Customized Estate Planning Services
Estate Planning for Individuals and Families
Ensure your values and priorities are honored. Request a Consultation with Wisepath Financial to get started.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is about more than just your financial assets. It’s about protecting your loved ones, achieving your financial goals, and safeguarding your individual rights and wishes. At Wisepath Financial, we believe that creating an estate plan is an act of love—empowering your family and ensuring your priorities are honored if you pass away or become unable to communicate your wishes due to physical impairment.
Our experienced financial professionals are here to guide you through every step of the estate planning process. We work closely with each client to align your legal and financial objectives, helping you leave behind a legacy that reflects your values and supports your loved ones for generations to come.
The Greatest Gift
Outline Your Wishes With An Estate Plan
COMMUNICATING YOUR VALUES AND GOALS TODAY CAN HELP YOUR LOVED ONES THROUGH TOMORROW.
Why Estate Planning Is Important
More Than Just Money
Estate planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy. It’s a comprehensive way to ensure your financial assets, personal wishes, and values are passed on according to your intent. Beyond determining who inherits your belongings, estate planning allows you to:
- Designate guardianship for minor children.
- Specify medical and financial decision-making preferences.
- Provide clear instructions that ease the emotional burden on your family.
Simply documenting your wishes can make a significant difference in how your loved ones remember you and manage your estate.
The Importance of Preparation
Even if you don’t plan to leave a large inheritance, the process of estate planning can reveal important details about your financial situation. Whether you’re distributing property, safeguarding your family’s future, or contributing to a cause you care about, starting early ensures your wishes are carried out seamlessly.
Estate Planning with Wills
A will is one of the foundational estate planning documents. It stipulates how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and can include other critical instructions, such as who will care for minor children. A well-drafted will:
- Names beneficiaries for your assets.
- Outlines the distribution of possessions, such as real estate, heirlooms, or collectibles.
- Simplifies the probate process, reducing delays and costs.
If you die without a will, or “intestate,” local courts will determine how to distribute your assets, which may not align with your wishes. Regularly updating your will ensures it reflects changes in your finances, relationships, and priorities.
Estate Planning with Trusts
Trusts provide additional control and flexibility over how your assets are managed and distributed. They are particularly useful for minimizing taxes, protecting assets, and ensuring financial security for your loved ones. Trusts can:
- Help avoid probate, allowing beneficiaries to access assets more quickly.
- Provide for minor children or dependents with special needs.
- Protect your assets from creditors or legal disputes.
A trust requires appointing a trustee—an individual or institution responsible for managing and distributing assets according to your instructions. Wisepath Financial can help you explore different types of trusts to determine which best meets your goals and circumstances.
Estate Planning Checklist: Where to Start
1. Document What You Have
Begin by assessing your financial situation. Create a personal financial statement that includes:
- Income sources
- Assets (e.g., property, investments, and savings)
- Liabilities (e.g., loans and debts)
This comprehensive overview will help determine whether a will, a trust, or a combination of both is right for you.
2. Decide Who Should Inherit What
A will ensures your financial assets and cherished possessions are distributed as you wish. Consider:
- Naming beneficiaries such as family members, close friends, or business partners.
- Listing specific items like property, heirlooms, or collectibles.
- Regularly updating your will to reflect changes in your finances or relationships.
3. Consider Charitable Giving
Leaving a legacy can also include giving back to causes that matter to you. Options include:
- Donations to nonprofit organizations or charities.
- Establishing a scholarship or endowment fund.
- Leaving part of your estate to support institutions that align with your passions.
Charitable contributions not only make a lasting impact but also reflect the values you hold dear.
4. Consult with an Estate Planning Professional
Navigating the complexities of estate planning requires specific experience and training. Wisepath Financial can:
- Illustrate how financial assets, personal items, and memories form your legacy.
- Provide tailored strategies for aligning your financial goals with your legacy objectives.
Secure Your Family’s Future Today
At Wisepath Financial, we understand that estate planning is deeply personal. We’re committed to helping you make informed decisions that protect your loved ones, honor your values, and create a meaningful legacy.
Request a Consultation
Take the first step toward securing your family’s future. Request a consultation with one of Wisepath Financial’s estate planning professionals to start your estate planning journey.