People traditionally think of estate planning and tax savings as one and the same. Today, it is evident that saving taxes is just the tip of the iceberg. Often, estate planning documents are well-drafted but rarely reviewed after leaving the attorney’s office. However, estate planning is a dynamic process requiring continuous care and annual reevaluation.
As you go through the following self-evaluation, examine whether your estate plan thoroughly addresses these essential questions.
Estate Planning Self-Evaluation
Are your estate planning documents written in “plain English”?
Have you surrounded yourself with a team of trusted wealth advisors (attorney, accountant, insurance agent, financial advisor, risk manager, trust officer), and do they speak to each other and share important information relevant to your planning?
Does your plan include the appropriate people needed to protect, preserve and distribute your estate according to your wishes? Are you aware of how they are all compensated?
Do you have a written health care plan?
Have you selected the right family members or advisors to carry out your health care plan?
Does your estate plan protect your assets from loss from an accident, long-term care event, or divorce?
Are you comfortable with how you will pay for your long-term care?
Do you have a written financial plan?
Are your heirs protected from making bad financial or personal decisions?
Are your assets titled properly to carry out your estate plan?
Have you recently reviewed your beneficiary designations for your life insurance, IRA, and Annuities to ensure that they align with your current plan?
Is the scheduled wealth distribution plan in your estate planning documents consistent with your current family dynamics?
Have you created and left a lasting legacy that will perpetuate and enhance your lifetime charitable gifts?
If you answered these questions in the affirmative, then you are way ahead of the curve.
In light of the new tax and financial environment we live in, it is beneficial to revisit the basic reasons as to WHY we do estate planning. We do estate planning to protect and preserve your wealth for the disposition of your assets for yourself and your heirs in the future: To leave a legacy that embodies your wisdom and values.
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute estate planning consultation with WGA