Setting up your financial plan now can pay untold dividends in the future. That was the message that Susan I. Jean, a Gloucester attorney who specializes in elder law and estate planning, delivered a program Tuesday on “Understanding Wills and Trusts.” Jean gave her talk as part of the Brunch & Learn lecture series at Sanders Retirement Village in Gloucester Court House. The free program included both the lecture and a meal served in the Sanders Dining Room. Barbara Weldon, Marketing Director at Sanders, introduced Jean and said that “being prepared is just very important.” Jean agreed with Weldon. “What happens when we fail to plan?” Jean asked. “We plan to fail.”

Jean discussed her job and commented, “I help people deal with their family situations.” Jean also discussed the importance of having a power of attorney and that a trust is “setting out the rules of the road.” She also discussed issues related to owning real estate out of state and problem beneficiaries.
Sanders w...