The estate planning lawyer came in and said that he believed he could do a complete plan and revised wills to meet California law for $5,000. The estate was fairly simple without a lot of intricate business ventures. Family structure was a simple one and therefore, there should not be a lot to it. Bette and Tina accepted the offer for estate planning services. If they recommended any addition trust or legal structure then they would be back with an offer on those services.

The meeting was over, Geri offered to take them to lunch, but Bette and Tina declined. They went home and found Margaret busy with the computer dealing with her insurance company. Mildred had a small life insurance policy and then there was the fire and casualty insurance company. Margaret had bargained with the insurance company to remove the rubble of the old house and come back with a completely new home based on a new floor plan, provided that it did not exceed the replacement value of the older home.  She had found a new floor plans and contacted a builder to price it out and was ready to submit it to insurance company for approval.

Margaret: It’s a cute little house. I think the exterior blends in well with the neighborhood and it will have all the proper insulation, double pained windows, latest electrical and plumbing, cable and internet hookups, a nice back porch, and a garage. It has a nice open plan for the kitchen and family room. It has three bedrooms and two full baths, but one is a Jack and Jill bath. It has great closets and a laundry room. I am not telling the insurance company, but I may just sell it and buy myself a condo. Somebody will want a brand-new home in that neighborhood.

Bette: Wow, so when does construction start?

Margaret:  The guy I want doesn’t have any time before November. And he believes he can have it finished by summer next year.

Tina: So, do we have you until then?

Margaret: If I don’t get on your nerves, I would love to stay here until my home is built or I purchase something else. I have also decided that this is definitely my last year as a principal. I need to start enjoying some time seeing things and enjoying things. I’m going to start my search for a travel buddy.