story of Alfred Hilroy, a recently widowed, 68-year-old man who believes that estate and money matters should be kept private. It is also the story of Alfred’s three grown children, Bev, Michael, and Judy, who love their father dearly but worry that he is going to squander away his retirement savings ― and their inheritance. Alfred believes his affairs are in order. He has part-time work at the pharmacy he co-owns and runs, reasonably good health, and a modest but steady amount of retirement income. However, he misses his late wife terribly and does not look forward to navigating through old age alone. Then “The Bolt” hits. Mary Beth Cain, twenty-five years Alfred’s junior, is an athletic, confident, outgoing woman who knows what she wants. Within weeks there is talk of a future life together. Bev, Michael, and Judy are soon swept up into a sea of conflicting emotions as their new step-mother moves into ― and redecorates ― the beloved Hilroy home, appears at Alfred’s birthday party wearing their late mother’s spider brooch, and vacations with the family at the cottage. Will Alfred leave everything to this newcomer to the family? Will cherished family belongings suddenly disappear? The Hilroys’ struggles are becoming more and more common as baby boomers confront their parents’, and their own, mortality. As Bev, Michael, and Judy screw up their courage and begin discussions with their father about his estate, we learn about, Powers of Attorney, capital gains tax, probating a will, US estate and gift tax, trusts, joint ownership, cottage inheritances, communicating with aging people, and more ― all in an intriguing, suspenseful, and ultimately liberating story.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says it will do - gives a good overview of estate planning. You’ll still want a good planner, but this will move things along.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about Estate Planning and the issues that could arise within a family. Written for a Canadian reader, much in the same fashion as The Wealthy Barber. A very simple fictional story that brings factual tax laws, wills and estates information to the reader. Good to read as a quick reminder about the importance of up to date Wills, Power of Attorney, etc.

[Lise Andreana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insightful book with practical estate planning solutions