Creating an estate plan may sound like a task that requires an immense amount of time, money and paperwork, but estate planning will make things much easier for you and your loved ones in the long run. Not only is estate planning an important way to provide financial security, it also ensures that your decisions are carried out the way you want. In this article, you’ll explore why estate planning is essential and how to get started on this important process.
1. Estate Planning: Security for Your Family’s Future
Estate planning is an essential step to ensure that your assets are secured and that your family is provided for, even after your demise. Knowing that you have safeguarded your loved ones’ financial security, can give you the peace of mind all families need.
It’s easy to place estate planning in the too hard basket since it brings up uncomfortable discussions of mortality, family dynamics and money management. However, this type of planning is important to ensure the longevity of your family’s financial security.
Here are three essential elements of an effective estate plan:
- A clearly written will that outlines the wishes of the estate holder and that is signed off by a legal professional.
- An enduring power of attorney that provides clear instructions for the management of their finances in their absence.
- A binding death nomination that guarantees the distribution of your funds.
Your estate plan should not remain static and should reflect any relevant changes in life circumstances. Regular reviews of your plan can ensure your family’s future is provided for in the way you desire.
2. Understanding the Benefits of Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. Taking the time to understand the benefits could be the difference between leaving a lasting legacy for your children or family, or leaving a mess for them to sort out. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the key advantages of estate planning:
- Protect your assets: By establishing a plan to protect your assets, you can make sure they are allocated in the way you desire, so they will always remain in your family.
- Peace of mind: Estate planning takes uncertainty out of the equation and ensures you and your family are looked after should anything happen to you.
- Tax management: With strategic planning and management, it’s possible to significantly reduce the amount of tax owed on inheritance.
Estate planning also ensures the smooth transition of your assets, helping you to maintain control long after you’re gone. By knowing your needs are taken care of and handled by experts, you can relax and focus on other aspects of life. If you have significant assets, having an estate plan in place will give you greater peace of mind and make sure they are passed down to your loved ones according to your wishes.
3. Planning Your Estate: Getting Started
Creating a comprehensive estate plan doesn’t have to be a complicated process and a key to your success will be recognizing the importance of getting started. Here are three essential steps you need to consider.
- Consider Your Estate Objectives: The first step is to consider your estate objectives. This should include making sure the federal estate tax and other potential death taxes are addressed, creating gifting programs, and initiating protocols to execute your estate in a timely manner.
- Gain an Understanding of the Laws: It’s also important to gain an understanding of the laws and how they may affect your estate plan. Legislation is subject to change, so it’s important to remain current on your state and federal estate laws.
- Talk to Your Financial Advisor: Conversations with a financial advisor and other experts can prove to be invaluable in getting your estate plan off the ground, so make sure you let them lend their expertise when necessary.
Planning your estate is a big responsibility, but it’s an essential feature of a secure financial future. Following these three steps can help you get started on the right foot.
4. Taking the Next Steps Towards Estate Planning Success
No two estate plans are the same, but regardless of individual needs and goals, there are some overarching steps that every estate plan should include. After you’ve explored your options and created a personalized plan, it’s time to take the next steps to get the most out of your estate plan.
Take a Deeper Dive: Estate planning doesn’t end when all the paperwork is filed. It’s important to regularly review your plan to ensure that it still aligns with your goals and objectives, as well as current laws and regulations. Keep in mind considerations such as federal and state tax laws, estate planning techniques and laws that may have changed within your lifetime. Additionally, if your plan includes a trust, you or someone else will need to serve as a trustee, so make sure you understand what that entails.
Secure Your Estate: Now that you’ve established your plan, it’s important to make sure everything is secure and in place. Create a master list of important documents, such as beneficiary forms, the deed to your property and employment benefits, and ensure that this list is readily available to your loved ones. Additionally, make sure that your legal documents, such as wills and living trusts, are properly signed, and that the original documents are securely stored. Take the time to review all other financial accounts on an annual basis, and make sure that all passwords are securely stored and that your loved ones can access them in case of emergency.
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart steps, you can start the process with confidence. From making a plan to retaining an estate planning attorney, you are on your way to preserving your assets and protecting your family. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and create a legacy that will last for years to come.
