Legendary Alexander The Great’s Lost Last Will and Testament

Alexander the Great is said to have displayed heterochromia iridium, which would have made one of his eyes dark and the other light.

It can be hard to imagine the worst case scenario of dying without a will, but for most people, the consequences are far from 50 years of war. For the legendary Alexander the Great, that is exactly what happened. But now, 2000 years after his death, his last will and testament may have been discovered.

Heroes Get Remembered, but Legends Never Die

Despite his legendary status, Alexander III of Macedonia, commonly known as Alexander the Great, died in Babylon on 10 or 11 of June in 323 BCE, at the age of 32. His death was so sudden that when reports reached Greece, they were thought to be a hoax. The cause of his death is unknown, but theories include malaria, typhoid fever, and poison. Both malaria and typhoid fever were common in Babylon at the time.

By Blood A King

After Alexander’s death, his successor was unclear. His generals alleged that his last words were “to the strongest,” meaning that his empire would go to the general who could defeat the others in battle. His potential successors, known as the Diadochi, split up the military and waged a war that lasted 50 years.

Published in the Alexander Romance, a legendary account of Alexander the Great’s life, was a political pamphlet containing a last will and testament in ancient Armenian. The will was believed to be a work of fiction, but British historian David Grant believes it is based on the king’s actual will.

Man is By Nature a Political Animal

A 10-year research project by Grant has revealed the possibility that the fabled will was based on the genuine document. The pamphlet offers a heavily politicized version of what may be Alexander the Great’s true final wishes.  Grant believes the original will was buried by Alexander’s generals because it named his half-asian unborn son, Alexander IV as his heir.

The Macedonians saw the child as a “half-breed,” and to follow him would be “unthinkable” at the time. Thus, instead of being content with the allotments that the elder Alexander left for each of the generals to rule for his son, they battled for years to control the empire. Alexander IV was murdered by one of the generals at the age of 14 before he could fully ascend to the throne.

Grant details his findings in his recently released book In Search of the Lost Testament of Alexander the Great.

Although most modern people do not have to worry about wars and murder if they do not have an estate plan in place, Alexander the Great’s successors provide a horrifying example of what can go wrong when one leaves behind a great legacy with no instruction manual.

 

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Save the DIY projects for crafting, not for creating an estate plan

In the age of the internet and smart phones, people have a plethora of information available at their fingertips. All it takes is a quick Google search to look up how to do just about anything. While easy access to how to make the perfect chocolate chip cookies or fix a broken cabinet is good, some things are best left to the experts. Creating an estate plan is one of those things. Read on to discover why.

1. Estate planning creates an assets name game

At first glance, estate planning seems as simple as creating a connect-the-dots version of who gets what when you die. In reality, making sure your assets go to the right person is much more complicated.

For example, most DIY wills have a person place the name of their beneficiary into a provided blank. So, if you wanted to give your daughter Jane Doe what’s left in your bank account, you’d write her name into the blank along with the asset. However, if Jane isn’t named as a beneficiary on your account and your son John is, Jane is unable to access the money when you die even though your DIY will says it should go to her. This is because who the account has listed as a beneficiary takes precedence.

A skilled attorney knows the ins and outs of estate planning and can ensure assets go to the correct person, which is why you should hire an attorney rather than trust an online DIY fill-in-the-blank form.

2. Estate planning requires specific language

A person’s assets and beneficiaries change over time, such as with a portfolio increase or birth in the family.  For this reason, many people create more than one will during their lifetime. It’s necessary to include language within a will that makes any previous wills void when a new one is created. An attorney knows how to word a will in order to make changes legally binding, which is why estate planning is best left to the experts.

3. Estate planning documents are easily mixed up

A variety of documents are used to create an estate plan, and many of them sound similar. Unlike a free form found on the internet, an attorney will sit down with you and explain the differences between a living will and last will and testament and durable vs. healthcare powers of attorney. A trained individual will be able to take the guess work out of creating an estate plan. This, in turn, will help ensure you are making a plan that fits your individual needs.

Ditch the DIY forms and hire an attorney to help you create an individualized estate plan. Learn how Boyum Law can help you create an estate plan by clicking here.

 

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How To Begin Your Estate Plan In 5 Steps

Estate planning can be a daunting task to begin. They force you to face your own mortality and examine the relationships you have with those closest to you. Here are five simplified steps to take when you set out to make an estate plan.

1. Make a will

This is the be all end all of estate planning. Designate where and to whom you want your assets to go. Whether or not you are wealthy, you are going to need a will, especially if you have children who are still minors.

2. Make a durable power of attorney

If you become incapacitated, you will need someone to handle all of your assets. With durable power of attorney, you can designate someone capable and trustworthy who you will act in your best interests.

3. Make a living will and medical power of attorney

A medical power of attorney will allow someone you trust to make medical decisions in your stead should you ever be unable to do so yourself. A living will specifies your wishes for end-of-life care. You will need both of these if you want to have the final say in these matters.

