Presented by Fred Gaskin
Let’s face it, uncertainty is just a fact of life. Health issues, family dynamics, and job tension are just a few things that can make you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or frozen by inaction. But perhaps the biggest cause of stress for most of us is our finances.
At Schwab, we’ve long advocated that our clients take control of their financial future by getting involved and staying informed. When it comes to your money, active participation and educated decision-making not only help improve your investment outcomes, but it can also lead to lower stress levels.
Did you know that an important, but often overlooked part of preparing for tomorrow is having an estate plan? Our clients are often surprised when we bring it up, but having a solid estate plan can make a significant difference to you and your heirs.
The good news is that planning your estate doesn’t have to be a burden. Here are four simple steps you can take to create and maintain an estate plan to help you and your heirs have greater financial confidence for the future:
1. Take stock. You need to know exactly what you’ve got before you can make a plan for what to do with it. An inventory of your estate—everything you own and owe—will help you make smart decisions about your assets and make things easier and less costly for those people who will one day be tasked with handling your affairs.
To start, gather and document the following information:
The value of your home and any other real estate, cars, jewelry and other personal property
Recent bank, brokerage and retirement account statements
All insurance policies, their cash values and death benefits
All liabilities—including mortgages, lines of credit and other debt
2. Make a plan. Estate settlement rules vary from state to state and can get complex, so it’s best to work with an experienced estate planning attorney when making your plan. Even if you choose to design your own plan, you’ll want to have a professional review done to ensure that it’s set up accurately.
To prepare for your first meeting with your attorney, answer these important questions to determine your estate planning preferences:
Who do you want to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated?
Who do you want to inherit your assets, and in what proportions?
Who should be responsible for distributing your assets to your chosen beneficiaries?
Who do you want to care for your minor children (if applicable)?
How much is needed for your children’s care and education (if applicable)?
3. Put your plan into action. An estate planning attorney will craft an estate plan that reflects your wishes and meets state and federal laws. This plan will likely consist of a will that directs how your assets will be distributed at death as well as medical and financial powers of attorney documents that spell out who will make financial and health care decisions if you can’t. It also may include trust documents to manage the distribution of certain types of assets.
Tip: If you do set up a trust, fund it right away. Otherwise, the agreement won’t take effect, and your assets may not pass to your beneficiaries as intended.
An attorney also can help you with any key issues that you’re unaware of or may have overlooked. For example, a professional review might reveal that you need to update your beneficiaries or retitle your assets. (You can also get help from your financial advisor with asset titling and beneficiary designations on your investment accounts.)
4. Update your plan regularly. Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” one-time event. You’ll want to review your plan regularly to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes—especially in the wake of any new major developments that occur in your life, such as significant investments like purchasing a home, and family situations like births, deaths, marriages and divorces. Example: As the years go by, you may find the need to update your beneficiary designations or other key pieces of information to ensure that your assets go exactly where you want them to go. What’s more, tax laws change, and you’ll want to be sure your plan is in line with current estate tax rules and regulations.
As I’ve pointed out in prior columns, the hardest part for most clients in these situations is just getting started. Once you’ve jumped into the process, you’ll realize that by thoughtfully considering your Estate Planning, you’ll have more confidence and importantly, a better understanding of what you need to do to manage your future.
For more information, visit the Bluffton branch website at www.schwab.com/bluffton or call (843) 473-3620.
Fred Gaskin is the branch leader at the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton. He has over 35 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab.
The information here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, please consult with a qualified attorney, tax advisor, CPA, or financial planner.
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