Do you have a plan for what will happen to your assets when you pass away? This may be something that you should be working into your overall financial plan. Without a specific estate plan and legacy plan, you won’t know what is going to happen to your money after you are gone.
1. Think about the good you can do.
It’s hard to think about wills and estates. No one wants to think about what life will be like without them. But here’s one thing that can help you get started and motivate you to design an estate plan: consider all the good you can do for the people who matter to you. In the right circumstances, a well-designed estate plan can really make a difference to family and friends.
2. Consider who you want to support.
One important element of legacy planning is considering who you want to support and how you want to support them. Depending on your financial situation, this may just be loved ones, or it may be some combination of charitable organizations and loved ones.
3. Consider a trustee.
A trustee is in charge of distributing your wealth according to your wishes. This can be a family member or a third-party professional.[1] It’s an important job, and you should be thoughtful when deciding who does it.
4. Talk with your family.
This is a very important step. Communication is very important when it comes to estate planning. It may help your family members to know what is going to happen with your finances when you pass away, and they may have input for you to consider as well.
5. Consider a financial advisor.
A lot goes into a well-designed estate plan. Our advisors can help you build a plan that is in line with your wishes. A great first step to designing a legacy plan can be to reach out to an advisor who is familiar with estate planning. They can guide you through the steps, and when applicable, introduce you to a qualified estate planning attorney. Having a professional guide you through the process can help relieve some of the burden. It isn’t something you have to try to struggle through by yourself!
Estate planning is for everyone! If you are looking for help designing your estate plan, consider reaching out to one of our financial professionals today for a complimentary review of your finances.
[1] https://www.thrivent.com/insights/estate-planning/what-you-need-to-know-about-legacy-planning-and-how-to-get-started
This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial guidance. Before you make any decisions regarding your personal financial situation, you should consult a financial or tax professional to discuss your individual circumstances and objectives.