4. Title your assets accurately

No matter what your will says, assets such as life insurance and trusts will go to those named beneficiaries. Take the time now that the beneficiaries named are the ones you want to receive those benefits when you pass.

5. Check with family

Do your parents have an estate plan? If the answer is no, ask how you can help them get their affairs in order. Will someone feel snubbed with your plan as it stands? If yes, what plan will make everyone feel they were thought of equitably.

 

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Elder Financial Abuse: Protecting Your Loved Ones From Harm

People over 50 control over 70% of the nation’s wealth. This makes elders prime targets for financial abuse and fraud. Read on to learn the signs of elder financial abuse.

What is financial abuse?

Elder financial abuse includes many behaviors. Taking money or property and forging the victim’s signature are fairly obvious offenses. Also, using deception, coercion, or undue influence to get an elder to sign a will, a deed, or a power of attorney qualifies. Many abusers close to the victims use possessions without permission and promise lifelong care in exchange for money or property. Elders often receive fraudulent calls from persons claiming to be distressed family members.

Why are elders targeted?

Many elders are unaware of the true value of their assets, especially those that have appreciated over time. They tend to have consistent  patterns and are likely to get a monthly check, making it easy to predict when they will have money or need to go to a bank. They are likely to have disabilities and be dependent on others for help. Abusers assume elderly victims will not live long enough to follow through on legal interventions, and elders are less likely to report their abuse due to embarrassment or illness.

Who commits elder financial abuse?

Unfortunately, the most common perpetrators of financial abuse of an elder are friends and family members. Most often, abusers feel they are justified in their actions, and they do not see it as abuse. They may have substance abuse, gambling, or financial problems that lead them into debt. If the abuser will inherit assets from their victim, they may also believe they are only taking what is “almost” or “rightfully” theirs. Perpetrators may have a negative relationship with the victim, leading them to a sense of entitlement. Similarly, they may have a negative relationship with another relative, and they will try to prevent that relative from receiving any inheritance.

In contrast, many abusers are predators looking for vulnerable seniors in order to take advantage of them. They may claim to fall in love with their elder victim and push them into leaving them a large portion of the elder’s estate. They may also try to become employed as care takers to gain access to their victim. Career abusers often find their victims by driving through neighborhoods or finding widows through newspaper obituaries.

What are the signs?

No one sign should be taken as conclusive proof of elder financial abuse. However, in combination, these signs warn loved ones ahead of time when elders are abused. Unpaid bills, eviction notices, and notices to discontinue utilities can indicate caretakers not paying the elder’s bills. Unusual bank activity the elder cannot explain often means someone else has access to their accounts. Also, accounts may be compromised if bank statements and cancelled checks do not come to the elder’s home. New “best friends” may be predators looking for a payday. Relatives should watch to make sure the quality of care is consistent with the size of the elder’s estate. The elder and caregivers should be able to give consistent, believable answers to questions about finances.

Who is at risk of elder financial abuse?

There are certain factors that make an elder a better target for financial abuse. Isolation and loneliness create a pathway for abusers, as well as recent losses. Elders without a working knowledge of financial matters are also prime targets. Finally, unemployed relatives and those with substance abuse issues are more likely to abuse their elderly relatives. It is often up to children and grandchildren to prevent their elderly loved ones from being taken advantage of.

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Federal Estate Tax Reform: Will it impact your family?

Talks of tax reform are always ongoing in government. Currently, the federal estate tax, otherwise known as the death tax, has been placed on the chopping block. So, what will it mean for you and your family’s estate plan if the death tax is axed? Read on to discover how the federal estate tax is calculated and how likely it would be to impact your family if repealed.

What is the federal estate tax?

The federal estate tax is a tax on a person’s right to transfer property after death. This tax comes into play after a person dies and before his or her heirs inherit the assets left behind. Assets are everything the deceased owned or had an interest in at the time of their death, such as cash, real estate, insurance, business interests, trusts, and annuities. In order to calculate an individual’s federal estate tax, the fair market value of each asset is added together. The total value of the deceased’s assets is called the Gross Estate. Deductions are then made to the deceased’s Gross Estate total for things like mortgages, debts, estate administration costs, or property passed along to a spouse or charity. Lifetime taxable gifts are then added to the Gross Estate number. Finally, the IRS computes the tax and reduces it by the available unified credit.

What will the federal estate tax cost your heirs in inheritance?

In all likely-hood, the federal estate tax will not cost your heirs a penny of their potential inheritance. This is because the tax is applied based on the value of an individual’s assets. Individuals whose estate’s gross value assets and taxable gifts add up to less than $5,490,000 are not required to fill out an estate tax return so long as their estate is not overly complex. This means that unless your estate’s assets add up to more than $5,490,000 or involve jointly-held property or special deductions, your estate plan will not be effected by the potential repeal of the federal estate tax. Additionally, federal estate tax exemption increases with inflation, so the amount set for exemption typically increases from year to year.

