Estate planning is something that’s never easy to do or even to begin thinking about for that matter. But it can help give you comfort knowing your estate and loved ones are protected after your death. Avoid missteps and get your affairs in order with these important documents:

 

1. Last will and testament – states how you’d like your assets to be distributed and utilized following your death. It also allows you to designate an executor to make sure your assets are distributed in line with your wishes and to allows you to name guardian(s) for your minor children.
2. Living will – provides your family and healthcare professionals with medical directives in circumstances in which you become terminally ill and need to be on life support.
3. Durable power of attorney – allows you to appoint someone to manage the affairs of your estate, including financial, medical, or guardianship, if you are unable to manage them yourself.
4. Living trust – similar to a living will and testament; however, it bypasses the costly and time-consuming process of probate and enables your “trustee” to carry out your instructions.¹

 

Estate planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be difficult nor do you have to go about it alone. After understanding all the different documents essential to estate planning, we can help you weigh out your options and choose what’s best for your family. Remember, a well-thought-out estate plan can give you and your family not just financial protection but also a peace of mind.

 

 

Securities offered through SCF Securities,Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC 155 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93710 • (800) 955-2517 •Fax (559) 456- 6109. SCF Securities, Inc. and Creative Financial Strategies LLC are independently owned and operated. www.scfsecurities.com Note: Securities offered through SCF Securities Inc., Investment Advisory Services offered through SCF Investment Advisors, Inc. This document is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. One should consult a legal or tax professional regarding their own personal situation. Any comments regarding safe and secure investments and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products offered by an insurance company. They do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Variable annuities are considered securities products and require one to have proper FINRA registrations, in addition to proper state insurance licensing, prior to selling or discussing such products.

¹ https://www.legalzoom.com/knowledge/living-trust/topic/reason-to-avoid-probate