THE MAN WHOSE ESTATE PLAN WAS “NOT TO DIE”
A reminder that “immortality” isn’t a valid estate strategy.
Saginaw, TX – When 57 year old Harold J. Pennington met with his attorney to discuss his estate plan, he arrived with a single, perfectly typed page.
It read: “My estate plan: Not to die.”
Harold beamed. “It’s simple, elegant, and eliminates probate entirely,” he explained.
His attorney reportedly blinked twice, took a slow sip of coffee, and replied, “That’s… not currently a recognized option under the Texas Estates Code.
The Eternal Planning Strategy
Harold has since doubled down on his plan by eating kale, stretching daily, and announcing he’s “not taking appointments past the year
2300.” His daughter Lisa says he’s sincere — if slightly optimistic.
Immortality Plan...con’t
“He told me he’ll get a Will later,” she said. “Maybe after his 300th birthday.”
Meanwhile, the family cat, Chairman Meow, has already declared herself “acting trustee of all household chairs until further notice.”
Expert Reactions
Financial planners across Texas have applauded Harold’s enthusiasm but stopped short of recommending “the immortality plan” to other clients. “Hope is not a substitute for a power of attorney,” said one attorney. “Though it would make my job easier.” When asked whether refusing to die might affect required minimum distributions, the IRS declined to comment — apparently awaiting more data.
The Real Takeaway
As funny as Harold’s plan sounds, it reflects a truth many of us share: it’s easy to delay estate planning because it feels like facing something uncomfortable.
But here’s the thing — a solid estate plan isn’t about death.
It’s about life!
It’s about:
·Protecting the people you love,
·Keeping control over what you’ve built, and
·Making things easier for your heirs (the good kind).
As Harold himself eventually admitted — while signing a proper will, begrudgingly —
“Maybe I’ll plan for both options: living forever and just in case.”
Editor’s Note
If your current estate plan looks suspiciously like Harold’s (“I’ll deal with it once I’m immortal”), it might be time for an update.
The Good Heir Report believes good heirs — and good plans — don’t just happen.
They’re made, thoughtfully and intentionally.
Pull up a chair. Better yet, contact CRAIG A CHOATE, PC. Let’s make your legacy a little less hypothetical.
— The Good Heir Repor
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