Taking Control: Key Estate Planning Steps in Uncertain Times
I don't know about you, but for me, 2025 has been quite the rollercoaster so far! As someone who values order and predictability, the constant tariff-driven news cycle can feel overwhelming. Combined with saying goodbye to our family dog, Huckleberry, I've found myself particularly focused on securing what I can in this unpredictable world.
The silver lining? While external circumstances may swing wildly beyond our reach, your estate plan remains completely within your control. This simple truth consistently brings me and our clients genuine peace of mind. Here are several meaningful actions you can take now:
Check your beneficiary designations. Life insurance, retirement accounts, HSAs, and financial accounts with named beneficiaries pass outside your will or trust. These little details make a big difference, so please ensure they reflect your wishes!
Establish legacy contacts for Google and Apple. Some major platforms now offer helpful tools to designate someone to manage your digital accounts posthumously. Here is a link that explains how for Google, here is a link that explains how for Apple.
Communicate document locations to your fiduciaries. Even the most comprehensive estate plan falls short if your trustee or executor can't locate your original documents. A quick conversation now saves tremendous stress later.
Plan for your pups (and other pets). Many of us at Bequest are passionate pet lovers. Make sure your estate plan covers what would happen to your fur babies if you can no longer care for them.
Fully fund your revocable trust. Assets not properly transferred into your trust may still require probate, undermining a key benefit of your thoughtful trust planning. I suggest reviewing all titled assets to confirm proper titling. Feeling overwhelmed? Let our dedicated paralegal team handle the legwork for you! Here's a link for a complimentary call to chat through your questions with me.
Reassess your plan periodically. Life circumstances change for all of us. If your family or financial situation has evolved, email hello@bequest.law for an appointment to discuss updating your trust, will, power of attorney, or health care directive.
At Bequest Estate Planning, we're genuinely committed to helping you maintain a sense of control by ensuring your estate plan remains current and effective. We're just a phone call (404-500-7531) or email (hello@bequest.law) away whenever you need us!