Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To (book with CD-Rom) (Paperback)

~ Melanie Cullen (Author), Shae Irving J.D. (Author)
Key Phrases: avoiding probate, plan your estate, health care directives, Additional Notes, Social Security, Get Help (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Get It Together is a must-have book/planner for every adult!" --About.com

Review

"Offers a detailed, step-by-step process for gathering records and key documents and organizing them for future use."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 3 edition (October 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413309097
• ISBN-13: 978-1413309096
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,590 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Law > Taxation > Estates & Trusts
  #1 in	Books > Nonfiction > Law > Practical Guides > Wills
  #1 in	Books > Nonfiction > Law > Taxation > Estates & Trusts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covered All The Bases...And More, January 24, 2007

By	Scott A. Jefferis (Tampa, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To (Paperback)

I bought this book thru Amazon in June 2006 because of my experiences working with a close friend who had just lost his father rather unexpectedly. My friend faced a monstrous task of trying to track down his father's assets, business records, last will, credit accounts, etc. just to scratch the surface. As a participant in his frustration, I began to think about the arrangement of my personal life and how my loved ones would tend to my estate.

"Get It Together" brings so much to the table to deal with. I think most people refuse to face their mortality and the task of making such arrangements, let alone there really is a large volume of papers, decisions, conversations, and organization to be handled. GIT is very thorough in all topic areas (see Table of Contents). The book discusses the emotions involved with each topic area, numerous websites to obtain additional information, what to get a copy of, keeping the info current and arranging your "estate" or life, for that matter, to benefit those close to you.

My parents or other people I look up to would never or be highly uncomfortable discussing these topics in detail. This book is perfect to compensate for the lack of those conversations. Now, just a warning for those willing to purchase and conform to this book. I was quite diligent in following all their instructions and recommendations to the "t". It took longer than expected, about 12 weekends, until I had gathered and organized everything to my satisfaction and I don't have a wife, kids or other complicated situations...just me alone.

But I have such a peace of mind that my successors will have no trouble making decisions or tracking down stuff because it's all there with explicit directions from me. I find going forward that I try to keep my life organized in a simple fashion and refuse to take on unnecessary stuff that I will need to add to my planner. And I feel no stress at all looking at my desk now because all the meaningless clutter is gone and GIT was a big reason for that.

Finally, the greatest resource is the forms CD included with the book, which saves a great deal of time when the organizing process starts and got me unstuck in some areas.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To by Melanie Cullen, May 27, 2006

By	Kate (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To (Paperback)

My mother died suddenly and left her estate in a total mess. I was left shocked, grief-stricken and alone in struggling to make sense of what needed to be done. I wouldn't wish that ordeal on anyone let alone on those I love. This workbook and companion organizer is the perfect solution. Nothing will be left to guesswork if I am incapacitated or dead. It is thorough yet simply organized and written from a compassionate perspective. It is a gift of love to provide this kind of direction to those who must make decisions on your behalf.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Caring and Compassionate, May 16, 2006

By	Evelyn Crabtree (Auburn, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To (Paperback)

Melanie Cullen has approached a very difficult topic with insight and compassion. Starting with the Letter to Loved Ones, Health Care Directives, Funeral and Memorial Services, through various chapters on the disposition of assets - including Pets and Livestock - she offers helpful guidance in a straightforward, friendly manner. Whether you already have everything together or haven't a clue where to start, "Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To" is an excellent guide that will make it easier for your loved ones to help in the event that you are incapacitated, or to manage your estate when you are gone. The forms in the book and on the CD can be easily organized and updated in the companion Planner. A must read for everyone!