Best Of The Year: 15 Things We Covered In 2015 You Need To Read

Finally, an end-of-year list that has nothing to do with Star Wars. (Not that Star Wars isn't great, but enough already.)

As we close out 2015, we wanted to take a look back on some of the stories and features we ran this past year that might bring knowledge to your brain, goosebumps to your skin, or a smile to your face.

1. Hunker Down

Supplies You Will Need In A Weather Emergency Or Power Outage

weather emergency and power outage checklist

A well-prepared home is a happy home, which is why we created this article and emergency preparedness checklist. Plus, we compiled a list of 8 things you should avoid buying (a.k.a. "Panic Purchases") because shopping before a big storm is like shopping when you’re hungry. Mistakes are often made.

2. Go Pro

2015 saw the launch of our Professional platform, which allows Financial Advisors, Estate Attorneys, and other pros to help their clients get a plan in place. We also created a bunch of great articles for pros and non-pros alike. Have a gander:

How Wealthy Families Go Broke

90 percent of wealthy families lose their wealth by the third generation. Here's why.

Not All Responsible People Have A Will. Some Are Just Lazy. Or Cheap.

You’d think that a person with a family, home, and investment portfolio would automatically have a Will. In reality, more than half don't.

3. Whatcha Cooking?

The Best Ways to Save Family Recipes (And Why You Should Do This Today)

A touching and useful way to turn Grandma’s recipe cards into a lasting legacy for the whole family.

4. An Offer You Can’t Refuse

24 Valuable Life Lessons From The Godfather Saga

The Godfather is more than a movie. It’s a guide to life, offering endless lessons on how to handle every situation you may encounter.

5. Video Stars

We’re really happy with how our “What Is Everplans?” video turned out. Plus, we got a lot of great coverage in 2015 from really outstanding outlets:

Yahoo! Finance: 10 Essential Tech Tools for Older Adults
CNBC: Is a digital last will and testament right for you?
Kiplinger’s Retirement Report: Whiz 'Kids' Fill Need In Senior Market
The Today Show: Start-up links web talent in Africa and US
Investment News: Advisers can use the web to facilitate after death-planning talks with clients
Refinery29: The Critical Decision You Haven't Made — But Should
Mint: Expert Interview with Abby Schneiderman on End-of-Life Planning
U.S. News & World Report: Ways to Protect Your Online Accounts After Death
The Wall Street Journal (Subscription required): The Best Online Tools for Retirement Planning and Living

6. Last Request

The 10 Most Inspiring, Confusing, And Downright Amazing Last Requests

Going out with a bang, an “awww,” and a huh?

Related: Ethical Will Worksheet

7. Kids Today…

5 Reasons Millennials Should Start Planning Now

From exotic travels to cuddly animals, there’s plenty to prepare for.

8. We Got A Little Naughty

50 Shades Of Planning

The overwhelming success of 50 Shades of Grey, both the book and record-breaking movie, got us thinking: Perhaps we’ve been too passive in our planning approach. Now we’re giving you a chance to “whip” your plan into shape with these tips.

Related: A well-known site catering to adulterers was hacked in 2015, exposing the identity of thousands of men and women. (Though, to be honest, it was mostly men.) We’re not here to judge, only help… so… here’s How To Close an Ashley Madison Account.