It’s Never Too Soon for Estate Planning
Many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for those who possess substantial wealth or property. However, the truth is that estate planning is essential for anyone with loved ones who may be affected after they’re gone. If you care about the well-being of your loved ones and desire to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, while also minimizing delays, an estate plan can provide tremendous peace of mind. Remember, estate planning is not solely about financial considerations; it’s about taking care of your loved ones and securing their future.
Estate Planning Helps Ensure Your Assets Go Where You Want Them To
If you have a spouse or children, you may think they automatically inherit your wealth. Not so fast. Other relatives or business associates who may come forward and try to claim them. No matter how flimsy the claim, it can tie up the assets in your estate at a time when loved ones need them.
That’s why a will is the foundation of any estate plan. It creates a legal document that specifies exactly how you want assets to be distributed.
A will can also help make sure nontangible assets, like jewelry and art, are divided without hard feelings or animosity. You decide who gets the heirloom bracelet, who gets the earrings… Without a will, these personal items may have to be sold; the money divided.
A Plan Has the Potential to Reduce the Taxes on Your Estate
In 2019, an individual can leave $11.4 million to heirs and pay no federal estate or gift tax; a married couple can leave $22.8 million. Even if you think your estate’s worth less, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to think about taxes. Money from pension plans, IRAs, and other tax-deferred accounts are taxed as income, no matter how small the amount.
With an estate plan, you can account for all your assets before you leave this world, and devise strategies to minimize the tax burden on you heirs.
Estate Plans Help Make Sure Your Family Is Taken Care Of
While life insurance is an important element in your estate plan, it doesn’t automatically solve all of them. Who will take care of your children? How will they be taken care of? Who will manage your assets for them until they come of age?
If you don’t have an estate plan in place, the courts will step in and answer those questions for you. Your children might end up with strangers or in foster care. An estate plan helps ensure that your children will be raised by people you trust. And that your assets will be well taken care of until your children come of age.
An Estate Plan Can Protect You, Too
An smart estate planner recognizes the importance of safeguarding your interests while you are still alive. This entails assessing your retirement needs and estimating the necessary funds to cover various estate planning expenses.
Moreover, an estate plan can encompass designating a healthcare proxy or granting power of attorney to someone who can make decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. This ensures that your interests and assets remain protected in case of physical or mental incapacitation. By including these provisions in your estate plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your well-being and possessions will be safeguarded even during challenging circumstances.
When you join the Alliance Value Plan, you get tools and programs to help protect you and your family. Our Legal Club Benefit gives you access to legal care that is free, deeply discounted, or provided at a reduced hourly rate. Members even receive a simple will for free. This is one of the many advantages of Alliance Direct Benefits meant to help people of any age. For more information or to become a member, Join Online Today or call us at 1-800-733-2242 (M-F, 7am – 5:30pm Central Time).