There’s a unique season of life—somewhere between raising kids and retiring—where things feel stable but full. You’re no longer figuring it all out, but you’re not winding down either. This is the middle.
It’s also one of the most important (and overlooked) times to do estate planning.
You’re in the Middle If…
- You’re in your 40s, 50s, or early 60s
- You have a career and are building wealth
- You’re raising kids—or launching young adults
- You’re helping aging parents navigate health or legal issues
- You’re not thinking about retirement yet—but you know it’s coming
In other words, you’re the go-to person for everyone else. But have you stopped to make sure your own plan is in place?
Why “Later” Might Be Too Late
It’s easy to assume estate planning is something you’ll do when:
- The kids are out of college
- You finally slow down
- You have more assets
But the middle is when you’re most responsible—for others, for your future, and for the hard decisions that no one else wants to make. That’s exactly why planning now matters.
The Key Questions to Ask in This Season
- Do you have updated decision-makers?
Who would handle things if you were suddenly unavailable? Have your Power of Attorney and healthcare directives kept up with your life? - Are your kids ready for what’s next?
For minors, have you legally nominated guardians? For young adults, have you considered a Young Adult Emergency Plan or an inheritance strategy? - Is your plan built around your actual assets?
If your home, business, or investments have grown, does your plan reflect those realities—or is it outdated? - Have your parents done their planning?
You might be in a position to help—or need to prepare if they haven’t. - What if something happens before retirement?
Planning isn’t just for death. Incapacity, divorce, or disability are more common than we like to think, and your plan should address them too.
Planning While You Still Have Options
The good news is that the middle gives you time, flexibility, and control. You can:
- Choose your team and structure your plan intentionally
- Protect your assets and optimize for taxes or transitions
- Put safeguards in place while you’re still healthy and able
Waiting until there’s a crisis—or you’re rushed—limits your choices.
Final Thought: The Middle Isn’t a Pause. It’s the Plan.
If you’re “not old yet,” that doesn’t mean it’s too soon. It means you’re in the ideal window to build a plan that’s thoughtful, protective, and aligned with what you’ve built so far—and where you’re heading.
Ready to create a plan that reflects this stage of life?
We’ll help you make the most of the middle. Schedule a planning session or review today to make sure your estate plan matches your real-world life.
