Are you protecting your legacy with an estate plan? If not, it’s time to start thinking about it. Here are 6 easy steps you can complete to ensure your information is protected and given to the important people in your life.
If you need help creating an estate plan, Cornerstone Legal can help! We can meet virtually or I can come to you for your convenience.
Give me a call at (517) 708-2222 or email me at Katrina@CornerstoneLegalPLLC.com.
Tip#1: Organize Your Online Accounts and Passwords
One important step you can take is to organize your online accounts and passwords. With so much of our lives spent online, it’s crucial to ensure that your loved ones can access your accounts if you’re incapacitated or after your passing.
Did you know that in the United States alone, there are currently over 1 billion online accounts? That’s a lot of digital assets to manage! By taking the time to organize your online accounts and passwords, you can ease the burden your loved ones might face when trying to access important information if you’re incapacitated or after you’re gone.
Here are some tips for organizing your online accounts and passwords:
- Keep a list of all your online accounts, including usernames and passwords.
- Store the list in a secure location, such as a password manager or a safe.
- Review and update your list regularly.
At the end of the day, organizing your online accounts and passwords is just one small but important step you can take to protect your legacy with an estate plan. We care about your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones, so take action today for a better tomorrow.
Tip #2: Create a Location List for Your Important Documents
Trust me, it’s much easier to keep everything organized when you have a designated spot for all your important documents, such as your Living Trust, Powers of Attorney, financial statements, and insurance policies, as well as your personal documents like birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and social security cards.
Not sure where to start? Consider keeping these documents in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe. It’s also recommended to make copies of all your documents and store them in a separate location that’s easily accessible to your loved ones, such as a trusted family member’s house or a digital storage platform like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Remember, having everything in order and easily accessible will not only give you peace of mind, but also make things much easier for your loved ones in the event of an unexpected situation. Stay safe and take care of yourselves!
Tip #3: Create a List of Your Important People/Advisors
Identify and create a list of all the important people and advisors who can help you achieve your goals. This includes your doctors, specialists, CPA, financial advisor, insurance agent, attorney, and more.
By knowing who you can rely on in times of need, you can rest assured that your estate plan will be administered exactly as you envisioned. Plus, with the right team by your side, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your legacy is in good hands.
Create your list of important people and advisors today and take another step towards safeguarding your legacy. We’re here to help and support you every step of the way.
Tip #4: Create a File for Each of Your Minor Children
As parents, our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our children, even when we’re no longer around. That’s why it’s important to create a file for each of your minor children, which includes comprehensive information and instructions for their guardians.
This file should contain all the necessary information about your children, such as their birth certificates, social security cards, any allergies they may have, as well as the contact information of their care providers. Additionally, it’s essential to include information about any medical diagnoses they may have and a list of medications they take. Having all this information in one place ensures your children’s future is secure, and their guardians have all the necessary information to provide the best possible care.
It’s never too early to start planning ahead and securing your family’s future, so take this step today by creating a file for each of your minor children. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it.
Tip #5: Give a Copy of Your Healthcare Power of Attorney to Your Primary Care and Specialists
Make sure to give a copy of your Healthcare Power of Attorney, that authorizes family members or other trusted individuals to make medical decisions on your behalf, to your primary care and specialists. This action will not only help keep them informed about your medical care but also provide convenience for your family later on.
Remember, no one has complete control over their fate, but by taking active steps to safeguard what is important to you, you guarantee that it remains protected and preserved as part of your legacy. Protect yours today!
Tip #6: Give a Copy of Your Financial Power of Attorney to Your Financial Advisor and Banks
By doing so, you’re making it easier for your family to access your finances in case of an emergency or your incapacity. This small step can save your family from financial distress and give you peace of mind that your legacy is protected.
So, take the time to talk to your financial advisor and banks about your estate plan and give them a copy of your Financial Power of Attorney. It’s a simple task that can make a world of difference for your family’s future.
Remember, planning for the future may seem daunting, but it’s essential in protecting what matters most – your family. Let’s do this together!
Give me a call at (517) 708-2222 or email me at Katrina@CornerstoneLegalPLLC.com.
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