by Kevin Rigg, Lead Advisor, CFP®
No one loves cleaning out the fridge before vacation. It's not fun, it's not glamorous, and there’s often something in the back you have forgotten about. But it's a necessary step to avoid returning home to an unpleasant surprise.
Estate planning is similar in that it’s not always top of mind; however, when done well, it can prevent future confusion and uncertainty, providing your loved ones with the clarity and support they’ll need when it matters most.
That’s why estate planning is the focus of our 2025 Strategic Planning meetings. This year, our goal is simple: to ensure that every client has an estate plan that is current, consistent, and clear.
Being current means that your plan reflects the latest estate laws and financial strategies. It aligns with today’s environment, not yesterday’s assumptions. Consistency ensures your planning reflects your true intentions, values, and family dynamics. And clarity is about making sure every person involved can understand what’s in place—no confusion, no surprises.
Turning ‘Someday’ into a Solid Plan
Our process will involve assisting each client in organizing and confirming the details of their estate. This includes reviewing and updating essential legal documents, verifying the accuracy of beneficiary designations and asset titling, and ensuring that everything is stored securely and accessibly. Additionally, we are documenting your estate-related priorities and completing a genogram (family tree) to clarify relationships and decision-making roles.
Every client will receive a comprehensive overview of their estate plan, including document summaries, a statement of estate net worth, a visual flowchart of the asset distribution plan, and estate tax projections. For those with more complex needs, we’ll also model advanced planning strategies and provide supplemental resources where appropriate.
And finally, we will actively assist with implementing any necessary changes, whether that involves coordinating with your attorney to update documents, revising beneficiaries, retitling assets, or helping to develop a thoughtful communication plan for family members and heirs.
Leave a Legacy, Not a Mess
At its core, this isn’t just about updating forms or running tax projections—it’s about providing you with peace of mind. It’s about ensuring that your legacy is managed with the same care, intention, and clarity that you strive for in every other aspect of your financial life.
So, let’s clean out the fridge, so to speak. It may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most considerate things you can do for the people you care about most.