Live long enough, and you learn that life can change in a heartbeat. Young adults don’t always know this, but they need to have an estate plan as much as older people.
Whether you are a Baby Boomer or a millennial, you need to have an estate plan. With the help of a good estate planning attorney, someone in their 20s and 30s can get their estate plan done easily enough. Even if they think they’re immortal, says Wealth Advisor in, “Estate Planning Isn’t Only for the Old and Wealthy,” young adults need estate plans.
First, people can draft a will to provide directions regarding what happens to their assets, such as who will inherit both financial and personal items. Virtual assets like social media accounts should also be included. You should make a list of usernames and passwords for all your accounts and be sure that a trusted relative or friend has access.
Another important part of estate planning is to designate the beneficiaries for all company-sponsored life insurance and 401(k) plans to avoid probate issues. You can also set up a payable-on-death account from your bank.
As part of estate planning, you should also name a healthcare proxy and a general durable power of attorney. These two documents allow your trusted agent to make medical and financial decisions in the event you become incapacitated. If you want to give your proxy specific instructions, create an advance directive, known as a living will.
As you work through these actions with your estate planning attorney, you’ll see that estate planning is not just for the old and wealthy.
It can bring you peace of mind and provide clarity to your loved ones and family if you should pass away unexpectedly.
Make 2019 the year that you have an estate plan created. Think of it as a gift for yourself and for your loved ones.
Reference: Wealth Advisor (December 20, 2018) “Estate Planning Isn’t Only for the Old and Wealthy”
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