Estate Planning 101, Advice to help you right until the end!

Let’s get your estate in order

You’ve worked hard for what you have. Now, take steps to preserve it after you’re gone.

What is estate planning?

You already have an estate, made of all the insurance, real estate, and other assets you’ve worked hard to gather over your life. Estate planning is the process of making sure that when you die, those assets are managed and distributed the way you want.

A will is the most well-known part of an estate plan, but it’s just one piece. Your advisor, lawyer, notary, or tax professional can help you build a complete plan.

• Professional planningMore than just a will – make a plan that covers your whole estate.
• Help for your loved onesFiguring out a plan now helps your executor carry it out in the future.
• Easy organizationOur checklists and guides make getting started simple.

How do I know when to start?

Estate planning is always important, but as you get close to retirement it becomes especially useful. It’s best to start planning well before you need it, so that you’re not making a rushed decision.

Could your executor benefit from Estate at Ease™?

Simplify your role as executor

The death of a loved one brings grief and overwhelming paperwork. Estate at Ease^TM estate executor services can help make the process easier for you.

Settling an estate is an important responsibility that comes with a lot of paperwork. Estate at Ease helps reduce that burden, saving your loved ones time while they’re grieving.

Estate at Ease is a service we refer that prepares forms and documents to help settle an estate, including:

• Government letters, applications and notifications
• Memberships and licenses
• Pensions, benefits and life insurance policies
• Loyalty programs and subscriptions
• Dormant bank accounts
• Charities
• Health services Internet, phone and cable
• Utilities
• Property taxes

Learn more about Estate at Ease

How does it work?

When you start estate planning you’ll work with an advisor and any other professionals you may need, like a notary or a lawyer, to walk through a few simple steps:

1. Prioritize your goals
2. Take inventory of your possessions – financial and otherwise
3. Start estate planning (your advisor can help)
4. Put your plan into place
5. Share your plan with your family, your professional team, and anyone who may receive part of your estate
6. Monitor your plan, and adjust it as needed

What are the benefits of estate planning?

• Ensure your wishes are put into action
• Set your loved ones up for a simpler process
• Work with a professional to get support
• Feel confident about the future with a plan in place

You play an important role in protecting your parents’ legacy

Do you remember when your parents sat you down for the talk?

Back then, it likely included some awkward moments and uncomfortable feelings.

It could be time for another talk, but this time you’d be starting a conversation your parents may have been avoiding – about how they want their final wishes carried out.

It’s time to have the talk

Here are a few suggestions when it comes to talking about their legacy:

1. Take advantage of the time you have. You’re on the right track by helping your parents think about this today instead of reacting in the moment. Taking the time now helps your parents put the right plans in place to protect what matters most to them.
2. Get organized and make sure your parents’ wishes are carried out. Help your parents understand the value of getting organized early on so their wishes are understood and carried out according to plan.
3. Ensure they choose someone as their power of attorney. Encourage your parents to select their power of attorney sooner rather than later. A lot of important decisions may end up in this person’s hands, and the more time they have to understand your parents’ wishes, the better.

Trevor Patterson enjoys providing his clients with educated advice, so that they can have the confidence that is needed to make good financial decisions. If you want to protect your family, income, pay less taxes, get grant money from the government, plan for retirement or estate planning then you should PLAN WITH TREVOR!