National Estate Planning Month!

During National Estate Planning Awareness Month this October, as the leaves change and the days grow shorter, it's the perfect time to reflect on the future and ensure your affairs are in order before things take an unexpected turn. While Halloween is a time for ghosts and goblins, estate planning is about avoiding the real “monsters”—unnecessary confusion and complications for your loved ones when you're no longer around.

1. Review or Create Your Will: If you don’t have a will, now’s the time to create one. If you already have one, take a moment to review it and make sure it reflects your current wishes—whether that’s changes in family, assets, or other important life updates.

   
   

2. Establish or Update Trusts: A trust helps manage your assets, ensuring they’re distributed according to your wishes and helping avoid lengthy probate. Whether you're planning for loved ones or a special cause, a trust can make things easier for your heirs.

   
   

3. Designate Powers of Attorney: In the event you're unable to make decisions for yourself, having a trusted person in place to handle your finances and medical decisions is crucial. Make sure you’ve established durable powers of attorney for both financial and healthcare matters.

   
   

4. Healthcare Directives: Think about what kind of medical care you want if you become incapacitated. A living will or healthcare directive ensures your wishes are followed and takes the pressure off your family in difficult times.

   
   

5. Review Beneficiary Designations: Be sure to update beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and other assets that pass outside of your will. This will ensure your assets go exactly where you intend.

   
   

6. Consult an Estate Planning Attorney: Estate planning can be complicated, so it’s wise to consult with a professional. An estate planning attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure your documents are legally sound and tailored to your needs.

   
   

7. Talk to Family Members: Have open conversations with your loved ones about your estate planning choices. It helps avoid confusion and ensures that everyone is on the same page when the time comes.

   
   

8. Consider Charitable Giving: If you want to leave a lasting impact, consider including charitable donations in your estate plan. Whether it's a cause close to your heart or a charity you support, this can be a meaningful way to share your legacy.

Use this October to take control of your future and avoid unnecessary stress for your family. Estate planning doesn’t have to be spooky!—it’s a thoughtful way to make sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of.