What would you say to your future self — the person you will become in 20 years — if you could speak to that person?

A host of web projects have sprung up to answer that question. Future Me allows users to send an email message to their future selves.

For those who want to send a message after they’re gone, http://www.mylastemail.com/ will accomodate your request.

Forbes and Yahoo partnered to allow users to send email to themselves in the future and found that while the biggest group (32%) wanted to receive their email within the next year, a substantial group (19%) opted to receive email two decades from now.

While you may find the idea weird, even creepy, consider that you can remind yourself of goals and dreams! I plan to use the service to send my 2006 goals (a.k.a. new year’s resolutions) to myself periodically throughout the year.

On a more somber note, we are happy to store letters and memoranda for clients who have written messages or instructions for their loved ones. This is particularly helpful when you have minor children or children with special needs.

Clients who have pets may also want to include write instructions regarding the care of their pets when they are not able to care for them. Pets can also be provided for in a separate Pet Trust.

But when it comes to love letters to those you care most about, consider whether some things are better said today.

By using a combination of the official California State Megan’s Law Site you can identify the location and see pictures of registered sex offenders in your area. By clicking on a given offender, you can see a full-size picture, get an exact address and read the offender’s conviction history.

For those who want regular updates but forget to check frequently, Family WatchDoghas created a fee -based subscription service that will notify you when there are new registered offenders in your area.

The California site also has helpful articles on how to keep you kids safe. To see their tips for parents read on.

• Inform children that it is wrong for adults to engage children in sexual activity.
• Stress to your child that he or she should feel comfortable telling you anything, especially if it involves another adult. If your child does not feel comfortable being completely honest with you, then together you should find another trusted adult your child can talk to in confidence.
• Make an effort to know the people with whom your child is spending time.
• Knowledge is power. This is especially true for protecting children from sexual assault. Teach your children about their bodies, give them the correct language to use when describing their private parts. Emphasize that those parts are private.
• Make sure you know where each of your children is at all times. Know your children’s friends and be clear with your children about the places and homes they may visit. Make it a rule that your children check in with you when they arrive at or depart from a particular location and when there is a change in plans. You should also let them know when YOU are running late or if your plans have changed so that they can see the rule is for safety purposes and not being used to “check up” on them.
• Never leave children unattended in an automobile, whether it is running or not. Children should never be left unsupervised or allowed to spend time alone, or with others, in automobiles, as the potential dangers to their safety outweigh any perceived convenience or “fun.” Remind children NEVER to hitchhike, approach a car or engage in a conversation with anyone in a car who they do not know or trust, or go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.
• Be involved in your children’s activities. As an active participant, you will have a better opportunity to observe how the adults in charge interact with your children. If you are concerned about anyone’s behavior, take it up with the sponsoring organization.
• Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you that they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may be an indication of more than a personality conflict or lack of interest in the activity or event.
• Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts. Take the time to talk to your children about this person and find out why the person is acting in this way.
• Teach your children that they have the right to say NO to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others. Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens. Reassure them that you are there to help and it is okay to tell you anything.
• Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behavior or attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener. Look and listen to small cues and clues that something may be troubling your children, because children are not always comfortable disclosing disturbing events or feelings. This may be because they are concerned about your reaction to their problems. If your children do confide problems to you, strive to remain calm, non-critical, and nonjudgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern and work with them to get the help they need to resolve the problem.
• Be sure to screen babysitters and caregivers. Many states now have public registries that allow parents to screen individuals for prior criminal records and sex offenses. Check references with other families who have used the caregiver or babysitter. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was, and listen carefully to their responses.
• Practice basic safety skills with your children. Make an outing to a mall or a park a “teachable” experience in which your children can practice checking with you, using pay phones, going to the restroom with a friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need assistance. Remember that allowing your children to wear clothing or carry items in public on which their name is displayed can bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for a way to start a conversation with your children.
• Remember that there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.
• Also remember that in the vast majority of cases (up to 90%), children are molested by someone they know. Your efforts at keeping your child safe must be informed by this fact and not focused exclusively on the danger that strangers may present.

On January 1, 2006, as planned in the 2001 estate tax law, the amount one person can leave to heirs without estate tax will increase to $2 million. Although this amount is slated to increase again to $3.5 million in 2009 and to infinity in 2010, it returns to $1 million in 2011.

Add up all your net worth (your house’s value minus your mortgage balance, add your 401(k)s and annuities, and all other assets; subtract any debts). Then add any life insurance benefits that would be paid upon your death. If you are married, include your joint assets and any separate assets either one of you has. If this amount is greater than $2 million, your children or other loved ones may see half of their inheritance sent to the IRS.

The good news is that the estate tax is a voluntary tax. It’s a tax for people who don’t bother to do any planning. For our firm’s clients, we present a wide array of planning tools, many with extra advantages, like asset protection.

For married clients who have created foundational plans with our firm, as of January 1, they will be able to pass up to $4 million dollars to beneficiaries estate-tax free. For single clients, amounts up to $2 million will pass estate-tax free.