5 Things You Need to Know About Estate Planning

It is important to review your finances regularly to make sure your financial plan is going according to plan. Those who do regular reviews understand their accounts better, use them more efficiently, and gain more benefits from them over the years. But there is one part most people often overlook or don’t even think about doing which is making sure their Estate is in order.

Does your family know who to contact if something happens to you? Would your spouse know where all your important financial accounts are located? One of the best ways to show how you care is to make sure your estate is in order and done correctly to ensure your loved ones are taken care of.

Before you start gathering your documents and putting all your important information together, consider these 5 Things You Need to Know About Estate Planning:

1. Include Estate Planning In Your Plans For Retirement

“Currently 60% of Americans do not have their Last Will and Testament in order,” which means most people nowadays deal with the government when it comes time to receive any inheritance. By creating a Last Will and Testament, your wishes are clearly communicated and your loved ones will be taken care of properly.

2. Always Update

Once your Last Will and Testament is created, it is important to update it as necessary. Life is forever changing and your wishes to how your estate is divided may also change so it is important that it is continuously updated as your wishes are change.

3. Don’t Forget About Healthcare Directive and Power of Attorney

Estate planning documents not only include a Last Will and Testament, but it is important to also include a Healthcare Directive and Power of Attorney.

So what’s the difference?

A Healthcare Directive combines a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney together. This will allow you to communicate your medical treatment choices as well as who you have appointed to make your medical decisions when you are unable to do so.

The Power of Attorney appoints someone to oversee your finances when you no longer can.

4. Choose Someone You Trust

This is a no-brainer! Be sure that you know and trust someone to handle your finances and medical decisions when you no longer can–these are big decision that not only affect you but affect your family.

5. Location

Make sure you put your estate planning documents in a safe location (i.e. fire-proof safe) so that they will always be available. Don’t forget to tell all necessary persons of the location of these documents should you not have access to them yourself.

 

If you haven’t taken the time to organize your Estate, we can help! One of the services we offer to our clients is an Estate Directory which helps organize information on all of your financial accounts to help your family be prepared for an unexpected event.

Contact us today to schedule your FREE No-Obligation Consultation and get your Estate in order! Click the orange “Get Started” button on the right and we will be in touch to schedule your FREE Consultation!