Estate Planning Starter

Cover the essential estate planning documents that protect your family, distribute assets according to your wishes, and prevent costly probate complications.

16 action items~20 min to complete4 sections

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⚠️ Why Estate Planning Matters 📜 Core Documents 🔖 Beneficiary Designations',📁 Organization & Accessibility

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⚠️

Why Estate Planning Matters

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Recognize that estate planning applies to everyone with assets or dependents — not just the wealthyKey

Understand that dying without a will (intestate) means the state decides who gets your assetsWatch out

Acknowledge that a will does NOT control retirement accounts or life insurance — beneficiary designations doKey

Understand Digital Assets & Online AccountsKey

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Core Documents

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Draft a last will and testament naming heirs, executor, and guardian for minor childrenKey

Consider a revocable living trust if you have significant assets or want to avoid probate

Create a durable power of attorney (POA) for financial decisions if you become incapacitatedKey

Draft a healthcare proxy / medical power of attorney naming someone to make medical decisionsKey

Create an advance healthcare directive / living will specifying your end-of-life wishesAction

Consider a Will Trust for Minor ChildrenAction

Draft a HIPAA Authorization FormAction

🔖

Beneficiary Designations',

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Update beneficiaries on all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, 403b, pension)Key

Update beneficiaries on all life insurance policies

Add 'payable on death' (POD) or 'transfer on death' (TOD) designations to bank/brokerage accountsAction

Name both primary and contingent beneficiaries on all accountsWatch out

📁

Organization & Accessibility

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Store all estate documents in a secure but accessible location known to your executorAction

Create a 'letter of instruction' with account info, passwords, and final wishes

Tell your executor and key family members where documents are locatedWatch out

Schedule an estate plan review every 3–5 years or after any major life eventKey

Create a Master Asset Inventory ListKey

Designate a Backup Executor or TrusteeAction