Plan for tomorrow, today
Jason Underwood, Financial Advisor
CNC Financial Group
That seems like sensible advice, doesn't it? Yet a surprising number of people leave no estate plan in place for their survivors. It makes a certain amount of sense. Nobody likes talking about death. But this is exactly why you should make an effort to create and maintain an estate plan: you simply won’t be there to settle matters when the time comes.
Everyone has an estate
Someday, it will be someone's job to account for the things you leave behind when you die. This goes for homeowners and renters, those who are retired and those who are working full-time, and everyone from every walk of life.
Everyone needs an estate plan
Without your instructions, it could be decided in court. If you don't leave behind an estate plan, your family could face major legal issues and, potentially, bitter disputes. Your estate plan may include wills and trusts, life insurance, disability insurance, guidance on the care for children and other dependents, powers of attorney, a living will, medical directives, anatomical donation directives, a pre-or post-nuptial agreement, extended care insurance, charitable gifts, debts, passwords, digital assets, and more.
Why not just a will?
While your will may state who your beneficiaries are, they may still have to seek a court order to have assets transferred from your name to theirs. Estate planning can include items like properly prepared and funded trusts, which could help your heirs to avoid probate. Probate can be an expensive process and lock up assets during the time they're needed most.
Beneficiary designations on qualified retirement plans and life insurance policies usually override bequests made in wills or trusts. Many people never review the beneficiary designations on their retirement plan accounts and insurance policies, and the estate planning consequences of this inattention can be serious. Having an estate plan means keeping the estate plan updated, as time passes or changes happen in your family.
Where do you begin?
I recommend that you speak with a qualified financial professional—one with experience in estate planning. They can refer you to a good estate planning attorney and a qualified tax professional, and from there assist you in drafting your legal documents.
If you have questions, our team of experts can help. At CNC Financial Group, we begin with a holistic approach that’s based on our review of the personal financial planning needs that are unique to you or your family. The more we understand your vision and goals, the better we can help you prioritize and realize meaningful progress. Our financial advisors collaborate with our tax and accounting professionals at Cordell, Neher & Company, PLLC to create a fully integrated plan. This enables us to serve you no matter what life brings – from retirement, education, tax and estate planning, to debt reduction and investment advice. We also consult with small businesses looking to implement employee retirement plans. Call us today at (509) 663-1661 to schedule a consultation.
Author bio for publication use:
With a background in commercial lending, Jason partners with current and prospective clients to determine creative, customized investment and planning solutions that fit their business and personal needs.
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