One of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your family this year may not be wrapped in shiny paper or topped with a bow: peace of mind. This could be creating or updating your estate plan, which gives loved ones the ultimate comfort of knowing they are taken care of, no matter what tomorrow may bring.
As the holiday season brings families together, it’s a time for celebrating, sharing memories, and reflecting on what matters most. Here’s why this season may be the best time to create or update your estate plan and why doing so can offer peace of mind, knowing your family is protected.
1. The Holidays Are a Rare Opportunity to Connect
2. Reflecting on What Really Matters
3. Get Organized for the New Year’s Changes
4. Take Simple Steps to Start Estate Planning
5. Get the Ball Rolling with an Estate Planning Workshop
1. The Holidays Are a Rare Opportunity to Connect
With families coming together, the holiday season creates a rare opportunity to discuss important plans face-to-face. Whether it’s talking about future wishes or who might take on specific responsibilities, having everyone in the same room can help simplify complex discussions and avoid potential misunderstandings down the road.
2. Reflecting on What Really Matters
Beyond gifts, what can we offer to make our family’s future secure? Estate planning allows us to pass on more than just money and assets—it’s a way to reflect our values, beliefs, and hopes for those we care about. By planning thoughtfully, you create a legacy that takes care of your loved ones and honors the principles that matter most, ensuring they are supported not only financially, but also by the wisdom and values that mean so much to you.
3. Get Organized for the New Year’s Changes
With some legal and administrative fees potentially increasing in the new year, now is an ideal time to “get your ducks in a row.” Starting now means you’re ready for whatever changes come in the new year, and you’ll save your family time and expenses in the long run. Plus, estate planning helps you tie up any financial or legal “loose ends” with ease.
4. Take Simple Steps to Start Estate Planning
If you are not sure where to start, the beginning can indeed be made quite a bit easier by taking a few simple steps:
- Gather Information: Collect key documents, account information, and records.
- Make an Inventory: Write down assets like property, accounts, and valuable possessions.
- Discuss Goals with Family: Use the holidays to share your wishes and preferences openly, so everyone understands your intentions.
5. Get the Ball Rolling with an Estate Planning Workshop
We know that for most people, starting an estate plan may be just a little too daunting. To help you ease into this, we invite you to attend one of our estate planning workshops, where the process will be explained, questions answered, and planning will be done with confidence. This is a fantastic way to get a general idea and take a baby step toward a much more secure future for your family.
While estate planning may not be on everyone’s holiday wish list, giving the gift of preparation and security is one of the most lasting ways to show your love. This season, take the opportunity to start building a foundation of security for those who mean the most to you. The sooner you plan, the more peace of mind your family will have—and that's a gift they'll appreciate for years after the holiday decorations are down.
