As we ring in a new year it is a common time to take stock on what was accomplished over the previous year. Looking back at 2020, it is definitely a year to focus on your “wins” and what you were able to make happen. Maybe you picked up new hobbies, learned new skills, or worked on projects that you previously put off. Hopefully, you were able to find a balance in your life and a way to remain connected with loved ones, even virtually. And maybe you have thought about what you are going to do in the year to come, when it is safer to do so.
Making resolutions and goal setting at the beginning of the year can help you map out what you would like your year to look like and create a list of what you would like to achieve. But this can prove to be a daunting task, especially when looking at it in the frame of not knowing how the global pandemic will impact 2021. So, getting organized is key. As you lay out all the possibilities, consider choosing to work on only a few at a time. Having too many goals can be difficult or overwhelming and make it more likely that you burn out on achieving resolutions mid-February, rather than continue to work towards them. Also forming a plan on how to reasonably achieve your goals, gathering information and resources, and breaking down larger goals into smaller achievements may lead to greater likelihood of success.
One goal you could consider working on this year is making sure you have an up to date estate plan in place. This can help you feel at ease, and save your loved one’s frustration, time, and money later down the road. And, when you get organized and use resources like experienced estate planning attorneys to help you plan, it can make accomplishing this resolution before the end of the year a lot easier.
In getting organized, we recommend you start with the basics. First, who would you have involved in your plan. This can include:
Then, look at what possessions would be involved in your plan:
Then, consider the “when’s” of your plan.
Finally, it is important to look at why you are planning in the first place. Having this in mind can ease some of the difficult conversations and considerations that come along with estate planning. We understand not everyone is comfortable with all aspects of it. But keeping in mind what you are trying to accomplish – planning so your loved ones know your wishes, ensuring you have someone named to take care of your minor children, or making sure your loved ones do not have to go through the time and expense of the probate process – can keep you on track for creating an estate plan that works.
An estate plan starts with sound education and organization. Looking at the list above may be overwhelming, but its more than likely you already know most of the answers and just need the right resources to implement them. We offer a free initial consultation to learn more about our process, how it can help you, be personalized to you, and how it can protect your loved ones.
If you want to start your planning, you can reach us at (248) 409-0256.