How to Start Estate Planning

Estate planning can feel like a daunting task. You may not want to think about it since it includes thinking about a time when you are no longer around for your loved ones. However, the reality is that estate planning helps your loved ones in the long run.

It is never too early to start estate planning. This way, you have a plan in place should something unexpected happen. Creating a plan can give you and your family peace of mind so it is best to start planning as early as soon as possible.

Now that you have decided to start estate planning, where do you begin?

First steps

A good first step in estate planning is taking inventory of your assets. You will want to record all your investments, accounts and real estate. Include valuable items and insurance policies in the inventory, too.

What to do next

After you know what you have to include, it’s time to create the actual plan. There are many elements in an estate plan that you will want to consider and include in your estate plan. A few of these elements are:

• A will

• Health care directives

• Power of attorney

• Guardianship of children

• Beneficiary forms

• Record of accounts and documents

These are just a few of many items you can include in an estate plan that will best help your loved ones.

Estate planning helps insure your loved one’s futures. There are many decisions you will have to make so there is no better time to start than now.