It's Estate Planning Awareness Week! Get started today!

Brad Smith • February 4, 2020
Spare your loved ones the hassle and have peace of mind. What are some of the most important things you can do now? Here is a handy checklist!

1.) Gather important Documents & Contact Information - Property deeds, vehicle titles, official certificates (birth, marriage, etc.), etc. You need to gather & keep these in an easy to access location. 

2.) Execute a Last Will & Testament [Get started now]

3.) Complete Advance Directives or a Living Will - This would be your preference on treatment should you be incapacitated.Issues addressed include breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining medical treatments.


4.) Put in place Power of Attorney (Health, Financial & Mental) [Get started now!]

5.) Establish a Living Trust - These can provide for fast distribution of your assets, help avoid estate taxes and keeping your financial affairs private.

6.) Update your Beneficiaries - Keep beneficiaries up-to-date on any life insurance, retirement accounts, pensions, or pay-on-death accounts.

7.) Secure your Accounts & Assets - It's not just bank accounts & investments. You need to make a list of shopping accounts & social media, too.

8.) Keep Everything Current - You need to regularly revisit the documents to make sure things haven't changed.

9.) Plan Your Arrangements - This can include organ donation, as well as funeral plans, including how they are to be paid for.

10.) Notify Your Family Members - The clearer they are on what you want, the more likely it is that your wishes will be followed.

 

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