Summer: Estate Planning & Assistance to Loved Ones
Why This Season Matters
Summer is the perfect time to focus on what you want to leave behind and how you want to help the people you love. Estate planning isn't about preparing for the end. It's about making sure the people you care about are protected, organized, and never left with confusion. This season, we discuss the components of a complete estate plan and explore meaningful ways to support your loved ones — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
What You'll Walk Away With
A clear understanding of the four ways assets transfer at death — and how yours are structured right now.
Confidence that your core documents — will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directive — are in place and current.
A thoughtful plan for supporting the people and causes you care about — and ideas for leaving a meaningful legacy that goes beyond money.
Our Meeting Agenda
When we sit down together, here's what we'll work through:
Estate Planning Topics
-
Review the four ways assets transfer: will, trust, beneficiary, and joint ownership
-
Understand the core estate documents: will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directive
-
Explore options for whom to work with — attorney, online service, or employer-provided benefit
-
Understand when your estate plan should be updated — and what triggers a review
-
Discuss different trust types and which ones may be right for you
-
Review beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance, and annuities
Assistance to Loved Ones
-
Strategies for helping aging parents
-
Gifting strategies for children and grandchildren
-
Spousal planning: survivor income, Social Security decisions, and retirement protections
-
Education planning with 529 plans and other college savings vehicles for loved ones
-
Charitable giving: Donor-Advised Funds, QCDs, and gifts of appreciated stock
-
Ways to leave a meaningful legacy beyond money — through stories, values, and traditions
When to Update Your Estate Plan
A good estate plan is a living document. Review it whenever any of these life events happen — and at minimum, every 3–5 years.
Birth or Adoption
of a Child
Marriage or Divorce
Death of a Spouse, Beneficiary, or Executor
Move to a New State
Major Change in Assets
Tax Law Changes
Significant Change in Family Relationships
The Big Idea This Season
" The richest inheritance isn't always measured in dollars. The most enduring estate plans are built not just to transfer money — but to transfer keepsakes, values, and love.
A well-built plan spares your family from confusion and conflict at the hardest possible moment. And a well-lived legacy — one filled with traditions, stories, and mentorship — can shape generations long after the money is spent. This season, we work on both."
Questions to Think About Before We Meet
.jpg)
If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know exactly where your documents are, who to call, and what your wishes are?
Who in your life — children, parents, spouse, or causes — do you most want to support, and do you have a plan to do it well?
When was the last time you reviewed the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and life insurance — and do they still reflect your wishes?
Beyond money, what stories, values, keepsakes, or traditions do you want to pass on to the next generation?
How to Prepare
Existing Estate Documents
Think through your core documents — will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directive — and note which you have, which need updating, and which you don't have yet. Send whatever's on hand.
Beneficiary Information
Ensure all primary and contingent beneficiaries are up to date on your retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities.
_edited.png)
Your Legacy Goals
A short list of the people and causes most important to you — and any ideas you've had about how you want to be remembered.
Watch Before Our Meeting (optional)
Tools & Resources Powering This Season
Here are the tools we use to power your financial plan.
Regularly review and update your beneficiary designations as these designations often supersede the instructions in your will or trust.
Your Local Estate Planning Attorney
Prepares the legal documents that protect your family, preserve your wishes, and help ensure your assets are transferred according to your plan.
A donor-advised fund is a flexible, tax-efficient way to support the charities you care about. While donor-advised funds are available through many providers, we typically recommend Charles Schwab's program for our clients.
Trust & Will provides an easy, affordable online platform for creating wills, trusts, and other essential estate planning documents.
The WealthPlan does not provide legal advice. Clients should consult with a qualified attorney regarding their specific legal needs.
