Resource Center · Estate Planning Education
Estate
Learn how estate planning can organize personal affairs, family decisions, and the distribution of wealth while you are alive and after your death.
A practical place to begin
01
Keep your wishes visible
Estate planning is a way to manage personal affairs while you’re alive and control the distribution of wealth upon your death. It begins with making your wishes clear to the people who may need to act.
- Name the people you trust to make financial and healthcare decisions if needed.
- Keep your will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary choices current.
- Store important documents where your family and representatives can find them.
02
Coordinate the pieces
A document can be well written and still miss the way assets actually transfer. Reviewing account titles, beneficiaries, insurance, and business interests together can help your plan tell one consistent story.
- Check beneficiary designations after major life events.
- Understand which assets pass by beneficiary designation, joint ownership, trust, or will.
- Include digital accounts, personal property, and the people who depend on you.
03
Plan for the living years too
A resilient estate plan supports more than an eventual transfer of wealth. It can also prepare for incapacity, caregiving, family conversations, and the practical work of carrying out your intentions.
- Review who can help with day-to-day decisions during a period of incapacity.
- Talk with family members before a crisis forces the conversation.
- Work with qualified legal and tax professionals for documents and advice.
Have a question about estate?
Start with a conversation. We can help you identify the right questions and connect you with a qualified professional when the time is right.