End-of-Summer Checklist: Tidy Up Your Estate Plan Before Fall

As summer winds down and the days start to cool off, it's the perfect time to take a breather and give your estate plan a little attention. Before you dive headfirst into fall activities—whether that’s back-to-school chaos, pumpkin spice everything, or just enjoying those crisp autumn evenings—let’s make sure your estate plan is in tip-top shape.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you tidy things up:

1. Review Your Will and Trusts

Summer is full of changes—maybe you bought a new property, welcomed a new family member, or simply had some time to reflect on your wishes. Now’s a great time to revisit your will and trusts. Make sure everything still aligns with your current situation and your future goals. Small tweaks now can save big headaches later.

2. Update Beneficiary Designations

Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your beneficiary designations. Have there been any major life changes this summer? A new job with different retirement accounts, or perhaps a new addition to the family? Take a moment to update your beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any payable-on-death accounts.

3. Check Your Powers of Attorney

Your power of attorney designations are just as important as your will. If your summer brought any shifts in relationships or trust levels, make sure those changes are reflected in your financial and medical powers of attorney. You want someone reliable and trustworthy handling your affairs if you’re unable to do so.

4. Revisit Your Health Care Directive

Summer fun often comes with a reminder of how precious our health is. Revisit your health care directive to ensure it reflects your current wishes. Whether it’s making decisions about life-sustaining treatment or organ donation, it’s crucial that your preferences are clearly outlined and up to date.

5. Organize Important Documents

With the slower pace of the end of summer, take this opportunity to organize your important documents. Make sure your loved ones know where to find your will, insurance policies, deeds, and other vital records. Consider using a secure digital vault to keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

By taking a little time now to review and update your estate plan, you can head into fall with confidence, knowing your affairs are in order. Plus, you’ll free up more time to enjoy all the best parts of the season—apple picking, anyone? 🍎

So, before the leaves start turning, grab your checklist, and give your estate plan the attention it deserves. It’s a small task that can bring big peace of mind.