Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Family’s Future

Allworth financial advisor Michael Coates, CFP®, discusses essential estate planning strategies to help families secure their financial future, protect loved ones, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth.

 

Let’s be honest: estate planning is one of those things that often gets pushed down the to-do list. After all, it’s not exactly the most exciting part of financial planning, and it’s easy to put off—until we realize it’s time to really think about what we want to leave behind for our loved ones. But the truth is, taking the time to set up a solid estate plan is one of the most impactful things we can do for our families. It’s about protecting our loved ones, preserving the legacy we’ve built, and making sure things go smoothly when we’re not around.

So, if you’ve been wondering where to start, here’s a look at some key estate planning strategies to help safeguard your family’s future. Think of this as a roadmap to creating peace of mind—for both you and those you care about most.

1. Start with a Will—The Foundation of Your Plan

A will is usually the first place to start with estate planning, and for good reason. It’s a straightforward way to specify who gets what and to outline your wishes in clear terms. With a will, you can appoint a trusted person as your executor, someone who’ll make sure your wishes are carried out just as you intended. You can also name guardians for minor children, which is critical for young families.

Having a will ensures that there’s no question about where your assets go when the time comes. It’s a foundational document that every estate plan should have, even if you add more complex elements later on.

2. Trusts: Going Beyond the Basics

If you have a more complex financial picture or specific goals for how your assets should be managed, a trust might be a good option. Trusts can be incredibly versatile, offering more control than a standard will. For instance, with a trust, you can specify exactly when and how assets are distributed to beneficiaries, which can be especially helpful if you’re concerned about minors inheriting large sums at a young age.

Trusts also offer a layer of privacy, as they don’t go through probate—a sometimes lengthy and public process. And depending on the type of trust, they may provide tax benefits, which can mean more of your estate going to your loved ones rather than to taxes.

3. Beneficiary Designations: Update, Update, Update

One often-overlooked area of estate planning is updating beneficiary designations on accounts like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts. These accounts don’t go through probate; they transfer directly to the beneficiaries you’ve designated. But here’s the catch—if these designations aren’t up to date, your assets could end up in the wrong hands, despite what your will or trust says.

Life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or even the passing of a loved one can affect who you want as your beneficiary. Reviewing and updating these designations regularly helps ensure that your accounts reflect your current wishes.

4. Health Care Directives and Power of Attorney: Planning for the Unexpected

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone; it’s also about preparing for situations when you might be unable to make decisions on your own. Setting up a health care directive, or living will, allows you to outline your preferences for medical treatment if you’re ever unable to communicate them.

Similarly, a durable power of attorney appoints someone you trust to manage your finances if you’re incapacitated. These documents are crucial to avoiding confusion and stress for your loved ones during a difficult time. They ensure that your wishes are honored and provide guidance to your family when they need it most.

5. Consider Estate Tax Strategies to Protect More of Your Legacy

Depending on the size of your estate, taxes could take a significant portion of what you leave behind. But with some planning, there are ways to reduce that tax burden. Strategies like gifting during your lifetime, setting up certain types of trusts, or even making charitable donations can help reduce the taxable value of your estate.

For instance, the annual gift exclusion allows you to give a certain amount each year to as many people as you like without incurring gift taxes. Not only does this reduce the size of your estate, but it’s also a meaningful way to support your loved ones while you’re still here to see the impact.

Working with a financial planner and an estate attorney can help you explore the best strategies for your unique situation, ensuring that more of your wealth stays with your family instead of going to taxes.

6. Document Your Digital Assets

In today’s world, digital assets have become an important part of estate planning. Think about your online accounts, such as social media profiles, email accounts, digital photos, and even cryptocurrency. Make a list of your digital assets and provide instructions on how you’d like them handled. Some people prefer their social media accounts to be memorialized or deleted, while others want to ensure certain digital files or assets are passed along.

Documenting your digital wishes and sharing login information with a trusted person can help avoid confusion and ensure that your digital legacy is protected.

7. Communicate Your Wishes to Your Family

While the legal documents are important, don’t overlook the value of an honest conversation with your family about your wishes. Estate planning can sometimes bring up difficult emotions, but having an open discussion can prevent misunderstandings later on and give your family peace of mind. Let them know about the steps you’ve taken, where to find important documents, and why you’ve made certain decisions.

By bringing your family into the conversation, you’re creating a legacy that’s not just about assets but about values, love, and care for their future well-being.

Protecting Your Family, Creating Peace of Mind

Estate planning isn’t just about passing down wealth; it’s about creating security and protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. With a well-thought-out estate plan, you can have confidence that your family will be taken care of and your legacy preserved in the way you envisioned.

If you’d like to discuss any of these strategies further, I’m here to help. Estate planning may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding process that ensures your family’s future is secure.

Michael Coates, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Many of the clients I work with choose me because I’m a collaborative financial partner during the later years of their careers. When you’re in the final era of your work life, you need an equitable relationship with your financial advisor, so you feel empowered to make educated decisions that set you up for lasting financial success.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to prioritize your goals, I’ll help to develop a path to get you to retirement in the most efficient way possible. 

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