2017 Estate Planning:
It’s Not Just For Your Grandfather Anymore

Estate Planning isn’t just for your Grandparents or the elderly. The sooner (younger) you start utilizing Expert Advice, the more likely you’ll have a positive outcome. Continue to learn about Estate Planning strategies while you’re still young. Don’t let time fool you. 1 The sooner you plan, the more prepared you’ll be for life’s unexpected twists and turns. You can start now, regardless of your net worth. You might still be paying off student loans or credit cards for the foreseeable future. Surprisingly, your net worth is not the deciding factor in getting your estate organized. Instead, ask yourself how prepared your loved ones and family would be if something happened to you tomorrow. Would they know what accounts you have? Where would they get your financial information? How would they know what your wishes are? 2

 

Financially dependent individuals — such as your children (minors) — deserve to be afforded as much of your estate as possible. If you want to know why, see Bengal Law contact information and learn from the expert the best course of action.  If you don’t have many assets, it may be even more important to plan to make sure what you do have makes it to the destination you think is most appropriate.

 

The objective is to have a plan in place so your loved ones can carry out your wishes — even if you are 35 years old and in perfect health. Have the what-if talk. Financial transfers tend to go much more smoothly when beneficiaries are aware of the plan beforehand. Discussing the distribution of your assets while you’re still living gives you the opportunity to explain what items you left to whom and why. This will clue your loved ones in on the rationale behind your decisions before you begin drafting your estate plan, preventing additional emotional turmoil upon your death. Get help from the Israel & Gerity, PLLC estate planning lawyers.

 

OK, now you see the usefulness of estate planning. What should you be looking for when you meet with an estate planning professional — what questions should you be asking? You’ll probably need to consider a number of tools to help you, and a professional can give the details:

• Life insurance can replace lost earnings, which is especially useful for younger people who may not have enough funds in savings or retirement accounts in the event of an untimely death. And when you’re younger, you’re eligible for reduced rates.
• A “Will” details how you would like your assets to be assigned. Especially with your children in mind, you can designate guardians or financial account trustees.
• With a Durable Power of Attorney or trustee, you’ll have someone with the power to manage the distribution of assets and more likely important, a trusted friend or relative to make decisions for you when you are unable along with taking care of such practical things as selling your home and accessing your bank account.

Ensuring your dependents’ financial security, making sure you have a health care directive, a “Will”, and a designated power of attorney is prudent. According to Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett, P.A., if you become seriously injured or ill, you’ll be happy to have a living will and Durable Power of Attorney so that someone you trust to make important medical decisions is there if you are unable to make them for yourself. By taking inventory now you can approach your Financial Landscape in an informed way, and consider different scenarios about what you’d want to happen if you were no longer around.

 

If you’re struggling with how to address any Estate Planning Strategies, please give us a call at Morris+D’Angelo. We’re happy to discuss how we can help you stay ahead and protect your Financial Goals. It’s about time you started.

 

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