How to Prepare Your Family and Your Finances for the Unexpected

SAN RAMON, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide nearly 800 people died in plane crashes last year while more than 30,000 Americans were killed in car accidents. Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. We never know how or when, so it's best to be prepared at all times, especially when it comes to finance, says East Bay financial planner Michelle Perry Higgins.

According to Ms. Higgins, if you or a loved one were to become incapacitated or pass away unexpectedly, it is important to have a sound financial plan in place to ensure the best possible outcome for your family. "Being financially organized is absolutely key in the event of a crisis," she states. "This avoids unnecessary stress in an already difficult situation."

It is especially important for the family breadwinner to assemble their important medical, financial and legal information before the unthinkable happens. "You'll want make sure you are as detailed as possible to eliminate confusion in case of an emergency," Ms. Higgins says.

To prepare for the unexpected, Ms. Higgins has developed The Everything Binder; Financial, Estate and Personal Affairs Organizer. This tool is designed to organize and document pertinent information if you or a family member were to suddenly pass away or become ill.

Ms. Higgins stresses that this tool is for ourselves as well as those left behind. "My clients tell me about the peace of mind they experience once the binder is completed," she says. "They sleep easier at night knowing their affairs are in order. We don't always think about the things we need to have ready in case of a tragedy," she adds, "and though we always hope for the best, it's better to have a plan put together just in case."

Michelle Perry Higgins is a financial planner and principal of California Financial Advisors. She has appeared on CNBC, has been quoted in Yahoo! Finance, MSN Money, The Los Angeles Times and is a Wall Street Journal Expert Panelist. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/MichellePerryHiggins. Twitter: @RetirementMPH. www.MichellePerryHiggins.com.

Maloon, Powers, Pitre & Higgins, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Financial Telesis Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). Financial Telesis Inc. and California Financial Advisors are not affiliated companies.

Media contact:
Reginald Carter
(916) 821-8955
[email protected]

SOURCE Michelle Perry Higgins