Who will repealing the federal estate tax effect?

Since not all estates are required to pay the federal death tax toll, questions are raised as to who its repeal will effect. The obvious answer is only the wealthiest Americans and a few small businesses. It’s estimated that only 0.1 to 0.2 percent of estates are required to pay the federal estate tax. However, even though the percentage of estates paying the tax is small, the revenue generated isn’t. In fact, the Joint Committee of Taxation estimates repealing the tax would cost $269 billion over a decade. This, in turn, would cause more national debt, which would effect all U.S. citizens. However, before worrying too much about the effect repealing the estate tax could have, it’s important to remember that tax reforms are often talked about and rarely seen through. Despite being on the chopping block, the federal estate tax will probably stick around awhile longer.

More information about the federal estate tax can be found here on the IRS’ website.

 

 

 

 

 

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How a Marvel Comic Book Writer Became Part of His Work

A person’s life’s work tends to become a large part of who they are. In Marvel comic book writer Mark Gruenwald’s case, he became a part of his work. Gruenwald died of a heart attack in 1996 at age 42. He made his last wishes very clear to those around him. He wanted to be cremated and turned into comic book ink. Read on to discover who Mark Gruenwald was and how he impacted the world of Marvel comics.

Who was Mark Gruenwald?

Mark Gruenwald was a Wisconsin-born comic book writer and editor. After publishing his own comic, Omniverse, in 1977, Gruenwald began working for Marvel. During his time with Marvel, he successfully moved up within the company and was promoted to editor in 1982. At the time of his death, Gruenwald held the title of senior executive editor.

A history of Gruenwald’s work

Gruenwald performed a variety of tasks on different Marvel comics throughout his career, including working as a writer of the Spider-Woman comic and Contest of Champions series. His artistic side also came into play when he illustrated and wrote the limited edition Hawkeye series in 1983. Some of Gruenwald’s most famous work, though, was done as a writer of the Captain America comics. Gruenwald wrote the shield-throwing American hero’s story line for ten years. Around this time, Marvel also released Gruenwald’s first issue of Squadron Supreme, which tells the story of a parallel world where superhero-like beings try to use their powers to make the world safer but end up creating disaster instead. Squadron Supreme was a limited-edition series with 12 issues. Perhaps his most famous work, Gruenwald fully became apart of the comic upon death.

Gruenwald’s unique burial

Though Gruenwald’s death was a surprise, Marvel’s then editor-in-chief Mark Harras told the LA Times that becoming a part of his work was something Gruenwald “really wanted.”  Gruenwald’s widow, Catherine, echoed Harras’s sentiment. Following his death and cremation, Gruenwald’s ashes were mixed at a printing plant in Ohio. The ink containing Gruenwald’s ashes was then used to create a re print of Squadron Supreme. Following the printing process, the comics hit stores in August of 1997, fulfilling Gruenwald’s wish to become a part of his life’s work.

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How a Marvel Comic Book Writer Became Part of His Work

A person’s life’s work tends to become a large part of who they are. In Marvel comic book writer Mark Gruenwald’s case, he became a part of his work. Gruenwald died of a heart attack in 1996 at age 42. He made his last wishes very clear to those around him. He wanted to be cremated and turned into comic book ink. Read on to discover who Mark Gruenwald was and how he impacted the world of Marvel comics.

Who was Mark Gruenwald?

Mark Gruenwald was a Wisconsin-born comic book writer and editor. After publishing his own comic, Omniverse, in 1977, Gruenwald began working for Marvel. During his time with Marvel, he successfully moved up within the company and was promoted to editor in 1982. At the time of his death, Gruenwald held the title of senior executive editor.

A history of Gruenwald’s work

Gruenwald performed a variety of tasks on different Marvel comics throughout his career, including working as a writer of the Spider-Woman comic and Contest of Champions series. His artistic side also came into play when he illustrated and wrote the limited edition Hawkeye series in 1983. Some of Gruenwald’s most famous work, though, was done as a writer of the Captain America comics. Gruenwald wrote the shield-throwing American hero’s story line for ten years. Around this time, Marvel also released Gruenwald’s first issue of Squadron Supreme, which tells the story of a parallel world where superhero-like beings try to use their powers to make the world safer but end up creating disaster instead. Squadron Supreme was a limited-edition series with 12 issues. Perhaps his most famous work, Gruenwald fully became apart of the comic upon death.

Gruenwald’s unique burial

Though Gruenwald’s death was a surprise, Marvel’s then editor-in-chief Mark Harras told the LA Times that becoming a part of his work was something Gruenwald “really wanted.”  Gruenwald’s widow, Catherine, echoed Harras’s sentiment. Following his death and cremation, Gruenwald’s ashes were mixed at a printing plant in Ohio. The ink containing Gruenwald’s ashes was then used to create a re print of Squadron Supreme. Following the printing process, the comics hit stores in August of 1997, fulfilling Gruenwald’s wish to became a part of his life’s work.

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