Nobody wants to think about their mortality, but you should not avoid estate planning. An up-to-date plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass on.
A story in the Des Moines Register recommends reviewing your estate plan every three or four years or after any significant milestone.
It says these are the four steps you need to take to cover your bases:
- Identify your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to leace a legacy for your children? Take care of your spouse? Be a philanthropist?
- Take inventory of your assets. This should include real estate, investments, heirlooms and life insurance policies. Also note your liabilities.
- Consider what estate planning elements you need. This could include a trust and power of attorney,
- Choose a personal representative. This person is the executor of your estate and is responsible for settling your estate’s affairs.
If you have questions about estate planning, feel free to contact us for a consultation at (626) 696-3145.
