Though we don’t like to think about it, estate planning is an important personal way to plan for the inevitability of death. And, by so doing, we make it an easier transition for the people and causes we care about and leave behind. The process of “getting your affairs in order” doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn about 6 Elements of Estate planning for you to consider now.
Estate Planning Checklist – 6 Elements of Estate planning
Assemble a team
Document Your Wishes
Consider Trust
Plan for Federal and/or State Estate Taxes
Keep Your Beneficiaries Up to Date
Don’t Forget About Digital Assets
Assemble a team
A team that includes a financial advisor, tax professional, and estate planning attorney will help you develop a complete, customized, comprehensive estate plan.
Document Your Wishes
An estate plan that clearly spells out what you want to have happen to your assets and possessions when you die or become incapacitated prevents the state from making those decisions for you. They do this through probate, which can be expensive, time consuming, and public. What estate planning documents do you need? At a minimum, a strong estate plan includes a healthcare power of attorney or proxy, a durable financial power of attorney, a living will, a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) release form, and a last will and testament.
Consider a Trust
A trust is a vehicle designed to hold money and property for your heirs. You can decide what to put into the trust(s), who gets what, and how and when it’s distributed. Properly structured trusts can help ensure that your plan is executed exactly the way you intended.
Plan for Federal and/or State Estate Taxes
If your estate is subject to estate taxes, they are generally due, in cash, within nine months of death. It is important to speak with a tax professional who can work with your attorney and financial advisor to determine which estate tax planning strategies may be appropriate for your circumstances. One way to pay the taxes is through adequate life insurance coverage.
Keep Your Beneficiaries Up to Date
Any money you have in accounts with named beneficiaries will go to those individuals, even if your estate plan says otherwise. Continuously review and keep your beneficiary designations aligned with your estate plan to ensure there are no conflicts
Don’t Forget About Digital Assets
Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and other online service providers often won’t disclose a deceased person’s usernames and passwords. Designate a “digital fiduciary” in your estate plan and store usernames and passwords in a secure physical or digital location known by only your most trusted people. You may want to work with an attorney to shut down your online presence.
How can we help with your estate planning checklist?
We encourage you to reach out to us at any time (916-405-9140, info@towerpointwealth.com) with any questions, concerns, or needs you may have.
Learn more about estate planning :
What estate planning document do I need?
Looking for an estate planning advisor
