By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. But what estate planning means to you specifically depends on who you are. Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life stage, goals, and many other factors determine your particular estate planning needs. For example, you may have a small estate and may be concerned only that certain people receive particular things. A simple will is probably all you’ll need. Or, you may have a large estate, and minimizing any potential estate tax impact is your foremost goal. Here, you’ll need to use more sophisticated techniques in your estate plan, such as a trust.
Below are a few articles to help you understand the estate planning documents you may need and how to handle your digital assets.
A Review of Estate Planning Basics
A good estate plan includes documents to manage your financial affairs and health care decisions in the event you cannot. It can prove invaluable in easing the administrative burden for your family and friends during a time of emotional distress.
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12 Estate Planning Must-Dos
Many of you may already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen key points to review.
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Understanding Advance Directives
If you became seriously ill and could no longer communicate your wishes, how would you want to be cared for? Which treatments would you want and which would you want to avoid? Advance directives allow you to convey your decisions for end-of-life care. Read more here. >
Estate Planning in the Digital Age
Today, most of us rely on our smartphones and digital records to keep track of important contact information. If you store records or information digitally, you’ll need to take certain steps to ensure that your executor or personal representative will be able to access everything needed to gather and safeguard your assets. Read more here. >
I hope you find these articles informative and helpful as you consider your estate planning needs. If you have any questions regarding these topics or would like us to run a FREE tax analysis for you, feel free to contact us or speak with any of our financial advisors. We’re here to help!