Customer Reviews

Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 [Old Version]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I recently purchased Willmaker Plus 2006 as an upgrade to my 2004 version. While we were happy with the 2004 version, we wanted to upgrade to the newest version to make sure we had a program which was legally current. Using the 2004 version, my wife and I created wills for ourselves, but did not get around to creating any of the other documents. Thus far, I have been extremely happy with what the 2006 version of the program has to offer. It is very easy to use (and I am not particularly great with computers)!

After loading the current version, we started out by updating our wills that were created with the older version. One of the reviews below indicates that you cannot upgrade from previous versions. This is simply not the case at all, in fact, it was quite easy for us to do. After updating our wills, we created living wills and living trusts for ourselves. Unlike our wills, these documents had to be notarized. Included with the final versions that we printed out were instructions on what to do next.

As for the programs design, it is very easy to use and informative. All of the documents take you through an interview process. On each screen you have to make choices and press the "next" button to proceed. To help you with each of these choices, there is plenty of information in everyday, "non-legal" language to keep you informed of what you are actually deciding on. For instance, I did not know what an executor was, but in 30 seconds I was informed and able to make the right decision. At the same time, we never felt overwhelmed with information during the process. Some of these documents are quite in-depth, so this was quite a feat! Also, as neither of us knows very much about the law, it was reassuring that the program comes with a "web update". Basically, you push a button and the program updates itself with the latest laws and modifications. As laws change, it is nice to know that the program will incorporate any changes into it and not cause any problems for my family in the future....

All in all, the program is extremely easy to use and very informative at the same time. I suggest people pick this program up as it is very important to make sure that your assets and family are covered in case of the unexpected. Fortunately, Willmaker Plus 2006 is neither expensive nor a headache. I highly recommend....

Upgrading is a deal, and I'll tell you why:

I used WillMaker Plus 2005 because my attorney, a family friend, recommended it, saying it's the only will-writing product he'd use because it's created by lawyers that updates our state's laws every year (for safe measure, I had him review my documents to make sure they were legal -- he had no changes).

When I needed to change my will a couple weeks ago and started up the program, I was a bit miffed that I had to upgrade to the 2006 version. But when I mentioned this to my family lawyer, he laughed and said I could just pay an attorney $300 to update my will. Obviously, I upgraded.

The 2006 version has no whiz-pow, over-the-top new features, but laws that affect wills and trusts change. Upgrading was a small price to pay to know my new will is legal.

"Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software" is an easy-to-use handy tool for anyone who has to author a written-will and/or similar legal document. The software has a well-designed layout. It runs on any Windows operating system, which is 95 or later version. It can be installed and configured in a shortwhile. Its operational tempo is nice; and, it does not tie-up systems resources as much as other 'Quicken software' like: "Quicken Premier Personal Finance" and "Premier Home & Business" do.
However, the first negative sign users of previous editions will notice in this one is that very little has changed. As a result of this, it is difficult to see any good reason why those who own either the 2004 or the 2005 versions should bother themselves with upgrading to this 'new' version.
In general terms, the naked truth is that most software manufacturers, who indulge in the production of yearly 'new versions', have very little or nothing to show for the money they ask. They often play on buyers' psychology by rearranging the graphical interface of their 'old' products, and then hype them up as 'new' and 'improved'. This explains in part, why most of the recently released 'new products' have more bugs than the 'older ones', which they are supposed to be replacing. And since most of the potential buyers believe that 'new' items are always better, they fall into the buying trap.
What I have mentioned does not partain only to the makers of 'Quicken' products. It includes Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, Norton, McAfee, Corel, and so on. But, I hinted it here because I have conclusively inferred that this newly released "Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software" is very much like the 'old' 2005 edition, which it suppose to replace. And, the 2005 version is as well, very similar to the 2004 version: in both design and function. So, how on earth can one justify all these calls for upgrade, if the trend persists as it currently is?
In conclusion, I will advise any first-time buyer, who is considering this software, to gladly invest on it. It is by every means a good product. And, the retail price is reasonable enough. However, if you are an old-timer, who owns either the 2005 or the 2004 edition of this software, I will categorically tell you not to buy this 2006 edition. It is still functionally very similar to what you already have. So, why should you pay for it? Spending on this 'new version' won't be a wise decision at all. Just wait and see if there will be a real upgrade-worthy version coming out for you next year. Good luck!

The manual for this product indicates that support ends on January 1, 2007. After this date, the product must be upgraded to create new documents or modify old documents. A special upgrade pricing is given to users that register the product. Quicken/Nolo could at least give you one year of support from the time of installation.

The product has an update feature to keep the software current with changes in the law. I did not notice anything in the product description or on the box that indicated that there was an expiration date. According to the Nolo web site, it costs $29.99 to upgrade this product. I tend not to register my product so I do not know what the upgrade price is for registered users. I paid $38.09 for this product and I'm not sure that this is a good value.

All your documents are store in a single file (.pfl). It is not clear if you documents can be exported.

After we retired and moved to a new state we decided we needed to make out a new will. Having used Quicken for our financial record keeping for years, we felt it would provide a process we would understand and could use with confidence. It was as easy as it advertised and provide answers to all our questions as we went through the process. We made out a new will, healthcare directive and power of attorney - financial for each of us. Having only one primary beneficary, our son, and not a very complicated estate, we feel confident we are well covered.

My husband has been ill for about a year. Although we have been married for 21 years we had yet to plan our estates. Due to medical bills we could not afford an attorney nor did we want to go through the complex process of having a lawyer prepare our wills. We looked at the services available on-line but were uneasy about using any of them. I went to the Amazon site to see what was available and found the Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software. Quicken is a name we had both trusted for years so we decided to try it. I ordered the software on a Friday and we had it the next Tuesday. By that Friday we each had wills, living wills, power-of-attorney and final wishes completed, signed and notarized. My husband and I recommend this product to everyone who does not have a complex estate to plan for. The software is very comprehensive and easy to use. It takes about an hour to complete the documents.

I purchased the product for the will making feature. The step-by-step process made it so simple to complete my will. I highly recommend this product.

It allowed me to attain the necessary documents that my Aunt needed and reviewed by her lawyer. Lawyer indicated that pretty soon, he will be out of business.

Quicken Willmaker is a great software product. It's extremely straightforward and free of legalese. Very clear wording and easily produces very useful, understandable products. Strongly recommended.

Very easy to use and makes writing a will less intimidating. There is no excuse to not have a will now!