Let’s face it—nobody likes thinking about estate planning. It’s one of those things that gets tossed into the same mental box as doing your taxes, getting a root canal, or sitting through a never-ending meeting. The best description is, it 'sucks.' But, like those other things, estate planning is something you’ve got to do. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) I've seen scenarios where no estate planning created a burden of stress at the worst possible time, so trust me when I say, future you (and your loved ones) will be glad you did.
Why Does Estate Planning Suck?First off, estate planning forces us to confront some uncomfortable truths. We’re talking about death, taxes, and what happens when we’re no longer around to have a say in things. It’s not exactly dinner table conversation, right? On top of that, it can feel complicated and overwhelming—there are wills, trusts, power of attorney, executors, and a whole bunch of legal jargon that can make your head spin. Plus, if you’re like most people, the idea of sitting down and deciding who gets what, and how it all shakes out, can bring up some serious emotional baggage. You start thinking about fairness, family dynamics, and all the “what ifs” that can make the whole thing seem more like a minefield than a meaningful exercise. But Here’s Why You Should Do It Anyway Despite all the reasons estate planning sucks, the reasons to do it are even more compelling. Here’s why: 1. It’s About Taking Care of the People You Love When you strip away all the legal mumbo jumbo, estate planning is really about one thing: taking care of the people who matter most to you. By putting a plan in place, you’re making sure your family doesn’t have to deal with a huge mess during what will already be a tough time. You’re making things easier for them, and that’s one of the best gifts you can give. 2. You Get to Decide What Happens Without an estate plan, you’re essentially letting the government decide how your assets will be divided. And let’s be real—do you really want a bunch of bureaucrats deciding what happens to your hard-earned money and possessions? With a proper plan, you’re the one in control. You get to decide who gets what, how much they get, and when they get it. 3. It Protects Your Legacy Whether you’ve built a business, accumulated wealth, or have a collection of heirlooms that mean the world to you, estate planning helps protect your legacy. You can ensure that the things you’ve worked hard for go to the right people, in the right way, and at the right time without the government making those decisions for you. 4. It Can Save Your Family a Ton of Stress (and Money!) Losing a loved one is hard enough without adding financial and legal chaos to the mix. A well-thought-out estate plan can help avoid family disputes, reduce stress, and make the transition smoother for everyone involved. And, sometimes most importantly, it can save a significant amount of tax with the right strategy in place. Why let your hard-earned dollars go straight to the government when some simple strategies can ensure your loved ones keep more of your estate to better their lives in the future. 5. You’ll Get Peace of Mind There’s something incredibly freeing about knowing you’ve got your estate plan sorted. Once it’s done, you can get back to focusing on the things you enjoy, without that nagging feeling in the back of your mind that there’s unfinished business to take care of. Where to Start? So, how do you get started? Well, you don’t have to go it alone. As a financial advisor, I’ve helped many clients navigate the complexities of estate planning. Whether you’re just starting out or need to update an existing plan, the key is to take it one step at a time. Start by thinking about your goals, then work with a professional to put the right documents in place. It doesn’t have to be as painful as it sounds, and in the end, it’s worth every bit of effort. Your future self—and your loved ones—will thank you for it. Estate planning might suck, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people you care about. So, bite the bullet, get it done, and then give yourself a pat on the back for taking a big step toward securing your family’s future. If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help you navigate the process and make it as painless as possible and let you get on with your Rich Life.
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AuthorBrandon Yanchus is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over a decade of experience. This is his personal blog where he shares what he's learned helping families, professionals, business owners and retirees grow and protect their wealth. Archives
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