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1: Estate Planning

You Need a Good Estate Plan

A good estate plan will help you prepare for the future and manage the present. It is the difference between deciding how your assets will benefit you, your loved ones, and the charity you care about, or letting the state decide for you.

Estate planning is usually not a do-it-yourself project. Having a professional guide you through the process ensures that you have a plan that will work as you intend. This is where people are sometimes penny-wise and pound-foolish!

Estate planning isn't just for rich people or older people. Everyone should do it. It can begin with simply writing a will, but it can also involve trusts, changing beneficiaries of life insurance policies and retirement accounts, selecting guardians for minor children, providing lifetime income for yourself and others, passing on business interests, providing for your charitable interests, and minimizing taxes and other estate settlement costs.

We can help you to get started. A little informed preparation can go a long way toward saving you money and building your confidence in this process.

Next: What is a Good Estate Plan?


Estate Planning Questions

Why is a will so important?

Do I need a revocable living trust?

What is a durable power of attorney?

What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare or a health care proxy?

What is a living will?

What is a testamentary trust?

Will I have to pay estate or inheritance taxes?