Estate Planning

You’ve built a retirement plan to last the rest of your life. But what about after?

Without a plan for how your assets transfer to your loved ones, they may be forced to deal with court delays, legal fees, and emotional stress—at the worst possible time.

That’s where probate comes in. It’s a process many people don’t understand until they’re caught in the middle of it.

As part of Make-a-Will Month, we’re breaking down what probate is, why people try to avoid it, and the smart moves you can make now—using wills, trusts, annuities, and life insurance—to protect your family and preserve your legacy.

What Is Probate?

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Naming Beneficiaries the Right Way: Protecting Your Legacy with Life Insurance, Annuities, and a Will

You’ve created a will. You’ve outlined your wishes. But are you confident that your assets will actually end up where you want them to?

If you’re like many retirees, the answer might be: not entirely.

That’s because even the best-written will can be overridden by outdated, missing, or mismatched beneficiary designations. In fact, one of the most common (and costly) estate planning mistakes is overlooking how life insurance and annuities pass after death.

During Make-a-Will Month, we’re not just focused on documents—we’re focused on protecting what matters most. That means understanding the powerful role beneficiaries play in your estate plan—and how tools like life insurance and annuities can help you pass wealth directly and avoid probate. Read More

You’ve spent decades building your nest egg, protecting your income, and planning for retirement. But what about planning for what happens after you’re gone?

For many retirees, this brings up a key question:

What’s the difference between a will and a trust—and do I need both?

The truth is, while they’re both essential estate planning tools, a will and a trust serve very different purposes. Knowing how each works—and when to use them—can help you protect your assets, minimize court involvement, and make life easier for your loved ones. Read More

You’ve worked a lifetime to build security for yourself and your loved ones. But without a will, your legacy might not go where you think it will.

If you die intestate—the legal term for dying without a valid will—your estate is handed over to the state probate court system, and distribution follows your state’s intestacy laws.

That means you lose control, and your loved ones could face unexpected consequences, delays, or even disputes. Read More

You’ve saved, invested, and strategized your way to a secure retirement. But what happens next?

If you’ve already mapped out your Social Security timeline, estimated your healthcare costs, and created a retirement income plan—congratulations. You’ve achieved what many never do: retirement readiness.

But there’s one more step that completes the picture—and that’s legacy readiness.

August is Make-a-Will Month, and it’s the perfect time to address the question so many retirees forget to ask: Read More

What Retirees and Families Need to Know

As you approach or settle into retirement, one of the most important financial questions you’ll face is: What happens to the assets I’ve worked a lifetime to build? That’s where estate planning comes in. And in 2025, with proposed updates to the federal tax code, it’s more relevant than ever. President Trump’s new tax proposal could significantly impact how retirees and families plan to transfer wealth. If you’re wondering what the Trump estate tax plan 2025 means for your estate, this guide breaks it all down. Read More

If you’re new to philanthropic financial planning, you might wonder why it’s important. This strategy helps people make the most of their charitable giving while securing personal financial benefits, like tax savings and future income. By using tools such as life insurance and annuities, you can support causes you care about, while ensuring your financial health and leaving a lasting legacy. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing your estate, or simply looking to give back in a meaningful way, this approach helps you maximize both your impact and financial security.

In today’s financial world, philanthropic financial planning plays a vital role for individuals and families looking to make a lasting impact while managing their wealth efficiently. For those who want to integrate charitable giving into their long-term financial goals, the strategic use of life insurance and annuities can offer unique benefits. By incorporating these tools into a well-structured financial plan, donors can maximize their contributions to charitable causes while achieving tax savings and ensuring a secure financial future.

What is Philanthropic Financial Planning?

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