3 Quick Fixes to Give You Peace of Mind Before Year-End

As the year winds down, it’s easy to get swept up in holiday plans, family gatherings, and wrapping up work projects. But before you close the books on this year, there’s one more gift you can give yourself and your loved ones: the peace of mind that comes from knowing your estate plan is in good shape.

The good news? You don’t need a full overhaul to make a meaningful impact. These three quick fixes can go a long way toward ensuring your plan works the way you intend—so you can head into the new year with confidence.

1. Update Your Decision-Makers

Life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your estate plan. Review your chosen agents, executors, trustees, and guardians to make sure they still reflect your wishes.

• Has anyone moved away, aged, or become unable to serve?
  
• Have your children grown up, making them viable candidates for new roles?
  
• Do you need to add backups in case your first choice can’t step in?
  

Updating these designations is often a simple fix but can make a world of difference in the event of an emergency.

2. Check Your Beneficiaries

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial assets actually override what’s in your trust or will. If they’re outdated, your assets may go to the wrong person—or bypass your carefully crafted plan entirely.
Before the year ends, log in to your accounts and confirm that each beneficiary designation reflects your current wishes. If you’ve had life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths, this step is essential.

3. Fill in the Gaps

Sometimes it’s the little things that cause the biggest headaches for families. Common gaps include:

• Assets not yet titled in the name of your trust
  
• Missing or incomplete health care directives
  
• Lack of clear instructions for digital accounts or personal property
  

These loose ends can often be tied up quickly with a conversation and a few key documents. By addressing them now, you can spare your loved ones confusion and stress later.

Wrap Up the Year with Confidence

Taking an hour or two to make these quick updates can give you lasting peace of mind—and set you up for a smooth start to the new year.

If you’re not sure where to start or want professional guidance, schedule a year-end estate planning checkup with our team. We’ll help you identify simple steps to strengthen your plan and ensure everything aligns with your goals.

Schedule Your Year-End Checkup!